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

Chapter 125: Yukino, You Wouldn't Want This to Be Known, Would You?

Rumi Tsurumi blinked and looked up at a flaxen-haired high school girl wearing a Sobu High uniform. The well-fitted uniform accentuated the girl's youthful energy, her delicate face was cute and charming, and her bright smile seemed cheerful and lively.

But Rumi Tsurumi instinctively detected a faint, peculiar aura from her, similar to the girls in her class who ganged up and bullied other students.

Was it really a good idea to follow this high school girl to find Lin Ye?

Rumi Tsurumi hesitated. She casually glanced around but saw no other high school students nearby. From the school gate all the way to here, only Isshiki Iroha had approached her to ask what she needed, actively offering help.

She realized she might only be able to rely on the high school girl in front of her.

"Little one, what's your relationship with Senpai?"

"Friend."

Rumi Tsurumi said in a slightly lowered voice.

Isshiki Iroha slowly widened her eyes, and a bad thought surfaced.

No way, no way!

The next second, she vigorously shook her head, trying to shake that thought out of her mind.

"Is he at school today?"

Teacher Kyou Fujibayashi still hadn't come to school today, which left Rumi Tsurumi with no choice but to come to Sobu High to find Lin Ye.

Coming to Sobu High alone was actually quite overwhelming for her, but to learn the truth and confirm their current situation, she had no choice but to muster her courage and come here.

"He is! Senpai is at Sobu High today, currently with a beautiful upperclassman in the club room, enjoying the rose-tinted youth of school life."

A faint hint of envy permeated her words.

Rumi Tsurumi subconsciously wondered if this high school girl in front of her had a crush on Lin Ye?

However, more than this speculation, she was more concerned about the fact that Lin Ye had come to school.

If Lin Ye is back, then what about Teacher?

Rumi Tsurumi grew anxious.

"Please take me to him."

"Can I ask what it's about?"

But Isshiki Iroha saw the girl remain silent and knew she didn't want to say.

"Follow me! Senpai is over in the club building."

With that, Isshiki Iroha led the way, and Rumi Tsurumi followed behind.

Along the way, a few high school students occasionally walked past in pairs, casting curious glances at the duo of a high schooler and an elementary schooler.

A few minutes later,

Rumi Tsurumi followed Isshiki Iroha into the club building. After going upstairs and turning a corner, she saw Isshiki Iroha looking around, seemingly confirming something.

"This should be it,"

Soon, Isshiki Iroha, who had spotted the classroom sign, raised her hand and pointed, "It's there."

Rumi Tsurumi looked and saw the three characters: 'Service Club'.

The name of that club gave her a bad feeling. Though young, she had some understanding of certain things, and with quite a few perverts in Japan, she always remained vigilant when out alone.

Knock, knock, knock…

Isshiki Iroha knocked on the door.

A moment later, the sound of 'Please come in' came from the club room door.

Isshiki Iroha pushed open the club room door and saw three people sitting in their seats.

Sobu High's famous ice-cold school beauty Yukino Yukinoshita, a beautiful upperclassman with a dumpling hairstyle and a generous bust, and Lin Ye, the target of this visit.

"Excuse me, Lin Ye Senpai, I've brought your friend to see you! A cute, beautiful girl with long black hair!"

His friend? A black-haired girl?

Lin Ye's first thought based on the description was actually Yukino Yukinoshita.

No other girl he knew fit that description.

But Yui Yuigahama reacted, "Wow, c-could it be Miyuki Kuroshima-chan?"

Yui Yuigahama, who had unexpectedly met Miyuki Kuroshima once, hadn't forgotten that cool beauty to this day. She even wanted to ask Lin Ye about Miyuki Kuroshima, but considering her rather ordinary relationship with him, she hadn't brought it up yet.

And Yukino Yukinoshita immediately perked up, intrigued.

The next second,

A figure appeared, entering Yukino Yukinoshita's line of sight.

Isn't that just a board?

That was her first reaction.

That's just an elementary schooler!

Yukino Yukinoshita's gaze fell on Yui Yuigahama, that questioning look making Yui Yuigahama anxiously explain, "Um, she's not Miyuki Kuroshima-chan. I guessed wrong. Lin-kun has elementary school friends too, ha ha ha…"

The dumpling girl laughed heartily, trying to lighten the atmosphere in the Service Club room.

