BONUS CHAPTER#2
Thinking back, Jiangxia Tongzhi felt a little guilty for how he'd answered his boss earlier—just a few vague grunts in response to questions about money, ghosts, and killing intent. Kind of perfunctory.
So, after a beat of hesitation, he followed his usual strategy: "Just say something first—doesn't matter if it's useful."
He dutifully repeated what he'd heard from Mrs. Naito:
"She's a full-time housewife. Her husband, Yu Naito, used to be an actor but retired after they got married. He's now the chairman of Naito Eiga. They have two kids—a son and a daughter. The daughter's still in high school, and the son's getting hands-on experience working at Naito Eiga…"
Mid-sentence, something clicked for Jiangxia. But his tone didn't waver. He kept talking smoothly, "…The family's got pretty good tempers overall. Not many enemies."
Vodka: "…"
He couldn't help but feel Ouzo had said that last bit with a tinge of regret. Honestly, Vodka thought it was a bit unnecessary. If the Naito family did have enemies, Ryoko Naito—being a repeat client of Ouzo's—would've already shown up in the news.
Gin, on the other hand, appreciated Ouzo's habit of gathering intel everywhere he went. He flicked some ash into the tray and added, "Ryoko Naito's maiden name is Sakamaki."
"Sakamaki…" Jiangxia's face lit up like a student finally catching the professor's drift. He flipped open a nearby folder and quickly stopped on one page.
—Shigehiko Nomiguchi was scheduled to attend Director Sakamaki's memorial service.
Gin noted Jiangxia's reaction and gave a subtle nod of approval. Ouzo had skimmed the materials quickly, sure—but he clearly didn't skim sloppily. He could still recall tiny details on cue.
"Ryoko Naito is Director Sakamaki's youngest daughter," Gin said. "You're something of a public figure now. If Ryoko invites you to the memorial, there's no need to avoid it."
Gin had observed that Ouzo genuinely seemed to enjoy social gatherings—maybe because they let him meet more people, find more ghosts, or stir up trouble in the name of "spiritual work." If he didn't show up this time, it would look odd.
Plus, even if Ouzo wasn't actively involved, just being there could give him a preview of how the organization handled assassinations—useful for future cooperation.
Jiangxia didn't argue. Even if Gin hadn't said anything, he'd have found a way to attend anyway. After all, a high-ranking politician might drop dead, and where there's death, there's ghost. Or at least a spicy whiff of killing intent.
——
Gin apparently had work later, so he left quickly with Vodka once the key business was done.
Jiangxia, meanwhile, headed downstairs to pick up some quality tea.
Today had been a lesson: you can't judge a client's value based on name or background alone.
After all, who knows if their dad's a key figure in a future case? You never know when or where someone might randomly get entangled in a murder.
In short, better client service was necessary. Less "meh," more mildly respectful. Like this time—he hadn't even gotten the father's name. What a disgrace to the spoiler community.
——
Shopping done, Jiangxia stepped outside, debating whether to take the subway or bus. That's when the ghosts around him suddenly started murmuring excitedly.
And then—bam—something heavy landed on his shoulder. Someone had grabbed him from behind.
First came the apple scent. Then came a face—a woman with waist-length, wavy brown hair, classic features, and somewhat overdone makeup.
Jiangxia blinked. The woman had rushed in fast, but after a quick mental scan…
…Yep. It was the face of his current English teacher.
Of course, just the face. The person wearing it? Probably not.
"…" Jiangxia glanced at the ghostly residue of killing intent still fading away and decided to play dumb. He gently pried her arm off and asked, "Ogata-sensei?"
"It's me," said Vermouth, switching to her real voice with a smirk. She tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear. "Wanna hit up a bar? Vodka said you like bars more than sushi restaurants."
...Vodka, you absolute gossip.
Jiangxia ignored that thought. Instead, he glanced at the ghosts now rushing over to Vermouth like kids at a birthday party. Her killing intent was thick—on par with Gin's.
He almost blurted "Sure, let's go!" just for the chance to follow that murderous scent.
But her clinginess earlier made him suspicious. So instead, he narrowed his eyes and responded coldly: "You investigated me."
He was referring to her teacher disguise.
Though honestly, he wasn't mad. Vermouth probably didn't even find that face through him. She'd likely scoped out Teitan High while snooping into Shinichi Kudo's disappearance.
Still, Vermouth clearly wanted him to think she'd found the face through him. Smart move. If Ouzo and her "angel" were classmates, it gave her a clean excuse to be at the school. Plus, the familiar face made it easier to cozy up and lead him off somewhere.
——
Seeing she had Jiangxia's attention, Vermouth dropped the arm-on-shoulder act and got a bit more serious.
"Gin thinks you need a psychiatrist," she said. "That would be me. Personally, I can't stand Sherry, and by extension, I'm not really fond of you either. So today's just a consultation. I'll evaluate you, then recommend a better doctor."
She smiled. "This might take a while. How about we sit down, grab a drink, and chat it out?"
Total nonsense, of course. Vermouth just needed a plausible reason to lure him off.
Vodka had told her Ouzo was the thrill-seeking type—willing to put himself in danger if it meant getting tangled in an interesting case.
So whether he believed her or smelled a rat, he might tag along anyway, out of curiosity.
And once they reached the dim, smoky Black Hexe Bar… well. Whether it took a drink or a needle, she'd get what she needed from Ouzo. And depending on how things went—maybe erase what she didn't.
——
Jiangxia stared at her for a moment, saying nothing.
Then, just when the pause had stretched to its dramatic limit, he nodded.
"Okay."
Vermouth smiled, pleased. Everything was going smoothly.
As they walked toward the elevator, she looped one arm through his. With the other hand, she casually reached up… and wiped Jiangxia's face. Twice.
*Goal #1: Top 200 fanfics published within the last 31 - 90 days by POWER STONES.
Progress: 4/60(approx) for 10 BONUS CHAPTERS
Goal #2: One BONUS CHAPTER per review for the first 10 REVIEWS.
Progress:2/10*