Chapter 220: Negotiations

As Lei Yin passed the kitchen, he saw Naoko intently cooking, and an indescribable feeling welled up within him.  

In his eyes, a woman wearing an apron was at her most beautiful.  

Though this sentiment might carry a hint of male chauvinism, for someone like him—a thousand-year-old spirit who had lived since the Song Dynasty—certain ingrained ideas were hard to change.  

Entering the kitchen, Lei Yin wrapped his arms around her slender waist and softly asked in her ear, “Are you tired?”  

Naoko shook her head gently and replied sweetly, “Wait for a bit in the other room. Dinner will be ready soon.”  

“Don’t make too many dishes—just enough to eat, okay?”  

“Mm.” A wave of warmth filled Naoko’s heart. She knew he was saying this because he didn’t want her to overwork herself. But what he didn’t understand was that cooking for the one she loved was a joy, not a chore.  

At the dining table, watching him eat with such a hearty appetite, Naoko’s heart brimmed with happiness.  

He’s finally home safe. As this thought crossed her mind, tears quietly slid down her cheeks.  

Feeling the wetness on her face, she hurriedly lowered her head to wipe them away with her sleeve.  

Just then, an arm pulled her close, and she found her face pressed against his chest.  

“I’m sorry for making you wait so long,” Lei Yin whispered tenderly into her ear.  

“Lei, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry, but I just couldn’t hold it in…” Naoko’s words were interrupted by her sobs.  

“It’s okay. If you want to cry, just let it out,” Lei Yin said, holding her slender waist tightly with one arm while gently stroking her long, silky hair with the other.  

Finally unable to restrain herself, Naoko wrapped her arms around his waist, letting her tears soak the front of his shirt.  

The room fell silent, as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two lovers locked in an embrace.  

After some time, when Naoko slowly lifted her head, she noticed the large, damp spot on his shirt. Blushing, she looked like a guilty child and murmured softly, “I’m sorry. Let me get you a change of clothes.” She hastily tried to stand.  

Lei Yin held her in place. “Silly girl, don’t worry about it. Let’s finish eating first, okay?”  

Seeing the tender look in his eyes, Naoko felt her nose tingle, and an urge to cry welled up again.  

After cleaning the dishes, Naoko came out of the kitchen and saw him sitting on the carpeted floor, leaning against the base of the sofa, watching TV. It was his favorite way to relax.  

“Come here, sit with me,” Lei Yin said with a smile, patting his lap.  

Naoko blushed, shooting him a slightly reproachful glance. But in the end, she lowered her head and slowly walked over.  

Completely enamored by her shy demeanor, Lei Yin couldn’t resist pulling her tightly into his embrace the moment she sat down, her cheeks flushed a deep red.  

“Naoko.”  

“W-What is it?” Naoko’s voice trembled as she felt his warm breath on her face, her entire body turning soft and weak.  

“I want you.” Lei Yin slid his hand under her clothes, caressing her smooth, delicate skin. Having been apart for a while, he felt an intense longing for her, especially with her being so irresistibly alluring.  

“N-Not now,” Naoko stammered, trembling.  

“Why not? Don’t tell me it’s because of some excuse like avoiding strenuous activity after eating.”  

“It’s… because… my, um, time of the month has come,” Naoko stammered, her face turning crimson.  

Hearing this, Lei Yin sighed bitterly. That was indeed the most irrefutable reason.  

Resisting the urge to tease her further, he withdrew his mischievous hand and held her close instead, simply enjoying the quiet intimacy.  

“I’m sorry, Lei,” Naoko said softly.  

“Silly girl, there’s no need to apologize for this,” Lei Yin said lovingly, pressing a kiss to her forehead.  

“Lei…” Overwhelmed with emotion, Naoko hugged him tightly, as if trying to merge her body with his.

Once she had calmed down a little, Lei Yin asked softly, “Have you been comfortable staying at Sakurai Mio’s place?”

“Mm. Ms. Sakurai is a good person. She’s been very kind to me.”

