Amnesiac Yandere Ex-Wife Always Wants to Remarry - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Competition

The bl00d tests and routine physical examination results, as Qiao Guan had promised, came back quickly.

Her Anomaly power fluctuation was fine, and had even decreased.

As Qiao Guan said this, Ruan Zhujun and Ming Chunshan simultaneously glanced at Xia Pingwu, who instinctively smiled in a gesture of reassurance.

Qiao Guan looked at Ming Chunshan and handed over a box: “The enhanced inhibitor is confirmed to be fine. I’ve also discussed this with the Superior. She asked me to give you extra medication, for you to increase or decrease the dosage as needed.”

Ruan Zhujun, who had tagged along, was still uneasy, but Qiao Guan light-heartedly countered:

“Don’t worry. I’m not a person who can tolerate anyone being corrupted. If I discover it, no matter who it is, I will immediately eliminate them.”

Thus, although the cause of the amnesia had not been found, as per the agreement, Xia Pingwu chose to go to the Bureau of Anomalies after this one injection of the enhanced inhibitor.

However, to be safe, the three of them agreed to a pact: they would temporarily not disclose Xia Pingwu’s amnesia to outsiders.

This was Xia Pingwu’s first time at the Bureau of Anomalies.

She hadn’t had the chance to go ten years ago, making her even more eager now.

However, as soon as she stepped through the main entrance, she felt the atmosphere was strange.

The first floor of the Bureau of Anomalies housed multiple departments. Personnel from each department were conducting their work, clearly minding their own business, but Xia Pingwu felt that the downcast gazes were subtly and continuously sizing her up.

They were wolfish, like knives or blades.

Xia Pingwu felt uncomfortable and couldn’t help but tug her fleece jacket tighter around her shoulders.

At this moment, Ming Chunshan beside her also reached out, lightly tucked a long strand of hair near her shoulder, and whispered: “The corridor is a bit cold. It’ll be fine once we get into the Training Room.”

Xia Pingwu shook her head, offering no explanation, and simply quickened her pace.

Just then, a head popped out of the doorway of a workroom on the side, waving and calling out: “Pingwu, you’re finally here.”

It was Ruan Zhujun.

Ruan Zhujun quickly walked over, shoved Ming Chunshan’s interfering arm away, and linked arms with Xia Pingwu: “You haven’t been here in so long. I’ll give you a proper tour today.”

Ming Chunshan naturally objected, reaching out to pull Xia Pingwu back, but was slapped away by Ruan Zhujun. The latter looked up at her, lowering her voice: “The Bureau just sent someone to talk to you about the Mao Xiqing incident.”

At this, Ming Chunshan’s hand paused and she reluctantly pulled it back.

She glanced at Xia Pingwu with concern, then instructed Ruan Zhujun: “Elder Sister is going to the Training Room. You must keep a close eye on her.”

Ruan Zhujun immediately said “don’t worry” several times. Seeing Ming Chunshan finally leave, looking back every few steps, she finally grinned and winked at Xia Pingwu: “The clingy one’s gone. Come on, I’ll take you to the Training Room.”

The Training Room was on the second floor. Xia Pingwu followed Ruan Zhujun up and couldn’t resist asking: “What was the matter the Bureau was looking for Chunshan about?”

“During that mission, you were sick at home. Ming Chunshan was rushing back to take care of you, but was interfered with by a team member during the execution of the mission, which led to a conflict.”

Ruan Zhujun tried to be brief and didn’t want to dwell on the topic. While helping to unlock the Training Room’s access, she casually said:

“Don’t worry. It’s a small matter. Ming Chunshan will be back soon.”

As Ruan Zhujun finished, the Training Room door opened. She looked up and immediately froze: “What are you… doing here?”

Top floor, Bureau of Anomalies Workroom.

The floor-to-ceiling windows were covered by layers of dark curtains. The person in the main seat had their legs crossed, their gaze toward Ming Chunshan was as cold as ever:

“Ming Chunshan, your guts have grown, haven’t they? You dared to directly smash a gun into a team member.

“You haven’t written the report, and you didn’t follow up on the situation. What are you trying to do?”

Ming Chunshan stood behind the tall desk, her back straight: “It was my dereliction of duty. It won’t happen again.”

The Superior didn’t reply immediately, and a heavy silence permeated the workroom.

Ming Chunshan lowered her head, her gaze landing on the statue on the desk in front of her.

It vividly depicted the Bureau of Anomalies’ emblem, having stood proudly for many years.

It seemed as if it would stand there forever.

Lost in thought, the Superior suddenly spoke: “Ming Chunshan.”

Ming Chunshan looked up at the sound. The person slightly hooked their lip, their voice ghost-like:

“Xia Pingwu, is she alright?”

Her straight spine instantly tensed. The Anomaly’s whisper that day and this present question unexpectedly merged. Ming Chunshan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sudden unease bubbling up in her heart:

“…Thank you for your concern. Elder Sister is very well.”

“That’s good, then.” A faint rubbing sound came from behind the desk. The Superior had somehow picked up a glass bottle and was absently rubbing it.