Lin Ye was very surprised; Rumi Tsurumi finding Sobu High was beyond his expectations.

What was this kid's purpose for coming here?

She wasn't curious about him, was she?

Considering he had once used a disguise card to assume Rumi Tsurumi's identity, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible that this little girl would be interested in him.

But to dare to come to Sobu High alone, that took real guts.

"This kid is timid, but then again, who knows who's truly bold."

Rumi Tsurumi dared to muster her courage, enter Chiba Elementary, and directly confront the strange girl there!

"Tsurumi-chan, why did you come? What do you need me for?"

Lin Ye smiled, stood up, and walked over.

"To ask you something."

Seeing that Lin Ye was completely normal, Rumi Tsurumi's worried heart eased slightly.

"Okay, let's talk outside!"

At these words, the three of them—Yukino Yukinoshita, Yui, and Isshiki—had fleeting thoughts of speculation and curiosity.

"Mm."

Rumi Tsurumi turned and left the entrance of the Service Club room.

"Senpai, Senpai, I was the one who brought Rumi-chan here!"

Stop batting your eyelashes, I know you're here to claim credit.

"Thanks,"

"Senpai, Senpai, you promised to treat me to dinner the day before yesterday! It's already Thursday, and you haven't contacted me. Are you planning not to treat me after all? I… I was really looking forward to it."

As Isshiki Iroha spoke, her peripheral vision darted towards the two upperclassmen in the Service Club room, with Yukino Yukinoshita being her primary focus.

Just a few days ago, there was a rumor that Yukino Yukinoshita had written Lin Ye a love letter. Isshiki Iroha didn't believe it, of course, but she couldn't resist her inner curiosity. What if, just what if, it was true?

But,

She was quickly disappointed, because Yukino Yukinoshita's expression hadn't changed at all. Cold and serene like a snow lotus on an iceberg, she showed no reaction.

As expected! How could Sobu High's ice beauty possibly fall into the mortal world, become infatuated with a man, and be swayed by worldly desires!

"Alright! I'll treat you to dinner tonight."

"Really?"

"Of course, I'll treat you to chicken."

Isshiki Iroha: ???

"KFC. It's delicious."

"Girls get fat from eating fried food."

"Instant noodles."

"…"

Isshiki Iroha immediately caught sight of the teasing smile and playful expression on Lin Ye's face. This Senpai was far from innocent.

"How sad. I thought Senpai would treat me to a luxurious meal."

Lin Ye caught a glimpse of Haruno's shadow. Isshiki Iroha indeed had a bit of Haruno in her.

"Alas, I'm poor! Haven't managed to snag a rich lady."

Could Senpai's target rich lady be Yukino Yukinoshita?

As Yukino Yukinoshita of the renowned Yukinoshita family in Chiba, she was undoubtedly a rich lady. If he snagged her, he'd save twenty years of struggle. Most importantly, Yukino Yukinoshita Senpai was also very beautiful!

Sitting on a pile of wealth, marrying a beautiful, rich woman, and instantly becoming a life winner.

Awesome!

If she were a man, she'd want that too.

"Sigh, no choice then. I'll treat Senpai to dinner!"

Saying this, Isshiki Iroha stepped aside, a faint smile on her face.

Lin Ye said to Yukino, "President Yukinoshita, I'll be out for a bit and will be back soon."

He then walked out of the Service Club room, and with Rumi Tsurumi, went to a distant spot. Clearly, the content of their conversation was not meant for others to hear.

After a while, Isshiki Iroha retrieved her gaze, then looked at Yukino and Yui Yuigahama. "Good afternoon, both Senpais. I'm Isshiki Iroha from Class 1-C."

The cute kohai with flaxen, shoulder-length hair greeted them respectfully.

"Y-you, hello, Isshiki-chan. I'm Yui Yuigahama."

"Yukino Yukinoshita."

Yukino Yukinoshita was cool and aloof, her self-introduction extremely simple. Unlike Yui Yuigahama, she immediately saw through this girl's true nature. Her characteristics bore some similarity to her older sister's, and she instinctively recoiled.

"Hello, Senpais. Aren't both Senpais curious what Senpai and Rumi-chan are talking about?"

This was what Isshiki Iroha cared about most right now.

A conversation that needed to avoid others—the content must be explosive!

