Yueci Ru frowned slightly.

It was understandable for the old lady to have poor eyesight, but this woman’s gaze seemed sharp—why did she mistake her for a girl too?

Was she really that feminine-looking?

"Behave yourself."

Yueci Ru’s expression remained unchanged as she moved the other person’s hand away.

Even if she were a girl, such a gesture was far too forward.

For a fleeting moment, when the woman acted, Yueci Ru even doubted her own judgment—was this person really a cop, not a gangster?

But the woman’s next move erased that suspicion.

"As you can see, I am indeed a police officer…" The woman narrowed her eyes. "So could you, miss, please cooperate with the investigation?"

She pulled out her badge, then slammed it open before Yueci Ru.

The first thing that caught her eye was the ID photo. The face looked slightly younger, but that striking long scar remained vicious—a recent photo, likely taken within the past few years. Yet, the sharpness in those eyes stirred an uncanny sense of familiarity in Yueci Ru after a long stare.

**Chief Superintendent**

**Nishikino An**

"Nishikino…"

At that name, Yueci Ru’s mind went blank.

Long-buried memories slowly resurfaced like ice cracking apart.

Could this be *that* Nishikino An?

Yueci Ru had been frail since childhood. Doctors once declared he wouldn’t live past twenty. Yet he still yearned to leave his mark on this fleeting world—so he turned to writing detective and crime novels.

Truthfully, it was also an outlet. He poured all his discontent with reality into his stories, crafting brutal, grotesque murder cases as catharsis.

He was both detective and killer.

Fortunately, Japan’s review system was lenient, embracing creative freedom. He could write without boundaries.

Much had happened later. He escaped death’s shadow but lost many memories—a painful chapter he’d buried.

He no longer recalled what he’d written.

But he remembered Nishikino An.

Back then, murders kept occurring around him. He often assisted investigations, gradually growing familiar with Nishikino An, then just a junior officer. His crime novels gave him unique insights into cases, and their relationship slowly shifted toward partnership.

How many years had he slept? Yueci Ru hadn’t recognized her at first. She’d changed so much—she was Chief Superintendent now?

Nishikino An observed Yueci Ru’s reaction discreetly. Though her expressions were subtle, the involuntary muscle twitches didn’t escape her trained eyes.

Yueci Ru was shocked.

By her rank? Or her name?

Nishikino An’s gaze flickered toward the girl sheltered behind Yueci Ru. Hiru Kawakami watched their exchange, lips pressed tight.

Years of profiling made Nishikino An sense something *off* about this seemingly harmless girl. She trusted her instincts.

This girl was trouble.

When Yueci Ru stepped in front of her, Hiru Kawakami felt something entirely new—a strange, indescribable sensation she didn’t dislike.

Instinctively, she touched her neck. Only smooth skin met her fingers.

She licked her dry, slightly cracked lips, watching the tension between Yueci Ru and Nishikino An with unreadable eyes.

"Student," Nishikino An released Yueci Ru and turned to Hiru Kawakami, "you may leave now. I need to question this young lady further—she’ll accompany me."

Time was running out. Though questions burned in her mind, Hiru Kawakami hesitated only a moment before walking away.

A heavy ache settled in her chest.

She’d been annoyed by Yueci Ru following her earlier, but now that they were parting like this… it hurt worse.

*She was the one who came first.*

"I haven’t committed any crime."

Nishikino An chuckled softly at the girl’s tense expression.

"I know who you are. Yueci Ru."

"I’d recognize you anywhere."

Nishikino An’s gaze sharpened, pinning Yueci Ru in place.

Cold sweat broke out on Yueci Ru’s back.

…

"So that’s how it was…"

Nishikino An had brought Yueci Ru to her villa. After gesturing for her to sit on the sofa, Nishikino An settled comfortably and began explaining the past twenty-three years.

Yueci Ru had vanished without a trace.

Many searched for him—no luck.

How could a terminally ill youth, barely able to walk, erase his existence so completely?

The case reeked of strangeness.

Using her police authority, Nishikino An questioned households door-to-door. Nothing.

Then she turned to the shadows—the underworld.

After obtaining leads, she showed his photo to several informants. One claimed to have seen the boy in a neighboring district’s gang territory.

Nishikino An volunteered for undercover duty, changing her name and infiltrating the rival gang.

She stayed for ten years.

From foot soldier to second-in-command.

When the boss abandoned the operation, she took over…

After dismantling the gang, she returned to headquarters. Her service earned rapid promotions. A few years ago, she became Chief Superintendent.

During those ten years, she encountered non-human entities and unnatural forces—glimpsing the hidden layers of the world. It reshaped her perspective.

If any of Yueci Ru’s old acquaintances saw her now after twenty-three years, they’d assume she was a descendant.

But Nishikino An’s mind leapt to the supernatural.

Yueci Ru’s reaction had confirmed her suspicion.

"So," Nishikino An leaned forward, "where were you all these twenty-three years?"

Yueci Ru froze.

"Been asleep. Just woke up."

Nishikino An raised an eyebrow. She knew Yueci Ru was hiding something—youth preserved, health restored after decades. But that guarded expression meant no further answers today.

She didn’t push.

After a long pause, a playful smirk curved Nishikino An’s lips.

"Then, Yueci-kun… do you have a habit of dressing as a woman?"

*Why would she say that?* Yueci Ru was puzzled.

These were the same clothes she’d worn before sleeping—not cross-dressing at all.

But the pieces clicked: the loose outfit… the old lady… Nishikino An’s mistake…

"Bathroom," Yueci Ru blurted, bolting toward the restroom.

Behind her back, Nishikino An’s smirk vanished. Her face went blank as she stared at the spot where Yueci Ru had been sitting.