Chapter 113: Daily Life (2)

Little Shengfang had no idea what Qingzai was babbling about, and didn't listen to a word she said.

At that moment, he had only one thought in his mind: the char siu smelled delicious.

"Qingzai, Qingzai." Fangfang's bright eyes were filled with anticipation. "Shall we have char siu tomorrow?"

Zhu Qing cupped his round little face: "Why don't we go now?"

Shengfang was stunned.

He first looked down at his pajamas, then looked up at the wall clock.

The clock hand points to the time when it's time for the child to go to bed.

But Qingzai was never a typical guardian.

"Get dressed." Zhu Qing picked up the remote and turned off the TV. "Let's go!"

"Yay!"

Five minutes later, Shengfang, all dressed, rushed out of the elevator and stood excitedly downstairs at the apartment building.

The night breeze, carrying the gentleness of spring, made his hair sway from side to side.

"Wow! We're really going for a late-night snack!" Sheng Fang spun around, tugging at Zhu Qing's clothes as they ran.

The night in Yau Ma Tei is just beginning to come alive.

Zhu Qing's large hand held Fang Fang's small hand as they walked through the Temple Street Night Market, through the bustling crowds, and finally arrived at their destination.

A long-established roast meat shop.

Shengfang stood on tiptoe, resting her chin on the glass counter: "Boss, two servings of honey-glazed crispy char siu."

Zhu Qing added, "Add two more glasses of chilled pineapple ice."

The pineapple shaved ice was served first.

Fangfang bit the straw, her chubby little hands holding the glass, which was a bit cold, so she pressed it back to her cheek to warm it up.

"It's so delicious!"

When the char siu was served by the staff, it was still steaming hot, with its crispy edges glistening with tempting honey gravy.

The little boy couldn't wait to take a bite, and squinted his eyes in satisfaction.

What's even more satisfying is the feeling of being able to eat what you want right now.

Fangfang solemnly declares that this is the most delicious char siu in the world.

And the person in front of me is the best niece in the world!

...

The uncle and nephew spent more than half a month living alone.

Finally, Zhu Qing and Sheng Fang were willing to go home.

They are now two "children" who are being looked after: one wants to find their mother, and the other wants to find their older sister. Of course, there is also Aunt Ping, and her always-warm, fragrant, and comforting home-cooked meals.

As soon as the uncle and nephew opened the door, Aunt Ping hurriedly ran out of the kitchen.

She had already received their call that they were coming back, and now the house was filled with the aroma of food.

"The young lady hasn't had time to come home for meals lately, and I haven't cooked in ages, I'm practically rusty!"

"Qingqing." Aunt Ping, still holding a spatula, sighed dramatically as she looked at Zhu Qing, "How did you get so thin? Your chin is so pointed!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qing reached out and pinched Sheng Fang's round chin: "Why isn't yours pointed?"

Fangfang had been away from home with Qingzai for a while. Although he hadn't had the chance to eat Aunt Ping's delicious home-cooked meals, every time he went to the police station, there were always acquaintances who would give him extra food. Even when he ate at the police station's canteen, Sister Xiao would put a few extra pieces of spare ribs with black bean sauce on his plate.

The little one has maintained its round and chubby shape, without changing at all.

"Miss said she'll be back later," Aunt Ping said with a smile. "Let's start eating."

The table was soon piled high with bowls and plates. Aunt Ping was like a magician, conjuring up a dish of their favorite food from nowhere whenever everyone thought all the dishes had been served.

Zhu Qing sat down and took the soup bowl from Aunt Ping with both hands: "It smells so good!"

Aunt Ping then smiled even more and continued her "magic show".

Finally, Zhu Qing waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "Aunt Ping, I really can't eat anymore."

"Qingqing!" Sheng Fang said seriously, pushing up her nose. "How can you have the strength to catch thieves if you don't eat your fill?"

Aunt Ping was amused and laughed out loud, then casually pushed up her reading glasses: "Young master is imitating me again."

...

The most important event in the family this month is undoubtedly the birthday party of the young master of the Sheng family.

The kindergarten sent out invitations full of childlike fun and sincerity, and then spent their days waiting in front of the calendar.

