Not a detective

Page 78

So what had caught their attention? Asakawa Riku couldn't help but look over—

He was a young man wearing a white lab coat who seemed somewhat out of place in the atmosphere.

Rather than calling him a youth, it's more accurate to say he's a teenager. Indeed, what surprised everyone was his age; he was the very new face they were referring to.

He looked to be around the same age as Asakawa Riku, at most between eighteen and twenty. He was dressed in a white coat like a doctor, with long hair cascading down his face, giving him a slightly effeminate appearance. However, his face was very elegant, with narrow eyes, making him the type that girls would find attractive. He looked more like a celebrity or male escort than a scholar.

He walked steadily onto the stage, step by step.

At his age, receiving an invitation from Jiutian Pavilion was already surprising, let alone having the qualifications to go on stage to offer birthday wishes, which left everyone puzzled.

The butler, Shinohara, took the microphone and solemnly gave the introduction:

"Let me introduce you all. Don't let his young age fool you; he is a rising star of our Dongyun Group. He has already earned multiple doctoral degrees from overseas, representing a pioneer in the latest medical and biotechnology fields. He is a crucial cornerstone of the company's development, with outstanding achievements and numerous remarkable contributions. We are honored to have him here today—"

"Let's welcome Mr. Ren Ibuki!"

Winter of the Demons: Chapter Eighteen - The Gift

There was a quiet gasp of surprise from the audience, then someone started clapping, and finally everyone applauded.

The boy, known as Ibuki Ren, remained standing still, his expression calm, as if he were receiving an award, without any reaction.

He didn't even glance at the audience below the stage, but went straight up to face the elderly man sitting in the chair:

"...Happy birthday! I'll have the gift you requested ready soon."

Ibuki Ren was empty-handed, yet she spoke with great conviction.

Across from him, Kosuke Shinonome seemed to understand what he was saying, raising his noble head and revealing a long-lost smile:

"Very good... Keep it a secret, so don't show it off."

"I see."

Unlike the other guests, Ibuki Ren was not respectful or reserved. Instead, he displayed a composure beyond his years, engaging in conversation with the old man as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

This might stem from absolute self-confidence...

For a normal person to graduate with a doctorate, it takes at least 27 or 28 years old. There are many doctoral students who are over 30 years old and still haven't graduated. To obtain multiple degrees at such a young age is definitely worthy of the praise of "genius". Moreover, the fact that Dongyun Group attaches such importance to its training and has placed it as the last to appear makes many people in the audience feel red-eyed.

At first, Asakawa Riku felt it was none of his business. He was only slightly surprised by the man's age and profession, and didn't pay much attention to it.

Since they were just strangers who met by chance, he wouldn't have another chance to see these social elites after today's banquet.

But the old man hadn't finished speaking:

"...Since you've brought me such great news, then I'll give you some good news in return."

Kosuke Shinonome abruptly changed the subject, clapping his hands: "Suetsuki!"

As if the lighting technician had been prepared all along, in an instant, the light shone on Shinonome Suetsuki below the stage.

She frowned.

The local tyrant on the platform issued his decree:

"Mogetsu, this is the gift. I have found you the most outstanding young man, the most suitable fiancé. This is not just a simple political marriage. Ibuki Ren himself is also capable enough. He has also confessed his feelings for you. If you become engaged to him, I will let you return to the Shinonome family, and my will this year will only include your name..."

"No, not just this year. As long as you get married, I guarantee that you will be the only heir to the Dongyun Group!"

The audience was in an uproar.

Asakawa Riku immediately sensed a real "killing intent".

Of course, it wasn't released by him, but rather by some kind of subconscious force that formed around them... The way they stared at the detective instantly transformed into that of ferocious jackals.

The motives are obvious; everyone has one. It's not just the eighteen older siblings fighting over the inheritance; even the completely unrelated guests are blinded by intense jealousy. Their powerful impulses transform into murderous intent. If given the chance to commit a perfect crime without being discovered, many would probably take action.

Faced with overwhelming wealth, reason, morality, and law lose their restraining power, turning the person into a runaway horse.

Asakawa Riku reacted immediately.

Actions spoke faster than words; he stepped in front of Dongyun Sueyue.

But she just happened to catch him.

"I do not want."

The detective smiled sweetly, it was hard to imagine that she could put on such a smile when she usually had such a grumpy face: "I have a boyfriend."

Upon hearing this, Ibuki Ren, who was wearing a white lab coat on stage, seemed to freeze for a moment.

But Kosuke Shinonome was much more of a seasoned veteran; he calmly said:

"...So this is the young man you brought with you. He's so young, I thought he was your younger brother."

He never even glanced at Asakawa Riku for a moment.

"My boyfriend."

Shinonome Suetsuki spoke clearly, emphasizing that she held Asakawa Riku's arm tightly, and could feel the soft, ambiguous touch.

Logically, Asakawa Riku should have let go, but the situation was critical and he couldn't stray too far from the person he was protecting, so he had no choice but to continue the charade with her.

...Perhaps he himself doesn't want to let go.

Unexpectedly, Shinonome Kosuke persisted, saying:

“It’s okay, it’s okay to have some fun before the wedding. I’m not some old fogey, I understand. As long as you have a proper wedding, I can pretend you never said these things today.”

The old man glanced at Ibuki Ren beside him: "You don't have any objections, right?"

“…Hmm.” Ibuki Ren’s expression wasn’t very good, but she still nodded.

Just then, Shinonome Suetsuki raised her head and sneered:

"You old fool, don't think everyone will listen to you. You should burn all your bullshit plans as soon as possible, along with your coffin after you die."

