Chapter 102: An Agreement with Riko
"Does Zhang Fan know my true identity?" Riko raised her head, her gaze at Zhang Fan filled with complex meanings.
"Feng Riko Robin IV, the legendary Military Detective Killer. Oh, 'Military Detective Predator' might be a more fitting term. Those missing detectives, they were all invited by you to join I.Ghost, weren't they?" Zhang Fan's statement left Riko standing up in astonishment. She had thought Zhang Fan might know some of her information, but she hadn't expected his knowledge to be so extensive.
"So, it's as I suspected; Zhang Fan knows everything. Then, Riko has a question for you. Would you like to join I.Ghost? You could be with Riko then," Riko's expression softened, her gaze at Zhang Fan filled with longing. She leaned close to his ear, her breath warm against his skin, attempting to allure him. But join I.Ghost? Zhang Fan had already refused such offers before, so why would he accept now?
"Joining I.Ghost is out of the question. But Riko, would you be willing to leave I.Ghost? To stand by my side?" Gently stroking Riko's golden twin ponytails, Zhang Fan tenderly counter-asked. Leaving I.Ghost? Could she really escape it and the clutches of that person? The mere thought of that person caused Riko to shiver.
"Don't be afraid, Riko. Vilad of Infinite Sin isn't as terrifying as you think. If I promise you freedom, would you forsake everything to be by my side?" Riko was startled to learn Zhang Fan even knew about Vilad. Could it be he knew everything? That seemed impossible. Only a few people knew her dealings with Vilad. Could Zhang Fan have a mole within I.Ghost, or was there a traitor?
Feeling the warmth of Zhang Fan's embrace, Riko found herself succumbing to the comfort. How warm it was, and how she wished to remain embraced forever. But was this reality? Did she truly deserve such warmth?
"Can you protect me, Zhang Fan?" Riko asked softly, her head bowed in his embrace.
"Of course, I would risk my life to protect you!" Zhang Fan would certainly protect Riko, this endearing girl.
"If you fulfill your promise, I will stay by your side forever. I swear it in the name of Feng Riko Robin IV," Riko decided to take this unprecedented chance. But more importantly, she chose to believe in Zhang Fan, trusting he could bring her true freedom.
"Understood. Then let's start our first step by killing Vilad, shall we?" Zhang Fan smiled, then his expression turned cold. Vilad had long been on his hit list. Although he disliked killing, Vilad couldn't be considered human.
"Kill... Vilad?" Riko looked up from his embrace in disbelief. Could such a thing really be done?
"Yes, kill that damned vampire," Zhang Fan affirmed seriously.
"But..." Riko hesitated, viewing Vilad as an insurmountable mountain. The thought of killing him seemed incredibly daunting.
"No buts. Just trust me," Zhang Fan assured confidently. He might not know everything, but he was well aware of Vilad's weaknesses.
"Alright, then. If Zhang Fan says so, let's go on this crazy journey together," Riko suddenly leaned forward and kissed Zhang Fan. It was an inexperienced kiss. Was it to regain her confidence?
Though Zhang Fan didn't see himself as a lolicon, how could he push Riko away in such a moment? He accepted it as a privilege.
Side Quest 4: Kill Vilad of Infinite Sin to free Riko. Reward: 3000 game points, new store access.
"Riko's first kiss, given to Zhang Fan as a reward," Riko said, blushing, her head lowered, shy despite her usual boldness.
"Using a first kiss as a reward? I like this kind of benefit," Zhang Fan smiled lightly.
"Zhang Fan, you're such a wolf! Careful, or I'll tell Bai Xue, Aria, and Yang Cai," Riko's eyes twinkled mischievously, her usual demeanor returning.
"Enough of your matchmaking. Bai Xue and the others... they're just like sisters to me," Zhang Fan hesitated, noticed by Riko, though she didn't argue.
"That's a shame," Riko said, her eyes playfully shifting. Zhang Fan knew she was plotting some mischief.
"Zhang Fan, are you alright? I heard you and Aria encountered the Military Detective Killer. Are you hurt? Let me heal you!" That evening, back in the dormitory, Zhang Fan was bombarded by Bai Xue's thorough check-up. Seeing her worried expression, Zhang Fan's mouth twitched. Couldn't she see he was fine?
Wait! What are you doing undressing me?
"What are you doing?" Aria finally intervened. As a British lady, she couldn't stand a man undressing in front of her, especially when instigated by another woman.
"It's nothing, Bai Xue. I'm really fine," Zhang Fan also tried to intervene.
"But... but..." Bai Xue, realizing her actions, blushed deeply. However, before she could explain, the dormitory doorbell rang.
"Yo, Zhang Fan, Riko has moved in to live with you guys too!" Opening the door, Riko stood there with her luggage, smiling sweetly. Not another tenant? Zhang Fan felt a headache coming.
"No way!" Three voices objected in unison - Bai Xue, Aria, and Yang Cai. When did they become so in sync?