Chapter 4: Chapter 4: What Kind of Job is Sister Reiko Looking For?
"Is something the matter, Haruka?" Seeing the dazed Haruka Yuzan, Reiko Onodera grew somewhat flustered, "I just thought that the two of us wouldn't be able to eat too much, and it would be a waste…"
Her voice grew softer and softer, and in the end, she lowered her head without much confidence, thinking that for a son of a large family like his, two dishes and a soup probably wouldn't be appealing...
"Ah?"
Before the self-blaming Mrs. Onodera, the snapped-back-to-reality Haruka Yuzan quickly waved his hands to show he was fine, "It's okay, it's okay, this is good, I also detest those who waste on a normal basis."
In that moment, the words 'upbringing' and 'etiquette' popped into Reiko Onodera's mind, and she looked at the tall boy with a renewed sense of curiosity.
This must be just to console me, right?
"I'll serve the rice."
Mr. Haruka flashed a smile and started to help with the serving bowl and chopsticks, unable to help it… he was hungry...
As night fully descended, the moon's pure light couldn't outshine the neon lights of Tokyo streets; it seemed as though people living in this international metropolis had lost the concept of night.
The Haruka family's large villa also made a rare contribution to the city's power department that night.
The empty living room was lit with soft light, dispelling the fear in people's hearts, and the table was set with foods that looked quite appealing.
Two bowls of rice, a plate of deep-fried tempura, a vegetable salad, and two bowls of savory soup—that was dinner for the two that night.
"Please go ahead."
Having taken off her apron, Reiko Onodera handed over a pair of chopsticks, clearly indicating that she wanted their landlord to taste first.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Haruka Yuzan said, taking the chopsticks and looking them over before finally picking up a piece of tempura. The fish had been fried to a golden color, and a faint scent of meat wafted through the air.
Under Reiko Onodera's expectant gaze, he put the tempura into his mouth, and in an instant, Haruka Yuzan felt like he had been illuminated—he couldn't help but widen his eyes a bit.
The tempura was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; with one bite, a rich flavor instantly exploded in his mouth,
two bites for one piece of tempura,
Mrs. Onodera looked nervous,
"How is it? Does it suit your taste?" It was her first time cooking for her landlord, and although she had done it with great care, she wasn't sure if it matched the young master's dietary habits.
"Delicious!"
Haruka Yuzan gave a thumbs-up, offering his most sincere assessment.
It had to be said, madam knows how to cook, and it was in no way inferior to the taste of those izakayas outside.
Hearing this, Reiko Onodera finally breathed a sigh of relief, as receiving approval from someone else was indeed a joyous occasion.
Gone quiet during the meal, madam appeared somewhat reserved as it was her first time here, and Haruka Yuzan was not particularly fond of talking while eating, leading to moments of silence in the atmosphere.
In the end, as if she couldn't bear it anymore, Reiko Onodera stretched out her elegant finger to tuck her hair and revealed her delicate and beautiful face.
She opened her mouth, looking at Haruka Yuzan across her, who was relishing his meal, and then slowly began to speak,
"By the way, Mr. Haruka, I seem to remember you mentioning that I am the second tenant, right?"
Haruka Yuzan took a sip of the flavor-enhanced soup and felt much more comfortable, "Ah, the first tenant..."
Before he could finish, a sudden "meow meow meow~" came from the second floor.
It was as if the star of the show was making an entrance. Reiko Onodera couldn't help but look up, only to see a flash of orange fur through the gaps in the railing from time to time. The wide gaps weren't enough to reveal its full form, indicating just how large the newcomer was.
The plump orange cat appeared at the top of the staircase, looking down at the two people sitting in the living room with its chubby bun-like face. The cat's large eyes showed curiosity towards Reiko Onodera.
Not only it but Reiko Onodera was also quite curious as she looked back at the fat cat.
