"Alright, alright, Yonglin, don't look like that. Being a wealthy lady, living without worries about food and clothing, this is already the life many people dream of."
Slowly untying the restraints on her body, Kaguya didn't shy away from Yonglin, changing her clothes right in front of her.
A luxurious evening gown, seemingly out of place in a traditional Japanese-style room, was put on her. Under the lights, it sparkled and shimmered, radiating brilliance. Such a beautiful sight would surely make her the center of attention at her first banquet.
Then, she sat in front of the mirror, humming a song as she styled her long hair, slowly braiding it into a hairstyle befitting her status.
By this time, it was almost dark, and a knock sounded at Kaguya's door once again.
"Princess, it's time for you to depart."
Opening the door, the Old Butler, dressed in a tailored tailcoat, stood at the entrance, speaking with meticulous seriousness.
"Yes, this concubine understands."
With an outsider present, Kaguya's expression returned to placid. She nodded gently at the Old Butler before moving to follow behind him.
Kaguya's residence was in a very secluded part of the family compound. This alone clearly indicated her standing within the household.
Walking through the long wooden corridor, the flowers, plants, insects, and fish that she usually stopped to admire no longer held Kaguya's interest. A polite smile graced her face, and she followed behind the Old Butler without a single flaw in her demeanor.
The footsteps of the three intertwined. A struggle appeared on Yonglin's face, who was trailing at the very back. Finally, as if having made a certain decision, she took a few steps forward to walk alongside Kaguya.
Completely disregarding the Old Butler, Yonglin directly said, "Princess, I have already bribed the key personnel. If you want to leave, I can get you out tonight. The funds outside are also enough for you to live on."
Unfortunately, Kaguya merely smiled, noncommittal.
Her steps did not falter as she looked at Yonglin and said, "What about you, Yonglin? Father will definitely suspect you, won't he?"
"Let him suspect. I don't want to stay here anyway. Once I transfer my assets, I'll come find you."
Upon hearing this, Kaguya finally broke through her accustomed polite smile, a genuine expression of happiness blossoming on her face as she gazed at Yonglin and responded with a smile, "Oh, may this concubine interpret that as an elopement invitation?"
However, after seeing Yonglin's still serious expression, Kaguya sighed, feeling rather bored, and said somewhat helplessly, "Yonglin, you're still so boring; you can't even take a joke."
Perhaps Yonglin truly didn't want to stay at Moon Capital Group anymore, but this place was also where Yonglin had struggled for half her life. It was impossible for her to have no feelings at all. Even if there was only a slim chance, Kaguya didn't want to do anything against Yonglin's wishes. She had already helped her enough.
The outline of the luxurious and spacious main hall was already visible in the distance, and the lively clamor inside could be heard even before getting close.
"Alright, Yonglin, you don't need to overthink it. I'm just going to live the life of a wealthy lady. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?"
With a gentle push to Yonglin's front, making her stop in place, Kaguya waved at her, leaving only a beautiful back.
"Remember to keep in touch often, okay?"
A soft farewell, carried by the breeze, reached Yonglin's ears.
But just as Kaguya regained her composure and was about to enter the banquet hall, the Old Butler stopped her.
"Princess, you need to go this way."
Standing in front of Kaguya, the Old Butler bowed and led Kaguya towards a smaller door on the other side.
Kaguya remembered this place; it seemed to be a private venue where those old men discussed important matters.
Is that so? So that's how it is?
It seems she didn't even have the last bit of choice left.
Taking a breath to suppress her inner tension, Kaguya composed herself, displaying the etiquette she had learned for over a decade, and walked through the door opened by the Old Butler.
Watching her gradually being swallowed by the darkness, it was as if a product polished for over a decade was finally placed on the shelf by the owner at this very moment.
....
On the other side.
About a week after the final exams, the results were finally posted today.
They still needed to go to school that day for the routine distribution of report cards and the announcement of holiday Precautions.
After enduring the head teacher's sleep-inducing voice, the atmosphere in the classroom instantly reached its peak with a blessing of 'Happy Holidays'.
Casually stuffing his report card, which was full of 'A's, into his handbag, Nangong Yu stood up. After declining several girls' invitations for karaoke and shopping, he skillfully blended in with Beiyuan's trio.
Having no desire to discuss grades, all four of them were in the top twenty of their grade, so there was no need to say anything. However, Beiyuan saw Nangong Yu start being sarcastic again: "Oh, isn't this Mr. Nangong Yu, our most popular with girls? Why are you coming to us? We're truly flattered~"
Slap!
His head was slapped by Nangong Yu, and he immediately angrily wanted to hit back, but he was lightly dodged and tripped, falling face-first into the dirt.
"This guy still hasn't learned his lesson~"
Sugisaki Ken sighed, then stood aside to watch the show. Kazuto also shook his head, looking at Beiyuan with pity.
He'd been beaten so many times; did he still not understand the difference in strength between himself and Nangong Yu?
After some more laughter and playful banter, the group said goodbye at the intersection where they parted ways.
If they didn't get together during the summer break, then the next time they met would probably be in over a month.
Unfortunately, Nangong Yu felt no sadness about this.
He didn't feel sad for a moment about parting with his friends; what followed was a happy holiday spent with Seele and Bronya!
Sugisaki Ken, Beiyuan Yizhi, Kazuto?
Sorry, not familiar.
Returning home in a joyful mood, Bronya and Seele were still a step ahead of him.
Tickets to Europe had been bought, and Mei had taken care of their passports. Everyone would rest at home and prepare, officially departing in a week.
Moreover, according to the news Seele had wheedled out of Cocolia last night, Cocolia should be arriving tomorrow. So they should rest early today and then tidy up the house tomorrow.
Evening work was canceled, and the extra time allowed the three, after showering, to huddle together and play some family games. When they felt a little tired, they returned to their respective rooms to prepare for rest.
"Seele!"
As soon as she turned on the air conditioning and got into bed, Seele was met with Nangong Yu's serious gaze.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Brother?"
Seele said, leaning closer to her brother.
"We need to get up early tomorrow."
"That's right, since Cocolia Mama is coming, of course we have to get up early and clean the house thoroughly~"
Hadn't this already been discussed? Why was Gege bringing it up again?
"So..."
"So?"
"So let's finish quickly today."
"Ah?"
Just as Seele was looking a little confused and dazed, a hand unknowingly slipped past the hem of her clothes, resting on her firm, smooth, slender waist.
Then, amidst Seele's gradually heated breaths and murmurs, it slowly moved upwards.