"A tiny bit unpleasant"?!
That wasn't just a little bad—it was practically lethal.
That violin sound was terrifyingly bizarre.
Barbara had been singing for years, yet she had never heard such a… unique tone.
If Paimon performed like that at her concert, the whole event would probably collapse on the spot.
After thinking it through, Barbara politely declined:
"About Paimon… maybe not. I feel like it's not very suitable."
"Hehe, it's fine. I was just asking."
Lumine scratched her cheek awkwardly.
She knew very well what Paimon's playing sounded like— so she hadn't really expected much.
"Barbara, don't reject it so quickly," Han Feng said calmly.
"You could try guiding Paimon a little. If she improves, that could actually help your performance."
"That's… true."
Barbara pursed her lips thoughtfully.
If she played piano with violin accompaniment, the performance would absolutely shine more.
"Alright. I'll talk to Paimon later."
Even though she didn't know much about violin, music had shared principles.
With some focused study, she should be able to guide Paimon.
"Wait… where is she?"
Barbara looked around but couldn't spot Paimon.
"Uh… she went to perform at the Cat's Tail Tavern…"
Lumine said sheepishly.
Barbara: (⊙_⊙)
Hold on—
With that level of violin skill… she went to perform publicly?
Wouldn't she get chased out?!
"…Never mind. I'll find her later."
Barbara sighed.
"Oh right, Boss Han, has Sister Lisa finished reading yet?"
"Lisa?"
Han Feng glanced at the system.
The notification had just refreshed.
[Customer Lisa has finished reading "Food Wars!"]
Reward obtained — Egg Rice Bowl.
Note: This is a glowing dish that causes blushing, leg-clenching, soft moaning… and possibly clothes bursting.
"Another explosive dish. Good thing she's upstairs."
Han Feng smiled faintly.
A radiant light shot upward— directly into a second-floor room.
"…That's my room."
His expression turned slightly strange.
Lisa had gone into his room?
"See that light? Lisa's in that room. The reward's been delivered. If you're interested, you can go try it. It's quite the delicacy."
Barbara snorted.
"I'm not going!"
After what happened last night when her sister saw her reaction—she had sworn to herself:
She would never eat food from this shop again.
Never.
"I'll just wait here for Sister Lisa."
She sat down nearby.
Lumine tilted her head.
"Why does Barbara look embarrassed… and nostalgic at the same time?"
"Because of a dish."
Han Feng smiled mysteriously.
"A dish?"
Lumine blinked.
How was food related to that expression?
"Come to my room tonight and I'll let you try it. Then you'll understand."
Han Feng said seriously.
Lumine's face turned bright red instantly.
After a brief hesitation—she gave a tiny, almost inaudible "Mm."
If Han Feng hadn't been close, he wouldn't have heard it.
Just then, Venti walked over with his Maine Coon beast.
"Boss Han! I finished my manga!"
"Oh? Was it interesting?"
"I only have one feeling," Venti said solemnly.
"Umaru lives exactly the life I dream of."
Gaming all day. Watching shows. Sleeping.
Someone cooking for you.
Absolute bliss.
"Ambitious," Han Feng gave a thumbs up.
No sarcasm.
Sure, it wasn't exactly striving for greatness—but many people dreamed of that carefree life.
If you could live comfortably as a slacker, why struggle?
Happiness was enough.
"Ehehe… so, Boss Han, my reward?"
Venti leaned forward eagerly.
He didn't ask for much— just something tasty and fun.
After seeing Umaru constantly snacking, he had been filled with envy.
Han Feng checked the system.
[Customer Venti has finished reading "Himouto! Umaru-chan."]
Reward — Snack Gift Set.
Contents:
One box of Cola ("Otaku Happy Water")
One box of Original Potato Chips
One box of Red Bean Chocolate Mushrooms
"Oh?"
These were Umaru's favorite snacks.
Sweet and salty combined—paired with ice-cold cola.
Once you tried it—
you understood.
"Venti just said he was jealous. Now he gets to experience it."
Han Feng smiled.
A radiant light descended onto Venti.
When it faded—
three large cardboard boxes stood before him.
"Boss Han, what's inside?"
"Cola, plain chips, and red bean chocolate mushrooms. Your Umaru lifestyle has arrived."
"All snacks?!"
Venti's eyes lit up like fireworks.
He had just been craving those exact things—and now he had three full boxes?!
Thank you, Boss Han.
Thank you, manga shop.
His dream life had officially begun.
Moments later—
Left hand: a cold bottle of cola.
Right hand: a bag of chips.
Crunch.
Fizz.
Venti leaned back with bliss written all over his face.
"This… this is heavenly."
He had never felt closer to divinity—even as a god.
And in that moment—
Venti truly understood:
Sometimes, Eternity could wait.
But snacks—
could not.
—------------------------------
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