Operation Red Book

Joshua's face suddenly turned red to the root of his neck, and he waved his hands hurriedly: "No, no, no, no, it's not that kind of relationship."

Joshua coughed a few times due to the saliva he was choking on, and then took a big gulp of latte regardless of the temperature.

"I didn't say you were in that kind of relationship. From your description of Miss Ivy, it sounds like you were praising her like a princess."

Moriarty took the sandwich and mousse and placed them in front of Joshua.

"You must try Freesia's mousse. It's my favorite dessert. Eat it with confidence. It's my treat."

Joshua thanked him and took a bite of the mousse cake covered with cream. The sweet but not greasy cream melted in his mouth, and the bursting fragrance swept across his entire mouth. Joshua exclaimed in praise several times and ate a few more bites of the sandwich.

"I'm an invisible person in school. I have an average appearance and average grades. I stutter when talking to girls and I can't play football or basketball. So I don't have any friends and I often read novels alone." Joshua continued while stirring his coffee.

"Ivy and I have only dated twice, and she saved me each time. The first time was during physical education class, when I was hit with a basketball by Hendry and his friends because I wasn't quick enough to pick up the ball for them. The second time was on the rooftop, when my novel was torn up by Melissa and Bonnie because I overheard them complaining about their boyfriends."

"Every time, every time I was at a loss, exhausted, and trying to bear the pain, Ivy would come down from nowhere and yell at those who bullied me. They were full of foul language, and Ivy would start a fight. Even a big guy like Zhongni would smash and hit them with all his might."

"In the end, both of them suffered losses and were called to the office by the principal and the teacher for a lecture." Joshua's face was no longer red, and he said seriously.

"To me, Ivy is not a high-and-mighty princess, she is a female knight who is not afraid of danger. She was the only one who came out to help me when I was bullied, and I am grateful to her forever."

Joshua was still looking out the window, his thick flaxen curly hair swaying in the wind coming through the window.

Moriarty's blue eyes became even bluer. He stroked his trouser legs with his hands, frowned, and after a while he uttered a few words: "I'm a little confused about what kind of person you are."

Joshua turned his head and blinked a few times.

"You are extremely rational, but you can risk your life for your friends. You pay attention to the details of everything, but you don't notice any changes in emotions. Joshua, I like you very much. On the train when we first met, you showed rationality and wit, courageous determination and the sensitivity to adapt to the situation."

Moriarty finished the coffee in front of him, stood up and straightened his brown suit.

"Yes, really? You're too kind."

Joshua blushed, lowered his head, and scratched his hair unconsciously with his left hand.

"But the job I'm going to give you requires more than just wit and courage."

Moriarty picked up a bunch of flowers at the back and turned to the store manager.

"What kind of job requires wit and courage? Being a police officer... But I don't have the strength for that."

Joshua stood up muttering to himself and followed Moriarty into the small door behind the counter in the coffee shop.

After twists and turns in the dark, Joshua and Moriarty finally arrived at an iron gate.

Moriarty took out a bunch of keys and opened the heavy iron door. What appeared before him was a spiral staircase buried in the darkness.

"Where is this? Where are we going?" Joshua suddenly wondered, "Are we going to the professor's crime factory?"

"Hahahahahaha, no way."

Moriarty walked in front, looking very skilled, while Joshua followed behind him, groping his way up the damp stone wall.