Before dinner, Niu Shurui remembered something and turned back to grab her bag.

Qiao Qi looked at her with a hint of exasperation. “Why do you need a bag for dinner? You’re not even wearing makeup today.”

Niu Shurui pursed her lips and smiled, a mixture of amusement and exasperation swirling within her. It was all because she was worried something unexpected might happen again, causing the red light to reappear. If that happened, at least she’d have eye drops, even if they wouldn't be much help.

At the restaurant, Qiao Qi ordered while Niu Shurui took her bag and went to the restroom. Her departure that morning had been too rushed to check her appearance. After last night, she’d expected to look pale and drained, but when she faced the mirror, she was taken aback. Her makeup-free face still held a healthy flush, her complexion vibrant, her lips even more striking than usual.

Niu Shurui quickly applied some foundation and turned to leave. Suddenly, a familiar figure flickered in her peripheral vision. Focusing, she realized it was the “Officer Jiang” she’d met that morning. Thinking it a coincidence, she approached him. “What a coincidence, Officer Jiang.” He turned, his alluring, almond eyes sweeping over her.

Niu Shurui’s smile instantly vanished. “Sorry, I mistook you for someone else.”

He laughed. “You didn’t. I am Officer Jiang.”

Maintaining her composure, she smiled faintly. “I see. My apologies, my mind is a bit foggy from work. By the way, Officer Jiang, any progress on the case I reported this morning?”

“It’s still under investigation,” he replied vaguely. “If you’re anxious, you can add me on WeChat. I’ll let you know as soon as there are any developments.” He pulled out his phone, seemingly assuming she would comply.

Niu Shurui waved her hand dismissively. “No need, thank you. My friend is waiting, so I’ll be going. Enjoy your meal, Officer Jiang.”

Her tone was calm, but his expression shifted slightly, surprise flickering in his eyes as he watched her walk away. He stood there for a moment, then chuckled softly.

The moment he suggested WeChat, Niu Shurui was certain he wasn’t the same Officer Jiang from that morning. Though their faces and even their voices were nearly identical, almost indistinguishable, the feeling conveyed by their eyes and movements was completely different.

The morning’s Officer Jiang had seemed easygoing, yet every gesture exuded a rare arrogance, an aura emanating from within, impossible to imitate. This man, however, had revealed his true nature the moment his almond eyes met hers. His gaze was too frivolous, each glance feeling like a flirtatious advance.

The two were worlds apart. This one could only fool those with poor observation skills, or those blinded by preconceived notions.

When she returned, Qiao Qi was already seated at their usual table. The food arrived quickly. Having skipped breakfast, Niu Shurui was starving and quickly devoured her meal, a light sheen of sweat appearing on her forehead.

Qiao Qi brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face. “Slow down, it’s not good for your stomach.” Noticing her hair was down, he instinctively reached for his wrist where he usually kept a hair tie for her, but found nothing. He must have left it somewhere in his rush that morning. Niu Shurui’s arms were covered by long sleeves, so he asked, “Where’s your hair tie?”

“I don’t know, I must not have brought one.” Her hair had been down when she woke up at Ye Li’s place; he’d probably tossed it somewhere.

“Let me see.” Qiao Qi naturally reached for her bag and found a spare one. He reached out, intending to tie her hair, his fingers brushing her neck as he moved towards the nape.

Niu Shurui suddenly flinched, like a startled rabbit.

Qiao Qi paused. “What’s wrong?”

She was momentarily speechless. She remembered seeing the marks Ye Li had left on her back when she changed clothes that morning, which was why she’d chosen a high-necked top. Though unsure if Qiao Qi would notice, she couldn’t risk it. “Nothing. It’s fine to leave it down. Besides, I think this look suits having my hair down.”