“Do you want to know who she is? I can tell you everything you want to know.” Lei Yin gently stroked her tear-streaked, beautiful face.

“No, I don’t want to know anything. My grandmother once told my mother that some things are better left unknown.” After saying this, Naoko rested her head back on his chest.

“That saying doesn’t have an absolute right or wrong, but I have to admit, your grandmother was a wise woman.”

“My mom said that while she was a quiet person, she was also very smart. She even served as a priestess at Ise Shrine. Unfortunately, she passed away from a heart condition when she was 26. I’ve only ever seen her in photos.”

Sensing the sadness in her tone, Lei Yin kissed her cheek and then scooped her up in his arms. “You must be tired from sitting in the car for so long. Why don’t you take a nap?”

“Mm.” Naoko nodded obediently.

After laying her on the bed, Lei Yin suddenly remembered something. He pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to her. “This is an express letter that arrived this morning. It’s addressed to you.”

“Can you read it for me?” Naoko showed no intention of letting go of him.

“Hey, if it turns out to be a love letter, I’ll get jealous.”

“Please, just read it for me.” Naoko smiled mischievously.

Every time she spoke in that coquettish tone, Lei Yin’s heart would race, and he would feel a surge of emotion. This time was no exception. He sighed and said with a wry smile, “If you keep this up, I won’t be able to hold back. Don’t you know how agonizing it is to see but not touch?”

Naoko looked at him smugly.

Unable to resist her charm, Lei Yin reluctantly opened the letter.

After reading it thoroughly, he handed it to her, saying, “This is from the Japanese Youth Writers Association. They mentioned that they admire the articles you’ve published in the women’s magazine column and are inviting you to participate in this year’s annual Japanese Youth Writers Exchange in Nagoya. They also said they’d cover your travel expenses and accommodations. If you decide to go, just call the number in the letter to confirm.”

“No, I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay with you.” Naoko buried her head in his chest. The anxiety from their recent separation had left her unwilling to part again.

After thinking for a moment, Lei Yin said, “What if I go with you?”

“What did you say?” Naoko looked up at him in surprise.

“I said I’ll go to Nagoya with you. I’ve been wanting to find a chance to travel with you, and this seems like a good opportunity. Once we get there, it doesn’t matter if you attend the exchange or not. We’ll cover our own travel and accommodation costs. What do you think?” Lei Yin wanted to use this opportunity to make up for the worry he had caused her.

“But what about your credits? You’ve already missed more than two months of classes. If you keep neglecting them, it might affect your progression.” Naoko was deeply concerned.

“Don’t worry. I don’t need to stress about credits. As long as I pass the final exams, I’ll progress normally.”

“Are you sure there’s no problem?” Knowing her lover’s background, she believed him, but her concern made her want to confirm again.

“Don’t worry. There won’t be any issues!”

“If that’s the case, then when we get to Nagoya, can I take you to meet my grandmother?” Hearing that he could accompany her, Naoko’s excitement brought a faint blush to her face.

“Alright, let her see what her grandson-in-law looks like,” Lei Yin said, recalling that her grandmother ran an antique shop in Nagoya.

Naoko blushed deeply and buried her face in his chest again.

Lei Yin smiled, lowered his head to kiss her hair, and breathed in the enchanting fragrance from her neck.

After a while, Naoko teased softly in his ear, “It’s all your fault. Saying you’ll go to Nagoya with me has left me too excited to sleep.”

“Hey, I’m the one suffering the most here. Holding a fragrant beauty in my arms but unable to do anything about it,” Lei Yin lamented.

Naoko felt her heart warm and lightly scolded, “You’re terrible,” as she curled herself up in his arms like a cat.

※※※

“What? You’re going away again?” Kazumi exclaimed, standing up in surprise when she heard Lei Yin’s announcement.

“Don’t get the wrong idea; this time, I’m just accompanying Naoko,” he explained.

