180: Chapter 180 The Promise, the Jade Hairpin

Constable Lin's cases involved dealing with vicious, desperate criminals on a daily basis.

Take the previous Official Silver Case for example; if not for luck, she would have already met her end outside the city.

If the two of them grew too close, those enemies might set their sights on Chen Ran if they couldn't find her.

Although Chen Ran had been promoted to Prison Warden, he could still be considered an official of some standing.

But in her eyes, his strength was ultimately too weak.

If he truly encountered danger, he would have trouble even protecting himself.

Furthermore, with the woman being stronger than the man, in the long run, Chen Ran might lose Face.

Lin Wan suddenly stopped in her tracks.

She turned her head, staring straight at Chen Ran.

"Chen Ran."

"The path of the Dao of martial arts is like rowing a boat against the current; if you do not advance, you retreat."

She put on a stern Face, adopting the posture she used when instructing subordinates at Six Doors.

"Although you are currently secure in the Celestial Prison, you cannot slack off."

Watching her serious demeanor, Chen Ran rubbed his chin and nodded, fully cooperating.

"Constable Lin is right to lecture me."

"I will surely turn over a new leaf and strive for improvement."

Detecting the perfunctoriness in his words, Lin Wan glared at him, annoyed.

She hesitated for a moment, appearing to have made a decision.

"How about this."

She lifted her chin slightly.

"As long as you can achieve a Breakthrough to the Sixth Grade Realm, I will give you a reward."

Sixth Grade?

Chen Ran raised an eyebrow.

He was currently a bona fide Third Grade Return to Truth Realm.

How was this reward any different from getting something for free?

"What kind of reward?" Chen Ran leaned in closer, deliberately drawing out his tone.

"You will know when the time comes."

Lin Wan turned her head away, refusing to look at him.

Yet the roots of her ears were visibly turning red.

In reality, she hadn't even thought about what reward to give; she purely wanted to find an excuse to force Chen Ran to Cultivate.

"Alright, it's a deal."

Chen Ran agreed with unusual readiness.

The two continued walking along the main street.

As they passed a stall selling rouge and powder, the proprietress greeted them enthusiastically.

"Young Master, why not buy a box of rouge for your wife?"

As she spoke, the woman deftly opened several exquisite porcelain boxes and smeared them on the back of her hand.

"These are fresh stock, top-quality Begonia Red and Peach Blossom Powder."

"Just look at the quality; it couldn't be more perfect for your wife's Heavenly Immortal-like appearance!"

"If she applies this touch of red, it's guaranteed to hook your soul, Young Master!"

Lin Wan's footsteps faltered.

The words "your wife" made her cheeks burn.

She was just about to explain.

But Chen Ran had already stopped in front of the stall and began selecting items with great seriousness.

"You have a good eye, madam."

Chen Ran picked up a box of Peach Blossom Powder, glanced at it casually, and turned to look at Lin Wan.

"However, my wife is naturally beautiful and has no need for such common trifles."

Lin Wan's fingers curled subconsciously; she wanted to refute, but didn't know how to speak up.

Chen Ran casually selected a few items from the stall, paid a few taels of broken silver, and had them all packed up to take away.

The proprietress was stunned for a moment, then smiled from ear to ear.

"Young Master, you really know how to talk; your wife is very fortunate."

Lin Wan stood to the side, unsure whether to leave or stay.

She could only glare fiercely at Chen Ran.

Chen Ran put down the rouge, smiled and said goodbye to the woman, then slowly caught up with Lin Wan.

Gradually, the surrounding clamor died down.

The two arrived at a wooden bridge.

Beneath the bridge, the river water was emerald green, dotted with a few blooming lotus flowers.

A breeze blew by, bringing waves of coolness.

Chen Ran stopped by the bridge, leaning against the wooden railing.

He reached into his robe and touched an exquisite wooden box.

This was the white jade hairpin he had bought at the jewelry pavilion last time.

He hadn't found a suitable opportunity to give it away until now.

Today's atmosphere was just right.

Chen Ran did not hesitate, taking out the wooden box and handing it to Lin Wan.

"Click."

The wooden box opened.

Inside lay a snow-white jade hairpin, with a lifelike orchid carved at the end.

Lin Wan was stunned.

She looked at the simple and elegant hairpin, unable to react for a moment.

"This is..."

"I passed by a jewelry shop last time and just bought it."

Chen Ran said casually,

"I thought it suited you, so I took it."

Lin Wan stared blankly at the jade hairpin in the box.

She rarely touched women's jewelry, spending her days either practicing the blade or handling cases.

Yet, looking at this white jade orchid hairpin, she felt her throat go dry.

Chen Ran didn't give her a chance to refuse.

He took a step forward.

The distance between the two closed instantly.

A faint scent of soap drifted towards her.

Lin Wan's body stiffened, and she instinctively wanted to retreat.

"Don't move."

Chen Ran's voice was very soft.

He raised his hand and gently inserted the white jade hairpin into Lin Wan's high bun.

His fingertips inadvertently brushed against her earlobe.

A warm sensation came through.

Lin Wan held her breath, her chest rising and falling slightly.

"All done."

Chen Ran stepped back half a pace and looked her up and down.

The white jade orchid adorned her jet-black hair.

It softened the icy, unapproachable aura about her, adding a touch of gentleness and beauty.

"Very beautiful."

Chen Ran nodded, giving an honest assessment.

This was not a lie; even just with the addition of the accessory,

the white jade hairpin perfectly added a touch of coolness to her original beauty.

This action naturally attracted considerable attention, and passersby on the wooden bridge slowed their pace.

Many people craned their necks, secretly observing the two on the bridge.

Upon seeing their appearance, they could not help but sigh with admiration.

"Oh my, what a handsome man and beautiful woman," an old woman carrying a vegetable basket said with a smile.

"Indeed, the young couple is very affectionate," the old man beside her agreed.

Several young women passed by, turning their heads repeatedly, their eyes full of envy.

Someone in the crowd stared for a long time before slowly exclaiming:

"That... isn't that Divine Constable Lin of the Six Doors?"

A man wearing short-sleeved work clothes rubbed his eyes, his Face full of disbelief.

"What are you talking nonsense for? How could Constable Lin possibly..."

The person beside him was just about to refute, but followed his gaze and their voice stopped abruptly.

"My god, it really is her. It seems the rumors in the newspaper were true?"

"The man next to her is Divine Constable Lin's sweetheart..."

Although the surrounding discussion was not loud, with Lin Wan's hearing, she naturally heard it clearly.

Feeling the strange gazes of those around her, Lin Wan finally could not hold it together.

A wave of burning crimson suddenly flooded her cheeks.

Even her slender, long neck flushed with a faint pink hue.

"You..."

She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

"I, I still have a case to handle, let's talk another day."

Chen Ran stood in place, watching her fleeing figure, and couldn't help but chuckle.

Shaking his head, he turned and walked towards the direction of the Celestial Prison.