Time passed day by day, and finally, the day he had been waiting for arrived.

On her birthday, Shengfang waited at the door early in the morning.

Whenever the doorbell rings, his eyes light up, and he kicks his short legs to greet his friends.

One by one, little ones carrying gifts entered the room.

Coconut Baby, dressed in her cutest tutu, bounced in, the hem of her skirt bouncing with her. Little Golden Baby was still dressed in "golden splendor," covered head to toe in huge brand logos. On the path to Kadoorie Hill, Baby A-Juan met another classmate; the two entered hand-in-hand. Everyone seemed to have forgotten that he had annoyingly raised his hand to tattle on the teacher, causing quite a bit of trouble for the other children.

The children in the toddler class at Weston Kindergarten are all best friends.

“Except for the young master, all twelve children in the class came without exception.” Aunt Ping lowered her voice in surprise, “The young master has quite a lot of influence.”

The living room was filled with the figures of the little rascals.

They would play with even the most ordinary colorful balloons for a long time, scrambling to pat them and jumping around until they were covered in sweat.

Happy birthday, Fangfang!

"This is the Ultraman I chose for you—"

"Look at mine first, look at mine first..."

"I brought a gift too!"

Amidst the sweet, childlike blessings, Shengfang smiled like a radiant little sun.

Four candles are stuck on an exquisite strawberry cream cake. Fangfang sits in front of the cake, her eyes closed, her chubby little hands tightly clasped together.

"I'm going to make a wish!"

The children told Shengfang that she could make three wishes.

But wishes must remain in your heart, otherwise they will not come true.

"Impossible." Fangfang waved her little hand confidently, "Qingzai will grant me every wish!"

In her uncle's eyes, Qingzai was omnipotent.

Fangfang made three wishes.

The children's wishes were so simple and specific, such as water gun battles, morning runs, and raising a little snail.

Zhu Qing remembered it clearly: "No problem."

The uncle and nephew puffed out their cheeks and blew out the candles together.

Zhu Qing's colleagues at the police station always envied her for having such a great uncle.

The kindergarten children also looked on with longing, wishing they could have a niece.

"You need to find your maternal grandmother to have a niece." Little Coconut told everyone this bombshell mysteriously, "My mommy told me!"

Coconut Baby shared that not long ago, she also wanted a niece, and pitifully tugged at her grandmother's clothes, begging for her help.

Because her grandmother didn't agree, she sat on the sofa feeling wronged and shed tears.

The children's conversation then shifted to how they could ask their grandmother to conjure up a niece of that size for them.

Shengfang ran back to the children's room and found a popular science picture book.

They were all four-year-olds, their little brains couldn't keep up, and everything was in chaos!

"Coconut Silk, your mommy is wrong. Your niece isn't your grandmother's child's child!"

"They are the children of older and younger sisters, like Fangfang's eldest sister."

"It's too late to have an older sister now."

"The older sister's child could also be her nephew."

The children immediately shook their heads seriously.

Nephew, no.

These little sparrows chirped and chattered, their sweet voices echoing throughout every corner of the living room.

Sheng Peirong couldn't keep up with their wildly imaginative thoughts and was completely confused. She cleared her throat and helped cut the cake.

"One yuan each," she subtly changed the subject.

The children sat obediently in a row, their little hands on their knees, waiting eagerly.

"Qingzi, have a bite." Sheng Fang scooped a spoonful of cream for Zhu Qing.

Just as Zhu Qing bent down to taste it, Fang Fang mischievously raised her little hand.

The next second, her cheek was covered with a cloud-like dollop of cream.

"Blooming—"

The cream on Zhu Qing's face looked like little clouds, making the children giggle.

"We must not retaliate," Sheng Fang said solemnly. "Waste is shameful!"

Sheng Peirong maintained an elegant smile throughout, and after finishing the cake with her younger brother, she suddenly picked up her bag.

"Coco, I got a phone call," she said. "Something urgent came up at the office, I have to go!"

Zhu Qing grabbed her wrist, her face full of disbelief: "Mom?!"

