With two easy wins, he once again secured a major victory.

After the match, his teammates gathered around him for a short celebration, and also diligently massaged his legs and back to prepare him for the next match.

At that moment, Hattori Heiji, whom he had just sparred with, came over to greet him.

Seeing that he meant no harm, Yuan Qianye walked to the other side with him to talk.

"Ah, there's really no way around it. After losing to you last time, I went back and practiced kendo for at least three hours every day. Before this competition, I even increased my training time to six hours a day. Yesterday, when I saw that you also advanced smoothly, I was thinking about whether I could face you again in the competition and have a chance to face you and defeat you."

Heaven has granted my wish, but unfortunately, I'm no match for you. Your swordsmanship has improved by an absurd degree. Last time we sparred, I could at least exchange a few blows with you, but now I can't even touch the hem of your robe. There really are geniuses in this world.

If their previous encounter made Heiji Hattori realize that there are always people better than him, and thus motivated him to work harder in hopes of reaching Hattori's level...

This time, he was utterly devastated. Just as humans can't compete with bears in strength or wolves in hearing, Yuan Qianye's overwhelming strength was simply beyond his comprehension.

He even felt that his father, a police inspector, would be easily defeated by him.

Upon realizing this, his previous obsession with defeat completely dissipated at this moment.

We can't beat them, we simply can't beat them.

"You can't say that. You had already fought against two of my teammates before that, so you were exhausted. Under those circumstances, when you faced me who was rested and ready, I would naturally be at a disadvantage."

Yuan Qianye didn't understand what this guy meant by suddenly finding him and saying all this.

However, seeing that his tone and manner of speaking were not unpleasant and that he seemed quite sincere, I didn't mind saying some polite words myself.

"Alright, I admit I'm not as good as you, so stop trying to comfort me."

Heiji Hattori seemed to take it all in stride.

"With such a high level of swordsmanship, you must practice for just as long as I do."

Recalling his situation in Saeko's room, Gen Chiya nodded slowly, his expression unchanged and his heart unwavering.

"I did increase my practice time in the period leading up to the competition."

As for what kind of practice it is, I can't really tell you that.

"As expected, a genius who is both talented and hardworking, that's exactly what you're like..."

After saying this with utmost admiration and emotion, Hattori Heiji extended his hand.

"I don't mean anything by it. I just really admire you. If possible, could we be friends?"

"of course."

Yuan Qianye reached out and shook hands with him.

Hattori Heiji laughed heartily; his dark skin gave him a very generous and uninhibited air.

"Let's exchange contact information. If you ever come to Osaka, you can just contact me. I can be your guide throughout your trip and introduce you to various recommended attractions in Osaka."

Gen Chiya also responded in a friendly manner.

"Same here. If you have the chance to come to Tokyo, you can contact me directly. I can take you to some hidden gem restaurants with amazing food that are not well-known. They should surprise you."

Friendships between boys sometimes develop so naturally.

As long as they find each other pleasing to the eye and their interactions are agreeable, it won't seem strange for them to put their arms around each other's shoulders at any time.

"That's really unexpected. I thought that as a celebrity, you would have some baggage to carry."

"I was just lucky to get featured on TV and in newspapers a few times; I'm not exactly a celebrity."

"If even the winner of the influential Edogawa Rampo Prize isn't considered a celebrity, then the number of so-called celebrities in the world would probably be reduced by more than half. I've read your book, The Astrological Murder Mystery, and it's truly a genius novel."

"Thank you."

"However, I did find a few minor details that didn't quite make sense..."

When the topic turned to mystery novels, Heiji Fukube's expression instantly transformed into one of unwavering confidence, completely erasing his earlier self-deprecating demeanor.

As he listened to his story, Yuan Qianye revealed a subtle smile.

After listening to Heiji Hattori's explanation, Chiya Minamoto thought for a while and realized that what he said was indeed true, so she humbly accepted it all.

"...I see. Now that you mention it, it would indeed be more appropriate to make changes to these parts. If the novel is ever reprinted, I'll have to contact the editor to make some minor revisions."

His humility made Hattori Heiji belatedly realize, and he scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed.

"I'm just expressing my opinion. You don't need to take it so seriously. Actually, readers might prefer your original content. If you change it according to my suggestions, the novel will be more serious and dull, and a bit bloated. It might not be as effective."

Yuan Qianye smiled and stopped pursuing the topic, then, feigning ignorance, changed the subject and said...

"I didn't expect Hattori to be so interested in and insightful about mystery novels. You're the first person to offer opinions on my novels."

