Boss, why don't we... try another place?"
Tamura Chuta stood at the entrance of the resplendent hall, looking at the well-dressed, pretentious men and women inside. He unconsciously swallowed, feeling his legs tremble slightly.
His Suzuran school uniform looked out of place in this world constructed of marble, crystal, and expensive perfume, like a piece of rat droppings that accidentally fell into a cream cake.
"What are you afraid of? You found this sales office yourself, why are you scared to go in now?"
Ryuzaki Shin pouted. He didn't even lift an eyelid, just took the newly lit Seven Stars cigarette from his mouth and casually flicked the ash towards the glittering sign at the entrance.
"Mitsui Fudosan?"
He looked at the characters, a playful curve on his lips. Then, he led the way, hands in his pockets, strolling in leisurely as if it were his own backyard.
Seeing this, Chuta could only steel himself and follow.
He had only heard that small villas were sold here. There were too many flyers distributed on the street before, so he just grabbed one and remembered it.
When his boss mentioned buying a house, he instinctively suggested this place first.
But he didn't expect that just by looking at the facade, it already felt ridiculously expensive.
What if his boss couldn't afford it and lost face inside? Wouldn't he, as his subordinate, be deserving of death?
As he walked, he vigilantly scanned his surroundings with the corner of his eye.
Maybe he was overthinking, or maybe it was true.
He felt that every salesperson here looked at them as if they were two stray dogs that had accidentally wandered into a china shop, full of undisguised disdain and... disgust.
It was no wonder he thought this way; buying a house was simply a fantasy for a poor student like him.
Just then, a man in a well-tailored designer suit, with slicked-back hair and a professional fake smile on his face, walked over slowly, swaying his hips.
He first sized up their cheap attire, then, with a effeminate, pinched-nose voice, lazily asked:
"Are you two students here to look at houses?"
He deliberately emphasized the words "two students," making them sound long and heavy, the sarcasm in his tone completely undisguised.
Chuta felt uncomfortable under his gaze and instinctively wanted to retreat.
Ryuzaki Shin, however, seemed to miss the implied meaning in his words. He merely nodded casually, then, in an extremely flat tone, said:
"Yes, show us around."
The golden sales agent named "Suzuki" heard this, and the fake smile on his face instantly froze.
He looked at Ryuzaki Shin's matter-of-fact expression and almost burst out laughing in anger.
He's really here to look at houses?
He suppressed the contempt in his heart and, with a "kindly reminding" tone, said with a forced smile:
"Student, I must make it clear to you, although our location is quite remote and not the most high-end property in Toyaru City, let alone compared to Tokyo's housing prices..."
He paused, then held up his fingers and wiggled them in front of Ryuzaki Shin.
"But even the cheapest studio apartment requires this much for a down payment~"
"One million!"
Ryuzaki Shin's lips twitched twice, almost laughing out loud.
He had brought a full forty-five million in cash this time.
He had researched the housing prices here. He chose this place precisely because it was relatively remote, offered good privacy, and due to the supporting services and commuting issues, the price wouldn't be that outrageous.
His money was more than enough to buy a detached villa here.
He didn't expect to encounter someone who looked down on others the moment he arrived.
However, he was too lazy to play the game of showing off and slapping faces now; it was meaningless. He just wanted to get things done quickly.
Just then, a young girl in an ill-fitting suit with an "Intern" badge pinned to her chest, seeing this scene, hurried over from behind the front desk.
Tanaka Aoi (no mosaic, the reviewer wouldn't allow it)
She ran to Suzuki, first bowing respectfully to him, her face filled with panic and unease.
"Suzuki-senpai! I'm so sorry!"
Then, she turned around and bowed ninety degrees again to Ryuzaki Shin and Chuta, her voice trembling slightly from nervousness.
"Sirs! I am truly sorry! Suzuki-senpai... he... he didn't mean any harm! What... what kind of property would you... you like to see? I... I can introduce it to you!"
Suzuki saw that this ignorant intern dared to run out and snatch his "customers." Although he hadn't intended to treat them well in the first place, the fake smile on his face instantly vanished.
He turned his head, lowered his voice, and cursed viciously in a threatening and contemptuous tone that only the two of them could hear:
"Tanaka Aoi! Are you f*cking crazy?! Wasting time on these poor guys?!"
"Do you not want this job?! Do you believe I'll have the manager fire you today?!"
"But if you agree to be my girlfriend, I'll consider letting you off the hook!"
The girl named Tanaka Aoi trembled all over, her small face instantly turning pale from his words, but she still gathered her courage and did not back down.
Ryuzaki Shin took all of this in. He ignored the still-ranting Suzuki, merely smiling at Tanaka Aoi.
"Show us the best one."
"Huh?!"
Suzuki heard this and could no longer hold back, bursting into an extremely exaggerated, mocking laugh!
"Hahahahaha!"
His laughter instantly drew the attention of everyone in the entire sales hall!
The customers and sales agents who had initially seemed pretentious now all stared in their direction, as if watching a monkey show.
Suzuki felt that at this moment, he had become the center of attention!
The smugness on his face grew even stronger. He pointed at the exquisitely crafted sand table model in the center of the hall, forcefully poking a detached villa!
Then, with a tone of utmost ridicule, he loudly declared:
"The best one?! See?! 'Matsukazetai' scenic detached villa!!"
