Hearing this, Yueci Porcelain stepped back slightly without showing any emotion, putting another half-step between herself and Eiko Sakurai.

She frowned slightly, watching Eiko with caution.

Eiko Sakurai, however, gazed back with a composed, gentle smile, waiting for her reaction.

Nishikino An forcing her way into Light Private High School wasn’t exactly honorable.

As Light’s principal, Eiko had brought it up directly—was she planning to settle old scores?

Since she’d named Nishikino An outright, she clearly knew her. Did her words hold another meaning?

The serial murder case was still unsolved. If expelled today over this, Yueci would betray Nishikino An’s efforts and risk causing her trouble…

No.

Yueci seemed to realize something, her frown easing.

She met Eiko’s gaze calmly.

Those words were meant to make her lose composure.

From what Yueci knew of Eiko, if she wanted to act, she wouldn’t have invited her here—she’d have sent subordinates.

Wasting both their time made no sense.

She must have another purpose.

Yueci blinked, smiled faintly, and chose to pretend ignorance.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Eiko saw through the act but didn’t get angry. She leaned back casually in her chair, still smiling.

“No need for that, Yueci.”

“I’m not unreasonable.”

“I just noticed an unfamiliar special student after my trip and looked into it.”

Yueci felt slightly uneasy under her gaze and adjusted her glasses.

“Actually, I have a good relationship with Officer Nishikino.”

“I wonder if she’s mentioned me to you?”

“We worked together very pleasantly.”

Eiko smiled, lips pursed, her tone sincere—as if every word were true.

Even though she and Officer Nishikino had been in a tense standoff at a restaurant two days prior.

But Yueci was taken aback.

Apart from the ride back that day, Nishikino An hadn’t mentioned Eiko Sakurai.

Though her tone in the car had been sharp, Yueci wasn’t sure if it was over Eiko or being called “Auntie.”

Seeing Eiko’s earnest expression, Yueci’s resolve wavered slightly.

Could their relationship actually be good?

Twenty-three years ago, Nishikino An and Eiko were likely just acquaintances—a cop and a case witness…

In Yueci’s fragmented memories, they’d only interacted during statements…

But with her twenty-three-year gap, who knew what happened after she fell asleep?

Nishikino An had complained about Light restricting police access, but hidden reasons were beyond Yueci’s knowledge.

Eiko seemed to sense Yueci’s racing thoughts, her smile growing more genuine.

Yueci just stared silently, not responding.

She remained skeptical of Eiko’s intentions.

For now, no malice seemed present.

Unbothered, Eiko continued gently.

“Actually, I saw you at the restaurant the night before last.”

“You called Officer Nishikino ‘Auntie,’ right?”

“Your records are fake too, aren’t they?”

Yueci narrowed her eyes slightly and licked her dry lips.

She quickly wove a lie in her mind.

“The records are indeed fake.”

“I’m actually adopted by Officer Nishikino.”

Yueci nodded faintly, then turned her head toward the wall with a troubled look.

Since Eiko knew her bond with Nishikino An wasn’t ordinary, outright lies wouldn’t work.

Truth-mixed falsehoods were more convincing.

Eiko wasn’t surprised—Yueci’s reply was reasonable.

“I can do Officer Nishikino a favor and pretend I never noticed this.”

“But may I ask about your real background, Yueci?”

“This isn’t an official school inquiry. Just a personal question.”

Eiko winked encouragingly, like a caring elder.

If Yueci were just a backdoor student, she might have spilled everything…

But she wasn’t.

Yueci knew Eiko likely thought she was Yueci Ru’s daughter.

If she knew Yueci was Yueci Ru herself, the dynamic would shift entirely.

Eiko’s words aimed to extract her family history and deduce her link to Yueci Ru.

Why not play along?

Yueci’s eyes darkened slightly, but she kept a straight face.

“I only saw my parents when very young. I don’t remember much…”

“After that, I lived with Auntie Nishikino… She covers my expenses and tuition…”

She felt no guilt—most of it was true.

She’d only met her parents as a child; they died early in a car crash.

Her expenses were covered by someone else—just swapping Eiko’s father’s role with Nishikino An’s…

Seeing Yueci’s calm demeanor, Eiko tentatively believed her.

She’d hoped this child would lead to Yueci Ru, but it was all for nothing again.

Where had that person gone?

Recalling the figure who tugged at her heart, Eiko briefly zoned out.

She snapped back, unclenching her fist.

“I see…”

“How pitiful…”

Eiko softened her brows, looking at Yueci with maternal kindness.

“I hope you’ll get along well with classmates and teachers at Light…”

“If you have worries, confide in me…”

Yueci nodded along.

Eiko’s smile faded, turning serious.

“The frequent police visits lately are rare. The school is usually peaceful…”

A shrill ringtone pierced the office.

Eiko paused, then answered warmly.

“Hello, this is the school…”

“Principal Sakurai, another group of police is at the gate. Should we let them in?”

A rough male voice boomed through the speaker, echoing loudly.

Yueci watched Eiko’s smile freeze, her face darkening visibly.