Chapter One Hundred Twenty-One: The Little Grove

Uncle Lei San’er almost went weak in the knees when he saw the leaders in the hall—figures he rarely encountered in the past. If Chen Liang hadn’t been holding him up, he would have collapsed to the floor long ago.

Glancing briefly at the limp shrimp in his hand, Chen Liang lost interest and casually tossed it aside. “Leaders, this is the uncle of the ringleader Lei San’er. He’s the security chief of the West City Branch, and early this morning, he even obstructed official duties, trying to take the criminal from me.”

This was the very definition of having a shrimp’s heart inside a pig’s body—Chen Liang’s move was undeniably ruthless!

One of the leading officials at the front heard Chen Liang’s words and immediately cast a dark look, signaling to his subordinates. Family scandals must not be aired publicly. The men promptly took Lei Laohu away.

Then the official warmly shook Chen Liang’s hand. “You must be the nephew praised as a blooming flower by Big Head. Impressive, young man! You cracked the case of the stolen fortune in no time. Interested in working at our city bureau?”

Chen Liang chuckled, “Leaders, you flatter me. I’m not that capable, just lucky. I’m like a brick in a GM’s game—placed wherever needed. If you can convince my uncle to agree, I’m fully willing to obey the organization’s arrangements.”

“You’re quite the smooth talker, young man. Let me introduce you—these are your uncle’s old comrades.”

“This is Hou Ping’an, our Intelligence Chief. He was a company commander under your uncle when he was a regiment commander in the Second Field Army.”

“This is Chief Liang of the Criminal Division, personally promoted by your uncle. He once served as his bodyguard. Young people like you should get closer to them.”

At that moment, Chen Liang nodded along like a puppet. The city bureau leaders, numbering about a dozen, all had ties to his uncle, inflating Chen Liang’s pride. He felt an urge to learn how to sidestep like a crab in the future.

But he reminded himself to keep a low profile—now was the time when the tallest poppy gets cut. No room for trouble.

After handing over the prisoner, Chen Liang received the reply letter, bid farewell to everyone, and returned to the Red Star Steel Plant.

Back in his uncle’s office, Chen Liang tossed the reply letter onto the desk and slumped into a chair like a jellyfish. “Uncle, something’s off,” he said, then recounted his experience at the city bureau and concluded, “I just feel like they’re too enthusiastic.”

“Enough of your paranoia. What problems could they have? Enthusiasm is a good thing,” his uncle said, rarely offering an explanation.

“I’ve got a life-or-death bond with that leader, Liu Dadan. If I hadn’t shielded him from a bullet back then, he’d be six feet under!” After explaining, his uncle shooed him away. “If you have nothing to do, scram. Don’t just hang around!”

Well, he was the boss; whatever he said was right. No wonder so many people desperately want to be the boss—it’s the same logic!

“Use people when they’re needed, discard them when not.” The old man’s way of burning bridges was getting sharper.

Rolling his eyes, Chen Liang quietly slipped away, wandering all the way to the library.

As the ancients said, “A day apart feels like three autumns.” After dining with Xiaoyu, Chen Liang didn’t dare play too recklessly. He used Lü Bu’s ultimate move, saving both the first skill’s enchantment and the second skill’s shield absorption, barely managing a draw against his Diao Chan in one-on-one combat.

Then Chen Liang enjoyed the bliss of napping with his wife until work was over, after which they went home together.

After dinner, Chen Liang watched the fiery sunset and sighed at the beauty of twilight, before taking Xiaoyu out for a stroll to aid digestion.

This was the first time Chen Liang took Xiaoyu out for a walk. Previously, she stayed home reading or chatted with the group of young women about driving skills.

Holding Chen Liang’s hand, Xiaoyu walked with him to the vicinity of Shichahai Park. Seeing Xiaoyu tired, Chen Liang quickly invited her to rest on a nearby sightseeing bench.

The two, inseparable and close, soon nestled together. Before leaving, Chen Liang had Xiaoyu change out of her work uniform into a deep blue floral long dress paired with an off-white blouse—clothes that allowed him to be hands-on without drawing attention.

Initially shy, Xiaoyu resisted, but Chen Liang was no ordinary man—the number one rogue of the later generation.

He immediately made a promise as flimsy as a fart: “We’re just going to sit for a while and rest. Nothing else—I promise!”

Then Xiaoyu was pulled into his arms, feeling the heated breath thick with masculine scent at her ear, while Chen Liang’s restless hands betrayed his restraint.

Soon enough, Xiaoyu was kissed senseless, unable to tell east from west.

They couldn’t truly go all out in the park, but seeing Xiaoyu’s flushed face, as if drunk, Chen Liang knew the moment had come.

He whispered to her to move to a nearby grove. Half-pushed, half-willing, Xiaoyu—unaware of what “grove” meant—was coaxed inside by Chen, the rogue.

After a while, Chen Liang supported the weak-legged Xiaoyu as they reluctantly emerged.

Her man was good in every way—except for his wild nature and endless new tricks, which were truly exhausting.

Being her first time in a grove, Xiaoyu was a bit reserved. Despite skipping the final step, under Chen’s guidance, they diligently studied the “3+3=9” formula.

Going into a grove with someone you like was like those sleazy uncles visiting a foot bath—only the first time mattered, the rest were countless repeats.

On the way home, Xiaoyu’s legs gave out, and Chen Liang had to carry her. When they met familiar neighbors, Chen Liang excused her limp by saying she had twisted her ankle.

Back at the courtyard entrance, only a few retired old men were still playing chess under the streetlights; those working the next day were already washing up and going to bed.

Chen Liang first carried Xiaoyu inside, then fetched a basin of water for her. After mixing it to a comfortable temperature with hot water, he brought the basin and toiletries to the sink.

Wearing just his shorts, muscles taut and lean, with his broad waist and prominent nose, Chen Liang could have easily made the young women and newlyweds in the courtyard swoon if it weren’t so late and quiet.

This dog of a man—he simply attracts women effortlessly!