Chainsaw Man, starting contract to cut down the Demon Line

Yan Liang's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a sense of entitlement: "I'm only responsible for dealing with the troubles you can't handle. As for paperwork or those boring daily patrols, don't bother me."

"My time is extremely precious, unless there's some trouble that absolutely requires my intervention..."

Yan Liang leaned back, directly issuing the order to leave:

"Then don't bother me while I'm enjoying my life."

“You…” Hayakawa Aki was speechless for a moment.

He stared at Yan Liang, his chest heaving violently. But in the end, under the other's intimidation, he could only swallow his pent-up frustration.

"……I see."

Hayakawa Aki turned around with a livid face, not wanting to stay in this infuriating mansion for even a second longer, and left without looking back.

The room returned to silence.

Xiao Hong stood to the side with a rag in her hand, looking at the tightly closed door and then at Yan Liang, who was sitting leisurely at the bar, and seemed a little at a loss.

"Captain, Captain..." Xiao Hong asked softly, "Hayakawa-senpai seems really angry... Miss Makima is so good to you, she fulfills all your requests, isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to slack off like this?"

"Besides, if we don't go to the special class today, what are we supposed to do next? We can't just sit around doing nothing all day, can we?"

Upon hearing Xiao Hong's question, Yan Liang chuckled softly.

He reached out and picked up the car keys from the table, casually fiddling with them in his hand.

"Doing nothing? Didn't I just say I'm busy enjoying life?"

"Moreover, my acceptance does not equate to my agreement."

"Who said I have to do things for Machima just because I received a favor from her..."

Yan Liang stood up, straightened his crisp suit collar, and said calmly:

"Of course, I won't stop you if you want to go to work, Dongshan Xiaohong."

Dongshan Xiaohong stared blankly at the car keys in Yan Liang's hand, her mind momentarily blank.

Is this something that can be said so openly?

In her understanding, even ordinary demon hunters live hand to mouth, let alone the Public Security Special Division, which deals with high-risk demons.

Being a police hunter is a high-risk job that puts your life on the line. Every day you are either patrolling dangerous areas or fighting against all sorts of strange and bizarre monsters. Your life is in danger at any time.

But this team leader not only righteously drove away the senior who came to urge him to come to work, but also wants to use the activity funds that the police just approved to enjoy life?!

Wouldn't this be considered passive resistance?! What if the higher-ups investigate...?

Thinking of this, Xiao Hong shrank her neck.

But then, noticing the other person's composed demeanor, Xiao Hong's last bit of worry quickly disappeared.

With the captain being so capable, how come I, as his little follower, have no confidence at all?

When the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up!

As long as you obediently listen to him and do exactly as he says, there's nothing to be afraid of!

"Yes, Captain!"

In less than three seconds, Dongshan Xiaohong had mentally prepared herself, her face beaming with barely suppressed excitement.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Lobster, Lobster, She Wants to Eat You!

Picking up the car keys, Yan Liang led Dongshan Xiaohong out of the apartment.

Take the elevator directly to the underground parking garage, where a brand-new black Toyota Crown sits quietly in its designated parking space.

In 1997, this car was a very prestigious vehicle, both as a means of transportation and as a symbol of status.

Yan Liang opened the driver's side door and got in, while Xiao Hong carefully went around to the other side, opened the passenger side door, and sat down.

"Fasten your seatbelt."

"Yes, yes!" Xiao Hong hurriedly pulled on the seatbelt and fastened it, then awkwardly placed her hands on her knees.

With a deep roar from the engine, the black sedan drove out of the underground garage.

Although Yan Liang can drive, he does not currently have a driver's license in this world.

Of course, such trivial matters were completely outside his consideration. He was, after all, the captain of the Anti-Demon Special Division 4 of the Public Security Bureau. He was already grateful that he didn't cause trouble for others. Who would be so blind as to use driving without a license as an excuse to pick a fight with him?

When we went outside, it was morning and the sun was shining brightly.

On the wide asphalt road, all kinds of vehicles flow endlessly. On both sides of the street stand tall buildings, and office workers in uniform gray-black suits carry briefcases and walk numbly toward their respective companies.

The car stopped at the traffic light. Yan Liang lowered the window slightly, rested one hand on the windowsill, and watched the street scene with great interest.

