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Chapter 4
【Reward: sensitivity spray, Akizuki Family Head (identity)】
A new task had arrived, but this time, he had ample time.
Mo Chen‘s gaze fell on the bottle of medicine that the store manager had meticulously disguised as mosquito repellent. A mischievous idea flashed through his mind. He picked up the store manager’s phone and began to reply, mimicking Tachikawa Kiyoshi‘s tone:
Tachikawa Kiyoshi: The medicine is extremely effective, works quickly, absolutely no problem. If used on Airi, with her physique, she probably wouldn’t last half a minute.
Tachikawa Kiyoshi: This is really good stuff, one bottle isn’t enough for me at all.
After sending the message, he unhesitatingly used the store manager’s account to transfer 50,000 yen to the other party. Anyway, it wasn’t his own money being spent, so he didn’t feel any heartache.
Akizuki Kouzou: Don’t worry, I’ll save some for you. Once I’ve dealt with Airi tonight, you can come and get it anytime. Mo Chen looked at the screen, continuing to play the role of an enthusiastic supporter:
Tachikawa Kiyoshi: Really? Then when will you get Airi? I can’t wait, your invention is simply a work of genius! This flattery obviously pleased Akizuki Kouzou greatly:
Akizuki Kouzou: Hehe, Airi’s train arrives around 7 PM.
Chapter 7: Hardworking
Akizuki Kouzou: If you’re interested, you can bring your experimental subject to my house after 8 PM. We can play with both girls together.
Looking at this disgusting text, Mo Chen cursed under his breath, “Trash.” He had no interest in playing shared bicycle games with others.
Fortunately, the real Tachikawa Kiyoshi had completely disappeared, and Akizuki Kouzou would never imagine that the person on the other end of the screen had long since changed.
Mo Chen put the phone in his pocket. Now the entire Dagashi Store was his property, including this phone. He looked up at the electronic clock on the wall; the red numbers displayed 17:30.
Akizuki Airi‘s train should still be en route. It was time to go back.
At this time, Fuka was probably in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Mo Chen‘s gaze swept over the shelves, and he casually pulled down the largest shopping bag.
Potato chips, chocolate bars, and small puddings were packed in one by one. He also took a few ice creams from the freezer and packed them separately in an insulated bag. Sora said she wanted snacks to take back before leaving, and since the whole store was his now, it was the perfect time to enjoy a ‘zero-yuan purchase’.
Mo Chen pushed open the back door, carrying the bulging shopping bag. “Chie? Wake up, it’s time to go home.”
Mo Chen gently shook the girl who was sleeping soundly on the sofa.
Chie groggily opened her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, letting Mo Chen tidy her messy collar.
She rubbed her slowly opening sleepy eyes and yawned lazily. “Big Brother?”
Her gaze was quickly drawn to the bulging snack bag in Mo Chen‘s hand, and she unconsciously swallowed.
“Oh, right,” Mo Chen placed the bag on the table, “If you want to eat, just pick anything from the store. You don’t have to worry anymore.”
“Can I?” Chie quickly shrunk her shoulders, nervously twisting the corner of her clothes. “I… I’m not a thief.” “Hmm, consider this my treat in advance. You’re never a thief.”
Mo Chen took out a brightly packaged popsicle from the bag and handed it over. The water droplets condensed on the surface of the popsicle shimmered in the setting sun.
“Today, you can take anything from the store, but only for today. Big Brother doesn’t have that much money either.”
Mo Chen changed to a more acceptable way of speaking. “Thank you, Big Brother!”
Chie‘s eyes immediately lit up, as if filled with stars.
She took the popsicle from Mo Chen, then skipped to the shelf.
She tilted her small face, carefully examining the dazzling array of snacks, humming an off-key tune.
She carefully selected a few ice creams and hugged them, the cool moisture quickly dampening her front.
In the orange-red sunset, Chie waved goodbye to Mo Chen with full energy, her hair fluttering lightly in the evening breeze. “Mo Chen, why did you buy so much today?”
As soon as he pushed open the door, Fuka, wearing a white apron, poked her head out from the kitchen. She wiped her wet hands and walked up to Mo Chen.
Her gaze fell on the bulging snack bag in Mo Chen‘s arms, and she couldn’t help but furrow her brow slightly. “Is the lunch I usually prepare not enough? You’re still growing.”
She spoke softly, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the apron string. “Starting tomorrow, I’ll add an extra scoop of rice to each meal.” Mo Chen quickly interrupted her self-doubt: “These aren’t main meals, the Dagashi Store had a big promotion today.”
Before he finished speaking, the bedroom door silently slid open.
Kasugano Sora, wearing loose home clothes, had her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall.
She walked closer without a word, her cool fingers gently brushing Mo Chen‘s wrist, then smoothly pulling the entire snack bag into her arms. “This is mine.”
She turned, hugging her spoils, her slippers making a soft pattering sound on the floor.
