The Boy Who Could Be Seen (7)

Since the other party politely and coldly refused him, Inuyama Heita couldn't find any reason to get involved further. He could only tell himself that perhaps things would develop in a good direction, and that he wouldn't have the ability to resolve the issue even if he intervened. Therefore, it wasn't that he was standing by idly, but rather that he was powerless.

However, he knew in his heart that this was just wishful thinking. People trapped in such a mire rarely had good endings. Those religious groups would often drain every last bit of value from a person before letting go.

As the impulse brought on by the half-price bento slowly faded, Inuyama Heita's inner scales began to tip towards self-preservation. Just like everyone else, he decided it was best to remain indifferent to such matters. But a few days later, Suzuki's absence from school caused Inuyama Heita a sense of inexplicable unease.

Just as Inuyama Heita was about to put those matters out of his mind, trouble arrived uninvited, finding him.

This day, at Shanwai Lou.

"Inuyama, table 13's order."

"Coming right up!"

The Chinese restaurant "Shanwai Lou" was still bustling with activity. Inuyama Heita was almost overwhelmed. He grabbed a menu and went to table 13. Picking up his pen, he asked with his head bowed, "What would you like to order?"

"One Mapo Tofu, one Tianjin Fried Rice. And, what a coincidence, Inuyama-kun."

That somewhat familiar, insincere voice sounded. Inuyama Heita's head snapped up, and he realized the person in front of him was Matsui, the man in the suit who had harassed Suzuki's home a few nights ago.

"It's you... Why are you here?" Inuyama Heita frowned, his disgust for the man in front of him unconcealed.

"Hey, hey, hey, I did order food, so I'm a customer," Matsui said with a smile. "Is this how your establishment treats its guests?"

Inuyama Heita retorted sarcastically, "Customer, you jest. If merely ordering food is concerned, our establishment welcomes you, of course. But this is not a maid café, so if there's nothing else, please don't chat with the servers. As you can see, I have many other esteemed guests to attend to." If the man was just coincidentally dining there, it would be fine, but if not...

As expected, Inuyama Heita's fears came true. Matsui looked at him with a half-smile and said, "How heartless, Heita-kun. It seems you have a deep prejudice against me. I came here specifically for you."

"We aren't that close. Why do you know I'm here? And why did you specifically come to find me?" Inuyama Heita fired off a series of questions. He put on a brave front, but a hint of panic stirred within him. Could their religious group actually be very powerful? Is that how they found out my identity so quickly? But why would they come looking for me? Are they here to retaliate for me ruining their plans?

"Well, don't worry, it's not what you think. We, the Lucky Mutual Aid Society, are a legitimate and lawful organization. We don't do anything that violates regulations," Matsui said calmly. "The takeout box in your bag that night had this restaurant's logo on it. It was easy to find out with a little investigation. As for why I'm looking for you... it's naturally because you're the talent we need, Inuyama. Don't you see this child's appearance?"

A pale little hand flashed past the back of Matsui's collar. Inuyama Heita could even hear a child's innocent laughter, seeming to be both near and far, echoing in his ears. Despite the noisy restaurant, the sound was incredibly clear, sending a shiver down his spine.

Inuyama Heita feigned composure and played dumb. "Sir, I don't understand what you're saying. Is there anything else you need?"

"The German philosopher Nietzsche said, 'When you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.' To put it more plainly, Inuyama, the moment you noticed this child, this child also knew you could see him. So, let's skip the probing and get straight to the point. We need your talent. Come with us. There, your talent can be utilized, instead of working here to barely support your studies. As far as I know, your life must be quite difficult, right? By the way, Miss Suzuki told me this."

Because he never participated in group activities and spent all his free time working or on his way to work, Inuyama Heita was known as a "work warrior" at school. Everyone knew his financial situation wasn't great, so it was normal for Suzuki to know. But the problem was...

"What did you do to her?" Inuyama Heita frowned. "Explain yourself clearly, or I'm calling the police!"

Matsui chuckled. "I already told you, we don't do anything that violates regulations. It's just that through our active communication, she's gradually come to understand our philosophy. We've never done anything to restrict personal freedom, you know."

"Then why has she been..."

"Inuyama, what are you doing over there? Is this the time to be chatting with customers?" Just as he was about to continue asking, a reprimand came from not too far away. The manager was looking at Inuyama Heita with displeasure, seemingly scolding him for slacking off.

"Heh, it seems I've picked the wrong time," Inuyama Heita said, seeing Matsui obligingly take a folded flyer from his pocket and hand it to him. "How about this, Heita-kun? Tomorrow afternoon, we'll have a gathering for our society, and Miss Suzuki will be there too. Why don't you decide after attending our gathering? Go on, get back to work. Don't forget my Mapo Tofu and Tianjin Fried Rice. Oh, and since I'm here for once, pack some shrimp dumplings to go. This child wants to try them too."

Another string of bell-like laughter echoed in his ears, giving Inuyama Heita goosebumps. But under the manager's watchful eye, he suppressed the urge to turn and leave, continuing his work as usual. The clamor of voices provided him with some reassurance. When he finally managed to pull himself away from his busy tasks a moment later, he looked back towards where Matsui had been, but the man in the suit had already vanished, presumably having finished his meal and left.

"Lucky Mutual Aid Society..." He took out the flyer from his pocket and examined its contents carefully. The flyer generally promoted the idea of escaping misfortune and starting a new phase in life. Like other strange religious groups, this Lucky Mutual Aid Society also seemed rather mystical. At the end of the flyer, the date and location of their upcoming gathering were listed. It was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, and the location wasn't some remote place but rather in a building in the bustling city center.

Torn between curiosity and apprehension, Inuyama Heita ultimately went to the gathering location the next day, flyer in hand...

Then he stood at the entrance, making eye contact with Qian Xiaoyi.