"It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Jason..."
The middle-aged man with glasses stopped midsentence, stunned.
Onodera looked at Jason, his formulaic smile somewhat stiff.
Communicating with the Jason before him was proving to be more troublesome than he had anticipated!
This person before him, was indeed Jason.
This was something Onodera was certain of.
After all, he had viewed Jason’s photograph no less than ten times.
And he knew Jason’s information back to front.
Therefore, he was completely certain that this was Jason.
As for why Jason denied it?
Onodera had his speculations.
The damned fools in the action team!
A perfectly manageable situation, they had to mess it up!
Onodera cursed silently in his heart.
Not just at the brainless action team, but also at the prepared script he had rehearsed for a whole day.
He came to meet Jason with a scripted plan in mind.
But the other party’s mere ’not it’ rendered all his preparation useless.
Even if he forced himself to speak his part.
It would only add to the ridicule.
However, as an excellent member of Section Zero, the middle-aged man with glasses just pushed his glasses up and instantly returned to normal.
"I have met Master Tongshou Temple."
Saying so, Onodera bowed in greeting.
Jason slightly furrowed his brows, imperceptibly, at the middle-aged man bowing before him.
He saw not a trace of anger on the other’s face, not to mention, virtually no emotional fluctuations.
This was inconsistent with the information he had received.
Whether it was Ryosuke who encountered the ’murderous’ colleague last night or Urashima who met someone resembling ’Hannya’ today, it was clear that the members of the ’Blossom Cherry’ group acted recklessly, with utter disregard for others.
Such people would naturally not have the best temper.
Therefore, Jason wanted to provoke the other party to gain more information.
But the middle-aged man before him...
From a different division of the same organization?
Or someone specialized in damage control?
The other party had to be a ’Blossom Cherry’ group member.
This, Jason was certain without a doubt.
The timing of the other party’s appearance was too coincidental.
So coincidental, it seemed as though they already knew everything and then came to handle the aftermath.
Of course, what was more important was that Jason sensed a familiar yet non-food-like smell on the other party.
Like ’vegetarian meat.’
Despite the word ’meat’ in its name.
When eaten, it’s more like tofu or bean curd skin.
However, if it’s made well, it can be very delicious.
But most people eat those packed in plastic bags.
Even calling it spicy strips would be of substandard quality.
After all, the real spicy strips are indeed delicious.
Like Weilong, for example.
Without a doubt, the current situation was the lowest grade of ’vegetarian meat,’ once the packaging was opened, even with loads of low-quality spices trying to mask it, the scent of plastic would emerge.
Thus, it could no longer be considered food.
And became difficult to swallow.
Jason tried his best to disregard this unpleasant smell.
He had always taken pride in his keen sense of smell.
But sometimes, having too sensitive a nose could be a hassle.
Therefore, Jason could only use his gaze to survey, trying to shift his focus elsewhere.
The middle-aged man before him had a parted hairstyle, his hair not extending past his ears, glasses with golden wireframe, an unremarkable face not worth mentioning, just like the cheap standard suit on him and the leather shoes on his feet.
Thrown into a crowd, he would be an ordinary middle-aged man.
Completely indistinguishable.
Even now, as the other stood in front of a group of men in black suits, he seemed out of place.
As if he shouldn’t be here.
Under Jason’s scrutiny, the middle-aged man with glasses revealed a smile characteristic of middle age.
It’s like the kind of smile one makes upon waking up to face mortgage payments, car loans, children’s tuition and miscellaneous fees, elder care expenses; even if one doesn’t want to work, they must toil away at a job that brings them no joy and constantly worry about losing that job.
This type of smile is kind, modest, and carries a trace of apprehension.
As he bowed, the modesty and apprehension seemed to intensify.
Then, the middle-aged man with glasses took out a business card from his chest pocket and handed it to Jason with both hands.
"This is my business card, please take it."
"If you have any questions, feel free to call me," the middle-aged man assured.
Jason did not take the business card, but he glanced over the information on it.
Jason committed the name to memory.
Jason did not take the business card, but Onodera showed no irritation. As if it were common practice, he put away the card with the same smile as before and continued speaking.
"I think there’s been some misunderstanding between us."
"Rest assured, I will handle the current situation."
"I will absolutely not cause you any trouble."
"Of course, Ryosuke and Urashima will face no trouble either."
"I’ve just approved a six-week paid leave for them, enough for them to readjust."
"I don’t need any leave!"
Ryosuke, emerging from the temple, said with a harsh voice.
"Inspector Ryosuke, this is not something I can decide."
"It’s a leave given to you by those bigwigs."
"Just like your transfer and promotion."
Onodera revealed a smile of helplessness, his words rife with implications.