Yukino Yukinoshita didn't answer, but her cold gaze indicated her thoughts at the moment.

And the dumpling girl, with her blinking eyes, was emitting signals of 'I'm very curious, I want to know'.

"Yuigahama Senpai, how about we…"

Bringing an upperclassman along to eavesdrop together—even if something went wrong, someone else would share the blame. If she whined a bit more, Senpai would surely not scold a cute kohai like her too much. At worst, she'd splurge a little tonight and treat Senpai to a feast.

Isshiki Iroha already had a plan.

As long as Yui Yuigahama went along, she'd dare to go.

"Well…"

Yui Yuigahama hesitated.

She rubbed her fingers together. She was very interested internally and really wanted to know what they were talking about, but eavesdropping was ultimately not a very appropriate action.

Finally, Yui Yuigahama's gaze unconsciously fell on Yukino Yukinoshita.

If Yukino Yukinoshita was willing to go, she would dare.

"Yuigahama-san, eavesdropping is not good."

Yui Yuigahama immediately slumped, while Isshiki Iroha felt that Yukino Yukinoshita Senpai was actually very curious too, just that she didn't dare to go.

"Senpai, let's go buy a drink!"

Isshiki Iroha thought of another method. "I'm a bit thirsty. Senpai, let's go buy some drinks together! What drink would Yukinoshita Senpai like?"

"Orange juice,"

Finally,

Yukino Yukinoshita spoke.

Isshiki Iroha's smile grew even brighter. This meant Yukinoshita Senpai implicitly agreed!

Indeed, Senpai was also curious.

Isshiki felt relieved. Even if they were caught and something went wrong, she felt Yukinoshita Senpai would help.

That's great.

Isshiki Iroha pulled Yui Yuigahama, who was still bewildered in place, out of the Service Club room.

…

…

On the other side,

A few minutes ago,

Lin Ye brought Rumi Tsurumi to a secluded corner of the club building.

"What happened?"

The notification for the completion of the 'Strange Game' quest had not yet arrived. Lin Ye knew this quest was not over. In the Inner World's 'Tenmachi Elementary School,' he had only used 'Dream Demon Potion' to inject one strange school nurse and three strange children into unconsciousness.

As for the subsequent effects of the Dream Demon Potion, he didn't know, but at least it wasn't fatal. Otherwise, the 'Chiba Elementary School' quest should have been completed.

"Teacher Fujibayashi hasn't come to school. Hasn't she returned?"

Lin Ye was stunned for a moment.

This was his oversight. He should have proactively informed Rumi Tsurumi.

"She's fine. I brought her back, and she's recuperating at home. If you're worried, I can contact her now."

After speaking, Lin Ye took out his phone and brought up his contacts, but Rumi Tsurumi stopped him. "No need."

She didn't think Lin Ye had a reason to lie. Lin Ye wouldn't gain anything by deceiving her.

"Rest assured! She's safe and sound. She hasn't gone to school these past two days, probably because she's traumatized by the school."

At this, Rumi Tsurumi suddenly thought of something. "Is Teacher Fujibayashi also going to resign?"

After only about half a month of interaction, Rumi Tsurumi actually really liked this beautiful and cheerful female teacher. Her thoughts were the same as many of her classmates'.

Although during their first formal conversation, she had hoped Kyou Fujibayashi would voluntarily resign and leave, staying far away from Chiba Elementary School, after interacting with her, she now wished Kyou Fujibayashi could continue teaching there.

"It's possible!"

Lin Ye hadn't paid attention to this matter. If Kyou Fujibayashi wanted to resign, he couldn't very well persuade her to stay; he didn't have the right.

Rumi Tsurumi's heart sank. Even though the teacher had been rescued, she was still traumatized. Did she really want to resign and leave Chiba Elementary School?

She was a little unwilling. "The strange occurrence has been resolved, so it should be fine for the teacher to continue teaching at Chiba Elementary School. Therefore, if…"

Rumi Tsurumi had just mustered her courage to make a request of Lin Ye, but she saw him make a shushing gesture towards her. She immediately understood and closed her mouth, remaining silent.

Following the direction Lin Ye was looking, Rumi Tsurumi immediately realized someone was eavesdropping around the corner.

It must be her!

Isshiki Iroha's figure emerged in Rumi Tsurumi's mind.

