LV Chapter 17

Translator: She.Wee

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Chapter 17: Shared Suffering and Joy

When Feng Tang arrived at the hospital, bruised and battered from his hurried run, he found out that something had happened to the Fourth Squad.

Not only did Feng Lulin have a five or six-centimeter cut on his leg, but another team member was seriously injured. After forcing the suspect to stop, the suspect had floored the gas pedal and reversed the car, pinning the team member between the suspect’s vehicle and the police car. Fortunately, the situation was noticed in time, and the cars were separated, but the team member had already passed out.

When Feng Tang arrived, the light in the operating room was still on, and the Fourth Squad was busy at the Public Security Bureau. Due to his injury, Feng Lulin stayed behind with the deputy team leader to keep watch.

With no family members around, the injured team members could only rely on each other. Feng Lulin looked particularly grim, feeling it was his own negligence that led to this incident.

Society’s tides rise and fall daily, reality shatters countless similar cases, and time quickly erases some of the crimes. Despite numerous reports and news broadcasts, people eventually forget. The pain that remains belongs solely to the victims.

Feng Lulin had just changed the dressing on his calf. Before Feng Tang arrived, he had taped the bandage despite needing ventilation, fearing Feng Tang would see the gruesome wound.

The smell of disinfectant in the hospital corridor was overwhelming, and Bai Yangyue was still undergoing examination. Seeing Feng Tang approach, Feng Lulin lowered his rolled-up pant leg, but Feng Tang, with his sharp eyes, had already noticed his small movements.

Feng Tang quickened his pace and sternly whispered, “Roll up your pant leg. Let me see.”

When Feng Lulin didn’t move, Feng Tang crouched down directly, leaving Feng Lulin momentarily stunned.

As Feng Tang croucged, Feng Lulin reached out to pull him up, forgetting the scratch on his palm. Feng Tang noticed and scolded, “Don’t flaunt your injuries, can you? I heard about tonight’s incident on the way. Aren’t you afraid of dying?”

“I shave with a blade; am I supposed to be afraid of death?” Feng Lulin retorted stubbornly. “If anything, I’m more afraid of you.”

“What the hell are you afraid of me for? You’re an idiot.”

Feng Tang muttered as he carefully rolled up Feng Lulin’s pant leg, taking his time until his legs went numb from crouching.

When Feng Tang looked down, his face carried an unusual gentleness, especially around his eye corners. Feng Lulin, who enjoyed watching him, was reminded of the scar on his own eyelid.

“Who the hell did this? Once he’s locked up, I’ll make sure someone takes care of him,” Feng Tang frowned. “Assaulting an officer? He should pay for medical expenses for life.”

Feng Lulin tried to comfort him instead. “The suspect has a prior record of intentional injury. People like him don’t value others’ lives.”

Feng Tang persisted, “No way. I’ll find out when the trial is.”

Before the New Year, a friend of Feng Tang’s was jailed for a month due to an economic crime, released on New Year’s Eve. On his first day inside, he was doused with ice water. The place was like a human jungle, with a heavy criminal as the cell boss, shackled and all. Feng Tang’s friend, being involved in an economic crime, wasn’t as ostracized as those involved in drug trafficking or child trafficking. On the third day, his family paid 500,000 yuan, and the prison warden picked a harmless silkie chicken, killed it, and spent an afternoon drinking chicken soup with him. Everyone in the prison saw it, and no one dared to bully him after that.

When Feng Tang and Lanzhou drove to see him, they couldn’t meet him, so they put 80,000 yuan into his supermarket card, left a receipt, and signed a note indicating their visit. On the 29th of the month, his friend bought thousands of yuan worth of New Year goods to share with his cellmates. He later said many people in there had no money on their cards and drank cabbage soup daily. The cell boss, bored, often forced inmates to sing from a lyrics book, and had the best bed by the window. On New Year’s Eve, his friend was released, and five Range Rovers from the city drove him out. He was dressed in new clothes, even his belt was Hermès.

His friend told Feng Tang that he exchanged phone numbers with an inmate who lent him a quilt, promising to stay in touch and bragging about his future prospects.

