Evening descended over the quiet neighborhood.
Zhu Yuan's parents had just received a message from their daughter—she was bringing her boyfriend home for dinner.
The elderly couple was overjoyed. They'd prepared a lavish spread of dishes and, long before Zhu Yuan even returned, were already leaning anxiously out the window to watch the street below.
"Old man, what kind of fellow do you think our sweet daughter's bringing home?"
Mrs. Zhu asked curiously, glancing at her husband.
Mr. Zhu chuckled warmly. "Heh, I trust our daughter's judgment. Whoever she's chosen can't be bad."
Their daughter had always been exceptional. A top student from Metis Comprehensive School, now a rising star in the New Eridu Public Security, stacking up achievements one after another. She was his pride and joy—he mentioned her at every chance he got.
With her personality and sense of responsibility, any man she chose would surely be a solid one.
"If Yuan Yuan were just dating normally, I wouldn't be worried," Mrs. Zhu said, her brow creasing slightly. "But the timing—just after we suggested a blind date, she suddenly says she already has a boyfriend? That's a bit suspicious, isn't it?"
"Oh, nonsense!" Mr. Zhu waved dismissively. "Maybe she's had one for a while but was too shy to tell us. When she gets here, I'll have to ask why she kept it secret."
Mrs. Zhu paused, then nodded thoughtfully. "You might be right."
The two continued their vigil by the window—until a deep, roaring sound shattered the calm.
VROOOOM!
VROOOOM!
VROOOOM!
A black motorcycle gleaming with metallic luster sped down the street and came to a stylish stop right in front of their home, drifting into position with a flawless tail slide.
"Ah, that felt amazing! Sol, your riding's pretty good!"
Qingyi hopped off lightly, stretching her small frame.
"Of course. I'm the Racing King of New Eridu," Sol said, whistling nonchalantly.
"You didn't go over the speed limit, did you?"
Zhu Yuan asked nervously.
She'd always been a model citizen—speeding was a big no-no. As the captain of the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team, being stopped by traffic officers would be mortifying.
Sol casually slung an arm around Zhu Yuan's shoulder. "Relax. Along with being the city's best rider, I'm also a model citizen. I'd never speed."
Of course he didn't.
He'd just… never registered a license plate.
Luckily, his home AI had hacked into the Public Security database a few minutes ago and uploaded one for him.
No big deal.
Probably.
"Ah—!"
Zhu Yuan froze.
Sol's arm… was around her shoulder.
Sol's hand… was on her shoulder!
It was the first time she'd ever been this close to a man. Her training almost kicked in—her reflexes ready to execute a perfect restraining hold.
But it was Sol. So, she forced herself to hold back.
Her composure as a disciplined officer instantly collapsed. She stood stiffly, her sharp, elegant face flushing bright red.
"Wh-why so suddenly close?" she stammered.
"Because we're acting—and your parents are probably watching from upstairs," Sol whispered beside her ear.
He hadn't seen her parents, but judging by the location, it wasn't hard to guess.
"Ah!?"
Zhu Yuan felt a rush of warmth against her ear—ticklish, hot, and unbearably awkward.
She instinctively glanced up… and sure enough, her parents were standing frozen at the window.
So, she forced a strained, mechanical smile and let Sol keep his arm where it was.
"This young man's… quite the character," Mr. Zhu said dryly.
Mrs. Zhu nodded, equally stunned.
This was not what they'd expected.
They'd imagined a modest car, maybe a polite young man in a nice suit. Instead, they got a flashy black motorcycle and a slick, black-clad cowboy.
Still… he was handsome. They could only respect their daughter's taste.
As for the petite girl beside them—they recognized her as one of Zhu Yuan's colleagues, assuming she'd just tagged along for dinner.
Just as they were about to smile and wave, Sol suddenly looked up and shouted cheerfully:
"Uncle! Auntie! Hello!"
He hooked an arm around Qingyi on one side and Zhu Yuan on the other, flashing a bright grin. "I heard you wanted to meet me—so I brought along my other girlfriend too!"
"…Other girlfriend?"
The couple's smiles froze instantly. Their minds went blank.
Sol continued shouting, perfectly casual: "By the way, is it safe to park my bike down here? It's really expensive!"
"Good heavens…"
Mr. Zhu clutched his chest, feeling his blood pressure spike. He wanted a cigarette and a stiff drink—despite never touching either in his life.
They said a man grows up in an instant. This was that instant.
A lightning strike to the heart.
Which father could survive that opening move?
"Ahem… the neighborhood's pretty safe," Mrs. Zhu managed, forcing a strained smile. "As long as it's not illegally parked, it'll be fine. Come in before you disturb the neighbors."
Her heart hurt, but more than anything—she didn't want the whole street to see this spectacle.
"Got it, Uncle, Auntie! We'll be right up!"
Sol marched in proudly, holding both women by the hand.
Qingyi's lips twitched uncontrollably as she tried not to laugh, her mouth curving into a little cat smile.
Help—how's a hundred-year-old automaton supposed to keep a straight face in a situation like this!?
Zhu Yuan's face was bright red. Standing this close to Sol in front of her parents was mortifying beyond words.
"Good heavens…"
Both parents inhaled sharply, feeling their blood rush straight to their heads. They had never wanted to strangle someone so much in their lives.
If this young man were a doctor, he could cure heart disease—because he'd just blasted both their arteries wide open.
Soon, the trio was seated in the living room—Qingyi giggling, Sol arrogantly crossing one leg over the other, and Zhu Yuan sitting awkwardly beside him, her shyness written all over her face.
Across from them sat Mr. and Mrs. Zhu, who reluctantly poured tea for Qingyi and Sol—but conspicuously not for their own daughter.
Hospitality had its limits.
They stared at Sol, who lounged like a smug young master, and a heavy silence filled the room.
What is this…?
Had Zhu Yuan brought home a boyfriend, or a new ancestor to worship?
Looks weren't everything—when it came to choosing a partner, character mattered too!