Relieved by her brother’s clarification, Kazumi let out a sigh. “Ugh, could you be more specific?”

“Kazumi bro, what about your credits?” Takeshima Shinobu, the diligent student, immediately asked about the academic implications.

“I get along well with all my professors. I’ve already made arrangements, and as long as I pass my final exams, I’ll graduate on time,” Lei Yin said nonchalantly.

“That easy?” Takeshima Shinobu said enviously.

Although Kazumi didn’t buy his explanation, she wasn’t concerned about his credits. What bothered her was that he had just returned, and now he was leaving again. Even if it was just for a week and seemed safe, she still felt a bit disappointed.

“When are you leaving?” Kazumi asked.

“In three days. Why don’t you come with us?”

“No thanks. I don’t want to witness any restricted scenes. Besides, unlike someone, I’m a diligent student who attends all her classes,” Kazumi replied with a grin.

“Hey, even if there were such scenes, I wouldn’t act them out in front of you.”

“Alright, alright. Have fun, and don’t forget to bring back some souvenirs.”

After he left the apartment, Takeshima Shinobu said enviously, “Your brother is so good to Naoko-sensei. I hope I can find a boyfriend who treats me like that in the future.”

Kazumi didn’t respond. By now, she had mostly come to terms with the fact that Naoko would likely become her sister-in-law. But every time she saw that silly girl gazing at her brother, she couldn’t help feeling a pang of inexplicable heartache.

“Kazumi, let’s go. Otherwise, we’ll be late.”

“Alright.”

After locking the apartment door, the two walked toward the bookstore where they worked part-time.

The bookstore wasn’t very busy that night, making things relatively quiet. But even on slower nights, a few pretty girls would occasionally come by.

Most of them weren’t there to buy books—they came to see the handsome man who often visited the store and drove a luxury car.

With his attractive face, tall and lean physique, designer clothes, and high-end car, this kind of wealthy and handsome man was the modern-day Prince Charming in the eyes of many women.

Over the past few months, more and more girls who frequented the bookstore had learned about him. Many dressed to impress, hoping to catch his attention during their visits. With the influx of beautiful girls, the bookstore also began attracting more men with similar ulterior motives.

Ogata Yasuda might not have realized it, but his regular visits had boosted the bookstore’s sales by more than 5%, much to the delight of the store manager.

“I want to talk to you.”

While Kazumi, dressed in her uniform, was arranging new books, a young woman’s voice suddenly spoke beside her.

Kazumi turned her head and saw that the person was none other than Miyu Himeko.

For this arrogant and unreasonable girl, Kazumi had long classified her as one of those incomprehensible beings. Thus, she replied coldly, “Sorry, I’m working. Please don’t disturb me.”

A flicker of anger crossed Miyu Himeko’s eyes, but she quickly controlled her emotions and said, “But your manager doesn’t seem to think so.”

Kazumi found this strange and glanced toward the front desk. Sure enough, the balding, overweight middle-aged man kept gesturing for her to go ahead and talk. Seeing this, Kazumi was annoyed and began reconsidering whether she should continue working part-time at this store.

Miyu Himeko continued, “It won’t take long. Let’s talk in the lounge.”

Realizing that if she ignored this rich girl, she would likely keep bothering her, Kazumi thought for a moment before finally following her to the customer lounge.

After sitting down, Miyu Himeko said directly, “I won’t beat around the bush. I’m here to ask you to stay away from Yasuda. Name your price. As long as it’s reasonable, I’ll pay it.” As she spoke, she pulled a checkbook from her handbag and placed it on the table.

Kazumi felt a headache coming on. Why did rich people always think this way?

“Are you too embarrassed to speak? No problem. You can write the amount on this blank check. If I think it’s reasonable, I’ll sign it,” Miyu Himeko said, pushing the checkbook toward her.

Kazumi’s mouth twitched slightly before she said, “Are you sure you should be asking me to stay away from him, and not figuring out how to make him disappear from my life entirely?”

