Stepping onto the mountain path leading home, Lei Mai looked relaxed and quite cheerful, even carrying Jian Xin on his back for a short stretch. Of course, being a Chief Constable, he certainly had the necessary physical stamina. Jian Xin was in high spirits because this was her home! This was her first time being so far away for so long. "Oh right, Chief Constable Lei, how is Chen Si?"
"You're only just thinking of to ask about him? You have no idea how long he's been missing you, you little ungrateful wretch," Lei Mai teased with a smile. "He kept pushing his tutor to let me go so he could come find you. And when I finally was able to leave, he kept me talking for ages, all about you—like making sure you were delivered home safely and putting in a good word for you. He ended up getting punished by Elder Zhou because of it, it seemed. He cares about you so much, and you're only just remembering him now. If he finds out, tsk, tsk, tsk." Lei Mai deliberately made it sound amusing, successfully making Jian Xin laugh.
"Heeheehee, I don't know why, but it feels like his whole family—Chen Si, Uncle Chen—all really like me."
Chapter 25