Tell Me Everything

"Why is that Hiyori's voice?"

"She and Hui are together now."

After hearing Kitagawa Ryo's hushed explanation, Horikita Suzune nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly took a step back and ran to the other side of the room. She also took out her phone, as if she was about to call someone.

How was your Hiyori? Is your creative process going well?

"On the contrary, although I haven't quite reached the level of squeezing out six words in seven hours, it certainly wasn't smooth sailing either. The results of communicating with the editor were about the same; they almost said directly that I am indeed my father's biological daughter."

As a mystery novelist who can at best be considered a third-rate writer, Shiina Katsumi's books are probably only read by Shiina Hiyori and Kitagawa Ryo, whom she brought along. It has to be said that the editor's reply was quite tactful.

"That's alright, take your time. Instead of immediately considering writing a long series, you can start by writing a few short essays."

"Is it okay to go out in the cool evening?"

"... Isn't this a bit of a topic shift? Weren't we talking about writing?"

"Because feeling is the same thing, gathering material, um, that's gathering material."

"So, are we going to the Metropolitan Police Department tonight?"

"Just a normal shopping trip."

"This is the first time I've heard of finding inspiration for detective novels by going shopping."

"How could that be all? Many mystery novelists come up with a core plot and then fill it with all sorts of everyday life and educational tales that are actually unrelated to the main storyline, like bandaging a bandage to make up the word count. Many long novels are like this. For example, <The Tokyo Zodiac Murders> has a lot of useless travelogues about Kyoto, and for example..."

"Stop, stop, stop! Of course I know. You're going shopping, right? I'll meet up with you guys later, okay?"

"No need to trouble Liang to meet us. We'll come over and meet you in a bit. Liang, just send me the address. I'll call you when we're almost there. Bye-bye!"

After saying that, Shiina Hiyori hung up the phone first. Kitagawa Ryo could only send the name and location of his hotel via text message. Then he looked up and saw that Horikita Suzune was still on the phone on the other end of the room.

Seemingly not wanting him to hear the conversation, the other person deliberately faced the curtains and turned their back to him, while also trying to cover their mouth with their hand to reduce the volume of their voice, acting all mysterious.

However, what Horikita Suzune didn't know was that Amasawa Ichika, who was on the phone with her, was simultaneously exchanging information with Kitagawa Ryo on two separate threads.

"Got another one for you--"

Next came an emoji asking for praise.

Kitagawa Ryo simply typed a question mark at this.

"You're with Suzune right now, aren't you? She's on the phone right now, isn't she? That's right, I'm the one talking to her on the phone."

"To put it simply, I made a bet with her about Ryou, and it seems that Suzune is about to lose. We'll probably know the outcome tonight, which is why I said I'd help you get another one."

"... Putting aside what was actually resolved, can't you just use someone as a bet without my knowledge?"

"There's no way around it, it wouldn't be fun if Liang knew about this, but I'm sure this is what Liang wants, or rather, what he can't refuse? Anyway, consider it a surprise from me to you."

"Compared to this so-called surprise, I'm more curious about what you did during this Summer Special Exam. You were so secretive, not even telling me."

"I'm just coasting along at the Amasawa Family's company. What else can I do? I didn't tell Liang beforehand mainly because compared to others, my destination doesn't seem special. I'll just wait for Old Deng to die and collect all the gold coins."

Without any other implications, Amazuki Amasawa Ichika, genuinely had no feelings for her biological father. However, her performance at last year's Cultural Festival had an effect. Now, out of respect for Kitagawa Ryo, he was willing to acknowledge her as his daughter again and stage a long-awaited reunion. Amasawa Ichika, of course, seized the opportunity, but in the end, she would only give him gold coins and not, as he expected, give him Kitagawa's gold coins.

"I don't have the same ideals as Megumi, Honami, or Hiyori. Anyway, that's just my personality. In the end, Ryo just doesn't want to get rid of me."

Kitagawa Ryo could only say that she didn't believe a single word of the messages sent by Amasawa Ichika. After all, despite her seemingly nonchalant attitude, what she was actually doing was no different from Karuizawa Kei. They had all found their own niche early on and were just working hard towards that goal.

Where does Amasawa Ichika fit in?

She is truly the one among Kitagawa Ryo's circle of girls who can talk to anyone and has a fairly close relationship with more than half of them. Amasawa Ichika has always maintained a good sense of propriety in her interactions with others and has always been intentionally maintaining and expanding her social circle.