Lin Ye thought that just walking over wouldn't be enough to 'scare' the two of them. Therefore…

"Little one, do me a favor later."

Rumi Tsurumi, looking at Lin Ye's gesture, immediately understood what he meant. "Okay, what do you need me to do?"

"Later, you'll come to dinner with us. You find a chance to drug Isshiki's drink."

Rumi Tsurumi almost thought Lin Ye was serious.

And Isshiki Iroha, who was eavesdropping, her mouth had already dropped open into an 'oh'.

Damn it!

Drug her,

Senpai wants to drug her! W-what… what does he want to do?!

Yui Yuigahama also revealed a look of disbelief. She completely couldn't believe that Lin Ye and Rumi Tsurumi had come here to conspire about this.

"I understand,"

"Oh, and that girl with the pink dumpling hairstyle too."

Yui Yuigahama was stunned. Even she was a target!

"Big brother, do you like both of them?"

"No, I just simply want to teach a lesson to these two high school girls who like to eavesdrop."

"What?!"

Just as Isshiki Iroha tried to run, she found her shoulder already gripped by a strong hand.

"Isshiki-kohai, don't you think people who make mistakes should receive punishment?"

Yui Yuigahama wanted to run but didn't succeed. At this moment, Lin Ye gripped the shoulders of both girls, one in each hand.

"S-Senpai… I, I was just passing by accidentally with Yuigahama Senpai, really, just passing by. Absolutely no eavesdropping, really not…"

And Yui Yuigahama, knowing she had made a mistake and been caught red-handed, her face flushed crimson. She completely didn't know what to do.

Explain?

How to explain?

"Do you think I'll believe you?"

"Kind, gentle, and handsome Senpai, you'll definitely believe me." She winked.

Isshiki Iroha batted her large eyes, showing her cute side. "Senpai, for the sake of your cute kohai's cuteness, can you let her off this time? I, I won't dare to do it next time,"

You definitely would dare.

If it were Yui Yuigahama, Lin Ye might still believe it, but Isshiki Iroha? Absolutely impossible. With a personality inherited from Haruno Yukinoshita, how could she possibly not dare again?

"Where is this cute kohai?"

"Ugh, Senpai! It's me, it's me! Isshiki Iroha, the Isshiki Iroha standing right in front of you, is the cute kohai. Am I… not cute?"

Lin Ye very seriously shook his head. "Not cute."

"Sigh, boo-hoo, Senpai is bullying me, saying things he doesn't mean."

Lin Ye looked at Yui Yuigahama, who was giving an awkward smile.

"Um, Lin-kun, I, I was dragged here by Isshiki-san. I, I really just… came to buy drinks."

"How about you two fight? Whoever wins, I'll believe them."

Immediately, the atmosphere became awkward.

"Don't do this kind of thing again in the future. If you accidentally hear some incredible secret, you might accidentally be silenced."

The two girls trembled.

It's fake, right?!

But that fleeting chill, both of them felt it. The chill on their backs was still spreading.

"If you're going to buy drinks, go quickly."

Under Lin Ye's urging, Isshiki and Yuigahama immediately took off, fleeing as if afraid Lin Ye would regret it and settle scores with them.

Thump, thump, thump… The sound of footsteps receded until they disappeared.

Lin Ye turned and looked at Rumi Tsurumi, whose face still showed a faint smile. Girls who love to smile are always a bit prettier.

"The strange occurrence at Chiba Elementary School hasn't been eradicated,"

Rumi Tsurumi was stunned. "No?"

"No, at least they're not dead. I'll try to resolve it again."

Rumi Tsurumi nodded softly and lowered her head.

"Thank you."

She knew the teacher wouldn't be coming back.

Rumi Tsurumi felt a bit regretful.

"Here's my contact number. If you encounter any special circumstances, you can contact me anytime, send me a message, and I'll arrive as quickly as possible. My advice to you is to get away if something feels wrong."

"Mm."

"Will you go back by yourself later, or should I take you back?"

Rumi Tsurumi tilted her head slightly, a puzzled expression on her face. "Aren't we eating together?"

"Uh."

"Aren't I supposed to help you drug them?"

"You kid,"

Lin Ye smiled. "If you could joke like this with your classmates, you wouldn't be all alone in class all the time."

Rumi Tsurumi was speechless.

