King of Soldiers: The Hunter

My Sweet

Wu Min’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she cursed inwardly, lecher. Her gaze swept toward Tang Shu, and she said, “I’ve given it some thought, and you’re right—this matter isn’t serious. We’d all be better off letting it go. I’ll let your friend off the hook this time, but I suggest you stop stirring up trouble unnecessarily.”

“Do we have a deal?”

“A deal it is.”

“Good. Then I’ll pretend none of this ever happened. You go handle your duties, and we’ll continue enjoying our drinks. Let’s just stay out of each other’s way.” A glimmer of relief flashed in Tang Shu’s eyes—at last, the storm had passed without incident.

But Wu Min caught that subtle look and it left her feeling unsettled. Though it seemed she had lost this little standoff, she didn’t feel defeated by the pretty girl in front of her—but rather, by that d*mn scoundrel who always made her blood boil for no good reason. She felt indignant, yet powerless.

“Inspector Wu, that’s it?” Yang Wei seemed even more unwilling to let it go than Wu Min herself.

Wu Min shot him a cold glance and ignored him. Turning to Tang Shu, she said icily, “That’s enough for tonight. Keep a closer eye on your friend. As officers of the law, it’s our duty to remind you—know who you associate with. One wrong move, and regret will come too late.” Wu Min wasn’t sure why she felt compelled to distance Tang Shu from Zhang Ziwen. Perhaps it was her innocence that provoked such an inexplicable sense of concern.

“Officer sis,” Tang Shu said sweetly now that things had settled, “I know my friends well enough, but thank you for your concern. As for who I choose to befriend, I’ll manage that on my own.” Her tone in that final line was unmistakably dismissive.

Seeing that lingering here was pointless, Wu Min cast a glance at Zhang Ziwen—still mooning over Tang Shu—and let out a silent scoff before curtly ordering, “Withdraw.” The police officers surrounding the booth disappeared in an instant. On his way out, Yang Wei shot Zhang Ziwen a venomous glare, clearly deepening the animosity between them. Unfortunately, Zhang Ziwen didn’t notice. He was too captivated, eyes clouded with emotion, his gaze on Tang Shu intense, confused, and dazed.

As the last officer departed, Tang Shu let out a long sigh of relief. Turning back, she found Zhang Ziwen staring at her with an expression that brimmed with tenderness. Her cheeks flushed crimson—radiant and alluring, like a flower kissed by dew. Her bashful joy was almost too lovely to bear.

“Wen-ge…” she murmured shyly. That soft, delicate call could melt the hardest heart. Not only did Zhang Ziwen’s chest tighten, even his two mischievous friends felt their mouths go dry, utterly exposed in their wolfish delight.

A sudden urge seized Zhang Ziwen—to hold her close. Without thinking, he opened his arms. “Come here, Shu-shu, let Wen-ge hold you for a moment.” His voice trembled with barely contained emotion.

Tang Shu hesitated briefly. But seeing the seriousness in his eyes—free from lust or mischief—she blushed and quietly sat beside him. As Zhang Ziwen’s arms gently wrapped around her, she nestled against his firm chest, her cheek pressed to his warmth.

She could feel the strong rhythm of his heartbeat. His masculine scent drifted into her delicate nose, making her heart race like a startled fawn. She relished the embrace—her eyes softened, tinged with enchantment and contentment.

With beauty and warmth in his arms, Zhang Ziwen inhaled the fragrance of her hair, his hand caressing her soft shoulders and back. Her skin was smooth and silky under his fingers, sending a shiver through him. Gently, he lifted her face with a single finger, gazing into her dreamy eyes. Slowly, he leaned in...

Tang Shu’s face turned crimson again, her lashes fluttered shut, surrendering to the moment. Her heart pounded, her slender frame trembling ever so slightly in anticipation.

A kiss—gentle, lingering, full of affection—landed not on her lips, but on her forehead. It stayed there for ten long seconds.

A flicker of disappointment flashed across Tang Shu’s heart, but the warmth he left behind made her tremble all the same. That kiss, though innocent, spoke volumes of tenderness.