He paused, then held up six fingers, then eight, wiggling them in front of Ryuzaki Shin, enunciating each word:
"Forty-three-million!"
"How about it, kid? Did you hear clearly?"
He looked at Ryuzaki Shin, a very punchable smile on his face.
"With you two poor students, can you afford even a... toilet here?!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Around them, another burst of unrestrained laughter erupted.
Tanaka Aoi's face had turned red to her ears. She felt like a clown stripped naked in public, so ashamed she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
But her professional ethics still made her endure the humiliation.
She took out a beautifully printed brochure from the nearby Information rack, held it with both hands, and presented it to Ryuzaki Shin, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum:
"Sir... this... this is the villa's information, please... please take a look..."
Ryuzaki Shin did not take it.
He merely glanced indifferently at the still-arrogantly laughing Suzuki, then slowly spoke, his tone as calm as if asking about the weather today.
"If I can afford it, will you eat something?"
Suzuki heard this and laughed even harder.
He casually pulled the villa model from the sand table, weighed it in his hand, then said with an extremely contemptuous tone:
"If you can buy this villa in full, I'll eat this model in front of everyone!"
Ryuzaki Shin nodded, saying nothing more.
He turned his gaze back to the almost crying Tanaka Aoi, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
"Your name is Tanaka Aoi, right?"
Tanaka Aoi froze for a moment, then unconsciously nodded.
"Very good."
Ryuzaki Shin looked at her and slowly said:
"You will follow up on this deal."
"If it closes, all the commission is yours."
After speaking, he no longer paid attention to the completely stunned Tanaka Aoi, merely nodding casually at Tamura Chuta, who was already seething with rage beside him.
Chuta instantly understood. He gave Suzuki a fierce middle finger, then turned and walked towards the door.
Suzuki looked at him, the mockery on his face deepening.
"Oh, what? Are you already planning to run away?"
He said sarcastically, "Kid, I'm telling you, if you can't come up with the money, you'll have to eat that model today!"
The sales manager, a middle-aged man with a receding hairline, was finally alerted by the commotion.
He walked out of his office and his face instantly darkened when he saw the farcical scene.
He cursed under his breath, "Suzuki, that scoundrel!"
They were in the service industry, and the biggest taboo was getting into conflicts with customers!
What's more, their property development was already in a remote location and difficult to sell.
Last month, Suzuki had a stroke of luck and sold two units, which made him so arrogant that he even disregarded him, the manager!
How dare he cause such a scandal here today!
Just as he was about to step forward and reprimand him, a sudden stir came from the entrance.
Tamura Chuta, who had left, returned.
Behind him were three other individuals, also wearing Suzuran school uniforms, but each of them was burly and looked like they were not to be trifled with.
Most importantly, all four of them were carrying a huge black briefcase!
Under the utterly shocked gazes of Suzuki, the manager, and everyone else present, the four briefcases were placed with a "thud" onto the expensive reception desk made of pure marble!
Then, Chuta, in front of everyone, slowly opened the cases.
"..."
Silence!
A deathly silence!
The entire sales hall, at this moment, was so quiet you could hear a pin drop!
Everyone's breathing, at this moment, completely stopped!
Inside the four black briefcases, there were no gold and silver treasures, nor were there antique paintings and calligraphy.
Inside, there were only stacks of brand-new ten-thousand-yen bills, neatly bundled with bank seals!
Nearly 45 million Japanese yen in cash appeared without warning before everyone!
The unique "aroma" of money, full of devilish temptation, instantly permeated the entire hall!
Everyone's eyes were so dazzled by the golden light that they could barely keep them open!
Ryuzaki Shin ignored the completely petrified crowd around him.
He simply pointed at the villa on the sand table, and then, to the manager and Tanaka Aoi, who were equally dumbfounded, he said in an extremely calm tone:
"Full payment, process the paperwork now."
He paused, then turned his gaze to Suzuki, who had long since turned ashen, and a cold smirk appeared on his lips.
"And you, you'd better keep your word."
Suzuki's body instantly went limp.
He looked at the mountain of cash, then at the villa model made of plastic and cardboard in his hand, and felt his brain go "buzz" and completely crash.
He roared wildly in his heart:
"Damn it! If you're so rich, why do you dress like a pauper?!"
"Are you out of your mind?!"
He was about to argue.
However, Ryuzaki Shin didn't even bother to look at him again.
He simply, slowly, raised his right foot.
Then, under everyone's horrified gazes!
He kicked Suzuki hard in the abdomen!
"Bang!"
Suzuki's body flew backward as if hit head-on by a speeding truck!
He crashed heavily onto the sand table five or six meters away, shattering the delicate model!
He struggled a few times, trying to get up from the ground, but his body felt like it had fallen apart, completely unresponsive.
As soon as he looked up, a foot wearing a sports shoe was already heavily planted on his face, grinding his once rather handsome face firmly onto the cold floor.
"I originally didn't want to bother with trash like you."
Ryuzaki Shin looked down at him, his voice cold.
"But I didn't expect there to be such an idiotic person as you in the world."
He gave a look to Chuta beside him.
"Chuta, you know what to do."
Chuta was already fed up, and hearing his boss's command, he instantly perked up!
He roared, "Damn it!" and, with his three subordinates, charged forward like hungry wolves, unleashing a storm of punches and kicks on Suzuki on the ground!
