Four carriages headed out of the city, taking about two hours. The carriages were stocked with fruit and pastries. Though it was cold outside, the inside was warm. This was quite different from the usual carriages Li Xin would call for. The Hex mini-heater was somewhat like a hand warmer, only much more expensive. Additionally, the Hex device inside needed to be replaced after a while.

Kathy and Lin Fei were in one carriage, Luo Xue and Fei Ruolin in another, while Li Xin, Lu Shuai, and Huerta shared another. The last carriage contained some daily necessities, as they were planning to stay overnight at the Hot Spring Villa. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Brother Li, did you take on the 'Little Flayer' case? How's the investigation going? That case sounds terrifying," Lu Shuai asked while munching on sunflower seeds.

"It's still under investigation, and there isn't much progress yet," Li Xin replied. "Why, are you interested in joining in?"

"Not really, you know I have no patience for dealing with secretive incidents; it's not for me," Lu Shuai quickly waved his hand. "Miss Tang is just concerned. She used to handle this case before it was passed to you, and she seems a bit worried about your investigative experience."

"Then she should lend a hand," Li Xin couldn't help but complain about his colleague's double standards and bias.

"You both handle different aspects at the same level; she's still your senior. My Miss Tang is already very busy, so don't add to her burden," Lu Shuai said hurriedly.

"Damn, are you really that inconsiderate? It's only been a few days and you've already changed this much?" Li Xin rolled his eyes.

"Hehe, Brother Li, you don't get it, we're truly in love. I've never met a girl as exceptional and dedicated as Miss Tang. She's genuinely passionate about her work. I once asked her what her life goal was, and can you guess what she said?"

Lu Shuai looked at the two, Huerta shook his head; he had no idea what women thought.

"To become an outstanding Night Patrol? Captain?"

Lu Shuai made a gesture of interlocking his fingers, "Beneath the moonlit night, Justice is eternal. You know, I've heard those words so many times I'm tired of them, but when Miss Tang said it, I felt like she was glowing. At that moment, it was as if the Moon God had descended. She's a girl with a truly beautiful soul, my spiritual companion."

"Are you sure it's not because she's pretty?" Li Xin couldn't help but ask. "So you've given up on becoming a live-in son-in-law?"

"Shallow thinking, Brother Li, my life goal has never changed. If I can't find true love, I'll just become a live-in son-in-law—after all, marrying anyone is just marrying. If there's no love, there should at least be a career. But if I'm lucky enough to find true love, then I'll have both love and career. Everyone in the Lu Family has ideals and aspirations!" Lu Shuai said passionately. The admiration was evident in Huerta's eyes.

Li Xin pursed his lips, you've said everything already. Then Lu Shuai began rambling about how impressive Miss Tang was during cases — how they complemented each other smoothly, having handled five major and minor cases in collaboration. "I tell you, our cooperation is seamless; it's innate. Miss Tang is gradually being melted by me."

"Why do I feel like it's you who's being melted by her?" Li Xin remarked, but it was clear that Lu Shuai's change was for the better, with less of the playboy vibe since spending time with Tang Chendan.

"Warming each other, what's the difference?" Lu Shuai said proudly.

Both Li Xin and Huerta could feel the happiness radiating from Lu Shuai; it was impossible not to be affected.

"I also want a sweet love," the rugged and solid Huerta suddenly blurted out, bringing a sudden silence to the carriage.

Li Xin and Lu Shuai exchanged glances, and then Lu Shuai's eyes lit up, "Hey, Old Hu, who have you got your eyes on?"

"No one, I was just saying," Huerta hurriedly waved his hand.

Lu Shuai immediately hooked his arm around Huerta's neck, "Come on, little guy, I can tell exactly what you're up to just by the way you wag your tail. Don't pretend — be honest, who is it? With me, the master of romance, you'll definitely win her over!"

"No, no, really, there's no one, I'm just..." Huerta's face blushed as red as a boiled crab.

"Come on, let's make a guess, is she with us today?" Lu Shuai's eyes twinkled as he suddenly asked.

Huerta paused, silent, looking at Lu Shuai in disbelief. Was this guy a tapeworm in his belly?

"Silence means consent. Luo Xue's personality is too cold, not romantic, a dull gourd. You two would repel because of the same attributes, so it must be Senior Sister Fei Ruolin then, which fits your Saxon aesthetic, right?" Lu Shuai said smugly.

Huerta blushed and shook his head, "No, it's not her, really..."

"Come on, what is there to fear? Brothers are here, get in touch, it's not like we're asking you to confess," Lu Shuai reassured. "You always keep your head down, how is anyone supposed to know what you think? Women aren't mind-readers."

"What should I do then?" Huerta, usually so brave, mumbled softly.

"Be bold and chat, say something, be diligent with your hands and feet. That's enough for now; you won't get it otherwise. When Miss Tang and I first met, the word she said most to me was 'get lost.'"

"I'm worried about disturbing her..."

"Brother, remember this: a woman likes you not because you like her, but because you possess traits she likes. You have to let her get to know your good qualities," Lu Shuai instructed. "Tang and I slowly got to know each other, slowly drew near. What a wonderful process that was."

"Ah, does it have to be this troublesome?" Li Xin couldn't help but ask.

"Not always. If she loves you more, she won't need it," Lu Shuai laughed. "An outstanding woman falling in love with you at first sight is a man's dream come true."

Li Xin smiled, opened the curtain, and a cold wind blew in, causing Lu Shuai and Huerta to shiver.

"Brother Li, it's freezing, close it up. All the warmth is escaping," Lu Shuai quickly said.

Li Xin still looked outside, "Just getting some fresh air, it's a bit stuffy."

Lu Shuai hugged himself, shivering, "A little fresh air is enough. The Warm Spring Inn we're going to in Hot River Town is quite unique; it only accommodates five to ten guests at a time. Though it's a small inn, the scenery is excellent. The hot springs in Hot River Town aren't just heated water baths; they're therapeutic, incredibly relaxing. Brother Li, Old Hu, you both stay busy all the time, and one of you is constantly training. A soak will relieve all your fatigue."

"Are these hot springs geothermal or volcanic?" Li Xin asked.

"What geothermal or volcanic?" Lu Shuai was momentarily confused.

"Generally, good hot springs are either geothermal or volcanic. There are no volcanoes near Dragon Capital, so it should be geothermal then."

"What an unusual saying. Isn't it a blessing from the Moon God? Legend has it that the Moon God once descended here and took a bath; that's why there are hot springs," Lu Shuai laughed, then lowered his voice, "Does that count as bathing together?"