Chapter Sixty-One: Resisting the Marriage and Being Imprisoned

For several consecutive days, Liu Suxue delivered gifts to the police station office every day. By the seventh day, Lu Hehuan could no longer bear it. He called Ying Xi, Liu Rushuang, and Bai Yulou together to discuss countermeasures.

The last rays of the evening sun slanted through the office window, casting a glow over Lu Hehuan’s troubled face. He sat in his chair, with Ying Xi, Liu Rushuang, and Bai Yulou beside him. Lu Hehuan gazed thoughtfully at the fruit and pastries on his desk. Without question, these were gifts from Liu Suxue.

After a moment of silence, Ying Xi finally burst out laughing. “What sort of surprise is this? Apple Day, Banana Day, Pastry Day—hahaha… I wonder what tomorrow will be!”

Liu Rushuang scratched his head. “I never thought Liu Suxue would play such tricks! It’s so unlike her.”

Bai Yulou chuckled knowingly, as if deeply moved. “That’s the power of love.”

Ying Xi’s face immediately turned cold, glaring at Bai Yulou. “What love? You know nothing about it!”

Bai Yulou retorted, unwilling to back down. “But it’s true. That proud queen Liu Suxue, coming to the station day after day to pester Lu Hehuan, showering him with gifts—think of the sacrifice! You haven’t seen her murderous gaze; before Lu Hehuan, she’s entirely different.”

“That’s just because you’re timid. You think we’re all like you?” Ying Xi replied impatiently.

Liu Rushuang thought for a moment and sided with Ying Xi. “Bai, Brother Xi is right. Liu Suxue is just a paper tiger—she only bullies you and me.”

Ying Xi patted Lu Hehuan’s shoulder. “So? What do you think? Why not just accept her?”

Lu Hehuan brushed Ying Xi’s hand aside. “If you want to accept her, do it yourself.”

“It’s not a matter of wanting, you know.” Ying Xi shamelessly retorted.

Lu Hehuan glared at Ying Xi. “I’m already at my wit’s end. Stop making it worse.”

A mysterious smile crept onto Ying Xi’s lips. “If you don’t like Liu Suxue, it’s easy to solve.”

“Easy?” Lu Hehuan was puzzled.

Ying Xi grinned mischievously, looking at Liu Rushuang. “Liu Rushuang, it’s time to test your loyalty—see if you can sacrifice family for friendship!”

Liu Rushuang was taken aback, worriedly looking at Ying Xi. “You’re not going to kill Liu Suxue, are you?”

“Can’t you use your head for once, instead of your feet?” Ying Xi sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead.

Liu Rushuang pouted. “But you said ‘sacrifice family...’”

Ying Xi answered seriously, “I want to join forces with you and Bai Yulou to teach Liu Suxue a lesson.”

Liu Rushuang smiled. “She’s not exactly family.”

Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi hadn’t expected Liu Rushuang to agree so readily; both stared at him in surprise.

Liu Rushuang scratched his head. “But I know Liu Suxue. She never gives up until she gets what she wants. Even if we trick her, she might not abandon her pursuit.”

Ying Xi raised an eyebrow, patting his chest. “I have another plan.”

“What plan?” Lu Hehuan, Liu Rushuang, and Bai Yulou asked in unison.

At that moment, Bao Rong knocked and entered. “Inspector Ying, Hehuan…”

Ying Xi glanced at Bao Rong, smiling meaningfully.

Outside the police station office building, Liu Suxue carried a fruit basket toward the entrance. As she looked up, she noticed Bai Yulou standing by an upstairs window, holding a bucket of water.

Liu Suxue understood immediately and curled her lip in disdain. “Such petty tricks—I’ve played them before.” Unperturbed, she slipped her left hand into the fruit basket and gripped a foreign umbrella.

When Liu Suxue reached the entrance, Bai Yulou dumped the bucket of water from above. Liu Suxue elegantly opened her umbrella, and the water splashed harmlessly around her.

She stepped back, lifted her gaze toward Bai Yulou at the window, and gestured provocatively. Bai Yulou, startled, quickly retreated behind the curtains.

Approaching the stairs, Liu Suxue noticed the steps gleaming with oil. She sneered. “Do they really think smearing butter on the stairs will trip me up? How childish.”