"Ah—!"
"Stop... stop hitting!"
Screams of agony echoed through the luxurious hall.
A female sales associate in a business suit, seeing this scene, turned pale with fright and quickly pulled out her phone from her pocket, ready to call the police.
However, before she could press the dial button.
A hand gently pressed down on her phone.
It was the manager with the receding hairline.
The female sales associate looked at him in confusion: "Manager...?"
The manager's lips curled into a cold arc.
He shook his head and said indifferently:
"What are you trying to do?"
"Call the police! He's assaulting our sales associate!"
The manager sneered, "Our sales associate? Haha, based on his service attitude just now, he's already been fired by me!"
After speaking, he straightened his tie, his face instantly filled with fawning smiles, and he quickly walked towards Ryuzaki Shin... "I'm sorry! I'm truly sorry! We were blind! We looked down on you!"
The sales manager was now bowing ninety degrees to Ryuzaki Shin.
Then, he glanced coldly at Suzuki, who was already unconscious from the beating, and said in an undeniable tone:
"Fired! Fired immediately! Mitsui Fudosan will never hire such a scoundrel with no professional ethics!"
After doing all this, the manager turned around again, forcing a smile that was uglier than a cry, and bowed to Ryuzaki Shin, saying:
"Sir, I actually intended to fire this sales associate with the poor service attitude today. I apologize for causing you such trouble."
"As compensation, for this property that costs 43 million for full payment, we will give you a price of 40 million, plus one year of free utilities and management fees. Are you satisfied?"
Ryuzaki Shin looked at this opportunistic manager.
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face.
He wasn't some unreasonable tyrant. The manager's actions had saved him at least four or five million, which was not a small sum for him right now.
He smiled and said, "What are you saying? I also saw that this person had poor character. If he continued like this, who knows how many potential clients he would cause your real estate company to miss."
"So, as a future owner here, it's also a way to eliminate a public nuisance."
After speaking, the two exchanged smiles, and everything was understood without words.
Ryuzaki Shin said to Chuta, "Drag him out and beat him. Don't ruin their business."
Just as Chuta was about to act, the manager suddenly stepped forward, pulled the somewhat deformed villa model from the sand table, and handed it to Chuta.
With a kind smile on his face, he said, "Little brother, there's also this. As people, we must be honest."
Ryuzaki Shin laughed heartily.
This manager was interesting.
He said to Chuta, "Take this model. You must make him... eat it piece by piece."
Chuta nodded heavily, dragging the completely unconscious Suzuki out like a dead dog.
Then, Ryuzaki Shin turned his gaze to Tanaka Aoi, who had been standing still like a wooden dummy, looking dazed, from beginning to end.
He smiled and said:
"This deal goes to her."
"Ah?!"
Tanaka Aoi was startled by his sudden mention.
She looked at Ryuzaki Shin, then at the manager, feeling like she was dreaming.
The manager was also a shrewd person; he immediately understood Ryuzaki Shin's meaning.
Tanaka Aoi might be a bit clumsy, but she was undeniably good-looking. She had only been interning for less than two months, and many people were already pursuing her.
If it weren't for the tigress at home, he himself would have been tempted.
Could it be that this owner has taken a fancy to Aoi? Hehe, perfect.
This person looks young; perhaps he might buy several more units in the future.
He walked over to Tanaka Aoi, patted her shoulder heavily, and said in an extremely amiable tone:
"Aoi! What are you still standing there for?! Quick! Take Lord Ryuzaki to the VIP room to complete the paperwork!"
He paused, then added, his voice full of undeniable authority:
"Remember, from today onwards, you are our store's golden sales associate! This month's sales champion is also yours!"
Half an hour later.
The door to the VIP room was gently pushed open, and Tanaka Aoi, her face flushed, emerged cautiously behind Ryuzaki Shin, holding a thick stack of contract documents and an exquisite key in her hands.
She still felt like she was dreaming, her feet barely touching the ground.
The commission for this single deal was a whopping five hundred thousand!
And her manager said there would be an extra bonus this month.
As a student who had just entered society, she never expected to earn so much money all at once!
This was truly a dream start.
The manager had already arranged everything; now she just needed to take this mysterious "Ryuzaki-sama" to inspect the property.
"Ryuzaki, the car is ready; please follow me."
Tanaka Aoi's voice still carried a hint of nervous trembling as she led Ryuzaki Shin and Chuta into a luxurious business van specifically used for VIP guests.
Five minutes later, the car stopped steadily in front of the detached villa named "Matsukazetai."
Tanaka Aoi took a deep breath and used the key, still cool to the touch, to unlock the heavy, solid wood main door.
"Ryuzaki, please come in."
Ryuzaki Shin stepped inside, and a scent of fresh wood mixed with a subtle hint of sunlight wafted over him, making him feel incredibly comfortable.
She cleared her throat and began her dutiful introduction in her somewhat naive yet exceptionally sweet voice.
"Ryuzaki, this is the living room. It features a high-ceiling design, with a height of six meters. The large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure ample natural light."
She pointed to the dazzling crystal chandelier above, like a sky full of stars, then to the temperature-controlled wine cabinet by the wall, capable of holding hundreds of bottles of red wine, a small hint of pride on her face.
