“My relationship with Chief Ono isn’t something you can understand. Anyway, if they don’t voluntarily withdraw the case, I won’t pay any compensation.” Sakurai Takahiro’s eyes flickered, his voice still holding a hint of stubbornness, but lacking conviction.
“Relationship?” The police officer stood firm. “I’d like to remind you that Chief Ono was Shimamura Yuji’s best partner during his lifetime. Do you think your connections can compare to a life-and-death friendship?”
At these words, Sakurai Takahiro’s arrogant expression instantly crumbled, his bluster clearly deflating. But he still managed to let out a heavy snort, holding on to his pride.
On the other side, after finishing their statements, a few police officers said to Shimamura Konan, “Mrs. Shimamura, we’ve thoroughly understood the situation. It’s getting late, so please take the children home to rest. Tomorrow, we will definitely give you a satisfactory answer.”
“You’ve truly gone to so much trouble for everyone.” Shimamura Konan bowed deeply.
“Please don’t do that.” The police officer quickly waved his hand, his voice filled with guilt. “Today was our oversight. If we had paid more attention to the situation there during our patrol, you wouldn’t have suffered this loss and grievance.”
After several polite exchanges, Shimamura Konan walked towards home with Gu Jin and Yoko.
Upon returning home, Shimamura Konan turned and went into the kitchen to make two bowls of noodles for the children.
“Auntie, don’t bother. You should rest early. I should be heading back now,” Gu Jin said.
“Eat your noodles before you go. You live close by, it’s just a few steps,” Shimamura Konan insisted.
Gu Jin lived right next door to Yoko’s house.
“Auntie, I’ll go with you to set up the stall tomorrow night,” Gu Jin offered.
“It’s alright, I don’t think they’ll dare to cause trouble again,” Shimamura Konan said softly.
“Anyway, there’s not much going on at school these days, and I’m just idle,” Gu Jin insisted.
“Then… alright. You’re really working hard, Xiao Jin,” Konan sighed softly and agreed.
“Auntie, you don’t need to be so polite with me.”
Soon, two steaming bowls of ramen were placed before them.
“Yoko, you eat with Xiao Jin. I’m a bit tired, so I’m going to rest first.” Shimamura Konan rubbed her temples.
“Okay, Mom. Good night.”
“Good night, Auntie.”
As the two children said good night, Konan dragged her weary body back to her room.
“Jin, my heart truly aches for Mom…” Yoko’s eyes instantly reddened, her voice choked with uncontrollable sobs.
Gu Jin gently patted her back and said in a deep voice, “Yoko, don’t worry. As long as we work hard, we’ll definitely be able to give Auntie Konan a good life in the future.”
“Jin, it’s a good thing you’re here.” Yoko sniffled and leaned her face gently on Gu Jin’s shoulder, her voice trembling. “I can’t imagine what I’d become if you weren’t by my side in the future…”
“What foolishness are you talking about?” Gu Jin turned his face, his eyes as serious as if reflecting starlight. “Yoko, I will be good to you for life, and I will be good to Auntie Konan for life. I will never break my promise.”
“You always know how to coax me,” Yoko grumbled, but the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but turn up slightly.
“I’m serious,” Gu Jin’s voice was low and firm.
“Mm, I know.” Yoko’s cheeks flushed. She quietly looked up, closed her eyes, and with a hint of shyness, gently leaned in and kissed Gu Jin’s lips… The next day, the police officers brought the “compensation,” which also included the “goodwill” of several officers, totaling three hundred thousand Japanese Yen—a considerable sum at the time.
The police station imposed appropriate penalties on Sakurai Shinoka, but later, the kind Shimamura Konan ultimately chose to reconcile, which prevented the matter from escalating to the school.
Graduation arrived as scheduled, and Yoko, with her excellent grades, successfully secured a scholarship spot at Ryonan.
However, neither she nor Gu Jin knew that there was another reason behind this honor—Shimamura Yoko’s ability to secure the spot was largely due to Chief Ono’s covert assistance.
The incident where Sakurai Shinoka brought thugs to smash the ramen stall had, after all, reached Chief Ono’s ears. And this Chief happened to be a long-time acquaintance with deep ties to Ryonan’s school board… Three months passed in a flash, and this day marked Yoko and Gu Jin’s official entry into Ryonan Academy.
