You Mingxu was flamboyant, Jing Ping reserved. She excelled at solving cases, he at narcotics enforcement. Both were somewhat isolated in the police force, having gained recognition in their youth. Even their fighting showed such perfect chemistry – what other man in the world could match You Mingxu like this? If You Mingxu displayed this level of martial prowess, Yin Feng probably couldn’t even touch one of her fingers.

Xu Mengshan couldn’t help but sigh again.

He truly understood the meaning of “not fated to be” now.

How could You Mingxu know that her partner sitting on the sidelines was pondering so much? All her attention was focused on the fight. Even Jing Ping’s mind was clear and completely focused. Though he had the upper hand, his opponent was You Mingxu – any carelessness would cost him.

He hadn’t realized what kind of look he had in his eyes when their forms crossed and he held her in his grip.

You Mingxu attempted another sneak attack, striking Jing Ping’s back. He winced in pain and suddenly reached for her. The move was both quick and fierce. You Mingxu was already exhausted and never expected him to still have such speed at this point – she couldn’t avoid it. As soon as she fell into his hands, she threw herself down, intending to roll away.

But Jing Ping copied her move with shocking speed, dropping directly to the ground and pinning her down.

You Mingxu threw a punch at his face; he quickly dodged, catching her arm from the inside and pinning it to the ground. You Mingxu grew angry, following up with her other fist, but he used the same technique, managing to pin both her arms down. Looking down at her, he asked, “Do you yield?”

This time You Mingxu was truly beaten, panting heavily and pinned so tightly she couldn’t muster any strength. But she wasn’t ready to give up, breathing hard, her eyes darting around, refusing to speak.

So Jing Ping remained still, keeping her firmly pinned.

A drop of sweat fell from Jing Ping’s forehead onto You Mingxu’s cheek. His eyes, dark and sincere, gazed at her unwaveringly.

You Mingxu suddenly froze. She became aware of how close they were, their limbs almost intertwined. His body heat nearly enveloped her. His hands had somehow shifted from pressing to gripping, holding her arms.

You Mingxu tried to rise, but as soon as she moved, she felt his strength holding her down, unable to move an inch.

“Do you yield, You Mingxu?” he asked again, his voice indescribably hoarse.

“…I yield,” she said. “I admit defeat.”

Jing Ping said nothing and didn’t release his grip. You Mingxu keenly felt his hands tightening slightly on her arms, making her heart skip a beat. Yet Jing Ping just kept staring at her, holding her down, silent.

“Get up,” You Mingxu said.

On the side, Xu Mengshan’s eyes were fixed on them. Though it was just practice, and this kind of pin was nothing – he’d been pinned by You Mingxu countless times.

But wasn’t Brother Jing holding her down a bit too long?

Moreover, the atmosphere felt oddly different.

Xu Mengshan couldn’t explain why, but watching from the side, though the two barely spoke, something about the atmosphere just felt off.

As Xu Mengshan was debating whether to speak up, he saw Jing Ping release You Mingxu and stand, then help her up. Both appeared normal as they walked toward him.

Xu Mengshan relaxed and smiled, handing them the two bottles of water.

You Mingxu drained nearly a whole bottle in one go, while Jing Ping finished an entire bottle. Both their faces were sweaty but smiling.

Xu Mengshan clapped Jing Ping’s shoulder, pretending to be smug: “Mountain View Precinct has been dominated by women these past few years. Brother Jing, you’ve finally restored some pride for us men.”

Jing Ping smiled and said: “Fighting a female colleague, victory hardly counts as honorable.” He glanced at You Mingxu and said, “Thanks for going easy on me.”

You Mingxu snorted and said: “Give me two years to practice, then I’ll challenge you again.”

Jing Ping: “Good, I’ll be waiting.”

The three sat down to rest at the edge of the arena. You Mingxu simply lay down, while Jing Ping supported himself with his arms on the ground, catching his breath. Both seemed somewhat dispirited as if the earlier moment of ambiguity had never existed.

Xu Mengshan said: “Once Brother Jing leaves tomorrow, who knows when we’ll meet again? Let’s make this clear – no matter how far apart we are, the three of us will be brothers for life. Let’s try to meet up when we can.”

You Mingxu and Jing Ping both responded with a “Mm.”

Then Jing Ping said: “Mengshan, go buy a few more bottles of water.”

Xu Mengshan agreed and left the gym without looking back.

The gym fell silent.

You Mingxu lay still, her mind peaceful.

The person sitting beside her didn’t turn to look at her. Sweat had soaked through his entire back, his figure straight and lean.

Then she heard him ask: “If there wasn’t him, or if I had met you first, would there have been a chance for us?”

You Mingxu was silent for a moment, then said: “There are no ‘ifs’ in these matters.”

But Jing Ping laughed and said: “No if there were ‘ifs’, we would have had the best chance. I know it in my heart, and you understand too. How could I have let you go then? I would have won against everyone else and pursued you successfully.”

You Mingxu said nothing.

“I came too late,” he said. “Today, I should be the one admitting defeat. Don’t take it to heart. Maybe I’ll end up marrying a gentle, obedient Yunnan wife who suits me better. When you get married, remember to send me an invitation.”

—

Early the next morning, Jing Ping returned to Yunnan.

You Mingxu and Xu Mengshan saw him off at the airport. Jing Ping promised to send them fresh mushrooms by air freight in summer. You Mingxu said she’d reciprocate with crayfish.

Finally, the two stood outside the security checkpoint, watching Jing Ping go through. He turned back, smiled, and waved at them, then walked away.

On the way back from the airport, Xu Mengshan sighed several times.

You Mingxu couldn’t take it anymore and said: “What are you sighing about? If you have something to say, just say it.”

Xu Mengshan said: “Look, the only person who liked you and wasn’t a scumbag is gone too.”

You Mingxu slapped the back of his head. Xu Mengshan dodged and counterattacked, and they nearly started fighting in the taxi.

In Guizhou, Yin Feng also received news of Jing Ping’s departure – reported to him by Chen Feng.

Yin Feng could now get out of bed for short periods. Standing by the window, he gazed into the distance for a while, then smiled and said: “Out of sight, out of mind. Now who could compete with me?”

Chen Feng wasn’t sure if Yin Feng was talking to him or himself in such explicit terms. Nevertheless, he placated him: “You Mingxu only has you in her heart anyway, others don’t matter at all.”

Yin Feng said coolly: “Of course, she can only have me in her heart.”

When he said this, his voice was deep, carrying an indisputable tone. Chen Feng felt a twinge of unease. Ever since Yin Feng “returned,” Chen Feng had watched him care more and more about You Mingxu, even willing to risk his life for her. But after waking up this time, Chen Feng felt that his feelings for You Mingxu had lost their previous casualness and patience, replaced by an inexplicable restraint and obsession. He didn’t know why.