"Team leader..."

In the passenger seat, Dongshan Xiaohong's voice interrupted Yan Liang's thoughts.

"Where...where are we going now?" Xiao Hong asked softly.

She had never ridden in such a high-class car before, let alone openly skipped work for a drive like this. All of this made her feel a strong sense of unreality.

"Where to?" Yan Liang asked casually, one hand on the steering wheel. "Didn't I tell you? To enjoy life. And if we're going to enjoy it, the first step is, of course, to fill our stomachs."

"But we just had breakfast... and if we really want to eat, we can buy groceries and cook at home, right?" Xiaohong suggested timidly. "Wouldn't that save money?"

"Do you have some misunderstanding about the word 'enjoy'?" Yan Liang casually pulled out the black card that was tucked inside the file that Hayakawa Aki had sent.

"Since Miss Machima has given me ample funds, wouldn't it be a waste of her kindness not to spend them?"

As for why he needed to eat again after already having breakfast, Yan Liang was naturally too lazy to explain this to Dongshan Xiaohong.

Perhaps it was a habit from his past life, but he always liked to eat breakfast slowly from morning until noon. When he had time, he would drive to some remote and out-of-the-way places to find local delicacies.

For Yan Liang, whether or not he eats is not important; what matters is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere through the meal.

As the green light turned on, Yan Liang stepped on the gas and drove towards Tokyo's most bustling area.

Even without a map, you can easily find your way by following the increasing opulence of the surrounding buildings.

A short while later, the car stopped in front of a classical European-style building. As soon as it came to a stop, a valet in a smart uniform immediately jogged over and respectfully opened the car door for Yan Liang.

Since Yan Liang's white demon eye could return to normal when his ability was not being used, it did not cause any disturbance.

He tossed the car keys to the doorman, straightened his black suit, and strode toward the restaurant entrance.

"Hey? Wait for me! Captain!"

Seeing this, Xiao Hong quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the car door, and followed.

When she stood in front of the gilded glass door, she was completely overwhelmed by the luxurious atmosphere that emanated from inside.

A huge crystal chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, refracting a dazzling light. The marble floor is so shiny it reflects light, and each dining table is covered with a snow-white tablecloth and set with exquisite silver cutlery.

The melodious sound of violins flowed through the air, and the guests dining here were all well-dressed members of high society.

"Captain... are we really going to eat here?"

Xiao Hong glanced at the inexpensive shirt she was wearing. Since Yan Liang had said she wasn't going to work today, she naturally hadn't changed into her work black suit. Looking at the customers inside, dressed in haute couture gowns, the deep-seated inferiority complex still frightened Dongshan Xiao Hong.

Subconsciously tugging at Yan Liang's sleeve, Xiao Hong pleaded in a trembling voice, "This...this place is too high-class...the food inside must be very expensive! How about we go eat ramen instead? Yoshinoya's beef bowl is fine too!"

Seeing Dongshan Xiaohong's pitiful appearance, on the verge of tears, Yan Liang stopped and glanced down at her.

She hunched her shoulders, her eyes darting around nervously, as if afraid of being noticed by others.

However, seeing her timid appearance, Yan Liang found it rather amusing.

After all, compared to the likes of Denji and Power who destroy everything in sight, Higashiyama Kokoro's personality—who only dares to fight internally but appears as obedient as a little animal on the surface—is actually quite cute.

Of course, this is all on the premise that she doesn't do anything foolish...

"Let go." Yan Liang's tone was calm, and he didn't appear particularly cold.

"Eek!" Little Red pulled her hand back as if she'd been electrocuted, thinking she'd upset Yan Liang, and bowed repeatedly in apology: "I'm so sorry! Captain! I didn't mean to..."

Yan Liang didn't blame her; he simply put his hands in his pockets and walked into the restaurant, leaving behind a message:

"Follow."

Looking at Yan Liang's tall and straight back, Dongshan Xiaohong bit her lip and finally had no choice but to grit her teeth and follow behind Yan Liang.

Under the respectful guidance of the head waiter, the two sat down in a spot with an excellent view in the center of the restaurant. Yan Liang didn't even look at the menu, casually gave a few instructions, and then dismissed the waiter.

