### Chapter 37: The Request from Mieko Shibasaki
After school, at Fujino's house.
**[Detective Mission: Bandaged Man Incident]**
*Mission Objective:* Solve or prevent this murder case
*Mission Time Limit:* Within 24 hours after the victim's death
*Mission Reward:* 500,000 yen bounty, 50 detective reputation points*
"Murder case involving a bandaged man?"
Fujino stood on the balcony, looking at the new system task on his interface with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
If he remembered correctly, this case should be related to Ayako Suzuki.
Ayako Suzuki had established a film club during her university years. The members of the club had agreed to reunite every two years after graduation. This time, the reunion was to be held at the Suzuki family's forest villa.
The murder case arose because of a scandal involving a popular writer, Chikako Ikeda, who had plagiarized an idea from a girl named Dunzi. Ikeda's book, *The Blue Kingdom*, won the Best Newcomer Award that year, while Dunzi, who had committed suicide due to a lack of recourse, had been wronged.
Yoshikawa Ryoichi, who had secretly loved Dunzi, decided to take revenge during the reunion. He gruesomely dismembered Chikako Ikeda at the Suzuki villa using a clever method...
"Knock, knock, knock!"
At this moment, the sound of knocking interrupted Fujino's thoughts.
"Could it be another client?"
Fujino was taken aback by the frequency of weekend requests, which seemed to be more than usual.
He shook off his thoughts and slowly stood up, walking to the door of his 100-square-meter room. Opening it, he was greeted by a girl with a distinctive red streak in her bangs.
Fujino stared at the girl, momentarily stunned.
"Are you Fujino Detective?"
The girl spoke first.
Fujino offered a polite professional smile and asked, "Yes, I am. How can I help you?"
"Hello, Detective Fujino. I was referred here by an acquaintance…"
The girl greeted him politely, explaining how she found this place, and then hesitantly asked, "I was wondering if you accept requests to investigate who a person's crush is?"
"This kind of request…"
Fujino hesitated, deep in thought.
Being a detective isn't just about fighting and killing but also understanding human relationships. Every client is connected to a particular circle, and solving their case might lead to more potential clients within that circle.
The girl likely came to Fujino not because of his fame but due to a referral from her circle of friends.
To be honest, Fujino was reluctant to take on such a request, which had a romantic undertone.
However, since she was referred by someone and was polite, he decided to hear her out. After all, one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. She might be a high-profile client.
After entering the room, the girl removed her cap, revealing her red streaked hair, and stated her purpose.
Her name was Mieko Shibasaki, two years older than Fujino. She had joined a rock band after graduating high school and was currently a guitarist in a popular rock group.
She had been secretly in love with the band's lead vocalist, Tatsuya Kimura. Recently, unable to control her feelings, she confessed her love to Kimura, only to be rejected outright. Kimura had stated that he was waiting for someone else he loved and would continue to wait for her.
Heartbroken, Mieko wanted to know why she couldn't compare to that girl. That's why she sought Fujino to find out who Kimura was in love with.
"So, you want me to find out who Tatsuya Kimura likes?"
"Yes."
Mieko nodded at Fujino's summary, "If possible, I would like you to conduct the investigation discreetly, without being noticed."
"I remember Tatsuya Kimura is a very popular idol, right?"
"Investigating a celebrity of this level usually costs more, around 500,000 yen."
"I'll pay 500,000 yen."
Mieko agreed immediately without hesitation when Fujino quoted the price.
"That's great…"
Fujino was pleased with Mieko's straightforwardness. While she wasn't a wealthy woman, she was a high-quality client.
Fujino nodded and poured her a cup of black tea. "I'll accept your request and will ensure the investigation is conducted secretly and discreetly."
"When should I pay the fee?" Mieko asked, accepting the tea. "If possible, I can pay the full amount now."
"No rush."
"Typically, a deposit of one-tenth is paid at the time of the request, and the remaining balance is paid upon completion."
Fujino chuckled, finding Mieko increasingly pleasant.
"I see."
Mieko nodded and took out her credit card. "Can I use a credit card for the deposit?"
Fujino: "…"
This seemed to be the second time this happened. Do people not carry cash anymore?
"Ahem."
Fujino cleared his throat. "If you don't have cash, that's okay. We can settle it together later. I trust that you're a person of your word."
"Oh."
Mieko nodded. "Thank you for your trust."
Fujino watched as she put her credit card away, sighing.
He then said to Mieko, "But I must remind you of something."
"What's that?"
"Based on my extensive investigative experience, romantic investigations often don't end well."
Fujino continued seriously, "Once you find out who he likes, Mieko-san, are you sure you'll be able to handle the reality?"
Mieko was taken aback by Fujino's words.
She hadn't considered what she would do after finding out who Kimura liked.
She might try to change herself...
But what if the person Kimura liked was someone she could never replace?
Thoughts swirling, she clenched her jeans tightly around her thighs, her expression gradually turning somber, ending with a touch of melancholy.
"Thank you for the warning, Detective Fujino."
She thanked him and resolved, "As long as I can find out who Tatsuya likes, I'll be content."
"Then I accept the request."
(End of Chapter)