Chapter 92: Aria H. Kanzaki

"Good morning, Zhang Fan. Sorry to disturb you," greeted Shirayuki, knocking on Zhang Fan's dorm room door early in the morning. Today marked the beginning of the new semester's opening ceremony, and Zhang Fan was officially a second-year student at Tokyo Martial Detective High. Shirayuki, who frequently brought breakfast or helped tidy up Zhang Fan's room during her free time, was there as usual.

"Good morning, Shirayuki. I always appreciate your help," Zhang Fan welcomed her into his room, accepting the breakfast she brought and thanking her with a warm smile.

"It's my pleasure. I'm just glad you don't find me bothersome," Shirayuki replied, blushing slightly. After a year of interaction, she had become more relaxed and less awkward around Zhang Fan, though her inherent soft-spoken nature still made her endearingly shy.

"How could I ever find you bothersome? I wish you could cook for me forever," Zhang Fan complimented her culinary skills, particularly her proficiency in Chinese cuisine, likely influenced by him. His ambiguous comment made Shirayuki shyly kneel in front of him in a formal gesture.

"Oh, my... I'm not worthy, but I'll do my best," she responded. It wasn't the first time such a scenario had unfolded, and Zhang Fan, accustomed to it, decided to let the misunderstanding continue.

After breakfast, which was reminiscent of a meal prepared by a newlywed wife, Shirayuki helped Zhang Fan dress, fixing his collar and ensuring he looked his best. The simple act filled her with a sense of bliss.

"By the way, Zhang Fan, be cautious these days. I heard the Martial Detective Assassin has resurfaced," Shirayuki warned as they left together. The existence of this assassin had led to the disappearance of several outstanding martial detectives. Although a suspect had been arrested recently, Zhang Fan knew the real culprit was still at large, and their connection to him was uncomfortably close.

"Understood, and you be careful too, Shirayuki," Zhang Fan acknowledged, sensing that the subplot of their story, for which he had paid 1000 game points, was unfolding.

He wondered if the assassin would target him. The anticipation of upcoming developments was quite thrilling.

Heading to the dorm's garage, Zhang Fan pushed out his ESSE Titanium Series RR motorcycle. This 200,000 US dollar luxury was enough to make any car enthusiast, including Mutou, envious. With a grin, he invited Shirayuki to join him for the ride to school.

"Let's go," he said, securing Shirayuki's helmet before starting the RR. She relished these moments, seizing the opportunity to hold him closely, her heart racing with excitement at their physical proximity.

The RR's impressive speed quickly brought them to Gakuen Island. As the student council president, gardening club president, crafts club president, and girls' volleyball team captain, Shirayuki had to prepare for the opening ceremony. After saying goodbye, Zhang Fan parked his motorcycle and headed to his class.

"Hey, Zhang Fan, you're early today," greeted his friend Shiranui as he entered the classroom.

"You too, and Mutou's here as well. What's the special occasion?" Zhang Fan had not expected so many classmates to be present.

"Haha, there's a rumor about a new transfer student, and she's said to be stunningly beautiful," Mutou perked up at the mention of a beautiful girl.

"I see," Zhang Fan nodded, noticing most of the boys had already arrived. Their interest in the new girl was evident.

"Aria H. Kanzaki, from Britain..." During the class meeting before the ceremony, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Takatane Yutori, introduced the new transfer student. Aria, with her unique pinkish-golden hair styled into twin tails and her petite, youthful appearance, seemed more like a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl than a high school sophomore.

Of course, Zhang Fan knew she was indeed a high school student, having anticipated her arrival as the original story's main female character. Her cuteness seemed even more pronounced in person.

"Are you Zhang Fan?" Aria approached him just as he was recalling her information. Surprised by her sudden interest, Zhang Fan wondered about her intentions.

"Yes, I am. Do you need something, Aria?" he asked with a gentle smile.

"Teacher, I'll sit next to him," Aria declared without answering his question, eyeing the seat beside Zhang Fan, currently occupied by Mutou. Mutou, understanding the situation, vacated his seat for her and gave Zhang Fan a knowing wink as if to encourage him.

"Really, Mutou? Jumping ship at the sight of a loli?" Zhang Fan thought, amused at his friend's lack of interest in Aria due to her youthful appearance.

"What's going on here?" Riko stood up, clearly displeased with Aria taking a seat next to Zhang Fan. Why should this girl occupy a spot beside him?

Riko had been looking forward to sitting close to Zhang Fan, and now a rival had appeared out of nowhere. Aria's presence was an unexpected and unwelcome development for her.