“Hearing the on-site recording, we were also quite shocked.

“If nothing happened, that’s certainly better.”

On-site recording.

Yes, everything was under their control. Even all her equipment information was fully known to them.

If so, why bother testing her?

Ming Chunshan resisted and resisted, but finally couldn’t hold back. She took a step forward: “Elder Sister poses no threat to you. There’s no need for you to take action.”

“Chunshan, that’s not right.”

The glass bottle was gently placed on the desk. The Superior smiled, but the smile didn’t reach their eyes:

“We are the Bureau of Anomalies, born to fight Anomalies. How could we possibly collude with an Anomaly to harm your Elder Sister?”

Her voice was soft, unhurried:

“Besides, you are the most outstanding Team Leader in the Combat Squad, and your Mother sacrificed her life for the Bureau of Anomalies. And Xia Pingwu being in the state she is today is also…”

This remark seemed to hit a sore spot for Ming Chunshan. Her voice suddenly rose: “Stop talking!”

“Chunshan, why are you still unable to control your emotions?” The Superior smiled gently. “If you continue like this, I’ll have to let the person downstairs teach you a lesson on rules.

“Speaking of which, this is the first time she’s been back to the Bureau of Anomalies in seven years, isn’t it?”

She was talking about Elder Sister.

This realization immediately silenced Ming Chunshan. Her hands shaking, she watched the person calmly looking at her, slowly putting away the glass bottle:

“Take her for a good look around.

“You know, once the enhanced inhibitor completes its task, neither of you will be coming here anymore.”

In an instant, Ming Chunshan erupted. She lunged forward like a flash. From beneath the black fleece jacket, a powerful, muscular hand abruptly shot out, fingers clawed, aiming to grip the Superior’s throat!

The piled objects on the high desk immediately tumbled to the floor. Watching the hand get closer and closer, the Superior remained in the same posture, only coldly watching Ming Chunshan approach—

Then, a sudden gust of sharp wind passed. The Superior suddenly reached out and lightly pinched Ming Chunshan’s wrist.

The next moment, they slightly leaned forward, and Ming Chunshan was thrown violently to the floor like a falling leaf.

Following the huge “BANG!”, the Superior didn’t even spare a glance at the front, only brushing off non-existent dust from their hand and drawing down their large sleeve to cover their hand.

It was a huge, grotesque hand, covered in bulging blue veins.

Not far away, the dust generated by the impact slowly dissipated, revealing the person in the center.

Then, after a long silence, a series of heavy gasps could be heard.

Ming Chunshan knelt on one knee, bl00d staining the corner of her lips, but the look in her eyes was clear and fierce:

“If you dare touch my Elder Sister, next time it won’t be this simple.”

The person in the high seat was momentarily stunned. They looked at Ming Chunshan nonchalantly, then actually chuckled:

“As expected of the Team Leader. It seems… those years of eating potatoes weren’t in vain.”

Second floor, Training Room.

Mao Xiqing, who was aiming at the target, heard the sound, lowered her gun, and looked back.

As she recognized the person in front of her, she immediately saluted: “Hello, Team Leader Ruan.”

She explained Ruan Zhujun’s question: “Team Leader Ming doesn’t restrict us from the workroom. Everyone is free to come to the Training Room to complete their training tasks when they have time.”

Then, she shifted her gaze to Xia Pingwu, a hint of hesitation in her expression, and tentatively called out: “…Deputy Xia?”

She had seen old photos of Xia Pingwu in a combat uniform, but those photos were eight or nine years old, a significant difference from how she looked now.

Xia Pingwu immediately understood this was someone from Ming Chunshan’s team and smiled and nodded: “Hello.”

Ruan Zhujun introduced: “Pingwu, this is Mao Xiqing. She’s Ming Chunshan’s most capable second-in-command.”

“I can’t be called capable anymore…” Mao Xiqing smiled sheepishly. “I caused trouble for Team Leader Ming during the last mission…”

Oh, this was the team member Ruan Zhujun just mentioned who had a conflict with Ming Chunshan.

Xia Pingwu immediately made the connection.

But before she could reply, someone else interjected:

“Speaking of causing trouble, no one causes more than this Deputy Xia.”

Xia Pingwu looked over. It was a young face, likely in their early twenties, with a youthful look that couldn’t hide the contempt on their face.

Mao Xiqing immediately spoke:

“I don’t know if you recognize her. This is Ji Jie, an intern on the team. She’s young and foolish. Please don’t take offense.”

She finished, then immediately turned her head, scolding in a lowered voice: “How dare you speak like that? If you do that again, I’ll send you back for extra punishment!”

Ruan Zhujun’s face also darkened. Just as she was about to speak, Xia Pingwu stopped her, then simply and calmly glanced at Ji Jie.

She seemed to be a hardcore fan of Chunshan’s career. Since she herself was twenty-eight now, there was truly no need to engage in a verbal spat with her here.

Xia Pingwu turned her gaze, saw the people training silently in the room also secretly looking at her, and simply lowered her brows slightly, saying to Ruan Zhujun: “Never mind them. Let’s find a spot to practice.”