She removed her shawl, tossed it onto the stairs, and it landed neatly in place. Chin held high, she strode up the steps like a queen, treading on her shawl.

Hidden nearby, Liu Rushuang grumbled in frustration.

Liu Suxue arrived at the police office just as Baldy stepped out.

He greeted her warmly. “Miss Liu, here to see Hehuan? He’s in the forensic room.”

“Thank you.” Without delay, Liu Suxue headed straight for the forensic room.

Inside, Bao Rong and Lu Hehuan were, under Ying Xi’s direction, staging a mock kiss.

Ying Xi hid in the corner, whispering, “Closer. Get closer.”

Lu Hehuan moved gradually toward Bao Rong, who was visibly nervous.

Ying Xi instructed, “Bao, lift your head a bit more.”

Bao Rong raised her head, meeting Lu Hehuan’s gaze. Both felt embarrassed and quickly looked away.

“You two, look at each other—be more passionate!” Ying Xi, impatient with their stiffness, stamped his foot.

Lu Hehuan and Bao Rong glanced at each other awkwardly. Bao Rong, staring at Lu Hehuan’s handsome face, gradually showed genuine emotion.

Just then, Liu Suxue arrived at the forensic room’s door, fruit basket in hand. Seeing the door ajar, she pushed it open and was confronted with the sight of Bao Rong and Lu Hehuan kissing.

Jealousy flared in Liu Suxue’s heart. She dropped her basket and stormed away.

Ying Xi peeked toward the door and waved at the pair. “She’s gone.”

“Bao, thank you.” Lu Hehuan finally sighed in relief.

Bao Rong blushed and smiled shyly. “No need for thanks. You’ve helped me before.”

Ying Xi, grinning, watched them. “What a perfect match—handsome man, beautiful woman.”

“What nonsense!” Lu Hehuan scolded Ying Xi in a low voice. Bao Rong said nothing, lowering her head shyly.

Ying Xi stroked his beard and walked away with a mischievous smile.

Night fell, and lights flickered on in the Liu residence.

Liu Rushuang bounced toward his room, face aglow with happiness. Yet his joy did not last.

Liu Suxue approached, casting a contemptuous glance at Liu Rushuang. “Grown as you are, still hopping around like a rabbit. No trace of a proper lady.”

Liu Rushuang’s smile vanished. “I can’t be bothered with you.” He made a face at Liu Suxue and darted away.

Liu Suxue glared coldly at Liu Rushuang, then headed straight for Liu Shan’s room. Liu Rushuang continued to skip away.

Inside, fragrant tea filled the air. Liu Shan sat at the table sipping tea. He was startled by a knock at the door, quickly setting down his cup. “Who is it?”

“Father, it’s me, Suxue.” Liu Suxue’s voice drifted in from outside.

Liu Shan rose and opened the door. “Suxue, so late—what brings you here?”

Liu Suxue entered and knelt on the floor. “Father, if you don’t agree, I won’t get up.”

Liu Shan panicked and hurried to help her up. “Silly child, speak properly. Get up.”

“No, Father—you must promise first.”

“Alright, alright, I promise.”

Only then did Liu Suxue rise.

Liu Shan looked at her with doting affection. “So, what is it?”

Liu Suxue pursed her lips and finally spoke. “Father, Lu Hehuan and I are in love. I want you to go to the Lu family and propose marriage.”

Liu Shan was stunned, mouth agape. “You mean that policeman, Lu Hehuan?”

Liu Suxue nodded. “Father, Hehuan and I were classmates. We grew fond of each other, and gradually came together.”

“I’m not fond of his profession,” Liu Shan said with concern.

Liu Suxue tugged at his sleeve. “Father, once I marry, he can resign and manage our family business. His father is the deputy chief of the Old Wharf police station—a man of influence. We’re merchants, so it’s a good match. Besides, Hehuan is handsome and studied abroad in Britain—truly talented and virtuous.”

Liu Shan smiled dotingly. “Since my daughter values Lu Hehuan so highly, I’ll visit the Lu family for you.”

“Thank you, Father!” Liu Suxue happily hooked her arm through his.

Father and daughter smiled at each other.

