After eating and drinking their fill, Hoshino Sora and Yui Yuigahama left the restaurant in the alley.
After coming out, Hoshino Sora kept his head down, contemplating his future path, because he had found a powerful backer, that Sichuan Cuisine Master who looked like a reclusive expert.
As of now, he hadn't seen anyone who could produce a golden-tier dish, except for Mao Jinyu.
Of course, it might also be because making golden-tier dishes requires a lot of physical strength, so few people are willing to do it unless absolutely necessary. He remembered that after Old Man Mao served the boiled fish that day, his condition clearly worsened significantly.
That feeling was as if his vitality had been drained.
"Hey, hey, Hoshino-ge, what are you thinking about so intently? I've been calling you for ages and you haven't responded."
She reached out and waved her hand diligently in front of Hoshino Sora's eyes. It wasn't until the third call that he reacted. Seeing this, Yui Yuigahama's cheeks puffed out slightly. Ever since they left that Sichuan-flavored restaurant, he had been distracted.
Even though he was walking with her.
"Sorry, what is it?"
"I forgot, and can't I call you even if there's nothing wrong, hmm."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Yuigahama's mouth subtly puffed out, and a rare hint of displeasure appeared in her eyes. As she spoke, she pouted to the right.
"That's not it. You can call me anytime you want. I'm listening."
"Liar, Hoshino-ge is an idiot."
With a blush still on her cheeks, Yuigahama said indignantly, which left Hoshino Sora confused. Do girls change their expressions so quickly? She was clinging to him just now.
What happened in between?
Could it be because he was thinking and ignored her? The scene of Yui Yuigahama trying to talk to him multiple times and him ignoring her flashed through his mind.
If that was the case, it made sense for Yuigahama to be angry.
"Hmm... alright, it's my fault, don't be angry. How about I treat you to ice cream?"
"I want chocolate flavor."
Hearing the apology beside her, Yuigahama didn't throw a tantrum and took the easy way out, quickly returning to her original self. She pointed her finger at the chocolate-flavored ice cream, a hint of slyness in her eyes.
——————
"Hoshino-ge, thank you for today."
After buying ice cream, Hoshino Sora and Yuigahama strolled along, chatting idly. Before they reached the last intersection on their way home, Yuigahama suddenly stopped.
It was dark all around, and the streetlights hadn't turned on yet. This was also a characteristic of old Japanese residential areas.
"What's there to thank? I should be thanking Little Yui for inviting me to your school's cultural festival.
Speaking of the cultural festival, if that girl at school bullies you after this, remember to tell me. I'll definitely help you get revenge!"
Hoshino Sora said, waving his strong fist. He didn't want his important friends to be bullied. The reason he said these words was also because he was worried that Yuigahama would keep it to herself if she was bullied. School bullying in Japan is quite serious, to be honest.
"Don't worry, I'm quite popular at school, and that guy and I aren't in the same class, so we rarely see each other. I won't be bullied."
When Yamaguchi Nanasen was mentioned, a hint of disappointment appeared on Yuigahama's face. After all, they used to be good friends, and it was truly regrettable how things had turned out.
"All in all, still be careful. That kind of person's way of thinking is different from ours."
Seeing Yuigahama's unconcerned expression, Hoshino Sora still earnestly exhorted.
"I know, but Hoshino-ge, you care about me so much, could it be that you like me?"
Under the moonlight, Yuigahama's cheeks were flushed, her body swayed slightly, and her hands were behind her back, puffing out her chest.
Her voice trembled slightly, and her whole state was clearly off. Hoshino Sora naturally saw it; she was waiting for him to confess. No wonder she seemed distracted when he spoke just now. But this slightly emotional look was so cute!!!
"I like you quite a lot, Yuigahama? How do you feel about me?"
"Thump, thump."
His heartbeat was steady and strong. Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, the smile on Yuigahama's face was uncontrollable, the corners of her mouth curving wildly upwards, unable to be suppressed for a moment. This also made her shyly cover her face, not wanting Hoshino Sora to see her embarrassment.
