Isn't it very scientific to use the Death Note to kill people?

Xiaolan gripped the handle of the insulated box tightly, her gaze shifting for a moment between Lin Jiashu and Koizumi Hongzi.

That sense of distance... was too close.

Moreover, the relaxed yet assertive demeanor of Hongzi sitting on the sofa made it seem as if this was her home turf.

A strong sense of crisis made Xiaolan take a deep breath.

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Xiaolan stepped forward, not appearing reserved or hesitant as usual because of the presence of a "guest." She walked straight to Lin Jiashu's side, placed the insulated box on the coffee table, and then stood naturally beside him—a position that asserted her dominance.

"Is Hongzi here to see Yoshiki-nii... about a case?" Ran asked with a smile, her tone polite but with a strange undercurrent of unease. "If it's business, am I disturbing you?"

"Business?"

Koizumi Akako narrowed her eyes. Although she didn't know what the other person's relationship was with Hayashi Yoshiki, her woman's intuition made her keenly aware of Ran's change in attitude.

So, this girl likes Hayashi Yoshiki?

Even so, there's nothing strange about it, but this seemingly gentle girl actually dared to challenge her in terms of aura?

"Hehe... How interesting."

Koizumi Akako let out a meaningful chuckle. Instead of getting up, she shifted into a more comfortable position on the sofa, looking at Ran with a defiant gaze. "I'm not here to discuss some boring case. I'm here to... collect what Hayashi Yoshiki owes me."

"Something I owe you?" Xiaolan frowned slightly, her fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes.

"Yes."

Koizumi Akako looked directly into Ran's eyes and said without any hesitation, "There is a bond between him and me that ordinary people can never understand. Only I can understand the abyss in his eyes, and only I can touch his true soul through magic."

"Mouri, you who live in the sunshine would never understand."

"..."

Xiao Lan was stunned for a moment.

Magic? The abyss?

The tense sense of crisis she had been feeling suddenly froze. She blinked, her eyes showing a mixture of confusion and astonishment.

Although I had this tendency when we first met, it felt even stronger this time—could it be that... this Koizumi-san is the type who has a bit of "chuunibyou" (middle school syndrome)?

Although she has a strong presence and is very beautiful, what she said... should I suggest she read less fantasy novels?

Seeing the way Ran looked at her, as if she were a "child in need of care," Koizumi Akako instantly lost her temper.

"Hey! What kind of look is that?!"

She abruptly stood up, the witch's arrogance challenged. "You think I'm talking nonsense? I'm telling the truth! This man..."

She took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to pull out the crystal ball to prove herself. Explaining magic to mortals was superfluous; she needed a more direct approach.

Hongzi straightened her skirt, regained her haughty demeanor, and changed to a tone that a normal person could understand:

"Okay, then I'll put it more bluntly."

She turned to look at Lin Jiashu, her gaze intense. "Lin Jiashu has long been my captive. Although he's still being stubborn and trying to resist with reason, he's already hopelessly in love with me. It's fate's arrangement."

"Wh...what?"

Xiaolan's heart skipped a beat.

Jia Shu... has fallen in love with her?

Don't you believe me?

Hongzi smiled and walked to Lin Jiashu's side, her slender fingers gently resting on his shoulder in an intimate gesture. "You can ask him who was with him on Halloween night? Who shared those...unforgettable" moments with him?"

She deliberately spoke ambiguously, not to provoke Xiaolan, but to make Lin Jiashu recall the experience of that night.

Xiaolan's body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Halloween...

She doesn't remember very clearly, but she does remember that it seemed like a particularly big case had occurred. The police report afterwards said that Yoshiki had done a lot of work, but she didn't seem to see him at the time.

Seeing Xiaolan's wavering expression, Hongzi felt a surge of smugness.

"See? You really don't know anything." Hongzi chuckled. "Your so-called understanding is just the facade he wants you to see. But I possess his true self."

Lin Jiashu sat on the sofa, looking at Xiaolan's pale face, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

This can't go on.

Just as he was about to speak, Xiaolan suddenly looked up.

She took a deep breath, and the wavering in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by a look of determination.

Even if what you're saying is true...

Ran's voice trembled slightly, but it was unusually clear: "I don't understand what Koizumi is saying... but I won't back down."

"Oh?" Hongzi raised an eyebrow.

"I don't understand what you mean by appearances, nor do I understand what reality is."

Xiaolan stepped forward and gently pushed away Hongzi's hand that was on Lin Jiashu's shoulder. Her movement was light, but it carried an undeniable force.

"But I know how much sugar Jia Shu likes to put in his coffee, I know that his shoulders get uncomfortable after a long time of creating, I know that he likes to secretly give people random names, and I know when he is truly happy and when he is forcing himself behind his smiling mask."

She reached out and, with remarkable ease, straightened Lin Jiashu's slightly crooked tie. Her movements were practiced and intimate, as if she had done it a thousand times before.

