In the world of anime with the power to stop time.

Chapter 122: Offer Herself? Such a Good Deal? 

Yui Yuigahama frantically shook her head repeatedly, waving her hands to express her thoughts. "No, no way! I wouldn't! How could I possibly steal Yukino's man?!"

"There's absolutely no way I'd steal him."

Haruno almost burst out laughing at her frantic appearance. What she wanted was precisely this flustered, panicked reaction from the pink-bun girl.

Yukino Yukinoshita sighed inwardly. She knew her sister had gotten her way again.

Actually, Yui Yuigahama's best reaction would have been to show no reaction at all. Now, with Yui so eager to explain, she was practically admitting it without being prompted.

Besides, what did she mean by "her man"?

When did Lin Ye become her man, Yukino Yukinoshita's man?

Haruno reached out and stroked her chin, her eyes full of playful laughter. "Not stealing?" she mused. "Then it's snatching him away, and that's not good, you know! Snatching people away is bad."

"No, no, no, not at all! I would never do anything to hurt Yukinon, absolutely never!"

Yui Yuigahama explained repeatedly, her eyes already glistening with tears.

"Actually..."

Haruno's voice came again, her mischievous smile spreading. "I never said you were the one trying to steal Yukino's man, Yuigahama-san."

"Huh!"

Yui Yuigahama froze, her eyes staring blankly, as a blush rapidly bloomed on her cheeks, turning them crimson.

It seemed... it really was like that.

So she... admitted it herself?

"Ugh, I-I really don't like Lin Ye-kun!"

The bun-haired girl trembled, so flustered she was almost in tears.

"Cough, cough, cough." Lin Ye interjected, "While I know what you're saying is true, hearing you say it like that still makes me a little unhappy."

He glanced at Haruno Yukinoshita. Whenever this woman showed up, she was always stirring up trouble. Although he found it quite entertaining to watch, he still felt unhappy hearing Yui Yuigahama's blunt rejection.

"Lin-kun, um, I..."

"No, please don't give me the 'friendzone' card. I never want to receive another 'friendzone' card in my life."

"Pfft..."

Haruno Yukinoshita couldn't help but cover her mouth, laughing out loud.

Even Yukino Yukinoshita couldn't suppress a smile, but after noticing Lin Ye's gaze, she immediately reverted to her usual cool demeanor, though a hint of a smile still flickered in the corner of her eye.

She looked at her sister Haruno. "Sister, that's enough joking."

"I wasn't joking, you know. I truly wasn't talking about Yuigahama-kun, but about me!"

Having said that,

under Yukino's changing gaze, Haruno took a step and moved to Lin Ye's side. "Big sister here is very interested in Lin-kun, so I think I'll snatch him away from Yukino!"

She looked cheerfully at her sister, her hands even voluntarily linking with Lin Ye's arm.

Under the setting sun,

the beautiful older sister, her slender figure outlined by her beige casual wear, was linking arms with a tall and upright high schooler in a black school uniform. There was an age difference, yet an unexpected harmony, giving the feeling of them being a well-matched couple.

Even Yukino Yukinoshita experienced this fleeting illusion.

"Sister, I need to make something clear: he's not mine. If you want him, take him yourself."

"Oh, oh, is that so?"

Haruno tapped her chin with her right hand, looking at Lin Ye beside her with a surprised expression. "Lin-kun, is that true?"

"Yukinoshita-san, let's stop joking now!"

"Oh, oh, Lin-kun and Yukino truly have fate on their side!" Haruno chirped. "Even your rejections are identical! How fated, it makes me jealous!"

She released her grip, as if nothing that had just happened had occurred.

"Sister, why are you here?"

"Of course, I was worried my dear sister wouldn't be able to invite Lin-kun," Haruno replied. "So I specifically came to help. If you couldn't invite him, Mother would be disappointed."

Yukino Yukinoshita found Haruno's explanation acceptable.

"I've already invited him. Lin-kun has already agreed."

This made Haruno show a surprised expression. She leaned closer to Lin Ye again and poked his cheek with her right hand. "Lin-kun, Lin-kun, didn't you make any conditions?"

"You could say that."

"What, what?" Haruno pressed. "Did you ask Yukino to be your boyfriend? Isn't that a bit inappropriate? Though if I were you, Lin-kun, I would definitely propose that condition. If it worked out, wouldn't that be a massive win?"

