“Did those guys ever come back to bother you?” Officer Ye Qing’s voice pulled me back to reality. She wasn’t on duty today, dressed in a sleek black tracksuit that made her skin look even fairer.
Ye Qing, twenty-three this year, graduated from the police academy just last year and, according to neighborhood gossip, still didn’t have a boyfriend.
With skills like hers, most guys would probably steer clear. No wonder she’s still single.
“What are you smiling at?” Ye Qing knocked on the table, her big eyes staring straight at me.
“N-nothing. Those punks haven’t shown up in a long time,” I stammered.
“You’re a grown man. Why didn’t you fight back? Those thugs only pick on people who seem weak. The more you avoid trouble, the more they’ll push you around.”
“I’ve never been in a fight. I don’t believe in violence,” I replied, giving her my signature goofy grin.
Come on, I’m just a pastry chef. My job is to bake egg tarts every day. Am I supposed to go home and bake more for myself after work?
Violence and blood belong to the night. In my normal life, I never argue or fight with anyone—I’m as easygoing as can be.
“He’s hopeless. Don’t be fooled by his height—he’s even more timid than I am,” Wang Xiaoxiao teased while wiping the table.
I shot her an annoyed look. She stuck her tongue out at me.
“How about I teach you a few moves? Next time someone tries to bully you, you’ll know how to defend yourself,” Ye Qing said, breaking into a charming smile as she watched our exchange.
“Is it hard? Will I get hurt?”
“Are you even a man? Come on, follow me.”
The summer breeze was pleasant as we walked. Ye Qing carried a faint, refreshing scent. We strolled for about ten minutes before reaching a patch of grass in the park.
“Pretend you’re one of those punks. I’ll teach you some basic self-defense. Try to attack me—just watch my hands,” Ye Qing said, stepping back and motioning for me to start.
“I don’t know how to hit people…”
“Just pretend you’re in an action movie. The director’s only requirement is that you land a hit on my face.”
“Alright, but be careful.”
I lunged clumsily, trying to grab her arm, but she dodged with ease.
“Take it seriously!” Ye Qing raised her voice.
I sighed inwardly. I never imagined I’d find myself in such an awkward situation.
If I went all out, I could subdue her in two seconds, but she’d see right through me. If I didn’t try, I’d have to fake a convincing struggle, which was a real test of my acting skills.
I sped up a little. Ye Qing looked satisfied as I managed to grab her smooth, jade-like arm, but she twisted, hooked my wrist with two fingers, and with a quick move, had me pinned to the ground, my neck and left arm immobilized. The pain was nothing to me, but I let out a dramatic yelp for effect.
“Did you learn it?” Ye Qing asked, smiling.
“No,” I replied, rubbing my arm.
“Hopeless…”
As the sky darkened, we “trained” for nearly an hour. Ye Qing wiped the sweat from her brow and said, “That’s enough for today. I’ll teach you more tomorrow.”
“Can I quit?” I asked, pulling a long face.
“No way!”
As we left the park, Ye Qing suddenly stopped in front of a flower shop. Maybe it was the exercise, but her cheeks were a little flushed.
“You… go buy me a bouquet.”
“Why? After you just beat me up, now I have to buy you flowers?” I grumbled, though I was charmed by her expression.
“Stop whining. It’s your tuition fee.”
Her face grew redder as she gave me a hard shove, nearly sending me into the glass door.
Chapter 05
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