Chapter 24: The Former Special Forces Soldier

Chen Erpao answered the call, and immediately Li Meili’s voice came through from the other end.

“Erpao! I’m already upstairs. Wang Xing came with me, and I bought some groceries. Later, I’ll let both of you taste my cooking.”

“Wang Xing came too? Well, hurry up and come in!” Hearing that Wang Xing had come along, Chen Erpao couldn’t have been more delighted. No matter how wild things got, he’d never be left out. He quickly pulled on his pants, deciding to leave his upper body bare for comfort, since several spots were still wrapped in gauze.

When he opened the door, Li Meili and Wang Xing were already standing at the entrance. Today, Li Meili wore light makeup and a professional suit that accentuated her voluptuous figure.

“Come in, quickly!” Chen Erpao called out, but both Li Meili and Wang Xing stopped in their tracks, eyes wide as they stared at the wounds on his body.

“Erpao, how did you get hurt? Does it still hurt? Did you call the police?” Li Meili’s face was filled with concern, firing off several questions in succession.

“Erpao, don’t tell me you busted a drug ring or took down a gang yesterday! Judging by your injuries, things must have gotten pretty intense!” Wang Xing said in surprise.

Chen Erpao chuckled, “I’m no superhero. I don’t go around busting drug rings or gangs for fun. I just happened to be a little too handsome, maybe. Walking down the street, a group of people couldn’t stand it and ganged up on me, that’s all.”

Li Meili couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

She carried a pile of groceries into the kitchen: pork, fish, ribs, and even a big bundle of chives—everyone knows what those do for men. Bringing so much was clearly a temptation.

“Erpao, if anything ever happens, just say the word. My skills aren’t great, but I was a scout in the army. Handling two or three guys is no problem,” Wang Xing said earnestly, leaning in.

Chen Erpao smiled, gazing at him. “You’re not afraid of trouble, not afraid of getting hurt? Look at me now—if it had been you, you’d probably be in the hospital already.”

“For a brother, I’d take a knife to the ribs without hesitation. Though, it’s best not to get stabbed, haha,” Wang Xing laughed.

“Good, then after dinner you’ll come with me to settle the score,” Chen Erpao said, grinning.

Wang Xing’s eyes widened. “Right after dinner? We’ll be done eating, but who knows if the others have had their meal yet. Shouldn’t we wait until they finish? But however you say, Erpao, that’s how I’ll do it!”

They both laughed together.

An hour later, the table was covered with a lavish spread, full of color, aroma, and flavor. Chen Erpao hadn’t expected Li Meili’s cooking to be so excellent. Just as the three were about to begin enjoying the feast, a knock sounded at the door. Li Meili got up and walked over.

“It’s you.”

“Director Li.” Two voices echoed in surprise—the visitor was Wang Xuemei, just back from school. She and Li Meili stared at each other, both bewildered.

Chen Erpao felt a wave of embarrassment. He wasn’t sure what to say, so he helplessly got up and walked over.

“Meili, Xuemei is my girlfriend now.” After some thought, Chen Erpao decided to say it outright. Some things are best made clear.

Li Meili looked at Chen Erpao in disbelief, then at Wang Xuemei, anger clearly written on her face.

“The school discourages student relationships. How could you do this, and why didn’t you tell me?” Li Meili glared at Chen Erpao, resentment in her eyes. Wang Xing stood by, looking as though he wanted to say something but held back.

Wang Xuemei hadn’t expected Chen Erpao to declare this in front of the director. She was stunned, but then a look of happiness spread across her face.

“Director Li, the school may discourage it, but there’s no explicit prohibition. I understand the importance of my studies—it won’t affect them,” Wang Xuemei said.

Li Meili said nothing more, but shot Chen Erpao a fierce glare before storming out.

Chen Erpao didn’t run after her, but quickly turned to Wang Xing, “Xing, go after Meili. Now’s your chance.”

Wang Xing nodded and hurried out after her.

Anyone could understand what had just happened. Wang Xuemei said nothing more about it, her face glowing with happiness as she looked at Chen Erpao.

“Was what you just said true?”

Chen Erpao grinned, “Which part?”

“Hmph, I’m not talking to you,” Wang Xuemei pouted, turning away. But Chen Erpao suddenly pulled her into his arms, his broad lips pressing down onto hers, meeting her tender, fragrant red lips.

Caught off guard by the sudden kiss, Wang Xuemei trembled as if electrified, struggling a little, but soon calmed. She closed her eyes tightly, her whole body seeming to melt, half collapsing into Chen Erpao’s embrace.

Chen Erpao, burning with youthful energy, held a school beauty in his arms. Desire surged within him, and his lips grew restless, gently prying open her lips and slipping inside, tasting warmth, sweetness, and softness.

Wang Xuemei clung tightly to Chen Erpao’s neck, as if inviting him to take more. As he savored her sweetness, his hands wandered restlessly down her back, finally settling on her full, round curves.

Her hips were incredibly soft, and Chen Erpao couldn’t help kneading them, making her blush almost instantly.

The fire in his belly burned fiercely, but he didn’t go further. Sometimes, restraint is best—especially the first time, and with their rooms just across from each other, there would be plenty of chances in the future. Sneaking into her bed at midnight was always possible.

“Xuemei, let’s eat. The food won’t taste good if it gets cold,” Chen Erpao said, forcing himself to calm down, and hurried to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face, finally feeling more composed.

“All these dishes were made by Director Li? They’re really good. Mine aren’t as tasty,” Wang Xuemei said, giggling mischievously as she ate.

“That’s not true. Next time, I’ll let you try my cooking. After you taste it once, you’ll definitely want a second helping,” Chen Erpao said confidently. Though he didn’t love cooking, he believed in his skills—he’d learned quite a lot in the army.

Wang Xuemei’s eyes lit up. “Really? I’d love to try. I never knew you could cook! You’re so skilled—what else have you been keeping from me?”

“I used to be a ****, a special forces soldier. But after some experiences, now I just want a simple life,” Chen Erpao said, raising his head and speaking solemnly, hiding nothing.

Wang Xuemei didn’t foolishly ask about those experiences, but instead inquired about life in the army. This made Chen Erpao feel that a truly smart woman lets a man feel at ease.