She was also very curious what the condition actually was.

"Sister, I only agreed to prepare him lunch bentos; that's all."

Yukino Yukinoshita spoke up, answering. She felt that if she didn't say something, her sister would blurt out something even more outrageous.

Although she was used to her sister's way of doing things, if she had a choice, she really didn't want to see her sister tease her two classmates in this manner.

Though Lin Ye seemed to be enjoying it!

Yukino Yukinoshita thought to herself.

"Forever?"

"A bit over half a month."

"What a shame," Haruno sighed theatrically. "If it were me, I'd definitely make you agree to make bentos for life, hahaha."

What she received in return was Yukino Yukinoshita's gaze, as calm as a still lake.

"How about big sister drives you home today?"

Yukino Yukinoshita thought for a moment and didn't refuse.

"Lin-kun, I'll drive you home too!"

Faced with Haruno's constant winks and hints, Lin Ye agreed. This woman definitely had something up her sleeve.

"Yuigahama-san, you..."

"Oh no, I'm fine, I'm fine."

Yui Yuigahama shook her head vigorously. "I'm heading off first. Yukinon, Lin-kun, see you tomorrow."

She bid them farewell, and with her backpack, she headed off towards the train station.

Soon, the pink-bun girl's silhouette disappeared into the distant sunset.

"Over there."

The Yukinoshita family's private car was quietly waiting. Haruno chose the front passenger seat, leaving Lin Ye and Yukino Yukinoshita with no choice but to sit in the back.

However...

Before getting in, Yukino Yukinoshita glanced towards the entrance of Sobu High.

A blonde high school boy in a tracksuit stood looking in their direction.

"An acquaintance."

"An acquaintance?"

Lin Ye saw him too; he knew him as well.

"Our fathers have dealings."

Haruno, from the passenger seat, didn't even need to look to know who it was.

"Lin-kun, let me tell you a little secret. Hayama, he..."

"Sister,"

At that moment, Yukino Yukinoshita's voice was as cold as a December winter.

Haruno saw her expression, shrugged helplessly, turned around, and said no more.

The black sedan slowly drove forward.

Twenty minutes later,

the black sedan stopped.

Yukino Yukinoshita looked around and felt very strange. This was a commercial district, wasn't it? The area wasn't residential. Was Lin Ye renting a place nearby?

"At this hour," Haruno announced, "there's nothing good to eat at Yukino's apartment. Let's eat dinner first and then go back together."

Haruno spoke to the driver. "Yamada-san, you should go eat dinner first too! We'll need the car in about an hour."

"Understood, Young Lady."

Yamada nodded in acknowledgment. Yukino and Lin Ye, led by Haruno, then proceeded to a Thai restaurant.

Led by the waiter, the three arrived at their table.

After Yukino Yukinoshita took her seat, Haruno sat opposite her, not next to her sister. Then she looked at Lin Ye with a cheerful smile.

Those eyes were clearly asking, 'Are you going to choose the older sister, or the younger sister?'

And Yukino Yukinoshita also realized the current situation.

Let Lin Ye sit next to her?

She was scared!

What if she accidentally touched Lin Ye's hand again, causing her personal items to appear in his hand, and her sister found out? What then?

But,

then she thought, what if her sister's intimate garment appeared in Lin Ye's hand? That scene...

She felt she might be even less able to accept that.

So,

the cool, black-haired, straight-haired girl shifted, clearing the outer seat.

Haruno saw it, and her smile grew even brighter, but what she was truly thinking, only she herself knew.

Lin Ye sat next to Yukinoshita. The girl seemed reserved; unconsciously, she kept her distance from him.

Haruno ordered the food.

During the meal,

Yukino Yukinoshita was always careful, and Haruno noticed this caution.

Haruno couldn't help but think, Had Lin Ye secretly taken advantage of Yukino just now?

She tried to recall, but there had been no sign of Lin Ye making any move. Could it be his foot?

Holy crap!

No way!

Lin Ye's game was this wild.

Haruno couldn't resist touching Lin Ye's foot with her own.

Lin Ye stiffened.

This woman was truly bold.

He gave a warning glance.

The next second, he thought the woman would restrain herself, but unexpectedly, he felt her take off her shoe and gently rub his calf.

A subtle sensation traveled from his calf to his brain, and a certain emotion began to spread.

