Step aside, everyone I'm about to show off

The food was quickly packed, filling three large containers.

There was also a big lunchbox stuffed to the brim with dumplings.

The reason for such a generous amount was to let colleagues at work also get a taste of the New Year’s spirit.

The eldest sister was always thoughtful.

"Drive carefully, and come back soon."

Before leaving, Mom gave her instructions, then adjusted Cao Cheng’s coat collar before finally nodding in satisfaction.

Her handsome young man—the more she looked at him, the more pleased she felt.

The whole family watched as Cao Cheng drove off.

The third-generation G-Class roared away.

Ren Yuege wanted to tag along but was stopped by her mother.

In Aunt Ren’s heart, she actually hoped the siblings could mend their relationship—harmony at home brings prosperity, after all.

Especially between Cao Cheng and Second Sister Ren Fanxing.

Their silence, Second Sister’s cold shoulder—Mom saw it all and worried endlessly.

That’s why she let Cao Cheng deliver the food alone.

As for her intentions, how could Cao Cheng not understand?

But groveling?

Not a chance.

Delivering food wasn’t about currying favor—it was about nurturing a Gao Qiqiang.

New Year’s Eve meal delivery, served with tears.

Whoever brings the dumplings gets the gratitude—that’s the classic playbook.

...

Criminal Investigation Division.

Second Sister was busy.

There really was a case.

A mass murder a few days ago, right at the year’s end, had caused an extremely negative impact. The surrounding community couldn’t even celebrate the New Year in peace. The news hadn’t broken online yet, but it was only a matter of time.

So the higher-ups were pressing hard—a deadline was set, and both the Criminal Investigation Unit and the city bureau’s top brass had pledged to solve it.

The case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Unit.

Experts were also called in.

As a result,

many people couldn’t celebrate the New Year.

And the case itself was shrouded in mystery.

The trail was hard to follow.

No suspects had been identified yet, and everyone was working with bloodshot eyes.

From the moment the case landed yesterday until now, Second Sister Ren Fanxing hadn’t slept a wink.

Just then—

"Captain Ren!"

A team member put down the phone and called out from across the room.

Ren Fanxing, expression grim, set down the documents in her hands and looked up sharply. "Did the surveillance turn up anything?"

"Not about the case—the security at the gate just called. Said your family sent over New Year’s dinner," the team member explained.

A warmth flickered in Ren Fanxing’s heart, though her face remained unchanged. "Got it."

She knew Mom would be upset she wasn’t coming home today.

But she was still her mother.

Angry or not, she’d still send food.

That lifted her spirits a little. The case was a nightmare—no progress, and her mood had hit rock bottom.

Her team was currently reviewing surveillance footage.

Other teams were out conducting interviews, working even on New Year’s Eve.

So the warmth of a home-cooked New Year’s meal swept away the gloom in her heart.

Until—

Young Master Cao Cheng strolled in, grinning widely and carrying several containers into the office.

One glance, and Ren Fanxing’s mood plummeted again.

Why was he delivering the food?

Was there no one else at home?

"Second Sister, chow time! I know you’ve got a big appetite, so this should be enough, right?" Cao Cheng waved the containers and lunchbox, his smile blindingly bright.

"..."

Her fists clenched.

Second Sister’s fists hardened.

They hadn’t seen much of each other these past two weeks.

Normally, when work wasn’t overwhelming, Second Sister Ren Fanxing had plenty of downtime—resting at home or training in the basement gym.

But the last two weeks had been hectic. Year-end kept every department busy.

Now, with this major case, it was chaos on top of chaos!

For a while, she’d even forgotten there was a man living at home.

Seeing him now, she didn’t know whether to be happy or annoyed.

The New Year’s meal was heartwarming.

But why did he have to be the one delivering it?

Ugh.

At the end of the day, he was still "family." Over the past six months, Second Sister had come to accept Cao Cheng’s father’s place in their lives—but old habits died hard.

Plus, her first impression of Cao Cheng hadn’t been great.

So,

her feelings were complicated.

Especially seeing him like this—were you here to pick a fight?

What do you mean, "big appetite"?

You doing this on purpose?

...

Cao Cheng, ever the social butterfly, greeted everyone as soon as he entered—calling this one "Brother," that one "Sister," even offering cigarettes to the middle-aged unit captain.

Most people didn’t know much about Ren Fanxing’s family background. They just knew Deputy Captain Ren came from a comfortable, well-off household.

No one knew how many siblings she had.

They assumed this was her younger brother.

Ren Fanxing didn’t explain. Outside the home, she refused to air family matters or expose their conflicts in public.

Once the greetings were done and everyone returned to work, Ren Fanxing muttered coldly under her breath, "Who told you to come?"

"Mom."

"That’s my mom." Ren Fanxing frowned.

"Yeah, your mom."

"..."

Her grip tightened.

Critical hit to morale.

Cao Cheng chuckled. "Hurry up and eat. There’s plenty here—share some with your colleagues. After you’re done, I’ll take the containers back."

"No need. You can leave. I’ll wash them and bring them home myself."

"Not happening. Mom said I have to watch you finish and bring the containers back." Cao Cheng was bluffing, draping himself in Mom’s authority.

But Ren Fanxing bought it.

"Then stay away from me."

"I don’t mind your table manners."

"I mind you."

"Tch." Cao Cheng scoffed and walked off.

That attitude was infuriating.

Damn it.

I’m here delivering your food, and you treat me like a delivery boy?

He took a deep breath, swallowing his irritation.

Just you wait, Second Sister. I’ll get my payback, you overgrown husky!

Second Sister Ren Fanxing laid out the food—three containers and a giant box of dumplings, covering the entire desk.

The aroma spread.

She called the team over.

There wasn’t enough for all dozen-plus people to eat their fill, but they could at least get a taste—enough for half a meal.

After all, New Year’s dinner deliveries weren’t a one-time thing. Soon, the unit captain’s wife—everyone’s "sister-in-law"—would bring over more dumplings.

That would be enough to keep everyone full today.

"Captain Ren, your family’s cooking is amazing."

"So good! Especially these dumplings. A little sticky, but the flavor’s incredible."

What bootlickers.

Cao Cheng shook his head from a distance. Sticky dumplings = delicious?

I’ve tasted them—they’re just okay.

"Yummy yummy~~"

"Happy New Year, Captain Ren!"

"Man, some alcohol would really hit the spot."

"Alcohol? Shut up and eat your garlic."

The group ate happily, the shadow of the case momentarily lifted by the meal.

Even with the unresolved tension between Second Sister and Young Master Cao, the warmth in their stomachs spread to their hearts.

For a second, Cao Cheng didn’t seem quite as irritating.

Only 99% as irritating now!

...

Young Master Cao lit a cigarette.

Sat to the side.

From afar, he studied the materials on the wall-mounted board—some photos were gruesome.

The board was far, but Cao Cheng’s vision was sharp.

The pictures showed charred bodies.

A family of seven, wiped out?

Oh, this case...

I know this one!

Everybody move—time for me to show off!