Shizuka Hiratsuka doesn't understand love!

"Oh, really? But as far as I know, when you went out to play together before, it was always you who asked Shinichi to go out, or Sonoko asked you to go out together, or Sonoko created opportunities for you to go out. When has Shinichi ever taken the initiative to invite you out? ~"

"Yes, but less frequently."

"Really~" Nodding slightly, Shizuka Hiratsuka shifted her gaze to Sonoko who was beside Xiaolan.

"Of course not, Sister Jing, I can guarantee that this invitation is definitely different!" After receiving Hiratsuka Jing's inquiring gaze, Sonoko spoke righteously.

"Oh, what's the difference?" With a slight smile on her lips, Shizuka Hiratsuka nodded and spread her hands to signal Sonoko to continue.

"This time, Shinichi owed Xiaolan, so he promised to take Xiaolan out to play, and~" Her eyes gradually became wanton, and the excitement on Sonoko's face could no longer be suppressed.

"And the most important thing is that our Xiaolan is feeling uneasy and wants to take the most important step~"

"Oh, which step!" Her eyes flashed like lightning, and Shizuka Hiratsuka propped up her upper body, with the aura surging all over her body.

"Of course, it's because of the girl's mind, as fickle as the spring breeze and as gorgeous as the summer flowers, that she's ready to make a move and secure a legitimate position for herself..."

"Sonoko!" Ran's face was getting redder and redder as she listened to Sonoko's words. She couldn't bear it any longer and pulled her arm out of Yukino's arms, who was already perfunctorily protecting her, and covered Sonoko's mouth with her backhanded hand.

"Mmm! Mmmmm!!" With her eyes wide open, this time it was Sonoko's turn to struggle.

"Stop talking nonsense, Sonoko, Aunt Jing!" Xiaolan kept covering Sonoko's mouth, looked at Hiratsuka Shizuka timidly, and explained softly.

"Shinichi promised me to go to the amusement park so he could keep me company on my phone, and I won't miss my karate club training!"

"Ah, it doesn't matter whether he trains or not... Really, I thought that Shinichi had finally come to his senses." Knowing Xiaolan's character, since what she said was correct, Shizuka Hiratsuka waved her hand indifferently, looking disappointed.

"What a shame! I was planning to call Yukiko-san to share the good news." Shizuka Hiratsuka thought to herself as she picked up the fried chicken from the plate with her chopsticks.

"Well, let's do this. Since you have an appointment with Shinichi this weekend, Xiaolan, I won't call you. Yukino, let's go out and play with your sister this weekend."

"I'm fine." Yukino nodded slightly and answered calmly after sitting back next to Shizuka Hiratsuka.

"Has Sister Jing called Sister yet?" Yukino ate her food in small bites, her eyes drooping with thought.

"The date is set for this weekend. It seems that my sister thinks that Busujima-san's presence won't pose a threat to her in the short term."

With her mind racing, Yukino also decided on her next course of action.

No matter what, she had expected the fierce competition. All she had to do was to constantly stabilize her position and move forward cautiously to become the final winner!

Shizuka Hiratsuka, who was enjoying her lunch, had no idea what Yukino was thinking. Now she was swiping her phone and replying to the international email from Koko.

There was nothing important. Generally speaking, Koko never talked to Shizuka Hiratsuka about her work. The content of their communication was nothing more than some trivial daily life and their latest interests.

But this time, something mentioned in the email sent by Koko made Shizuka Hiratsuka a little concerned.

"After your investigation, have you found anything about Neon's underground organization?" Shizuka Hiratsuka clicked on the attached email sent by Koko and glanced at it. Knowing that it was best not to read this in school, she quietly exited the document interface.

That's right. The mysterious organization that Shizuka Hiratsuka had judged had been tormenting her mind. Although she didn't want to disturb her friends, she was worried that her family would be harmed by that inhumane organization. So Shizuka Hiratsuka spoke shamelessly, not only asking Fujiko to help her with the investigation, but also asking the weapons dealer Koko, who had a wider social circle and a richer intelligence network, to help her.

Koko agreed immediately, and after conducting a serious investigation and summarizing the information, she sent all the relevant information she could dig out to Shizuka Hiratsuka.