Early the next day, Liu Shan invited Lu Xiang to the Confucian Tea House to discuss Liu Suxue and Lu Hehuan’s marriage.

“How does Deputy Chief Lu feel about this?” Liu Shan asked, lifting his teacup for a sip.

Lu Xiang was both flattered and excited, nodding repeatedly. “Boss Liu, you’re a man whose slightest move shakes the Old Wharf. For your daughter to grace our family is an honor. How could I refuse…” He paused, troubled. “But about the dowry…”

Liu Shan raised his hand to interrupt. “Deputy Chief, no need to worry. All expenses and dowry will be handled by me. Suxue is my treasure; her happiness is worth any cost.”

“Boss Liu, you’re indeed generous. I’ll go home and have my son prepare,” Lu Xiang said, delighted.

Liu Shan nodded in satisfaction.

With dawn still fresh, Lu Hehuan was summoned home by his father.

Lin Zhi brought over a tray of fruit, handed an apple to Lu Hehuan. “Son, have an apple.”

Sitting on the sofa, Lu Hehuan took a bite. “Mother, why did Father call me home in such a rush?”

Before Lin Zhi could reply, Lu Xiang cheerfully opened the door and picked up the conversation. “I called you for good news.”

“Father,” Lu Hehuan nodded in greeting.

Lu Xiang sat across from him, radiating cheer. “Son, luck is on your side—no, our whole family’s side!”

Lu Hehuan glanced at Lin Zhi in confusion. “Mother, did you win the horse lottery?”

“Nothing of the sort.” Lin Zhi waved her hand.

Lu Hehuan grew more puzzled. “What kind of luck could it be?”

Lu Xiang smiled mysteriously. “The richest man in the Old Wharf, Liu Shan, has come to propose marriage. His eldest daughter, Liu Suxue, wants to marry you.”

“What? Father, you didn’t agree, did you?” Lu Hehuan was shocked.

“Of course I did!” Lu Xiang blurted out.

Lu Hehuan grew anxious, his face stern. “I refuse! Father, you must tell them clearly.”

“Are you a fool? She’s the daughter of the richest man in the Old Wharf!” Lu Xiang’s face darkened.

Lu Hehuan stood up. “Father, I only love Ling Yan. I will wait for her return.”

“What did you say? Say it again!” Lu Xiang erupted in anger.

Lu Hehuan stubbornly repeated, “I will wait for Ling Yan!”

Lu Xiang stood and struck him across the face.

Lin Zhi, alarmed by the quarrel, rushed to smooth things over. “Lu Xiang, talk it out—why hit him?”

“You useless fool! Ling Yan is a murderer!”

“She’s not. I want to help clear her name!”

Lu Xiang, furious, grabbed a feather duster and began beating Lu Hehuan, shouting, “I’ll teach you to overturn cases! Ungrateful brat!”

“Lu Xiang, what are you doing?” Lin Zhi tried to restrain him.

Lu Xiang shoved her away. “You want him to miss this great marriage for a murderer?”

Lin Zhi hesitated.

“Then stay out of this!” Lu Xiang continued beating Lu Hehuan.

Lu Hehuan stood his ground, refusing to dodge. “Even if you beat me to death, I’ll wait for Ling Yan. I won’t marry anyone else in this life!”

“Then I’ll beat you to death, you unfilial son!” Lu Xiang, enraged, struck him even harder.

Unable to bear it, Lin Zhi turned away in pain.

Night fell. Lu Xiang shoved his battered son into his room.

Lu Hehuan, enduring the pain, spoke slowly. “Father, I won’t marry her. Nothing you say will change my mind.”

“Marriage is not up to you,” Lu Xiang replied, unyielding.

“Father, if you force me again, I’ll run away!”

“Where would you go? Until you agree, you won’t leave this house—not a step. I’ll arrange leave from the station.”

“If you force me again, I’ll die to prove it!” Lu Hehuan was desperate.

Lu Xiang, seeing his son threaten suicide, stormed in and kicked him hard. “Now you threaten me with death?”

Lu Hehuan drew closer. “Hit me. If you kill me, it’s over—no one needs to marry anyone.”

“I’m telling you, this marriage is set in stone. Dead or alive, you will marry Liu Suxue!”

