Chapter 170 Partner changed to Lu Zheng

The doorbell rang just as the agreed time arrived.

Su Xiaonuan wiped her hands and ran to open the door, where Qin Haoran and Lu Zheng were standing.

Qin Haoran, carrying a pitcher of ice-cold beer, grinned from ear to ear: "Ta-da! Chef Nuannuan, tonight's snacks are all up to you!"

He then informed Zhao Liming and Xu Zhixian that they had to be absent due to an urgent mission.

Behind him, Lu Zheng was carrying a very exquisite-looking fruit basket, and... a box of beautifully packaged desserts.

Su Xiaonuan blinked in surprise. Lu Zheng bringing a gift was truly a rare occurrence.

What surprised her and Qin Haoran even more was Lu Zheng's expression at that moment.

Although he still stood straight and had a cold demeanor, upon closer inspection, his always tightly pursed lips seemed to have... a faint, almost imperceptible curve.

Even his deep eyes seemed a little softer than usual.

Qin Haoran, as if discovering a new continent, leaned closer to Lu Zheng, lowered his voice, and asked mischievously, "Hey? Old Lu, did you find some money? Or did you win the lottery? You're in such a good mood, your mouth is practically stretched to your ears!"

The faint smile on Lu Zheng's face froze instantly, then vanished at a visible speed, returning to his usual cold and hard demeanor.

He turned his face away somewhat uncomfortably, a suspicious blush creeping up his ears, his voice tense: "...What nonsense are you talking about. Is it that obvious?"

Qin Haoran nodded heavily, his expression conveying a subtle "Isn't that obvious?"

Lu Zheng: "..." He coughed lightly, trying to save face, "It's nothing." Then, as if to cover up his embarrassment, he picked up his things and headed towards the kitchen, "Need any help?"

As soon as I arrived at the kitchen door, I saw An Ran and Qin Haochu working side by side inside. The kitchen, which was not large to begin with, was packed full, and there was no room for a fourth person.

Lu Zheng's outstretched foot froze in mid-air for a second, then silently, with a hint of barely perceptible disappointment, withdrew.

He turned around and walked silently to the small balcony in the living room, leaving everyone with a back view that seemed to be admiring the night view, but in reality, his back view revealed a sense of helplessness and stiffness.

Watching this scene, Su Xiaonuan couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. She thought that Officer Lu, who was usually serious and reliable, was actually... kind of cute when he occasionally showed this "clumsy" side.

Before long, an enticing aroma began to waft from the kitchen, dominating every corner of the apartment.

Just as Qin Haoran was swallowing hard and complaining "I'm starving" for the nth time, Su Xiaonuan finally announced that dinner was served.

The small dining table was filled to the brim with a dazzling array of dishes, all of which looked and smelled delicious, making one's mouth water just by looking at them.

The five of them sat together, and Qin Haoran couldn't wait to open a beer and pour a little for each of them.

Except for Qin Haochu and Lu Zheng, who were driving, they substituted tea for alcohol.

"Come on! First!" Qin Haoran raised his glass, his voice booming, "Wishing our little Nuannuan and... uh, and Hao Chu a successful undercover operation! And a safe return!"

He almost let it slip, so he quickly corrected himself and glanced guiltily at Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng picked up his teacup expressionlessly and clinked it with his, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to Su Xiaonuan, who was smiling as she picked up a piece of braised pork, her cheeks bulging.

"Secondly!" Qin Haoran raised his glass again, this time clearly addressing Su Xiaonuan, his tone much more sincere, "Thank you for your hospitality, Chef Nuannuan! With your skills, it would be a huge loss to the catering industry if you didn't open a chain store!"

The meal proceeded in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Food is the best glue, and even Qin Haochu, who is usually quiet, chatted with everyone about some interesting things in his professional field.

Although Lu Zheng remained silent most of the time, his tense shoulders had clearly relaxed a lot. Occasionally, when Su Xiaonuan spoke, he would look at her intently, with a soft glimmer hidden deep in his eyes that even he himself was unaware of.

As night deepened and everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they reluctantly bid farewell and left after helping each other clean up.

The next day, the sun shone brightly.

Su Xiaonuan arrived at the police station in high spirits, ready to begin her formal "undercover training" and role adjustment.

However, in the conference room, Qin Haoran announced some news that surprised her quite a bit.

"Considering the special nature of the mission and the convenience of coordination, after discussion within the organization, it has been decided," Qin Haoran said solemnly, holding the folder, though the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his anticipation of a good show, "that the male partner for this infiltration operation has been changed from the originally planned forensic doctor Qin Haochu to—Lu Zheng, Deputy Branch Captain Lu."

"Huh?" Su Xiaonuan opened her eyes wide in surprise and looked at Lu Zheng, who was standing next to Qin Haoran with a straight posture but was obviously a little unnatural.

Lu Zheng coughed lightly, avoiding Su Xiaonuan's gaze. The familiar blush on his ears seemed to reappear. He explained in a low voice, as if reciting a plan: "Hao Chu's identity has been reassessed. It is believed that his forensic background may reveal flaws in certain details. Having me personally as his partner will make it easier to adapt to the situation on the spot and seamlessly connect with the external command."

Qin Haoran was struggling to suppress his laughter and quickly covered his face with a folder.

After her initial surprise, Su Xiaonuan quickly accepted the change.

She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then smiled with her eyes crinkling. Her smile was clean and pure, filled with complete trust: "Actually, I feel more at ease with Officer Lu as my partner."

She said casually, "I'm more familiar with you, so our understanding is definitely better. If it were forensic doctor Qin, I might have to adjust a bit, and I might feel a bit constrained."

She spoke frankly and naturally, without a trace of romantic intentions, purely from the perspective of the mission.

But to Lu Zheng, it sounded like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

Her words, "I feel more at ease" and "We have a better understanding," were like a warm current, instantly soothing all his anxiety and the slight awkwardness he had felt since last night.

His tightly pressed lips softened uncontrollably, curving upwards into a clear arc, softening his otherwise cold and stern face as if ice and snow were melting. He nodded, his voice low yet undeniably gentle:

"Um."

The core of the plan then unfolded.

They need to pretend to be a poor couple who have lost their child, are burdened with debt, and have to work hard to make a living by setting up a street stall.

When Su Xiaonuan received the detailed "character biography" and script, she nodded, her baby face showing a natural calmness, and even began to ponder the look and posture that a "young mother worn down by life" should have.