Chapter 8: Race Against Time

He put down the case files, grabbed his phone, and checked the time. It was 6:30.

Meanwhile, the four rookie officers who had accompanied him had already left.

Master Guo Qiang had even called him to join for a meal.

But Xiao Yu didn’t go.

Every second counted for him.

The mystery-solving task the system had assigned did not give him more than three tight days.

Xiao Yu had already experienced firsthand how miraculous the system’s powers could be.

That’s why he was so eager to get the system skill called ‘Falcon’s Eye.’

He wasn’t entirely sure of the difference between an ‘ability’ and a ‘skill,’ but he wanted them both.

If he couldn’t crack the case, not only would the skill be revoked, but the ability as well!

The system was so unreasonable—infuriating to the core… Xiao Yu grumbled as he resumed analyzing the case files.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

He picked it up to see who was calling.

Mu Qingwu?

Xiao Yu was puzzled. What did she need from him?

“Hello?”

Once connected, Xiao Yu asked, “Sis, is something wrong?”

“Busy?”

Mu Qingwu’s characteristically cool, commanding tone replied, “Let’s grab a bite and talk.”

He had wanted to refuse, but his stomach had other plans. Xiao Yu grinned, “Alright, where to?”

“Where are you? Should I pick you up?”

Her tone brooked no refusal.

“That domineering streak of yours isn’t exactly endearing,” he teased.

Xiao Yu snorted, “I’d rather deal with a little sister who can bawl for hours after a punch or an older woman who goes all ‘aww’ when hurt.”

“…”

After a brief silence, Mu Qingwu said, “You need to get used to the way you talk. Try to change it up a bit in the future.”

This time, Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned.

He realized she had one redeeming quality—she was willing to actually listen.

Not like the girls he remembered from his past life.

Aside from admitting when she’d picked the wrong man, he would never confess any mistakes.

Though Mu Qingwu herself never really admitted a misstep.

Still, promising to change was almost as good as owning up to an error…

“XX Road, Criminal Investigation Team,” Xiao Yu recited the address.

In less than twenty minutes, a sports car pulled up in front of the Criminal Investigation Team building.

Xiao Yu opened the door and slid into the car.

Mu Qingwu revved the engine.

“What’s up?” Xiao Yu asked.

They had only parted ways that morning—why was she in such a rush to see him? Could it be…

“I told my mom I have a boyfriend. She said she’ll come by tomorrow to see me.”

Mu Qingwu’s expression remained calm as she explained, “I called because we need to discuss you meeting my mother tomorrow.”

Xiao Yu: …

An inexplicable chill ran through him, and his heart skipped a beat.

In his mind, meeting a future mother-in-law was like facing a terrifying creature.

Sure, his current identity was a sham,

but confronting a mother-in-law was still intimidating!

“Wait, your mom actually bought it that quickly?”

Xiao Yu stared, dumbfounded, at Mu Qingwu driving. “That’s way too hasty!”

“Ha.”

Mu Qingwu glanced at the front seat. Seeing Xiao Yu’s shocked expression made her chuckle. “My mom is the type who gets frantic about meeting a grandchild. She doesn’t care who I date—as long as the guy is alive!”

“You sure do.”

Xiao Yu’s temper flared slightly. “So you’re passing me off as a tool, huh?”

“Don’t get mad.”

Mu Qingwu laughed softly. “That’s why I invited you out—to make some arrangements.”

Was she trying to bribe him? Xiao Yu asked, puzzled, “Arrange what exactly?”

“The lines… and the couple routines…” Mu Qingwu trailed off.

“Couple routines? What do you mean?”

Xiao Yu burst into laughter.

“Intimacy, of course.”

How can you claim to have a boyfriend and still keep a two-meter distance?

If you’re truly a couple, closeness is essential.

Otherwise, who would believe you?

But as Xiao Yu laughed, his laughter soon faded away.

In his past life, he had only had one girlfriend.

Yet in this life, he didn’t have a partner at all.

A deep, uncontrollable sadness welled up inside him.

He was, as people say, a perpetual single—just like Kara.

There was still hope though; he was only twenty-two!

Outside the hotpot restaurant, the sports car parked in a space.

“Do you like hotpot?”

Mu Qingwu frowned. “Isn’t it too greasy?”

“Are you trying to say…”

Xiao Yu chuckled as he opened the door. “Will it make you gain weight? Or break you out in acne?”

Mu Qingwu: …

Watching a tall guy get out of the car, she mused, ‘How clever he is!’

After all, weight is truly a nemesis for girls.

Even the most beauty-conscious can’t resist the lure of a good hotpot.

As you age, you naturally steer clear of greasy food.

First, you gain weight; then, you get breakouts…

They stepped into the hotpot restaurant.

Their striking appearances drew admiring glances from everyone.

The man looked picture-perfect with his red lips, white teeth, and handsome features.

The woman, with her jade-like beauty and cool elegance, seemed almost ethereal.

They complemented each other so well that it sparked an envious stir in onlookers.

Especially Mu Qingwu—her figure and aura were simply unmatched.

Her magnificent work attire perfectly outlined alluring curves.

Even more captivating were her eyes—challenging and magnetic.

They shimmered with pride, confidence, and a touch of rebellion, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

Any ordinary man would instantly feel the urge to conquer her.

That achievement would be unparalleled—a lifelong honor!

Seeing several men leering at Mu Qingwu, Xiao Yu rolled his eyes. “You’re really out of place here!”

“Oh, really?”

Mu Qingwu gave a sly smile. “Actually, I should thank you for not taking me to a roadside stall.”

“Ha!” Xiao Yu burst into laughter.

Just picture a domineering CEO-like lady,

dressed in luxurious workwear yet casually sitting on a small roadside bench, scarfing down skewers.

Oh my, the contrast was almost too beautiful to watch!