Solving the case: Combining the police dog's olfactory genes at the beginning

"The doctor said I was in a state of suspended animation, and that I had a strong ability to recover."

Lei Wanting chuckled softly, a hint of understanding in his voice.

"Feigned death? Strong recovery ability?"

He shook his head.

“Luo Fei, do you know what the National Security Bureau does? We’ve seen too many things that science can’t explain.”

Luo Fei didn't answer immediately; he was thinking about how much Lei Wanting knew.

"listen."

Lei Wanting lowered his voice.

"If you notice any unusual changes in yourself, report it to me immediately. This is important; it concerns your safety and the safety of others."

After saying that, he turned and left the ward without waiting for Luo Fei's response.

Luo Fei stared at the closed door, his brows furrowed.

Lei Wanting clearly knew something, and he seemed to have anticipated that Luo Fei would undergo an "abnormal change".

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the hospital corridor, a figure silently observed everything.

Xiao Dingkun leaned against the wall, his eyes filled with a complex light.

"Captain Luo, you've rented a really impressive villa!"

Zeng Jian's eyes widened as soon as he entered the door. He carried two bags of groceries and circled around in the entryway, almost bumping into Zhou Xuan.

Zhou Xuan nimbly dodged and took the bag from Zeng Jian's hand.

"Be careful, there might be live fish in this bag."

Chen Xuanran was the last to enter, and he closed the heavy solid wood door behind him.

She looked around. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was a meticulously manicured courtyard. In the living room, a leather sofa surrounded a marble coffee table, and a crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, reflecting dappled sunlight in the winter sun.

"Captain Luo, how much is your monthly rent?"

Chen Xuanran couldn't help but ask, but then realized it was abrupt and quickly added something.

"I'm just curious"

Luo Fei was taking out a few pairs of slippers from the shoe cabinet when he heard this and smiled.

"What, you want to rent it too?"

"How could I afford to rent it?"

Chen Xuanran pursed his lips, took the slippers, and put them on.

"I just find it strange, why don't you just buy a house? With your income."

"A shock!"

Zhou Xuan coughed lightly, using his eyes to stop her from asking any further questions.

Luo Fei, however, didn't take it to heart.

"Renting has its advantages; it's flexible."

He paused, looking over the crowd.

"What, you all think I should buy a house?"

Xu Hanwen walked in carrying his son Xu Shilin, followed by Bai Susu carrying baby supplies.

"Captain Luo's choice must have its reasons."

Xu Hanwen smiled and tried to smooth things over.

"We're here for New Year's Eve dinner, not to look at houses."

"Yes, yes, the New Year's Eve dinner is the most important!"

Zeng Jian rubbed his hands together.

"I'm starving."

Grandma Luo Fei came out from the inner room, her full head of silver hair neatly combed, and a kind smile on her face.

"Everyone's here? Great! It's more fun with more people!"

"Hello grandma!"

Chen Xuanran was the first to go up to the old man and affectionately took his arm.

You look great today!

"Oh my, what a sweet talker."

Grandma patted Chen Xuanran's hand.

"You must be Xiao Chen? Xiao Fei often mentions you."

A blush crept across Chen Xuanran's face as she stole a glance at Luo Fei.

Luo Fei pretended not to hear and turned to Xu Hanwen.

"Hanwen, the kitchen is now in your hands."

"Don't worry, Captain Luo."

Xu Hanwen handed his son over to his wife.

"I was a top student at culinary school."

Bai Susu took the child and smiled.

"That's all the skill he has to offer."

"I'm going to help!"

Zeng Jian volunteered.

"I'll go as well."

Zhou Xuan echoed.

In the blink of an eye, only Luo Fei, Chen Xuanran, and his grandmother remained in the living room.

Soon, the sounds of pots and pans clattering came from the kitchen. Xu Hanwen directed Zhou Xuan and Zeng Jian in preparing the ingredients, displaying the demeanor of a master chef.

Chen Xuanran sat on the sofa, shifting his body uncomfortably.

"Captain Luo, isn't this a bit inappropriate? The host is sitting and resting, while the guests are busy serving us."

Luo Fei poured his grandmother a cup of hot tea and shrugged.

"It's my fault for not knowing how to cook. Why don't you go help me?"

"I?"

Chen Xuanran's eyes widened.

"I can even burn an egg."

"That's it."

Luo Fei laughed.

"Let's just stay put and not cause any trouble."

Grandma took a sip of tea and watched the two bicker with a smile.

"Xiao Chen, it's normal for a pretty girl like you not to know how to cook."

"Grandma is right!"

Chen Xuanran immediately agreed.

"I'm naturally beautiful, how can I deal with oil stains every day?"

Luo Fei raised an eyebrow.

"What will you do after you get married? Order takeout every day?"

"I want you to take care of it!"

Chen Xuanran rolled her eyes at him.

"Besides, who doesn't know how to hire a nanny these days?"

Bai Susu walked over carrying the sleeping Xu Shilin and happened to hear this.

"Exactly, hiring a nanny to cook is a good idea. Didn't Captain Luo hire three nannies?"

