Chapter 172: Mall

With the arrival of summer vacation, another event that brought mixed feelings to the students was approaching.

Some students who usually skipped classes or slept through lessons suddenly acted like model students, gathering around the tutors whom Takeda had described as eyesores as soon as class ended, hoping to gather more exam information.

Takeda scoffed at this blatant flattery.

“Look at that guy. Usually so aloof and indifferent to others, now he’s practically acting like a lapdog, wanting to lick the tutors’ shoes.”

Hearing this insult, Lei Yin put down his book and looked at him. “I remember your grades are as bad as your English. Aren’t you worried?”

“Although scoring high marks is unlikely, passing shouldn’t be a problem. I won’t act like them just to score a few more points. Besides, my father doesn’t have any expectations for me; in his eyes, only my older brother and sister matter. Do you know why a guy like me, who has no interest in school, managed to get into Teikyo University? I can tell you for certain, it’s all thanks to my own effort. Do you know why I have such determination?” Takeda’s eyes were shining, waiting for Lei Yin to ask.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t force you,” Lei Yin said, not wanting to indulge his malicious curiosity.

“Damn it, can’t you just play along with the question?” Takeda said, annoyed.

Amis, sitting beside Lei Yin, glanced over curiously when she heard his voice.

Seeing her look over, Takeda flashed a grin at her. The little girl glared at him and then ducked back into Lei Yin’s embrace. The rebellious young man’s smile froze.

After a moment, seeing Lei Yin still not asking, Takeda finally couldn’t hold back and spoke, “Forget it, I’ll show mercy and tell you. It was during my second year of high school. My older brother couldn’t stand my grades anymore, so he made a bet with me. He listed a few prestigious universities and some average ones and marked the rewards I would get for passing each one. The prizes ranged from Japanese cars to Buicks, Fords, BMWs, and Lamborghinis, with Teikyo and Todai(University of Tokyo) having the best rewards, both Lamborghinis, though different models and prices. I thought getting into Todai was too much, so I pushed myself to get into Teikyo. After more than a year of hellish studying, I finally passed on my own. When you come over to my house one day, I’ll let you take my car for a spin. You probably haven’t seen my car yet, have you? It’s a 2003 Bristol Blenheim Speedster, with a front-mounted V8 engine, 5900 cc displacement, and it can accelerate to over 90 km/h in under 5 seconds, with a top speed of 257 km/h. And…” [*] 

“How much did it cost?” Seeing Takeda’s excited expression, Lei Yin felt it was time to bring him down a bit.

“The market price at the time was $215,000, and it hasn’t dropped much since. That’s expected; when have Lamborghinis ever lost value? Honestly, the prize for Todai was even more appealing, a 2001 B-Engineering Edonis, with a mid-mounted twin-turbo V12 engine, 680 horsepower, 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 360 km/h, priced at $600,000. If I had the chance to ride in one, it would have been worth it. Unfortunately, the scores for Todai were just too high, so I had to settle for second best. When I think back to the hellish studying, I still sometimes have nightmares where I’m surrounded and buried by a mountain of study data. I don’t know how I got through it back then.” Takeda’s excitement grew as he spoke.

Lei Yin knew that Takeda was interested in all kinds of sports cars, but he hadn’t expected him to go to such lengths just for one. Spending over $200,000 for a young man’s opportunity to strive for success might not be considered worthwhile, but it was certainly a steep price. Yet for someone like Takeda, who lacked ambition, material rewards were far more effective than any form of encouragement.

“It seems like your big brother understands you quite well.”

Takeda suddenly looked a bit dejected. “My brother is really amazing. He started his own business at a very young age. My sister, though still a student, is already a student council officer, and her grades are excellent. Compared to them, I feel like an unnecessary extra. At home, I practically have no standing, and the old man always feels the need to yell at me a few times just to feel satisfied.”

Lei Yin began to understand the root of Takeda’s rebellious personality. This was a common family dynamic. In families where one or more members stand out significantly, the less remarkable members often become objects of comparison. Adults do this for two reasons: pride and the subconscious belief that such comparisons can motivate their children to improve.

What they fail to realize is that this atmosphere often creates resistance, leading to rebellious behavior over time. It’s not uncommon for troubled individuals to come from problematic families—a theory backed by evidence.