The morning light gilded the red brick walls with warm gold, and the late summer breeze carried the scent of grass and trees through the tree-lined path, mingled with scattered laughter.
When Gu Jin and Yoko pushed their bicycles through the school gate, many students were already heading to the registration office, their skirts and ties gently swaying in the wind.
Gu Jin wore a purple tracksuit, the zipper casually pulled down to his chest, revealing the collar of a white T-shirt.
His 190-centimeter height was like a straight white poplar, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and incredibly long legs. His fingertips tapped unconsciously on the handlebars, and as his gaze swept across the campus, he exuded a striking presence.
Shimamura Yoko, beside him, was completely different.
A knee-length white dress adorned with delicate lace, her fair calves peeking out as her skirt swayed. White canvas shoes paired with light blue striped ankle socks, a clever touch hidden in the details.
As the two walked towards the registration office, they drew many curious glances—boys frequently turned their heads to look at Gu Jin’s height, while girls couldn’t help but observe Yoko’s appearance. Even a teacher organizing the notice board by the roadside took a second look.
Upon reaching the registration area, they found that boys and girls registered separately.
Shimamura Yoko walked with light steps into the girls’ line. Her height of 167 centimeters made her stand out among the girls, instantly drawing attention.
Yoko quickly filled out the form. When it was time to receive her school uniform, the teacher rummaged through the boxes behind him and handed Yoko a girl’s uniform set, which was a perfect fit.
However, the teacher on Gu Jin’s side was indeed in a predicament.
The teacher responsible for distributing uniforms searched through the pile of boys’ uniforms for a long time, finally picking up the largest size. He compared it to Gu Jin’s height and still shook his head.
“Student, your height…” The teacher looked a bit troubled. “The largest size we have prepared is for 185 cm. It might be a bit tight for you.”
At these words, the students waiting in line all looked over. The previously low murmurs quieted down, and several gazes fell on Gu Jin, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.
Someone couldn’t help but whisper, “He’s so tall, taller than the basketball team captain, right?”
“Haven’t you heard? I heard Ryonan’s basketball captain is over two meters tall!”
“Two meters? How tall is that…”
Gu Jin didn’t pay attention to the surrounding gazes; he just looked at the teacher. “Are there any larger sizes?”
“Not at the moment,” the teacher apologized with a smile. “We prepared sizes based on the tallest students from previous years, and we didn’t expect to have a ‘little giant’ like you this year. How about this, I’ll note down your size and have the logistics department make an extra set as soon as possible. Can you come pick it up tomorrow?”
“Okay, Teacher. Thank you for your trouble.” Gu Jin nodded in agreement, his tone crisp.
Just then, a somewhat languid voice interjected, “Teacher Aoba, there’s no need. Teacher Taoka has already collected his uniform.”
The newcomer turned his head and gestured to Gu Jin with his chin. “Gu Jin, junior, the coach arranged for me to pick you up today. Come directly to Teacher Taoka’s office with me.”
At these words, the surrounding chatter immediately changed tone.
“So he’s a special recruit for the basketball team? No wonder he’s so tall!”
“I knew it, an ordinary freshman wouldn’t have this kind of aura…”
“Coach Taoka personally arranged for someone to pick him up. It seems he’s a key player they’re cultivating?”
“Of course, and look who came to pick him up. That shows significant importance.”
Gu Jin’s gaze fell on the other person—short, spiky black hair, two buttons of his white shirt collar undone, a hint of a nonchalant smile playing on his lips, giving him a languid appearance.
Gu Jin paused, then asked, “Are you Senior Sendoh?”
The newcomer raised an eyebrow, a tacit affirmation, and turned to walk towards the side door of the auditorium. “Let’s go, the coach is waiting.”
Gu Jin turned to look at Yoko, his eyes holding a hint of apology.
Yoko understood, smiling and waving her hand. “You go ahead. I’ll get my things and check the class schedule. See you in class.”
“Mm,” Gu Jin responded, quickly following Sendoh’s retreating back.
Their tall figures moved through the crowd, once again drawing a flurry of hushed discussions, and even Yoko, standing still, was quietly observed by several curious glances.