"The adjacent open-plan kitchen features all the latest German-imported appliances and cookware. There's also a separate dining room over there that can accommodate twelve people simultaneously."
As she spoke, she led the two further inside.
"Besides the living room, dining room, and kitchen, the first floor also has a separate guest room with its own bathroom, convenient for entertaining guests."
"Additionally..." She pointed to an unassuming wooden door next to the stairs, winking mysteriously, "There's also a secret door here leading to the basement."
Ryuzaki Shin found the girl's reserved demeanor amusing and feigned a question: "What's the basement for? Hiding bodies?"
"..."
Tanaka Aoi's face instantly turned pale. She quickly waved her hands and explained, "No... it's not! It's... it's for a home theater or a gym!"
Ryuzaki Shin looked at Tanaka Aoi's expression, which was on the verge of tears, and couldn't help but laugh.
Then, he offered a gentle smile.
"I was just trying to lighten the mood. Don't be nervous; please continue."
"Ah... okay..."
Tanaka Aoi's heart skipped a beat at his sudden gentle smile, and with a slight blush, she led the two up to the second floor.
"The second floor is the main resting area."
She pushed open a door, and a stronger, richer scent of sunlight instantly poured in.
"This is the master bedroom, covering an area of one hundred and twenty square meters, with an independent walk-in closet and bathroom. The bathroom even includes a small sauna room."
She pointed to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, beyond which was a spacious terrace large enough to host a small party.
"From the terrace, you can overlook the entire central garden of the community; the view is the best in the whole area."
Ryuzaki Shin walked to the edge of the terrace, his hands behind his back. A gentle breeze rustled his clothes.
Tanaka Aoi looked at his back, and for some reason, her heart skipped another beat.
She quickly averted her gaze, her face flushed, and continued her introduction:
"Besides the master bedroom, the second floor also has four equally spacious guest rooms, all with independent bathrooms, perfectly meeting your and your friends' accommodation needs."
...Finally, after meticulously introducing the entire villa, Tanaka Aoi let out a long sigh of relief.
She secretly congratulated herself: "That's great, I finally memorized all those difficult professional terms without any mistakes."
She looked at the young man before her, who had remained calm throughout, and her heart was filled with curiosity and a hint of... inexplicable awe.
She mustered her courage and, in a cautious whisper, softly asked:
"Um... Ryuzaki, do you... have any other questions?"
Ryuzaki Shin slowly turned around. He looked at the girl before him, whose palms were sweating from nervousness but whose eyes were exceptionally sincere, smiled, and shook his head.
"None, thank you for your trouble."
He paused, then added in an extremely flat tone:
"You can go now."
"Ah... Yes!"
Upon hearing this, Tanaka Aoi felt as if she had been granted a great pardon. She quickly bowed ninety degrees to Ryuzaki Shin, then turned to leave.
However, just as she was about to exit the living room, she inexplicably stopped.
She instinctively looked back.
The young man, she noticed, had already returned to the second-floor terrace.
The afternoon sun, warm and gentle, shone freely upon him, casting a soft golden glow on his tall figure.
A gentle breeze softly rustled his black short hair.
His face was devoid of any expression; he simply gazed silently at the distant azure sky.
In his deep eyes, the previous coldness and dominance were gone, replaced by a calmness she couldn't comprehend, as if he had experienced countless changes, and... a hint of extremely rare tenderness.
That moment was as beautiful as a meticulously painted oil canvas.
Tanaka Aoi looked at his back, feeling as if her heart had been tightly squeezed by an invisible hand, instantly stopping its beat.
Her face, at that moment, was so red it seemed about to drip blood.
Her mind was blank.
She didn't even know what she was thinking, but in a voice as faint as a mosquito's hum, yet unusually firm, she softly asked the figure:
"Um... Ryuzaki..."
"Can... can I... have your phone number?"
Ryuzaki Shin raised an eyebrow upon hearing Tanaka Aoi's request, which was as faint as a mosquito's hum.
He looked at the young woman before him, her cheeks flushed like ripe apples from nervousness and shyness, even the tips of her ears tinged pink, and thought to himself:
Interesting.
Quite bold of her.
Just then, the familiar voice in his mind rang out again.
Ding! Detecting that the host is facing a choice, the God-tier Selection System is activated!
Option One: Gladly agree and give her your phone number. Completion Reward: Tanaka Aoi Affection +10, unlock Affection Panel.
Option Two: Coldly refuse and tell her: "My number isn't for just anyone." Completion Reward: Obtain the title [Loner Wolf in the Arrogant Wind], equipped effect: when alone, Coolness +20%.
Option Three: Give an evil, charming smile, lean close to her ear and whisper: "Little sister, my phone number is very expensive~ Do you want to... exchange it for something else?" Completion Reward: Obtain the skill [Flirting Mastery], Tanaka Aoi Affection -50.
...
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the three options before him, his lips twitching involuntarily.
Does he even need to think about this?
What 'Loner Wolf in the Arrogant Wind'?
He's here to conquer Tokyo and build a harem, not to be a lonely old wolf!
As for the third option... what a joke, is he that kind of despicable person?
This system is not a good thing.
System, I choose one.
Ding! Selection successful! Reward obtained: Tanaka Aoi Affection +10, unlock panel!
In an instant, a virtual panel, visible only to Ryuzaki Shin, quietly appeared above Tanaka Aoi's head.
