When Wise returned to the video store from the outpost, he immediately sat on the sofa. Belle noticed and quickly brought him a drink.
After he drank it, she stood behind him and massaged his shoulders and back, and the tension in his body eased.
"Thank you, Belle. It's really great having you here."
Belle turned a little shy and worked even more carefully.
"Oh, right, Brother, what about the temporary investigator position?" she asked.
"Don't worry. With me handling it, there's no issue. I've already secured the temporary investigator identity."
Wise said, making an OK gesture.
At that moment, Wise realized what he was leaning against, and he could easily picture Belle's face turning slightly red.
Just as he awkwardly tried to rise, her small hands pressed gently but firmly on his shoulders, keeping him in place.
With no choice, Wise leaned back helplessly. It was surprisingly comfortable, and after a long day of work, he saw no harm in lingering a little.
"Oh, right, Brother, our video store hasn't updated its stock in a long time. At this rate, no one will rent from us anymore."
After a few more moments of massaging, Belle suddenly remembered and brought it up.
"Hmm, that's a problem. We still have our previous supplier's contact, right? Let's reach out to them first."
There was no other option. His account had been deleted, leaving his income insufficient, and the AI consumed five times the usual electricity. He had to rely on the video store to get by.
Subsequently, the siblings contacted the supplier together. After discussing how to pick up the goods, they decided to leave the matter for tomorrow.
After handling this, they took showers one after another. As for returning to their rooms to rest, Belle didn't even step into hers and ended up sleeping with him again.
The next morning, they woke up, washed up, and after breakfast, began discussing which videotapes to buy.
"Last time we bought tapes, I listened to you, Brother. This time, no matter what, I have to decide!" Belle said, as if her mind were already made up.
"Huh? Didn't we make the last purchase decision together? Why is it all on me again?" Wise raised an eyebrow.
"Hmph, Brother, you have the nerve to say that. Last time, I was unknowingly led by the nose by you!" She complained.
"It's just that the movie I wanted to watch this month, no, I mean the movie the customers wanted to watch, just happened to be released..."
"I heard that~ Brother actually wants to use the store's profits for his personal hobbies. That's really sly!" she said, pointing at Wise.
"The court has received your accusation, but hearsay evidence is not accepted," Wise said mockingly.
"Brother!"
Belle was sulking when a familiar face, an old regular, came into the video store.
"The Shepherd? Well, anyway, let's just focus on getting the tapes first, Belle. We'll handle the main task later."
Wise then noticed Belle shaking the car keys and instinctively reached for his pocket.
'When did she grab them?' he wondered, baffled.
"Hmph, I'll get the tapes. You handle the other task."
"What? Are you really going to the supplier yourself?!"
"Exactly. Don't worry, I'll make sure more movie fans get what they want. The store is in your hands now, Brother."
Belle's face lit up with a smug, mischievous smile, and Wise could only nod helplessly.
"Alright then, be careful on the road, Belle," Wise warned while waving at her.
"Mhm!" She nodded cheerfully and finally left, skipping happily.
'Sigh, Belle is really something.'
Wise didn't really care about the videotapes. Belle was way more important than that.
But there was no choice. The Shepherd's request took priority now, particularly after opening his new account, and he would have to accept more work.
He looked toward where Belle had gone, a little worried, and asked about what the Shepherd needed.
Meanwhile, Belle had already driven to the supplier and reached her destination shortly after.
Her eyes sparkled at the dazzling array of videotapes, and she began carefully choosing the ones she wanted.
"Hmm? This is..."
As she browsed, Belle spotted a videotape tucked in the middle of a shelf.
'Wasn't this the movie Brother always talked about? Could there be a sequel?'
She examined it for a moment, then pouted and placed it back.
'Hmph, Brother is so inconsiderate. I won't get it for you!' Belle thought, resuming her search through the other videotapes.
Despite this, when she passed it a second time, her little hand instinctively placed it in the basket.
'This isn't for a certain big idiot. Other customers might want to watch it. Brother should be thankful.'
Still, Belle picked out several similar films, making it clear who they were for.
'Okay, that's it. Let's go back home.'
After paying the bill, Belle returned to the car, ready to head back to the video store. On the way, the Ether activity detector in the car suddenly rang.
Before she could react, a Hollow appeared out of nowhere and engulfed her.
At that moment, Wise had already accepted the Shepherd's request.
The task was simple, and he wanted to finish quickly so he could go pick up Belle.
"Strange, so much time has passed. Even if the journey is long, there's no reason she shouldn't be back by now."
Wise felt a bad premonition and went out to find General Chop next door to ask about Belle's whereabouts.
Upon learning that Belle had gone in the direction of the bridge, Wise thanked him and headed straight there.
However, he had barely reached near the bridge, not even past Six Street, when he saw Law Enforcement Officers gathered in the distance.
An uneasy feeling pressed against his chest, but without knowing the truth, he held back from assuming the worst.