“You drag down Team Leader Ming at home, and now you’ve come to the Bureau of Anomalies to make a fool of yourself? Who doesn’t know you’re just a cripple who can’t return to work at the Bureau of Anomalies, according to their tests!”

Ji Jie, however, ignored Mao Xiqing’s obstruction, raising her voice several notches, her eyes fixed on Xia Pingwu.

Ruan Zhujun held Xia Pingwu firmly. She hadn’t figured out how to explain the matter of Auntie to Xia Pingwu yet, and she especially didn’t want her to get into a direct confrontation with Ji Jie.

But Xia Pingwu wasn’t one to swallow her pride. Hearing the remark, she immediately looked up:

“Even if it were true, we are wives. What does it have to do with you?”

Her gaze was practically tangible, making Ji Jie involuntarily take a step back.

But the young woman looked quite stubborn, craning her neck as if to say more. Xia Pingwu had already started walking toward her.

Seeing this, Mao Xiqing instinctively tried to block them, and Ruan Zhujun, knowing the personality of the ten-years-ago Xia Pingwu, also reached out to pull her back—

But unexpectedly, Xia Pingwu stopped in front of Mao Xiqing and took the firearm from Mao Xiqing’s hand.

She turned her eyes to Ji Jie, her gaze turning cold: “Finally, you called me a cripple. I won’t argue with you about that. I only ask you, do you want to have a match with the ‘cripple’ you speak of?”

“A match it is! How do you want to do it?” Ji Jie glared at Xia Pingwu. Seeing the crowd slowly gathering around, she couldn’t help but straighten her back.

She had been resentful of the legendary Team Leader Ming since her student days and particularly disliked Xia Pingwu still occupying the Deputy Team Leader position. Now that she had the chance for a personal duel, she was itching for a fight.

Many others shared the same thoughts. Coupled with those who enjoyed watching the drama, more and more people gathered around.

Seeing that obstruction was hopeless, Ruan Zhujun wanted to interject and suggest simpler match events, but Xia Pingwu had already spoken:

“Long-range shooting and close-quarters combat. I’ll let you have a good time with both.”

People immediately gasped. Ji Jie, although just an intern, had already participated in several small-scale battles with the team. There was no way the “Deputy Xia” who had been recuperating at home could compare.

Ruan Zhujun was also anxious, but Ji Jie had already picked up a gun, and both of them were clearly walking towards the target.

She could only quietly instruct Mao Xiqing to go find Ming Chunshan while actively taking on the role of the match referee.

A referee wasn’t really needed. With so many eyes watching, the winner and loser would be obvious immediately.

The two of them shouldered their long guns and aimed.

With a few “swoosh” sounds of bullets, the soft thud of impact in the bullseye quickly followed.

Someone immediately ran over to check. Calculations were incessant, and the result was soon announced:

The two of them had the exact same score!

Ji Jie couldn’t help but scoff, throwing the gun aside, and started loosening her body, preparing for close-quarters combat.

Xia Pingwu, however, didn’t move.

As soon as she fired, she already felt a sharp pain beginning in her arm muscles, which hadn’t been trained in a long time.

It was strange. Her body seemed to be even more fragile than it was yesterday morning.

But the words were out. There was no going back.

Xia Pingwu put the gun down and started rubbing her arms. The onlookers naturally thought she was warming up, but Ruan Zhujun sensed something was wrong and walked closer: “Pingwu, are you alright?”

“I can do it.” The simple three words expressed Xia Pingwu’s determination.

Ruan Zhujun sighed softly, then simply went to check which training mat in the room had the highest safety coefficient.

The Pingwu of ten years ago naturally had the arrogance of youth. Although she had already shown glimpses of her later detachment, she had an extraordinary persistence regarding her own ability.

Soon, the two were on the competition platform. After exchanging salutes, the duel officially began.

They exchanged blows, fully immersed in the fierce contest.

So, when Ming Chunshan arrived, what she saw was Ji Jie leaping into the air.

Ji Jie was extending a kick, aiming straight for Xia Pingwu’s head. Xia Pingwu was breathing heavily, slightly crouched, watching Ji Jie’s movement without flinching.

Just as Ji Jie’s foot got closer and closer, Xia Pingwu, unhurriedly, kicked Ji Jie’s calf as everyone instinctively held their breath. Then, using the momentum, she soared into the air even higher than Ji Jie!

The crowd couldn’t help but gasp. Then, they watched Xia Pingwu deliver a fierce downward chop, putting her entire body weight onto Ji Jie’s back.

Ji Jie immediately fell out of control, plummeting. Xia Pingwu also instantly used up all her strength and fell straight down.

In a flash, faster than even Mao Xiqing, who had just reached the doorway, could react, Ming Chunshan sprinted forward and reached out to catch Xia Pingwu.

Then, the crowd watched wide-eyed as Deputy Xia, who had executed a magnificent chop, was completely limp and securely caught by Team Leader Ming, who had appeared out of nowhere.

Her arms were tightly wrapped around her, secure yet careful.