"My humble abode is quite simple, and I seldom have guests, so I only have water to offer," said Edogawa Police Chief as he poured a glass of mineral water for himself in the kitchen before sitting down across from Nakamura Shinichi.
For him, home was nothing more than a place to sleep at night, and he often spent nights elsewhere, hence the lack of beverages for guests.
"Thank you." Though he was not thirsty, Ren Shu took a sip of the water before putting the glass down to speak. "To be honest, before seeing Chief Nakamura, I paid a visit to Police Chief Aoyama."
"Oh?" Shinichi raised an eyebrow, adopting a look of keen interest, signaling for him to continue.
Ren Shu stared at Shinichi, his hand idly touching the rim of his water glass, and let out a self-deprecating chuckle, "I did something foolish. I heard that the Section Chief of Division Three of the First Investigation Division was being promoted, so I wanted to try for a new role. I brought a bag of gold bars to Police Chief Aoyama’s house, only to be scolded and sent away."
"That was indeed foolish." Shinichi nodded in blunt agreement, knowing that Aoyama Xiu Xin had no shortage of money and was not likely to accept money with unknown origins.
Who knew if it was a trap set for him?
"Alas," Ren Shu sighed, looking rather helpless. "It’s just a lack of experience on my part."
With renewed vigor and a bright gaze, he continued to address Shinichi, "After receiving some advice, I’ve realized my presumption, and knowing that Chief Nakamura is a beloved protégé of Police Chief Aoyama, I’ve come today with all sincerity, hoping you might introduce me to the Police Chief and give me an opportunity to serve him."
After speaking, he slightly bowed his head with his hands on his knees, looking serious and earnest.
Shinichi fell into contemplation without giving an immediate response.
He needed to hear what the other party had to offer first.
"Of course, there’s no such thing as a free service in this world. I know Mr. Nakamura has been troubled lately about something. I have a spare villa that I could lend you as a temporary residence after marriage. Please don’t refuse," Ren Shu added, looking up.
The offer to lend was merely a formality; once lent out, it was unlikely ever to be returned—it was essentially a gift. Many corrupt officials nominally lived in mansions lent to them by the wealthy.
An idea struck Shinichi. If he agreed to this, wouldn’t the problem of a house be solved?
Moreover, this Edogawa Ren Shu did not seem like a fool. Perhaps recruiting him for Police Chief Aoyama might benefit all involved.
Of course, though tempted, he did not rashly accept. Instead, he replied, "I understand the intentions of Police Chief Edogawa and I can feel your sincerity, but Police Chief Aoyama is very strict about the selection of personnel, so I can’t promise you anything rashly. Let’s do this: I will look into it, and if things work out, I will contact you; if not, let’s pretend I never said anything."
He planned to first conduct a thorough background check on Ren Shu in private, establishing his character and capabilities. If he was trustworthy, he would recommend him to Aoyama Xiu Xin.
If he wasn’t reliable, it’d be as if they had never met today.
And he would not accept any favors before that.
"Hi! Then I’ll have to trouble Mr. Nakamura with all of this! I’m really looking forward to working in the same department as you," Ren Shu said with a slight smile.
Shinichi returned a reserved smile.
After some more small talk, Shinichi escorted him to the door and watched as his vehicle disappeared from sight before turning back inside and picking up the phone to call a subordinate, "Check up on Edogawa Ren Shu, the Section Chief of the Guns and Narcotics Division at Central Police Station, as soon as possible."
That very night, an arrest warrant for Sakata Nobuo, a junior at Japan University, was broadcast on the news, and paper flyers began to be posted in the streets.
When a government department really wants to get something done, the efficiency can be quite high; it’s just that most times, there’s a tendency toward inaction.
"Yesterday, the police found a young woman’s corpse on xx Island. The deceased was identified as Da He Tianhui, a junior at Japan University. After preliminary investigation, the suspect is her boyfriend of the same year, Sakata Nobuo, who is twenty-three years old and 1.72 meters tall... He is still at large. Citizens are urged to provide any relevant information, and the police also publicly call on Sakata Nobuo to turn himself in after seeing the news..."
"Aoyama, isn’t that the island you all went to play on?" Aoyama Haruko gasped, covering her mouth after seeing the news, turning around with surprise.
"Yes," said Aoyama Xiu Xin, who was lying on his sister-in-law’s lap, burying his head into her generous chest and not looking up, "We were the ones who found the body."
"Aoyama, you’re so amazing!" Haruko’s eyes brimmed with pride. She subconsciously stroked his head fiercely, "That Sakata Nobuo is despicable, killing his girlfriend over emotional issues and dumping her body. You must catch him."
"Right now, I just want to catch you, big sister," said Xiu Xin, lifting his head and reaching out to grab her ample ’conscience’, the softness spilling through his fingers.
This sensation, so bouncy and unbeatable.
Haruko moaned softly, blushing and giving him a reproachful look, "Xiu Xin, you’re getting bolder."
"Do you like it then, big sister?"
"Mhm," Haruko averted her face, unable to meet his gaze, blushed, and whispered a faint response.
Xiu Xin took her chin, turning her to face him, "It’s a pity I can’t give you a wedding. It truly makes me feel sorry towards you, big sister."
"Our situation is embarrassing enough; you want everyone to know about it," Haruko retorted with a flirtatious glance, but her heart fluttered with joy.
Although she could do without a wedding considering their reality, the fact that Xiu Xin felt regret and guilt made her very happy.