Goto Michiyo ignored her husband's resentful gaze and led Tanaka Masao into the house.
Tanaka Masao expressed his confusion about this. Didn't Uncle Naoki have the look of a long-suffering man with his bangs covering his eyes? How could she see his gaze?
Tanaka Masao sat down on the sofa in the living room. Goto Nili naturally sat beside him, and Goto Michiyo brought him tea and water.
Goto Hitori stood by, looking a bit flustered, until Tanaka Masao waved her over, signaling her to sit next to him.
Relieved to receive the command, Goto Hitori scurried over to Tanaka Masao's side, like a well-behaved pet.
If Tanaka Masao could gently pat Goto Hitori's head at this moment, the scene would be even more vivid.
Speaking of pets, the Gotou family's dog, Jimmy Hen, also came over to Tanaka Masao's feet, rubbing his head against him, seemingly very fond of him.
Tanaka Masao had now achieved the accomplishment of having a person on each side, and he even had an extra person and a dog.
With his personal charm, Tanaka Masao quickly integrated into the Gotou family.
Sitting opposite them, Naoki Gotō's eyebrows couldn't help but twitch as he witnessed this scene.
"My daughter, oh my daughter, why are you so obedient? If you're like this, you'll have no status later."
For some reason, even though Tanaka Masao performed exceptionally well, Naoki Gotō always felt unable to fully accept him.
As they all sat down, Goto Nili asked curiously, "Masao-nii, why are you looking for my sister? My sister is clueless about everything except playing the guitar, and she recently joined a band. So, are you also a band member, here to discuss Music with her?"
Looking at Goto Nili's well-reasoned analysis, which she presented with great confidence, Tanaka Masao said with a smile, "Little Futari is truly amazing; your analysis is very logical, but unfortunately, it's wrong. I know the band you're talking about, and I know everyone in it, but I'm not a member of the band, and I'm not here to discuss Music-related matters with your sister."
"Then what are you here for?"
"To study."
Tanaka Masao explained, "Your sister's grades aren't good, and as a friend, I promised to tutor her."
"Tutoring?"
The Gotou family was aware of Goto Hitori's academic performance, and they hadn't expected Tanaka Masao to be here to tutor Goto Hitori.
"Masao-nii, are you in the same class as my sister? Are your grades very good?"
Hearing this, Tanaka Masao suppressed the smile on his lips and said very calmly and humbly, "No, I'm at Sobu University in Chiba. As for my grades, they're alright; I'm first in grade."
Sobu University.
Hearing that name, the Gotou Couple no longer found it strange that Tanaka Masao knew Goto Hitori.
Although their home was in Tokyo, Goto Hitori's school was clearly closer to Chiba.
Moreover, they also knew about Sobu University, aware that it was considered the best school in Chiba.
While it might not compare to schools in Tokyo, achieving first in grade meant he was likely a very outstanding person.
Goto Michiyo's gaze towards Tanaka Masao grew increasingly satisfied.
"I didn't expect Tanaka-kun to be so smart. If he and Hitori get married and have children, will it make up for Hitori's Fool (stupid) attribute? A child who perfectly inherits Hitori's looks and Tanaka's talent—just thinking about it is excellent."
Goto Michiyo was already starting to look forward to it.
Indeed, no parent can escape the influence of the 'good student' halo. Even Naoki Gotō, who had found Tanaka Masao somewhat displeasing, looked much happier.
"Hmph, merely first in grade, but he might just be worthy of my daughter. Speaking of which, is this fatty so smart? No wonder he can manipulate Hitori so easily."
"first in grade, how amazing!"
Tanaka Masao successfully gained a little fangirl.
And there was another person who was even happier than Tanaka Masao himself when someone praised him.
That was Goto Hitori. She showed a very proud and smug expression, as if saying, "Isn't it amazing that I have such a great friend?"
After a brief chat, the Gotou family had a general understanding of Tanaka Masao.
To avoid disturbing the two from developing their relationship, Goto Michiyo told Tanaka Masao to go directly to Goto Hitori's room to talk privately.
Regarding this, Naoki Gotō felt it would be better for them to be in the living room under his supervision, but he remained silent due to pressure.
Watching the two leave, Goto Michiyo rested her chin on her hand, a wide smile on her face.
"Dear, what do you think about having Tanaka-kun stay overnight here tonight? They can go to school together tomorrow morning. If he stays overnight, let them share a room. Do we need to prepare…"
"Okay, stop."
Naoki Gotō quickly stopped his wife; he couldn't listen anymore.
"Dear, this might be a bit too early for Hitori. It's better to let things happen naturally."
Goto Michiyo didn't think so and argued, "But with Hitori's personality, it's very difficult for her to meet a good man, so we naturally have to seize the opportunity."
Hearing this, Naoki Gotō found himself unable to refute. He couldn't quite understand why his perfectly good cabbage was being given away so eagerly.
He could only mumble, "My savings are enough for Hitori to live a carefree life forever."
Then, he turned his gaze to his younger daughter and picked her up.
"Futari, promise Daddy you'll never leave Daddy, okay?"
Goto Nili was a bit puzzled by her father's sudden action but still nodded.
"Okay, Daddy, Futari loves Daddy the most and will never leave Daddy."
Hearing Goto Nili's words, Naoki Gotō's heart almost melted.
"Good Futari, Daddy loves you the most too."
"Daddy, can you put me down? I want to go play with my sister and Masao-nii."
Naoki Gotō: …
His little cotton jacket was leaking.
Naoki Gotō seemed to have all his strength drained, and he put Goto Nili down.
Goto Nili didn't notice her hurt father; instead, she ran to Goto Hitori's room, which was clearly more interesting and held a greater attraction for her.
Goto Michiyo came up behind the dejected Naoki Gotō, gently patted his back, and comforted him, "Anata (Dear), don't be sad. Children always grow up and will leave us one day."
Naoki Gotō looked at Goto Michiyo and asked, "Then, dear, you…"
"Ah, I'm also going to find Hitori and Tanaka. It's more interesting there."
Naoki Gotō: …
She turned and left, as if having made some decision, and never looked at him again.