Chapter 40: The Showdown

Outside, the sky had not yet darkened, but the sounds of firecrackers were already ringing out, signaling the joyous reunion of families.

Han Ling had waited a long time to hail a taxi, eventually arriving at the entrance of Xu Qinghe’s residential complex. He knew which complex she lived in, but not the specific apartment number. This was a high-end estate; in 2009, before housing prices had skyrocketed, it was already priced at over ten thousand per square meter—a figure beyond the reach of ordinary people. Han Ling had asked about it in passing once, and she had claimed she earned the money abroad. Han Ling didn't press for details because he could tell she was lying. Since she had invited him to spend New Year’s Eve alone, he felt it was time to bring certain things to light and address them directly.

After calling to get her apartment number, Han Ling entered the complex and headed upstairs. When he knocked, the door opened. Xu Qinghe was dressed casually at home in a plush, pale pink pajama set. Her hair was loose, though her makeup remained meticulous. The pajamas were loose, hiding the elegance of her long legs, with only the curves of her chest subtly hinted at.

"It's cold outside, come on in," Xu Qinghe said with a sweet smile.

Han Ling entered, changed into slippers, set aside his coat, and looked toward the living room. The New Year’s Eve dinner was already prepared and still steaming.

"Did you make this yourself?" he asked.

"Mhm," Xu Qinghe nodded. "Eat up. I bought a case of beer especially for you; that should be enough, right?"

Han Ling shifted his gaze to the side of the coffee table, where the beer was indeed waiting. She was very well-prepared.

"You're an orphan, and so am I. Let's just keep each other company," Xu Qinghe said, sitting down and handing him a pair of chopsticks.

Han Ling didn't say anything. The two began their New Year’s Eve meal while watching television. Xu Qinghe didn't drink, so Han Ling drank by himself. Before he knew it, it was eight o'clock, and the Spring Festival Gala began. Familiar hosts appeared on the screen, including Brother Song. Han Ling remembered that by next year’s gala, Brother Song would likely be gone, having retired from the show.

They chatted idly, though it was mostly Xu Qinghe doing the talking, discussing Han Ling’s job and his life story. Unconsciously, they seemed to grow closer emotionally. Being both orphans, it was easier for them to form a bond. However, Han Ling remained somewhat detached.

Noticing that Han Ling kept his distance, Xu Qinghe thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know how to dance?"

Han Ling shook his head. "No."

Xu Qinghe smiled. "I know how. Would you like me to teach you? The TV is playing music anyway; I used to dance by myself."

"Sure," Han Ling said, putting down his chopsticks and standing up.

They moved to the open space between the TV and the coffee table, which was large enough to move freely.

"Like this, put your hands on my waist."

"Give me your hand, yes, that's it."

"Watch your feet, go slowly, no rush."

Accompanied by the music from the television, the two swayed in a dance, each catching the unique scent of the other. Xu Qinghe tilted her head slightly, her eyelashes trembling. It had to be said that Xu Qinghe was truly beautiful. Her fragrance filled the air, and her hands felt supple and boneless. At such close range, Han Ling’s instincts as a man were stirred.

"Don't you want to say something?" Xu Qinghe whispered, her breath soft as an orchid.

With their faces inches apart, Han Ling looked at her. "You speak, I'm listening."

Xu Qinghe acted coy. "We've known each other for so long; don't you have anything you want to say to me?"

Han Ling smiled. "I do. Be my girlfriend."

"Huh?" The suddenness of the remark stopped Xu Qinghe mid-dance. She hadn't expected him to be so direct, and the leap felt jarring. "Uh, I... are you serious?"

Han Ling: "I am serious. Are you willing?"

Xu Qinghe lowered her head slightly, deliberating for a long time before whispering, "I am."

Han Ling pulled his hands away and stepped back a meter. "Since you're willing, take your clothes off."

Xu Qinghe looked up, her face filled with shock.

"Take your clothes off. Didn't you agree to be my girlfriend?" Han Ling’s smile remained gentle.

Xu Qinghe’s expression shifted, and she began to stammer. "You... I... isn't this too fast? I'm not ready."

Han Ling shook his head. "It's not fast. It's the 21st century; we're both adults. I think it's perfectly normal. Or are you unwilling?"

Xu Qinghe shook her head without hesitation. "No, it's too fast. We need to get to know each other better. If in the future..."

"I want to get to know you better right now!" As he spoke, Han Ling lunged forward.

Xu Qinghe was startled. Han Ling’s gaze turned sharp, and with a sudden burst of speed, he reached for her throat like lightning. She reacted with incredible reflexes, instantly throwing her head back and retreating. This was a conditioned reflex etched into her very bones.

Seeing this, Han Ling’s expression darkened. He stepped forward to press the attack, retracting his hand into an elbow strike aimed at her face.

"Han Ling, you..."

Xu Qinghe had no time to react. While retreating, she used her left hand to parry his upper arm, while her right leg rose high, striking at his head like a whip.

Han Ling raised his arm to block, the impact forcing him to shift two steps to the side. When he looked at her again, his eyes held a look of shocked gravity. The brief exchange revealed little, but the girl’s reaction time and defensive instincts were far from ordinary. Not even a police officer could reach this level.

His initial assessment: if they were to truly fight, he wasn't entirely certain he could win. That was a terrifying thought. A PhD in medicine had no reason to possess such combat skills.

"Who exactly are you?" Han Ling demanded coldly. "What is your goal in getting close to me?!"

He had intended to use force to compel her to tell the truth, but it now seemed that would not be easy.

Xu Qinghe lowered her leg, realizing that he had been on guard all along. After a moment of silence, she spoke: "Have you been acting this entire time?"

Han Ling: "Don't talk nonsense! The internet cafe, the car accident, the theft report—time after time, do you take me for a fool?"

Hearing this, Xu Qinghe sighed. "You think of me too complexly. I like you, that’s why I got close to you."

Han Ling laughed. "Oh? You like me? Since when?"

Xu Qinghe: "Since the internet cafe."

Han Ling pointed at himself. "I have nothing to my name, no movie-star looks, and my job is just a small-time cop. You’re a medical PhD living in a luxury apartment and driving a million-dollar car. You fell for me at first sight? Tell me the truth!"

Xu Qinghe looked at Han Ling and said firmly, "What I said is the truth."

Han Ling’s face grew colder. If it had been anyone else, they would have already formed a connection at the internet cafe, and there wouldn't have been the subsequent reports of fender-benders and thefts. But he had just been burned by a girl, and his vigilance was at an all-time high.

"I’ll give you two choices."

"First, tell me who you are and what your purpose is."

"Second, stay away from me. The further, the better. Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite. Believe me, I am completely different from what you imagine."

Han Ling spoke slowly.

Xu Qinghe frowned. "Han Ling, what have you been through? I swear I have no malice toward you; I just like you. As for the fender-bender and the reports you mentioned, those were just coincidences. Is my status not good enough? Am I not worthy of being your girlfriend?"

Han Ling sneered. "Just like? Fine. If you want to talk to me properly, first explain where you learned to fight and where the money for your house and car came from. Show me your bank statements. Do you dare?"

Xu Qinghe opened her mouth but said nothing.

Han Ling pointed at her. "Stay away from me, do you hear? Next time you want to get close to me, come with the answers."

With that, he picked up his coat, put on his shoes, and left.

*Bang!*

The door closed.

Xu Qinghe stood in place for a long time. It was a full two minutes before she whispered to herself in the living room.

"Even if I was a bit too deliberate, could my appearance not make him lose some of his rationality?"

"Han Ling, I truly have no malice toward you."