Crazy Detective

Zhao Yu and Miao Ying were enjoying a morning stroll on a tree-lined path at the Long Yu villa.

Sunlight was filtering through the leaves, forming pretty little patches.

"Pining for someone is torturous, yet I can't take my mind off of you…" sang Miao Ying, to the tune and lyrics of a famous ballad. "After giving much thought to it, I've decided to bear this pain…"

"Mm…" As Miao Ying stopped humming, Zhao Yu nodded in fervor, saying, "Not bad! You weren't out of tune this time around. Much better than the voice recording you gave me last time!"

"That goes without saying…" Miao Ying chuckled. "How did I feel when I made that recording for you? I was feeling heartbroken. Of course I sounded terrible…"

"Yeah!" Zhao Yu held Miao Ying's hand tight in his. "If that's the case, let's include this song in the playlist for our engagement party…"

"I'll consider it… haha…" Miao Ying pursed her lips and happily swung their arms as they continued walking.

"What a rare occurrence…" Zhao Yu said as he inhaled the fresh morning air. "It's been so long since we've had a chance to enjoy the peace and quiet!"

"Indeed!" agreed Miao Ying. "You've been going at breakneck speed since last year. It's been a long time since we've been able to relax like this!"

"Thinking back to those ground-breaking cases, it feels pretty incredible…" Zhao Yu smiled. "Did we really crack all those mysteries and cold cases?"

"No, not us," Miao Ying smiled sweetly. "It was you! Our sweeper of cold cases, Master Sleuth Zhao. These cases can't do without you! Haha…"

"No, no, no. You have a share in the military medal as well!" Zhao Yu said earnestly. "I'm a fair and righteous person who gives credit where it's due!"

"Pfft!" Miao Ying couldn't hold back her laughter. "You're endearing even when you're being thick-skinned!"

"Miao Miao knows me the best in the whole wide world!" remarked Zhao Yu. He dabbed the corner of his mouth with her hand.

"Haha…"

Miao Ying linked arms with Zhao Yu, and the two of them continued their stroll. They had the whole place to themselves. No one else was around, and all they could hear was the melodious chirping of the birds. It was a beautiful sight.

"Oh yeah…" Miao Ying remembered something. "Zhao Yu, does my dad intend to transfer you to the Secret Service Agency?

"When we were in Feng Ping, it was obvious that he had the intention…"

"You're right, but…" Zhao Yu smiled. "You know me. I don't do things halfway. In the yellow notebook… erm…"

"I know, there's one last case remaining!" responded Miao Ying. "But what are your plans after cracking this case? Will you accept my dad's recruitment?"

"I haven't decided!" Zhao Yu said. "That night at the Qing Imperial Palace, the chiefs of the Secret Service Agency were indeed appreciative of a talent like me. They thought it was a waste that I hadn't become a special agent!"

"That's true!" There was a flash of worry in Miao Ying's eyes, but she still tried to be objective about it. "I understand what my dad is thinking. He's been looking for a successor for so long! When he realized how outstanding his son-in-law was, he couldn't help but recommend you to the higher-ups!"

"Well, for the past few days, I did give it some thought!" Zhao Yu said solemnly. "I was wondering what it'd be like to become someone like your dad – rich and powerful."

"What would it be like?" Miao Ying was curious.

"Well, actually, I'm still a bit lacking!" said Zhao Yu. "After all, I started off as a hooligan. Even if I were tasked with something honorable, I would probably be playing the part of a nouveau rich or country bumpkin. I would never be presentable!" [1]

"Oh? You do know your limitations, huh?" Miao Ying was surprised.

"Of course!" Zhao Yu grinned. "One can only be wild when he's aware of his strengths and weaknesses! Otherwise, he'd just be an idiot!"

"That makes sense!" Miao Ying responded. "Looks like this hooligan has more than just street smarts! So? Have you decided what you're going to do?"

"I already made it clear to your dad…" Zhao Yu said. "I still have a long way to go before I reach his level! Just let me be a master sleuth for now…."

"Maybe…" Zhao Yu stared into the distance. "There will be a day when I finally deem myself worthy, be it in terms of ability or demeanor. It wouldn't be too late to try then!"

"Darling…" Miao Ying suddenly halted her footsteps. Grabbing Zhao Yu's arm, she gushed, "You're so lovable! I knew from the start that you weren't really a rascal, but someone with heart and ability!"

Miao Ying couldn't help but hug Zhao Yu.

Holding his beautiful fiancée in his arms, Zhao Yu promised, "Miao Miao! I will do better, going forward! Do you still remember our pledge to each other? No matter what dangers or difficulty lie ahead us, we will face them together! And share our burdens! We'll be together forever, just like Bonnie and Clyde!"

"Sure, we could be like Bonnie and Clyde…" Miao Ying's eyes were damp with tears. "But let's not risk our lives like that anymore, ok? If you ever need to jump out of a plane again or encounter a situation like that of Guan Qing Hall, could you please consider how I'd feel?"

"Got it, got it!" Zhao Yu hugged his woman, promising, "Don't worry! I won't do anything silly anymore… haha…"

Right after, the lovebirds shared a sweet embrace.

The lovebirds reluctantly let of go of each other only after they heard the presence of other visitors.

"Miao Miao, ah…" Zhao Yu pulled Miao Ying along as they continued walking. "What are our plans after the engagement?"

"Humph…" Miao Ying snorted. "What do you think?"

"Me? Erm…" Zhao Yu thought about it earnestly. "How about… we go on our honeymoon?"

"Oh come on, we're getting engaged, not married. What honeymoon?" Miao Ying admonished Zhao Yu.

"Then… we could at least go on a trip together? Book a room and…" Zhao Yu mused.

"Then how is it any different from a honeymoon?" said Miao Ying with her arms crossed. With an eyebrow raised, she asked, "Where do you think we should go then?"

"Oh… oh, oh…" Zhao Yu sniggered. "I heard Fujian province has lots of nice attractions!"

"Ahem…" Miao Ying coughed. "Now that you mention it, I really haven't been to Fujian. I heard that the scenery at Huayun Mountain is not bad…"

"Yeah, that's right!" Zhao Yu nodded earnestly. "I've never been either…"

[1]: Nouveau rich is someone with newly acquired money