He leaned back in his chair, relaxed and languid, as if he belonged there by birth. Dongshan Xiaohong, sitting opposite him, was the complete opposite.

She stood with her legs tightly together, her hands nervously clasped together on her knees, not daring to even touch the exquisite silver cutlery on the table.

A short while later, a waiter came over pushing a food cart.

As the silver insulated lid was lifted, a rich aroma of butter and seafood wafted out.

Before them lay a huge French lobster. Golden cheese sizzled enticingly over the lobster meat, and expensive slices of black truffle garnished the side.

"Gudong."

Dongshan Xiaohong swallowed a mouthful of saliva without any self-respect.

She swore the biggest prawn she'd ever seen in her life was one of those discounted prawns from the supermarket. She'd only ever seen a lobster that big on TV!

However, seeing the three or four knives and forks of different sizes placed beside her, Xiao Hong, whose appetite had just been whetted by the aroma, was in a dilemma again.

She cautiously raised her head and glanced at Yan Liang across from her. He was gracefully slicing the lobster on his plate, looking so composed.

"Um... Captain..." Xiao Hong stammered, feeling a bit lost, "Is there any special rule about eating such expensive food in such a high-end restaurant?"

"For example... for example, which fork to start with, or... what kind of ritual is required?"

Upon hearing this question, Yan Liang paused slightly in his shrimp-cutting motion.

He originally wanted to tell her that no one would care if she just ate with her hands, but when Yan Liang looked up and saw Dongshan Xiaohong waiting for his instruction with such earnestness, the wicked sense of humor hidden in his heart couldn't help but stir again.

Yan Liang put down his knife and fork, picked up a napkin, and slowly wiped his mouth.

Yes, there are rules.

He looked at Xiao Hong and explained in a professional tone, "The meat of this kind of top-grade lobster is very sensitive. If you cut it directly, it will frighten it, and the meat will shrink and become tough."

"Huh?! The meat... the meat quality will be shocked?!"

Xiao Hong was stunned. Was this how precious high-end ingredients were?

“That’s right.” Yan Liang continued without changing his expression, “Therefore, in traditional high-end restaurants in France, diners must communicate with the lobster and soothe its emotions before they start cutting it.”

"Before you eat it, you need to say to it seriously: 'Lobster, lobster, I'm going to eat you now.' This way, the lobster meat will relax because it feels respected, and the taste will be better."

At this point, Yan Liang pointed to the plate in front of Xiao Hong: "If you don't want to waste this tens of thousands of yen worth of ingredients, you can start now."

Although these words sounded a bit ridiculous, Dongshan Xiaohong had no doubt about Yan Liang's words.

The captain is so powerful and knows so much, and his expression is so serious right now, how could he possibly lie to her?

If the lobster, worth tens of thousands of yen, turned out bad because she didn't tell them, she would be heartbroken and unable to breathe!

So, under Yan Liang's quiet gaze, Dongshan Xiaohong took a deep breath and clasped her hands together in front of her chest. She leaned forward and brought her face close to the already cut cooked lobster.

Then, she closed her eyes and, in a reverent tone, whispered to the lobster on the plate:

“Mr. Lobster… Mr. Lobster…”

"I'm sorry... um, I... I'm going to eat you..."

After saying this, Xiao Hong cautiously opened one eye, seemingly to check if the lobster meat had relaxed.

Meanwhile, Yan Liang, sitting opposite him, maintained his expressionless and cold demeanor.

"Um, Captain..." Xiao Hong looked up at the unchanged lobster, somewhat uncertainly, "Is...is this okay?"

Not far away, a waiter who happened to be passing by was biting his lip, his face flushed, and quickened his pace to escape the area, afraid that he would burst out laughing on the spot.

Noticing the other person's reaction, Dongshan Xiaohong suddenly realized something. Looking at Yan Liang's calm and composed face, and recalling her own act of apologizing to a perfectly cooked shrimp just now...

Dongshan Xiaohong's mind went blank for a few seconds.

Then, suddenly, a visible blush spread from the base of Xiao Hong's neck to the tips of her ears. Her entire face was so red it looked like it was about to bleed, and you could even see steam rising from the top of her head.

"Captain, Captain—!!!"

Xiao Hong covered her face in shame and anger, tears welling up in her eyes. "You...you're lying to me! You're teasing me again!"