Chapter 705: The Storm Approaches
Life seemed to return to Satou Shinichi’s usual track.
That was the day he and Satou Mei visited Shirafuku Mei. At the bus stop on the way back, Shirafuku Mei said goodbye to Satou Shinichi, promising to see him again.
Satou Shinichi now spent every day with Satou Mei. She ate meals prepared by Satou Mei specifically for him, perfectly suited to his health condition. These wonderful recipes seemed to be an indispensable part of Satou Shinichi’s daily life.
Her life appeared simple and restrained. Apart from going to the gym and shopping at stores recommended by Satou Mei, Satou Shinichi now devoted all his time to reading. He sat cross-legged on Satou Mei’s comfortable bed, engrossed in book after book, reading all day. He was immersed in the vast ocean of literature, enjoying the silence that reading brought.
Satou Mei also did her best to adjust her life to match Satou Shinichi’s habits. She would go to the market early and buy fresh ingredients. Then she would wash them clean, put them in the refrigerator, and take them out for dinner.
Satou Shinichi knew it was time to prepare for the upcoming training. Every day spent at Satou Mei’s felt like a replenishment of energy for him. He felt that both his body and mind had been adjusted and now seemed ready to face the challenge. His life at Satou Mei’s house was like a short vacation, a place where he could fully enjoy rare leisure and tranquility.
He knew that Satou Mei was aware that within this seemingly peaceful daily routine, a quiet, silent undercurrent was beginning to flow. Every day spent alone was a moment for him to accumulate strength. He realized he was heading towards an unfamiliar, unknown territory.
This feeling made him both excited and tense. He knew the real challenge still lay ahead, waiting for him to overcome.
The training plan Satou Mei prepared for him was her own research. She worked closely with her allies to tailor a system for him to adapt to the movements of the “Shadow” organization and the military, or occasionally to test his reactions and physical fitness with people from the department.
He would follow Satou Mei’s arrangements and participate in various training programs. Through training, he felt his physical and mental states constantly improving. He not only made great progress in physical fitness but also became more resilient mentally. In training, he learned to better control his emotions and desires, focusing more on his inner self.
Every day, accompanied by Satou Mei, he would undergo various training sessions. From basic strength training to complex tactical drills, he completed each mission meticulously. Satou Mei constantly monitored his training status, providing guidance and suggestions in a timely manner. With her help, Satou Shinichi’s progress was rapid. He felt his body filled with power, every cell cheering.
At the same time, Satou Mei was waiting for a hint from the “Shadow” organization or her allies, a signal that the storm was coming. Whenever Satou Shinichi returned from the training ground to Satou Mei’s house, he would find her preparing a sumptuous dinner for him.
Every day Satou Shinichi spent at Satou Mei’s house was filled with love and warmth. He knew he could no longer leave Satou Mei. By her side, he felt an unprecedented sense of security.
Under Satou Mei’s calm and daily companionship, Satou Shinichi trained, waiting for the real challenge to arrive.
***
“This mission was carefully selected by Satou Mei,” Bai Mei said with a smile. “She wants you to improve your abilities through this mission.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Satou Shinichi said. He knew this mission was of great significance to him. It would be the test that truly led him towards the “Shadow” operations of the “Shadow” organization. He looked at Bai Mei, trying his best to control his emotions, not allowing himself to show any tension. He knew he had to remain calm.
Bai Mei smiled and said, “I believe you will definitely complete the mission successfully.” Satou Shinichi felt a surge of gratitude upon hearing this. He knew Bai Mei had always been silently supporting him.
“Thank you, Bai Mei,” he said softly. Bai Mei smiled slightly, saying no more. She simply encouraged Satou Shinichi with her gaze.
At Satou Mei’s house, Satou Shinichi’s life was peaceful and pleasant. Every day he would eat, chat, and watch movies with Satou Mei. Satou Mei loved watching movies. She would watch various types of films with Satou Shinichi, from romantic comedies to sci-fi action movies, covering everything. Under Satou Mei’s influence, Satou Shinichi gradually came to love watching movies too. They would often argue fiercely over a movie, but Satou Mei always won in the end. Satou Shinichi knew Satou Mei just wanted to relax by watching movies. She was a person who knew how to enjoy life.
At Satou Mei’s house, Satou Shinichi felt a sense of relaxation he had never experienced before. He could temporarily forget all his troubles and pressures, simply enjoying the wonderful time spent with Satou Mei.
One evening, after finishing the dinner Satou Mei made, Satou Shinichi proactively cleared the dishes, while Satou Mei watched from the side, occasionally encouraging him with her gaze. As Satou Shinichi did housework, Satou Mei noticed a slight sweat on his forehead and a faint blush on his cheeks, as if attracted by his diligent figure.
