In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 59

"But it's still no use, give up!"

With a soft "pop," the detonator emitted a plume of blue smoke. Snake Valley, his face ashen, knelt on the ground: "You... what kind of monster are you...?"

“He was just a doctor who was passing by.” Dongye turned around to examine the wreckage of the drive armor and pulled out a data chip from the neck interface: “Meiwei, look at this.”

Gu Famei leaned closer to examine it and discovered the serial number "Bs-007" engraved on the chip: "This is... a model I've never heard of before?"

Suddenly, the warehouse's public address system activated automatically, and an electronically processed voice rang out: "A brilliant performance, Higashino Yu. But this is just the beginning; I won't let you interfere with the plan!"

Kofumi immediately assumed a fighting stance, looking around: "Who is it!"

No one answered her question, and the communication abruptly ended.

"There really is a mastermind behind this!" He turned to Kofumi, "Let's leave here first. Maybe that guy can remotely activate the bomb in Snake Valley."

Although it's uncertain who it is, it's almost certainly the Kihara clan, right? Just like how Danzo is always blamed in Naruto, the Kihara clan definitely has a part in the darkness of Academy City.

And you say I interfered with your plans? That's ridiculous! I didn't do anything and a pot fell from the sky. Don't let me catch you, or you'll turn into a bug!

"Okay, let's drive a little further away."

With that, Kofumi walked to the motorcycle and got on, with Higashino following closely behind and sitting in the back.

After starting the motorcycle, the two quickly moved away from the warehouse. As for the thugs, they could just lie there; the security guards would come and deal with them later.

Kofumi, who was driving in front, suddenly spoke softly: "Higashino... thank you for today..."

Higashino pretended not to hear, leaning his head forward until their bodies were even closer: "Hmm? The wind was too strong, I couldn't hear you~"

This time, neither of them was wearing helmets, so Higashino clearly noticed that Kofunomi was shy.

"N-nothing..." Feeling Higashino's body temperature, Kofumi felt a little nervous again. The evening breeze ruffled her short hair, and her earlobes, which were faintly visible among the strands, were as red as ripe cherries.

Higashino had another mischievous idea. He suddenly leaned close to her ear and said, "Don't you know that you have to show your chest when you thank someone?" His warm breath was deliberately sprayed on her sensitive earlobe.

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Gu Fameiwei swayed as if she had been electrocuted, and one hand involuntarily let go of her hand and covered her chest.

As a result, the car body started to shake, and Higashino "nervously" hugged it even tighter, his arms "unintentionally" rising a little higher along with the car body.

Gu Famei quickly stabilized the vehicle and then slowly slowed down to pull over to the side of the road.

She turned her head angrily, her eyes wide behind her glasses, her cheeks flushed red. Her embarrassed and annoyed appearance was a stark contrast to her serious disciplinary committee member image that morning, making Higashino burst out laughing.

(Teasing such a serious girl is truly delightful...)

(Wait, doesn't this sound like that perverted priest who uses "pleasure" as his catchphrase...?)

(This is bad, if this continues, what strange attribute will I awaken...)

"Let go now!"

A police siren sounded in the distance. Taking advantage of the moment, Higashino released his grip on her waist and got out of the car. "Ah, the security guards are here." He took a few steps back, waving against the evening breeze. "I'll leave the details to you and the guards. Let's go on a date another time~"

Watching Higashino Yu's retreating figure as he walked towards the police car, Kofumi Miwa's clenched fist trembled slightly.

"Who wants to go on a date with you, you lecherous doctor!"

But she didn't notice that the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably turning up. Watching that figure gradually disappear into the night, her heart pounded relentlessly.

As for trust or love... who knows!?

Fighting is just a side thing; flirting with the girls is the real goal!

Chapter 75: A Sequel to Index and Ruiko's Date?

As soon as Higashino Yu's figure disappeared from the apartment door, Index angrily stuffed the last handful of potato chips into her mouth, her cheeks puffed out like an angry hamster.

"Hmph! You big idiot, you said you were going to 'see a doctor,' but you probably went on a date with other girls!" She waved her little fist at the empty entryway.

Don't think she doesn't know. Last time, Higashino said he was going out to see a patient, but he was actually going on a date! When he came back, he smelled of several girls. Index was very confident in her sense of smell.

However, Index wouldn't stop Higashino from going out for a "medical appointment" because of this. After all, although he was using the excuse of a medical appointment to go on a date, as Higashino said, the medical appointment was also real.

Lady Index is quite reasonable and won't make a fuss unnecessarily.

"Ugh, so boring. When will Ruiko come?"