Luo Fei's expression stiffened slightly, then returned to normal.

"Grandma is getting old and needs someone to take care of her."

Chen Xuanran keenly noticed Luo Fei's unusual behavior, but did not ask any further questions.

She got up and took the child from Bai Susu's arms.

"Shilin is asleep? I'll hold him for a while, you go and get some rest."

"Thank you."

Bai Susu said gratefully and sat down on the sofa.

"This child was making a fuss until midnight last night, it really exhausted me."

Luo Fei poured Bai Susu a cup of tea as well.

"How's Hanwen doing lately? Is he still delivering food?"

Bai Susu sighed.

"Yes, the family is under a lot of financial pressure, and it's very hard for him to earn money on his own. He even borrowed over 30,000 yuan recently."

"what?"

Luo Fei suddenly sat up straight.

Why didn't he tell me?

Chen Xuanran gently tugged at Luo Fei's sleeve and whispered.

"Captain Luo."

Bai Susu quickly explained.

"Hanwen doesn't want to trouble you. I heard you almost went bankrupt helping your brothers before, and now that you're a policeman, you don't have much money either, so..."

"What kind of talk is that!"

Luo Fei raised his voice a few decibels.

"He doesn't treat me like a brother, does he?"

The noise in the kitchen suddenly stopped; clearly, the people inside had also heard the argument in the living room.

A moment later, Xu Hanwen came out wearing an apron, his hands still covered in flour.

"Captain Luo, it's me."

"What are you!"

Luo Fei stood up.

"If you don't come to your brothers when you're in trouble, what kind of person do you take me for, Luo Fei?"

Xu Hanwen lowered his head.

"I just don't want to be a burden to you anymore. You've already helped us enough."

A moment of silence fell over the living room. Chen Xuanran glanced at the two men, who were on the verge of exchanging blows, and coughed softly.

"Don't do this during the New Year. Brother Hanwen meant well."

Grandma spoke up too.

"Xiaofei, let's talk this out."

Luo Fei suppressed his anger.

"Alright, we can talk about this after the New Year. Let's prepare the New Year's Eve dinner first."

Xu Hanwen gave Chen Xuanran a grateful look, then turned and went back to the kitchen.

Bai Susu smiled apologetically at Luo Fei and followed him inside.

Chen Xuanran gently placed the sleeping Xu Shilin on the sofa and covered him with a small blanket.

Then he walked over and sat down next to Luo Fei, and said softly.

"Captain Luo, Brother Hanwen has his own dignity."

Luo Fei rubbed his temples.

"I know. I'm just angry that he doesn't trust me."

“It’s not that he doesn’t trust you,” Chen Xuanran said earnestly.

"It's precisely because he understands you and knows you would give him everything you have that he couldn't bear to ask."

Luo Fei glanced at her and suddenly smiled.

"I didn't expect you to say something so reasonable."

"Hey!"

Chen Xuanran pretended to hit him, but lowered his hand halfway through.

"Fine, I'll let it go for the sake of the New Year."

Grandma watched the two interact, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.

In the kitchen, Xu Hanwen was preparing a sea bass.

Zhou Xuan chopped the side dishes while Zeng Jian was responsible for peeling garlic.

"Hanwen, did you really borrow 30,000?"

Zeng Jian asked in a low voice.

"What was it used for?"

Xu Hanwen's hands kept moving.

"Shilin was hospitalized recently, and even after medical insurance reimbursement, there was still a significant shortfall. Susu also took leave to care for the child, resulting in less income."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier!"

Zeng Jian panicked.

"Although I don't have much savings, I can still come up with ten or twenty thousand."

Zhou Xuan nodded in agreement.

"I can help too."

Xu Hanwen shook his head.

"Thanks, brothers, but this is my own business. I'm slowly paying back the money I borrowed."

"Captain Luo was so angry just now, he'll definitely help you after the New Year."

Zeng Jian said.

"So I have to find a way to refuse."

Xu Hanwen smiled bitterly.

"Captain Luo has already helped us so much. Do you know why he rented a villa?"

Zhou Xuan and Zeng Jian both shook their heads.

"He sold the house he had previously bought to help the family of a fallen teammate."

Xu Hanwen said in a low voice.

"He didn't tell anyone about this; I found out by chance."

Zeng Jian gasped.

No wonder he rents an apartment.

"So now you understand why I can't accept his help, right?"

Xu Hanwen put the fish into the steamer.

"He has already given so much."

In the living room, Chen Xuanran was massaging his grandmother's shoulders.

Luo Fei watched the Spring Festival Gala being replayed on TV, but his mind was clearly not on it.

"Xiao Chen, are your parents both local?"

Grandma asked kindly.

Chen Xuanran's hands kept moving.

"Yes, we're all in this city. I was supposed to go home for New Year's Eve dinner today, but I was thinking of staying with Captain Luo."

She suddenly realized she had let something slip and quickly shut up.

Luo Fei turned his head and looked at her with a half-smile.

"Oh? So you turned down the family dinner to come here?"