Satou Shinichi looked back at Satou Mei, who quickly averted her gaze, pretending to look at the corner of the sofa. Satou Shinichi gently shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. He knew Satou Mei must also be a bit nervous.
“The weather is so nice tonight, shall we watch a movie?” Satou Mei asked. “I heard there’s a new hot-blooded action movie about terrorists that seems to have good reviews.”
“Okay,” Satou Shinichi said with a smile. Bai Mei knew he didn’t seem particularly interested in heroic themes or old romantic comedies, but rather in action-drama films about passionate and brutal struggles, which they could watch together and relax.
Satou Shinichi and Satou Mei looked up from their mobile phone screens. Satou Mei glanced at him lightly. The young boy’s bright eyes sparkled with anticipation, desire, and nervousness. Satou Shinichi’s expression clearly showed his eagerness. She was silent for two seconds. Just as Satou Shinichi thought she would refuse, she let out a soft sigh, her gaze becoming indifferent, and said lightly, “Well, the thought of Satou Young Master regaining his vitality is almost overwhelming, I could almost celebrate with incense.”
“Great!” Satou Shinichi immediately rushed to the living room, turned on the massive smart TV, and fumbled with the remote control, quickly bringing up the movie. The living room lights were dimmed, leaving only a few warm-toned lamps casting a soft glow. A huge screen rose from the wall and began to play.
When Satou Mei watched movies with Satou Shinichi, she simply listened quietly, occasionally responding to Satou Shinichi’s words. Satou Mei knew that in truth, Satou Shinichi was more interested in the capabilities and secret operations within the “Shadow” organization than in these so-called movies. The chases and fight scenes in the movies were nowhere near as exciting as those. It was just that Satou Shinichi liked her. Anyway, she knew that with Satou Shinichi by her side at night, she couldn’t get much important work done, so she treated it as relaxation during her spare time.
Satou Shinichi and Satou Mei habitually curled up in a corner of the sofa. Beside Satou Shinichi was the popcorn specially prepared by Satou Mei. Satou Mei sat properly on the other end of the sofa, with enough distance between them to seat two more people.
As the movie plot unfolded, it told the passionate story of a down-on-his-luck boxer returning to the ring. Every frame was filled with drama. Satou Shinichi and Satou Mei watched it listlessly, the on-screen plot gradually fading. Satou Shinichi’s attention was not entirely on the movie. His gaze was sharp; he occasionally caught sight of Satou Mei beside him, as if she held some unspeakable secret.
In Satou Shinichi’s view, Satou Mei’s body seemed to stiffen, and she would occasionally move her thigh, like a taut string. Her gaze remained fixed on the screen, as if she were rooted there. However, every so often, she would shift ever so slightly towards Satou Shinichi’s direction. After a while, she would shift again, by a minuscule amount. As if afraid of being discovered by Satou Shinichi, she moved cautiously, tentatively.
Satou Shinichi and Satou Mei were stunned at first, then couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Satou Mei’s face turned as red as a ripe apple, looking both cute and shy, just like… She immediately understood Satou Shinichi’s subtle intentions. Because she knew Satou Shinichi was pretending to be a follower of the Chu-Han rivalry. Satou Shinichi wanted to…
“Just a little closer, but I dare not say it easily.” She only dared to use this ant-like slow movement to probe. Both Satou Shinichi and Satou Mei found it amusing. Satou Shinichi watched the movie impassively, while Satou Mei secretly observed Satou Shinichi. Satou Shinichi also moved with difficulty, not daring to approach Satou Mei lest she discover his little thoughts. The protagonist in the movie was nearly halfway through a round of matches. She estimated that the total distance he had moved was probably less than half a meter. Seeing him wanting to get closer but not daring to, cautiously and timidly, Satou Mei finally couldn’t help but sigh.
***
“Ah,” Satou Shinichi exclaimed. Satou Mei held his head. Satou Mei buried her head on his shoulder, and Satou Shinichi’s heart immediately raced, his whole body tensing up. His heart pounded as if it would leap out of his throat. He felt Satou Mei’s soft body and smelled her faint, pleasant fragrance. His cheeks burned, and even his ears turned red. He was so nervous he didn’t know how to respond.
“Don’t move,” Satou Mei said, her voice a little low. Satou Shinichi’s body stiffened, unsure of what to do. He felt as if his body had turned to stone. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to relax.