“So what? Life is just one big gamble, and you won’t know the outcome until the very last second. Excelling in school doesn’t guarantee anything. Plenty of top students end up groveling and polishing the shoes of bosses who look like pigs. The day you become wealthier than your brother, you can point your finger at your old man’s nose and shout, ‘You old geezer, you always said I was useless—look at how I turned out now!’”

After hearing Lei Yin’s words, Takeda burst into loud laughter, slapping the desk repeatedly. His laughter was so loud that it drew annoyed stares from others in the classroom, though none dared to confront him.

Once his laughter subsided, Takeda vigorously patted Lei Yin on the shoulder. “Now I finally understand why I like you so much. It’s because, just like me, you’re not a good person.”

“Quite the unflattering conclusion,” Lei Yin retorted. “I don’t have time to humor you. I’m leaving.” With that, Lei Yin stood up and took Amy’s small hand, preparing to leave the classroom.

“Hey, where are you going?” Takeda hurriedly packed his things and followed.

“I’m taking Amy to buy some clothes. Don’t follow us.”

“Why not?”

“Not everything requires an explanation.”

“You jerk, I’ll remember this!” Despite his annoyance, Takeda didn’t insist on tagging along. He knew very well that angering Lei Yin would lead to dire consequences.

※※※

While Hachioji wasn’t as bustling as Shinjuku, it still had its fair share of shops.

At the entrance of a five-story department store on the east side of the square, Lei Yin met Kazumi and Takeshima Shinobu, who were waiting for him.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Kazumi shook her head. “We just got here.”

“Then let’s go in.” Lei Yin turned to Takeshima Shinobu, who was teasing Amy in her arms. “Hey, let’s get moving.”

Glancing at him briefly, Takeshima Shinobu then looked down at Amy. “Little Amy, it must be tough for you, staying with this grumpy guy all the time. What? You agree with me? In that case, do you want to move in with me? Oh, you actually said yes! Kazumi’s brother, did you hear that? She said she wants to live with me. Could you lend her to me for a few days? Please!”

Watching Takeshima Shinobu’s intense “puppy-dog eyes” and Amy’s clueless, blank expression as she was held in her arms, Lei Yin felt a headache coming on. Ignoring her antics, he simply pulled Kazumi into the department store.

“Hey, does this mean you’ve already agreed?” Takeshima Shinobu hurriedly caught up from behind.

“Kazumi, can you make her stop talking?”

Kazumi chuckled. “I never thought I’d see you get a headache, big brother.”

“Your classmate deserves to be worshipped—she clearly has the potential to exorcise demons.”

Kazumi couldn’t help but laugh again.

Amidst their banter, the four of them arrived at the children’s clothing section of the mall.

This trip was to buy Amy a few children’s swimsuits for the upcoming trip.

Faced with an array of adorably designed children’s clothes, Takeshima Shinobu excitedly picked up one piece after another, holding them up against Amy for comparison.

“This pajama set is so cute. Little Amy will look beautiful in this!”

“This one is adorable too!”

“Children’s clothes are so lovely these days. Look, this one even has lace! I wish I had so many pretty clothes when I was little. Amy, you’re so lucky!”

“Kazumi, come look! The pattern on these little shorts matches my pajamas. Come and check it out!”

Lei Yin coughed helplessly. “Hey, we’re here to pick swimsuits for Amy. Can you focus on the task at hand?”

“Fine, fine. Amy, let’s go pick out swimsuits!” Takeshima Shinobu nodded reluctantly and led Amy to the swimsuit section. While she often bickered with Lei Yin, deep down, she was a bit afraid of him. Perhaps it was because she was an avid reader of the school paper, and the terrifying rumors about Kazumi’s brother had left a lasting impression on her. Although she had grown to realize he wasn’t as bad as the stories suggested, such fears weren’t easy to shake off.

Children’s swimsuits are different from those for adults. Since there’s no need to emphasize curves, they’re mostly about covering the essentials and looking cute. After picking out three adorable swimsuits for Amy, Takeshima Shinobu started trying other clothes on her.

“You stay here with Amy and keep trying on clothes. Kazumi and I will go look elsewhere. Don’t wander off—we’ll come back to get you,” Lei Yin instructed.

“Take your time; there’s no rush,” Takeshima Shinobu replied without even turning around.

