In front of the garden plot managed by the Gardening Club—
Several girls with planting experience were explaining the process of growing vegetables.
Growing vegetables was actually simple; it mainly required time and patience.
The head of the Gardening Club came from a family with a large vegetable garden, and she had a wealth of knowledge.
After the explanation—
Everyone began the hands-on practice.
Vegetable seeds had already been delivered, along with the necessary tools—all prepared.
As the student council advisor, Hiratsuka Shizuka was now also overseeing both the Gardening Club and the Cooking Club.
She showed great interest in vegetable cultivation.
…
Meanwhile—
The cooking classroom was now open to the Cooking Club members.
The head of the Cooking Club was Yukinoshita Yukino.
Not only was she skilled in traditional Japanese cuisine, but she could also make French and Chinese dishes.
As for desserts, they were a piece of cake for Yukinoshita Yukino.
The very first thing she taught the club was how to bake cookies.
This was something most girls could learn easily—
Except for Yuigahama Yui…
"I followed Yukino-chan's steps exactly, so how did it turn out like this?" Yuigahama Yui stared at the thing in front of her that barely resembled a cookie.
"Yuigahama-san, maybe you should start from the very basics of cooking," Yukinoshita Yukino said with a speechless expression.
The cookies made by the other girls at least looked somewhat acceptable.
Yuigahama Yui's batch, however, looked more like charcoal.
"Is this edible?" Yui picked one up and examined it.
"It should be. Save it for him," Yukino said with a slight smile.
"Yukino-chan… that smile of yours is a little scary…"
"That guy is getting more and more careless. He needs a little punishment." Yukino glanced out the window.
…
In front of the Sobu High School gate—
Su Yu met the maid introduced by Hanada Yui.
Her name was Tsurumi Saori, and she was dressed in a grey professional suit, looking slightly nervous.
"Tsurumi-san, I'm guessing you don't have much work experience?" Su Yu asked.
"I've worked at convenience stores and supermarkets before… but this is my first time as a maid," Tsurumi Saori replied, head lowered, avoiding Su Yu's gaze.
"Why did you accept this job?" Su Yu pondered.
"I need money. My daughter will be entering junior high in two years, and I need more work to support her," Tsurumi hesitated before speaking.
"Your job will mainly be to buy things, pick up a child, and do some cooking. Is your daughter attending a nearby school?" Su Yu asked, having already guessed who her daughter might be.
"Yes. It's not far from here. I'm actually an alumna of this school," Tsurumi answered.
"Are you renting right now, or…"
"I'm renting."
"Then would you be interested in a cheaper apartment? My Sakura Dorms are close by."
"Really? How much is the rent?"
"If you take the job, you'll also be responsible for cleaning Sakura Dorms. So, it would be 600,000 yen per year."
"That cheap?" she asked, suspicion on her face.
"My teacher lives there too, so don't worry," Su Yu said, noticing her concern.
"Sorry… could I have a look first?" she asked apologetically.
"Of course." Su Yu led her to the car.
Tsurumi Saori sat in the passenger seat.
The driver was Tamura Nanako.
She seemed to have forgotten she was an editor, diligently playing the role of Su Yu's chauffeur.
…
At Sakura Dorms—
Su Yu gave a brief introduction to the place.
Tsurumi Saori was tempted; the rent at her current place was 800,000 yen a year, and it was about to expire.
"If you live here, you don't have to pay me directly. The rent can be deducted from your salary. If you want to move in, the second-floor room only needs a little cleaning and a few pieces of furniture," Su Yu said, pointing upstairs.
"Master Su Yu, I'd like to move in," Tsurumi said decisively, no longer hesitant after hearing the rent could be deducted from her wages.
It was a good deal—and one that might not come again.
"I'll ask Hanada Yui to prepare the contract. Even though your work is similar to a maid's, I can give you the title of 'assistant,' which would technically make you part of Future Manga Publishing." Su Yu looked her in the eye.
"Thank you, Master Su Yu," Tsurumi bowed respectfully.
Being listed as an assistant of a publishing company would definitely make many things easier.
Su Yu called Hanada Yui and made arrangements for the contract.
Only then did Tamura Nanako leave with Tsurumi Saori.
…
Back at school, Su Yu received a message from Yukinoshita Yukino and made his way to the Cooking Club.
Then—
"Su Yu-kun, I made these cookies. Can you try them and tell me how they taste?" Yuigahama Yui lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.
"You two really…" Su Yu shook his head, picking up a cookie and taking a bite.
Both girls watched him closely.
"Not bad. A bit burnt," Su Yu commented after finishing.
"I didn't think you'd actually eat it," Yukinoshita said in mild surprise.
"I'm sorry, Su Yu-kun! I'll do better next time. Just throw this batch away…" Yui said, about to toss the cookies.
"No need. Pack them up. Don't waste food," Su Yu stopped her.
"But…"
"You both need to give me a kiss before we go back to class," Su Yu said, locking the door to the cooking room behind him.
Yukinoshita froze, her face turning red.
Yuigahama stole a glance at Yukinoshita, then shrugged—it didn't seem to bother her much.
"Yui, I know you're the obedient one," Su Yu walked over to her.
Yui blushed and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"Good girl, my cute little dummy," Su Yu patted her head.
Next, he turned to Yukinoshita.
Yukinoshita looked away, refusing to meet his eyes.
Su Yu knew she wouldn't kiss him in front of Yui.
So—
He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her directly.
Yukinoshita struggled for a moment, trying to push him away.
Su Yu's hand wandered.
She froze.
Yuigahama turned her head away—partly out of embarrassment, partly to ease the awkwardness.
When the kiss ended, Yukinoshita, flustered, stomped on Su Yu's foot.
"Yui, are the cookies packed?" Su Yu wasn't angry; he just turned to Yuigahama.
"S-Sorry! I'm doing it now," she replied with a blush, quickly packing them up.
Su Yu let go of Yukinoshita and walked over to Yui.
Yui seemed to know what he was thinking and stepped back.
Su Yu grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.
Yui buried her face, too embarrassed to look up.
Yukinoshita turned her head away again.
"Never mind. Teasing a cute little maid in front of my fiancée isn't fair to either of you," Su Yu said suddenly.
Yukinoshita's cheeks burned.
Yuigahama blushed even harder at the word "fiancée."
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished translating the whole story