The dim bar lighting blurred around them, the music easing into a softer rhythm. The atmosphere grew tender and faintly romantic, wrapping the two of them in its spell.

“The hell is this?”

“Stringing us along for nothing.”

The spell broke. The voices of Pang Dahai and Kaizi cut through the air, jarring them back to reality. Ever since Zhang Ziwen announced his intention to hug Tang Shu, the two mischief-makers had watched in breathless anticipation. But as the couple drew close only to end in a forehead kiss, disappointment overwhelmed them.

Flushed with embarrassment, Tang Shu shifted as if to pull away from Zhang Ziwen.

“Don’t move. Ignore them. Just let Wen-ge hold you a little longer,” Zhang Ziwen whispered, tightening his embrace as though comforting a child.

Tang Shu looked up, lips pouting. “Wen-ge, don’t treat me like a kid. You’re so annoying,” she said, half-angry, half-coquettish. But her soft body yielded obediently, pressing close again, her cheek nuzzling his chest like a pampered kitten.

The sight nearly drove Pang Dahai and Kaizi mad with envy. Why him? Why so obedient? They could barely stand it.

“Alright, are you two done yet? This is torture to watch,” Pang Dahai groaned, flicking a dice from the table at them.

Kaizi chimed in, “Seriously, take your mushy drama home. We’re here to drink!”

“Yeah, you’ve clearly chosen your girlfriend over your friends,” Pang Dahai added with a pout, then turned to Tang Shu with a grin. “How about a hug for Hai-ge?” His attempt at looking kind only made him resemble a big bad wolf.

“Hei, Kai-ge wants one too!” Kaizi joined in shamelessly.

The two pranksters effectively shattered the tender moment. Reluctantly, Zhang Ziwen released Tang Shu, casting a glare at his friends full of annoyance.

Seeing their mission accomplished, Pang Dahai and Kaizi exchanged victorious glances and looked back at Zhang Ziwen with smug defiance.

What else could he do? Zhang Ziwen gave Tang Shu a helpless smile and moved over to sit by his friends, determined to reclaim the spotlight through drinks.

“You want to drink? Fine. I’ll drink you under the table,” he growled through gritted teeth.

“Bring it on. Kaizi, you're up first.”

“I was born ready. Mosquito, let's go—bottoms up!”

As the three men engaged in a spirited showdown, Tang Shu reclined quietly on the sofa, lost in the memory of what had just passed. For the first time, she had willingly embraced a man. For the first time, a man had held her so tenderly. For the first time, she had been kissed on the forehead. And for the first time, she had obeyed a man so readily.

So many firsts.

Her gaze lingered on Zhang Ziwen’s back. Even the way he sat captivated her. That very first night at the club, hiding behind him, she’d fallen for the broad strength of his back. His deep, dark eyes seemed to hide endless stories. His reckless temperament, his careless attitude, his handsome, slightly aloof charm, and that masculine aura—it all stirred something within her.

What’s happening to me? she wondered. Could I be falling for him?

Her cheeks burned at the thought, her heart thudding wildly.

They drank well past 3 a.m., by which time Zhang Ziwen had gloriously defeated his two comrades, who now lay sprawled on the sofa, completely incapacitated.

“Come on, Shu-shu, let’s go home,” Zhang Ziwen said, staggering to his feet, tongue heavy from alcohol.

Tang Shu hurried to his side, supporting him gently. “Wen-ge, are you alright? Can you walk?”

“I’m fine. I can walk.”

“What about Hai-ge and Kaizi?”

“Forget them… can’t deal with it.”

“Then let me take you home first.”

“No, I’ll take… you…” he muttered, swaying like a willow in the wind.

As they stepped out into the night, a breeze stirred. The chill hit Zhang Ziwen and the alcohol surged in his gut. Suddenly he pushed Tang Shu’s hand away and stumbled toward a nearby tree, bending over as he emptied his stomach in a miserable wave of retching.

Tang Shu rushed to his side, patting his back softly. Everything he’d savored earlier that evening now spilled out in a mess so foul it made even the air seem nauseating.