Ten-odd seconds later, Yui Yuigahama forced herself to calm down, her chest rising and falling rhythmically, then she looked at Hoshino Sora's face with firm eyes.
"I like you, Hoshino-ge! I don't know when it started, but before I knew it, my eyes were full of only you. Isn't that magical? I like you as a person, I like your cooking, I like the way you gently comfort me when I'm frustrated, so please, go out with me!"
Her words were clumsy and straightforward, but Hoshino Sora could feel Yuigahama's sincerity in them, that fervent, innocent heart deeply moved him.
"Okay!"
Looking at the girl's flushed face in front of him, and having confirmed their mutual feelings, Hoshino Sora no longer held back. He lowered his head and directly kissed her, placing his hands on Yuigahama's shoulders.
The girl's lips were soft, like an exquisite delicacy. Hoshino Sora kissed her passionately.
His hands slowly moved downwards. In the darkness, the two passionately kissed on the sidewalk not far from home. It wasn't until half an hour later that Hoshino Sora ended his actions, feeling refreshed.
The surrounding streetlights also lit up.
"Let's go home, it's getting late."
"Mm, when can we see each other again?"
Yuigahama said, still wanting more. Is this what boys are like? Kissing is truly wonderful! No wonder those people in her class talk about relationships all day long.
She'll have new topics now!
"I might be a bit busy next, but we can always meet up. Anyway, we're in the same city, so the longest it would take to meet is half an hour by car."
"Then, next time, let's finish what we didn't finish today."
She said this, her face flushed with shyness, a phrase that would excite any man. But Hoshino Sora didn't nod. Instead, he reached out and touched Yuigahama's cheek, his eyes serious.
"That kind of thing is a bit early for you. Grow up for two more years."
Looking at Yui Yuigahama's slender figure, Hoshino Sora really couldn't bear to make a move.
"Ah?"
It was clear that a hint of disappointment appeared in Yui Yuigahama's eyes.
"Silly girl, this is for your own good. And besides that kind of thing, I didn't say I wouldn't do anything else. Anyway, I won't let you feel lonely."
"I don't care about doing such things."
"Alright, alright, you don't care, you don't care."
Hearing what Yui Yuigahama said with a blush, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but laugh, then reached out and pinched her cute little nose: "I should go back."
"Bye bye."
"Yay!"
Taking a deep breath and watching Hoshino Sora's retreating back, Yui Yuigahama could no longer suppress the excitement in her heart. She suddenly jumped up, squatted on the ground to calm down for a long time before standing up normally, and then walked towards her home as calmly as possible.
Her current appearance was not suitable for meeting her family.
"I'm home."
"Welcome back, did something good happen? You're all smiles."
"Hmm? Is it that obvious?"
Looking at her mother who came out to greet her, Yui Yuigahama's words carried surprise. Hadn't she already restrained herself? Strange, why couldn't she stop smiling?
"It seems something good really happened. Come in quickly, it must be quite cold outside."
"No way, I feel so hot right now."
Placing the slippers at the entrance, taking the leather boots she had changed out of, and seeing the girl's smile, Yui Yuigahama's mother also smiled, a very warm smile.
— — — — — — — — — —
On the other side.
"Good evening, my Queen."
Holding roses and looking at Kitagawa Marin, who was dressed in an Imperial Queen cosplay outfit to greet him, Hoshino Sora leaned against the door and handed her the roses, speaking coolly. He knew that girls had no resistance to such small surprises.
"Are these for me?"
"Besides you, do I have anyone else to give them to?"
Seeing the girl's hands clasped in front of her chest and her eyes instantly moist, her surprise was undisguised. As he spoke, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Hoshino Sora's neck.
"I love you to death, Manager!"
The softness of her chest pressed against him, and Hoshino Sora immediately reacted. Kitagawa Marin naturally felt this, and her face instantly turned crimson, her breathing becoming slightly rapid, and her hand involuntarily moved downwards.
"I love you too, Hayama."