"Coco, I've been really busy lately." Sheng Peirong spread her hands innocently and moved towards the door. "Fangfang, happy birthday!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly slipped away, disappearing through the door like a gust of wind.

Sheng Fang explained to the children, "My older sister has endless meetings every day. My niece is usually very busy too, but things have been very peaceful at her police station lately."

Aunt Ping laughed so hard she bent over.

The young master has completely blocked his niece's escape route.

Zhu Qing stood there, not yet able to react, when she was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic children.

"Niece, play with me!"

"Shall we play the 'doll' game we played last time?"

"I want to eat the strawberry on the cake—"

"I want to eat strawberries too!"

"No! I was the one who said it first..."

"Niece, niece..."

The children surrounded Zhu Qing.

This is my "flying" niece, and no adult is more popular with her!

The children's playground in the basement had already been set up. Shengfang led the children down, and cheers echoed.

Under the warm yellow light, the star stickers on the wall sparkled, and the room was complete with a slide, a small swing, and a ball pit—it was practically a mini fairytale kingdom.

Zhu Qing was just about to sit down and catch her breath—

"Niece! You're here too!"

"Niece!"

A series of light, childlike voices called her back, and the battle continued.

The basement slide wasn't as big as the one in the old hillside garden, but the children were eager to play on it, lining up and peering out with wide grins.

For three whole hours, the babies' chattering could be heard from time to time.

"Niece! Da Ming cuts in line!"

"Niece! I didn't cut in line!"

"Niece...niece..."

Zhu Qing was always mediating the disputes.

She became Judge Zhu, with endless cases to resolve, until the last little guest was picked up by their parents, at which point she collapsed onto the sofa.

At least for this month, she doesn't want to hear the words "niece" again.

"Qingzai." Fangfang said with lingering reluctance, her little face full of sadness, "I wish every day could be my birthday."

"Luckily, birthdays only happen once a year," Zhu Qing replied listlessly.

...

The police station has been unusually quiet lately, and the most talked-about topic is the new menu launched by the restaurant owner, Sister Xiao.

My colleagues were tired of eating the same few dishes all the time and would occasionally go down to the corner tea restaurant for a change. Now they were all excitedly waiting to try something new at lunchtime.

As soon as lunchtime arrived, everyone flocked to the restaurant.

Cheng Xinglang sat down opposite Zhu Qing with his tray in hand and pushed the two plates in front of her.

"Let's try the new dish." Sister Xiao poked her head out from behind the window. "One dish is for Dr. Cheng, and the other is for Dr. Cheng's girlfriend!"

The surrounding area immediately erupted in cheers and jeers.

"That's not fair! Why did I have to pay for it...?"

"Sister Xiao is so biased!"

Why don't we get this treatment?!

The restaurant lady's eyes narrowed into slits with a smile: "Yes, yes, everyone can get three curry fish balls from me!"

It was at this time that the police station received a new case.

After the meal, the officers immediately became more hurried.

This was a dismemberment case that occurred at least ten years ago; torrential rain washed out bones buried deep in the soil. A few young hikers accidentally kicked a round object and discovered that it was a severely weathered human head.

When the police arrived, Cheng Xinglang had already arrived and collected the remains.

“The surface is covered with cracks.” He turned to look at Zhu Qing. “It’s been at least ten years.”

After setting up a cordon, the two immediately began their on-site investigation.

For the next two weeks, whenever they arranged to have dinner together, new body parts would appear.

Inspector Mo was quite pleased with the situation. Since they started dating, the Major Crimes Unit B had essentially gained a top-notch external helper. The two of them working together were exceptionally efficient at solving cases; autopsy reports were always completed in the shortest possible time, and their case analyses were remarkably clear and concise.

Whenever a new case arises, the work pace seems to be fast-forwarded.

The case has finally been solved, revealing a story of friendship. They were once best friends, inseparable. But one of them remained obstinate, repeatedly forgiving her abusive boyfriend, only to be beaten and bruised time and again. As a friend, she tried to persuade her, helped her, and even called the police, but all she ever received were promises to keep quiet.

