"Eri, why are you..." Mouri Kogoro's gaze darted back and forth between Hayashi Shuichi and Kisaki Eri. Finally, the realization dawned on him. "You two..."
Although Kisaki Eri felt a twinge of embarrassment, she had slowly grown accustomed to the situation and simply continued down the stairs without a word.
Once she was out of earshot, Mouri Kogoro threw an arm around Hayashi Shuichi's neck, his face twisted in comical frustration. "Damn it, I'm one step behind you again! No, I'm going to find Ruri right now!"
With that declaration, the man rushed downstairs in a frenzy.
"Hey, take it easy! Don't go scaring Ruri off!" Hayashi Shuichi called out, shaking his head with a chuckle as he watched his friend's chaotic departure.
When Hayashi Shuichi and Kisaki Eri arrived at Beika Central Hospital, it was still early. The scent of disinfectant hung heavy in the air, and the corridors were quiet, feeling somewhat cold and deserted.
Mr. Aso had not yet arrived with his wife and daughter. Hayashi Shuichi entered Tomizawa Chikage's ward and briefly recounted the events of the previous night.
"I didn't expect that their so-called method of making money was actually drug trafficking," Tomizawa Chikage shook her head, her expression one of pure disgust. "Those guys really are scum."
"Also, I told Mr. Aso that you are the granddaughter of a wealthy antique dealer who is preparing to donate money for Narumi's medical treatment," Hayashi Shuichi probed cautiously. "The money shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Don't worry. My body has recovered enough; a small sum like that won't stump me," Tomizawa Chikage placed her hands on her hips, straightening her back and letting out a proud hum. "I've been researching targets these past few days. It'll take three to five days at best, ten at the latest. I'll hand the medical fees over to him by then."
"When you're stea—ah, working, just be careful," Hayashi Shuichi corrected himself with a warning. "If you get caught, I can't help you."
"Hmph, who needs your help?" Tomizawa Chikage lifted her chin, speaking with utter confidence. "With the incompetence of the Japanese police, how could they possibly catch me?"
Kisaki Eri, who already disapproved of Tomizawa Chikage's identity as a phantom thief, naturally couldn't stand her arrogance. She was just about to offer a biting remark when the door to the ward was pushed open.
A lovely little girl ran in, her face beaming with joy.
"Sister Chikage! The nurse just told me that my mom and dad are coming to see me soon, and my big sister is coming too! I haven't seen my big sister in over a year!"
After finishing her excited announcement, the child finally noticed Hayashi Shuichi and Kisaki Eri standing in the room.
The smile on the child's face froze instantly. Shyly lowering her head, two small hands began to nervously twist the hem of her shirt.
"What a cute little sister!" Kisaki Eri's eyes lit up. Wearing a gentle smile, she offered praise and moved to squat down, intending to give the adorable child a hug.
Hayashi Shuichi hurriedly intercepted her, whispering a reminder: "He is Narumi."
"Huh?" Kisaki Eri's eyes went wide with shock. Her mouth hung slightly open in disbelief. "She... wait, no, he is actually a boy?"
"Mn."
Hayashi Shuichi and Tomizawa Chikage nodded in unison.
"How can a boy look this cute?" The corner of Kisaki Eri's mouth twitched, her expression filled with incredulity. "He looks completely like a girl!"
"B-but I really am a boy," Narumi mustered the courage to say. His voice was timid, and a trace of nervousness remained on his face.
Just then, someone called Narumi's name from outside the ward. Upon hearing it, the little one said to Tomizawa Chikage, "It's Papa's voice," before excitedly running out of the room.
"You two have a really good relationship," Hayashi Shuichi laughed.
"That child is very pitiful," Tomizawa Chikage sighed softly, her eyes filled with pity and heartache. "Because of his health, he has spent most of his time in the hospital since he was born."
"Despite that, he's always been optimistic and often comforts the other patients."
"He is indeed a strong, good child," Kisaki Eri nodded in agreement. "It wasn't in vain that Shuichi took a risk for him."
"Let's go meet Mr. Aso," Hayashi Shuichi suggested. "It will help put his mind at ease."
"Thank you for your generosity."
After Hayashi Shuichi introduced Tomizawa Chikage to the Aso couple, their faces were filled with gratitude. They bowed repeatedly, bending their bodies low, their mouths pouring out endless words of thanks.
"If not for your help, we don't know what would have become of our family."
As he spoke, Mr. Aso's eyes turned red. He was speaking from the heart.
If Hayashi Shuichi hadn't informed him in advance that someone was willing to pay for Narumi's treatment, he might have already been arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for assisting Kameyama and the others in drug trafficking, awaiting the severe punishment of the law.
Beside him, Mrs. Aso could no longer suppress her emotions, and tears burst from her eyes.
Last night's experience had been a terrifying nightmare for her. The appearance of Tomizawa Chikage was like a ray of light in the darkness, giving their family hope.
"Thank you, Big Sister, for saving my little brother," Narumi's older sister imitated her parents, bowing solemnly to express her thanks.
Little Narumi didn't quite understand the gravity of the situation, but seeing his parents and sister bowing in thanks, he followed suit.
"You are too polite. It wasn't me who decided to help Narumi, but my grandfather," Tomizawa Chikage said as she helped the family of four up, hurriedly signaling to Hayashi Shuichi with her eyes.
"Mr. Aso," Hayashi Shuichi changed the subject, "after what happened on Moon Shadow Island, what are your plans now?"
"Although Kameyama and the others have been arrested, my piano recital will proceed as planned," Mr. Aso said, his eyes firm and his face revealing his dedication to music. "I will be going abroad for a tour around next Wednesday. Narumi will be cared for by my wife. After what happened on the island, it's best we don't go back there for the time being."
"Grandpa said that Narumi's medical fees will be sent over within ten days," Tomizawa Chikage promised, patting her chest. "Mr. Aso, you can go abroad with peace of mind."
"Thank you so much!" Hearing the girl's guarantee, Mr. Aso bowed gratefully once more. "I wonder where Old Mr. Tomizawa lives? My wife and I would like to take Narumi to visit and thank him in person."
"That... probably isn't a good idea," Tomizawa Chikage glanced at Hayashi Shuichi, remembering the persona he had crafted for her. "If Grandpa sees Narumi, he will definitely be reminded of my father..."
Mr. Aso suddenly remembered the tragic backstory of the "antique dealer Old Mr. Tomizawa" and hurriedly apologized.
After a few more polite exchanges, the Aso couple took their children and bid their farewells.
"Phew, finally gone," Tomizawa Chikage let out a sigh of relief, then complained, "Honestly, why did you have to add that kind of backstory for me? I originally planned to just secretly send the money to the Aso family after I got out of the hospital and acquired the funds..."
(End of Chapter)
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