The siblings finally squeezed out of the crowd.
Reiko smoothed her wrinkled skirt hem and shot a disgusted glare back at the young married women still craning their necks.
These shameless second-hand hags actually dared to eye her Onii-chan!
"Right, Onii-chan,"
Reiko suddenly tilted her head.
"Why did you mention Cao Cao earlier? He's from China's Three Kingdoms period, right? Was he really into married women?"
"If he didn't like them, he wouldn't be nicknamed Wife-Stealer Cao," Hayashi Shuichi answered absentmindedly, eyes scanning everywhere for the Miyanos.
"Why bother looking for them?" Reiko pouted, feeling jealous that he still cared about that Mrs. Miyano. "You're not even in the science field."
"They might run into trouble, I—" Hayashi Shuichi cut off as he spotted Elena Miyano in the distance and quickly pulled Reiko toward her.
Halfway there, they bumped straight into Dr. Agasa. "How was it, little miss? Pretty awesome science fair, huh?"
Reiko's eyes spun; she grabbed her brother's hand and asked the doctor, "Uncle, do you know Atsushi Miyano and Elena Miyano?"
"Of course. Why?"
The delay made Elena disappear again.
Hayashi Shuichi inwardly sighed and patiently listened to his sister chat with the doctor.
"I met big sis Elena in the biology section earlier," Reiko said. "She's super pretty and really gentle."
"Eh? She gets called 'big sis' while I'm 'uncle'? We're basically the same age…"
Dr. Agasa grumbled, then laughed. "Mrs. Miyano is a famous beauty in the science world. A lot of male researchers call her the Golden-Haired Angel."
"Angel?" Reiko wrinkled her little nose. "She's gentle, sure, but isn't that a bit much?"
"Haha, that's how it is in science—mostly guys. A gorgeous woman shows up and everyone…" Dr. Agasa trailed off with an awkward chuckle.
Reiko grinned mischievously. "So… do you like big sis Elena too, uncle?"
"I'm different! I already have someone I—" Dr. Agasa's face flushed; he frantically pulled out a handkerchief to wipe nonexistent sweat. "Anyway, why are you asking?"
"Nothing much," Reiko shook her head. "Onii-chan said he'd heard rumors about the Miyano couple."
"You guys heard too?" Dr. Agasa scratched his head. "Mr. Miyano has a bad reputation because of his research—people call him a mad scientist. But I talked to him once; he's actually friendly and straightforward, nothing like the rumors."
"Mad scientist?" Reiko asked curiously. "What does he research?"
"Not sure," Dr. Agasa thought. "Something about biotechnology related to the human body, I think."
At that moment, Hayashi Shuichi spotted Sharon looking around as if searching for someone.
This confirmed it—Sharon was here for the Miyanos.
"Doctor, do you know the Karasuma Group?" Hayashi Shuichi suddenly asked.
"Yeah," Dr. Agasa nodded. "Huge multinational, but shady. They bully scientists into working for them and run a lot of dirty businesses."
"People from Karasuma are here right now. The Miyanos are their target. Please warn them," Hayashi Shuichi whispered. "And you too, Reiko—go find Mrs. Miyano and tell her Karasuma Group members are inside."
"Huh?"
Dr. Agasa was about to ask more, but Hayashi Shuichi was already walking away.
He looked down at Reiko in confusion. "Your brother—"
"Onii-chan doesn't joke about stuff like this," Reiko said seriously. "Let's split up and find them."
"…Alright."
Hayashi Shuichi reached the witch. The museum lights shimmered on Sharon's golden hair.
"We meet again, 'Teacher' Sharon!"
"I don't want to see you right now. Go play with your little sister," Sharon snapped and turned to leave.
Yet Hayashi Shuichi stuck to her like glue.
"What the hell do you want?" Sharon stopped, chest rising with irritation.
"I missed you. Wanted to see more of you," Hayashi Shuichi said sincerely.
Half true—he did miss her mature allure, something Eri and Yukiko couldn't match.
The other half: he simply didn't want her reaching the Miyanos.
"You—"
Sharon faltered. She'd missed him too. Their short, life-and-death time together was etched in her heart.
But remembering her resolve, she hardened her face. "I don't miss you. Last time I said we're—"
Before she finished, Hayashi Shuichi stepped forward.
"What are you—"
He pulled her waist close, his warm palm searing through thin fabric, scattering her thoughts.
Then he sealed her lips.
"Mmph…"
Sharon pushed at his chest, red nails digging in, but her strength faded.
Eventually her eyes fluttered shut, long golden lashes trembling as she melted into the kiss.
