Because his efforts last night had been fruitless, Wise could only plan to try again tonight. But before that, he needed to buy some groceries.
There was no other way. Originally, only he and Belle lived at home, with others occasionally dropping by for meals. Now, however, there were two additional permanent residents, which meant two extra portions to prepare.
Although the Ethereal sisters didn't actually need to eat and only required occasional replenishment of Ether energy, if they could enjoy food and it tasted good, why wouldn't they?
With that in mind, Wise arrived at the 141 convenience store. Just as he was about to step inside, a voice suddenly called out from behind him.
"Oh? Isn't this the handsome store manager? Are you here to shop as well?"
The voice was distinctive enough that Wise immediately recognized it. He turned around, and as expected, it was the woman who had come to borrow a videotape last night.
"You're last night's customer."
"Hmm, to be precise, the customer who borrowed a videotape last night," Miss Jane corrected with a smile.
Her tail, which had been wrapped around her thigh, loosened and began to sway gently behind her.
"My apologies. I misspoke."
"It's alright. I feel quite honored to be remembered by a handsome store manager like you. My name is Jane. And you?"
"My name is Wise. Also, Miss Jane, you left in a hurry last night and didn't leave any contact information. If possible, could we add each other on Knock Knock?"
Jane paused for a brief moment before a playful smile formed on her lips.
"Oh? So you wanted my contact information? You could've just said so. After all, you're my type."
She took out her phone with a light laugh. Wise originally intended to explain himself, but after a moment's thought, his response changed.
"Is that so? To be honest, I'm also quite fond of charming women like you, Miss Jane."
Jane clearly hadn't expected that answer, but she remained composed. Without missing a beat, she smoothly shifted the conversation away from her failed tease.
After exchanging contact information, she didn't stay long. She still had supplies to purchase, and this brief interaction was nothing more than a small distraction from her tasks.
As Wise watched her figure disappear into the distance, a trace of curiosity surfaced in his mind.
'What kind of environment could shape someone like her, whose inner self differs so much from her outward demeanor?'
Still, it was just curiosity. Unless things get more involved, it's better to leave it alone.
<<>>
Several days passed. In that time, the sisters and Wise kept searching the building.
They'd searched through nearly every corner by now, but the amulet was nowhere to be found. The sisters' confidence was starting to waver.
The only area left unchecked was the one occupied by the illegal organization. The three decided to search it one last time tonight. If they still found nothing, they would have no choice but to give up.
"Brother, Public Security sent a notice. Our business license renewal has been approved, and that old lady's citizen ID has been processed as well."
Belle walked into the first-floor room while looking at her phone. Just then, she saw Nicole suddenly stand up, grabbing her collar with one hand while covering her mouth with the other, coughing lightly.
"Huh? Nicole, what's wrong?" Belle asked, a hint of amusement hidden beneath her feigned concern.
Nicole forced down her cough and swallowed.
"N-nothing... I just choked while eating..."
Nicole's face was slightly flushed from holding her breath. It seemed that, just as she claimed, she had choked while drinking 'milk'.
At that moment, her gaze carried a faint trace of resentment.
It was unclear whether it came from the fact that their previous agreement had already been fulfilled, and this step only counted as half the repayment, leaving her with a sense of regret... or because the next part of the repayment had been interrupted.
Either way, Nicole didn't linger. She shot Belle an irritated glare, straightened out her clothes, and left with a parting, "I'll come back another day."
Wise didn't respond, but Belle already knew exactly what to do.
"Hmm, Brother, after we pick up the things from Public Security later, can we go shopping?"
With her deliberately sweet tone, how could Wise possibly refuse? He pulled her into his arms, drawing her closer.
"Oh, right. I wonder how that young lady who borrowed 'Porter Mountain' is doing. Don't you have her contact information, Brother? Why not ask her?" Belle suddenly added.
She had discovered it by accident while noticing her brother messaging someone. At first, she thought it was Anby or Nekomata, but after a closer look, she realized it was an unfamiliar contact.
Only after asking did she learn it was that cool young woman.
Wise gently patted Belle's head, with no intention of sending a message. After all, Jane had mentioned that her phone often had to be turned off during work.
'I'll remind N.18 to pay extra attention while watching the store today.'
<<>>
Meanwhile, elsewhere, within a Hollow area of the Ballet Twins...
"Achoo... Hmm, it feels like someone's thinking about me. Who could it be?"
For some reason, Wise's figure surfaced in Jane's mind. Perhaps it was because he was the only one who might be thinking of her at the moment.
Although they had only met a few times and exchanged occasional messages, his bold and rather interesting way of speaking had genuinely caught her attention.
As she was lost in thought, the guard stationed at the entrance hurried over.
"Oh, Sister Jane, you're finally back! I missed you so much!"
"...So it's you. That's a bit disappointing. And what you're actually missing is this, right?" Jane replied, pulling out a videotape, her expression indifferent.
The subordinate didn't mind her tone at all; his eyes locked onto the tape.
"Oh, oh, oh! There it is! The HD version of 'Porter Mountain,' plus the special edition with 20 extra seconds of footage! I'm watching this right now!"
Seeing how excited he was, Jane mischievously began to describe its general content.
Instantly, his expression froze. The smile, however, shifted onto Jane's face.
"What's wrong? Why did you suddenly go quiet? Are you scared?"
Hearing that, the man trembled slightly, yet still forced himself to respond, clinging to his pride.
"...Of course not. I just think people should stay focused during work... And I suddenly remembered a few things from the past couple of days..."
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