Name: Tanaka Aoi
Age: 23
Height: 162cm
Measurements: 89-59-88
Cup Size: E
Affection: 10 (Filled with curiosity and a hint of inexplicable admiration)
Times driven: 0
Psychological State: Wow! This person is so handsome! Although he's dressed ordinarily, he feels even more imposing than those rich second-generations driving luxury cars! The way he kicked Suzuki senior earlier was absolutely amazing! Will he really give me his phone number? Will he think I'm too forward? What should I do, what should I do, my heart is beating so fast! He's looking over! He's looking over! He smiled at me! Ahhh, I'm going to die! Will he... also be interested in me?
Ryuzaki Shin looked at the long string of inner monologue and almost burst out laughing.
Goodness, she looked so innocent.
He didn't expect.
This young woman has a lot of inner drama.
He no longer hesitated, and on Tanaka Aoi's beautifully printed brochure, he swiftly wrote down a string of numbers.
Here, my number.
Ah! Yes!
When Tanaka Aoi saw that Ryuzaki Shin had actually given her his phone number, her face instantly turned crimson. She clumsily took the brochure, then bowed ninety degrees to Ryuzaki Shin again, her voice loud as if afraid others wouldn't hear.
Thank you, Mr. Ryuzaki Shin!
After saying that, she scurried out of the villa like a startled rabbit, not looking back.
Ryuzaki Shin smiled, watching her panicked retreat.
She really is a cute young woman.
...1 PM.
Ryuzaki Shin stood alone on the spacious terrace of his new home's second floor.
The afternoon sun, warm and gentle, shone freely upon him, casting a soft golden glow on his tall figure.
He looked down at the quiet and upscale villa area below, then up at the bustling, traffic-filled city in the distance.
He took out his phone from his pocket, expertly navigated to his contacts, found Uehara Asuka's number, and dialed it... Meanwhile, in Tokyo, in a simply decorated but exceptionally clean apartment.
Uehara Asuka was distractedly watching the afternoon drama on TV, but her gaze kept darting to her phone on the coffee table, her eyes filled with unconcealed anticipation and a hint of... inexplicable disappointment.
Shin said he was busy these past few days and told me not to call him during this time.
Is he done with his work?
Or is he just tired of me... Just as she was overthinking and feeling anxious.
Ding-a-ling-ling—!
The crisp ringtone, like heavenly music, suddenly rang out in the quiet living room!
Uehara Asuka's body instantly stiffened. Almost instinctively, she grabbed her phone!
However, when she saw the name displayed on the screen, the spark of hope that had just ignited in her eyes instantly dimmed.
It was her niece, Nanako.
She took a deep breath, suppressed the disappointment in her heart, pressed the answer button, and forced a gentle smile onto her face.
Hello, Nanako, what's wrong?
Auntie! I bought your favorite strawberry daifuku from that shop! I'll bring it back to you right away!
On the other end of the line, a clear female voice, full of youthful vitality, came through.
Oh, and Auntie, aren't you bored at home alone? Are you... waiting for a 'wild man's' call? Hehehe...
Uehara Asuka's pretty face flushed at the sudden teasing. She subconsciously retorted:
Wh-What nonsense! I... I'm not!
Really? Nanako's voice was full of disbelief, Then why do you sound... so weak?
I...
Just as Uehara Asuka didn't know how to explain, her phone suddenly rang again!
It was another call!
She glanced at the familiar number on the screen, and her heart, at that moment, felt as if it had been fiercely squeezed by an invisible hand, instantly stopping its beating!
It was him!
She even forgot about her niece, who was still on the call, and said urgently, with a slight tremor in her voice:
Nanako! Let's... let's talk later! I have another call coming in!
After saying that, she hung up without hesitation, then took a deep breath, and with a hand that trembled slightly from nervousness, pressed the answer button.
Hello...
Her voice carried a hint of anticipation and... grievance that she herself hadn't even noticed.
On the other end of the line, there was a moment of silence.
Then, a familiar, magnetic voice, carrying a hint of a smile, slowly came through.
May I speak to the beautiful Ms. Asuka?
Boom!
Uehara Asuka felt her mind go blank, and tears, no longer able to be held back, silently streamed down her face like broken pearls.
She covered her mouth, trying not to cry out loud, but her suppressed sobs still clearly reached Ryuzaki Shin's ears through the receiver.
Shin... are... are you okay? Are you hurt? Yesterday... did you sleep well last night? Do you have money to eat?
She spoke incoherently, pouring out all her worries like spilling beans.
Ryuzaki Shin listened quietly, not interrupting her.
He could feel the pure, unadulterated concern in her tearful voice.
When her voice gradually calmed down a bit, he slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable dominance and tenderness.
I'm fine.
But... I miss you very much.
Come back, Asuka.
I have already prepared a real home for you.
From now on, no one will ever be able to hurt you again.
Upon hearing these words, Uehara Asuka could no longer hold back and burst into loud sobs.
She cried and nodded frantically, saying indistinctly:
Mm... Mm! I'm coming back! I'm coming back right now!
Ryuzaki Shin smiled, and he deliberately said in a teasing tone:
So eager to see me?
On the other end of the phone, there was a shy, heavily nasal "Mm."
Then Uehara Asuka continued.
From Tokyo to Toyaru, there's a Shinkansen at 2 PM, it takes about three hours. Shin, can you pick me up?
