Perhaps what made him happy was not these books, nor the endless library, but Lin Yan himself. Because it was Lin Yan, and no one else.
Though this library date had encountered a tiny setback, Lin Yan had resolved it without anyone noticing, leaving no unpleasant memories behind.
Hinami was truly happy, and she was excited all the way back.
"Big sister, big brother, this is so pretty." Hinami showed them the free gift she had received from the library—a beautiful bookmark.
"Yeah."
Lin Yan answered, then said to Hinami, "How about we come to the library again tomorrow?"
"Okay."
Hinami was thrilled.
The next day, Lin Yan still accompanied Hinami as she read. Hinami was very quiet when she read, as adorable as a quiet doll. At that moment, Lin Yan felt that silence could be this happy too, even in this unfamiliar world—at least, unfamiliar to him.
And Lin Yan discovered some new news.
"20th Ward. A female nurse working at a university hospital, and she had just held her wedding."
"Do you know her?"
"No."
"Wait."
"What is it?"
"Quiet!"
A woman walked toward Tōka and said to her, "So you come to the library too."
She was an utterly ordinary woman. Whether in appearance or clothing, she was no different from the women passing by on the street. At least, that was how ordinary people would see her. She was a ghoul who had concealed herself quite well—truly hidden in plain sight.
"Wasn't there a guy killed near Anteiku before? She was that guy's girlfriend."
"He was just bragging everywhere. He knew I was attending university and threatened that if I didn't want my identity exposed, I had to provide him with 'food.' I was relieved when he died."
The woman sat down, and Tōka relaxed