Ling Xu

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Ling Xu (凌旭)
Alias(es)	Captain Ling
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Police bureau; Ling Household
Occupation/Role	Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division; police officer
First Appearance	Chapter 19
Family	Only heir of the Ling Household 29

Background / History

Ling Xu is a highly regarded police officer whose reputation deters nearby families from breaking the law; they believe he would place justice above personal ties. He sustained a facial injury during a mission, leaving a scar from his right brow to the left corner of his mouth, though his eyes were unharmed. 19

Before openly dating Zhou Jinsu, Ling Xu maintained an ambiguous relationship with him while repeatedly seeking a formal commitment. His tenth marriage proposal, accompanied by a silver ring engraved with his initials, was rejected. 21 Zhou later agreed to date him after Ling Xu’s sincerity and ambitions persuaded him not to keep delaying their relationship. 28

Ling Xu’s work repeatedly interfered with his relationship with Zhou Jinsu. After realizing the damage caused by his absences, he promised to actively make time for Zhou and not ask him to sacrifice his career. 53 Their relationship later collapsed when Ling Xu failed to immediately oppose his parents’ hostility toward Zhou. His parents demanded that Ling Xu leave behind a child with someone else as a condition for accepting the relationship, then publicly smeared and outed Zhou. 148 152

Ling Xu’s parents were sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to compensate Zhou Jinsu fifty million yuan after the ensuing court case. 152 Ling Xu continued trying to repair the relationship, including offering Zhou three billion yuan as compensation and bringing him dumplings, but Zhou remained distant and stated that there was no possibility left between them. 162 173

Appearance

Ling Xu has a stern, intimidating presence that can frighten unfamiliar colleagues. A long scar runs diagonally across his face, making his naturally fierce appearance even more severe. 19

• Long facial scar extending from his right brow bone to the left corner of his mouth. 19
• Sharp, interrogative gaze and a habitually serious expression. 29
• Keeps a sparse, immaculate home near Zhou Jinsu’s residence. 29

Personality

Ling Xu is disciplined, blunt, and intensely work-focused. He often communicates in short, direct statements and has difficulty expressing his feelings, particularly with Zhou Jinsu. His tendency to prioritize cases over personal matters becomes a major source of conflict in their relationship. 51 53 148

Despite his gruffness, Ling Xu is protective of those under his responsibility. He initially resists allowing Xu Yanche near dangerous scenes, recognizing that Xu is a uniquely valuable and vulnerable bureau asset. 112 He also requests additional protection for Xu after witnessing his effectiveness in a case involving a vengeful spirit. 117

Xu Yanche’s irreverence frequently tests Ling Xu’s patience. Although Ling Xu is often exasperated by Xu’s slacking, provocations, and attempts to extort money, he acknowledges Xu’s capabilities and continues working with him. 52 112 116

Abilities & Skills

Criminal Investigation and Command

As captain of the Criminal Investigation Division, Ling Xu leads investigations, directs officers, and handles major cases.

• Secured a search warrant in a case involving crimes against young girls despite pressure from his superiors. 28
• Leads teams at active crime scenes and organizes arrests. 116 168 172
• Maintains professional standards even while dealing with personal turmoil. 172
• Is trusted by colleagues and addressed as “Captain Ling.” 38

Use of Xu Yanche’s Intelligence

Ling Xu recognizes the investigative value of Xu Yanche’s Gossip Ability and helps bring it into official police work.

• Initially doubts He Qing’s explanation of Xu Yanche’s ability, but accepts it after Xu accurately reveals Ling Xu’s secret relationship with Zhou Jinsu. 29
• Agrees to verify Xu’s ability through formal bureau testing. 35 38
• Helps arrange Xu’s recruitment as an external bureau hire and provides a dedicated workstation. 38 39
• Instructs Xu not to reveal his abilities to outsiders. 39
• Relies on Xu’s observations during homicide investigations while remaining concerned about his safety. 112 116

Dedication and Endurance

Ling Xu routinely sacrifices rest for work.

• Works overnight at the station before meeting He Qing. 29
• Spends the New Year largely stationed at the police bureau. 172
• Is visibly exhausted during an out-of-town work trip with Director Hao and Xu Yanche. 142

Relationships

• Zhou Jinsu — Former romantic partner. Their long ambiguous relationship became official after repeated proposals, but Ling Xu’s work absences and failure to oppose his parents contributed to their breakup. 21 28 53 148
• He Qing — Friend and confidant. He Qing reveals Xu Yanche’s abilities to Ling Xu and assists in providing intelligence for police cases. 28 29
• Xu Yanche — External bureau hire and frequent investigative partner. Ling Xu is regularly irritated by Xu’s behavior but values his abilities and seeks protection for him. 38 112 117
• Ling Xu’s parents — Their homophobia and actions against Zhou Jinsu directly contribute to the end of Ling Xu’s relationship; they are later imprisoned and ordered to compensate Zhou. 148 152
• Director Hao — Bureau superior and colleague who participates in Xu Yanche’s testing and later travels with Ling Xu and Xu on bureau work. 38 142

Story Role / Major Arcs

Relationship with Zhou Jinsu

Ling Xu’s pursuit of Zhou Jinsu begins from an unstable, undefined relationship. He repeatedly proposes, is rejected, and eventually gains Zhou’s agreement to date. 21 28 His inability to balance work and romance leaves Zhou emotionally neglected, prompting Ling Xu to promise change. 51 53

His parents’ interference becomes the decisive rupture: they pressure Zhou to accept an insulting condition, publicly attack him, and expose his sexuality. Ling Xu’s delayed response leaves Zhou unwilling to reconcile. 148 152 154 173

Recruitment of Xu Yanche

After receiving criminal intelligence from He Qing, Ling Xu investigates the source and learns of Xu Yanche’s extraordinary ability to uncover others’ secrets. 28 29 He brings Xu to the bureau for testing, where Xu accurately identifies criminals and exposes information known only to bureau leaders. 38

Ling Xu subsequently arranges Xu’s flexible external-hire position, workstation, and operational protection, allowing Xu’s ability to support official cases. 38 39

Investigative Partnership

Ling Xu works alongside Xu on multiple serious cases, including Zhou Xiaolian’s death, a series of killings tied to school bullying, and a case involving human skin discovered on a homeless man. 112 116 168 Their partnership is marked by Ling Xu’s professionalism and Xu’s unorthodox methods, but both recognize the other’s effectiveness. 112 116

Trivia

• Ling Xu lives next door to Zhou Jinsu because he deliberately bought a house beside him. 29
• A female police intern was once reportedly frightened to tears after Ling Xu reprimanded her. 19
• Xu Yanche saved Ling Xu from a fatal highway accident by delaying their departure, then charged him 100,000 yuan for the rescue. 51 52
• Ling Xu has a custom notification tone for Xu Yanche’s messages so he will not miss urgent intelligence. 133