Shizuka Hiratsuka didn't know how much resources and favors Koko had spent on this information, but she was very clear that Koko must have spent a lot of energy on her.

"It's great to have a friend like this!" Nodding with emotion, Shizuka Hiratsuka solemnly agreed to Koko's request to go out on the phone.

Little did they know that on an oil tanker with an unknown destination, Koko was hugging a life-size pillow and smiling while tapping on her cell phone.

The pattern on the pillow that Koko was holding between her legs was a full-body photo of Shizuka Hiratsuka herself sleeping in pajamas, which was secretly taken at some point.

"Well! Jing! We'll see each other again soon!"

PS: This chapter is scheduled for release (you know...)

Chapter 106: You like everything related to blood

"Tsk, you never know until you see it. Are there so many strange organizations among the scattered neon lights?"

After lunch, Shizuka Hiratsuka returned to her office with a frown on her brow, flipping through the document that Koko sent her on her mobile phone.

"Thank you for your hard work, Koko. You have organized it in such detail." Scratching her head, because it was not convenient to smoke in the office, Shizuka Hiratsuka took out a lollipop from the drawer and put it in her mouth.

"But most of them are criminal organizations. As for those who really conduct human experiments, it seems that there are really none." Looking at the information provided by Koko, Shizuka Hiratsuka not only did not feel relieved, but became more troubled.

The information Koko provided was detailed enough, including the name of the organization, the general work it was responsible for, and the approximate scope of activities. Of course, the precise base address and organization members were not included. Even though Koko was an internationally famous arms dealer, she could not conduct such a detailed investigation.

Does this mean that the organization carrying out criminal activities in Chiba and Tokyo is newer and more deeply hidden than Shizuka Hiratsuka imagined?

Shizuka Hiratsuka turned off her phone in frustration and felt helpless.

Thinking about the fact that he had lived for 27 years, the biggest gang he had come into contact with was probably his father's "Shoujing Group". As for the biker gangs and thugs in the Chiba area, they were not worth mentioning at all.

Who would have thought that we would encounter such a mysterious and dangerous organization today? It makes no sense at all.

"Hey, is the internet down again at Master's place? She didn't even reply to my message. Really?" Shizuka Hiratsuka bit the lollipop in her mouth and swallowed it, then looked helplessly at the unanswered emails on her phone.

I contacted my powerful master with the expectation of being scolded, but there was no news at all. Although I knew that communication has always been a problem in the village where the master is, it is still very worrying at this time.

"Forget it. Shinichi helped with the investigation but there's no news. Koko has also tried her best. Now it seems that the only thing we can do is wait until Fujiko comes back? Oh, it seems that the guy won't tell me easily even if he knows something." Thinking of Fujiko's usual clinginess, Shizuka Hiratsuka felt that the future was bleak.

"But then again, it seems that Old Kong knows more, but he doesn't want to tell me at all." As her thoughts turned, Shizuka Hiratsuka grinned when she thought of Old Kong who often stood behind the tavern counter with his eyes squinted.

After Kong Lao promised me, I didn't seem to hear about any similar cases anymore. But the more this happened, the more Shizuka Hiratsuka started to worry! It was so hard to have the clues right in front of me but not be able to touch them.

"Let's go to class first. I can't take care of so many things anymore." Shaking her head, Shizuka Hiratsuka stood up with the textbook in her hand.

She has never been a person with boundless love. When faced with such strange and dangerous threats, it is enough for Shizuka Hiratsuka to be able to protect the people close to her.

"But the crime rate in Tokyo is really high. No wonder there are so many detectives. This world really isn't peaceful."

. . .

"Oh, you came early today, Fatty. What do you mean, are you done with the work?"

He pushed open the familiar paper door, but before he could see clearly what was inside the room, a light, mocking voice that annoyed the fat man rang out clearly.

"No wonder Brother Jing laughs at you, Fatty, for being like a homeless person, running to the pub before it gets dark. Can't you control yourself a bit?" Huajian Yingluo, who looked even smaller, was sitting on a high stool in front of the counter. She swung her legs leisurely, smiling at the fat man who pushed the door open.

"Are you qualified to criticize me? You just come to Kong Lao's place all day long when you have nothing to do." The fat man retorted unhappily after closing the door.

