For a long time, Lu Yao was under the delusion that Qiao Chusheng is courting him.

It started with the inspector giving him a solemn bow and an earnest promise from that moment on; he will be Lu Yao's wallet. In Lu Yao speak, it similar to Qiao Chusheng offering Lu Yao his first betrothal gift.

Of course, the gifts that followed have been the logical progression into their courtship. For Lu Yao, as the bride(?) in the relationship, he was within his rights, to demand specific gifts. Qiao Chusheng, as the courting groom, has to provide them, naturally.

As a proper bride, Lu Yao deigns to solve all the cases presented to him. After all, it is courtesy to satisfy his betrothed, making their potential espousal auspicious for the inspector's career.

When Qiao Chusheng went to a date with a girl in the Cinema, Lu Yao's fairy tale, make-believe world ended disgracefully. Lu Yao, finally, came to a very depressing realization that Qiao Chusheng is not courting him.

Missing such blatant truth is unbelievably insulting to someone like him.

The detective had to re-examine his ability to deduce. If he cannot see through his outright delusions, then, his pride as an exceptionally gifted detective has been unequivocally undeserved.

However, all the cases have been solved and wrapped up efficiently, in a reliable manner and astounding pace. There may be a few points where Lu Yao can improve, but overall, his performance as detective-on-case is on par with his expectations.

Therefore, the problem lies with Lu Yao mistaking much of the inspector's deeds for intimacy.

Nevertheless, who can blame Lu Yao for the misinterpretation?

Without hesitation, Qiao Chusheng gave in to his capricious and often, outrageous demands. He wiped crumbs off his lips, peeled his eggs during meals, and gave him long, teasing looks before walking away.

What about the dinner in a romantic restaurant for couples, complete with violin and a gift,

the (un) intentional half-hugs?

The motives behind may be innocent, but the gestures were baffling, leaving Lu Yao confused whether the inspector is deliberately teasing or utterly oblivious to his effect on the detective. Lu Yao strongly believes it is the latter.

Now, the detective studiously ignores perplexing behavior from the inspector. He does not like to slide down the rabbit hole of delusions, again.

Lu Yao decided to return each gift as discreetly as he can. In exchange for each meal mistakenly construed as a courtship gift, he will cook dinner for the inspector.

To deal with his annoying obsession towards Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao thinks that a professional relationship will prevent the potential for innocent gestures of intimacy. It will also enable him to solve the cases faster, thereby reducing interactions with the irresistible inspector. Declining offers of meals will also lessen further contact.

The first to be returned are the Parker pens. Lu Yao painstakingly cleaned them, oiled the springs and bought elegant pen cases carved with beautiful calligraphy of Qiao Chusheng's name at the inset, as a gesture of proper send-off.

For Lu Yao, he was, simply, if reluctantly, returning a gift of great sentimental value.

For Qiao Chusheng, he was receiving a precious gift of immeasurable value. As far as he can remember, Lu Yao has never given anyone a gift. All that he has hoarded, swindled or stolen are fiercely guarded, may be sold for money, but never freely given to anyone as a gift. So, to receive these pens from Lu Yao (albeit originally his) is an amazing and humbling feeling for the inspector.

When Lu Yao came into the station, he saw the seated inspector staring, dazzled, at pens on his table, his finger carefully caressing his carved name. Qiao Chusheng looked up at him, eyebrows raised, eyes searching. Then, the inspector smiled, bashfully ducked his head and murmured, "Thanks." Qiao Chusheng carefully closed the lid and placed the pen cases almost reverently inside the drawer.

"Ah, you're welcome?" Lu Yao answered tentatively, his ears turning red, embarrassed at the distinct feeling that he missed Qiao Chusheng's altogether.

They worked through the case investigation with little fanfare. The inspector is in autopilot. His mind is still dazedly contemplating on Lu Yao's gifts and their possible implications.

