ALL NOVEL Chapter 37: I need you to leave so I can change my clothes
The initial silence was broken by the old man's voice, calm and calculated:
"Hmm, you know very well the position you're in... You came to ask to return to the—"
Ryan interrupted him unceremoniously, his tone deliberately mocking:
"No, forget that." He chuckled lightly before continuing. "I admit, it was amusing to hear such a presumption, but that's not why I'm calling. Actually, I need your help, Gensei Suou."
On the other end of the line, a soft "Hmm" conveyed both surprise and doubt at Ryan's informal tone. But Ryan was resolute and continued without hesitation:
"I want you to handle a few things for me. Nothing you can't manage, of course. First, I need you to bribe the police—I know your influence can handle that. Second... I need you to arrange for a man to be arrested and transfer custody of a child into your name. Don't worry, you won't have to care for her, just provide financial support."
He spoke with confidence, his voice firm, almost defiant. Suou responded with a sarcastic laugh, followed by a disdainful question:
"Do you even understand what you're asking, boy?"
Ryan didn't back down; his response was quick and direct:
"You'll get your payment, old man. A blank check... from me. I know you'd love the opportunity to do whatever you want with me."
Rika, sensing the seriousness in Ryan's voice, clenched her fists with concern. He noticed and simply winked at her as if to say: Trust me.
On the other end, Suou remained silent for a few seconds before responding in a calculated tone:
"Hmm, so you're aware of what you're doing, aren't you? Fine. Send me the exact details via message. But understand, I expect to see you in person once this is resolved."
Ryan smiled, satisfied. "Thank you. It's always a pleasure doing business with someone who gets straight to the point." He ended the call and pocketed his phone.
Turning to Rika, he gestured grandly.
"See, Rika? I'm efficient at solving problems."
Rika narrowed her eyes at him, suspicious.
"Are you sure? That seemed way too easy."
Ryan shrugged, walking over to the window and perching himself on the sill.
"The old man's desperate for a way to bring me back into the family. This was a gift to him."
Rika crossed her arms, stepping closer.
"And you? It doesn't seem like this will end well for you."
Ryan leaned slightly out of the window, gazing at the horizon.
"Rika... I can turn back time. Plus, I'm a super soldier with enhanced strength. I'm not worried."
Rika raised an eyebrow but simply let out a "Mii~" and nodded.
Suddenly, a distant sound caught Ryan's attention:
"Auauau~."
He immediately pulled himself back inside, frowning.
"Wait a second... Was that Hanyuu's voice?"
Rika's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"You... heard that?"
"I don't know. Maybe. It sounded like a bark..." He replied, glancing toward the corner of the room where the familiar purple silhouette he often saw seemed more vivid.
Out of nowhere, Ryan pointed at Rika with a teasing smile.
"Ah! I know. It must be because I hugged you when I arrived."
"Mii~ Just because of that?" She tilted her head, glancing at the clock. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she exclaimed:
"MII~! Look at the time! We need to go to the festival!"
Ryan watched her agitation with an amused look, nearly laughing.
"Calm down, Mini Miku. Are you going to the festival in that little green dress?" He gestured toward her classic green outfit.
She paused for a moment, side-eyeing him.
"Actually, I'll be wearing a traditional miko uniform, white and red, for the dance."
Ryan sighed, pulling out his phone again. Rika, curious, asked:
"What are you doing now?"
He didn't respond, leaving a teasing silence as he made another call.
After a few rings, a female voice answered, already irritated:
"You woke me up early for this, you filthy pig, miserable pervert, worthless, futureless, murderous scum—"
"Okay, okay, I get it!" He interrupted, laughing. "I need a little favor."
"You wish..."
"Oh, you'll like this. Don't lie; I know you love cute things. And today's cuteness is Furude Rika!" He flashed a smug grin at Rika, who blushed slightly.
On the other end, the girl's voice dripped with sarcasm:
"What are you up to now, you l0lic0n?"
Ryan ignored the jab, keeping his tone serious for the first time.
"I want you to lend me one of your childhood outfits. I bet you still have some stashed away."
"Hmm..." She seemed to ponder.
"So? Will you do this for me?" He asked, smirking.
She sighed, irritated but relenting.
"Fine, fine. Send me a photo of where you are. I'll bring something for her. But there's one condition..."
"What is it, pinky?"
"I'm sleeping in past ten. That's it."
Ryan burst out laughing. "That's it? Am I stealing your sleep?"
"Not even close!" She clicked her tongue audibly, which he heard loud and clear. "Send the damn photo before I regret this!"
He laughed sarcastically.
"Alright, alright, pinky! I'm sending it."
No sooner had he hung up than Yuno appeared beside him, holding some clothes.
"Here. Don't tear them. My mom loves these pieces."
Ryan shrugged.
"Wow, Yuno, not even a hello for me?"
Without bothering to respond, Yuno vanished. He sighed, chuckling quietly.
"Damn it, she loves doing that..."
He quickly turned to Rika, handing her the clothes.
"Here you go, Mini Miku. Now you have something new to wear to the festival."
Rika looked at the outfit thoughtfully.
"Mii~ I guess it's good to change things up after so many years... I just hope they fit me."
After a brief silence, she looked up and stared at him.
"What? Don't like Yuno's choice?" he asked teasingly.
Rika tilted her head, expecting him to understand. When he didn't react, she sighed.
"I need you to leave so I can change my clothes."
He raised an eyebrow, flashing a provocative smile.
"Oh, is that it? Go ahead and change. I don't mind."
To his surprise, Rika began calmly pulling her dress up.
"Hey, wait! I was kidding, damn it!" he shouted, leaping out of the window. "I'll be right here below! Go ahead, Mini Miku!"
A few minutes later, the door opened. Ryan turned around and froze for a moment when he saw Rika. Her indigo hair, with solid purple hues, perfectly complemented the adorable outfit: a red shirt with white lace details, a light pink cardigan, a pleated black skirt, and a delicate red bow in her hair.
Rika smiled, blushing slightly, and spoke with excitement:
"What do you think, Masachika? Nipaa~! >⩊< ♡"
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