Fuka watched her disappearing behind the door, sighing helplessly. Fuka: “Put the snacks away and come eat quickly.”
Mo Chen and Sora, who slowly followed, were led to the dining table by Fuka.
Suou Yuki was already seated in her spot, propping her chin on her hands, idly tapping the rim of her bowl with her chopsticks. “It’s just buying some snacks, why did it take so long?” She tilted her head, her gaze sweeping over Mo Chen‘s face.
Is Big Brother hooking up with some girl outside again, clinging to her? Mo Chen felt a pang of guilt, but forced a calm expression. “W-what nonsense are you talking about?”
She was just joking, but what she said was almost spot-on, making Mo Chen a little embarrassed.
Suou Yuki narrowed her eyes, leaning forward as if spotting prey: “Your reaction isn’t quite right, is it? Could it be that I actually guessed it—”
“Alright, both of you say less.” Fuka interrupted in time, gently placing the served rice in front of each person. “Eat first, the dishes will get cold.”
Just as everyone was seated, a crisp message notification sounded from Fuka‘s apron pocket. She took out her phone, glanced at it, and then stood up apologetically.
You all eat first, don’t wait for me. She untied her apron and draped it over the chair back. Mo Chen: “Let’s finish dinner first. There will always be delivery orders.”
Fuka: “There are many orders in the evening. Just leave some food for me in the fridge tonight, it’s all the same.” Mo Chen: “It’s just one dinner’s worth of time, it won’t delay much.”
Fuka: “Working an extra hour every day adds up to an extra day’s income in two weeks. Money is accumulated little by little like that.”
Fuka: 【I really want to eat with Mo Chen, but we don’t have much money at home. While I can still work, it’s good to work a few more days. I can always save up for the children’s betrothal gifts.】 Fuka‘s inner thoughts revealed her hardworking nature, making Mo Chen feel a touch of sadness.
Fuka gently waved her hand, a gentle arc on her lips: “Alright, you all eat first, and eat well.”
She turned to leave, but Mo Chen suddenly stood up. He took a few quick steps forward, his warm palm already covering her exposed forearm. “Wait.”
The touch on his fingertips was delicate and smooth, no less so than a young girl like Chie.
That arm was more slender than he imagined, as if it would break with a little force. “I still have to work.”
Fuka gently struggled with her wrist, her voice like she was coaxing a willful child.
“Be good, let go. If it gets any later, I won’t get any orders. I’ll bring you back a bucket of fried chicken, okay?” She tried to pull her hand away, her slender fingers futilely pushing Mo Chen‘s hand, but her strength was useless. Mo Chen: “Actually, things aren’t that tight at home now, you don’t have to push yourself so hard.”
Fuka: “School starts next Monday, and everything at university costs money. What if you meet a girl you like and don’t even have money for a date?” “Brother has me to accompany him, that’s enough~”
Suou Yuki puffed out her cheeks, mumbling indistinctly, golden oil still dripping from the fried chicken in her hand. Fuka looked at the carefree Suou Yuki, her eyes drooping as if she wanted to say something but held back.
Fuka: 【Although it’s good that the siblings have a good relationship, if Mo Chen meets a more suitable girl in college, I can’t force him to be with Yuki.】 Fuka: 【And when he came back today, he had a girl’s scent on him…】
Chapter 8: Akizuki Airi
Mo Chen was stunned. He almost forgot that Fuka graduated with a culinary major.
It was probably the scent she picked up from him and Chie being close, which couldn’t escape her keen sense of smell. This was hard to explain now.
Should he honestly say that he just went to buy some snacks and then finished off Chie?
Mo Chen organized his thoughts, then changed the subject: “I’ve taken over a shop, so you don’t have to work so hard delivering food starting tomorrow.”
Fuka tilted her head slightly, a puzzled expression on her face: “A shop?” “Just this afternoon,” Mo Chen explained,
“I saved a shop owner from a truck.”
“But he still suffered a sudden heart attack from fright, and before he passed away, he very willingly transferred the shop to me.”
Suou Yuki, who was gnawing on a chicken leg, burst out laughing, her oily little mouth opening to cough: “Big Brother, have you been reading those strange novels on your phone again recently?
She shook the chicken bone in her hand, “This plot is too ridiculous, isn’t it? What you should do is immediately uninstall those fruit novels from your phone.”
Unlike Suou Yuki‘s exaggerated complaints, Sora just sat quietly by the side, eating her meal in small bites, seemingly indifferent to the conversation.bend
Fuka looked at Mo Chen and nodded gently: “Alright.”
She closed her eyes, a gentle smile on her face: “After all, I have no reason not to believe you.”
Fuka: 【I’ll just let this child rest for a day. He’s going to college next Monday, and he probably won’t be living at home then.】
Listening to Fuka‘s thoughts, Mo Chen unconsciously reached out and ruffled her hair. “Believe me, belief doesn’t need a reason.”
