Chapter One: Buying Clothes

Over the past while, Xia Wuyou had helped Su Tianmu solve quite a few cases. Although he seldom expressed his gratitude openly, Xia Wuyou knew in her heart that the relationship between them had changed—they were no longer as distant as before.

“Wuyou, the New Year is almost here. How do you plan to spend it?” Fina asked, a touch of concern in her voice, knowing Xia Wuyou lived alone and worried she might feel lonely during the festivities.

“Why don’t you come home with me? There aren’t many people in my family anyway. It’ll be livelier if we celebrate together, don’t you think?” Fina invited sincerely.

Xia Wuyou smiled gratefully and replied nonchalantly, “It’s fine, I’m used to being on my own! Don’t worry about me, go enjoy your holiday.”

After speaking, Xia Wuyou ended the conversation, not wanting to dwell on the topic. In truth, she was afraid of the New Year. The rest of the time, work kept everyone busy and her mind occupied, so she didn’t have time for sadness. But when holidays came and others reunited with their families, she missed her parents dreadfully and felt pitiful, like a child with no one to care for her.

Soon, the Spring Festival arrived. Those with family far away had already taken leave and left, leaving only the locals and solitary souls like Xia Wuyou holding down the fort.

“Wuyou, even though we’re not off today, it’s still the Spring Festival! You’re not going to order takeout again for lunch, are you?” one of her remaining colleagues asked.

“You’re right, even if we’re not officially off, there’s not much to do this afternoon. I think we can sneak in a little rest! Haha…”

“Exactly. The director left ages ago. No need for us to keep up appearances, let’s head home early and prepare for the evening festivities.”

After some light-hearted banter, Xia Wuyou rose to leave the office as well.

Just as she was about to grab her phone, it vibrated on the desk.

Su Beggar

Why would he be calling at this hour? Don’t tell me there’s another murder case during the festival?

“Hello? It’s me. What’s going on?” Xia Wuyou silently hoped nothing terrible had happened on New Year's.

“I know you’ll be spending the holiday alone. If you don’t mind, would you join me in keeping an old lady company for a meal?” Su Tianmu’s deep, magnetic voice came through the line.

“An old lady? Who? Don’t tell me you want me to help you with another case?”

If that were true, Xia Wuyou would have half a mind to kick him in the shins!

“It’s my grandmother. She’s been pressuring me to bring a girlfriend home for New Year. She said if I don’t this year, she’ll cut ties with me.”

Girlfriend? Xia Wuyou’s heart skipped a beat.

“Would you be willing to pretend to be my girlfriend? I’d be very grateful.”

Ha! So that’s it—fake.

Xia Wuyou replied with a hint of annoyance, “Not interested. Find someone else.” She was about to hang up.

“Wait!” Su Tianmu quickly called out, anxious. “Actually… the truth is, I really do want… for you to spend New Year with me…”

He stumbled over his words, his embarrassment evident even through the phone.

The corners of Xia Wuyou’s mouth curled up ever so slightly, though she held back her laughter. Switching the phone to the other hand, she spoke deliberately, “If you’re sincere, I might consider it. But I have one condition.”

“Anything. Just name it.”

“I haven’t had new clothes for New Year in years. You’ll have to buy me an outfit to wear for the festival.”

Ever since her parents passed away, she’d always envied the children who got new clothes for the New Year.

When Su Tianmu heard this, a pang of sadness struck him; no one understood better than he how Xia Wuyou had gotten by all these years. Of course, he knew the meaning behind her request.

“Of course. As many outfits as you want! When should we go shopping?”

“Now.”

They agreed to meet at Fengda Mall. Though Su Tianmu offered to pick her up, she refused—she didn’t want her colleagues to get the wrong idea.

After meeting, they grabbed a simple lunch, keeping their appetites in check for the evening feast. Xia Wuyou even ate less on purpose.

“Which brands do you like? I know nothing about women’s fashion—I’ll just follow your lead,” Su Tianmu admitted, rather out of his element. He’d never dated anyone before, and it showed.

“It’s fine, just follow me.”

Scanning the brand directory, Xia Wuyou found their floor and, taking Su Tianmu’s hand, led him up the escalator. In reality, she wasn’t familiar with the mall either; she’d never been particular about clothes and rarely shopped in places like this. Her modest salary barely stretched to online window-shopping.

“I think this brand looks nice. Why don’t you take a look inside?” Noticing her hesitation among the various brands, Su Tianmu realized she was worried about spending his money, so he made the decision for her.

“Forget it, these are ridiculously expensive!” Xia Wuyou picked up a price tag, stuck out her tongue in shock. To her, Su Tianmu was just a young police officer. Even if she was going to take advantage, she couldn’t go overboard.

“Here, let’s give this place a try.” With that, Su Tianmu took her hand and strode inside.

“Sir, miss, may I help you? These are our new arrivals for the season. If you see anything you like, please try it on,” the sales assistant greeted them warmly.

Xia Wuyou picked up a little dress—three colors, all flattering to her style.

“Excellent taste! This is a designer collaboration, a limited edition. Only a handful in the city,” the salesgirl praised.

“If you like it, try it on. What size do you wear?”

It was clear Xia Wuyou loved the dresses, but the price was steep, so she had only looked, not intending to try them.

“Let’s look elsewhere,” she said, hanging the dress back and trying to pull Su Tianmu away.

“She’s probably a medium. No need to try. We’ll take all three colors in medium,” Su Tianmu said, handing his bank card directly to the assistant.

“Are you crazy?” Xia Wuyou stared at him, at a loss for words.

Three dresses, same style, three colors—what kind of logic was that?

And the total price was nearly a hundred thousand yuan! He really must be crazy.