The next morning, Xinhai got up a little later than usual.
Sunlight had already streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting bright patches across the floor.
Eevee was curled up beside the pillow, sleeping soundly with its fluffy tail covering its face.
Xinhai did not wake it. He quietly got out of bed, washed up, and began preparing breakfast.
As the fragrance of porridge filled the room, his partners gradually woke up.
After breakfast, Xinhai took the pale beige business card from his pocket and glanced at the address—17 Coastal Avenue, North District, Lilycove City.
"Today, we're visiting Mr. Akamatsu," he told his partners.
"Vee!" Eevee immediately perked up, its big brown eyes full of anticipation.
Coastal Avenue lay on the southwestern side of Lilycove City, right along the coastline. It was a quiet, elegant street.
Tall palm trees lined both sides of the road, swaying gently in the sea breeze.
Most of the buildings along the street were European-style villas, with red-tiled roofs and white walls arranged in pleasing layers.
The sea glittered in the distance, while several Wingull circled overhead.
Following the address on the business card, Xinhai found number seventeen on Coastal Avenue.
It was a small two-story house with off-white exterior walls and a red-tiled roof.
There was a small yard in front, planted with neatly trimmed shrubs and a flourishing cluster of roses.
The gate was open. Xinhai pushed open the wrought-iron gate and walked inside.
Just as he reached the door, it opened.
Akamatsu Jun stood inside, still wearing that floppy beret and a dark brown cotton-linen jacket.
When he saw Xinhai, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly in a warm, sincere smile.
"Mr. Bai Mu, you've arrived." His voice was low and gentle. "Please, come in."
"Sorry for the intrusion."