C13 Surprise!

Bai Ningshuang was seething with anger, shooting Jiang Zhuo a venomous glare. "You're quite the operator, aren't you? Bribing the chief, no less! I have no idea if you're some high-ranking official's brat or just filthy rich, but you better not mess up. If you ever fall into my hands, I'll make sure you end up behind bars!"

"Get out!" Ma Dongshan barked furiously.

With a contemptuous huff, Bai Ningshuang spun on her heel and stormed off.

Ma Dongshan let out a weary sigh, his frustration hidden within. Turning back to Jiang Zhuo, he bowed slightly, his tone laced with regret. "Commander Jiang, my sincerest apologies. Bai Ningshuang takes advantage of her grandfather's former authority over me and shows me no respect. I seem to have no control over her."

"Chief Ma, an officer like her needs to be disciplined. Her blatant disrespect and insubordination are simply unacceptable," Commander Ye stated icily.

"Yes, of course, I'll see to it that she's properly dealt with," Ma Dongshan responded, nodding vigorously in agreement.

Without another word, Jiang Zhuo departed from the precinct.

Half an hour later, he arrived back at the Western Cang Mountain Love and Care Welfare Institute.

Lau Ruoyan was pacing the living room, visibly distressed, her face etched with concern.

"Sister Yan, Uncle will be okay. Don't worry," the precocious Yiyi reassured her, tugging gently at Lau Ruoyan's sleeve, her large eyes sparkling with sincerity.

"Thank you, Yiyi," Lau Ruoyan replied, managing a weak smile as she affectionately tousled Yiyi's hair. Somehow, the gesture eased her anxiety.

Rationally, Jiang Zhuo should be in no trouble at all, considering it was Zhu Zhiyong and his crew who had caused the disturbance.

As Lau Ruoyan's worry reached a crescendo, the reassuring sound of steady footsteps approached from outside.

"Sister Yan, I'm home," came the familiar voice.

Jiang Zhuo entered, his face bright with a smile.

Lau Ruoyan's heart leapt with relief, and she quickly closed the distance between them. "Zhuo, you're finally back. I've been worried sick!"

Overcome with emotion, Lau Ruoyan embraced Jiang Zhuo tightly, half fearing that the moment before her might just be a figment of her imagination.

Jiang Zhuo felt a warmth in his heart as he gently patted Lau Ruoyan on the back and whispered, "Sister Yan, do you still see me as the little kid I used to be?"

"Aren't you? Even though you're all grown up now, in our eyes, you'll always be the little one!"

Lau Ruoyan rubbed her reddened eyes and gazed up at Jiang Zhuo, towering a full head above her.

Then, with a hint of curiosity, she asked, "How did that policewoman let you off the hook? She looked like she had a vendetta against you. I was sure she'd detain you."

Jiang Zhuo chuckled, guiding Lau Ruoyan to the couch beside him. He poured a glass of water and took a sip.

"Uncle..." Yi Yi approached, her delicate face as smooth as porcelain, her eyes brimming with warmth.

"Little one, didn't I ask you to call me 'brother'?" Jiang Zhuo said, torn between laughter and frustration, as he gently squeezed Yi Yi's cheek.

"But I'm used to it," Yi Yi replied with a playful stick of her tongue.

Cradling her in his arms, Jiang Zhuo turned to Lau Ruoyan and smiled, "Sister Yan, when is Sister Wu coming back?"

"She's swamped with work lately. Probably won't be back until tonight. I haven't mentioned your visit to her, so you can surprise her when she returns!" Lau Ruoyan replied with a grin.

"I wonder how much Sister Wu has changed. She must be quite stunning now, right?"

"Of course, isn't every one of your sisters beautiful?" Lau Ruoyan said with an eye roll and a touch of pride.

Jiang Zhuo couldn't argue with that.

All six of his sisters were breathtakingly beautiful, even as children they were all beauties in the making.

"You still haven't told me, how did you manage to get the policewoman to release you?" Lau Ruoyan pressed on.

Jiang Zhuo smiled and explained, "I haven't done anything wrong. Why would she hold me?"

He chose not to disclose his identity just yet, to avoid dragging Lau Ruoyan into any trouble.

His greatest desire was to ensure his sisters could live their lives peacefully and safely.

"That makes sense. I guess I was just too worried, afraid something might happen to you," Lau Ruoyan sighed, a mix of relief and resignation in her voice.

"I just knew it. Sister Yan, you really shouldn't worry. I'm sure Uncle Zhuo... I mean, Brother Zhuo will be perfectly fine."

Yiyi held her head high as she spoke earnestly.

Mid-sentence, she caught a disapproving look and quickly tucked in her neck, hastily correcting herself.

Lau Ruoyan, with a sense of resignation, smiled and got to her feet. "It's getting late; I'm going to start cooking."

With that, she entered the kitchen and busied herself.

Half an hour later, the table was laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes.

"Sister Yan, it smells amazing!"

Jiang Zhuo's eyes sparkled at the sight of the sumptuous spread before him, his appetite clearly piqued.

"Go ahead and eat." Lau Ruoyan said with a beaming smile.

Jiang Zhuo didn't hesitate, devouring the food heartily.

The children nearby watched in awe, their appetites whetted by the sight.

Observing Jiang Zhuo's messy eating, Lau Ruoyan pulled out a napkin and wiped the grease from his lips, chiding him, "Slow down, there's no need to rush; no one's going to snatch it away from you."

"Sister Yan, it's been years since I've had your cooking," Jiang Zhuo mumbled through a mouthful of food.

Lau Ruoyan shivered, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.

So much time had passed, and with it, so much had changed.

Yet, the bond between them had only grown deeper!

Seeing Jiang Zhuo relishing his meal filled Lau Ruoyan with immense contentment.

Once dinner was over, Lau Ruoyan gently ushered Yiyi and the others off to bed.

Jiang Zhuo, fresh from a relaxing bath, settled onto the couch in his shorts, engrossed in the television.

Later, Lau Ruoyan emerged from the bathroom in a silky nightgown, dabbing at the droplets in her hair.

"Sister Yan, let me help you dry your hair."

Lau Ruoyan took a seat on the couch, and Jiang Zhuo eagerly grabbed the hairdryer, offering to dry her damp locks.

Fresh from her bath, Lau Ruoyan's fragrance filled the air, her skin soft and blushing, a sight to behold.

"Thank you," she murmured, allowing Jiang Zhuo to tend to her hair.

Her nightgown hung loosely, draping over her figure.

She wore silk shorts that were completely hidden by her nightgown, giving the illusion that she wasn't wearing anything at all.

Her legs, long and straight, were pressed tightly together, her skin tender and smooth, as white and flawless as jade.

"Zhuo, where have you been all these years, and what have you been up to?" Ruoyan asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned against Jiang Zhuo's shoulder, her gaze fixed on the television.

With a chuckle, Jiang Zhuo recounted his adventures and trials over the past decade.

It had been anything but smooth sailing for him during those years.