Hattori Heiji put his hands on his hips and regained his arrogance.

"After all, besides kendo, my favorite thing is deduction... Ah, sorry, sorry, I just wanted to make friends and get your contact information, but we ended up chatting for so long. You should go and get some rest, you still have a competition later, see you later, good luck."

"Ah."

Yuan Qianye bid farewell to this new friend he had inexplicably made and returned to his resting place.

"Heiji, where have you been? I can't find you anywhere."

A girl saw her childhood sweetheart and immediately went over to him, expressing her dissatisfaction.

Hattori Heiji smiled, revealing his remarkably white teeth.

"It's nothing, I just made a really interesting friend."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

3:57 PM.

In the final match of the Jade Dragon Flag competition, as Yuan Qianye swung his bamboo sword heavily, accompanied by his powerful shout of "Noodles!"

The referee, looking very excited, immediately raised the small white flag in his hand.

"Valid! White wins!"

"Tokyo Kawaran Junior High School wins!"

The results are in, and the dust has settled.

All the entourage from Chuanlan Middle School rushed onto the field like madmen, crowding around Yuan Qianye and tossing him high into the air.

So, in late March, just as the buzz surrounding Gen Chiyo's winning the Ranpo Award had begun to die down, his defending his title at the Yulongqi tournament once again caused a media frenzy.

legend!

Some media outlets have already started using such terms to refer to this prodigy!

While Kudo Miyoko was happy for Minamoto Chiya, she also dutifully handled various news media matters for him as his personal assistant and manager.

It was a little after 7 p.m.

hotel.

Gen Chiya looked at the message sent by Kudo Miyoko.

"Miyoko said that she probably won't be able to get back to Tokyo tonight and will have to go back early tomorrow morning."

"Oh."

Beside him was Touma Kazusa, whom Kudo Miyoko had specially brought along under the guise of a trip.

At this moment, the corners of her lips curled slightly, and her eyes, gazing at the night view outside the window, reflected the city's twinkling lights.

…………

Volume 1: Chapter 166: An Unsuccessful Date

"Hey Kazusa, Miyoko is going to Fukuoka tomorrow. There are lots of fun things to do there. Anyway, you're just staying home all day during spring break and don't have any plans, so why don't you go with her?"

"Don't go."

"Hey~ Think about it. There are attractions like Fukuoka Tower, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and Hakata Port over there. It should be quite interesting."

"Not considering it."

"Traveling is a lot of fun because it allows you to experience different local customs and culture and broaden your horizons. Staying at home all day and playing the piano will only make you a fool."

"Mom, you don't need to persuade me anymore. Besides, the essence of travel is just going from a place you're tired of to a place someone else is tired of. I don't think it's interesting at all. Mom, if you don't have anything else, I'll hang up now."

"Alright, alright, since you're so unwilling to go, there's nothing I can do. I can't force you. I'll ask Qianye-kun to help me select some local specialties and send them over later."

"...!!! You said Chiya...he's going to Fukuoka?"

“Yes, he’s going to Fukuoka for a competition, and Miyoko, as his assistant, will definitely have to go with him. I was originally planning to have you go with him too, but since you’re so resistant, there’s no need to force you. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”

"Wait, Mom!"

"Hmm?~"

"..."

"What does it mean by not saying anything? Mom is very busy."

"...You only said that at the very end, you definitely did it on purpose, didn't you?"

"Hehe~ I've already told Miyoko about the general situation, and everything has been arranged. She'll come to pick you up later. Just pack a couple of changes of clothes."

"Mom, when you're out there... take care of your health while you're working, don't push yourself too hard."

"Oh my, that's the sweetest love confession I've ever heard. I just hope you'll say it to me often. That's all for now, have fun!"

……

The above is a summary of the events leading up to Touma and Sayo's initial interest in following Kudo Miyoko to Fukuoka.

Her mother, even while working away from home, never forgot to worry about her situation, to the point that she actually fed her.

Kazusa also understood that her mother had probably already seen through all her little schemes.

It was indeed a bit embarrassing for her, but she still didn't regret coming to Fukuoka with them.

Because she discovered that, apart from herself, none of Yuan Qianye's female friends from the past were present.

In other words, she was practically the only one present this time.

Because of Miyoko, she was able to get close to the venue and cheer for Gen Chiya on the field.

Although her biggest action throughout the two days was clapping her hands vigorously, unlike his teammates who shouted excitedly like they were reverting to their ancestors after his victory.

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