Ryuzaki Shin smiled, this woman was really impatient, and said with a laugh.
I promise you'll see me as soon as you exit the station...
After hanging up the phone, Ryuzaki Shin's smile gradually faded.
He thought for a moment, then directly dialed Sasaki Yu's number.
The call was answered almost instantly.
"Shin-nii! What can I do for you?!"
Sasaki Yu's voice came through the receiver.
Ryuzaki Shin smiled, and in an extremely gentle tone, he said:
"Xiao Yu, I need a favor from you."
"Right now, immediately arrange for Uncle Nakamura, your family's driver, to come to me."
"Then, at 5 PM, have him accompany me to the station to pick someone up."
Ryuzaki Shin was going to pick up his woman; he couldn't lose face.
It seemed he needed to make money quickly; he needed a car that matched his style.
"No, no, no! Shin-nii! Please don't say that!" Sasaki Yu instantly became anxious upon hearing the word "favor." He quickly said, "Shin-nii's business is my business! Don't worry! I'll tell Uncle Nakamura right away! I'll make sure everything is perfectly arranged!"
At this moment, Sasaki Yu was sitting with Izaki Shun in a high-end coffee shop. The table in front of them was covered with various documents and materials, prominently displaying the words "Shinryu Credit Company Project Proposal."
Ryuzaki Shin smiled; he knew that Xiao Yu should be busy with Shinryu Credit's matters right now.
"You're working hard, Xiao Yu."
He paused, then said in a tone full of trust:
"Shinryu Credit is our first and most important step in encroaching upon Karasumachi."
"This matter must be handled brilliantly."
"Because you are the one I trust the most."
"Shin-nii—!!!"
Upon hearing this, Sasaki Yu felt an indescribable surge of hot blood rush straight to his head!
He suddenly stood up from his chair and, facing the phone, let out a thunderous roar with all his might. The sound even startled the guests at the next table!
"Yes! Shin-nii! Your trust is the only guiding light for me, Sasaki Yu!"
...Meanwhile, in an apartment in Tokyo.
Uehara Asuka hung up the phone, the tear stains on her face not yet dry, but a glimmer of hope rekindled in her beautiful eyes.
She hummed an off-key tune, like a young girl in love about to go on a date, happily beginning to pack her luggage.
Just then, the apartment door opened, and a fashionable young girl with a neat short haircut, looking heroic and spirited, walked in carrying a bag of strawberry daifuku.
It was her niece, Nanako.
Nanako looked at her aunt's radiant, shy expression, and then at the luggage she was packing, instantly understanding everything.
She placed the strawberry daifuku on the table, crossed her arms over her chest, and scrutinized Uehara Asuka from head to toe, pouting, and said:
"Oh, Auntie, going to see some wild man? You look so happy?"
Uehara Asuka's pretty face flushed at her sudden teasing. She stammered for a long time before finally whispering:
"No... not a wild man... it's... it's a friend..."
"A friend?" Nanako sneered, "A friend who can make you so distracted probably isn't just any friend, is he?"
Nanako had long suspected that her Aunt Uehara had a man.
Her ex-husband was not a good person, and it was her aunt's fault for being a poor judge of character.
Unfortunately, her teaching assignment wasn't over yet, with about a week left until summer vacation.
After thinking about it, she decided that this time she absolutely had to vet her aunt's choice.
She paused, a very cunning smile appearing on her face, and said, word by word:
"Auntie, I've decided."
"This summer, I'm coming to Toyaru City to see you."
"I need to... properly... help you determine if that man... is reliable or not!"
Uehara Asuka instantly became anxious upon hearing this. She knew her niece was mischievous and loved to stir up trouble.
Just as she was about to refuse, Nanako directly pounced on her, hugging her arm and beginning to act spoiled.
"Please, Auntie, I haven't seen you in so long."
Uehara Asuka, worn down by her persistence, could only nod helplessly... In the afternoon, at two o'clock.
Uehara Asuka, accompanied by Nanako, boarded the Shinkansen bound for Toyaru City.
Her face was filled with infinite anticipation for the future.
Meanwhile, in Toyaru City, in the detached villa located on Matsukazetai.
Ryuzaki Shin stood before the huge floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor, quietly gazing at the clear blue sky outside.
He slowly pulled out the cold police-issue sidearm, "borrowed" from Officer Sato, from his pocket.
He carefully wiped it with a white handkerchief... Toyaru City Police Headquarters, Forensic Center.
The corridor lights were stark white and devoid of warmth. The cold air was permeated with an lingering scent of formaldehyde mixed with disinfectant, making it oppressively difficult to breathe.
A woman in a dark suit skirt leaned quietly against the wall outside the autopsy room.
Her figure was astonishingly tall, and the well-tailored suit perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure, enough to make any man's blood surge.
However, no male officer in the entire Forensic Center dared to let his gaze linger on her for more than a second.
Because this woman exuded an aura of icy coldness, like a Siberian cold front, warning others to keep their distance.
Her name was Kirishima Saeko, twenty-six years old, the ace of the Metropolitan Police Department's Investigation Division One.
A woman renowned for her 100% case-solving rate, striking fear into the entire Toyaru underworld.
"Creak—"
The heavy iron door of the autopsy room was pushed open, and an old forensic doctor in a white lab coat and mask emerged. A thin layer of cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and his face was etched with fatigue.
