Chapter Three: Living Under Another’s Roof

A dark figure kicked toward Lu Hehuan’s face, startling him. He instinctively grabbed a wooden stick from the ground and struck the figure’s leg. The figure yelped in pain, collapsed, and rolled about clutching his leg.

“You reckless thief! Even the Chief Inspector of the Old Zhaji Police Station dares to attack you—do you have a death wish?” Though defeated, the dark figure’s bravado remained undiminished; when his fists failed, he resorted to words.

Only then did Lu Hehuan realize the figure’s identity, shocked, “Inspector Ying? I’m Lu Hehuan. What are you doing here?”

“I was passing by on a case, needed to relieve myself, so I slipped in… Damn kid! You made me so tense, I can barely pee now!”

Knowing he was at fault, Lu Hehuan hurried to help Ying Xi up, “Is your leg alright?”

“With a stick that thick, how could it be? Who knows if it’s broken.”

Lu Hehuan felt Ying Xi’s leg with earnest seriousness, “Your legs are short, the bone density should be pretty good. It’s unlikely to fracture so easily.”

Ying Xi couldn’t tell if Lu Hehuan was simply awkward or sharp-tongued and retorted, “You sure know how to talk.”

Lu Hehuan supported Ying Xi, “Try and see if you can walk.”

Ying Xi hobbled a few steps, feeling uneasy, “A hundred days for tendon and bone injuries—looks like I’ll need some time to recover.”

“Seems like the bone’s fine. A few days of rest should do it.” Lu Hehuan was unconcerned.

Ying Xi glared at Lu Hehuan, fuming over his misfortune.

“It’s late. Why aren’t you at home? What are you doing here?”

Lu Hehuan ignored him, but Ying Xi noticed the luggage in Lu Hehuan’s hand and quickly deduced the situation.

Ying Xi’s eyes sparkled as he stroked his mustache, “Earlier today, I heard at the station that Chief Bao was infuriated by the Lu family father and son, had a terrible outburst, and advised me not to cross his path. I suppose you ruined his promotion today, got dismissed, and Deputy Chief Lu isn’t happy either. Were you kicked out of your home with nowhere to go?”

Lu Hehuan remained silent, but Ying Xi didn’t mind and chuckled to himself.

“My leg hurts and I can't walk. Carry me back to the station dormitory.”

“Didn’t you just walk a few steps?”

Ying Xi’s demeanor shifted abruptly, like a market shrew scolding, “Those few steps made it worse! I’m telling you, you’re responsible till the end!”

Lu Hehuan felt awkward, not unwilling to help, “But you were rolling all over the ground, you’re filthy.”

“You know nothing! Dirt is what makes a real man—gives a man his scent. The girls love it.”

Though reluctant, Lu Hehuan conceded out of guilt. He shot a glance at the dusty Ying Xi, gritted his teeth, and crouched down before him.

“Get on.”

Ying Xi beamed with delight, scrambling onto Lu Hehuan’s back.

Under the stars, Lu Hehuan carried Ying Xi along the Suzhou River. The moon shone bright, water sparkled gently, and the occasional call of waterfowl echoed in the night. Bathed in moonlight, Lu Hehuan’s handsome features appeared as flawless as jade, and Ying Xi found himself momentarily transfixed.

“Why are you staring at me?” Lu Hehuan noticed, unsure what Ying Xi was up to.

“I heard you came back from some farm in England. I just wanted to see how a foreign monk preaches.”

Lu Hehuan corrected him with a hint of pride, “Not England, Scotland. And Scotland Yard isn’t a farm. Its English name is New Scotland Yard—it's the nickname for the Metropolitan Police Headquarters of London, situated in Westminster, and serves the police force of Greater London.”

“Doesn’t sound much different from the Old Zhaji Police Station.” Ying Xi snickered.

“How can you compare Scotland Yard to Old Zhaji? Scotland Yard is sacred, entrusted with vital national tasks—commanding security, protecting the royal family and senior officials…” Lu Hehuan argued.

Ying Xi scoffed, “Just drank a few years of foreign ink and now your tail’s wagging sky-high, huh!” He leaned closer, full of curiosity, “I heard from the station you angered Chief Bao today because you wanted to reopen Ling Yan’s murder case. Who is Ling Yan to you? Is she important?”