However, his family insisted on changing everything new, including his phone number. Feng Tang laughed at him, saying, “Then what’s the point of saying anything?”

Since then, “prison” had become a tangible concept for Feng Tang. He occasionally felt that the place wasn’t far from everyday life, sometimes almost within reach. Moreover, those dangers constantly lurk in life, and police officers live amidst uncertainty. The more Feng Tang thought about it, the more upset he felt, seeing Feng Lulin’s bleeding wound, he couldn’t help but touch it and said, “Is this worth it, tormenting yourself like this?”

Feng Lulin’s wound itched, making his heart tremble. “Are you worried about me?”

Surprisingly, Feng Tang admitted, “Yes.”

“It’s not about worth; I took this job, so I must live up to its weight.”

Feng Lulin spoke earnestly, “Wherever there’s a block or an accident, I go there, never staying long in one place. The most frequent phrase I say is ‘please make way,’ and sometimes others tell me to ‘make way.’ Occasionally, I feel the road is so wide, yet there’s nowhere to rest.”

On his shoulder was a silver stripe and a silver four-pointed star. His monthly salary was just over three thousand yuan, sometimes not even enough to cover extra medical expenses.

Being a traffic cop might really be monotonous. The pay wasn’t ideal, standing at intersections in wind and rain, working from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., sometimes patrolling while on duty. The uniform was thin, and the night wind was cold.

Feng Tang, pampered since childhood, couldn’t understand the feeling of starting from the bottom like Feng Lulin. He had fought a lot in high school, both giving and taking punches, always stubborn. He had experienced several relationships but had never felt as concerned as he did now.

The car wash business he ran with He Qing had been doing well for years. Occasionally, he would see He Qing’s partner helping out. Feng Tang, seeing such scenes, often left without even saying hello. Once the car’s engine started, he was gone. At a certain age, after seeing too many ups and downs, one tends to seek stability. Seeing others happy, he felt a sense of blessing and didn’t want to intrude.

He had always been a discerning person, too understanding.

That night, the hospital lights were dim. Feng Tang slowly stood up, unable to clearly see Feng Lulin’s expression.

After a moment of silence between the two, once Bai Yangyue finished the check-up, Feng Tang visited the injured team member under the guise of being Liu Lizhu’s secretary. When he was done, he drove back to the unit, following the police car, barely saying a word. He stood outside the unit, smoking and waiting for Feng Lulin to finish up and come out.

Feng Lulin tossed the keys to the SUV into the office drawer and looked up, asking Bai Yangyue, “Is there an affordable residential area nearby?”

Bai Yangyue, busy inputting data and still a bit dizzy, took a sip of milk and replied, “Yes, there is. Peony Estate. My family lives there. Unit 7, 1301.”

“Okay, I’ll check out the area tonight.”

“Huh? Captain Feng, what are you doing? Our neighborhood’s security is pretty good. Aren’t you tired? That’s a job for local police. We don’t even have parking violations. Parking spots may cost tens of thousands, but everyone follows the rules. Why…”

“I never realized you talked so much?” Feng Lulin cut him off, changed into casual clothes, and left the unit.

Feng Tang’s black Audi was still parked at the entrance. He leaned against the car door, smoking in the wind, covered in nicotine. When he saw Feng Lulin approaching, he raised his chin and said, “Get in.”

With that, Feng Tang stubbed out his cigarette on the trash can lid.

As the car started, Feng Lulin gave the address of Peony Estate to the navigation system. Feng Tang casually asked, “Using GPS to go home?”

Feng Lulin said he was afraid of getting lost. This statement had a double meaning, but only he knew if it was about him or Feng Tang getting lost.

Exhausted from the day’s events, Feng Lulin started feeling sleepy once they reached the entrance of the estate. Seeing his fatigue, Feng Tang turned off the interior lights and unbuckled his seatbelt, leaning over to kiss him. Feng Lulin sat up straight, wrapped his arms around Feng Tang, and held him tightly in his embrace.

“Take it easy…” Feng Tang whispered after kissing Feng Lulin’s lips until they were wet, his upper body aching from the position.

For the first time, he realized how much the center console and gear lever were in the way.