This statement shocked the entire audience.

This description might be a bit cliché, but I can't think of a better one, because Asakawa Riku could see that everyone around him seemed to have their jaws dropped in astonishment.

No one expected that a young lady from a noble family, who should have received a good education and manners, would utter such vulgar and offensive language.

Higashino Kosuke's face darkened immediately.

He finally broke through his composed, superior aura, his lips trembling with anger at those words, revealing his gleaming gold false teeth:

"you……"

How long has it been since anyone dared to criticize this high and mighty local tyrant?

To be humiliated in front of everyone was like being dragged from the clouds to the mud, an unprecedented disgrace.

It can be noticed that at the moment Shinonome Kosuke pointed at her and stood up, certain people were approaching from the surrounding area—

Their hands reached into their clothes and belts, a standard gesture for drawing weapons.

The atmosphere changed in an instant. Among the revelry of the guests, there emerged some who didn't fit in. They were indeed professionals, and their disguise was excellent.

Even Asakawa Riku only just recognized them; these people were probably plainclothes officers planted in the crowd long ago, part of the Shinonome family's "security measures."

This is the time for Asakawa Riku to make his appearance.

He didn't do anything, he just took a step forward.

The voice wasn't loud either, lacking the grandeur of the Battle of Changban.

He only said one sentence:

"—Don't go any further."

It's just a simple sentence.

The boy under the spotlight, who was originally just an accessory standing next to the princess and not very noticeable, now exudes an unusual aura.

That wasn't just a guardian knight, but a black reaper. His neat, well-fitting suit perfectly outlined his physique; he was tall and sturdy, exuding a sense of security.

To the enemy, it was as if the surrounding darkness had invaded, and in an instant, they witnessed the scene of "dying once".

Speechless, movements halted, sweat pouring down, legs trembling—this all happened in an instant, the "will to fight" completely stripped away.

With just one sentence and one look, he terrified all the threats into immobility.

"Let's go."

"Okay."

Asakawa Riku held Shinonome Suetsuki's hand and walked out of the banquet hall step by step.

At this point, no one dared to stop them.

Winter of the Demons: Chapter Nineteen - Poison

"Please, please wait a moment...!"

Someone actually chased after them.

I had only taken two or three steps out of the "Jiutianguan" when I heard a voice behind me.

Asakawa Riku's instinctive wariness subsided somewhat after he turned around.

The people who came didn't seem that dangerous.

Ren Ibuki, the genius boy with a doctoral degree, his white lab coat billowing in the wind, ran as fast as he could to catch up. He was panting heavily, standing still and taking deep breaths.

"wait wait wait."

He seems quite tired; this guy probably doesn't have much stamina.

Asakawa Riku waited politely for two or three seconds, but asked directly, "Is there anything else?"

He felt he had no competitive spirit towards any "love rivals," and he firmly believed that his poor attitude was because he thought things might get complicated and it would be safer to go back sooner.

That's it.

"I'm here to apologize." Ibuki Ren finally caught his breath and stood up straight again, not forgetting his elegant posture, and flicked the long hair on the side of his face: "Miss Shinonome, I really didn't know that you had a boyfriend. I was presumptuous this time, and I am willing to make up for the misunderstanding and losses caused to you in any way I can."

"That won't be necessary. There's no conflict between you and me; this is a problem between me and that old man."

In front of him, Shinonome Suetsuki still didn't let go of their tightly entwined hands, remaining very close.

"However, I will not marry you, that's for sure."

She reverted to her initial calm, sour expression.

“I understand.” Ibuki Ren smiled wryly, scratching his head as he said, “To be honest, everyone in the research institute says I’m a nerd. I’m really not interested in things like love and marriage. To put it bluntly, this plan is just to get more support for my research. If I can form a family with the eldest daughter of the Shinonome family, I’ll have endless funding, connections with the latest cutting-edge technologies, and my research results will be promoted to the world’s attention as soon as possible. That’s my ideal.”

Asakawa Riku and Shinonome Suetsuki were both speechless; they hadn't expected someone to be so blunt.

It seems that Ibuki Ren is indeed the type who has absolutely no understanding of interpersonal communication and social relationships.

He continued talking to himself, "I didn't expect the plan to fail. Although it's a pity, I will look for new methods. Marriage is like a research project. If one material doesn't work, you can try another... So, I apologize for disturbing and offending you today. Please let me... let me apologize with a drink."

Ibuki Ren was racking his brains for social responses when he waved to the waiter standing at the door:

"Excuse me!"

The waiter was carrying two glasses of champagne.

"Guests...what's wrong?"

"Let me drink with you."

Asakawa Rikuya picked up one of the glasses, the golden liquid swirling slightly, exuding an air of luxury.

Regardless of Ibuki Ren's true thoughts, at least this honest confession and apology won his favor. If it was just dedication to research, there was nothing to criticize.

Of course, the more important reason is that the protected individuals cannot be allowed to consume things of unknown origin. It's one thing if it's food shared by everyone... but things like alcohol that are repackaged...

"Alright, then consider this drink as an apology. I won't bother you two again in the future."

The boy in the white coat frowned, but he took the remaining cup from the plate.

Asakawa Riku cautiously watched as Ibuki Ren drank her cup down in one gulp before finally drinking his own.

"and many more--"

In that instant, he suddenly caught a glimpse of Dongyun Sueyue beside him, her eyes wide as she frantically tried to snatch the glass away.

"Don't drink!"

However, both his actions and strength were a step too slow; Asakawa Riku had already swallowed it, making a sound in his throat.