Lu Hehuan turned his face away in disdain, “None of your business.”

“Come on, maybe I can help.” Ying Xi persisted, even shaking Lu Hehuan.

Lu Hehuan ignored him and kept walking, “Move again and I’ll toss you in the river.”

Ying Xi muttered, “Dog bites the hand that feeds, no gratitude for kindness.”

Lu Hehuan said nothing and quickened his pace.

Beneath the misty moonlight, Ying Xi’s dorm looked like a graveyard. The door banged open as Lu Hehuan, panting, carried Ying Xi inside.

The moment he entered, Lu Hehuan was assaulted by a strange odor and quickly pinched his nose, “What’s that smell?”

Ying Xi grinned, “The scent of manhood.”

Lu Hehuan wrinkled his nose, “Manhood’s pretty strong here… where’s the light switch?”

“Next to the door, I’ll get it.”

Ying Xi flipped the switch, and Lu Hehuan was stunned by the sight—he dropped Ying Xi straight onto the bed. The dorm was a chaotic mess: shoes and socks scattered everywhere, garbage and beer bottles littered the floor, and worst of all, a pair of men’s boxer shorts hung on the door.

Lu Hehuan retched, “Is this a place for people? Even a pigsty would be cleaner.”

“A pigsty? You’re all bark and no bite.”

Lu Hehuan feigned fainting, “My God, I really want to jump into the Huangpu River.”

Ying Xi, sprawled on the bed, was unfazed.

“Don’t fuss. If it bothers you, help tidy up. How about this: you have nowhere to sleep, I’ll take you in, but you clean up for me?”

“I’d rather sleep on the streets.” Lu Hehuan refused.

“Brat, you think I’m begging you? I’m injured now because of you. If you sleep on the street, I’ll be lying dead in my dorm. So until my leg heals, you’ll be my beast of burden, or I’ll report you for assaulting an officer!”

Lu Hehuan’s brows twisted even further. He looked at Ying Xi and shook his head helplessly.

Ying Xi, seeing the hard approach failed, softened his tone, “Don’t you care about me? You’ll never have another chance to get on my good side.”

Lu Hehuan glanced at him expressionless, wishing to stay as far away as possible, hardly eager to befriend him.

Ying Xi rolled his eyes, “Won’t you fetch me some liniment for my leg?”

“Where would you find liniment in this pigsty?” Lu Hehuan looked around, shrugging helplessly.

Ying Xi glanced about, “Then grab a bottle of liquor from the shelf. Numb the nerves a bit.”

“Here.” Lu Hehuan reluctantly handed him a bottle.

Ying Xi opened it, about to drink, when a thought struck him, “Rubbing the leg with liquor works too—hey, help me rub it.”

“Do it yourself.” Lu Hehuan objected.

“Having you rub my leg is a compliment—hurry up, don’t make me curse.”

“How crude.” Despite his protest, Lu Hehuan poured some liquor onto his hand, knelt, and vigorously rubbed Ying Xi’s leg.

“Ah, that’s good… oh, so good…” Ying Xi wore a look of bliss.

“Can you stop making those noises? It’s disgusting.” Lu Hehuan protested.

Ying Xi pushed Lu Hehuan with his good leg, “Why so many complaints? If I like it, I’ll moan! Ah… oh…”

Lu Hehuan, seeing his protest was futile, slapped Ying Xi’s injured leg hard. The groans turned to shrieks.

“Ah—are you trying to kill me? It hurts like hell!”

Lu Hehuan shrugged, deliberately provoking, “Sorry.”

“Silly, you’re even less civilized than me.”

“Impossible to communicate.” Lu Hehuan shook his head like a rattle.

“Enough rubbing, hand me the bottle.”

Lu Hehuan stood up and passed it over. Ying Xi twisted off the cap, took a swig, then handed it to Lu Hehuan.

“British whisky, confiscated from a street punk. Want a sip?”

Lu Hehuan hesitated, took the bottle, sampled a mouthful, and praised, “When I was in Britain I didn’t care for it, but now that I’m back, I actually crave it.”

Ying Xi laughed, snatching the bottle for another hearty gulp, then handed it back.

Lu Hehuan sat down, his expression dark. The news of Ling Yan’s misfortune greeted him upon his return, now he couldn’t go home, hadn’t eaten all day, his stomach empty, so he decided to drown his sorrows in drink. He took a long pull, and with Ying Xi passing the bottle back and forth, the whisky was quickly drained.