Perhaps hearing her complaint, the doorbell rang crisply with a "ding-dong".

Index jumped off the sofa and ran barefoot to open the door. Standing outside was Saten Ruiko, dressed in casual clothes, with a bright smile on her face, and waving two movie tickets in her hand.

"Index, I'm here! The movie starts at 4 PM, we still have time, let's... huh?" Ruiko's words stopped abruptly as she keenly noticed the lingering sullen expression on Index's face. "What's wrong? Who made our little Xiu girl angry? It wasn't Higashino-senpai, was it?"

Although it was a question, Ruiko was quite certain that Index's bad mood was caused by Higashino.

Index seemed to have found someone to confide in, nodding vigorously and scrunching her face: "It's Yu! He said it was some kind of 'psychological therapy'! He must have gone on a date with other girls!"

Ruiko shrugged with an "I knew it" expression, unsurprised: "Oh my god, I knew it. Higashino-senpai must have gone on a date today. But since he said he went to see a doctor, it's probably true."

Although my senior can be a bit unserious at times, he probably wouldn't lie about something like this.

"Hmph, he did say that seeing a doctor was true, but he didn't deny that he was going on a date." Index thought that Higashino's doctor visit was just a side thing, and the date was the primary purpose.

"Sigh, there's nothing I can do about it! I've heard that my senior attracted quite a few young ladies on his first day at work! It's become an urban legend."

Ruiko walked in and changed into slippers as if she knew her way around. "Think about it, Tokiwadai is a girls' school full of rich girls! The students there are all rich and noble, and they have great temperament. As the health care doctor there, Higashino-senpai's 'patients' are of course all pretty and cute girls! Headaches, fevers, feeling down, these are all good excuses to get close to senpai, aren't they?"

Ruiko mimicked a spoiled young lady's tone, "'Dr. Higashino, I've been having trouble sleeping lately...' 'Dr. Higashino, I think I twisted my ankle...' 'Dr. Higashino, my head has been hurting lately...' 'Oh dear, my chest feels tight today, could you take a look...' Tsk tsk tsk, just thinking about it..."

Ruiko's vivid description made Index's lips pout even more, almost enough to hang an oil bottle. Clutching her reindeer plushie, she muttered softly, "Liar Yu...you promised to go back to Academy City and go out with me..."

Although she received a gift and even got a kiss from Higashino during her trip to London, she still harbored a lot of resentment about the trip itself. She only slept in a little longer before Higashino went shopping and on a date with Kanzaki, then announced his return without giving her any chance to reconsider.

The more I think about it, the angrier I get!

Seeing Index's pitiful look, Ruiko couldn't help but laugh out loud, reaching out to ruffle her soft hair: "Alright, alright, don't be angry! It's Higashino-senpai's loss that he went on a date and missed the chance to watch a movie with us! But the movie is still early, and we can't just wait around, right? How about..."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she remembered Index's greatest hobby. Dealing with a little foodie was simple: just satisfy her stomach.

"Let's go get something good to eat first, and finish off all of our seniors' portions! I know a super amazing dessert shop just opened in the Seventh School District!"

"A dessert shop?!" Index's attention was instantly diverted. Her previous grievances were instantly dispelled by the temptation of desserts, and her eyes lit up. "Really? Do you have delicious pudding? Do you have cake? Do you have ice cream?" She bombarded Leizi with a series of questions, showing that she was quite interested in this suggestion.

Compared to Yu, who has already gone to find other women, eating is more important right now.

"Of course! And I heard they have so many varieties it's dazzling, and the reviews are amazing! It's called 'Sweet Storm,' and their signature dishes are supposedly the 'Rainbow Vortex Pudding Tart' and the 'Molten Chocolate Fountain Cup'!" Tears successfully piqued the foodie's interest, and she proudly shook her head. "How about it? Why not go? Let's go!"

Actually, Ruiko wanted to go to this shop with Higashino for the first time, but since her senior went to 'work' on his first day back in Academy City, let's just leave it at that. This dessert shop is my first 'date' with Index!

"Okay, let's go!" Index nodded vigorously, a pure and bright smile blooming on her face, as if she could already see herself enjoying a delicious meal at the dessert shop.

She quickly placed the reindeer plush toy on the sofa, put on her shoes, and eagerly grabbed Ruiko's hand, rushing towards the door. "Ruiko, lead the way! Pudding! Cake! I'm coming!"

Seeing Index's mood improve, Ruiko breathed a sigh of relief. However, she couldn't help but complain about Higashino in her heart.