As their kiss grew more heated, Feng Lulin instinctively tugged at his shirt, popping a button off the collar. Feng Tang picked up the button from the edge of the seat, blew on it, and said, “You’re quite excited, huh? Not tired anymore?”

“Think of it as recharging,” Feng Lulin replied, kissed Feng Tang’s fingers, and then pressed the button onto Feng Tang’s collarbone, leaving an angry red mark.

Leaning back in his seat, his chest heaving, Feng Tang’s collarbone deepened, the red mark standing out like a kiss mark. Feng Lulin pointed at it and said he wanted to plant a field of strawberries there.

Despite the time and their exhaustion, they kissed enough to be satisfied before Feng Lulin suggested they both go home and rest. Feng Tang, also tired from a day of socializing, hooked his arm around Feng Lulin’s neck and asked when they would meet next.

Feng Tang bit his lip and said, “You’re on patrol for the whole of the next month. Where can I find you? Here?”

“Just a phone call away.”

Feng Lulin, his lips slick from their kiss, smiled and said, “Anytime, after hours. Don’t forget to open your window often.”

Feng Tang chuckled, “Are you running a business now? Always on call?”

Feng Lulin suddenly hugged his waist tightly, making Feng Tang gasp and collapse into his arms. Feng Lulin mischievously kissed his nose and said, “I won’t charge you.”

Feng Tang replied, “I don’t charge either… Only for my man.”

“Hmm? You have other clients?” Feng Lulin teased, pinching the firm muscles on his waist.

Feng Tang, ticklish, pretended to be angry, “They wish.”

Feng Lulin laughed, saying, “Feng Tang, you’re hotter than chili peppers.”

[T/N: I am sorry but this line’s kinda funny lol]

Physical contact, especially in the throes of passion, was like sleeping in a furnace. Both of them, inhaling the smog of the city, remained sincere to each other despite their outwardly “lower” status as mere mortals.

After that night, Feng Tang went home and slept deeply for most of the day. The newly appointed city party secretary required district reports, and Feng Tang volunteered to help Liu Lizhu find the necessary information. After an afternoon of research, his eyes were sore. He reckoned he had never been this diligent, not even for his college entrance exams.

When his father held that position, he also had Liu Lizhu write reports. Back then, young Feng Tang thought it was as simple as writing an essay, wondering why it took so much time to gather information. Now, doing it himself, he understood how difficult it was.

Without the right mindset, everything written felt nonsensical.

Feng Tang once said to Lanzhou, “What’s the protocol for seating? How to order dishes, give gifts, flatter the leaders? Should the leader sit in the front or back? The back seat of my car isn’t comfortable. Nowadays, people study these things deeply.”

Lanzhou, extinguishing his cigarette, agreed, “Yes, many people understand it well and take pride in it.”

Since becoming aware, Feng Tang had to understand the difference between officials and clerks. Which ranks were important, which were not. Strengthening relationships between politics and business was necessary.

Although he was young, Feng Tang had seen a lot.

Feng Tang’s black Audi A6, the standard car for young cadres, was covered in scratches and dents. Anyone who saw it would think it was beyond repair.

Recently, Feng Tang drove with a reckless abandon, constantly getting into minor accidents with columns and guardrails, battling with public facilities.

He Qing was speechless, but at least he hadn’t hit anyone. Feng Tang closed his eyes and rubbed his temples; he had too many worries and wasn’t in the mood to go out.

He Qing immediately bought a yellow calendar for him from Taobao. Feng Tang said he already had one. He Qing then asked if he had checked the calendar for a good day to meet Feng Lulin. Feng Tang replied that he had, the day after tomorrow. He Qing asked why.

Feng Tang said, “It’s a good day for a wedding.”

However, when the day arrived, Feng Tang neither got married nor took his little Audi out for a spin. Instead, he bought a motorcycle.

Initially, Feng Tang had his eyes on Kawasaki’s “Six-Eyed Demon,” but its price and flashy appearance made him hesitate. It was too high-profile for his taste. He thought he was stylishly low-key, so the “Six-Eyed Demon” didn’t suit his vibe. Instead, he got a second-hand “Ninja” for a few thousand yuan.