She already had a close relationship with Sakayanagi Arisu and Yuki because of the last mock exam. After entering the university, she easily won over Ichinose Honami, who treated her like a younger sister, with her most skilled techniques. During the Uninhabited Island Special Exam, she volunteered to form a duo with Sakura Airi and took care of her all the way. In this way, she made a connection with Karuizawa Kei, who was close to Airi. Then, she took the initiative to help Horikita Suzune in the Student Council election. And recently, she once again took the initiative to join the Student Council as an outside helper.

It can only be said that she is truly outstanding in terms of social skills. Moreover, for Kitagawa Ryo herself, she can be reliable when she needs to be and lively when she needs to be. She is definitely an indispensable member of this family in the future.

"No one can throw you away."

"Hmph, just because of what Liang said, I'll definitely give Liang a good surprise in the next couple of days -- that's all for now."

After sending the message simultaneously with Kitagawa Ryo, Horikita Suzune's call was also disconnected almost at the same time. Kitagawa Ryo, whose expression seemed even more unnatural than when she first entered the room and understood Horikita Suzune's cryptic hint, lingered as she returned, coughing rather deliberately.

"Have you finished making the calls, Liang?"

"Hmm, Megumi and Hiyori asked me to go shopping tonight. Suzune, want to come along too?"

Somewhat to Kitagawa Ryo, after he mentioned Karuizawa Kei and Shiina Hiyori's names, Horikita Suzune instinctively looked away, crossed her arms, and shook her head in refusal.

"I just made plans to meet with Ichika tonight."

"Then let's go together?"

"This also needs to be done together... no, no, cough cough, 'cool' means shopping, right?"

Watching Horikita Suzune suddenly lower her voice and start talking to herself, then immediately raise her head and act inexplicably awkward, Kitagawa Ryo also tilted his head:

"Otherwise what?"

"Hmm... I have something rather private to discuss with Ichika tonight, so let's just forget about it. Liang can go alone. Remember not to come back too late... no, right, what should I have said again?"

"Be careful! Suzune and Ichika, be careful too."

"Indeed, be careful about dryness and wetness... oops, I mean safety."

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Chapter 75: Please tell me everything

After temporarily parting ways with Horikita Suzune, who had been summoned by Amasawa Ichika for some unknown reason, Kitagawa Ryo also left the hotel where he was staying. This area is an uphill section leading from Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit towards Meguro. In Japanese, the word 'saka' is used to describe a slope or ramp, so the official name of this area is Dogenzaka.

Sakashita is the final stop, Shibuya Station. Along the way, there are large Tokyu Group stores and facilities such as 109, various restaurants, mixed-use buildings, cinemas, and other structures. Dogenzaka leads to Culture Village, has hostess shops and restaurants. Further along, there are many music performance spaces such as live houses and love hotels. It can be said that in every aspect, it is clearly designed for young men and women. Basically, you can find all the entertainment facilities you can think of here, making it a very suitable place for shopping and dating.

Although it was only 7 p. m. and night had just begun to fall, the various neon signs along the streets had already started flashing. Everywhere, groups of stylishly dressed young men and women could be seen, which made Karuizawa Kei and Shiina Hiyori Kitagawa Ryo to arrive, take a few more glances out of boredom.

While the most striking impression of Shibuya -style makeup is probably the image of a dark-skinned gyaru (female stunner), this is actually an outdated style that was popular at the end of the last century and the beginning of this century. Shibuya today is more of a chaotic mix; a casual glance reveals young women with all sorts of makeup styles, such as "landmine style," "forest style," "Lolita style," and "princess style," making it impossible to tell their age just by looking at them.

No matter how things change, the Shibuya style still retains its almost obsessive pursuit of eye makeup. Four or five layers of mascara, thick and exaggerated false eyelashes (even the lower lashes are covered), paired with heavy eyeshadow that deliberately extends below the brow bone and lower eyeliner drawn with black eyeliner, combined with shiny lip makeup, it's not easy to tell whether the person wandering the streets of Shibuya at this time is an elementary school student, a middle school student, or a high school student.

That's why, after taking a quick look, Kitagawa Ryo lost interest in the matter and subtly moved further into the shadows. After all, considering his Ultimate Attracted to Younger Women talent for being attracted to younger men, he was practically born to be approached in this area, since there were indeed a lot of high school, middle school, and even elementary school students on the streets of Shibuya.

After waiting anxiously for about twenty more minutes, Karuizawa Kei and Shiina Hiyori finally sent messages that they were about to arrive. After replying that he was waiting downstairs at the hotel, Kitagawa Ryo saw the two of them walking towards him a short while later.

