Chapter 43: A Humble Hopeless Admirer
Chapter 43: A Humble Hopeless Admirer
Fang Cheng slammed his chopsticks on the table and barked at Kanzaki Rin, “Didn’t I tell you not to come?”
Kanzaki Rin: “Hah?”
Kujou Arata: “Hah?”
Maeda Kenichi: “Hah?”
Fang Cheng turned to the two men, “Sorry. When I saw you two through the cat’s eye earlier, I panicked. I just wanted to ask Rin about the situation. Didn’t expect her to come running over.”
His shocking words made Maeda Kenichi and Kujou Arata leap up from their chairs.
Kujou Arata gaped wordlessly while Maeda Kenichi stammered, “Y-you… what’s your relationship??”
Though barely acquainted with Kanzaki Rin, he knew this rising star had countless admirers among interns and even full members.
To think she’d been hiding a man here – no, keeping a boyfriend!
If this got out, chaos would follow.
“Our relationship?”
Fang Cheng smiled innocently, “Just regular friends. Nothing special.”
*Bullshit! You’re on first-name basis and claim it’s casual?*
Fang Cheng jerked his chin at Kanzaki Rin, “Ask her yourself.”
Both men swiveled their heads.
Now composed, Kanzaki Rin understood Fang Cheng’s attempt to shield her.
But his vague wording only deepened the misunderstanding. Their coordination needed work.
Facing their probing gazes, she smoothed her long hair and nodded, “True. We’re ordinary friends. I came to prevent misunderstandings.”
“Right…”
Maeda Kenichi feigned understanding while doubting every word.
*Ordinary friends don’t rush over personally. A phone call would’ve sufficed.*
Her earlier silence now seemed like a lover’s guilty panic.
“If you’re Kanzaki’s friend, no issue here. We’ll take our leave…”
Maeda Kenichi nudged the stunned Kujou Arata.
“Leaving so soon? Stay for tea.”
Fang Cheng grinned, then snapped at Kanzaki Rin, “Stop loafing! Wash these dishes!”
Both visitors twitched at his audacious tone.
Kanzaki Rin – the Countermeasures Department’s proud ice queen – letting some guy order her around?
Yet no outburst came.
She inhaled deeply, resembling a meek housewife as she gathered dishes. Sleeves rolled up, she began scrubbing in the kitchen.
Maeda Kenichi and Kujou Arata were dumbfounded, especially when Kanzaki Rin casually pulled dish soap from under the stove.
“How many times have you washed dishes here to be this skilled?”
Kujou Arata looked utterly bewildered.
Fang Cheng explained to them, “She keeps mooching meals here, so washing dishes is her payment. There’s really nothing between us.”
“I know! I know!”
Maeda Kenichi replied dismissively, barely suppressing his laughter.
_You think I’m an idiot? Trying to fool me with that excuse?_
He dragged the stunned Kujou Arata away, hastily making their exit.
Staying longer might’ve shattered the junior’s entire worldview.
Fang Cheng told Kanzaki Rin, “At least walk your colleagues out. Where are your manners?”
Kanzaki Rin glared murderously, imagining chopping him with the kitchen knife.
Swallowing her anger, she wiped her hands and escorted them out.
The trio walked silently through the hallway. At the elevator, Maeda Kenichi finally blurted, “Kanzaki… this isn’t… you don’t have to…”
He believed Kanzaki Rin occupied the lowest status in this “relationship” – a hopeless admirer being ordered around.
The Countermeasures Department overflowed with promising young men who’d flock to her instantly. Why become someone’s doormat?
Could that annoying brat truly possess qualities worth such devotion?
“If there’s something forcing you…” Kujou Arata suddenly revived, gazing hopefully. He needed to hear she was being coerced.
What could Kanzaki Rin say?
She forced calmness, answering through gritted teeth, “No coercion. I choose this.”
Her declaration struck like lightning, draining color from Kujou Arata’s face.
Even disinterested Maeda Kenichi felt sour lemon bitterness. How’d this prime catch become devoted to some unkempt outsider?
“Don’t speak of today’s events,” Kanzaki Rin demanded.
“Of course,” Maeda Kenichi vowed. “We’re not gossips.”
Leaking this would cause chaos without benefiting them. Why make enemies?
As Kanzaki Rin left, Kujou Arata covered his trembling face. His secret love had evaporated before blooming.
Maeda Kenichi patted his shoulder sympathetically. Love indeed blinds.
The goddess you worship might secretly be someone else’s groveling admirer.
…
The “groveling admirer” returned home, glaring at Fang Cheng. “Enjoying yourself?”
Fang Cheng guffawed. “Doesn’t my laughter answer that?”
Seeing her darkening expression, he relented. “No gratitude? I helped you!”
“I know!” she hissed. “That’s why you’re still breathing!”
Only Fang Cheng’s assistance prevented her outburst. Yet his antics convinced everyone she’s his pathetic admirer – ruining her reputation.
Noticing her impending dark transformation, Fang Cheng changed subjects. “You said they came hunting vampires due to a tip. Explain.”
Kanzaki Rin sobered immediately. “An anonymous informant reported you. Has your immortal identity been exposed?”
“Nope.” Fang Cheng shrugged. “I’ve stayed home like some kept man.”
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“Want to die?”
“Joking! You providing three meals daily? Feels like being maintained.”
“You could refuse!”
“Nah. Mooching suits me fine.”
Finding no answers, they agreed Kanzaki Rin would investigate the informant secretly.
“How’s your ghost-hunting operation?” Fang Cheng asked. No news had surfaced online.
Her expression hardened. “Failed. Someone warned our targeted vampires. They’ve all hidden now.”