“Father, my heart belongs to Ling Yan. There’s no room for anyone else.” Lu Hehuan pleaded.

Lu Xiang, realizing force wouldn’t work, switched to persuasion. “My foolish son, not everyone belongs in your heart. Marry Liu Suxue, keep her in your room. If you want Ling Yan in your heart, keep her there.”

Lu Hehuan stared at him in disbelief. “How can you think like that?”

“You’re too stubborn. Son, I’ve lived longer—you’ll understand one day. It’s all for your own good.”

Lu Hehuan shook his head. “No. I won’t marry Liu Suxue, nor betray Ling Yan.”

Lu Xiang, seeing his son unmoved, sighed in frustration. “Useless boy! Liu Suxue will be our family’s daughter-in-law, whether you like it or not!”

“Father…”

Lu Xiang interrupted roughly. “From now on, reflect behind closed doors. Don’t come out until you’ve changed your mind.” With that, he threw in a box of ointment, left the room, and locked the door.

“Father…”

Outside, Lu Xiang’s heavy footsteps faded away.

Lu Hehuan yanked at the door, discovering it locked tight. He tried the window, but it wouldn’t open. With a sigh, he picked up the ointment, lost in memory.

Night was like water; the fields were alive with insects. As a boy, Lu Hehuan, face covered in bruises, sat with Ling Yan on the grass. She applied medicine while comforting him.

“Your father’s hand is too heavy. It must hurt,” she said, full of concern.

Lu Hehuan endured the pain. “It’s okay. I’m used to it.”

“You’re too inflexible. Just say yes to your father, do as you wish later. Why suffer?”

Lu Hehuan looked at Ling Yan stubbornly. “When it comes to you, I can’t compromise—whether in words or actions.”

Ling Yan tapped his nose, a bitter smile on her lips. “Silly boy.”

He gripped her hand tightly. “Ling Yan, I will marry you.”

Though she didn’t know when his promise would be fulfilled, Ling Yan smiled and nodded.

In the darkness of his room, Lu Hehuan sighed softly, wiping his damp eyes as he applied the ointment.

Suddenly, the windowsill rattled. Lu Hehuan looked out to see a shadow climbing in. He started to shout, but the figure motioned for silence.

By the dim moonlight, Lu Hehuan recognized Ying Xi.

“Inspector Ying, what brings you here?” Lu Hehuan was delighted.

Ying Xi brushed off his clothes. “Liu Rushuang told me Liu Suxue tricked her father into proposing to yours. You were urgently called home, and didn’t return to the dorm tonight. Putting the clues together, I figured you were being confined for refusing the marriage.”

Lu Hehuan, amused by Ying Xi’s deduction, teased him. “Why aren’t you this sharp when solving cases?”

Ying Xi grinned smugly.

“I just tried the window—it wouldn’t open. How did you get it open?” Lu Hehuan was curious.

Ying Xi pulled out a pried lock. “It was locked from outside—easy to open from here.”

Lu Hehuan gave a thumbs-up. “Rescue successful. Let’s get out.”

Ying Xi quickly pulled him back. “Leaving won’t solve anything—it’s only a temporary fix.”

“At least it’s a fix,” Lu Hehuan protested.

“I’m here to give you peace of mind. Don’t worry—I’ve already planned it. On your engagement day, I’ll disrupt the ceremony and whisk you away.”

“What’s the success rate?” Lu Hehuan was uneasy.

Ying Xi hesitated, scratching his head. “Never calculated it.”

“Is there a thorough plan?” Lu Hehuan was anxious.

Ying Xi stiffened his neck. “Just snatch you.”

“That’s hardly reassuring!” Lu Hehuan said testily.

Ying Xi laughed. “I’m kidding. Relax. I’ve planned it with Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou. On the engagement day, we’ll help you escape. It’s foolproof.”

Lu Hehuan sighed. “Escaping for a moment—can I escape forever?”

“No need for forever. Once you run, the Liu family will lose face and call off the engagement.”

Lu Hehuan thought it over and nodded. “You must succeed—failure isn’t an option.”

Ying Xi nodded, patted Lu Hehuan’s shoulder, and slipped out through the window.