Noticing Amy’s longing gaze as if she wanted to follow, Lei Yin said to her, “Little one, stay here with this overly enthusiastic sister. I’ll be back soon, okay?”

The little girl nodded obediently.

※※※

After leaving the children’s section, Kazumi looked at Lei Yin. “Where are we going, big brother?”

Lei Yin gave her a mysterious smile. “Just follow me.”

In less than a few minutes, Kazumi’s curiosity was answered.

“You’re buying a swimsuit?” Kazumi asked, a bit surprised.

“Don’t be silly. This section only sells women’s swimsuits. I’m not a pervert—it’s not for me. It’s for you.”

“I don’t need one; I already have swimsuits.”

“Anyone else, I might believe. But with your personality, your so-called swimsuits are probably the ones you used in high school swimming classes. Come on, you’re an adult now. If you wear those, they might tear apart halfway through swimming. Unless you have a secret love for skinny-dipping?”

“Big brother, you’re so nosy.” Kazumi’s face flushed red.

“Well, who told you to be so indifferent about these things? Don’t blame me for stepping in. Let’s pick something quickly. Amy is still waiting.” Ignoring her protests, Lei Yin pulled her into the women’s swimwear section.

“Welcome! Sir, are you here to buy a swimsuit for your girlfriend?” As soon as they entered, a uniformed saleswoman approached them with a smile.

“My sister needs a few swimsuits. Please help her pick some,” Lei Yin said, knowing Kazumi would likely avoid choosing for herself.

“Miss, please follow me.”

Kazumi glanced at Lei Yin, who was grinning smugly, and followed the saleswoman into the store, both annoyed and amused.

Feeling a bit awkward, Lei Yin stayed outside and waited instead of going in.

Less than five minutes later, Kazumi emerged with two swimsuits in hand.

“That fast?” Lei Yin asked, still not settled in his seat.

“Did you think all women are slow?” Kazumi retorted.

Ignoring her complaint, Lei Yin turned to the saleswoman and said, “Could you please pick two more swimsuits in her size? Something moderately sexy.”

“Moderately sexy?” The saleswoman looked confused.

“Something that shows a little skin but not too much—and highlights her figure,” Lei Yin explained, gesturing with his hands.

The saleswoman chuckled behind her hand, nodded, and headed back inside.

“Brother!” Kazumi glared at him, both embarrassed and annoyed, once the saleswoman had walked away.

“Kazumi, I’m your big brother. It’s my duty to do this. No need to get so emotional about it.” Lei Yin smirked mischievously and playfully pinched her cheek. Ever since Amy had arrived, he’d gotten into the habit of pinching people’s cheeks.

“You’re so annoying!” Kazumi huffed, unable to do anything but shoot him an exasperated look.

※※※

After leaving the women’s section, Kazumi’s phone suddenly rang.

After answering the call, she looked visibly uneasy. “Brother, Shinobu just called. She said Amy is missing.”

Lei Yin was startled but quickly regained his composure. “Where is your classmate now? Let’s meet up with her first.”

Kazumi silently admired her brother’s sharp thinking. He had immediately deduced that Takeshima Shinobu wasn’t in the children’s section anymore.

“She’s in the toy section. That’s where she got separated from Amy.”

When they arrived at the toy section, they saw Takeshima Shinobu standing anxiously by the entrance, looking around frantically.

“Kazumi!” She rushed toward them the moment she saw them.

“I’m sorry! I don’t know when she disappeared. I was just trying to pick some toys for her, and when I turned around, she was gone. I’m so sorry…” She began crying as she spoke.

“Stop crying. It’s common for kids to get lost in malls,” Lei Yin said calmly. “Shinobu, go to the mall’s PA system and ask them to make an announcement. Make sure they find someone who can speak English since Amy only understands English. Kazumi and I will search around. Keep in touch by phone, and if we find her, we’ll meet at the PA station.”

“I—I understand!” Takeshima Shinobu wiped her tears and ran toward the PA system.

After she left, Lei Yin turned to Kazumi. “We’ll split up. I’ll search the first, third, and fifth floors. You take the second and fourth. Call me if you find her. If not, keep searching.”

“Got it.” Kazumi nodded firmly.

With that, Lei Yin ran off toward the first floor.

[*] I thought his reward was a lambo?