Chapter 101: The Two Sides of Riko
"It's just a client relationship," Zhang Fan commented, realizing Lei Ji truly had few friends. In the year he had known her, only a handful of people could actually converse with Lei Ji. Unless absolutely necessary, this girl of few words wouldn't utter anything superfluous.
"Alright, but Lei Ji, it's not good to always be like this. How about trying to make some friends?" Zhang Fan felt Lei Ji needed friends to be more like a normal girl. While the charm of a girl with few words was undeniable, he didn't want Lei Ji to live in solitude forever.
"Make friends..." For the first time, Lei Ji hesitated. Make friends? No! Lei Ji didn't need friends. She was like the wind drifting in the sky - always solitary and unreachable. Friends were an extravagant concept for her.
Lei Ji fell silent, creating an awkward atmosphere. However, Zhang Fan could see that his words had reached her heart, and that was enough. He resolved to change her, little by little.
After the helicopter landed at the Military Detective High School, Zhang Fan bid Lei Ji goodbye and headed to the communal bath for a quick shower, changing into a spare set of school clothes he had stored there.
Returning to class, he noticed several students missing, likely due to the bus hijacking incident. Seeing Riko seated safely at her desk, Zhang Fan hesitated before approaching her.
"Do you need something from Riko, Zhang Fan?" Riko asked with a smile, as if nothing had happened. But Zhang Fan could detect a hint of turmoil in her eyes. Was she hesitant? If so, she hadn't disappointed his expectations.
"Yes. Do you have time this afternoon, Riko? I'd like your company to buy some things," Zhang Fan casually invited her shopping – a first for him.
"Oh? Are you asking me on a date, Zhang Fan?" Riko stood up excitedly, misunderstanding his invitation. Her loud response attracted the attention of the entire class, leaving Zhang Fan embarrassed. Was Riko doing this on purpose?
"It's just shopping," Zhang Fan quickly clarified.
"That's fine. It's the first time Zhang Fan invited me. I'm so happy," Riko replied, genuinely pleased but unable to hide a trace of unease in her eyes. Did she realize he was onto something?
The morning flew by with classmates buzzing about the morning's bus hijacking. Even after Aria and the others returned, the gossip continued. Unusually, Riko, who was typically lively, seemed disinterested, lost in thought as she gazed out the window.
After lunch, Zhang Fan discreetly left the classroom with Riko. Although Aria was curious, she tactfully didn't inquire, surprising Zhang Fan with her understanding demeanor.
With his motorcycle still being repaired, Zhang Fan and Riko took the bus to a shopping district. Riko appeared lively, pointing out various sights along the way. Upon reaching their destination, she eagerly led Zhang Fan into the Estrella Club, a high-end karaoke spot.
Inside the club's lounge, many students from their school chatted in groups. Zhang Fan, already a well-known figure at school, drew curious glances as Riko clung to his arm. Riko, undeterred, chose a private room.
Though it was a karaoke lounge, Riko seemed more interested in the club's popular cakes. After tasting a piece, she happily offered another to Zhang Fan, who accepted.
"We indirectly kissed!" Riko exclaimed boldly, leaving Zhang Fan momentarily stunned. Wasn't that an exaggeration?
"Zhang Fan, if you have questions, just ask," Riko said after another bite, her tone shifting to a more serious one.
Zhang Fan understood the complexity of Riko's character. The fragile and vulnerable Riko, who needed care and protection, was her true self. The cheerful and outgoing facade was just a shield.
Riko's shift in demeanor indicated she sensed something amiss. Zhang Fan decided to be direct.
"Riko, do you really believe you can defeat Aria and me together?" His question caught her off guard. Her expression turned complex. She knew he was aware of her identity as the Military Detective Killer.
The day passed quickly, and during lunch, Zhang Fan confided in Aria before leaving with Riko. Aria, surprisingly subdued, didn't question him, a change he found uncharacteristic yet endearing.
After shopping, Riko suggested visiting the Estrella Club, a high-end karaoke venue she adored. Once inside, she became lively, enjoying the cakes and even playfully offering some to Zhang Fan, suggesting an indirect kiss.
When Zhang Fan asked her directly about her capability to defeat him and Aria, Riko's reaction revealed her inner conflict. She knew Zhang Fan was aware of her secret identity as the Military Detective Killer.