First, then, love.

Spring always arrives quietly, yet its force is unstoppable.

It has been a full year since that private hot spring trip.

Seven o'clock in the morning.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting large patches of golden light across the carpet.

"Meow~"

A clear meow broke the morning's tranquility.

on the sofa.

The princess is now an experienced mother.

It was plump and slowly licking its paws, its posture as proud as ever.

At its feet, four plump cats, already quite round, were playfully biting and fighting each other.

The orange and white fat creature lunged forward and crashed directly into the wooden ramp leading to the balcony threshold.

"Woof."

A low bark rang out.

The God of War lay prone beside the wooden slope.

A year has passed, and the God of War has grown even older.

Its mouth was completely white, and the muscles in its hind legs had atrophied badly. Even with protective gear, it walked rather slowly.

But it remains like the most loyal guardian, faithfully lying at the balcony door every morning, watching over these annoying kittens with an elder's tolerant gaze.

The door to the master bedroom was pushed open.

Shu Yao walked out wearing a well-tailored white women's suit and low-heeled shoes.

She styled her long hair into a neat bun.

During that year, she took her orchestra all over the country and even won two major classical music awards in Europe.

He exuded a calm and composed aura.

A soft humming sound came from the kitchen range hood.

Shu Yao walked over and leaned against the kitchen door frame.

In front of the Nakajima stage.

He Zheng was washing fruit with his back to her.

He was wearing a sharp, high-ranking police officer's uniform today.

The dark blue uniform was without a single wrinkle.

On his shoulders, the two bars and two stars of the police rank gleamed with a cold, hard light in the morning light, and the metal police siren was neatly pinned to his chest.

He Zheng's name became widely known throughout the province's public security system after cracking three major organized crime cases in just six months.

Today he went to the provincial department to attend the commendation meeting.

But at this moment, he was slightly bent over, holding a drain basket in his large hands, standing in front of the sink.

The water gurgled as it washed over the strawberries in the basket.

"Are you clean yet? I'm going to be late." Shu Yao crossed her arms and urged with a smile.

He Zheng turned off the tap and turned around.

The dark blue police uniform made his face appear even more stern and resolute, and the years had imbued his brows with a profound sense of security.

He strode over, carrying a bag of bright red strawberries, picked up the largest one, and held it to Shu Yao's lips.

"Open your mouth." The voice was deep and domineering, as usual.

Shu Yao tilted her head back and took a bite of the strawberry.

The juice is sweet and refreshing.

"Did you memorize your speech for today's commendation ceremony, Captain He?" She swallowed a strawberry and reached out to straighten his already neat tie.

"I didn't memorize anything, I'll just say a few words on stage."

He Zheng put down the plate, and his large hand naturally grasped her waist, pulling her towards him.

The two stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.

Outside the window, there is the bustling traffic of Jiangcheng and the shimmering river in the distance.

The spring breeze of the new year has turned the willows along the river green, bringing them to life.

At my feet were four playful kittens and the God of War lying quietly.

Shu Yao leaned against his broad, hard chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat.

"He Zheng".

"Um."

"I don't have rehearsal this afternoon." Shu Yao looked up, her peach blossom eyes sparkling with tiny glints. "I'll pick you up from get off work tonight, and we'll go grocery shopping together."

He Zheng looked down at her.

Looking at her radiant face, and at the unreserved trust and love in her eyes.

His world was once filled only with gunfire and the cold smell of blood.

It was she who barged in, using the scent of tuberose and her unreasonable antics to create a warm and welcoming haven for him.

He Zheng tightened his arms around her waist, gently caressed her face with his fingertips, lowered his head, and placed a deep kiss on her forehead.

"it is good."

He looked out the window at the spring sunshine, his voice low and hoarse, each word carrying immense weight.

"Buy some more of your favorite fruits."

(End of the book)