When He Qing found out, he was greatly shocked and shouted over the phone, “Do you remember when we got stuck in a tree as kids? We had to eat vegetarian for half a month!”

Feng Tang replied, “That was you. I secretly ate meat the next day.”

He Qing jumped in frustration, “No wonder my wounds took so long to heal! It’s all your fault for eating meat!”

Feng Tang calmly said, “Are you getting superstitious now?”

He Qing thought for a moment and then quietly asked, “How were the prices? Recommend one that suits my vibe. I also want to feel the thrill of riding against the wind and chasing freedom.”

So Feng Tang shouted into the microphone, “Ying Yujian!”

He Qing was scared to death and quickly covered the receiver, “What are you doing?”

Feng Tang said, “Reporting you! You want to ride a motorcycle that matches your vibe? Go streaking. Let me hit the road and explore the wind, and I’ll tell you what it means to chase freedom.”

The day after he got his motorcycle, Feng Tang set off to chase freedom—not on the road, but to find Feng Lulin. He had to show off first and then explore his path.

When Feng Lulin saw his motorcycle, he didn’t say anything. He just circled around it, his eyes full of amusement.

Feng Tang had a feeling that Feng Lulin would crash in the middle of the road.

“Actually, I quite like riding your little electric scooter,” Feng Tang said, “But I need my own ride.”

Watching Feng Lulin reach out to touch the motorcycle’s rearview mirror, Feng Tang proudly said, “Second-hand, with warranty, color change, seat cushion can be replaced, and the tire can be reinflated.”

Feng Lulin said, “You’re quite something. Are you really planning to switch to a motorcycle?”

Feng Tang stood by with his hands behind his back, suppressing his joy, and nodded. Feng Lulin then asked, “What if the horn breaks?”

Feng Tang glanced at him and said, “Isn’t that what you’re for? Yell.”

Feng Lulin didn’t have time to be Feng Tang’s “human horn” in the back seat, but Feng Tang took his motorcycle out for a spin when he had free time.

At first, everything went well, but as he entered the downtown area, the heavy pedestrian traffic slowed him down.

He failed to control the bike during a turn, fell, and hurt his leg. He regretted installing the carbon fiber acceleration and found that the soundproof cotton was useless. People on the road stared at him, and he suddenly felt that Feng Lulin gave him the helmet to save him from embarrassment.

Slowly, he got up and tried to lift the bike, but it was too heavy. He stood there for a while as the onlookers withdrew their curious gazes, thinking he was so angry he might pull a knife from the storage box and start slashing.

Eventually, Feng Tang mustered all his strength to lift the bike. He coolly climbed back on and nearly fell again at the next intersection. This time, he learned his lesson and held the bike up before it fell, silently cursing, “This is the price of chasing freedom.”

When he got home later, Feng Tang couldn’t hold back anymore and told Feng Lulin that he had secretly taken the bike out.

Feng Lulin responded with an “Oh” and asked him to start a video call for inspection. Feng Tang refused, hiding his arm covered in abrasions.

After a moment of silence, Feng Lulin asked how he felt.

Feng Tang said, “Not bad, just a bit cold.”

This was Feng Tang’s first and, for a while, last ride on a motorcycle. He nearly wrecked it and didn’t want to add more cases to the hospital.

He feared pain and even more, feared Feng Lulin’s worry.

One day, Feng Tang went downstairs, ready to take care of his motorcycle, and found a light blue umbrella had been added to his “Ninja” by some idiot.

Feng Tang was furious and completely shocked. He walked over, opened the umbrella, and saw three bold characters written inside: Feng Lulin.

He immediately called Feng Lulin, who sounded like he had just woken up and was slightly out of breath, saying, “Your husband is protecting you from the wind and rain.”

Feng Tang was both angry and amused, scolding him, “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

Feng Lulin continued, “I just didn’t want you to get wet.”

So… Feng Tang looked at the blue umbrella and then at the blue sky, recalling that one cool rainy night. His heart felt both cold and warm.

Actually, it was quite… comforting.

However, damn it, he still couldn’t speed up!!!

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Hey Guys it’s SheWee!!

Feng Lulin: You shouldn’t catch a cold by getting wet in the rain.

Feng Tang: You’re enough for me to get wet.

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