Chapter 21: Pursuing Again

Zhang Xing led Du Long to a window facing the ward. He took out a pack of Hongtashan cigarettes and asked, "Do you smoke?"

Du Long only occasionally smoked. He hadn't expected to meet someone important tonight, so he didn't have any cigarettes on him. Seeing the mayor's secretary offering him a cigarette, he hurriedly thanked him and took it with both hands.

Zhang Xing always carried several packs of cigarettes for different occasions. Hongtashan was the cheapest, but it already made Du Long feel honored. When Zhang Xing took out his lighter, Du Long quickly took it, lit a cigarette for Zhang Xing first, then for himself, and finally returned the lighter, praising, "The Zippo Starlight 2002, it's quite rare."

Zhang Xing raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Have you seen it online?"

Du Long smiled and nodded. Zhang Xing laughed, "I didn't expect you to be a Zippo enthusiast. We have the same hobby. You saved Mayor Ma's father today. Do you have any difficulties or need the mayor's help? I think as long as it's not too much, Mayor Ma will consider it."

Huang Jiehao had already decided to transfer Du Long to the criminal investigation team. The three leaders of Lihua Police Station all agreed to his regularization. For now, Du Long had no need to trouble Mayor Ma. Du Long smiled without hesitation, "No need. As a police officer, fighting crime and saving lives is my duty."

Are there really good people who act bravely for justice in this world? The disdain in Zhang Xing's eyes flashed and disappeared. He chuckled, "Well said. There are very few young people with such progressive ideas nowadays. You're still a regular police officer, right? Work hard, and you'll have a chance. Here are two thousand yuan. It's a small encouragement from the mayor and the city committee for your brave act. Take it."

Du Long knew Zhang Xing looked down on him. He was unhappy but didn't show it on his face. He shook his head, "Mr. Zhang, I can't accept this money. Since the old man is fine, I'll take my leave. Goodbye, Mr. Zhang. Yunshan, are you hungry? There's a very good authentic noodle shop nearby..."

Du Long smiled and nodded at Zhang Xing, then turned and left. Zhang Xing snorted in disdain and put the two thousand yuan in his pocket: "You're just trying to show off in front of the mayor, aren't you? Too bad the mayor didn't see you. This money is in my pocket now... With your quality, you'll be a small police officer on the front line for life!"

Du Long had no idea that Zhang Xing had pocketed the two thousand yuan in his name. He and Ji Yunsan left the hospital, and Ji Yunsan's delicate hand never left Du Long's.

Seeing that Ji Yunsan hadn't spoken, just following him silently, Du Long asked, "Yunsan, do you think I'm rude?"

Ji Yunsan was silent for a while. Just as Du Long thought she had agreed, she spoke, "Officer Du, I admire you. Facing four armed criminals, you didn't hesitate to rush out. When I was too scared to open my eyes, you subdued all the criminals in a few moves. Officer Du, you are handsome and tall, a good person with a strong sense of justice. I feel very safe with you. You are such an excellent person, why don't you have a girlfriend?"

Du Long's heart sank. He sighed, "Who says I don't have a girlfriend? I was just dumped recently. In this era, being handsome and brave is useless. Good people suffer. I'm a contract police officer, not yet regularized, earning a meager salary, working day and night with no future. Any realistic girl wouldn't choose me. I know you don't want to be forced to be my girlfriend, even for a month... In fact, I regret using your cousin's matter to force you. I haven't called you these days. Since you're so unhappy with me, let's end it. Go back, and I won't bother you anymore."

Du Long's sad expression made Ji Yunsan giggle. She said, "Don't be so hasty. Not all girls are so materialistic. I didn't say I disliked you. I've never been in a relationship before. You suddenly asked me to be your girlfriend, and I didn't know what to do."

Du Long seemed to come back to life. He grinned, "I haven't been in many relationships either. A lover... is just a bit more intimate than a regular friend. For example, holding hands, going out together, sharing happy and sad moments... How about this, treat me as a regular friend, and I'll start pursuing you. Let's go shopping. I plan to buy some clothes to attract girls. You can help me choose."

Ji Yunsan rolled her eyes and pulled her hand away, "I don't like the term 'attract girls.' It's insulting to women. If you want me to be your girlfriend, don't use such insulting terms!"

Du Long laughed, "You're already controlling me. Okay, okay, no more 'attract girls.' How about 'chase girls'? Ow... I won't say it again..."

The relationship between Du Long and Ji Yunsan greatly improved, closer than regular friends. Ji Yunsan didn't realize this. The Red Cross Hospital was very close to the center of Yuming City. In fact, the area around the hospital was already quite lively. After walking half a street, they reached the most central and bustling Justice Road. The street was crowded with people, and it was difficult for the two of them to move forward while holding hands.

"Du Long, you said you wanted to buy clothes. Let's go to Justice Mall," Ji Yunsan said.

Du Long muttered to himself. He had only mentioned it casually. The little money he had saved might not be enough to spend in a place like Justice Mall.

Ji Yunsan didn't seem to notice Du Long's embarrassment. She led the way into the mall, and Du Long had no choice but to follow.

Ji Yunsan didn't waste any time. She went straight to the fourth floor, where men's clothing was sold. She quickly picked out a complete set of clothes for Du Long at a discount store, all from the sale section, which was relatively cheap. The entire set cost just over five hundred yuan. The clothes, though not expensive, fit Du Long well and made him look very spirited. Ji Yunsan had a good eye.

Du Long sighed in relief and was about to pay with his card when Ji Yunsan said, "Let me pay. Your birthday is coming up. Consider these clothes as an early birthday gift."

Du Long almost forgot his birthday was approaching. Ji Yunsan paid for the clothes, and the salesperson smiled, "You're so lucky, your girlfriend must love you very much."

Du Long smiled but didn't say anything. Ji Yunsan then took Du Long to buy shoes. This time, Du Long didn't let Ji Yunsan pay. After buying a complete set, Du Long wanted to buy something for Ji Yunsan as a return gift, but she refused. Du Long had to give up for now.

With no more shopping desire, as they were about to leave Justice Mall, they saw a shopping lottery event at the entrance. A single receipt of 266 yuan or more could be used for one or two draws. Du Long had two receipts, enough for three draws. The maximum prize was ten thousand yuan.

"Let's go draw!" Du Long enthusiastically pulled Ji Yunsan's hand toward the lottery area. After handing over the receipts and getting them stamped, Du Long said to Ji Yunsan, "How about you draw two and I draw one?"

Ji Yunsan smiled and shook her head, "You draw. I have bad luck. I've never won anything, big or small. Drawing is pointless."

Du Long laughed, "I always have good luck. How about this, I'll draw the tickets, and you open them!"

Ji Yunsan nodded, and Du Long reached into the lottery box... "Young man, can you hurry up?" an old man nearby said impatiently.

It was understandable why he was impatient. Du Long took more than a minute to draw one ticket, which was extremely slow compared to others who finished in two or three seconds.

"Exactly, this isn't picking apples. Just grab one," the people waiting in line urged.

Fortunately, Du Long drew the second and third tickets quickly. After he pulled his hand out of the box, everyone ignored him.

Du Long handed the three tickets to Ji Yunsan and smiled, "Come on, open them for me. Nervous?"