Satou Mei suddenly raised her head, a sly glint in her eyes. She looked at Satou Shinichi, a slight smile on her lips. “What’s wrong?” Satou Shinichi asked, his voice a bit hoarse. Satou Mei didn’t speak, just leaned her head on his shoulder and gently nuzzled him. Satou Shinichi felt his heart beating even faster. He knew Satou Mei was teasing him. He struggled to push her away, but found his body wouldn’t obey. He could only let her hold him. Satou Shinichi felt his breathing becoming rapid. He knew he couldn’t continue like this. He took a deep breath, then suddenly pushed Satou Mei away.
Satou Mei, pushed away, wore an innocent expression. She looked at Satou Shinichi, her eyes filled with grievance. “What’s wrong with you?” she asked, her voice choked. Satou Shinichi looked at her, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew he shouldn’t have treated her like this.
“Sorry,” he said softly, “I didn’t mean to.” Satou Mei didn’t speak, just lowered her head, her eyes filled with disappointment. Satou Shinichi looked at her, feeling even more distressed. He knew Satou Mei was a sensitive person. He reached out, wanting to hug her, but found his hand stopped midway. He knew he couldn’t go on like this. “I…” Satou Shinichi didn’t know what to say. He wanted to explain, but found he couldn’t speak.
Satou Mei looked up, looking at him, her eyes full of expectation. “Don’t you like me anymore?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Satou Shinichi’s heart ached when he heard her words. He knew she misunderstood. He reached out, hugged her tightly, and buried his head in her neck. “I like you, Satou Mei,” he whispered, “I like you very much.” Hearing his words, Satou Mei felt a surge of sweetness. She reached out and hugged him back.
The two held each other tightly, as if to meld into each other’s bodies. In this embrace, they felt each other’s heartbeats, felt each other’s warmth. Satou Shinichi knew that Satou Mei was the most important person in his life. She gave him love and warmth, making him no longer feel alone and lonely.
“Satou Mei,” Satou Shinichi said softly, “Thank you.” Satou Mei didn’t speak, just held him tightly. She knew this embrace was the best answer. They held each other tightly until their heartbeats calmed. Satou Mei knew Satou Shinichi still had many secrets in his heart. She didn’t pry, because she knew Satou Shinichi would tell her himself. She just waited quietly, waiting for Satou Shinichi to open his heart.
Satou Shinichi also knew he couldn’t hide it any longer. He took a deep breath, then looked up at Satou Mei. “Satou Mei,” he said softly, “I have a secret I want to tell you.” Satou Mei looked at him, her eyes full of anticipation. Satou Shinichi hesitated, then told Satou Mei his story. From being selected by the “Shadow” organization, to being trained as an agent, to the various secret operations he participated in. He told Satou Mei everything.
After hearing his story, Satou Mei was shocked and heartbroken. She knew Satou Shinichi had endured many hardships in the past year. She hugged Satou Shinichi tightly, buried her head in his chest, and said softly, “Satou Shinichi, you’ve suffered.” Satou Shinichi felt Satou Mei’s warmth, and his heart was filled with emotion. He knew Satou Mei genuinely cared about him.
“Satou Mei,” he whispered, “Thank you.” Satou Mei didn’t speak, just held him tightly. She knew this embrace was the best comfort. They held each other tightly until the movie ended. Satou Shinichi knew Satou Mei was the person closest to him. She was the light in his life, illuminating his path forward. He decided to face all future challenges with Satou Mei. Satou Shinichi knew he could no longer leave Satou Mei. She was an indispensable part of his life. Satou Mei also knew Satou Shinichi was the person she loved the most. She was willing to give him everything.
The two looked at each other and smiled, understanding unspoken. They knew their future would be even brighter.
Satou Shinichi was held by Satou Mei again, like a robot awaiting training instructions, cautiously, using barely half his backside. Satou Mei sat to the side, and Satou Shinichi still maintained a subtle distance from her, as if being too close would cause something to happen.
“Tsk—” Seeing the young boy’s reserved and nervous demeanor, Satou Mei’s face showed a hint of playful mischief. In Satou Shinichi’s jet-black eyes, a very faint smile quietly spread, and a barely controllable slight curve appeared on his lips. Seeing Satou Shinichi no longer the wooden dummy he was moments ago, he suddenly turned into a sneaky servant and shifted his gaze back to the movie screen, as if nothing had happened.
Satou Shinichi just silently watched her body, but naturally leaned slightly towards her. His shoulder gently, almost imperceptibly, leaned against the young boy’s arm, which was as rigid as stone from nervousness. In an instant, Satou Shinichi’s entire body visibly froze. His breathing seemed to stop. He clearly felt the slight warmth and softness of Satou Mei’s body, and even smelled her faint, pleasant fragrance. Satou Shinichi was struck by immense happiness, making him dizzy, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it would leap out of his chest. He sat rigidly in place, not daring to move. All his senses seemed to be focused on that small point of contact. What was happening in the movie? He had no idea anymore. All his attention was dedicated to feeling the incredibly real yet dreamlike beauty beside him.
