When they arrived at the police station, Xia Manxi did not hesitate. She rushed to the front counter.
"Excuse me, I heard a robber turned some items in from the University district. I was robbed yesterday. Do you know whether my lost items can be retrieved now?"
The young officer behind the counter was clearly flustered and disappeared to ask questions. Xia Manxi began to pace around, holding her head. Lu Shufeng stopped her and held her in place.
"You need to relax, everything is going to be alright."
Xia Manxi nodded quickly, taking deep breaths. She however turned away the moment the younger officer came in with another police officer.
"Um, Miss...?"
"My name is Xia Manxi, and I wanted to find out if I could retrieve the items I lost yesterday. They are very important to me."
The police officer turned to Lu Shufeng, who nodded, prompting the other man to nod slightly as well.
"Yes please, Miss Xia. Please follow me."
Xia Manxi followed the officer, turning back to Lu Shufeng, who mouthed her good luck with a smile.
She went into the room and dug into the random array of items. After a few minutes of searching, she managed to get her phone and laptop back, but she kept looking.
She began rummaging frantically when she could not find what she was really looking for. When she spotted a glimpse of it, her hand dove into the pile without a thought. When she pulled out the locket and opened it, her heart was filled with relief. She placed it against her chest and laughed, but her eyes were turning red with tears.
She thanked the police officers and took the rest of her belongings out of the room.
When she came out, Lu Shufeng was walking around leisurely. Their eyes met, and she smiled subconsciously. Lu Shufeng looked stunned, then smiled back.
He offered her his hand. "Shall we go?"
Xia Manxi nodded, then walked past him. Lu Shufeng looked at his empty hand with a wry smile, then clenched it. He soon followed her out of the police station.
When they both sat in the car, Lu Shufeng handed her the brown bag from earlier in the morning.
"Eat something. I am surprised you did not pass out when you were all jittery at the station."
"I wouldn't."
"Sure, sure. When was the last time you ate anything?"
Xia Manxi glared at him, but still took the bag. There was a cup of coffee and two different sandwiches. She opened one sandwich and took a large bite. Her hair was still damp, and it stuck to her face when she used her hand to move it away.
She was still eating when she noticed something. She turned to Lu Shufeng.
"What are you looking at?" She asked, staring at Lu Shufeng, who had been looking at her.
Lu Shufeng coughed lightly, then started the car. As he started driving, he noticed something moving in the corner. He turned his head for a short moment and found a sandwich placed on the center console. He chuckled.
"Eat it. I got it for you after all."
"But I want you to have it, after all, you have been so considerate without having a reason to."
The car became silent for a while. When they hit traffic, he noticed her fiddling with a golden locket, and a curious look appeared on his face. He wanted to ask about it, but chose to remain silent.
*#*#*
When they got back to her apartment, Xia Manxi did not get down, but instead started fiddling with her dress. She finally spoke up with a sigh.
"Hey, um...I will be making lunch today, and I was wondering if you would be interested in joining me."
Lu Shufeng touched his neck and stretched. "The whiplash I am getting today is insane."
"If you don't want to, it's fine. I am doing this because I feel indebted to you."
"And...she's back."
Xia Manxi made a move to open the car door, but Lu Shufeng touched her arm.
"You don't need to feel indebted to me. I do believe I owe you much more than you think."
Xia Manxi furrowed her brows in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing. Let's go have lunch at your place." Lu Shufeng said with a wide smile. He was resisting the urge to rub her head.
Xia Manxi narrowed her eyes at him, which only made his grin wider. She scoffed and got out of the car.
When they got to her apartment, Xia Manxi started to take ingredients out of the fridge. Lu Shufeng stood in the living room.
"Can I help?"
"Yes, wash the vegetables, I will take care of the rice."
Lu Shufeng took off his coat, draped it on the armchair and rolled up his sleeves. He then entered the kitchen naturally.
As he washed the vegetables, he noticed the locket on the counter. Abandoning the reservations he had before, he decided to bite the bullet.
"Isn't it better to wear the locket around your neck?"
Xia Manxi paused for a beat, then smiled, turning on the stove.
"I could, but it feels wrong. After all, the locket is not mine."
Xia Manxi's eyes lowered towards the locket on the counter. It was a strange bittersweet feeling, but she was determined to never let it go. No matter what everyone chose to believe about her, she loved her son and cherished every memory she had of him. She was not allowed to have any keepsakes and no one even knew she had the locket.
Lu Shufeng's mouth parted then closed again. He was about to speak again, but Xia Manxi immediately pulled his hand out of the sink.
"Why are your knuckles bruised? You should bandage them before you wash the vegetables."
"Oh, I completely forgot. Do you have any here?"
Xia Manxi nodded distractedly, then narrowed her eyes at him.
"What?" Lu Shufeng asked.
"Where did you get the bruises from?"
"Oh, I had a spar with my old buddies from the military earlier today."
Xia Manxi went to find her first aid box. "You were in the military? I would have never guessed."
"Yes, but I like to consider it a part of my past. I am a lawyer now."
Xia Manxi brought out the band aids and wrapped them around the knuckles on his finger.
"You should wear a glove or something next time, or you'll keep bruising your hands."
"Mm, thanks." Lu Shufeng replied, and his heart swelled up. He quirked up his lips and finally did it.
His hand was slapped away in the next second, and Xia Manxi turned away, straightening her hair.
"I apologize, you looked so cute I could not help but give you a pat."
Xia Manxi huffed and walked back into the kitchen. This Lu Shufeng....he was nothing but trouble.