Miyu Himeko replied coldly, “Do you really think I’d believe that Yasuda would take a liking to a woman like you without you playing any tricks? I advise you to know your limits. Have you ever thought that as an ordinary woman, even if Yasuda truly wanted to be with you, it wouldn’t lead to anything good? What you’re after is just his money. But let me tell you bluntly: you have no chance of marrying into his family. The world of high society isn’t as simple as you think. Yasuda’s father and his family would never allow their future heir to marry a woman of such humble origins.

“The only suitable wife for him is someone of equal standing. Frankly, I’ve always seen him as my ideal future husband. I’m the only one truly worthy of him. So I advise you to give up and take the money to leave quietly.”

Kazumi didn’t respond, merely looking at her calmly. After a while, she suddenly asked, “Do you have 10 yen on you?”

“What?” Miyu Himeko didn’t understand what she meant.

“Ah, right. You’re a rich girl. You probably don’t carry such small denominations. How about 100 yen or 500 yen? Do you have that?”

Though completely baffled by her intent, Miyu Himeko rummaged through her handbag and pulled out a 500-yen coin.

“Can you give it to me?” Kazumi asked.

Without thinking much, Miyu Himeko handed her the coin.

After taking the coin, Kazumi nodded and said, “Okay, deal. From now on, Ogata Yasuda is yours. Make sure to keep a close eye on him so he doesn’t run wild, especially around here.”

With that, she stood up, ready to leave.

“Wait a minute, what do you mean?” Miyu Himeko, feeling mocked, glared at her angrily.

“Isn’t it obvious? I just sold Ogata Yasuda to you for 500 yen. From now on, you can do whatever you want with him. But let me give you some advice: it’s best to tie him up with chains or lock him in an iron cage. Just make sure he doesn’t wander around,” Kazumi patiently explained before turning to walk away.

Miyu Himeko was furious and shouted, “Gennai Kazumi, stop right there! Yasuda-kun…” Her voice trailed off in disbelief as she saw her “future husband candidate” standing at the lounge door.

Why was he here? Wasn’t he supposed to be attending Uncle Maeyama’s banquet tonight? Panic filled Miyu Himeko as she looked at Ogata Yasuda, who was staring at her with a cold, unfamiliar expression.

“O-Ogata-senpai, why are you here?” Miyu Himeko quickly recovered and flashed a sweet smile at him.

Ogata Yasuda replied icily, “Good thing I left the banquet early, or I would’ve missed such an interesting scene.”

Miyu Himeko hurried to explain, “Ogata-senpai, please listen to me…”

“No need to explain. I heard everything you just said. I didn’t realize you thought you had the right to interfere in my affairs.”

“Excuse me for interrupting,” Kazumi suddenly said. “As an outsider, I shouldn’t speak up, but could you two take your argument outside? This is a reading area. Please have some respect.”

“You shameless woman, shut your mouth!” Miyu Himeko hissed, wishing she could rush over and claw at her face.

Hearing this, a flash of anger appeared in Yasuda’s eyes as he said coldly, “The one who should shut up is you.”

“Ogata-senpai, don’t let this woman deceive you. She’s manipulative!”

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?”

Seeing the situation escalating, Kazumi made a very irresponsible decision: she decided not to get involved.

Whether they scared away all the customers or blew the place up, it had nothing to do with her. At worst, if that annoying fat manager fired her, she’d just find another part-time job elsewhere. With this in mind, she walked straight out of the lounge without saying a word.

Seeing Kazumi leaving, Ogata Yasuda quickly blocked her path. “Kazumi, listen to me. You don’t need to care about anything she said. I truly like you.”

Kazumi glanced at him and suddenly patted his shoulder, saying, “Ogata-kun, I’ve already sold you to this lovely lady. From now on, be a good boy and listen to her, okay? And remember, don’t come looking for me here again, got it?” With that, she sidestepped him and walked out.

Ogata Yasuda watched her retreating figure, both amused and frustrated. What on earth did that infuriating woman think he was?