As he spoke, Hoshino Sora reached out and closed the door, then picked up Kitagawa Marin and carried her into the living room.
Everywhere they passed was a battlefield.
— — — — — — — — — —
He woke up at four in the morning, removing the hand draped over him.
His gaze swept around in the darkness. Kitagawa Marin was breathing evenly beside him, the quilt covering her chest rising and falling, making Hoshino Sora feel incredibly parched.
But he didn't continue to bother Kitagawa. Instead, he got up and started cleaning. This brat had no concept of how much more comfortable a clean home was. Underwear and panties were strewn everywhere, though some of them were his doing from yesterday.
Picking up the black lace panties from the floor, Hoshino Sora's face showed an embarrassed expression. He sighed and began to tidy up the room.
He cleared all the trash from the floor, threw the underwear into the washing machine, and after that, went to the kitchen to prepare food. However, when he opened the refrigerator, it was empty, with only a few eggs. He wondered how Kitagawa Marin managed to survive. Helpless, Hoshino Sora had no choice but to go out and buy ingredients.
It was already 6:30 AM when he returned and finished cooking. Hoshino Sora hung the washed clothes from the washing machine to dry. After everything was done, he returned to the room. At this time, Kitagawa Marin was still sound asleep, drool flowing onto the pillow, her body slightly curled, very much like a docile cat.
"Wake up, little lazy cat."
Reaching out and pinching the delicate little nose of the person on the bed, Hoshino Sora spoke in a doting tone.
Looking closely, the girl was truly beautiful. Her milky skin was flawless. Her lips were like ripe cherries, bright, lustrous, and full. Her nose bridge was delicate and small, and her eyes revealed a captivating charm, truly an enchanting little fairy.
"Good morning, Manager~
Being able to see Manager's handsome face as soon as I wake up feels so satisfying!"
Looking at the familiar face in front of her, Kitagawa Marin smiled from the bottom of her heart. She raised her hand, wrapped it around Hoshino Sora's neck, and kissed him on the cheek.
At the same time, the covers slipped down.
"Hurry up and get dressed. Let's have breakfast together. I have something important to do later, so I might not be able to accompany you."
"Ah…"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Kitagawa Marin's face instantly fell, her voice trailing off for a long, long time, clearly showing her extreme dissatisfaction with him not accompanying her.
"I can't help it. This is also for my own improvement, so I can give us a better life in the future. I'm currently in a very critical promotion period. Once these three years are over, I promise to be with you every day."
Looking at the girl's slightly aggrieved little eyes, Hoshino Sora also felt bad. Having emotions as a bond was like this.
He didn't even have time to go back and accompany Asaka-nee and Rika-nee this week.
They must be very lonely.
As the image of Ya Xiang and Rika feeling lonely appeared in his mind, a faint sadness surfaced in Hoshino Sora's eyes.
Dear sisters, it was his fault for being such a scoundrel that he hadn't found time to be with them!
"Mm!"
Having received Hoshino Sora's assurance, Kitagawa nodded heavily, clearly believing him.
"I helped you tidy up the house. The things that were originally left on the floor I've put away according to a normal person's usage habits. They are all infrequently used items. I've written down the specific locations on this note. You can look at it if you can't find something."
Hoshino Sora thoughtfully recorded each storage spot and compiled it into a note, because while organizing the room, he thought of his mother in his previous life, who always privately organized his room and put his things where he couldn't find them.
His eyes held a hint of nostalgia. He had started a new life here, but what about his original family? They must have been very heartbroken by his loss.
Or perhaps they had accepted it calmly?
However, none of this mattered to him now.
He sighed softly. After more than ten years of transmigration, at least he had calmly accepted it.
"Really? I was actually thinking of hiring a cleaning lady, because it's been a while since I cleaned. Thank you, Manager~"
Taking the small note, Kitagawa Marin suddenly noticed that her room had become clean and tidy. The underwear, panties, and various sundries that were originally thrown on the floor had all been neatly organized.
