The old man had originally been somewhat timid, but when he heard Akai Shuichi's words, his eyes lit up, and a trace of brilliance returned to his clouded gaze. "'Also'... So you've hired Jiang Xia before?"
—To have dealt with such a sharp Detective as Jiang Xia and not been sent away, it seemed the young man beside him merely looked fierce and was not actually a bad person?
The old man immediately relaxed and quietly reflected on his habit of judging people by appearance.
Akai Shuichi noticed his guard lowering and followed up, "Jiang Xia is a very reliable Detective. What do you need him for? Perhaps I can offer you some advice based on my experience—by the way, what should I call you?"
The old man did not reveal his commission, merely chuckling. "My surname is Shitara. Shitara Jukichi."
Akai Shuichi had intended to look him up once he got his name, but this turned out to be such a rare surname that he swiftly tried to recall the corresponding kanji.
Shitara Jukichi clearly knew his name was unusual. It happened to be raining, and a layer of mist had formed on the window, so he reached out and wrote two characters on it. "This is my surname."
Then he looked at Akai Shuichi. "And you? How do you write your name?"
Akai Shuichi glanced at the window. Just then, his gaze sharpened as he felt someone lightly brush against the pocket on the other side of his coat.
—Shitara Jukichi had secretly put something into his trench coat.
Akai Shuichi: "..." Was this an assassin sent by Uzo? Had he planted a bomb?
No, it did not weigh like one. Besides, the man's movements were flustered and furtive. He looked like an amateur no matter how he