"I don't need to understand what Koizumi-san is saying."

Xiaolan turned her head and met Hongzi's gaze, her eyes showing no fear. "All I need to know is that when Jiashu is tired, he will need my comfort, and I should know how to make him feel better... At least in Jiashu's daily life, I will never lose to anyone."

The air inside the office seemed to freeze.

Hongzi looked at the seemingly frail girl in front of her, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She hadn't expected this girl to say such a thing. Just as she was about to scoff and say something, Lin Jiashu interrupted her.

"Alright, you two."

Lin Jiashu stood up and subtly pulled Xiaolan behind him, blocking Hongzi's view.

He looked at Hongzi and smiled.

"Miss Hongzi, please stop teasing her."

"Teasing her?" Hongzi frowned.

"Xiao Lan, don't take it too seriously."

Lin Jiashu turned his head and gently explained to Xiaolan, "Hongzi is just... well, she's quite confident. To her, all the men in the world should fall at her feet, and I'm no exception."

"Is...is that so?"

"After all, I am very beautiful, so it is normal to have this illusion that 'everyone loves me'."

"What do you mean by illusion?!"

Koizumi Akako instantly exploded, "Hayashi Yoshiki! How dare you question my charm?!"

"How could that be? After all, as I said, Miss Akako is very beautiful."

Lin Jiashu smiled and waved his hand, "But the problem is that Xiaolan is too naive and can't take your jokes seriously. If she takes it seriously, Miss Hongzi, I'll be in a lot of trouble."

Hongzi narrowed her eyes.

So this guy defended other girls right in front of me?

She felt inexplicably annoyed, even a little irritable—this ungrateful guy had repeatedly embarrassed her; did he really think she wouldn't get angry?

But upon noticing the seriousness in Hayashi Yoshiki's eyes, Koizumi Akako clicked her tongue fiercely.

Her pride as a witch disdained such persistent and harassing behavior.

Secondly, she remembered something Lin Jiashu had once said. The moment she remembered it, she lost her temper, tossed her long hair, and turned to walk towards the door.

"Hmph, boring."

She stopped at the door, turned back and looked at the two of them intently, finally fixing her gaze on Lin Jiashu. "I'll be waiting for you to give me a proper explanation!"

As the doors slammed shut, a silence fell over the office.

"..."

I'm so glad she left so decisively.

Otherwise, if things continue to escalate, to prevent the situation from getting worse, I might really have to resort to some underhanded methods...

Lin Jiashu glanced down at the ring on his hand, then smiled and looked at Xiaolan again.

"I'm sorry, Xiaolan. I've made you suffer."

"Brother Jiashu..."

Xiaolan's previous unyielding demeanor crumbled instantly. She lowered her head, her fingers twisting together. "Was I too fierce just now? And she said you were her captive, I—"

"So you actually believed it?"

"Of course not."

"I thought you were serious."

Lin Jiashu reached out and pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. "But the way you looked just now really made my heart flutter."

Xiaolan's face flushed instantly.

"By the way, what did you bring today?" Lin Jiashu changed the subject, looking at the insulated box on the table.

"Ah, it's lemon pie."

Xiaolan seemed to remember something and opened the insulated box somewhat embarrassedly.

A rich, sweet and sour aroma wafted out.

Lin Jiashu picked up a piece and took a bite.

She looked at Lin Jiashu expectantly.

Upon seeing this, Lin Jiashu's eyes seemed to light up with a smile.

"Mmm, it's delicious."

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.

I still can't write a chaotic love triangle.

Then it's the final few chapters. I want to reward myself with a good book next time. ww

Chapter 131: Pregnancy Tests and Vermouth's Changes

The following afternoon.

With the movie "Final Destination" generating explosive word-of-mouth online, the Kindaichi Detective Agency has once again experienced a long-awaited surge in activity.

However, this time the busyness wasn't about case requests, but rather dealing with the mountain of gifts and letters from fans.

"call……"

Amuro Tooru put down the large, beautifully packaged gift box he was carrying, straightened his back, and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Amuro."

Holding the iced drinks he had just bought from the convenience store, Lin Jiashu said with a smile.

"If you really think I've worked hard, then remember to treat me to a big meal later."

He caught the iced oolong tea that Lin Jiashu threw to him, unscrewed the cap, gulped it down, and said loudly.

"Of course."

Lin Jiashu nodded, then placed another bottle of drink from the bag on Koshimizu Nanatsuki's seat and said with a smile, "Thank you all for working overtime. I'll reimburse your takeout tonight. Don't be shy, order whatever's expensive."

"Since Mr. Lin has said so—"

Koshimizu Nanatsuki happily rolled up her sleeves.

Opening and reading letters is not really a hassle, at least for Koshimizu Nanatsuki, who is also a fan, it is quite interesting.