With the clues having run dry, Ling Xue pondered for a while before deciding to investigate Hoshino's school. It was undoubtedly a bold decision, and she planned to impersonate Nana Ko.
After carefully dressing up and striving to mimic Nana Ko's demeanor and mannerisms, Ling Xue stepped into the school. Upon arriving in the classroom, several classmates greeted her upon seeing Nana Ko, some even asking questions.
"Nana Ko, when will you return the book you borrowed from me?"
"Nana Ko, have you finished your paper yet?"
Ling Xue felt a surge of nervousness but maintained her composure, responding cautiously, "I'm sorry, I'll return your book shortly. As for the paper, I'm almost done."
A male teacher named Koji Murakami, known for his flirtatious nature, immediately lit up upon seeing Ling Xue. His eyes sparkled with interest as he approached her with a slightly swaggering gait, leaning in slightly as he spoke. "Nana Ko, when are you going to Seaside Cottage?"
Ling Xue smiled faintly, doing her best to imitate Nana Ko's innocent charm. "Murakami-sensei, I was just thinking of discussing that with you. However, before that, I have some questions about Hoshino."
Upon hearing Hoshino's name, Koji Murakami's expression suddenly turned bewildered. "Hoshino? Yes, he has been acting a bit strange lately."
His gaze flickered as if he were trying to conceal something, which only deepened Ling Xue's suspicion that Hoshino might be in some trouble.
"Actually," Murakami continued in a low voice, "Hoshino has been working on a secret project. He mentioned it to me a bit, but I don't know the specifics. Why are you interested in this, Nana Ko?"
Ling Xue's heart raced at his words, but she feigned innocence with a smile. "Just out of curiosity. Can you tell me where he is conducting this research? Perhaps I can help."
A glint of cunning flashed in Koji Murakami's eyes before he finally nodded. "It's in the basement of the laboratory," he whispered. "That's where all his materials are kept. But be careful; that place isn't very safe."
"Thank you; I'll be cautious," Ling Xue replied politely with a bow while secretly formulating her plan.
"It's still not very safe alone; come by tonight and I'll take you there quietly."
Ling Xue was taken aback by Murakami's unexpected offer of help. However, it was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity, and she decided to take the risk.
She nodded with a smile while raising her guard internally, staying alert to her surroundings. As night fell, the campus was shrouded in darkness and eerily quiet. The two quietly approached the entrance of the laboratory; an unsettling atmosphere hung in the air as if countless secrets and dangers were concealed within.
Ling Xue took a deep breath to steady herself and followed closely behind Koji Murakami as they entered that unknown territory.
Murakami stepped into the laboratory first, with Ling Xue following closely behind him. The lab was engulfed in darkness; she could barely see her hand in front of her face. Suddenly, a pair of large hands reached out from the shadows and grabbed Ling Xue's chest forcefully. An evil voice echoed in the darkness: "You won't escape tonight; heh heh."
Ling Xue's heart raced with shock as her body tensed instantly. She tried to break free from those strong hands, but their grip was too powerful for her to escape.
The lab was pitch black; the thick darkness felt suffocating. Murakami's sudden attack struck like a bolt from the blue, catching Ling Xue completely off guard. As those rough hands clutched her tightly, she felt an electric shock coursing through her body, leaving her mind blank for an instant.
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