She's clearly one of his official girlfriends, but her boyfriend goes out partying, and she has to take care of his "cousin" and appease the "cousin's" jealousy. It's so difficult!

No, next time I absolutely have to go on a date with my senior alone. I haven't had a chance to show her the summer-style clothes she secretly bought a couple of days ago.

Ruiko, whose mind was already on their next date, and Index, whose mind was filled with thoughts of desserts, held hands and quickly left the apartment.

After leaving the apartment, Ruizi put aside her earlier thoughts and began enthusiastically acting as a tour guide: "Let me tell you, that shop has a fantastic location, right on the corner of the shopping street, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the street! And their desserts are all so dreamy, perfect for taking pictures! I'm definitely going to take some pictures and send them to my senior later, to make him drool! Who told him to go treat a 'patient' today, hehe..." As she walked, she vividly described the pictures she had seen online.

Index was completely absorbed in her fantasies about "pudding tarts" and "molten chocolate," nodding her head incessantly, her mouth practically watering. She only wished she could teleport like Yu to her destination immediately.

She would occasionally exclaim "Wow!" or "I really want to eat this!" which drew the attention of passersby, but Ruiko didn't care at all. Instead, she found Index's straightforwardness extremely cute.

After walking for about half an hour, they finally arrived at the store with the sign that read "Sweet Tempest." Index couldn't help but cheer, "Is this it? Ruiko! We're here!"

Through the glass door, Index saw all sorts of desserts in the display case. Index's eyes instantly widened like Misaki's, and she grabbed Ruiko and rushed inside.

Upon entering the store, a rich, sweet aroma greeted the eye. A dazzling array of desserts were neatly displayed in the freezers and on the counters, making Index involuntarily shed 'tears' of emotion.

"Wow, is this heaven?!" Index stood in the middle of the shop, her mouth agape in an "O" shape, completely unable to move. She felt like she couldn't take it all in; every dessert was beckoning to her!

Looking at Index's adorable appearance, Ruiko chuckled, "Alright, Index, quickly find a seat and let's order slowly!"

The two chose a window seat. Index practically pounced on the menu, her little finger flying across the pictures: "This! This! And this! Ruiko, that pudding tart looks so delicious! That chocolate cup looks... ah! And the strawberry parfait! What to do, I want to try them all!"

Seeing Index's eagerness to order the entire menu, Ruizi couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't rush, don't rush. Let's order a few signature dishes to share, otherwise you won't be able to finish them. Waiter, please, one 'Rainbow Swirl Pudding Tart,' one 'Molten Chocolate Fountain Cup,' and two more drinks... Hmm, Index, what would you like to drink? How about a strawberry milkshake?"

"Mmm! Strawberry milkshake!" Index nodded vigorously, her eyes still glued to the display case.

While waiting for the dessert to be served, Ruiko took out her phone and started texting Higashino: "Senpai! It would be a huge loss if you didn't come today! [Location: Sweet Storm] Look!"

Ruiko secretly took a picture of the dazzling array of desserts at the display case and sent it to Higashino.

After sending the message, Ruiko rested her chin on her hand, looking at Index, whose face was flushed with excitement, and couldn't help but feel gossipy again: "Hey, Index, who do you think Higashino-senpai will be meeting today?" She said, while observing Index's expression.

When Index heard Ruiko's question, her little face puffed up slightly, and she muttered, "Hmph! He never says who made the appointment with him. Yu is such a womanizer! We have me and Haru at home, and you, Ruiko, too!"

If there weren't some things she didn't understand, she might have said something as inappropriate as "Can his kidneys handle it?"

Index suddenly remembered something, leaned closer to Ruiko, and whispered mysteriously, "Ruiko, let me tell you, Yu kissed Kanzaki's forehead! At the airport! Right in front of me!"

"Huh?! Really?!" Ruiko perked up instantly, her eyes widening. "Tell me quickly! Who is Kanzaki? What's going on?" The girl's gossip spirit was burning brightly.

She'd never heard of this girl's name before! Could she be a young lady from Tokiwadai?

Just as Index was about to "accuse" Yu of her "crimes", the desserts they had ordered were served.

"Wow—!!" The giant pudding tower and the steaming chocolate cup instantly drew everyone's attention. Index immediately forgot about gossip, picked up a small spoon, and gave the colorful pudding tower a devout and happy smile.

"I'm starting!"

Index eagerly scooped up a large spoonful of pudding, mixed it with the berries and cream on top, and popped it into her mouth. Instantly, the intense sweetness and smooth texture exploded in her mouth, making her squint her eyes in bliss.

Seeing that Index didn't continue talking about the girl named Kanzaki, Ruiko didn't press the matter further and began to focus her attention on the dessert in front of her.

