Chapter Forty-Eight: You Have a Fever

Returning to the Security Bureau, though it had only been a few days, a sense of long-awaited homecoming washed over him. Most people dislike their workplace, but Chen Zi’ang was not among them. He truly loved his job—and the fire seeds it brought.

He had just settled into his seat when Rin Natsuki called out to him.

“Senpai, don’t sit yet!”

She carefully wiped down his desk and chair, making sure there was no lingering dust, then nodded in satisfaction.

“Now you can sit.”

Chen Zi’ang could only smile wryly.

Each went about their work, opening laptops, checking emails and materials. Suddenly, Chen Zi’ang spoke.

“Are you free tomorrow?”

Rin Natsuki’s eyes widened.

“Senpai, are you on duty?” Her face brightened. “Of course, I can stay and help with the shift tomorrow. I don’t have plans, so I can keep you company and learn more about the job. After all, you’re my mentor at the bureau—following my teacher is never wrong.”

“No, I’m not on duty.” Chen Zi’ang shook his head. “I have concert tickets tomorrow, planning to take Xiaozhu. What about you?”

“Concert? Whose concert?”

“Maki Kirigaya.”

In that instant, he saw the joy on Rin Natsuki’s face drain away, like the ebb of a tide.

But she quickly recovered, beaming with renewed enthusiasm.

“Oh, I remember! Xiaozhu likes her songs, right?”

“Yes.” Chen Zi’ang nodded.

“Then I want to go too,” Rin Natsuki said immediately.

“All right, I’ll send you the e-ticket.”

“Mm-hmm.” Rin Natsuki turned to her screen.

She’s going because of Xiaozhu, isn’t she?

An e-ticket—so he bought it online.

It seemed a mere coincidence.

If it wasn’t... No, it’s not the right time yet.

Her thoughts grew restless, when suddenly her phone rang—it was her father.

“Rin, I heard you were suspended?”

“No, I wasn’t.” Rin Natsuki replied absently. “Where did you hear that?”

“Good.” Hearing her tone was normal, her father, Akimasa Natsuki, relaxed. “Tomorrow’s Saturday. The Ishikawa family is hosting a party; many youngsters will be there. Are you coming?”

“No.” Rin Natsuki refused outright. “I’m going to the concert.”

“Concert? Well, all right.”

“Father, have Uncle Watari drive me.”

After ending the call, Rin Natsuki sank into thought again.

The most pressing issue wasn’t whether someone was scheming to get close to Senpai.

It was herself... she was too weak.

The Shadow Warrior—a formidable power, able to vanquish any demon or monster at this stage.

But it wasn’t enough.

If she thought rationally, she shouldn’t waste time at the Security Bureau. She should focus on refining her spiritual rank, striving to acquire higher powers to handle the coming threats and rivalries.

But... never mind, she’d think about it after work.

Now was precious alone time for Rin and Senpai! Refining spiritual ranks could wait—let it be!

She kept glancing at Chen Zi’ang’s profile.

He grew uneasy under her gaze—this wasn’t a furtive glance, it was an unabashed stare!

The surrounding colleagues all went about their business as if unaware... If not for the smiles on their lips, he might have been fooled.

“Rin.” Chen Zi’ang decided to use an online trick for redirecting attention. “Your report here is off.”

“Really? Where?” Rin Natsuki immediately leaned over.

“The structure is wrong.” Chen Zi’ang explained patiently.

Whenever they talked about work, she had to focus on the screen, no longer staring at him—and their colleagues wouldn’t find it strange.

A perfect solution.

Soon it was time to leave. Except for those on duty, everyone began packing up.

Rin Natsuki quickly saved her documents, shut down her computer, and gazed expectantly at Chen Zi’ang.

Defeated by her stare, Chen Zi’ang could only say, “Shall we go together?”

“Mm!” Rin Natsuki was elated.

Senpai invited me to leave together! A huge step forward for Rin!

“But your home is on Government Hall Street—it’s not on my route,” Chen Zi’ang continued. “So I can take you to the light rail station... unless your family sent a driver.”

Rin Natsuki: ....................

“It’s fine.” She blinked and smiled. “I want to see Xiaozhu before going back. Senpai won’t mind, right?”

“Of course not, but don’t stay too late—your parents will worry,” Chen Zi’ang reminded her.

They packed up and left the building.

Rin Natsuki trailed behind Chen Zi’ang, quietly pulling out her phone to message her mother:

“Mom, I want to move.”

Chiyoyo Natsuki, sipping tea in the garden, received her daughter’s message and was puzzled.

“Huh?”

“I want to move to Gunma District—preferably to Tone River Road, or somewhere along the route from the bureau to Tone River Road.”

Chiyoyo nearly choked on her tea. She calmed herself and carefully composed a reply.

“Rin, there’s an old saying among the Lu clan: ‘If love is enduring, does it matter how often you meet?’”

“Sometimes, trying to hasten closeness can have the opposite effect.”

“‘Too much is as bad as too little’—that’s what it means.”

Her mother’s words were like a cold douse of water, cooling Rin Natsuki’s feverish impulse.

Yes, what was she thinking?!

With Senpai’s temperament, if she moved next door, he’d be terrified.

The original plan of subtle ambiguity, slow infiltration—now thrown off by hearing that name... Calm down, Rin! Don’t let Senpai look down on you!

Taking the light rail back to Gunma District, then switching to the subway and arriving at Tone River Road, Rin Natsuki was finally calm.

Arriving home, she cheerfully changed her shoes and called out,

“Xiaozhu, we’re home!”

Chen Zi’ang stood in the foyer, considering whether, given Rin’s frequent visits, he should prepare a pair of slippers just for her.

Entering the living room, her sister Xiaozhu sat in the rocking chair, gazing emptily ahead.

Rin Natsuki sat beside her, affectionately wrapping an arm around her shoulders, whispering softly in her ear.

Their closeness stirred something in Chen Zi’ang’s heart. But remembering the chasm between their families, that feeling quickly faded.

If it were only love at first sight, what would remain after the initial passion ebbed?

Rin, you’re a wonderful girl.

I’d rather we stay friends than see you bound to me by kindness and duty after love has worn thin.

“What do you want for dinner?” He walked to the kitchen and donned an apron.

“Senpai, I want to learn to cook!” Rin Natsuki suddenly declared.

“There’s not much to learn,” Chen Zi’ang shook his head. “I only know some Lu family recipes, and the oil smoke is bad for your skin.”

“It’s fine. I want to learn some skills, so I can cook for my parents once in a while,” Rin Natsuki replied with a smile.

Alone in the cramped kitchen, working together to build rapport, showing her dexterity and suitability as a future wife—this was her next strategy.

If she was to play the apprentice, she would play it to the end.