Chapter 112: Explanation

Since the funeral, she had noticed a significant change in her cousin’s appearance. At the time, she had simply assumed it was because he had grown taller, but with the limited interactions and observations she had since then, she realized that the changes went far beyond just his appearance.

Now, in the face of such danger and urgency, his calmness, decisiveness, and the composed attitude he displayed after taking a life without a flicker of emotion left her deeply shocked. If it weren’t for his unchanged facial features, she might have genuinely doubted if the boy in front of her was the same person.

“Someone’s coming.” While Kurata Ryoko was lost in thought, the boy suddenly spoke in a low voice.

Upon hearing his words, everyone’s hearts tightened immediately. Unable to see anything from behind the reservoir, they strained their ears to listen for any sounds from the outside.

After a while, they indeed heard the sound of rapid footsteps approaching.

Hearing the fast-moving footsteps, the boy felt a headache coming on. There were six of them. If they were really the ones he suspected, things would get interesting, because, with just two guns and ten bullets between them, even if he shot at the same time, he could only take out two of them. And that was if he aimed for their heads. If any of them were armed with submachine guns, the situation would turn disastrous. Under concentrated fire, it would be impossible to fight back.

Thinking this, he immediately changed his strategy. With a swift movement, he dashed out and jumped onto the balcony above the entrance.

Once up, he adjusted his breathing and quietly waited for their arrival. In close combat, he was confident that no one would be his match. If he struck fast, it would be much more effective than using a gun.

Finally, the footsteps grew nearer, and he could almost hear the sound of their breathing. Perhaps it had been a long time since he had faced such life-and-death tension, Lei Yin couldn’t help but feel a bit excited.

But when the group reached the rooftop, he knew there was no need to fight.

“You’re police, aren’t you?” Looking down at the large “POLICE” lettering on their uniforms, the boy asked.

The special forces team members were already in a heightened state of alert, and when they suddenly heard such a clear voice from above, they immediately shot without thinking.

“Are you crazy? I’m a hostage!” Fortunately, Lei Yin had already stepped aside the moment he saw them turn their guns. Otherwise, he would have certainly met a gruesome end. He cursed as he watched the bullets fly upward from the edge of the balcony.

Upon hearing his words, the police below froze for a moment and immediately stopped firing.

“Damn, what a bunch of idiots,” Lei Yin muttered as he looked up at the approaching lights in the night sky. It seemed the helicopter had arrived.

※※※

“Isn’t this great? Just think of it as a long vacation. How enviable,” the boy said with a gloating tone while lying on his bed reading the newspaper.

Ryotaro Maeda smiled wryly. “It’s easy for you to say. Now, everyone with any kind of rank in our division has been ordered to stay home and reflect. Me coming out to visit you is already a violation of the rules.”

“Someone has to take the fall for this mess. With so many people around, no one will blame you. Your superiors might be more stressed out than you are. By the way, is it really true, like the newspaper says, that so many people died?” the boy asked, changing the subject.

“Yes, and there might be even more. Many haven’t passed the critical period yet,” Ryotaro Maeda replied.

“Hmph. Forget those who died from bomb explosions or being trampled, but what about the ones with no obvious injuries? Could they really have been hospitalized because of bomb shockwaves? Do you really believe the smoke they released was just tear gas?” the boy scoffed.

“I don’t know, but more and more people are starting to question it. The media’s outside the police headquarters, and the most shocking thing is the Police Chief committing suicide with his own gun. Nobody expected that,” Ryotaro Maeda sighed.

“The fact that he did that shows he still had some fight left in him. In a way, it’s a release. At least he won’t be bothered by those people anymore,” the boy said nonchalantly as he set the newspaper down.

Seeing Ryotaro Maeda’s strange expression, the boy impatiently said, “Spit it out already. Stop acting like you’re constipated.”

Ryotaro Maeda gave him a look and asked, “Can you honestly tell me, were two of the terrorists knocked out by you?”

“Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the boy replied with a smile.

“Don’t brush me off. We found two unconscious terrorists at the scene. Their guns were taken, and you happened to have two handguns at the time. So I’m pretty sure you did it,” Ryotaro Maeda said with certainty.