Until that day ten years ago, when she saw her friend return to that man with a bruised and swollen face, she calmly said, "I'm never going to care about you again."

For this reason, the police did not connect the two people who seemed to have broken off relations at all during the investigation.

However, the truth is that on the day she said "I'll never care about you again," she eventually turned back.

Not only did she turn back, but she also joined her friend in committing an unforgivable crime against the perpetrator. They dismembered and buried the body together, and never saw each other again.

The two men stood facing each other outside the interrogation room, speechless.

The truth is heartbreaking, but the consequences of crime are ultimately inescapable.

That evening, Zhu Qing leaned against the door of the forensic doctor's office, watching Cheng Xinglang as he was compiling the final report.

"Is the case closed?"

"It's settled."

Cheng Xinglang stood up and walked towards her, gently taking her hand as she was about to put it in her pocket.

"Can I finally go on a date tomorrow?"

...

The little villa in Ho Man Tin was ultimately preserved.

This place holds too many memories.

Cheng Xinglang remembers that when he was little, he and his younger brother always loved to peek through the glass door of the kitchen and watch their parents busy inside. Their father would always grumble that their mother's chopping technique wasn't sharp enough, and their mother would laugh and tie her apron around his waist, then secretly wink at the two brothers as she turned her head, whispering that pretending to be clumsy would save them some work. The two brothers would then mercilessly expose her, knowing that their mother was genuinely not good at cooking.

Every weekend was a family day without fail. No matter how busy his parents were, they would always make time to take them on outings, to play football in the park, and to have a blast at the electronic amusement center in Mong Kok. Back then, mechanical arcade games had just appeared in Hong Kong, and his family would rush to grab seats. In front of the old-fashioned pinball machine, the steel balls hitting the bell was Cheng Xinglang's favorite sound as a child.

Later, the room became very quiet.

He filled the walls with bright oil paintings, using vibrant colors to combat the gloom brought by that night.

“Agent Wang recommended a few apartments, all near Kadoorie Hill,” he said to Zhu Qing. “Let’s go take a look together this weekend.”

"Me?"

"You have more experience."

Zhu Qing smiled, pursing her lips: "Fang Fang has more experience."

They left Ho Man Tin and followed the route they remembered, passing through Mong Kok.

The original video game center has been demolished, and the newly opened arcade has a wide variety of equipment and sophisticated decor. There is no longer the buzzing sound of ceiling fans in the old-fashioned amusement park.

For the first time in months, he spoke of those past events to someone.

For example, the time he spent being adopted by relatives after his parents passed away was also a very good time with them. Like his younger brother, he encountered kind family members and regained warmth.

The old-fashioned pinball machines have been phased out, and the days of fighting for seats in the arcade with my parents and younger brother are long gone.

At this time, the exterior walls of the arcade were covered with faded game posters of the early Street Fighter.

Zhu Qing suddenly tugged at his sleeve: "Want to snatch it now?"

Cheng Xinglang was stunned for a moment.

The next moment, the two adults rushed towards the retro game area in the corner like children.

Zhu Qing quickly sat down, patting the empty seat next to her triumphantly: "The loser buys a soda!"

The arcade was noisy, but no one was playing this old-fashioned Tetris machine.

They put two game tokens into the slot and sat down side by side.

The electronic "ding-dong" sound of the game echoed in my ears.

Looking at his focused profile, Zhu Qing suddenly recalled their first meeting when he was playing a handheld game console during a break at the laboratory, with his eyebrows slightly raised and his eyes sparkling.

It's like going back to before the story began.

The blocks began to fall, and the difference in skill level between the two players quickly became apparent.

Cheng Xinglang's blocks were always arranged neatly, while Zhu Qing's game interface was a complete mess.

"How dare you cheat—"

"Focus!"

The glass windows of the arcade reflected two figures standing close together in perfect harmony.

They stood shoulder to shoulder, taking this childish game seriously, and laughed until they fell over.

...

Weng Zhaolin's wife was an older mother, and her condition was unstable in the early stages of her pregnancy. The couple carefully kept it a secret from the outside world.

Until that day at Sai Kung Pier, when Inspector Yung finally announced the good news to his colleagues, his wife's pregnancy had stabilized and she was several months pregnant.