Although he was no match for Hua Jian Ying Luo in terms of strength, he couldn't afford to be scared in a verbal bickering.

We are so familiar with each other, who is trying to scare whom? The worst that can happen is that if Huajian Yingluo is really angry and wants to attack, you can just give in decisively.

Can't beat him? It's not shameful.

"Hehe, I'm different from you. It was Master Kong who entrusted me with the task, and I came back to report the situation~" Huajian Yingluo picked up the fruit wine glass in front of her with a smile and winked playfully at the fat man.

"...Well, now that Brother Jing is not here, I say there is no need for you to talk like this. We all know each other so well, you'll be creepy like this." The fat man opened his mouth and looked at the adorable Huajian Yingluo in front of him, feeling uncomfortable in his heart.

He has remained in this state ever since Shizuka Hiratsuka came to their tavern and treated Yingluo Huajian as a talented but well-behaved and cute young boy.

Although he knew that it was Shizuka Hiratsuka who aroused his curiosity, after knowing each other for so many years, the fat man really couldn't connect the beautiful boy in front of him who was always acting cute and speaking sweetly and playfully with the bloody flower demon in his mind who would smile and attack at the slightest disagreement.

"Oh~ Fatty, you mean, I'm very pretentious." The cute big eyes slowly narrowed, Huajian Yingluo put the wine glass to her lips, took a sip, but her half-covered eyes were looking at the fat man.

"Uh, no, it's not artificial at all. Our Yingluo is the cutest girl in the world!" He forced a simple and honest smile on his face. The fat man, who felt the word "danger" flashing above his head, quickly changed his words as his body tensed.

"Oh~ So that's it." With a cute smile on her face, Huajian Yingluo looked at the fat man and said in a teasing voice.

"Although you have good taste, Fatty, and we've known each other for a long time, I'm not interested in you. Besides, I'm a boy, and I think boys are the cutest in the world. Fatty, you should find a partner. Otherwise, as your good friend, I'll be worried about you~"

"Tsk." The silly smile on his face froze instantly. Knowing that even ten of him couldn't win the argument with Hua Jian Ying Luo on this topic, the fat man turned his head away, took two or three steps to sit in front of the counter, and asked Kong Lao for a glass of wine.

“By the way, when I came here, I saw the girl that Brother Jing brought here yesterday at the door.” The fat man drank half a glass of beer in one gulp and said casually with a long sigh of relief.

"But she can't find the door and is wandering around."

"Ah, you mean the girl with purple hair? She's been hanging out outside for three hours~"

"Tsk, you really have a bad taste."

"Coming here alone at this time, it's obviously her own idea." Shaking her head slightly, Huajian Yingluo's smiling gaze passed through the paper door and fell on Busujima Saeko who was searching outside in vain.

"And I really like that kid~"

"Yes, you like anything related to blood. You're obviously a flower demon."

"Hehe~ I don't deny it~"

PS: This chapter is published on a scheduled basis (T^T)

Chapter 107 It Can Only Be Me

"Hey, Saeko, are you going back?"

The chopsticks in her hand stopped in mid-air, and Shizuka Hiratsuka looked in surprise at Busujima Saeko who was sitting opposite her and looking at her with a smile.

Shizuka Hiratsuka, who was originally planning to take Saeko out to find something to eat in the evening, went straight back to her apartment after receiving a call from Saeko Busujima. When she opened the door, she saw a table full of steaming food.

Shizuka Hiratsuka, who had always known that Busujima Saeko was a good cook, was not surprised. When she was teaching Busujima Saeko, this girl always liked to make bento at home and bring it to her. It must be said that the taste was really good, which was the level that Shizuka Hiratsuka, who had no talent in cooking, envied.

Too lazy to change clothes, she put the coat she was wearing on the hanger, washed her hands briefly in the bathroom, and then Shizuka Hiratsuka pulled out a chair and sat down.

Shizuka Hiratsuka took a bite of the dish and put it into her mouth, enjoying the delicious taste melting in her mouth. She smiled and asked Saeko Busujima why she suddenly wanted to cook at home today. As a result, she got an answer that surprised her.