This couldn't help but surprise her greatly. She immediately hugged Hoshino Sora's neck and kissed him.
"But speaking of which, you really are a homebody. I remember this figurine seems to be a limited edition, right?"
Glancing at Kitagawa Marin, who was picking up clothes and putting them on, Hoshino Sora walked over to a large-headed figurine and commented, this thing wasn't cheap.
"That's right, I worked for two months and queued for a whole night just to get it. During the day at school, I was so sleepy that the teacher called my name five or six times."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Kitagawa Marin said proudly.
Apparently, being called a homebody was a compliment to her.
"It's quite impressive from all angles. This wall of figurines, and that cabinet full of cosplay costumes, all sorts of detailed decorations."
"Furei helped make all of those! She's amazing, right!"
"Indeed."
A certain 'swaying' figure appeared in his mind, and Hoshino Sora stroked his chin, genuinely sighing with emotion.
At the same time, Kitagawa had already changed her clothes and left the room, with Hoshino Sora following closely behind.
After that, the two had breakfast together.
At eight o'clock in the morning, Kitagawa saw Hoshino Sora to the door.
"You look very handsome."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was neatly dressed, Kitagawa praised him sincerely, her eyes sparkling with light. Should she say it was indeed the man she fell for? So handsome!
"Then I'm leaving."
"Here, these are mine, I've worn them for three days, so they have a slight scent. I don't know if you can accept it…"
"I can! In fact, I love this kind of thing!"
Before leaving, Kitagawa, her face flushed, handed Hoshino Sora a pair of slightly 'scented' black stockings. Upon seeing the stockings, the young man immediately showed an excited expression and then accepted them.
"What a complete pervert."
Seeing Hoshino Sora's intoxicated expression, Kitagawa snorted and said, her hanging heart finally settling down. Until just now, she had been worried if she had gone too far.
Even though she knew Hoshino Sora was a stupid leg fetishist.
"Then this time I'm really leaving."
"A farewell kiss,"
"I can't do anything about you."
Seeing Kitagawa Marin's proactive demeanor, Hoshino Sora passionately kissed her at the doorway.
Proactive when meeting, shy when intimate, open when in love—this was Kitagawa, a 'versatile' girl.
"Mom, what are those two older siblings doing?"
"Don't look, hurry up and go!"
During the kiss, a mother and daughter walked down the stairwell. Faced with the two entwined people, the little girl turned her head and asked in an innocent voice. Her mother immediately covered her eyes upon hearing this, then quickened her pace.
"We've been used as a bad example."
The sound clearly reached both of their ears, startling them into immediately separating. Seeing the departing mother and daughter, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but tease.
"Ah! It's over! That person lives upstairs from me!"
"It's fine, I don't live here anyway. Then this time I'm really, really, really leaving!"
"You're asking for a beating! Bye-bye."
— — — — — — — — — —
Eight in the morning.
Hoshino Sora arrived at the Sichuan Cuisine restaurant in the alley, his face full of anticipation.
"Good morning, Xiang Ling, where is Master Mao?"
Looking at Xiang Ling, who was cleaning the restaurant, Hoshino Sora raised his hand to greet her.
"Good morning, Grandpa went out to buy ingredients. He told you to come over and cut chili peppers according to these specifications."
Seeing the familiar figure, Xiang Ling smiled and greeted him, then handed Hoshino Sora a small note. The note had dozens of common chili pepper images drawn on it, with notes next to them, or more accurately, their specifications after being chopped.
The numbers were precise down to milligrams.
"This really tests my knife skills."
There were also notes behind the chili peppers explaining what dishes they were suitable for. Hoshino Sora smiled bitterly at the sight. In any case, he would try first.
Although precision down to milligrams was difficult, his master-level knife skills were not for show; it shouldn't be too hard if he was serious.
"This is something you must experience before learning Sichuan Cuisine. I practiced like that before too."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's complaint, Xiang Ling said with a smile.
To learn Sichuan Cuisine, the first thing to do is to master chili peppers!
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