And Satou Mei, on the other hand, seemed to treat it as the most natural thing. She adjusted to a more comfortable position, leaning back casually against this human pillar. Her gaze refocused on the movie plot, seemingly watching it more intently than before.
The room was filled only with the movie’s sound effects and their soft breaths. The light flickered, warm hues intermittently illuminating them. Satou Mei began to comfortably rest against Satou Shinichi’s side, resting her head on his shoulder and hugging him tightly. She felt his warmth, his heartbeat. In the quietness of them leaning on each other, they enjoyed the last false peace before the storm. Satou Shinichi just held her tightly, as if wanting to absorb her into his body. He knew this woman was his everything.
As the movie reached its climax, the moment the protagonist threw the winning punch—Satou Mei’s originally relaxed, slightly lazy, and clumsy eyes suddenly became extremely sharp and cold, like a unsheathed blade. Satou Mei transformed to the extreme in a moment. Though her eyes returned to calm, the lifelessness and indifference within them suggested the sharpness of that moment still lingered. Only her heart, like a deep pond into which a boulder had been thrown, was in turmoil! Satou Shinichi had finally waited! The clear intention, conveyed through her cold gaze, through her “Shadow” actions in that brief period, reached him. Satou Shinichi took out his communicator. Xue also promptly reported the situation to Satou Mei. It was a message from the “Shadow” organization about the timing of the operation.
***
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived. She maintained the posture of leaning on Satou Shinichi’s body. Her gaze seemed to still be on the movie screen, but her entire being had instantly switched to a state of high alert and combat readiness towards Satou Shinichi with intense coldness. She knew Satou Shinichi’s mission was about to begin. She could only wait here quietly.
The moment Satou Shinichi received the order, his body involuntarily trembled. He knew he had no more room to retreat. He put down the communicator in his hand, then hugged Satou Mei tightly. “Satou Mei,” he said softly, “I’m leaving.” Satou Mei didn’t speak, just hugged him tightly. She knew this embrace was the last warmth she could give him. Satou Shinichi felt Satou Mei’s body trembling. He knew she was also afraid. He looked up at Satou Mei, his eyes filled with determination. “Satou Mei, wait for me to come back.”
Hearing his words, Satou Mei felt a pang of sadness. She knew this mission was full of danger. She raised her hand and gently caressed Satou Shinichi’s cheek. “Satou Shinichi, be careful,” she said softly. Satou Shinichi grasped her hand and placed it on his cheek. “I will.” He knew he couldn’t delay any longer. He took a deep breath, then let go of Satou Mei. He stood up and walked forward. Satou Mei watched his retreating back, her eyes filled with reluctance. She knew Satou Shinichi might not be back for a long time this time. She closed her eyes, trying her best to control her emotions. She knew she had to be strong.
Satou Shinichi walked to the door and suddenly stopped. He looked back at Satou Mei. Satou Mei looked at him, a sweet smile appearing on her lips. She knew Satou Shinichi was waiting for her. She didn’t speak, just encouraged him with her eyes. Seeing Satou Mei’s smile, Satou Shinichi felt his heart fill with strength. He knew Satou Mei would always support him. He turned around and walked out the door. Satou Mei watched his departing figure, tears welling up uncontrollably. She knew she had to face all of this bravely. She wiped away her tears, then returned to the sofa. She knew Satou Shinichi would return. She would wait for him here quietly.
Satou Shinichi walked to a corner and saw a communicator flashing. He knew it was an instruction from the “Shadow” organization. He pressed the power button, and a voice message came out. “Satou Shinichi, your mission is:” Listening to the voice message, Satou Shinichi’s eyes were filled with determination. He knew he had to complete the mission. He took a deep breath, then opened the door. Outside was a dark night. Satou Shinichi knew he had embarked on a path full of unknowns. He didn’t look back, just walked forward. He knew Satou Mei was waiting for him. He had to return alive.
Satou Shinichi knew her heart was filled with love for him. This love was the strength that supported Satou Shinichi to keep going. He knew he was no longer alone. He had Satou Mei. Satou Shinichi took a deep breath, then quickened his pace. He knew he had to complete the mission as soon as possible. He knew Satou Mei was waiting for him. He had to return alive. He knew he was no longer alone. He had Satou Mei. Satou Shinichi took a deep breath, then quickened his pace. He knew he had to complete the mission as soon as possible.