After dinner, Lu Xiang walked into the bedroom intending to sleep, only to find Lin Zhi sprawled in the middle of the bed, occupying it entirely. Seeing Lin Zhi apparently asleep, he timidly tapped her.

“Ah Zhi, Ah Zhi?”

Lin Zhi didn’t respond, so Lu Xiang carefully lay at the edge. No sooner had he settled than Lin Zhi kicked him off.

“If you won’t let our son sleep at home, neither will you!”

Lin Zhi’s anger hadn’t abated.

“Oh, stop fussing. I sent him out for his own good. You don’t know it—he ruined the station report by seeking out Ling Yan, barged into Bao Kang’s office investigating Ling Yan’s murder, ruined Bao Kang’s promotion, and now my confirmation is also in jeopardy. Spoil him any further and he’ll turn out a scoundrel!”

“Oh, please! Don’t preach about educating our son. You’re just angry that your career path is blocked and taking it out on him.”

“I’m doing this for the family. If I’m well, our home prospers, you know?”

Lin Zhi sat up suddenly, furious, “You shameless old man, acting so noble—how can the family be well if our son can’t return home?” She broke down crying, “I haven’t seen him for three years, and you cruelly split us apart! Lu Xiang, if you don’t bring him back, I won’t let this go!”

Seeing Lin Zhi cry, Lu Xiang lost his bravado, though he still refused to yield, “No matter what you say, that brat can’t come home unless he admits his mistake.”

“Give me back my son! Give him back!” Lin Zhi screamed, hurling a pillow at Lu Xiang.

Outside, night deepened. Bao Rong hadn’t gone to bed; she sat at her desk reading, the small room lined with bookshelves, resembling a miniature library. Tonight she seemed especially restless, unable to get past a single page.

“Rong, let me tell you again—” Bao Kang entered abruptly, immediately lecturing.

“Brother, let me tell you again—knock before you enter.” Bao Rong interrupted, annoyed.

“Knock? I changed your diapers as a child.”

“But I’m grown now.”

Bao Kang, impatient but unwilling to offend his sister, relented, “Alright, alright.” He shut the door, knocked vigorously, “Is this enough? I’m coming in.” Without waiting, he entered, leaving Bao Rong exasperated.

“Rong, what did you say to Lu Hehuan today?”

“Nothing much, just comforted him a bit.”

“No! I warn you, there’s no chance between you and Lu Hehuan. Don’t even think about it.”

“Brother, I’m grown. I make my own decisions.”

“You’re grown, your wings are hard, huh? Don’t forget—our parents died when you were a month old. I raised you alone…”

“Brother, I know it wasn’t easy for you.” Bao Rong interrupted again.

“If you know, then listen to me. I’m doing everything for your good. Someday I’ll find you a wealthy husband, you’ll enjoy riches, and I’ll benefit too. Lu Hehuan’s always been stubborn, not good enough for you. And don’t be fooled by the apparent harmony between our families—Lu Xiang and I are rivals behind closed doors. Our families will never marry; keep your distance from Lu Hehuan.”

Bao Rong put down her book and earnestly lectured Bao Kang, “Brother, the Liu Family’s Good Deeds says, ‘To be kind to others is the foundation of humanity.’ Tang Yin said, ‘Better to resolve enmity than create it; each should look back at their own path.’ Look back at your own past and future—shouldn’t our families reconcile? The ancients said, ‘The noble men of old held themselves to strict standards and others to lenient ones,’ meaning you should be strict with yourself and tolerant with others, so you can correct mistakes and be kind. Why do you always reverse it—harsh to others, lax to yourself? The ancients also said…”

Bao Kang could barely stand it, as if Sun Wukong had heard the tightening spell, his face twisted with misery, “Enough, Rong, just rest early. Remember, stay away from Lu Hehuan.”

Without waiting for her reply, Bao Kang closed the door and fled.

Night deepened. Ying Xi’s room was now immaculate. Lu Hehuan straightened his back, wiped his brow, and looked at Ying Xi, who was snoring thunderously on the bed, drooling.

Lu Hehuan kicked Ying Xi in disgust. Ying Xi groggily opened his eyes.