"certainly not!"

Chen Xuanran's ears turned red.

I mean, my parents have a business dinner tonight and won't be home.

Grandma patted her hand.

"Okay, no need to explain. Grandma is very happy that you can come and spend the New Year with her."

Luo Fei stood up.

"I'll go see if there's anything I can help with in the kitchen."

He had just reached the kitchen door when Xu Hanwen came out carrying a plate of steamed sea bass.

"Captain Luo, the first dish is ready!"

Immediately afterwards, Zhou Xuan and Zeng Jian also filed out carrying other dishes.

Soon, the restaurant's large round table was filled with a delicious and visually appealing New Year's Eve dinner.

Braised pork belly, boiled shrimp, steamed sea bass, scallops with garlic and vermicelli, and bok choy with shiitake mushrooms.
"Wow!"

Chen Xuanran was amazed.

"Brother Hanwen, your cooking skills are good enough to open a restaurant!"

Xu Hanwen smiled sheepishly.

"These are just some simple home-style dishes, so please make do with them."

"Come on, let's toast to the New Year!"

Luo Fei raised his glass, the amber-colored Moutai gleaming alluringly under the light.

Chen Xuanran hesitated for a moment, then gently touched the wine glass in front of him with his finger, causing the red wine to swirl slightly inside.

"Captain Luo, I really can't drink."

"It's the Lunar New Year, just a glass of red wine."

Luo Fei wore a gentle smile, but his eyes were fixed on Chen Xuanran's changing expressions.

"Just to give me face?"

The heating in the private room was on full blast, and Chen Xuanran felt his cheeks getting hot.

She looked around and saw Zeng Jian and Zhou Xuan already raising their glasses, while Xu Hanwen and Bai Susu were also smiling at her.

Refusing would seem too antisocial.

Just one drink.

She finally gave in, her slender fingers gripping the cup handle.

Luo Fei's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as his wine glasses clinked together.

"Happy New Year!"

As the liquor slid down his throat, Chen Xuanran frowned slightly.

She rarely drinks alcohol, and the astringent taste of red wine made her feel a little uncomfortable.

But soon, a warm current spread from my stomach, and my tense nerves seemed to relax a little.

"Taste this."

Luo Fei placed a golden-yellow salt and pepper shrimp on Chen Xuanran's plate.

"Old Xu's specialty dish."

The shrimp shells are fried until crispy, coated with fine salt and pepper granules, and have an irresistible aroma.

Chen Xuanran took a small bite, and his eyes immediately lit up.

"It's so delicious! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the seasoning is just right."

"Haha, I knew it!"

Luo Fei smiled and looked at Xu Hanwen.

"Old Xu, it's a waste that you don't open a shop with your skills."

Xu Hanwen smiled shyly, the wrinkles on his forehead smoothing out.

"I learned from my uncle in Dongguan for a few years, and it was all about home cooking methods."

"Homely?"

Zeng Jian picked up a piece of stir-fried clams with his chopsticks. The clam meat was plump and tender, coated with a rich sauce.

"This level of skill is even better than the chef at 'Sea and Sky in One Color'!"

Bai Susu makes a timely recommendation.

"Try this stir-fried squid with ginger and scallions. The heat is very important; if it's even a second too long, it will be overcooked."

The squid rings are as white as jade, with slightly curled edges, and they are chewy yet tender when you bite into them.

Everyone praised the performance, and the atmosphere in the private room became increasingly lively.

Taking the opportunity, Luo Fei poured Chen Xuanran another half glass of red wine.

"Such delicious food deserves some wine."

Chen Xuanran wanted to refuse, but with the delicious food in front of her and the alcohol already taking effect, she inexplicably took another sip.

This time, the astringency of the red wine seemed to have turned into a mellow aroma.

"Old Xu."

Luo Fei suddenly became serious.

"Honestly, have you ever considered opening a seafood restaurant?"

Xu Hanwen was stunned, his chopsticks hanging in mid-air.

"Me? Open a shop?"

"Yup!"

Zhou Xuan interrupted.

"A new food court has opened on Nanbin Road, and it's in a really good location."

"But."

Xu Hanwen rubbed his rough hands together.

"Opening a shop requires capital."

Luo Fei took out his phone and quickly swiped his finger across the screen.

"I'll lend you a million first, and we'll talk about it if it's not enough."

With a "ding", Xu Hanwen's phone rang.

He looked down and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Captain Luo, this...this is too much!"

"Take it."

Luo Fei waved his hand.

"Consider it an investment in your talent. Of course, I can't get involved in the business as a police officer; this is purely a private loan."

Chen Xuanran felt a little dizzy, but his mind was still relatively clear.

“Brother Xu, I think Captain Luo is right, you should definitely consider it.”

"that is!"

Zeng Jian raised his glass.

"Come on, I wish Brother Xu's 'Hanwen Seafood' business great success!"

May your wealth increase greatly!

Everyone echoed in agreement, and the glasses clinked together again.

Chen Xuanran unknowingly finished his second glass of red wine, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. (End of Chapter)