As soon as Haruno noticed Yukino's reaction, she immediately withdrew her foot. Her small foot slipped back into her shoe.

From start to finish, her expression didn't change at all.

Lin Ye couldn't help but admire her self-control.

Soon,

dinner was over.

Haruno proactively went to pay the bill.

"Your sister has a lot of personality."

Daring to seek thrills right in front of you.

"That's just how she is," Yukino replied. "You don't need to pay attention to her; she'll be fine once she loses interest."

"What if she stays interested?!"

"Unless she discovers your special ability, otherwise, there's no way she'd stay interested in you forever."

This was Yukino Yukinoshita's understanding of her sister Haruno.

She was confident in that assessment.

"So please, keep your special ability a secret."

"Mm."

Lin Ye hummed in response. He couldn't exactly tell Yukino that her sister already knew, could he?

"Lin-kun, Yukino, let's go!"

Haruno, carrying her handbag, walked ahead. The three of them left the Thai restaurant.

And along the way, Yukino Yukinoshita's peripheral vision occasionally fell upon Lin Ye's face.

At least, this guy hadn't taken advantage of sitting next to her to pull any nasty pranks on her.

This man's character was still somewhat trustworthy.

"Yukino, stop staring." Haruno teased. "I know Lin-kun is handsome, but you shouldn't keep staring like that."

Yukino Yukinoshita flinched and immediately averted her gaze, putting on a straight face to hide her inner embarrassment.

And finally, under Haruno's smile, she got into the car.

She knew deep down that not explaining was the best explanation. If she were to explain, she would inevitably be met with her sister's barrage of teasing and ridicule.

Yukino Yukinoshita knew the severity of it, so it was best not to explain and pretend nothing had happened.

In the car,

Yukino Yukinoshita remained quiet, her eyes gazing at the Chiba nightscape outside the window. Lin Ye, meanwhile, was focused on the scenery ahead of the car. Haruno Yukinoshita looked back, grinning at the two of them. She occasionally teased them aloud, but Yukino Yukinoshita completely ignored her, while Lin Ye occasionally replied with a couple of sentences.

A dozen minutes later, the sedan finally stopped in front of a luxury apartment building.

"Sister, you head back to your apartment first!"

"I'll take Lin-kun home first, then come find you, sister."

Yukino Yukinoshita didn't understand why her sister arranged the itinerary this way. But since her sister had said so, she nodded in agreement, opened the car door, and got out.

"Sister, a reminder,"

"I know! Don't worry, I won't 'eat' your Lin Ye-kun."

This made Yukino Yukinoshita grit her teeth. When facing her sister's teasing, she was always at a disadvantage.

"He and I have a normal classmate relationship."

"Inviting a classmate to your home and even preparing bentos, that's a really 'normal' relationship!"

Yukino Yukinoshita was dissatisfied. Knowing she was no match for Haruno, she turned and left, but before doing so, she glanced at Lin Ye, seemingly as a warning.

Soon, after Yukino Yukinoshita entered the apartment, the car started moving again.

"Lin-kun, straight to your apartment?"

"No, let's go to this address first! I have something to do."

"Mm. Yamada-san, if you please."

The driver confirmed the address's location, started the car, and drove forward.

Meanwhile, Lin Ye received a message from Yukino Yukinoshita: "Don't mind my sister's jokes. She's just a person with a twisted sense of humor."

This was her telling him not to overthink it.

He quickly typed a message: "I know. Your sister isn't someone an ordinary man can handle."

He didn't receive a reply.

Haruno Yukinoshita, who had turned around, blinked and said, "Chatting with Yukino? Let me see!"

She was 80% sure Lin Ye and Yukino were chatting.

Lin Ye directly turned the screen towards Haruno. Haruno looked at it, then burst out laughing. "Lin-kun, you're not an ordinary man, you know!"

So you're saying I can handle you?

"But I'm actually a person with a twisted sense of humor in Yukino's mind. How sad." She put on an exaggerated display of sadness.

"Aren't you..."

"Even sadder now."

Haruno wiped the corner of her eye, but seeing Lin Ye said nothing else, she immediately switched the topic. "Lin-kun, are you interested in moving to a different place to live?"

"You're not suggesting I live with you, are you?"

"I'd certainly be willing, and Father and Mother would definitely be too. But I imagine you wouldn't be."