"I'll take you back later. I don't want to be greeted by the police."

Lin Ye again caught a faint, almost imperceptible smile on Rumi Tsurumi's face.

Then, Lin Ye brought Rumi Tsurumi to the Service Club room. Facing Yukino Yukinoshita, Rumi Tsurumi instinctively became a bit reserved.

It was probably Yukino Yukinoshita's cool and aloof aura that pressured her.

"Done talking?"

"President Yukinoshita, I never thought you'd be this kind of person."

Yukino Yukinoshita frowned,

"You instigated Yui Yuigahama and Isshiki Iroha to eavesdrop on our conversation. That's too much!"

Yukino Yukinoshita: ???

"They've already confessed. You wouldn't want this to get out, would you? Now, how do you suggest we resolve this? How should we handle it?"

Rumi Tsurumi was dumbfounded by what she saw, but she closed her mouth and said nothing, choosing instead to sit back and watch how things would unfold.

"I didn't. It was Isshiki Iroha and Yuigahama-san who went on their own."

"Oh really! You clearly knew that Yui Yuigahama and Isshiki Iroha were coming to eavesdrop, yet you didn't stop them. Can you live up to the trust I placed in you?"

Yukino Yukinoshita was rendered speechless.

After a while, she slowly spoke. "What do you want to do? Let me state first, things like me becoming your girlfriend—don't even bring it up. It's impossible."

"Then…"

"Things like holding hands or kissing, or me living with you, are all impossible."

Yukino Yukinoshita listed many forbidden items in a row, even including 'cohabitation.'

"Is there anything… else?" Lin Ye asked.

"Not for now."

"Oh! I remember you haven't mentioned marriage yet."

"Suggest something more normal,"

Yukino Yukinoshita couldn't help but roll her eyes. "I'll give you five seconds to think, five…"

"Make tea,"

She was stunned for a moment but also nodded. As a girl born into the renowned Yukinoshita family in Chiba, she had naturally been exposed to the tea ceremony. Although her skill wasn't top-tier, it wouldn't be bad either.

From childhood to adulthood, Yukino Yukinoshita's learning ability was strong. Aside from her physical deficiencies, her abilities had always been strong in all other aspects, far surpassing ordinary people.

Footsteps sounded outside,

Isshiki Iroha and Yui Yuigahama returned. "We're back,"

And Lin Ye then spoke, "I was lying to you just now. They didn't accuse you of instigating them."

Yukino Yukinoshita: ???

She actually believed this man's one-sided story.

She thought Isshiki Iroha had thrown all the blame onto her, and the two of them hadn't returned for a long time, which made her finally compromise. But she hadn't expected the truth was that she had been tricked by Lin Ye.

This bastard, he actually dared to trick her.

"I believe President Yukinoshita will not go back on your promise."

Yukino Yukinoshita clenched her fists.

Yui Yuigahama looked left and right, completely unaware of what had happened.

Isshiki Iroha couldn't help but ask, "Senpai, what happened? Tell us!"

"I pointed out that you and Yui Yuigahama had confessed the mastermind behind the eavesdropping was President Yukinoshita."

Isshiki was startled, and Yui Yuigahama was dumbfounded.

"Yukino, Yukino, I didn't! I didn't say that, really! You have to believe me!"

Isshiki Iroha wasn't in a hurry to explain. She didn't think Yukinoshita Senpai would believe that.

"Senpai, what about the promise?!"

"It's simple. Yukino believed me, reluctantly took the blame, and offered me compensation,"

Isshiki Iroha felt like she had been 'slapped in the face'.

She had just said Yukinoshita Senpai wouldn't believe such a lie.

"Then… the compensation…"

"It's a secret!"

Lin Ye didn't say anymore.

Isshiki Iroha whined a bit more, but still couldn't sway Lin Ye.

Even so, she had no intention of asking the other party involved. Yukinoshita Senpai was too scary; she wouldn't dare ask her!

Yui Yuigahama was curious! She blinked her eyes, silently asking, but Yukino Yukinoshita didn't want to speak. Her silence, however, made Yui Yuigahama suspect if Yukino Yukinoshita had agreed to a very unreasonable condition.

This made her regret it even more. If she hadn't been caught red-handed by Lin Ye, Yukino Yukinoshita wouldn't have been threatened.