Thankfully, Lu Yao solved the case a day later. In exchange for the romantic dinner at a couple's restaurant, Lu Yao prepared a three-course meal for tonight. It is rude to leave out his roommate, so he invited both Bai siblings. Donning his most charming persona, channeling an imagined British Lord, Lu Yao graciously led his guests to the dining table.

"Are we celebrating something special?" Youning teasingly asked while Lu Yao was filling their wine flutes. "We are. It's for our successful case and a gesture of apology from me." "Apology for what?" A frowning Qiao Chusheng asked. "For being annoying, for shamelessly exploiting you." Lu Yao softly answered. A fleeting look of sorrow and regret crossed Lu Yao's face before it was gone as swiftly. Qiao Chusheng gave him a long, unreadable look before raising his glass in a silent toast. The evening passes enjoyably for everyone, although, Lu Yao caught the puzzled stares the inspector was giving him at the corner of his eyes.

He nearly slipped when he grabbed the wine bottle at the same time Qiao Chusheng did, their fingers slotting together naturally. He froze, looking at their hands. Lu Yao did not know which emotions were showing in his face.

A clearing of the throat from Youning thankfully broke the moment. Pasting a charming smile on his face, he gently, extracted his fingers and briefly glanced at Qiao Chusheng. "Allow me?" Taking the inspector's wine glass, and with a thankfully steady hand, that belies his racing heart, he elegantly poured the wine.

The evening closed with both Bai siblings cleaning and washing up.

There was no case the next day, so, Lu Yao endeavored to make himself scarce, avoiding any accidental bumping into the inspector. He took long walks, spent hours browsing through the museum.

Qiao Chusheng seemed to possess ungodly tracking skills. He found the hiding Lu Yao, wholly engrossed on the section of Traditional Chinese Courtship.

"So, are you planning on courting anyone?" Qiao Chusheng's husky voice jerked him out of his reverie. Lu Yao's neck and face flushed hotly. He cleared his throat twice before asking, "What can I do for you, inspector?" Qiao Chusheng raised his eyebrows at his embarrassment and, unceremoniously drag him to the exit while stating, "We have a case."

A very attentive Qiao Chusheng is very hard to work with, especially for Lu Yao, who is desperately trying to maintain his professional attitude and, hopefully, the much-needed distance. Qiao Chusheng audaciously invades his personal space every opportunity he can. He remained unruffled at Lu Yao's curt answers or brusque manners. For every snappy retort from Lu Yao, Qiao Chusheng responded with deliberate, seemingly innocent, caress or playful teasing depending on the situation, leaving a very frustrated Lu Yao. It took them three days to resolve the case. Lu Yao was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Youning was giggling like a schoolgirl, Adou and Salim looked resigned, and Qiao Chusheng looked giddy, like a kid in a sugar rush. The detective resentfully glared at a grinning Inspector. Qiao Chusheng is unbearably becoming teasing again, unintentionally making it hard for Lu Yao to believe that the courtship was only a delusion. He vowed to return the German-made oven.

The next day, Qiao Chusheng saw the oven on his dining table. The 'apology' dinner and Lu Yao's expression when he said it came to mind. The pens were not a gift from Lu Yao! Qiao Chusheng's chest tightened and he felt his eyes burning with unshed tears. Lu Yao is returning his gifts.

A sullen Qiao Chusheng reported to the office that day. He was always snapping at everyone in the station. Any minor mistake will earn anyone a lashing from the inspector's sharp tongue. No one dared to make a peep. The torn punching bag in the gym is an unwitting victim of his present state of temper. They only wish a case will come soon, and Master Lu can take the prickly inspector from their hands.

A case presented itself. Adou and Salim were relieved.

Lu Yao came into the station, a perfect picture of professionalism. Qiao Chusheng responded in kind. It was jarring for Qiao Chusheng to work alongside a very professional Lu Yao. The detective has turned down all his invitation to lunch or dinner. He detective is purposely distancing himself from him. What has he done wrong?

