"Huh?"
Hayashi blinked, momentarily stunned. He almost didn't react at all.
He had only said those words out of politeness — just being courteous. He never expected Yoshimura to actually take him up on it. Did he really have something he needed help with?
Now Hayashi was genuinely curious.
Since Yoshimura didn't know he was a CCG investigator, there was no need for him to be cautious. But putting that aside… what exactly was so special about him?
If he were being honest, the only noteworthy thing he had was his looks. If Yoshimura hadn't taken him in as a waiter at Anteiku, his only other job option would've been becoming a host.
"A long time ago, there was a man. He once had a happy family…" Yoshimura gently stroked the old, yellowed photo in his hands, his eyes soft with memory.
"But due to certain circumstances, he lost that happiness. His daughter was forced to be raised by someone else."
Hearing this, Hayashi instantly recognized the story. This was Yoshimura's own past.
But why was he telling him this?
If he remembered correctly, Yoshimura had told this same story to Kaneki in the anime. But that was Kaneki — a ghoul. He was human. A pretty big difference.
"Later, he found his daughter. He always wanted to see her… but he never had the courage."
"After abandoning her for so many years, suddenly showing up again… he felt he didn't have the face to see her."
Yoshimura sighed, the weight of regret hanging in his voice.
"She became more and more famous — eventually a best-selling author."
"That made him truly happy, but it also made him even more scared to face her."
"All he could do was buy her books for support and remembrance… though he knew it was barely anything."
Hayashi still wasn't sure where this was going.He already knew the story. What he wanted to know was: why tell him this? What's the point?
As he puzzled over it, Yoshimura continued softly:
"He really wanted to see his daughter — just once. He wanted to do something for her. But he could never find the opportunity."
"Until one day… he met a young man."
"This young man carried his daughter's scent. Strongly."
"Maybe the two of them weren't just passing acquaintances. They might be very close."
Yoshimura put the photo frame down and looked up at him.
"So tell me… what do you think that man should do?"
Hayashi froze for a moment.
And then it clicked.
He finally understood why Yoshimura had told him all this — Because he had smelled Eto's scent on him.
No wonder the manager had paused for a second when they first met.He must've been shocked by how strong the scent was.
And honestly, yeah—it made sense. Considering what happened last night… of course the scent was strong.
Not that Yoshimura knew that part.
"I think… he should ask that young man to approach his daughter."
"Use him as a bridge to bring them closer."
"And eventually… maybe the two of them can reunite as father and daughter."
Hayashi said everything as it came to mind.
"That might be a good idea." Yoshimura nodded gently, smiling warmly.
"In that case, I'll entrust this to you."
Hayashi naturally nodded.
To him, this wasn't troublesome at all. In fact, it was a great opportunity.
He had been stressing about how to meet Eto again after fulfilling their deal. Now he had the perfect excuse — Yoshimura's request.
He could help fix the father-daughter relationship, mend the regret left in the original plot… And also get a chance to get closer to Eto.
And hey — most importantly: When your girlfriend's dad asks for help, you help.Very simple.
Hayashi smiled inwardly. Perfect. A gift from heaven.
If this didn't work, then it simply wasn't meant to be…
"In that case, please deliver this to her. If the opportunity ever comes for you two to meet again—I would appreciate it."
Yoshimura handed him a book.
"No problem at all." Hayashi took the book and glanced at the cover.
Black Goat's Egg. One of the more famous works by Eto under her pen name Sen Takatsuki.
If Yoshimura specifically wanted him to deliver this book, there must've been something inside it — A note, a message, something personal.
But that was a matter between father and daughter. Hayashi didn't pry.
"Don't worry. Leave the rest to me. I'll handle it." Hayashi stood up.
"Thank you. I hope I can hear good news soon. Eto… I'll leave her in your care, Hayashi."
Yoshimura folded his hands behind his back, his eyes narrowing slightly, a faint light shining within.
He didn't know why a ghoul like Eto—who normally killed without hesitation and barely interacted with humans—would befriend one.
But if she trusted him… then he would trust him as well.
And Yoshimura could feel it clearly — this white-haired youth was far from ordinary.
Not just his unusual white hair or those crimson eyes.There was something else—an aura. The aura of someone strong.
He didn't know his true identity or what he did. But he was certain of one thing: Hayashi was not simple. And he was powerful.
For the first time in a long while, Yoshimura felt intrigued. Perhaps Eto and this young man would form a very interesting connection.
"I'll get going. I still have things to take care of." Hayashi nodded respectfully and turned to leave.
He had no idea what Yoshimura was thinking.
All he knew was: if the father-in-law had entrusted him with something, he had to deliver.
Besides, leaving a father alone without his daughter was too pitiful.Giving him a granddaughter one day? Perfect solution.
It would let him experience familial warmth again,heal the broken bond between father and daughter,and benefit everybody.
A perfect plan.
Hayashi smiled to himself.
Damn… he really was a good person.Yoshimura would definitely be proud of him.