Rumi Tsurumi watched this scene unfold, and she felt a little envious.

When she goes to high school in the future, will she also have friends like these?

"President Yukinoshita, I'll be heading back early today. I'll take Tsurumi-chan home; I'm not at ease with her going back alone."

"I'd be even more uneasy." Yukino Yukinoshita's single sentence changed the atmosphere in the Service Club room.

"Today's Service Club activity will be taking Rumi Tsurumi-chan home."

She made her decision.

And the remaining club member, Yui Yuigahama, had no reason to refuse. She actually thought it was better.

Thus,

Rumi Tsurumi returned to her home, escorted by four high schoolers: three girls and one boy.

Coincidentally,

Tsurumi's mother came out and saw them. After learning her daughter had gone to Sobu High, she expressed her gratitude to the four.

"Thank you, thank you for bringing Rumi back."

Tsurumi's mother patted her daughter. "Quickly thank your older brothers and sisters."

"Thank you."

Rumi Tsurumi's tone was flat, but Lin Ye still caught a hint of genuine gratitude.

Even if she seemed cold to outsiders, she still had a warm heart inside. Facing those who genuinely cared about her safety, Rumi Tsurumi would still offer sincere thanks.

Under the setting sun,

The four departed.

A gentle breeze blew, the leaves rustled.

The four arrived at the train station.

"Um, Yukinoshita Senpai, Yuigahama Senpai, I'll be having dinner with Senpai later. Do you two want to join us?"

"I don't need to,"

Yukino first spoke.

This made Yui Yuigahama suppress her urge to go. "I don't need to either. Mom prepared a sumptuous dinner tonight, ha ha ha, let's have dinner with Isshiki-chan next time!"

If she went, wouldn't that isolate Yukino?

She didn't want to.

"Oh, is that so! That's a shame. Then, let's have dinner with Yuigahama Senpai next time."

"Mm-hm, it's a deal."

Yui Yuigahama smiled and looked at Lin Ye. "Lin-kun, please make sure Isshiki-chan gets home safely."

She also reminded him.

Lin Ye nodded in agreement.

He always does that when sending girls home.

Clank…

Clank…

The train arrived.

At this time of day, there were quite a few people on the train.

The four got on the train, stood together, and held onto the handrails.

Soon, the next stop arrived, and Yukino Yukinoshita nodded, indicating she would get off the train first. Then, Lin Ye and Isshiki Iroha got off the train.

Only Yui Yuigahama was left on the train.

The pink dumpling girl sat on a seat, looking at the sunset scenery reflected in the glass.

"Sigh, I should have suggested to Yukino that we take a walk together before heading back."

"Next time, good luck,"

She clenched her fist, encouraging herself.

…

…

Lin Ye and Isshiki Iroha, wearing Sobu High uniforms, walked along the commercial street.

This was Chiba's commercial district. In the evening, the foot traffic gradually increased.

Many students from the surrounding areas would come here to hang out in pairs.

The two, dressed in Sobu High uniforms, didn't seem out of place.

"What do you want to eat?"

"What do you want to eat, Senpai? I'm treating tonight."

Lin Ye looked Isshiki Iroha up and down, his gaze finally settling on her fanny pack.

The flaxen-haired, shoulder-length girl blinked, suddenly remembering something, and immediately crossed her arms, stepping back. "Don't eat me! I'm not Senpai's big meal tonight."

Laughing,

Lin Ye almost couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You're at most a dessert."

"Ugh, why! Why am I not a big meal? I'm so cute and pretty! Are girls with figures like Yuigahama-senpai the only ones considered big meals?"

"I thought you were going to say Yukinoshita!"

"Cough, cough, cough, Yukinoshita-senpai, well… you know."

Isshiki Iroha dared not speak explicitly. Although Yukino Yukinoshita wasn't present, what if Lin Ye told Yukino Yukinoshita? She didn't want to be hated by her Senpai.

As a girl, she understood how much girls cared about their figures. Even Yukinoshita-senpai couldn't be an exception.

"I'll remember that."

"Senpai, please forget it! Your cute kohai begs you to forget it!"

Halfway through her tough words, she immediately changed her tune. Isshiki Iroha knew Lin Ye responded better to softness than to stubbornness.

"Senpai, have you decided?"

"Ramen."