“Don’t do that.” Fuka blushed slightly, instinctively tidying her messed-up hair. “I’m your mother, after all.”
Seeing her shy appearance, Mo Chen withdrew his hand.
She always acted as a mother, but in reality, she had only just turned eighteen not long ago.
After graduating from Gehenna Western Technical College, this young girl took on the responsibility of caring for them. The joy gradually faded, but the dinner on the table was still steaming.
Golden-skinned roast chicken, paired with miso soup, grilled fish, and pickled radishes. The four of them sat around, enjoying this home-cooked meal.
The clock had just struck six. Fuka was stacking the last empty plate, the faint clinking of porcelain echoing clearly in the dining room.
Her gaze inadvertently fell on Mo Chen, who was walking towards the door, and her movements involuntarily paused. Fuka: “Going out this late?”
Mo Chen: “A friend just returned after the summer vacation, I’m going to pick her up.”
The city night was brightly lit. Mo Chen walked unhurriedly along the sparsely populated streets.
Among the few passersby were some heavily made-up women and those’shrine maiden’ girls who claimed to only need ‘food and lodging’. He had looked up the Akizuki Family‘s location; it wasn’t far.
Passing by the Dagashi Store from the afternoon, he unconsciously took an extra glance.
The surroundings were unusually calm, as if the manager’s tragedy from the afternoon had never happened. He had vanished without a trace, as if evaporated from the earth. He really died completely within a short minute.
Lost in thought, he arrived in front of a mansion with a ‘Akizuki’ nameplate.
From a nearby street, a crisp rolling sound could be heard, accompanied by the ‘gurgle’ of suitcase wheels hitting the cobblestone road.
“Huh? Who are you again? Why are you at this doorstep?” A clear girlish voice suddenly came from behind him.
Mo Chen turned at the sound, and in the dim night, a familiar figure stood.
Her golden twin-tails swayed gently as she tilted her head, and the suitcase wheels still made a soft gurgling sound on the stone pavement. Akizuki Airi, Mo Chen‘s high school classmate.
She was casually wearing a pink short jacket, its lapels wide open, revealing a white inner top with distorted geometric patterns.
Ultra-short denim shorts tightly hugged her perky buttocks, revealing two dazzlingly white long legs. “I’m just a pure passerby.” Mo Chen gave an awkward laugh.
“Ugh—so disgusting.” Airi immediately frowned, not bothering to hide her expression of disdain. “Then, right now, immediately, get out of here, the further the better.”
As she spoke, she pulled out her phone, the cold light of the screen reflecting on her small face, which was filled with gravity. “Otherwise, I’ll call the police.”
This girl is really vigilant.
Airi impatiently furrowed her eyebrows: “What are you spacing out for? Move it.” Airi’s attitude was not friendly. She and Mo Chen weren’t close to begin with.
In high school, Mo Chen was just a background character with a weak presence, and had never interacted with this ‘hot girl’. Now that this almost stranger suddenly appeared at her doorstep, she naturally wouldn’t give him a good look. “If you don’t move, I’ll call for help.”
Airi raised her voice, causing the few passersby on the street to turn their heads. Mo Chen silently retreated.
It was a bit troublesome; Mo Chen couldn’t just use his ability to deal with her in the middle of the street.
Seeing Mo Chen wisely retreat, Airi snorted softly, her golden ponytail cutting a sharp arc in the air.
She pulled her suitcase and walked into the house without looking back. “Airi? You’re back?”
Akizuki Kouzou stood at the entrance, his voice tinged with a feigned, cloying friendliness.
Airi turned her face away, her golden ponytail tracing a cold arc. “Beast.”
She cursed under her breath, tightened her grip on the suitcase handle, and walked straight towards the bedroom inside.
“I’m just staying temporarily, don’t bother me.” “Still so rude.”
Akizuki Kouzou chuckled, pulling his right hand from his pocket and suddenly raising a small purple spray can. “Hiss—”
A light pink mist diffused in the air, directly assailing Airi’s unprepared face. “What are you doing!”
Airi stumbled back a few steps, her back hitting the door with a thud, then her legs gave out and she fell to the ground.
She desperately covered her mouth and nose, her voice trembling: “Bastard… pervert… what did you spray on me?” Her cheeks were already flushed with an unnatural redness.
“Just a little gadget to teach a rebellious daughter to obey.” Akizuki Kouzou‘s lips curved into a twisted smile,
“Dad put a lot of effort into this treasure.” 【Time Stasis】
Mo Chen breathed slightly, standing at the slightly open front door of the Akizuki house, vaguely seeing Akizuki Kouzou‘s sinister smiling figure through the crack.
Mo Chen sighed inwardly.
For a tsundere personality like Airi, who should have been phased out long ago, if he weren’t kind-hearted, he wouldn’t bother with this meddling.
“Hero enters.”
Mo Chen then fiercely kicked the door.
A heavy thud, different from the usual sound of a door. “You really can’t wait, can you?”
