Chapter 79: Feeding the Lady Cop Dumplings

After Xiao Tao sent me her address, I got dressed and headed for the door. Wang Dali, who was lounging on the couch playing with his phone, asked, "Song Yang, it's pretty late. You're heading out now?"

"Xiao Tao found a new lead. I'm going to check it out," I replied.

"You coming back tonight? Should I leave the door unlocked?"

"Nah, I might be out all night."

"You want me to come with you?"

"Not this time."

The back-and-forth sounded way too much like a conversation between a couple. Xiao Tao had teased me before, and now I was starting to think she wasn't wrong. It made me feel a little awkward.

Trying to look proper, I grabbed a small tote bag and hailed a cab. Half an hour later, I was standing in front of Xiao Tao's apartment building, nerves creeping in. It was my first time visiting a girl's place this late at night, and I was definitely feeling the pressure. My throat went dry as I climbed the stairs, and my hands trembled as I knocked.

For a moment, there was only silence—and the loud pounding of my heart. What should I say when she opens the door?

...

...

Just as I was mentally rehearsing my lines, the door opened.

There she was—Xiao Tao, in a loose-fitting shirt, legs bare and slender, wearing bear-themed slippers. A towel was wrapped around her damp hair, and a pore strip was stuck across her nose. The air carried the faint scent of shampoo and body wash. Her cheeks were slightly flushed. Clearly, she'd just finished a shower.

"I'll just eat the dumplings and head out," I blurted, already scolding myself internally. Seriously? That's your opening line? Who are you kidding, coming here in the middle of the night "just" for dumplings?

Then I saw her—completely at ease, a bare shoulder exposed, and no... support underneath. I noticed two faint shapes pressing against the fabric, and my face flushed like an overripe tomato.

Useless. Useless! I cursed myself in my head.

"What are you spacing out for? Come in. And don't forget to take off your shoes," she said.

"O-Okay!"

I swapped into her guest slippers and placed the tote bag on the sofa. Her apartment was small but cozy. A cute cartoon rug lay at the entrance, and the couch was decorated with plush bear pillows. So she had a soft side after all. The orange sectional looked incredibly comfy, and the air held that subtle, sweet scent unique to a girl's room.

As I was about to step further in, she raised an eyebrow. "You planning on keeping your jacket on because it's hot in here—or because you think I'm dangerous?"

"I'm not staying long, so why take it off?" I said awkwardly.

She waved me off. "Then don't bother coming in. I'll pack your dumplings to go."

I hesitated. "Well, that works too..."

"You idiot." She laughed in disbelief. "Just take off your coat!"

Resigned, I did as I was told and followed her into the kitchen. I noticed the empty packaging from frozen dumplings in the trash. She opened the pot, scooped out a bowl, and set it on the table without asking, pouring a dish of vinegar on the side.

"I think I'm developing some kind of eating disorder," she said. "Even when I'm starving, I can barely eat half a bowl of instant noodles before I feel sick."

"You'll burn out like that," I said gently.

"I know, but there's nothing I can do. Being a cop takes its toll. It's not exactly a healthy lifestyle." She sighed softly.

"I could look up some herbal remedies for you."

"Heh, that won't be necessary." She shook her head.

The dumplings were delicious—three-flavor filling, hot and juicy. I hadn't had dumplings in a while, so I devoured half the bowl quickly. That's when I noticed Xiao Tao resting her chin in her hand, watching me.

I slowed down. "Why are you staring at me?"

"You make them look so good, I'm getting hungry just watching."

"I can get you a bowl?"

"No need. I'd just have to wash another set. I'll just grab one from your bowl."

Then she leaned in, lips parting slightly, showing off perfect white teeth.

Wait… was she asking me to feed her?

I didn't have the nerve to say no, so I carefully picked up a dumpling and guided it to her mouth. She chewed slowly. "Mmm, delicious. Another."

And that's how I ended up feeding her five dumplings in a row. Her appetite was small—she stopped there, dabbed her mouth with a napkin, and said with a smile, "Looks like the best cure for a poor appetite is watching someone else eat. Maybe you should come over and eat in front of me more often."

"I still have classes, you know."

"At night, too?"

That shut me up fast. I buried my face in the remaining dumplings and polished them off. As I moved to wash the dishes, she waved me off. "Leave them. I'll do it later."

I nodded obediently.

I figured it was time to leave. "I should get going," I said.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's almost eleven. Your dorm's probably locked by now. Why not crash here tonight?"

"No way," I said, shaking my head.

"Don't overthink it. You take the couch, I'll sleep in my room. What's the big deal?"

"Isn't that a little… casual? You're not worried about inviting a guy to stay over?"

"I've never let another guy sleep here. You're a special case. I trust your character," she said with a smirk, patting my shoulder. "Let me get you a blanket."

While she was digging through her closet, I snuck a peek into her room. Her bed was draped in pink sheets, looking soft enough to sink into. A sleek iMac sat on a white desk nearby. I could imagine her cross-legged in pajamas, typing away. She'd probably look both focused and adorable.

She came back with a thin summer blanket. "Think you'll be cold with this?"

"I'll manage."

"If you want water, there's a dispenser in the kitchen and paper cups beside it. You don't need me to show you where the bathroom is, right? And if anything comes up, just knock…" She paused and grinned. "Though I doubt you will."

"Oh. Okay." I nodded like a robot.

"Then... good night."

"Good night."

She turned to leave, then spun back around with a mischievous smile. "It's still early. Want to do something fun?"

Now imagine it—Xiao Tao in her casual home clothes, long legs fully on display, one hand resting on the doorframe, her shirt tugged up slightly at the shoulder. She said those words with a loaded tone, and my brain practically short-circuited.

I could hear my blood rushing to my head. My face must've been glowing like a 50-watt bulb.

She leaned closer and whispered, "Wanna do something… exciting?"

My pulse shot up to 150. Her scent swirled around me, heady and distracting. I could barely form a coherent thought, much less speak.

Then she winked. "Wait here. I'll go grab something."