Almost a year later, Karuizawa Kei once again unlocked her classic summer style. Although this pure white sleeveless dress is more like a commemorative set for a major defeat than the three-piece set she wore to win the championship, it still carries many precious memories for her.

And who knows, it might even become the champion's set tonight!

Shiina Hiyori wore a light blue chiffon blouse and a white high-waisted mini skirt. However, although it was called a mini skirt, the hem was only slightly above the knee. She wore flat sandals. Unlike Karuizawa Kei, who only had a small bag slung across her waist, she also carried a small suitcase with something inside that was unclear.

"You're here."

After simply raising his hand to greet the two, Kitagawa Ryo slowly emerged from the shadows.

"Where to? Up the slope or down?"

"Wait a minute, this must be the hotel where Liang is staying temporarily. It looks so-so."

Karuizawa Kei deftly bypassed Kitagawa Ryo, glancing around the inn a few times.

"I don't have that kind of budget. Who knows, I might end up staying in capsule hotels or internet cafes in the future."

"There are advantages to having a large hotel, and there are advantages to having a small one too."

Feeling something was off, Karuizawa Kei, after confirming, pushed open the hotel door. After the receptionist greeted her with "Welcome," she pulled Shiina Hiyori and handed her her identification.

"Get me a room for tonight."

The receptionist first gave Kitagawa Ryo, who had followed the two female guests in and clearly knew them, a strange look, then decisively chose to avoid trouble, making no mention of their male companion having checked into a room with another woman just an hour earlier, and continued to inquire in a businesslike manner:

Are there any requirements for the room?

"Hmm... two large beds, I guess."

"Okay, breakfast is served in the lobby every day. Please call the landline by your bed for assistance if needed. Here is your room key; please keep it safe."

As the receptionist handed over the room key, Kitagawa Ryo took the opportunity to glance at it. It was alright; although it was on the same floor, at least it wasn't directly next to his and Horikita Suzune's room.

"The theater should have a private lounge for you, right?"

"Can't I give it to Hiyori?"

"Does Hiyori herself?"

"I can come over Hiyori stay with Hiyori anytime, whether I have something to do or not."

Although Kitagawa Ryo really wanted to add that there was no need for two people to book a room with two double beds, he then remembered that he and Horikita Suzune had already done this before, so he wisely kept quiet.

It can only be said that things have developed to this point, and he has already sensed that unusual atmosphere.

Ryuen Kakeru Shojin wasn't lying; this Tokyo Special Exam really was an upgraded version of the Uninhabited Island, and a super-long, deluxe, ultimate gold version with a cruise ship DLC.

However, this time he couldn't call on his good friends like Ken Sudō and Ryuen Kakeru for backup. The former should be training hard in a sports club at some sports school right now, and the latter hadn't been found yet when he searched for keywords on short video and live streaming platforms, but he probably couldn't contact him for a while.

"Then I'll go put my luggage down first--"

Whether it was because the room key in her hand signaled the imminent occurrence of some predetermined fact, Shiina Hiyori seemed to Matsushita a lot and went upstairs first to put down the suitcase she had brought, which probably contained some personal belongings.

Taking advantage of the moment when only he and Karuizawa Kei were left in the hall, Kitagawa Ryo leaned over and asked in a low voice:

"What are you thinking, you idiot?"

However, Karuizawa Kei's reaction seemed even worse than his; she even moved closer, covering Kitagawa Ryo's mouth with her hand and muttering rapidly and incoherently:

"Ryo, shut up. Actually, I'm quite confused right now, or rather, extremely confused, because it was Hiyori first brought this up with me. After agreeing to her request, I've been wondering if I've really awakened some kind of special fetish. So, Ryo, who's getting the better deal but still acting innocent, it's best if you don't say anything for now."

To be honest, this was the first time Kitagawa Ryo had seen Karuizawa Kei in this form, so he decisively chose to shut up. A short while later, Shiina Hiyori and came down, and the three of them left the hotel again and set off.

Shibuya at night is undoubtedly more lively than during the day. Even as the night deepens, the flashing lights and neon signs are brighter than the daytime sunlight. The lively atmosphere and noisy voices are something you can't see on the Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School. It's Matoba has been missing for a long time.

However, the filter of novelty quickly shattered, because in bustling areas like Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya where they were now, being approached on the street was indeed a common and troublesome occurrence.