"Oh, you don't have to save money for me. I still have enough pocket money for one dinner."

"Kobe beef,"

"Senpai, that ramen shop has good taste. I've eaten there several times. Let's go now."

Without giving Lin Ye a chance to refuse, Isshiki Iroha quickened her pace and walked ahead.

Lin Ye watched, smiling.

It was a coincidence.

It was the same ramen shop he and Haruno Yukinoshita had eaten at when they returned to Chiba.

"This place seems really popular."

Haruno Yukinoshita chose this shop, Ren Nanase and Ryou Fujibayashi also chose this ramen shop, and now Isshiki Iroha chose this shop too.

"Welcome!"

The server greeted them with a smile.

Lin Ye ordered a different flavor of ramen from last time—fish and shellfish ramen, which had a broth made from various fish bones, dried fish, and shellfish, bringing out the fresh aroma of seafood.

Isshiki Iroha took a long time to choose, finally deciding on the same fish and shellfish ramen as Lin Ye.

The two took their seats and waited.

"Senpai, what did Yukinoshita-senpai promise you?"

"Very curious?"

"Mm-hm,"

Isshiki Iroha nodded vigorously.

"It's a secret,"

"Wow!"

"Senpai, please be kind and grant me this request. I'll even treat you to dinner again tomorrow, how about that?"

"I have plans tomorrow night, so it's not your turn."

"Eh, who is it? Yukinoshita-senpai? It shouldn't be… Could it be… Miss Ryou Fujibayashi?"

"Guess."

"Senpai,"

Isshiki Iroha whined, but then suddenly noticed a woman standing a few meters away, looking their way.

"Oh, Miss Kyou Fujibayashi…"

This made Lin Ye turn around and look. He saw Kyou Fujibayashi, and at that moment, Kyou Fujibayashi also saw Lin Ye. She slightly frowned.

Her attitude towards Lin Ye had always been to keep a distance, but now, hearing their incomplete conversation, she felt it necessary to engage with him.

Moreover, this girl, she must be Isshiki Iroha, whom Ryou mentioned, right?

Having made her decision, Kyou Fujibayashi walked towards the two. "I'm Kyou Fujibayashi, and you must be Isshiki-san, right?"

"Ah, yes, yes, that's me, Miss Fujibayashi, please sit."

Isshiki Iroha moved aside, and after Kyou Fujibayashi sat down, she thanked Isshiki Iroha.

"Ah, ah, that… it's nothing, I'm just doing what I can," Isshiki said, feeling a reminder from Lin Ye under the table. She smiled, looking somewhat embarrassed as she accepted.

"It's good that Miss Fujibayashi is safe and sound."

"Thank you for your concern. Please do come to my home as guests later; I'll treat both of you well."

This time, Kyou Fujibayashi didn't exclude Lin Ye.

They were two separate matters, to be treated separately.

She wanted to express her gratitude for Lin Ye's help, but regarding matters related to Ryou, her stance had to remain firm.

"Mm-hm, I will! I'll arrange a time with Senpai."

At this point,

Kyou Fujibayashi noticed the uniforms Lin Ye and Isshiki Iroha were wearing. "High school students?"

This must be a high school uniform, right?

Kyou Fujibayashi really didn't think it was a university uniform; moreover, Japanese universities generally don't require uniforms.

"Yes, Sobu High uniforms. What's wrong?"

This was a big problem!

Kyou Fujibayashi widened her eyes and looked at Lin Ye. "You, didn't you say you were a teacher at Sobu High?"

If Lin Ye was a high school student, he would be at most 18, while her sister Ryou was already 22. Was this a case of an older woman chasing a younger man?

No, no, no,

This guy was planning an older woman-younger man romance!

"Miss Fujibayashi, I only said I was at Sobu High, not that I was a teacher at Sobu High."

Kyou Fujibayashi recalled carefully and found that it was indeed as Lin Ye said.

"But you deliberately concealed it! You and Ryou are so far apart in age, how can you…"

"Age is not an issue."

You say age isn't an issue now, but when Ryou turns thirty, you'll only be twenty-six. You'll definitely dislike Ryou for being too old.

Kyou Fujibayashi had countless objections internally.

The age factor further strengthened Kyou Fujibayashi's intuition that Lin Ye was absolutely not suitable for her sister.