And now, the due date has finally arrived.

For several days in a row, a low-pressure atmosphere hung over the CID office in the height of summer.

Inspector Weng was restless, his brow never relaxed, and he would jump up from his seat at the slightest sound. Whenever his cell phone started to vibrate, he would answer it before the first note of the ringtone had even played.

In the entire police station, the only person who could make John relax for a while was his close friend.

Fangfang would always appear at the right time, offering a sweet candy or sharing interesting things that happened at kindergarten, easing the tense atmosphere a bit.

But soon, Fangfang unconsciously circled back to the original topic: "John, what should we name the baby?"

Weng Zhaolin began to worry again, rubbing his temples.

That evening, everything was as usual.

Until Mr. Weng's cell phone suddenly rang.

Weng Zhaolin answered the phone, his expression changed drastically, and he grabbed his car keys and rushed out.

He took two steps, then ran back.

"Who among you drives well?" he asked. "My hands are shaking a bit right now."

Fangfang almost jumped up, wishing she could push their "driving god Qing" in front of John.

But Mo Zhenbang had already said, "I'll take you there."

In the office, everyone held their breath, their hearts pounding.

They still hadn't received any news by the time they got off work. No one dared to call Inspector Ong, but Mo Zhenbang's mobile phone was practically ringing off the hook.

Shengfang, the little girl, was always concerned about what was happening with Inspector Weng.

He kept talking about eating, taking walks, and taking baths. Finally, just as Sheng Fang was about to fall asleep, Zhu Qing's cell phone rang.

Fangfang, who was about to fall asleep, suddenly sat up and propped up her eyelids with her two little hands.

"How is it going?"

"Inspector Mo knows everyone is worried, so he asked me to inform everyone," Zhu Qing said with a smile. "Mother and daughter are safe!"

Weng Zhaolin and Zhou Baoxuan's daughter was born safely.

The arrival of this little life, eagerly anticipated by everyone, filled the entire police station with joy.

The little girl had been looking forward to this day of meeting her.

After finally waiting for Zhou Baoxuan to be discharged from the hospital and return home, the uncle and nephew went to a maternity and baby store in advance to carefully select a gift.

"Qingzai, Qingzai, this baby bottle is so small!"

Wow, the baby's socks are as big as my palm!

Zhu Qing rubbed his little head: "Fangfang was always this small when he was little."

Although she had never seen it.

Shengfang stretched out her little arm and, mimicking her, patted her head: "Qingzai was just as tiny when she was little!"

Although, even my uncle has never met him.

...

Shengfang still remembered their promise at Saigon Pier, and specially prepared a bulging red envelope with Zhu Qing.

Inspector Weng has officially started his vacation. Now, we can no longer hear the sound of his leather shoes tapping on the floor in the office, nor can we see his slicked-back hair. Everyone is still a little unaccustomed to it.

After get off work, the group drove quickly to the Repulse Bay Villa.

Shengfang was the first to jump out of the car and run to the door, peeking out and calling out, "Ah John, Auntie!"

Weng Zhaolin stood at the door to greet the guests.

The crowd stared at him from afar, whispering amongst themselves.

"Is this still our Inspector Weng?"

"Is it just my imagination? How come Inspector Weng's eyes have suddenly become a bit more kind in just a few days?"

Zhou Baoxuan was still recuperating, her eyes full of gentle smiles as she asked the maid to serve ginger vinegar to the guests.

Sincere congratulatory greetings echoed throughout the villa.

"Ah John," the old baby blinked his big eyes, "where's the new baby?"

Weng Zhaolin smiled and led him into the house.

At the nursery door, a baby's voice called out, "Uncle Fang has come to see you!"

But when he stood on tiptoe and saw the little one in the crib, he was immediately taken aback.

She has so many wrinkles.

We agreed to play together, but this is impossible to play!

Shengfang lay by the crib, her little head drooping: "My dear niece, is all you do to sleep?"

"Wah—" A loud cry rang out.

My niece showed Fangfang through her actions that she's not only good at "sleeping," she can also cry!