Hayashi Shuichi, meanwhile, grew clearer-headed.
He savored her sweet lips while watching behind her with peripheral vision.
He'd kissed her only because the Miyanos had appeared just behind Sharon.
To keep her from turning around, he had "no choice" but to sacrifice himself.
Seeing her eyes closed, he glanced over—Dr. Agasa and the Miyanos were staring, dumbfounded.
Elena even covered her mouth, emerald eyes wide beneath blonde hair.
What are you looking at? Never seen a kiss? Move it!
Hayashi Shuichi raised a brow and winked.
Dr. Agasa remembered his mission and quickly pulled the couple aside.
Once they were gone, Hayashi Shuichi relaxed, releasing the flushed, still-dazed witch.
Her lipstick was smudged, a seductive red streak at the corner of her mouth.
"That's your 'I don't miss you'?" He smiled, thumb gently wiping the smear.
Sharon burned with embarrassment. This brat—days apart and he dared take the lead?
She used to be the one in control!
"Hmph, just a kiss. Big deal."
Competitive fire ignited. She licked her lips, leaned to his ear, and whispered huskily, "My car's right outside. No one around… Shall we finish what we started last time?"
Her fingers traced his throat, feeling him swallow hard.
A car quickie invitation?
Hayashi Shuichi blinked. Keeping her away from the Miyanos was the goal—going along seemed… acceptable?
He was about to nod when Sharon suddenly tensed, yanking him behind a display.
He instantly sensed danger from her expression.
Looking where she looked—Gin and Vodka had entered the museum.
The silver-haired killer's cold face looked demonic under the lights.
"Those two are dangerous. Don't approach, don't investigate," Sharon whispered, cupping his face toward her. "Don't make me worry, okay?"
Hayashi Shuichi's heart warmed at the beautiful blonde's concern.
"I have to go. You leave too," she said, pecking his lips. "If they see us together, you'll be in danger."
With reluctance, the superstar pushed him away and stepped out.
By the time she reached Gin and Vodka, she was once again the untouchable international star.
"Why are you here?" she asked icily.
Gin smirked. "Same reason as you."
"You knew the Miyanos would be here—why didn't you tell us?" Vodka grumbled behind his sunglasses.
"If I had, what—you'd wave guns at them?" Sharon scoffed, arms crossed.
"Violence is the fastest solution," Gin said flatly, "especially for people like the Miyanos who refuse to cooperate."
"Force them now and then what?" Sharon snapped. "Our goal isn't just recruitment—it's getting them to develop the drug willingly!"
"If they slack off later—"
"They have a daughter," Gin cut in, lips curling cruelly. "Threaten the kid. They'll obey."
"That's the last resort!" Sharon glared, aqua eyes blazing. "Let me talk to them first. If I can persuade—"
"Then you'd better find them before we do," Gin sneered and walked off.
Vodka scratched his head and followed.
Sharon clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms.
That silver-haired brat was insufferable—nothing like her Shuichi!
From nearby, Hayashi Shuichi hadn't left; he'd eavesdropped against the wall.
So the Organization really was after the Miyanos. Since the couple hadn't joined yet, he had to help them.
He looked up at the ceiling sprinkler detector.
…
"How do you know the Karasuma Group has been harassing us lately?" Atsushi Miyano asked in surprise.
"Some high school kid who was just making out with a foreign beauty told me," Dr. Agasa said, puzzled. "No idea how he knew."
"Womanizer. Don't like him," Elena shook her head. "His little sister was adorable, though."
Dr. Agasa gave an awkward laugh. He'd thought the kid and his cousin were an item—then seconds later the boy was devouring a blonde bombshell.
So jealous… I mean, what a jerk!
Did he send me away just to flirt with foreigners while using the warning as an excuse?
Whatever. Dr. Agasa relayed the message.
"Anyway, he said Karasuma people are here. If you don't want trouble, leave now."
"Can we trust some random high schooler?" Atsushi hesitated.
"Doesn't matter—let's go," Elena urged quietly. "Akemi's waiting."
"Right." Thinking of their daughter, Atsushi nodded.
The couple headed for the exit, unaware a silver-haired teen was tailing them.
"Big bro, those two are the targets, right?" Vodka whispered excitedly.
Gin nodded and quickened his pace.
At the same time, Sharon spotted the Miyanos leaving and started after them.
Suddenly, piercing alarms blared through the museum.
The shrill sound froze everyone.
Next second, the ceiling sprinklers exploded—torrents of water rained down, triggering screams.
Panicked visitors either rushed for the exits or scrambled for cover.
(End of chapter)
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