Chapter 52
Mineo looked at Erina, then smiled and said:
"Actually, there's no special reason I asked you to climb this mountain today. I didn't intend to give you a long lecture, either. The main goal was just so you could feel more relaxed."
"Erina, we're good friends. We've known each other for three years, haven't we?"
"Even though we hadn't met in person before, through our conversations and every word you wrote, I could feel that you were actually very, very tired."
"Your constant pursuit of deliciousness must be because you're carrying a very heavy burden on your shoulders."
"You're always pushing yourself, hoping to keep getting stronger. But in reality, even if you become unrivaled in this world, will you truly find happiness? Sure, you might feel some satisfaction reaching that level, but the things you sacrifice along the way would be far too many."
As he spoke, Mineo walked right up to Erina. Seeing him suddenly close the distance, Erina was startled. She had no idea what he was about to do. In an instant, her body went completely rigid.
Mineo reached out his hand, but only to tidy a few stray strands of hair on Erina's forehead that had been messed up by the wind. He then laughed softly.
"Don't be so tense. I was just helping you fix your hair, Erina."
"Why do I feel like lately, whenever I'm with you, I turn into someone who loves to give sermons?"
"It's already getting late. Let's head back soon."
In his heart, Mineo genuinely cared for this girl named Erina. How should he describe it? Perhaps she was just a very pitiful child.
Regardless of what her parents were like, Erina's childhood had been spent without the carefree attitude a young girl should have had.
She studied all day and sharpened her so-called 'God's Tongue' every waking moment. She constantly suppressed herself under various burdens every day, all for the sake of one day having the strength to be acknowledged by her mother.
Living like that had to be exhausting. Before, he couldn't intervene, so he couldn't do anything about it. But now, since fate had brought this Erina to his side, he felt he had to do something for her.
After all, they were good friends who had chatted for years. Mineo truly hoped to see Erina finally relax and be happy.
Besides, talking didn't cost anything. The things he had felt from Master Pai, he simply learned and applied directly.
At the very least, being able to climb a mountain with two beautiful girls made Mineo feel quite happy. It was the kind of thing that would surely make single people very envious.
As Mineo fixed her hair, Erina's body remained stiff. There was no way something like this wouldn't make her nervous.
This was the first time Erina had ever experienced such intimate physical contact with another man.
Luckily, the moment passed quickly. It was only when Mineo withdrew his hand that Erina's body slowly began to relax.
However, her face turned so bright red it looked as if it might start bleeding. She couldn't even bring herself to look Mineo in the eye.
To be honest, Erina didn't fully understand a lot of the advice Mineo gave her. But at this moment, standing on the mountain peak and feeling the gentle breeze, she truly felt a peace she had never felt before.
In the past, as soon as she woke up, her brain was essentially thinking about how to process a dish and how to make a recipe more delicious.
Now, the feeling of not overthinking and completely emptying her mind felt wonderful. At the very least, she definitely didn't hate it.
Seeing Erina's flushed and sweet-looking face, Mineo leaned in close to her side again.
"What is Miss Erina thinking about? Were you moved by my words?"
"Don't fall for me too hard, now. I'm just a legend..."
Erina was still immersed in the warm atmosphere, but the sudden shift in Mineo's tone instantly made her anger explode. She bit her thin lip and glared sharply at him.
"You... what kind of nonsense are you talking about! I... I was just thinking about a few things... I... I would never fall for... fall for anyone!"
Right at that moment, Alice's poorly timed voice rang out:
"Hello? Hello? Mineo-kun, Erina? Are you two going or not?"
"Coming to a mountain peak first thing in the morning just to flirt—isn't that a bit inappropriate? I'm still standing right here watching you, you know!"
"Who... who is flirting with him! Alice... you... don't talk such nonsense!"
Erina gave Alice a fierce look, then turned her glare back to Mineo. This "straight-laced" guy really knew how to get on her nerves!
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