Upon seeing Officer Kirishima, he instinctively straightened his back and reported in an extremely respectful tone:
"Officer Kirishima, the preliminary autopsy report is in."
Officer Kirishima said nothing, merely watching him calmly with her sharp, hawk-like eyes, awaiting further details.
The old forensic doctor's heart tightened under her gaze, and he quickly lowered his head, speaking rapidly:
"Both deceased suffered extremely severe blunt force trauma before death, with multiple fractures throughout their bodies and varying degrees of internal organ rupture."
He paused, his tone becoming even more solemn.
"However, these were not the fatal injuries."
"The actual cause of death was a close-range gunshot wound to the head, a single shot, instantly fatal. The method... was very decisive."
Officer Kirishima remained expressionless. She simply extended her hand, her voice devoid of any emotion.
"The bullet."
"Yes!"
The old forensic doctor quickly pulled out two somewhat deformed metal bullet heads, sealed in evidence bags, from his pocket and respectfully handed them over.
Officer Kirishima put on a pair of pristine white gloves, picked up one of the bullet heads with tweezers, and carefully examined it under the stark white corridor light.
Her movements were professional, precise, and without a single wasted motion.
After only about ten seconds.
She slowly spoke, her voice as flat as if stating a fact.
"9mm Luger bullet, full metal jacket copper, minimal bullet deformation, indicating excellent muzzle energy control. The shooter's distance should have been within one meter."
She paused, flipping the bullet head. Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly behind her glasses.
"There are six right-hand twist rifling marks on the bullet, and the wear matches a barrel that has been in service for over ten years..."
"These are the characteristics of a police-issue New Nambu M60 revolver."
Kirishima Saeko thought for a moment. This was the standard sidearm for port police. Although some other police departments also used it, the crime scene was not far from the port, so it made sense to start the investigation there.
"Investigate."
Her voice, at this moment, turned chilling.
"Port Police Station, last night, whose gun was not on them!"
"Yes!"
Her subordinate acknowledged the order and quickly ran out of the office.
The entire room returned to silence.
Officer Kirishima looked at the photos of the two bloodied corpses on the whiteboard.
The expression on her face, like a thousand-year-old iceberg, finally showed an extremely subtle, almost imperceptible change.
It was the kind of smile, filled with excitement and cruelty, that a hunter shows when he sees his prey.
She slowly extended her long index finger, tipped with pale pink nail polish, and gently touched the photograph.
Then, in a voice filled with playfulness and anticipation, she murmured:
"Toyaru City..."
"It's been so long... since I've encountered such an interesting case."
She paused, the curve of her lips becoming even more pronounced.
"Let me see..."
"The rat hiding in the shadows..."
"Exactly... who is it."
Five PM, Toyaru City Station.
The station was overflowing with a dense, surging crowd, almost to the point of bursting.
Office workers in various suits, their faces etched with the numbness of being hollowed out by work, moved with the flow of people like walking corpses.
High school girls in cool short skirts, on the other hand, gathered in groups of three to five, chattering about the latest idol dramas and cosmetics, adding a splash of color to this gray world.
Ryuzaki Shin leaned quietly against a pillar at the exit, a unlit Seven Stars cigarette in his mouth, his hands in his pockets, completely out of place with the surrounding noise.
It was as if he didn't belong to this world.
Or as if this world had nothing to do with him.
Just then, the Shinkansen's arrival announcement sounded.
Another even more turbulent wave of people poured out from the ticket gates.
Ryuzaki Shin's eyes finally showed a subtle ripple.
He saw her.
In that crowded mass of people, she was like a flawless white lily quietly blooming in the mud, so conspicuous, so… different.
Uehara Asuka wore an elegant black dress, its tight tailoring perfectly outlining her mature, full, and almost unfairly perfect curves, drawing countless men's eyes, instinctively filled with either admiration or greed.
But she didn't notice at all; she just dragged a half-worn suitcase, tiptoeing, anxiously searching for something in that sea of people.
Her beautiful eyes, which should have been enchanting, were now filled with unease and… anticipation.
Finally, her gaze pierced through the crowded mass of people and quietly collided with the figure leaning against the pillar.
Their eyes met.
Time, at this moment, seemed to stand still.
Uehara Asuka's eyes instantly reddened.
She no longer cared for ladylike composure or the strange looks around her.
She let go, allowing the half-worn suitcase to fall to the ground with a clang.
Then, she lifted her skirt and, without hesitation, dashed towards the figure that had haunted her dreams!
Ryuzaki Shin watched the woman rushing towards him, watched her body tremble slightly with excitement, and watched her beautiful eyes, now veiled with a layer of mist.
He didn't move.
He just stood there quietly, a gentle curve slowly forming on his lips, a curve he himself hadn't noticed.
Damn, these tears are flowing like water.
But… they look pretty good.
The next second!
A soft, fragrant scent, a mixture of faint perfume and feminine body odor, suddenly crashed into his arms!
Uehara Asuka buried her face deeply in his chest, her hands tightly wrapped around his thin but unusually firm waist, as if she wanted to melt her entire being into his body.
The long-suppressed longing and grievances erupted completely at this moment!
Her body trembled slightly in his arms, emitting suppressed whimpers like a wounded animal.