"Yes, after all, I didn't have a holiday. I'm currently on an outing during my studies. Now that my mission in Tokyo is basically completed, I have to go back and report." Nodding slightly, Busujima Saeko picked up a piece of steak and put it into Hiratsuka Shizuka's bowl.

Although Japanese people usually eat in separate dishes, Shizuka Hiratsuka has the habit of picking up her favorite dishes for the people around her, so people who are familiar with her also enjoy this process.

Looking at Shizuka Hiratsuka eating the food they had picked up with great satisfaction, that expression of enjoyment was much more important to them than the food on the table.

"That's right, Saeko, you are also in the stage of studying now." Shizuka Hiratsuka nodded in understanding. She was a little surprised at first, but after thinking about it, she calmed down.

Busujima Saeko also has her own life, and he or she can't get involved too much.

Rather, as the former teacher of Busujima Saeko, Shizuka Hiratsuka was very pleased and happy to see her student working hard on the path of her own choice.

"Learning is a good thing. No matter what you do in the future, it will be beneficial to learn more while you still have time to learn." Putting down the dishes in her hands, Shizuka Hiratsuka rarely looked serious towards Busujima Saeko.

"Saeko, your job is special, and I won't go too far, but there's one thing you need to know."

"Although work is important, you also have to ensure your own safety, and also." There was a little struggle in her eyes. Shizuka Hiratsuka took a deep breath and spoke seriously.

"There's no such thing as absolute good and evil in this society, especially in a job as complex and confidential as yours, Saeko. But there's one thing I hope you can keep in mind."

"Don't do things that make you ashamed, even if such a choice will make your path forward bumpy." With a faint smile on her face, Shizuka Hiratsuka's tone was full of tenderness.

"I hope you can live peacefully until you grow old, Saeko."

"I will, Teacher Shizuka!" She was slightly dazed, and when Shizuka Hiratsuka came to her senses, Busujima Saeko had come to her side without her knowing when, and threw herself into her arms like a young swallow.

"I have never forgotten what Teacher Jing said. You are a very important person to me!" Busujima Saeko hugged Hiratsuka Shizuka's body tightly with her arms, and there was no distracting thoughts in her mind at this moment.

The time when her emotions lost control two years ago is something Busujima Saeko regrets to this day.

Perhaps Shizuka Hiratsuka herself is not clear about what kind of status she holds in the heart of Saeko Busujima, who lost her mother at a young age and whose communication with her father was limited to kendo.

It can be said that Shizuka Hiratsuka, who appeared out of nowhere and accidentally helped Busujima Saeko solve her own serious defects, filled the biggest hole in her heart.

For Busujima Saeko, Hiratsuka Shizuka's existence is the sun in her life, the person she will stay with even if it costs her everything.

However, because of that emotional outburst, Busujima Saeko closed her emotions and actively chose to distance herself from Hiratsuka Shizuka.

She knew very well that although Shizuka Hiratsuka was always carefree, she was a very decent person at heart. She could clearly see the impact of this unconventional emotion on her from Shizuka Hiratsuka's expression that night.

Rather than drifting away from Shizuka Hiratsuka in order to satisfy her own momentary desires, Busujima Saeko is more worried that Shizuka Hiratsuka will hate her because of her feelings.

However, all these worries have disappeared today.

"Teacher Shizuka, you're still the same gentle person. Such a warm, warm embrace." Immersed in Hiratsuka Shizuka's embrace, feeling the scent of Hiratsuka Shizuka filling the air around her, Busujima Saeko closed her eyes in peace.

"You're already a grown-up girl, but you still like to act like a spoiled child." The expression on her face was a little stunned. Seeing Busujima Saeko's sudden behavior, Hiratsuka Shizuka shook her head with a smile.

The colleague slowly stretched out his arms, wrapped them around Busujima Saeko's back, gently patted her back with one hand, and slowly stroked her head with the other hand.

"If you encounter any hardship or grievance, remember to tell your teacher. The teacher is very capable."

"Well, I know. Teacher Jing has always been the most powerful person in my heart." The curve of her mouth became sweeter and sweeter. Enjoying the touch of Hiratsuka Jing, Busujima Saeko wished time would stop at this moment.

"Well, let's eat. It's rare that Saeko made such delicious food. It would be a shame if it gets cold."