She took a bite of the molten chocolate, and the warm chocolate sauce flowed out, paired with vanilla ice cream. The fusion of hot and cold made her sigh with satisfaction.

Watching Index's adorable expression as she immersed herself in the food, she couldn't resist taking out her phone and secretly snapping a picture of the scene. The silver-haired nun had her cheeks puffed out, a little cream on the corner of her mouth, and her eyes were full of happiness and satisfaction.

"Mmm! It's really delicious!" Ruiko smiled happily, temporarily putting aside her philandering boyfriend, and enjoyed the food with Index.

Soon, only a few remnants of molten chocolate and an empty milkshake cup remained on the table. Index leaned back contentedly in her chair, her little hand stroking her slightly bulging belly, a blush of happiness spreading across her face, and a little bit of chocolate sauce still lingering at the corner of her mouth.

"Ah...so delicious..." she sighed contentedly. "The restaurant that Ruiko recommended is really amazing!"

"Right, right!" Ruiko proudly waved her phone, the screen displaying a cute photo of Index eating a pudding tart that she had just sent to Higashino. "Senpai must be so envious he's about to cry, haha!"

“Yes, yes! Let’s come together in early spring!” Index nodded vigorously.

Ruiko glanced at the time; the movie still had a long way to go, so she decided to kill some more time somewhere else: "Index, since we still have so much time, how about... we go shopping again?"

She thought of a place Index might be interested in: "The department store in District 7 seems to be having a big sale on the girls' fashion section today! I heard there are lots of great deals!"

"Shop...shop?" Index wasn't particularly interested in clothes, after all, she was used to wearing nun's clothes all the time, but she did have a few that Higashino had bought for her at home. "But my clothes..."

"Oh, it's not like we have to buy anything!" Ruiko grabbed Index, who was still a little dazed. "The point is the 'browsing' process! Discovering unexpected goodies is the fun! And the air conditioning in the mall is great, it's very comfortable! Let's go!" Without waiting for a reply, Ruiko dragged the nun, who was still reluctant to leave the other desserts, out of the dessert shop.

Chapter 76: The Two Girls' "Date" Continues (To be continued)

The huge "Seventh School District Center Department Store" was packed with people, but as Ruiko said, the air conditioning was strong, and even with so many people, it didn't feel hot at all.

Some shopping malls seem to be having a promotion, with a huge banner hanging in the center of the first floor that reads "Girls' Power Up Festa! Super Value Up to 70% Off!"

Seeing this, Ruiko became even more excited and instantly got into the zone.

"Index, look! That shop only has three accessories for 1000 yuan! Oh my god! What a bargain!" Ruiko excitedly pointed to a shiny counter filled with colorful hair clips, bracelets, and necklaces. She pulled Index over and excitedly rummaged through the pile of trinkets. "Ah! This cat ear clip is so cute! Try it on!" She picked up a white cat ear clip and held it up to Index's ear.

Index curiously touched the kitten-shaped earrings, finding them rather novel. She had never worn earrings before, and the ear clips felt a little strange.

Tears quickly took out her phone and snapped a picture of Index, then her attention shifted elsewhere.

"Come on, let's go check out the clothing section on the third floor!" Before Index could react, Ruiko hurriedly pulled her towards the escalator. Once on the third floor, Ruiko's eyes lit up. She skillfully navigated the racks filled with clothes, clearly searching for the discount section.

"This one! This short-sleeved shirt is so cool and comfortable, and it's only 800 yuan!" Ruizi picked up a white T-shirt with a cartoon bear printed on it and held it up in front of Index. "And this denim overalls, you'll look so cute in it, Index! Try it on, try it on!" She stuffed a bunch of different styles of girly clothes into Index's arms and half-pushed, half-coaxed the bewildered silver-haired nun into the fitting room.

"Tears... Tears! This skirt is so short!" Index protested in a panicked whisper from the fitting room. "And... and isn't this bow too big?"

"Hey, come out and take a look! It's a different style now!" Leizi encouraged from outside.

After a while, the fitting room door was pushed open a crack, and Index peeked out shyly, her face flushed.

She was wearing a bear T-shirt and a blue denim overall skirt, and her long silver hair was tied into pigtails with a hair tie she had just bought.

Index felt quite uncomfortable with this. Although the clothes Higashino bought for her were also cute, they weren't short skirts that barely reached her knees.

"Waaah... It feels so cool... But I always feel like there's nothing down there... I feel like I'll float away if I move even a little..." Index tugged at the hem of her skirt, trying to pull it down.