Ryuzaki Shin felt the body in his arms, listening to the heartbreaking sobs in his ears.
He slowly raised his hand, gently stroking her soft long hair, then pulled her even tighter into his embrace.
"I'm back, Shin…"
Uehara Asuka's voice, heavily nasal and muffled, came from his chest.
"Hmm."
Ryuzaki Shin merely responded faintly, but the hand stroking her long hair became even gentler.
Just then, a middle-aged man in a crisp suit and white gloves, looking meticulous, appeared silently behind them.
It was Nakamura.
He gently picked up the fallen suitcase and, like a loyal butler, quietly retreated to the side, making no sound to disturb them.
After a long while, Uehara Asuka's emotions gradually calmed down.
She looked up from Ryuzaki Shin's embrace, a little embarrassed; her already beautiful face was now flushed with a moving blush from crying, making her look even more pitifully charming.
Ryuzaki Shin smiled at her appearance.
He said nothing more, just took her cold, tender hand and, in an unquestionable tone, said faintly:
"Let's go."
…The black Toyota Century drove smoothly along the slightly crowded streets of Toyaru City.
In the back seat, Uehara Asuka held Ryuzaki Shin's arm tightly, resting her head gently on his shoulder, her beautiful eyes, a little swollen from crying, greedily fixed on his chiseled profile, as if she could never get enough of looking at him.
She felt as if she was dreaming.
Uehara didn't know why she fell for a twenty-year-old boy so quickly.
Perhaps she lacked love, so even a tiny bit of kindness made her invest herself completely.
But Uehara didn't want to think too much about it; if destruction truly awaited her, then she would let herself be shattered in this illusory love.
She looked at the rapidly receding streetscape outside the window, then at the understated luxury of the car's interior, her heart filled with questions.
She couldn't help but ask softly, with a hint of uncertainty in her voice:
"Shin… where… where are we going?"
Ryuzaki Shin withdrew his gaze from the bustling streetscape outside the window, then turned his head and looked at her calmly.
He slowly raised his hand, gently wiping away the still-damp tear stains from the corner of her eye with his thumb, then a wicked curve formed on his lips, and he slowly said:
"To Matsukazetai."
Uehara Asuka's body instantly stiffened!
Matsukazetai?!
What kind of place was that?
Uehara didn't know that Matsukazetai was the name of the villa Ryuzaki Shin had bought.
"Matsukazetai? What's that? Why… why are we going there?"
Ryuzaki Shin smiled at her bewildered expression, no longer keeping her in suspense.
He extended his other hand and tightly clasped her cold, tender hand in his.
Then, in a tone filled with doting affection and possessiveness, he said word by word:
"To give you a… gift."
Boom!
Uehara Asuka felt her mind go blank; all her thoughts completely stopped at this moment.
A gift?
A gift… at Matsukazetai?
She looked at Ryuzaki Shin's face, adorned with a wicked smile, and at his eyes, which seemed to see through everything; a storm raged in her heart!
She wasn't stupid; she sensed that Matsukazetai might be a residence.
But… how could this be?!
He… he was only twenty years old!
He was just a poor student who had just transferred to Suzuran and couldn't even afford rent!
Where did he get the money?!
Could it be… could he have gone and… done something dangerous again these past few days?!
As soon as she thought of this, her heart instantly clenched!
She looked at Ryuzaki Shin, her beautiful eyes, which had just cleared, once again veiled with a mist of worry.
However, Ryuzaki Shin seemed to have seen through her thoughts.
He merely smiled, offered no explanation, and just held her cold little hand even tighter… Ten-odd minutes later.
The sedan finally stopped steadily in front of a beautiful, two-story villa with an independent courtyard.
Uehara Asuka looked at the house before her, a place she had only seen in dreams, filled with warmth and design, at the neatly trimmed lawn, and the sparkling swimming pool in the sunlight.
She was completely stunned.
She felt her breathing completely stop at this moment.
Ryuzaki Shin said nothing more.
He just took her hand and got out of the car.
Then, in front of her, he slowly took out a brand-new key from his pocket, still with a hint of a cold touch.
He gently placed the key in her hand.
Then, he gazed at her calmly with his deep eyes.
That look seemed to say:
From now on, this place is yours.
Uehara Asuka looked at the key in her hand, then at the house before her, like a fairytale castle; her tears, no longer restrainable, silently fell like broken pearls.
But this time, it wasn't because of grievance, nor because of fear.
It was because of… happiness.
Ryuzaki Shin smiled at her tear-streaked face.
He said no more sentimental words, just took her hand and, step by step, walked to the heavy, solid wood door, which exuded a faint, clean scent.
He held her hand and slowly inserted the key into the cold keyhole.
Then, in her ear, in a voice so gentle that only the two of them could hear, he whispered:
"Open it."
Uehara Asuka's body trembled slightly.
She looked at the door before her, then at the man beside her who had given her all her sense of security.
She knew that behind this door was a brand new life she had never dared to dream of.
She took a deep breath, then slowly turned the key in her hand.
"Click—"
A crisp sound, like heavenly music.
The door opened.
Warm evening sunlight instantly poured out from inside the house, enveloping both of them in a soft glow.
Ryuzaki Shin turned sideways and gave the woman, who was now completely frozen in place, an incredibly gentle and doting smile.
He slowly, word by word, said:
"Welcome home, Asuka…"