Chapter 17

Epilogue

Officer Wu’s home was very bright. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw Officer Chen, wearing an apron, carrying dishes out from the kitchen.

When he saw me, his gaze was a bit evasive, very different from the irritable look he had when we first met.

“Wu, um, dinner is ready. I have something to do, so I’ll head out first.” He stammered, clearly wanting to escape.

Officer Wu teased him, “What are you running for? Do you think the young lady is going to eat you up?”

Officer Chen scratched his head, walked up to me, and said, “About before, when I yelled at you-sorry.”

I quickly bowed to him, thanking him sincerely.

How could I blame him? Only truly passionate police officers would get that worked up.

Officer Wu kicked him lightly and urged, “Enough nonsense. Don’t you have something to give Bai Jie?”

Officer Chen responded with an “Oh,” turned around, and took a cake out of the fridge. He said to me, “Bai Jie, happy birthday.”

I was stunned for a moment-even I had forgotten that today was that kind of day.

Officer Wu smiled and nodded at me, “A new year, a fresh start.”

Just like that, I had a new home. Officer Wu’s daughter’s room was decorated warmly.

There was a swing on the balcony, covered with a layer of snow.

Outside, someone was setting off fireworks, lighting up the dark night sky.

I opened the window, and the white snowflakes rushed in, giving me a firm embrace, then scattered with the wind, as if whispering softly, “Goodbye, goodbye.”

I looked up at the sky, watching the snow slowly fill the world, piling up into a pure white landscape.

Officer Chen came in carrying hot milk and said, “Wu asked me to bring this to you.”

I took the cup, and the warmth melted my cold hands.

Officer Chen stood beside me, gazing out the window with me. He smiled and said, “Wu’s daughter also liked watching the snow. You two are very alike.”

I glanced back at the middle-aged man still busy in the living room.

If I ever get the chance, I really want to hear his story.