Haruno was very welcoming, but she knew Lin Ye wouldn't accept. "The place I picked is the same apartment building where Yukino lives. This entire building belongs to our Yukinoshita family. There are still many unsold or unrented apartments you can fully use. I'll make the rent cheaper for you; 1 yen will be enough."

This was effectively giving it away for free.

"You might as well just suggest I live with Yukinoshita."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"

Haruno Yukinoshita appeared greatly shocked, her eyes filled with intense surprise.

But Lin Ye knew Haruno Yukinoshita was faking it. This woman's acting skills were formidable, comparable to a professional actress. Even the idol Ai Hoshino probably wouldn't be Haruno's match.

"It's not impossible," Haruno said playfully. "I think Father and Mother would definitely agree. But I imagine Yukino wouldn't be too keen."

"What I want to know is your opinion, Haruno-san! Are you willing... or unwilling?"

Lin Ye's probing gaze made Haruno's heart pound. It was as if her true thoughts had been seen through.

"Of course I'm willing! How about... I move in too! My sister and I can live with you, Lin-kun."

This almost gave the impression that the older sister was sacrificing herself for her younger sister.

Lin Ye shrugged and said, "You can convince President Yukinoshita! Personally, I'm quite happy with the idea."

"Haha, that's no small feat."

Meanwhile, the other person present (the driver) selectively forgot everything he had heard.

As the Yukinoshita family's driver, this was one of his essential skills.

The car slowly came to a stop.

"Give me twenty minutes."

"No problem. But do you not need me to come along?"

Haruno looked at the private residence and knew who Lin Ye was here to see.

Coming here at this hour, was there something important?

She was curious.

"No need."

Lin Ye got out of the car, closed the door, and walked towards the Fujibayashi home.

The reason for coming here was simple: to check on Kyou Fujibayashi's condition and to conduct experiments and tests.

Having a private car service was indeed very convenient. It saved a lot of time.

"Ding-dong!"

Lin Ye pressed the doorbell.

"Ding-dong!"

A moment later, footsteps sounded, and the door opened.

"It's you."

Seeing that the person was Lin Ye, Kyou Fujibayashi couldn't help but become more wary, though a certain thought also surfaced: she wanted to ask Lin Ye about her unconscious state yesterday.

"It's me. Is Ryou not home?"

Seeing Kyou Fujibayashi's energetic appearance, Lin Ye confirmed that Kyou Fujibayashi was largely fine.

"No."

"Fujibayashi-san," Lin Ye said, "no matter how you put it, I was the one who brought you back, wasn't I? Carrying you back was very tiring."

Because Ryou Fujibayashi had sent a message this morning informing him of the relevant details, Lin Ye knew what Kyou Fujibayashi understood.

"Not really..." she mumbled, stopping herself as she realized her wording wasn't quite appropriate. She swallowed it back.

"Regarding bringing me back," she said to Lin Ye very seriously, "I formally express my thanks to you now. I will personally cook a lavish dinner to thank you and Isshiki-san. But my sister's matter is separate."

Since Kyou Fujibayashi put it that way, Lin Ye accepted.

"What do you need my sister for? I can pass on the message."

"To ask for her help."

"Help?

You want Ryou's help too? Wasn't my previous help enough for you?

Are you getting hooked on this or something?"

But Kyou Fujibayashi was more worried that if Lin Ye really asked her sister for help, and the events of that night were exposed, how would she face her sister then!

Lin Ye's real target was Kyou Fujibayashi.

Because Kyou Fujibayashi was currently in a different state than the others.

He had saved Kyou Fujibayashi, but she didn't know it was him. At least, she couldn't be certain he had saved her. Her favorability towards him, strictly speaking, wasn't high. So, in this current situation, would she still be within the range of targets for his superpower, 'Conveniently Steal,' which had a flaw?

If it worked, then the target was 'the rescued person.' If it didn't, then it was 'someone with high favorability.'

He could basically confirm it through Kyou Fujibayashi. After that, Ryou Fujibayashi, and even Haruno Yukinoshita, would serve as supplementary test subjects.

"What kind of help?"

"Well..."

"I'll help you, but you have to promise not to ask Ryou for help."

Lin Ye understood Kyou Fujibayashi's meaning. She didn't want Ryou Fujibayashi to know about what happened the night before last.

This was not an unacceptable request for Lin Ye.

"Alright."

He complied with Kyou Fujibayashi's request. "Tell me! What kind of help do you need?"