“Couldn’t you suspect that someone else knocked them out and I just happened to pick up their guns?” Masashi said casually, thinking to himself that it was fortunate he hadn’t gone too far and killed those two people back then; otherwise, things might have gotten troublesome now.

“Since you refuse to admit it, I won’t press you further. It’s about time for me to leave. Take care and rest well.” Maeda Ryotaro stood up as he spoke.

“Hey, help me process my discharge paperwork as soon as possible. I’m really fine. Those girls, on the other hand, might need thorough examinations, especially the one named Yamaguchi Sayaka. She was unconscious for a while. Anyway, the doctors should handle all that. Just get me discharged quickly,” Masashi ordered firmly.

“Sorry, that’s something only Rumiko can decide. I’m supposed to be at home reflecting on my mistakes, so I don’t have the time,” Maeda Ryotaro said with a sly smile before turning and leaving the room.

“Well, isn’t that rare? That old guy actually knows how to crack jokes,” Masashi muttered to himself, staring at the now-closed door.

Feeling bored, Masashi decided to check the time. When he picked up his phone, he realized it was off—apparently, it had run out of battery. As he held the phone, he had a nagging sense that he’d forgotten something. He began to retrace his thoughts slowly.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from outside, followed by a loud “bang” as the door to the room was thrown open.

“Sorry, I forgot we had plans to see a movie,” Masashi said, looking up at Naoko, who stood at the door, gasping for breath.

“Lei!” Without warning, Naoko rushed over and hugged him tightly.

“Silly, stop crying. I’m not hurt at all.” After a long moment, once she had calmed down a little, Masashi gently wiped away her tears.

“Lei, I was so scared.” Naoko gazed at him with tear-filled eyes, and fresh tears began streaming down her face again.

“Come, take off your shoes and sit up here.” Masashi patted the empty space on the bed beside him.

Normally, Naoko would’ve been overwhelmed with shyness at such a suggestion, but she was too emotional now. Without thinking, she kicked off her sandals and climbed up.

Holding her soft, warm body close, Masashi felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. Unbeknownst to him, this woman had come to occupy an increasingly important place in his heart.

“Naoko, promise me something, will you?” Masashi leaned his forehead against hers as he spoke.

“Lei, as long as you’re safe, I’ll promise you anything.” The explosion scenes she’d seen on TV still haunted her, leaving her deeply shaken.

“No matter what happens, wait for me to come back, okay?”

“Lei…” Her unease deepened at his words.

“Don’t overthink it. Sometimes I have to go to faraway places for certain things, and it might take me a while to return. I’m only saying this because I don’t want you to worry. Just promise me—no matter what happens, don’t give up. Believe in me. I’ll definitely come back to you. So, until then, you must take good care of yourself, okay?” Masashi looked deeply into her eyes.

“Yes. No matter what happens, I’ll wait for you,” Naoko replied softly yet firmly, meeting his gaze before resting her head on his shoulder again.

“By the way, how did you know I was in the hospital?” Masashi asked. Logically, she shouldn’t have known.

“I waited for you at home for a long time, but you didn’t show up, so I called your phone. It was turned off, and I got worried. I called your house, and your mother happened to be there. She told me what happened. I was so scared—why were you even there?” Naoko raised her head and asked.

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later. You said my mom’s home? She must’ve come to bring me some clothes. She might already be here.”

“What?” Naoko was startled and immediately tried to climb off the bed.

“Don’t move. Let me hold you a bit longer. Besides, it’s not a bad idea for her to meet her beautiful daughter-in-law a little earlier,” Masashi teased.

“Lei, let me go!” Naoko blushed furiously, struggling in embarrassment.

“I’ll let go if you give me a French kiss. Otherwise, I’m not letting go,” Masashi said smugly, watching her.

“You scoundrel!” Naoko’s face turned crimson as she glared at him.

He thought her shy nature would make her hesitate for a long time, but to his surprise, although she was still bashful, she quickly leaned forward and pressed her soft lips to his…