On the surface, both men acted like acquaintances forced to work together rather than friends with how cold and detached they regard each other. But underneath, Adou and Salim can see how their bodies, subconsciously, angled toward each other, how the inspector automatically puts himself between the detective and any perceived danger and, how both men's eyes unconsciously sought one another first in every room they enter.

Adou sighed, shaking his head and sharing a commiserating look with Salim.

The next day was worse. Looking at the two men is like watching a bomb ready to explode at the slightest movement. The guilty suspects readily confessed their crimes, wanting to get away from the possible resulting blast. Even Youning was silent, keeping her safe distance. Qiao Chusheng does not know how to deal with the pain of Lu Yao's evident rejection. With women, it was easier. There is always someone else willing to warm his bed. With Lu Yao, the cold is not just in his bed anymore. It has seeped through his heart as well.

The following days left the people in the station shivering. It felt like winter came back with a vengeance. The inspector looked and sound so cold that he might have been carved from ice. Halls were eerily silent. Everyone was carefully tiptoeing, afraid of breaking the tomb-like silence that permeated the air.

Then Lu Yao returned the gramophone. Qiao Chusheng exploded.

Chairs were smashed into walls, demolished. Inside the gym, all the punching bags were in shreds. As if that were not enough, Qiao Chusheng led all underground operations in gang wars.

Five days later, a subdued, detached, apologetic and limping Qiao Chusheng reported for duty. He was sporting bruises and bandages on his arms and upper torso. The inspector called all his subordinates, solemnly bowed and apologized.

When they came to gather for a case that day, Lu Yao looked at him worriedly. He had heard of Qiao Chusheng's breakdown.

Maybe he had gone too far with his effort to step back.

The atmosphere was somewhat awkward, but, thankfully, the inspector maintained a detached air of professionalism during the murder investigation. Everyone sighed in relief when Lu Yao solved the case that same day.

Qiao Chusheng slowly approached Lu Yao, silently peering at the watch in his wrist. For the first time that day, he squarely looked at the detective in the eyes, expression inscrutable. "Dinner at 8. Your place." Then, he turned and limped towards his car.

Lu Yao fleetingly looked almost close to tears before he pivoted away and headed home to prepare for dinner.

Youning will not be joining them tonight, so Lu Yao prepared something casual. The table was ready when Qiao Chusheng arrived precisely at eight. Lu Yao gently helped him out of his coat and assisted him into the chair. Lu Yao did not have the energy to be charming, so decided that tonight will be quiet dinner. Qiao Chusheng took the initiative to pour the wine. They raised their glass in a silent toast and proceeded to eat dinner companionably. After dinner, Qiao Chusheng took out an elegant, white envelope and silently pushed it across the table to Lu Yao. "For you." Qiao Chusheng encouragingly gestured to a bewildered Lu Yao.

Lu Yao opened the envelope and gasped as soon as he read the contents.

"The matchmaker confirmed that we are an auspicious pair." Qiao Chusheng's voice took on a belligerent tone daring Lu Yao to challenge his words.

"I have talked with Master Bai, and he has agreed. I have enough savings for a comfortable villa as a betrothal gift." The inspector bravely continued, belying his panic.

He cleared his throat twice and with a slightly shaking voice, confessed, "Lu Yao, if you'll have me, I will send a marriage proposal to your parents."

Lu Yao was left speechless, staring at him in amazement, lips partly open, eyes bright.

Qiao Chusheng reached across the table and lightly squeezed his wrist, worriedly looking at him. "I was desperately hoping that I will never get back the watch."

"You were courting me, after all?" Lu Yao asked when he got over his shock. "Of course. I thought I was clear enough." Qiao Chusheng answered with a frown.

"What about the girl you dated in the Cinema?"

"So that's what I did wrong." Qiao Chusheng softly murmured to himself. "It was a date between friends, nothing more. I am truly sorry," he added apologetically. He went to Lu Yao's side, gently took the detective's trembling hands in his and asked tenderly, "Lu Yao, will you be mine? Will you marry me?"