Chapter 606: The Argument

Chen Shi said, “When I buy this apartment, you should move in with me. Honestly, I think renting is a waste for you. You only go home to sleep, and sometimes you get back even later due to overtime. You’re paying two thousand yuan a month for that.”

Lin Dongxue replied, “That two thousand yuan buys me a sense of security. Even if I’m out, knowing I have a place to go back to makes me feel at ease.”

“How about considering this place your home? You can choose any of the three bedrooms.”

Lin Dongxue wondered if this was a formal invitation to live together. Given their current relationship, moving in together seemed natural, but she wanted more. She subtly hinted, “I hope this place can really become a home.”

“Haha, treat it just like your own home.”

Lin Dongxue frowned internally. Did he not understand her hint? She had mustered the courage to say it. Just as she was about to show a bit of displeasure, someone walked in.

Gong Jianqin noticed the people in the room, paused at the door, then smiled professionally. “Mr. Chen, you’re here to see the apartment again?”

“No, I’m here for the investigation, and I just thought I’d take another look.”

“I see. There are a lot of police at the sales office.”

“Perfect timing, I have some questions. We found a lot of flirtatious messages from Zhang Haichang to you on his phone. He even mentioned wanting to take you out for dinner several times. Did you agree?”

“Of course not! He’s a married man and much older than me.”

“But you didn’t clearly refuse either.”

“This is the difficulty in our line of work. Some buyers make unreasonable demands, but to close the deal, we have to verbally placate them. I’ve encountered this type of harassment more than once. It’s uncomfortable, but I’m used to it.” She glanced at Lin Dongxue, seeking understanding.

Lin Dongxue checked her phone and said, “Captain Lin is calling me. I need to head down.”

As she walked to the elevator, she eavesdropped on Chen Shi’s conversation. She was shocked to hear him ask, “Miss Gong, have you ever slept with a buyer?”

“Is that part of your investigation?”

“I’m just curious!”

Fuming, Lin Dongxue pressed the elevator button hard, arms crossed in anger all the way down.

Back in the apartment, Gong Jianqin shook her head. “I have principles. I don’t get overly involved with clients.”

Chen Shi could tell she was lying but decided it was enough for now. Gong Jianqin asked, “Mr. Chen, I want to ask you something. You’re not a police officer but often investigate with them. Do you have some special background?”

“I don’t have any background, just an ordinary citizen who’s good at this.”

“Good at it? And that qualifies you as a consultant?”

“I’ve solved many cases, quite a few difficult ones, each with hidden motives and twists.” As he spoke, Chen Shi watched her for any flicker of panic.

Gong Jianqin only smiled professionally. “You must be very skilled then. Buyers come in all types, but you’re quite unique.”

Chen Shi softened his gaze and smiled. “The next opening is next week, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m a bit unclear about the shared area costs. According to the documents you gave me, the actual apartment is only 180 square meters, with over 30 square meters being shared space. Could you explain that?”

“Sure, it’s like this…” She began explaining patiently.

When Chen Shi went back down, Lin Dongxue had already left. He didn’t see her all day and worried she might be upset. He recalled she had hinted at wanting to get married, and he had dodged it on purpose.

Zhou Tiannan’s death would bring many changes, none of them good. His subordinates would become unmanageable, and Long’an could face serious incidents. Chen Shi knew for sure that they would come after him.

The memory of Han Luoxi’s death was still vivid, and it had taken Chen Shi a long time to mend his broken heart and fall in love with Lin Dongxue. But now, he was afraid to take their relationship further for fear of losing her too.

In the evening, Chen Shi waited outside the police station and finally saw Lin Dongxue return. She ignored his car on purpose. Chen Shi got out and blocked her path. “I’ve been texting you, but you didn’t reply. Are you mad at me?”

Lin Dongxue glared at him. “You figured that out?”

“I can explain.”

The word “explain” infuriated Lin Dongxue, as explanations usually meant something was wrong.

Her pent-up anger needed just a spark. Chen Shi provided it himself.

“Explain what? That girl seemed nice. You looked so happy talking to her, happier than you ever do with me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I heard you asking her if she’d slept with any buyers. Now you’re buying from her. Isn’t that an obvious hint?”

“I was investigating!”

“Sure, anything goes in an investigation! Using it as a cover to make new ‘friends.’ Enjoying it, aren’t you? Who asked you to investigate? Do you think you’re a cop?”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Yes, I’ve lost my mind!” Lin Dongxue laughed angrily. “Who is Su Ruijuan?”

“Su Ruijuan?”

“The fake Chen Shi’s girlfriend. Why are you still in touch after that case ended? Explain that with your smooth-talking skills!”

“You’re insane! Wait, did you snoop on my phone?”

“Don’t change the subject. Explain yourself!”

Chen Shi, exasperated, felt it wasn’t worth explaining. “Calm down on your own. Don’t expect me to console you unless you apologize for invading my privacy first!”

“Go to hell, jerk!”

Chen Shi got into his car and slammed the door, speeding away. That night, he was so angry he didn’t eat. Lin Dongxue sent numerous harsh messages, escalating their first major argument beyond their usual minor squabbles, now fought mainly through WeChat.

By ten o’clock, Chen Shi’s fingers were sore from typing. The argument had shifted from debating to mutual harm. Chen Shi sent a voice message: “Lin Dongxue, I hope you never have an orgasm in your life!”

Lin Dongxue quickly replied with a curse: “I hope you go bald starting tomorrow!”

Whenever Chen Shi sat on the couch, Maoqiu would usually come to snuggle. But now, sensing his anger, the cat stayed away. Chen Shi pounded the couch, “Come here, let me pet you!”

Maoqiu dashed into Tao Yueyue’s room. She peeked out, “Uncle Chen, don’t be mad. I don’t know why you two are fighting, but it must be Sister Lin’s fault!”

Chen Shi felt a bit comforted. “You understand me. That damn woman, thinking she can slander me just because she’s pretty! What a jerk! Don’t you ever become like that!”

“Want some wine to calm down? Or do something else?” Tao Yueyue suggested timidly, fearing Chen Shi’s current state.

“Right! I need to distract myself from this mess…”

Chen Shi went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and began sharpening it with a whetstone. The grating sound startled Tao Yueyue. After ten minutes, he started cooking…