Chapter 56: The Third Lady of the Kusaka Family is Noble
Dun, dun, dong.
"I say, you two, don't you think our current state is very problematic?"
"Where's the problem?"
"No problem."
"…"
Looking at the three figures reflected on the curtain wall, rising and falling like a signal bar, Hoshiguma felt her lifelong reputation was probably about to be ruined.
If this continues, how will the younger ones look at me? The gang members who once trusted me, how will they look at this big sister? Just because I became an inspector and put on an official skin, do I have to do such inhumane, unreasonable things? Is gossip that fun? Is looking at others' things that happy?
Just thinking of this, Hoshiguma felt herself trembling all over, as if she had eaten an ice pop on a dog day (- hottest period of summer), a feeling that pierced her heart. The Oni people would never be able to hold their heads up again; the pride spoken of and the ferocity in battle were all fake. As a member of the Oni race, she had degenerated into some gossip girl watching others' gossip. She had become the person she once despised the most. Thinking of this, Hoshiguma felt a slight touch in her heart and couldn't help but finish all the remaining food.
"What are you doing over there? They've moved, quick, quick."
"Oh oh."
Following closely behind the two superiors, Hoshiguma looked at the Butcher walking together with the idol, also full of anticipation.
What about those thoughts just now? Hmph, when people are full, they always idly think of something. Gossip is still more important. After all, this kind of epic-level big melon isn't something you can see anytime; didn't you see even a perfectionist superman like Ch'en followed along? It's fine for me to take a look too.
Comforting her own heart like this, Hoshiguma followed closely behind the two superintendents, peeking from behind walls and green plants, craning her neck towards Li Lin and Sora. The advantages brought by Terra's good physical fitness were evident; even from over ten meters away, they could clearly see the two holding hands, talking with heads lowered. Whether it was the girl's cute face or the boy's cute…? face, it all made people feel this was a beautiful scene.
But, it was a disguise.
That Butcher looked harmless on the surface, but inwardly was a crazy and terrifying man. He had a pale yet unpretentious face, yet in stark contrast was an indifferent heart that treated life and all things with equilibrium.
Hoshiguma had read her colleague's investigation report. The report indicated that this person lacked empathy for everything in the world; his degree of recognition for this world was abnormally fragmented. It was speculated that the root cause came from lost memories and various surgeries, which also led to some of his behaviors appearing unusually contrary to common sense and filled with an unimaginable sense of detachment. For example, unhesitatingly throwing money at the Lungmen Guard Bureau and Eden, while doing whatever he pleased himself.
Many psychologists claimed this was a manifestation of this person's extreme lack of concept regarding wealth and status; in his impression, everything in the world might just be divided into known and unknown.
No desires, no thoughts, existing like a ghost.
Wielding one of the most powerful forces in this world, also possessing the most terrifying knowledge. Unrivaled at the peak in both literature and martial arts, one person could serve as the protective signboard for all of Lungmen, yet he himself felt everything in this world was merely fleeting clouds .
Alright, this doesn't sound like a human at all, right? Hoshiguma thought so too. Although Old Ch'en insisted there was no problem, both Hoshiguma and Swire felt this kind of person was probably ruthless enough to slaughter his girlfriend with a smile. After all, during work, they often saw this person smiling very gently, yet his essence was full of detachment and a sense of fragmentation. Almost as if separated from this world by a curtain, making him unfathomable.
However, now this person was shopping with a popular idol.
Idols are truly amazing.
Idol culture is truly remarkable.
Sora, awe-inspiring.
"…Hoshiguma, what are you muttering about over there?"
"Explaining the setting, otherwise everyone won't understand how amazing this person is."
"Who are you explaining to… Quick quick, they're going in. Isn't this the clothing store my family owns?"
Watching the two walk into a certain shop talking and laughing, the three, under the strange gazes of the surrounding people, held a flower pot and sneaked after them.
Passersby subconsciously intended to take out their phones to call the police, but seeing those familiar superintendents were among them, these people all showed expressions as if their worldview had collapsed, widening their eyes in disbelief, looking at the three police officers running around holding potted plants.
What on earth happened, they dared not say, nor dared to ask. A group of people looked at these strangely behaving police officers, exchanged glances, then all fell into a state of self-closureand left separately. The silent Lungmen seemed to exude a unique temperament, making everyone subconsciously lighten their steps. The originally incomparably bustling Lungmen street seemed much quieter; only sporadic black sedans drove over, then upon seeing the three police officers squatting there, silently turned around and fled.
And seemingly also sensing this suddenly quiet atmosphere of Lungmen, the two who were walking out of the store, fingers tightly clasped, heading towards the next store, suddenly said:
"It's so quiet, Lungmen now."
"Maybe because the mall next door is having a big sale? Everyone went out shopping, I need to work hard too."
"The money I saved wasn't wasted; as long as we keep shopping, whatever Sora likes will appear, and I will pay for it."
"Mm~ Barely passable. Then let's go to the next store~"
"S-Still want to keep shopping?"
"Of course? You're my boyfriend, okay? Clearly said so last night, you have to be responsible today~ Don't think you can just take advantage of an idol and get away with it, okay?"
The two walked into the next shop, embracing and talking and laughing (?).
Ch'en watched their departing backs, took a deep breath, and slowly pressed the hilt of the sword behind her.
'Shwing—'( sound of sword unsheathing)
'Old Ch'en, calm down! They haven't done anything yet!'
Although they might have done everything, at least they haven't clearly stated what they did!
Frantically holding back the grim-faced Ch'en, Hoshiguma quickly signaled Swire to think of something. The young lady nodded seriously and snapped her fingers. Soon, a shop assistant with no distinguishing features ran out from the shop next door, delivering three pairs of earphones. As soon as they were put in, clear conversation from inside the store could be heard.
"Li Lin~ Look, does this outfit look good on me?"
"Good-looking, good-looking, all good-looking…"
The man's voice, tired yet numb, numb yet helpless, helpless yet tinged with lifelessness, slowly flowed out from the earphones, making the three fall silent for a moment.
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