With a slightly melancholy gaze, Hoshino Hoshiyo looked at Manranyama Souren and Van as if they owed him money for a long time.
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But Manranyama Souren and Van clearly hadn't caught up with Hoshino Hoshiyo's train of thought.
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"Although I really want to tell you, don't be afraid of me, I'm on the same front as you..." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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"But I guess, you find it hard to believe, right?" (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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Hoshino Hoshiyo asked and answered himself.
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"Nevermind, just ask whatever questions you have, make it quick, once you're done, I'll go back to sleep." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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Changing the subject, Hoshino Hoshiyo said while looking for a bench to sit down, looking completely bored.
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All by himself, asking and answering, in such a short time, his attitude made a 180-degree turn. If it wasn't for the fact that Manranyama Souren had worked with this person for a while, she would have thought of him as a mental patient.
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Encountering such an attitude, Manranyama Souren was truly at a loss, not knowing how to respond.
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In her understanding, Hoshino Hoshiyo was gradually becoming a very contradictory figure.
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First, Hoshino Hoshiyo was a tough guy, this point was undoubtedly true.
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Furthermore, Hoshino Hoshiyo was not an enemy, this point could temporarily be confirmed, after all, if he really was an enemy, then Manranyama Souren and Van wouldn't be standing here peacefully.
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Bai Yaxin also had no reason to play such a big game with them.
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But, Hoshino Hoshiyo's attitude and way of speaking always left Manranyama Souren feeling perplexed.
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In addition, Manranyama Souren always couldn't figure out Hoshino Hoshiyo's motives and interests, which made her feel a sense of fear towards this person.
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To someone like Manranyama Souren who was used to having everything under control, the uncontrollable and unpredictable were all frightening.
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Her fear originated from the unknown that couldn't be explored, couldn't be unraveled.
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"...Alright." (Manranyama Souren)
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But for the sake of Manranyama Souren's identity, she couldn't show weakness easily.
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Gritting her teeth and putting on a brave face, she tried to salvage the situation as much as possible.
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The two "alright" were almost squeezed out of her between her teeth.
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"So, I shall start asking questions, may I ask, Mr. Hoshino, why are you against Bai Yaxin?" (Manranyama Souren)
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Manranyama Souren, who had already carefully thought about it, posed the first question.
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"Because... I just don't like him, I'm the kind of person who stands up for justice when they see it being violated." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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Without hesitation, Hoshino Hoshiyo replied.
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"Then, why do you have a grudge against Bai Yaxin, Mr. Hoshino?" (Manranyama Souren)
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Following up with the question, Manranyama Souren inquired.
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"Well, I'm afraid of your persistent questioning style, I just purely find him unpleasant, next question." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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"Also, I have to limit the number of questions, or I feel like you'll go on forever, so I'll let you ask three questions, not more." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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As he spoke, Hoshino Hoshiyo yawned loudly.
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This sudden change in attitude disrupted Manranyama Souren's questioning arrangement in an instant, further confirming her concerns.
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If Hoshino Hoshiyo was an ally, then why wasn't he cooperating and being evasive?
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This man had issues.
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Deep inside, Manranyama Souren silently drew a conclusion and unconsciously took a step back.
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Hoshino Hoshiyo noticed this subtle movement.
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"...Alright, please allow me to ask three more questions." (Manranyama Souren)
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"Mr. Hoshino, Hoshino Hoshiyo, is that your real identity?" (Manranyama Souren)
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Having switched her mindset, Manranyama Souren's way of questioning also became sharper.
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But Hoshino Hoshiyo seemed even more relaxed.
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"Hm? Of course, it's real, I've been Hoshino Hoshiyo since I was born." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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However, the man's response was not what she wanted to hear.
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This man was lying.
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That's how Manranyama Souren judged it.
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Was there any point in continuing to ask? Regardless, she had to ask, because not asking would surely lead to regret.
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"Second question, how do you plan to confront Bai Yaxin, Mr. Hoshino?" (Manranyama Souren)
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"Ah, good question, I'm not too bright, I just want to give Bai Yaxin a good beating, but I never find a good opportunity, after all, he's always surrounded by so many bodyguards, so I came in as a bartender to wait for my chance." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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Another lie.
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This man who saw through her and Van's disguises couldn't be someone without a brain.
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No, this man was truly too cunning.
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"Alright, the last question, how did you know the real identities of me and Van, Mr. Hoshino?" (Manranyama Souren)
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"Haha, you might not believe it when I say." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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Hoshino Hoshiyo suddenly burst into cheerful laughter.
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"Actually, I judged it by the smell." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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As he spoke, Hoshino Hoshiyo pointed at his own nose.
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"When you two first started working here, you were both spraying a specific perfume." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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"Later, on a few occasions, when you forgot to spray perfume, I smelled your 'original' scent." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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"Many years ago, when I worked at another restaurant, I once served two people, but you probably don't remember." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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"But I remembered your 'scent,' so I immediately recalled it." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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After saying all this, Hoshino Hoshiyo smirked.
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Manranyama Souren was once again at a loss.
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If Hoshino Hoshiyo's previous answers were unconvincing lies,
Then the response to this last question seemed to be more realistic.
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Recalling the times when she adeptly disguised herself for work, there were indeed one or two occasions when she forgot to wear perfume, thinking it wouldn't cause any issues.
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But she hadn't expected there would be someone like this.
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But whether these things were genuinely believable or just a lucky guess, Manranyama Souren had another question mark in her mind.
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"Alright, we've answered all three questions, I'm going to get back to sleep now." (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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Although Manranyama Souren had a lot more to ask and say, Hoshino Hoshiyo didn't give her any chance, concluding the conversation without any unnecessary delay.
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"Wish you all the best~" (Hoshino Hoshiyo)
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With that, Hoshino Hoshiyo waved and walked away.
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Leaving behind Manranyama Souren and Van still contemplating in their spots.
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And the tranquil green trees and grass around them.
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The gentle wind blew by, leaving behind a rustling sound.
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In a rare moment, Manranyama Souren looked at Van, seeking her opinion.
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And Van, expressionless, shrugged helplessly.
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All she could say was, thankfully, this man wasn't an enemy for now.
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And their invitation from Bai Yaxin, the two of them were definitely going.
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Disguised as hostesses, they would spend two months infiltrating Bai Yaxin's brothel for this rare opportunity to meet Bai Yaxin face-to-face.