“Where do I sleep?” Lu Hehuan asked, irritated.

Ying Xi rolled over, patted the bed.

“I’m to share a bed with you?” Lu Hehuan was incredulous.

Ying Xi shrugged, “We’re both men, what’s there to fear? I’m not after men, you know.” Seeing Lu Hehuan’s embarrassment, Ying Xi teased, “We can share a bed and dream our own dreams.”

He settled into a comfortable position and slept again.

“Hey, hey…”

Lu Hehuan tried to wake him, but only got more snores for an answer.

Looking at Ying Xi and the bed, Lu Hehuan sighed. He pulled out a snow-white sheet, draped half over Ying Xi’s entire body, including his head, and used the rest for himself, then lay down.

Lu Hehuan closed his eyes, as if sleeping beside a corpse.

Though midnight had passed, the Lu household’s quarrel had not subsided. Lu Xiang pitifully crouched at the bedside, dozing off.

Lin Zhi tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She glanced at Lu Xiang, who was dozing.

“Lu Xiang!” Lin Zhi shouted.

Lu Xiang jerked awake, “I’m not asleep, not asleep…”

He knew this would be another sleepless night for him. Staring at the moon outside, Lu Xiang was at a loss for words.

At dawn, a shop at the corner of Avenue Joffre opened its doors. The sign above read “Shuangxi Detective Agency.” Inside, the furnishings imitated those of the Old Zhaji Police Station, with antique furniture lending an air of grandeur.

A girl of about twenty stood at a large desk, frowning, her hand on her chin, studying case files spread before her. Dressed in a lady’s suit and a newsboy cap, with delicate peach-like features and a graceful figure, she was Liu Rushuang, youngest daughter of Liu Shan, the wealthiest man in Old Zhaji.

Suddenly, a young man about her age burst in noisily. He was Bai Yulou, Liu Rushuang’s sidekick—slender, effeminate, garbed in a white suit, his slicked hair shining.

“Sister Shuang, big news! There’s been a murder—a corpse found in a derelict house on Locust Lane, the head smashed in. An old lady found it this morning while shopping for groceries, she lives nearby—so scary!” Bai Yulou fanned himself with his hand, finishing with a hand to his chest.

Liu Rushuang sprang up, “Where there’s a murder, there’s Shuangxi Detective Agency! No case goes unsolved! Bai Bai, let’s go!”

She grabbed Bai Yulou’s arm, ready to dash off. Bai Yulou pouted, “Are you going to see Ying Xi again?”

“Of course! Why do you think I named the agency ‘Shuangxi’? Coming or not?”

Bai Yulou tried to persuade her, “Even if I say no, would you listen? Why not just the two of us solve this? Your father’s the richest man in Old Zhaji—you can do anything. Why always chase after Ying Xi?”

“You’re at it again. If you won’t go, guard the agency.” Liu Rushuang shook off his protests; she knew Bai Yulou disliked Ying Xi, but she herself was infatuated.

She strode out; Bai Yulou stamped his foot, hummed, and followed gloomily.

Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou rushed to the Old Zhaji Police Station, only to be stopped by the duty officer.

“Well, Miss Liu, here to see Inspector Ying again?” Liu Rushuang was known for her visits, and the officers were used to it.

“You know, so why stop me?” Liu Rushuang wrinkled her nose mischievously.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare stop you, Miss Liu, but it’s so early—everyone’s still asleep. Not convenient.”

Liu Rushuang immediately handed over three silver coins, winking, “I’m here every day—what’s inconvenient?”

The officer’s eyes gleamed with greed, swiftly pocketing the money, “Yes, yes, very convenient.”

Liu Rushuang smiled and looked at Bai Yulou, “Bai Bai, let’s go.”

As they walked away, the duty officer took out a small mirror, admiring himself and sighing, “I’m not bad-looking—why does no rich lady fancy me?”

Sunlight streamed in. Ying Xi, still clutching Lu Hehuan in a bear hug, slept soundly, the white sheet tangled like a snake between them.

Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou burst in. Liu Rushuang called out, “Brother Xi! There’s been a murder!”

Startled awake, Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi looked up awkwardly at Liu Rushuang.

Liu Rushuang let out a piercing scream, as if catching them in bed, and pointed at Ying Xi, her voice trembling, “Ying Xi! No wonder you won’t accept me—you like men!”