"Just hold my hand."

Lin Ye extended his hand towards Kyou Fujibayashi. This time, he wasn't wearing gloves.

"No matter what happens, don't make a fuss. Please calmly accept whatever happens next. Can you do that?"

Kyou Fujibayashi feigned confusion, frowning. She indicated she had no idea what he meant. Finally, she nodded, her brows furrowed.

Then, she looked at Lin Ye's extended right hand.

Facing this hand, Kyou Fujibayashi felt a lot of pressure, but she still gritted her teeth and grasped it.

Hands met, skin touched. The air was silent.

There was no change at all.

Kyou Fujibayashi didn't feel any change on her person.

She let out a sigh of relief.

"What else do you need?"

"Actually, there's something I think I should tell you," Lin Ye said, withdrawing his hand.

"What is it?"

"I know who saved you."

"What?!"

Kyou Fujibayashi was startled, but a surge of excitement welled up inside her. "Who saved me? I must properly thank them for saving my life!"

This piqued Lin Ye's interest.

"How do you plan to thank them?"

"It's a secret."

"Then I won't tell you."

"..."

Annoying man, despicable man.

Kyou Fujibayashi watched him, gritting her teeth.

"I'll invite them to eat my cooking."

"That's it? That's hardly sincere!"

This disdainful tone immediately infuriated Kyou Fujibayashi.

She snorted, crossing her arms. "Of course it's not just that. I'll also, also... If he's a suitable male of age, I even plan to offer myself to him in return for saving my life! Is that sincere enough?!"

Lin Ye: ???

Envious, aren't you! Envious to death! As a man, you must be dying of envy.

Kyou Fujibayashi was quite confident in her beauty and figure. She knew countless men had coveted her since childhood.

She was absolutely certain Lin Ye was among them.

"To be able to save me from such a dangerous place, I have to thank him properly, no matter what. Offering myself is just the beginning."

Offer herself.

You really dare to say that!

This 'Dictionary Emperor' from Hikarizaka High would actually offer herself in gratitude? Is there such a good deal?

"Why don't you believe me?" Kyou Fujibayashi challenged.

"I don't really believe it," Lin Ye said calmly.

"Hmph, well, I'm serious anyway. Now you can tell me who saved me."

Lin Ye hesitated for a moment. He then asked, "I want to ask, is seventeen considered a suitable age?"

This premise was very important. Lin Ye was very sensitive. Especially after experiencing the mysterious games, he painstakingly analyzed and pondered the information within words and language, trying his best to find the crucial details.

"Of course it is."

"Seventeen isn't old! Thirty-seven would be unacceptable!"

"Oh!"

"Just tell me already, stop with the 'oh's! Tell me who saved me."

"Let's go to your room!"

Kyou Fujibayashi was dumbfounded. "Why go to my room?"

"To give you a chance to offer yourself."

Kyou Fujibayashi: ???

A moment later, she realized. She had never imagined Lin Ye would be such a person.

Kyou Fujibayashi's eyes widened. Her finger trembled as she pointed. "Y-y-you, you you you..."

This guy targeted her personal undergarments!

"Calm down. I warned you from the start."

He knew Kyou Fujibayashi still had a certain level of endurance; the girl in front of him had already experienced this the night before last. This level of shock was nothing to her.

"..."

Kyou Fujibayashi bit her red lip. "Alright, the test is over. You can leave now. Don't forget what you promised me..."

She started shooing him away.

If this continues, won't she lose even her upper undergarments?!

"It's not over yet. There's one more test..."

"Hurry up!"

She urged. At this time, Ryou would probably be back soon.

"Mm."

Lin Ye continued, "Everything I just told you was told to me by the person who saved you."

"Huh!"

Kyou Fujibayashi was startled once again. This guy really was impersonating him!

And Lin Ye, seizing the opportunity, immediately touched Kyou Fujibayashi's hand again.

But this time, no intimate garment appeared in Lin Ye's hand.

His previous contact with Yukino, two accidental touches, had resulted in two of her garments appearing in his hand.

Combining all the information, Lin Ye reached a conclusion.

The flaw was related to favorability. This was almost a certainty.

Just then, from the direction of the door, a girl's voice sounded.

"Sister, Lin-kun, what are you... doing?"

It was a purple-haired, short-haired girl.

Kyou Fujibayashi's entire demeanor fell apart.