Even if Lin Ye had saved her sister and helped her, Lin Ye was definitely not suitable for her sister. This guy was full of lies and too good at deceiving girls.

Moreover, the most crucial point was that Lin Ye had many beautiful girls around him. She couldn't guarantee that Lin Ye wouldn't mess around with these women!

"Miss Fujibayashi, your worry is useless, isn't it?"

This guy.

"I'll keep an eye on Ryou tomorrow. Ryou will absolutely not go on a date with you."

Kyou Fujibayashi was very glad she chose to dine at this ramen shop that Ryou recommended tonight, to enjoy delicious food and relax.

Otherwise, how would she have accidentally learned that Lin Ye and her sister had a date for tomorrow night?

No wonder Ryou wasn't willing to invite Lin Ye and Isshiki Iroha on the weekend!

It turned out Ryou was going on a date with Lin Ye!

Kyou Fujibayashi decided that not only tomorrow, but the entire weekend, she would stay by her sister's side, absolutely not giving her any independent free time.

But from Lin Ye's perspective, this was a good thing!

If Kyou Fujibayashi prevented Ryou from going out, wouldn't that just give him more free time?

Isshiki Iroha suddenly felt that her loose tongue had caused Senpai's date to fail. What if… she compensated Senpai? Treat Senpai to dinner tomorrow?

"Customers…"

The server brought the hot noodles to the table.

Two bowls of fish and shellfish ramen, with a faint seafood aroma constantly wafting, invitingly wafting the fresh aroma of the sea.

Kyou Fujibayashi ordered her meal.

Lin Ye and Isshiki began eating.

During this ramen meal,

Isshiki felt she didn't enjoy it much. Even though the ramen was perfectly springy and the broth was flavorful, making her want to drink a few more sips, her bad mood had reduced the deliciousness of the ramen by many levels.

When the two finished eating, Kyou Fujibayashi was halfway through hers.

She looked up and calmly said, "You two can leave if you have something to do. Don't wait for me."

Isshiki Iroha looked at Lin Ye, who nodded directly. "Okay, Miss Fujibayashi, please enjoy your meal."

"Miss Fujibayashi, we'll be going now," Isshiki Iroha said, somewhat apologetically, before leaving.

And this meal, just as they had agreed from the beginning, was paid for by Isshiki Iroha.

Kyou Fujibayashi noticed this. She recalled that it seemed to always be girls paying the bill in her memory.

What was it about Lin Ye that they liked so much? Even the payment was something they proactively took care of, one after another. Usually, even with AA, didn't the man pay first and then the woman reimbursed him?

Kyou Fujibayashi shook her head and stopped thinking about it. She continued eating her ramen.

As they walked out of the ramen shop, Isshiki Iroha instinctively pulled her clothes tighter.

The evening air in Chiba was a bit chilly, and the oncoming breeze carried a hint of cold.

"Achoo…"

"Senpai, it's cold,"

"Mm, it's a bit cold,"

"Then…"

"Take off your coat and give it to me to wear."

Isshiki Iroha: ???

"Senpai doesn't understand girls at all; he won't have a girlfriend."

"You don't need to worry about that, kohai."

Lin Ye shrugged. "Straight home, or still want to walk around?"

"Of course, walk around a bit more before going home. It's rare to come here. I want to buy milk tea, and a cake shop recently opened nearby that's supposedly very good. I want to buy some."

"Alright, let's go!"

Lin Ye also happened to want to buy new styles of cakes to meet Miyuki Kuroshima's demands.

On both sides of the street, neon lights brilliantly shimmered, and beautiful music filled the air.

Isshiki Iroha glanced at Lin Ye's face. "Senpai, I'm sorry I affected your date tomorrow."

"What? You want to compensate me?"

Isshiki Iroha froze, not expecting Lin Ye to be so direct. "If Senpai asks, it's not impossible."

"Then no need. I'll find someone else."

"Wow! Don't refuse so quickly! I'll feel like I've lost face."

Completely different from the boys she had met, yet Isshiki Iroha felt a surge of curiosity and joy.

Being with Lin Ye was so interesting!

…

Finished with work at the hospital, Ryou Fujibayashi sat on the sofa at home, currently pondering.

"Is tomorrow night better?"

"Or Saturday morning?"

If it's night, will Lin-kun suggest spending the night together?

Then… should she agree? Or not agree?