"This is just me being impatient!"
Facing Fu Qian's question, Hayami Suzune let out a cold laugh. She pressed down hard, slowly crushing the paper heart in her hand.
"Seeing how much Kanna Kisaragi was looking forward to dinner with you piqued my curiosity, too. I couldn't help borrowing the invitation. You don't mind, do you?"
With one hand braced on the table, Hayami Suzune stared intently at Fu Qian, her tone distinctly hostile.
There was no doubt about it: this Night Watcher had come looking for trouble.
She must have seen the unusual invitation while escorting the criminal suspect home.
"How could I? I'm simply overwhelmed by your generous attention, Lady Suzune."
Despite Hayami Suzune's murderous expression, Fu Qian still spoke with a cheerful smile.
"Actually, I understand what you're thinking."
Seeing Fu Qian act so recklessly, Suzune leaned a little closer, her voice growing even lower.
"Once today's test is over and the Miracle Potion in Kanna Kisaragi is deemed ineffective, you'll be free to do whatever you want. You won't have to worry about me causing trouble anymore, right?"
"That would be the reasonable conclusion, wouldn't it?"
Fu Qian looked surprised.
"That would be reasonable, yes. But unfortunately, I won't let you have your way."
It was clear that Hayami Suzune had learned from their past encounters. Fu Qian's demeanor wasn't enough to make her lose her temper this time.
"I don't care anymore how Kisaragi Iken died. But I absolutely won't let a cold-blooded scumbag do the same thing to his daughter now."
"I understand how you feel. But are you sure that's what the person involved wants, too?"
In response to Hayami Suzune's deadly threat, Fu Qian rested his chin on his hand. He seemed remarkably unruffled.
His question clearly made Hayami Suzune falter.