What left Karuizawa Kei and Shiina Hiyori speechless was that Kitagawa Ryo attracted even more attention than they did combined. Anyone who didn't know better would think someone had mischievously stuck a "first order free" sign on his back. In the end, the two of them even physically restrained Kitagawa Ryo's arms, one on each side, and half-dragged him into a clothing and accessories shop on the street before they finally calmed down.

"Maybe you should wear a mask next time, since it might be too cold?"

At school, she didn't feel anything special, but now, standing on the streets of Tokyo with its surge in crowds, Shiina Hiyori felt that Kitagawa Ryo's charm was almost as overwhelming as that of a superstar recording a variety show. At first, it was just two girls who were close to each other who took the initiative to ask for each other's contact information, but who knew that it would cause a chain reaction and get out of control.

"They're right here. I'll buy one and wear it now. If anyone asks, I'll say it's hay fever."

Karuizawa Kei acted even faster, immediately buying two masks for Kitagawa Ryo on the spot. Only then did she feel that the surroundings were much quieter, and at least she could shop in peace without being disturbed.

Unlike in ANHS, where they had hundreds of thousands or even millions of Private Points to spend, the three of them were currently in a rather tight financial situation. In particular, Shiina Hiyori, and Karuizawa Kei had even paid for their travel expenses and the room fee.

Although Kitagawa Ryo did have several thousand yen in his hand that Horikita Suzune had given him before he left, he felt it was a bit too much to use money that was considered their shared property to buy things for other girls. So after buying masks to cover their faces, the three of them entered a mode of just browsing without buying anything, which in a sense was a return to the most basic fun of shopping.

It must be said that the pricing of various goods inside Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School is basically the same as outside, and some items are even cheaper. However, since it is much easier to obtain Private Points than for high school students of the same age outside, this can lead to problems with their consumption habits.

While waiting for Karuizawa Kei and Shiina Hiyori tonight, Kitagawa Ryo also took a few moments to browse the school forum. He could easily find discussions about prices, and they were collective feelings from First Year to third-year students.

The First Year had just entered the school and immediately received hundreds of thousands of Private Points, feeling incredibly happy. Suddenly, overnight, they were back to being penniless and relying entirely on their own part-time jobs. The contrast between their previous situation and their current situation was quite significant.

The third-year students, on the other hand, had become accustomed to receiving Private Points from the school each month to make ends meet. Having been enrolled for over two years, they were no longer sensitive to external prices. When they habitually went to buy things like coffee, they would suddenly realize, "Wow, it's so expensive!" and then habitually open the school forum to post complaints.

Second graders are still working.

It can only be said that Kitagawa Ryo's influence on all classes in the entire grade is indeed substantial. Most students chose to seriously enter corporate internships during this Special Exam, trying to gain the rewards they would reap in the future.

"Speaking of which, I spoke with my family on the phone today, but I used my editor's phone. He pretended to be discussing the manuscript with my father, then casually mentioned that there was a new author he needed guidance on, and finally got to talk to my dad and mom."

While not every student at ANHS wanted to take advantage of this Summer Special Exam to see and talk to their family, Shiina Hiyori was one of them. After all, she had a good relationship with her family, and more importantly, she really wanted to hear with her own ears how her parents found the ring in her room.

"Yes--"

As she spoke, Shiina Hiyori extended her left hand to Kitagawa Ryo. Under the light of the street lamps, her already fair palm and wrist shone with a crystal-clear luster, revealing the ring on her middle finger.

"Both Mom and Dad said it was suddenly found in my bedroom drawer. Although it's interesting to keep guessing about this mystery, a detective novel should at least have an ending where the author reveals the answer to the reader."

Perhaps thinking of something, Shiina Hiyori hesitated for a moment, but then mustered up immense courage and asked him the question in its entirety:

"For me, if my story with Ryo is a series, then tonight is the final chapter of the first part. So... I want to know the things I don't know about myself and Ryo, from this ring to that memory and beyond."

In fact, when it comes to the pursuit of the truth, Shiina Hiyori is even superior to Karuizawa Kei. After all, the most important thing for a detective is to uncover the secrets behind all mysteries, especially when the truth itself is closely related to her.

"I want to hear Liang tell me everything."

For some reason, Shiina Hiyori suddenly felt a little uneasy, much like her younger self when, after being confronted with a declaration of war from mystery novelists, she hesitantly turned to the last few pages, clinging to her own reasoning, to confront the truth.

Is she worried it's too heavy, not romantic enough, or is it simply because of the fact that the other person has been hiding all this time?

Taking a few more deep breaths, Shiina Hiyori looked up at Kitagawa Ryo and uttered the last half of her sentence:

"... just before I gave myself completely to you."

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