Chapter 112: A Shared Secret, Clues to the Murder Case

The car window was half-open, and as the vehicle sped along, the world outside blurred into a flowing scroll of light. The cool night breeze carried with it the mingled scents of various street foods, drifting into the cabin.

Yuki Uchida pressed herself against the car door, her head turned toward the window as if admiring the night view, though her peripheral vision was constantly darting toward Aoyama Hidenobu’s expression. She was overcome with extreme tension and agitation; her slender frame was rigid, and her small hands were gripped tightly against the hem of her clothes, unconsciously kneading the fabric. This pulled her already tight short-sleeved top even closer to her body, making the rounded contours pressed against her seatbelt all the more prominent, with the delicate lace patterns of her undergarments clearly visible.

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Aoyama Hidenobu asked, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, his face devoid of emotion.

Yuki’s heart hammered even harder, her breathing shallow and her chest rising and falling rapidly. She feigned composure to change the subject. "Hidenobu-san, you got a new car, didn't you?"

Aoyama Hidenobu stepped on the brakes and looked at her. The pressure in the car was suffocating.

"I..." Yuki lowered her head, speaking in a faint, weak voice. "I just thought that seeing you looking flustered was interesting, and plus... I was just a little curious. I'm sorry! I am truly sorry!" Her face was bright red as she bowed her head repeatedly in apology.

"Please, try harder," Aoyama Hidenobu said.

"Hai! I won't ever—huh?" Yuki’s words faltered as she suddenly realized what he said. She jerked her head up, her beautiful eyes wide with shock, staring at him in disbelief. *I never expected this. I thought I was the only one capable of such things, but I never imagined that you, a man who looks so stern and upright, would be this kind of person too!*

Aoyama Hidenobu’s fingers tapped against the steering wheel like he was playing a piano. He shot her a glare and said with righteous indignation, "Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I’m some kind of lecher? I’m doing this for your own good. It’s normal for someone your age to have curiosity about these things. If your curiosity isn't satisfied by me, you’ll just seek satisfaction elsewhere. What if you encounter some unsavory character? I’m looking out for you; I’m willing to suffer this grievance myself."

He was almost moved by his own words. He and Yuki were not related by blood, yet he was willing to sacrifice himself to this extent—there were few good men like him left.

"Hidenobu-san... you’re clearly enjoying this too, right?" Yuki, of course, didn't buy his nonsense. Sensing that he wasn't truly angry and seemed to enjoy being provoked, her courage grew, and her eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity.

Aoyama Hidenobu remained expressionless. "It's average."

"Hmph! You're lying. It must be true, you clearly have a very strong reaction, you know." Yuki grew bolder, her interest piqued, her face flushed and her breathing heavy. She bit her red lip and asked, "Many of my colleagues and friends have already done it. Is it really that comfortable? Hidenobu-san, is it?"

Since the end of World War II, sexual attitudes among Japanese women had become increasingly open, reaching a peak during the decade of economic takeoff. Now, with the economy in decline, the erotic industry had flourished, and this trend only intensified. After all, Japan was world-renowned for its erotic industry, and under the influence of such a distorted culture for so long, there were few who could strictly uphold the concept of chastity.

Aoyama Hidenobu stared at her silently. Yuki’s face was flushed, her eyes misty with anticipation. He knew that if he were to make the first move, she would surely cooperate, opening his eyes to a new world.

"Hidenobu-san," Yuki called out to him softly, leaning her body toward him.

Aoyama Hidenobu shoved her away. Yuki looked at him, bewildered.

"I’ve already told you, don’t mistake me for one of those low-life, shameless lechers. I have my principles," Aoyama Hidenobu stated with solemn righteousness. In truth, he was simply afraid of the "River Crab" divine beast of censorship. Because Yuki was still five months shy of eighteen. Even though this was Japan, the divine beast governed the transmigrators of all realms; whether in Japan or in another world, one had to follow the rules! Otherwise, he would be mercilessly suppressed.

Yuki sat stunned, her little head filled with confusion. Ultimately, she could only attribute it to the fact that Hidenobu-san’s masculine instincts wanted to touch her, but his noble character forbade it. He truly was a gentleman. Thinking of this, she became even more excited. Because that was what made it interesting. To seduce someone as noble, self-controlled, and upright as Hidenobu-san, to make him fall step by step, shedding his shackles—just thinking about it was fascinating.

"What are you thinking about?" Aoyama Hidenobu asked, curious at the excitement glowing in her eyes.

"Nothing." Yuki shook her head with a giggle. She brushed her short hair behind her ears, shifted her position to lean against the