What are we now?

She traced the man’s Adam’s apple with slow, delicate licks. Tell me, what man could withstand such sweet torment? Ji Shen immediately pressed Wen Shuang down onto the soft wool rug, kissing her deeply.

Perhaps it was the influence of alcohol; the air was thick with the scent of rich wine, lingering even in their mouths. Ji Shen refused to let go of a single drop of sweetness from her lips. Wen Shuang was left breathless by the man’s fierce kisses, forced to let out muffled whimpers, which only made Ji Shen crave her more.

Their rolling embrace grew wild, breaths tangled. Ji Shen unbuckled his belt and brought his palm down hard. Wen Shuang cried out in pain, biting his shoulder fiercely.

“You really are a sharp-tongued little enchantress,” he growled.

Ji Shen was too rough; Wen Shuang accidentally struck her forehead on the corner of the sofa, the jolt of pain snapping her consciousness awake. The man hurriedly covered her head. “Did you hit it?”

The sound was loud and clear. Wen Shuang felt as if her whole head would swell, and she sobered instantly, pushing away his solid chest. “Officer Ji, what are we now, exactly?” Her voice was barely audible, tinged with an exhaustion that seemed to seep from her bones.

Ji Shen was jolted back to clarity as well. He rose swiftly. “I’m sorry, Teacher Wen. The alcohol got to me, and I lost control again.”

Wen Shuang rubbed her head, pulling up the half-torn collar. “Don’t blame yourself. I drank too much and made the first move.”

Indeed, drunkenness brings trouble.

Ji Shen turned to fetch the medicine box, but Wen Shuang shook her head, refusing, and went straight to her room. The vast living room was suddenly left with Ji Shen alone.

Moments ago, passion had burned on the carpet; now the beauty was gone. Ji Shen opened the window, took out a cigarette, and let smoke curl through the air. His thoughts were tangled.

He realized Wen Shuang wasn’t the fragile, dependent flower he had imagined, but a rose with thorns, strong and fierce. He recalled the times she’d come to him: always mired in trouble, pitiful yet stubborn. If she hadn’t been truly desperate, she never would have sought him out. And her body, indeed, left him craving more.

After returning to her room, Wen Shuang began to beat her own head—words spoken in a drunken haze! She had actually insulted his nephew right in front of Ji Shen! Should she pack up and leave before he decided to throw her out himself?

She was frustrated, angry at her poor tolerance and her lack of sense. She’d resolved to stay away from Ji Shen, yet found herself captivated by his masculine charm, unable to resist his kiss. If she hadn’t struck her head on the sofa just now, who knows what would have happened between them...

Wen Shuang dared not dwell on the thought.

The next morning, Ji Shen was surprisingly bright and clear-minded, not holding last night’s events against her in the slightest.

“Teacher Wen, I’m off to work. If I need to stay late tonight, I’ll let you know in advance.”

Wen Shuang had spent all night searching for a place to live, dark circles shadowing her lovely eyes.

“Officer Ji, actually, I plan to move out in a couple of days...”

“Absolutely not!” Ji Shen’s rejection was sharp and stern. “Those debt collectors could show up again at any time. You stay right here. It’s the duty of the people’s police to protect the people.”

Wen Shuang was speechless.

How did the conversation suddenly ascend to such lofty ideals?

Ji Shen reached out and gently rubbed her head. “Teacher Wen, don’t worry. With me here, your world won’t collapse.”

Wen Shuang was momentarily stunned.

Ji Shen headed to the station early, picking up the file on Wen Fanhai from Officer Li's desk.

Officer Li raised an eyebrow. “Officer Ji, are you taking over?”

Ji Shen nodded.

“Miss Wen really is quite the charmer.” Officer Li had heard plenty of rumors recently.

Ji Shen shot him a warning look and returned to his office with the file.

“Don’t tell her yet.”

Beyond that, Ji Shen also used his family's corporate power to pressure the Qin Group, exposing their shady dealings and driving away a number of investors. The stock profits overseen by Qin You plummeted three or fourfold!

Qin You was thrown into chaos, leaving him no time to bother with Wen Shuang for the moment.

Ji Shen planned to finish investigating Wen Fanhai’s case before surprising Wen Shuang with the results.

Unexpectedly, two days later, he received urgent orders from above: a wanted suspect from a major case had appeared in Lu City, and Ji Shen, as the captain of the Criminal Investigation Unit, had to lead a team to apprehend him immediately.

Ji Shen accepted the task without hesitation and set out at once.

Wen Shuang was stretching her front leg over the living room counter when the code lock suddenly clicked open.

Ji Shen stood at the door, just in time to see Wen Shuang’s legs split at a perfect 180-degree angle, displaying impressive flexibility.

“Teacher Wen, practicing?”

Wen Shuang quickly put her leg down. “It’s only two-thirty in the afternoon. Officer Ji, off work early today?”

“Not off work, but going on a trip.” Ji Shen had returned to pack his things and inform Wen Shuang face to face. He packed swiftly, opening the closet and stuffing several sets of casual clothes into his backpack. He was obviously used to traveling frequently, his movements skillful and practiced.

Wen Shuang was a bit surprised. “Is it that urgent?”

“It’s an emergency assignment. I’ll probably be gone for more than half a month.” Ji Shen finished packing in no time. Men had fewer things; one backpack was enough.

Wen Shuang suddenly felt unsettled.

“While I’m gone, Teacher Wen, help me look after the house,” Ji Shen said, his gaze lingering on her, voice unconsciously low and husky. “Will you?”

Wen Shuang understood he meant for her to stay, not move out yet.

She nodded, unable to resist, and softly agreed.

Ji Shen abruptly pulled her into his arms, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Be good at home, wait for me to come back!”

With that, he opened the door and left swiftly.

Wen Shuang stood there in a daze.

Both his departure and his kiss had come so suddenly.

Though Ji Shen had often worked late or stayed overnight before, now that he was truly gone, Wen Shuang felt the house empty, and her heart seemed hollow as well.

She sat in the living room, wanting to watch a movie, but her mind kept drifting back to their passionate embrace on the sofa.

Wen Shuang beat her head. “Oh, no, am I already losing myself?”

Her phone screen lit up with a message.

[Teacher Wen, what are you doing?]

Ji Shen had sent her a message. Wen Shuang replied: [About to watch a movie.]

Ji Shen: [A film from Japan?]

Wen Shuang: [Officer Ji, you’re a police officer—what are you thinking about all day?]

Ji Shen: [Police officers are human too, with all seven emotions and six desires. Why shouldn’t I think about it? By the way, Teacher Wen, do you miss me?]

Wen Shuang, truthfully, had just been remembering his strong body...

She hesitated over how to reply.

Ji Shen sent another message.

[I started thinking about you the moment I set out.]