Inside the Public Security Bureau near Light Reflection Square.
Belle and the others were giving their statements, while Hoshimi Aya sat in the lobby outside, accompanied by a female Public Security Officer named Qing Yi.
Just then, a slightly mature female Public Security Officer carrying a cup of water walked over. It was Zhu Yuan.
"Miyabi, I thought you were supposed to be in the Hollow 0 right now?!"
"How did you get involved in this incident in the Dead End Hollow?!"
As she spoke, Zhu Yuan handed the freshly delivered tea to Hoshimi Aya.
"Uh..."
Hoshimi Aya accepted the tea in silence, taking small sips without replying.
Who could understand her feelings right now!
After arriving at the Public Security Bureau, she was asked a few simple questions before being brought here, where she immediately encountered these two.
"Is it inconvenient to answer?"
"Is this operation classified?"
Zhu Yuan guessed as she watched the silent Hoshimi Aya.
Qing Yi, standing beside her, stroked her chin, deep in thought.
Hoshimi Aya remained silent, quietly drinking her tea, not responding to a single word Zhu Yuan said.
Suddenly, Belle and the others finished their statements and walked out of the observation room.
"Zhu Yuan, my friends are here."
"I hope you won't spread word about this matter."
"I'll talk to you another time if I get the chance."
With that, Hoshimi Aya stood up immediately, bid farewell, and hurried over to Belle and the others.
"Alright, next up is a big feast!"
Belle said with a smile. This matter had basically reached a conclusion.
As soon as they left the Public Security Bureau, they saw Ling and Zhe waiting at the entrance, waving at them.
Not far behind them, Zhu Yuan and Qing Yi were talking.
"Zhu Yuan, are you sure you know her?"
"Her reaction doesn't seem like someone who knows you."
"I'm not familiar with her. Zhu Yuan, didn't you think she was a bit off?"
Qing Yi asked. She had been trying to talk to Hoshimi Aya earlier, but Hoshimi Aya had remained silent and hadn't responded.
"Impossible, Senior?"
"Aya probably just woke up from a coma and might not be in good condition."
"You are probably overthinking things, Senior."
Zhu Yuan pondered. After all, apart from her attitude, Hoshimi Aya seemed fine.
"Fine, maybe I am overthinking it."
Hearing Zhu Yuan's words, Qing Yi temporarily dismissed her doubts and walked into the Public Security Bureau.
Zhu Yuan, however, kept thinking. Eventually, she decided to make a call, as it had been a long time since she contacted Uncle Zong Yilang.
"Hello, is this Uncle Zong Yilang?"
"I wanted to ask if Aya has been on any secret missions recently?"
Zhu Yuan recounted the recent events to Zong Yilang.
"Zhu Yuan, is she still with you?"
Zong Yilang recalled what Hoshimi Aya had told him earlier and inquired.
He was certain that Hoshimi Aya—his daughter—was currently with her teammates in the Hollow 0.
Therefore, the person Zhu Yuan met earlier must have been that Hoshimi Aya.
"Uncle Zong Yilang, Aya already left with her friends not long ago."
Zhu Yuan replied truthfully.
"Is that so? Do you know where she went with her friends?"
"She might not be the Aya you know. This matter is somewhat complicated."
"Please help me check her residence."
"I will notify my daughter to come back now."
After saying that, Zong Yilang immediately hung up the phone.
Zhu Yuan held her forehead with a headache. "I didn't expect Senior Qing Yi to be right. This Aya really has a problem."
She indeed felt something was off with this Aya, and Qing Yi's reminder prompted her to call Uncle Zong Yilang to inquire.
Unexpectedly, there really was a problem, and it seemed to be a big one.
If Qing Yi hadn't reminded her, she might have overlooked it.
... Meanwhile, on Hoshimi Aya's side.
After leaving the Public Security Bureau, the group went to an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
"Ling, everyone... When I lost control, did I do anything bad to you all?!"
Hoshimi Aya finally asked after thinking it over repeatedly.
When Hoshimi Aya finished speaking, the previously joyful atmosphere instantly fell silent.
Mao, although not present at the time, saw that everyone was quiet and didn't speak up.
"Uh... Aya didn't do anything, no."
"After you lost control, you took care of the Dead End Butcher and then passed out."
Ling said perfunctorily, omitting the part where she had nearly wiped out Belle and the others.
"That's right, that's right, it's all in the past now."
"Hurry up and eat, the food will get cold if we wait!"
Belle laughed to change the subject, not wanting to discuss the matter.
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble!"
"Even though you won't tell me, I can more or less guess that I caused you trouble."
Hoshimi Aya stood up and bowed in apology.
She could tell they didn't want her to know what happened after she lost control.
But she was certain she had done something bad. Although she didn't know exactly what happened, apologizing was definitely the right thing to do.
"It's fine, Aya, it's all over."
"In the future, you'll definitely be able to control losing control."
"Aya, you don't need to dwell on it."
Ling comforted her.
"Exactly, even though this meow doesn't know what happened,"
"it doesn't look like anything bad occurred, so don't worry about it," Mao comforted while eating mackerel.
Hearing this, Hoshimi Aya nodded and also started eating.
After a few rounds of drinks, Belle took out her phone and took a few group photos.
Just as they finished eating and were about to part ways, Hoshimi Aya actively approached Anby.
"Is something the matter, Aya?"
Anby looked puzzled, as she and Hoshimi Aya didn't usually interact.
"I have something I need to tell you."
"I don't know if this is accurate, but one of your former companions is still alive. Her name is Cui Ji."
"She was listed for sale on the black market. I don't know if she has been bought by someone, I only have this piece of information."
Hoshimi Aya told Anby. She had wanted to say this for a while but hadn't found a suitable opportunity, so she took advantage of this gathering to bring it up.
Upon hearing Hoshimi Aya's words, Anby displayed a rare expression of shock.
"Cui Ji is still alive!!"
"Still... still alive!"
"Belle!"
Saying that, Anby turned and ran directly towards Belle, who was not far away. Belle certainly had the connections to find a way.
Seeing this, Hoshimi Aya sighed. When she experienced this plot point before, it left her with a lingering sense of regret.
She didn't know what time it was now, nor if Cui Ji was still on the black market.
This was all she could do. Besides, she didn't know the location of the black market, otherwise, she would have dragged Ling and Zhe along to search.
"Let's go, time to head home,"
Ling walked over and pulled Hoshimi Aya towards Zhe's location.
"Aya, what did you just say to Anby?"
"And what did Anby say to Belle just now? She left in such a hurry."
Zhe asked, confused.
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