With its short legs, it slowly made its way down the stairs,
and with Reiko looking on in some surprise, Haruka Yuzan said with a smile, "This fat cat is the first tenant, Roast Meat."
"Hm?" Coming back to her senses, Reiko also revealed a smile, "Mr. Haruka is really interesting and kind-hearted."
She thought that Haruka Yuzan had treated this fat cat as a member of the Haruka Family, explaining his previous comment. It turned out that her handsome young landlord was also a person with such a delicate heart.
Haruka Yuzan laughed and said nothing. Roast Meat provided him with a steady income of four thousand yen each day, and he often depended on this "golden pig" to feed himself.
"Should I bring Roast Meat down?"
Watching as Roast Meat clumsily made its way downstairs, Reiko Onodera asked worriedly. She was afraid that the fat cat would tumble down the stairs in one swift roll, showing none of a feline's agility.
Cats from the city really were different. If this one was in the countryside, it would have starved in no time.
"No need, let it come down on its own. Whether it reaches today's exercise quota depends on these trips up and down," said Haruka Yuzan helplessly, "It's almost as fat as a pig now."
It seemed to hear itself being talked about, as Roast Meat meowed in displeasure, albeit feebly, which plunged it into deep self-doubt. Could this really be its life now? Did it truly need to go on a diet?
It seemed to recall its life before coming to this villa, leaping elegantly from roof to roof, a strikingly handsome cat. How had it come to this.......
Coming down the stairs, Roast Meat began circling Madam Onodera, scrutinizing this newcomer that had encroached upon its dining companion.
Its round eyes seemed deep in thought.
The fat cat was meant to attract the attention of pretty young girls, but Sister Reiko's age made her somewhat resistant to such cute things,
yet, she knew she was dependent on her landlord now and had to accept everything about him, including the existence of this fat cat.
"What kind of job are you planning to look for, Sister Reiko?"
It was as if a conversation had started, and Haruka Yuzan slowly began to speak, hoping that Reiko Onodera could find a high-paying position if possible; after all, he could gain more from it.
"I..." Upon hearing this, Reiko Onodera found herself in a dilemma, as the food on the table suddenly seemed less appealing, "I'm planning to look around nearby tomorrow."
Lacking both education and skills made it extremely tough to live in this city.
However, she was confident that things would get better in the future. The rent was really too cheap, saving her a lot of money.
Chapter 5: Chapter 5 I Know a Bit About Massage (Please Support!!)
"I see, if things don't go well tomorrow, I can help you ask around the neighborhood," Haruka Yuzan said indifferently.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Haruka!" Reiko Onodera's heart leaped with joy. Having the landlord's help was, without doubt, a huge surprise.
Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction...
After dinner, Haruka Yuzan sprawled on the couch, with Roast Meat adopting the same posture beside him.
The cat's tail even conscientiously covered its more embarrassing parts.
The little guy was quite concerned about maintaining his privacy.
Reiko had intended to clean up the dishes, but Onodera insisted that Haruka stay lying down and not move. She took care of everything, playing the role of a housemaid.
If she agreed to something, she would definitely do it, especially since Mr. Haruka Yuzan had been so kind to her, waiving her rent, even though she was touched every day...
But what did all that really matter, after all?
Young, handsome, and wealthy, and she was already a mother; it wasn't a loss... the lady comforted herself in her thoughts.
One person and one cat lay sprawled on the couch in decay while Reiko Onodera busied herself in the kitchen alone.
After a good meal and drink, the soft lighting seemed almost hypnotic. Haruka Yuzan hadn't quite woken up from the afternoon nap, and before he knew it, he drifted back into sleep.
In his dreams, he was living the life of collecting rent in ease, surrounded by beautiful young women as tenants, who served him in all sorts of ways to pay their rent.
The beautiful dream came quietly, but it felt like his chest was being pressed down by something, making it hard to breathe. Perhaps... this was a side effect of smelling the fragrance of beautiful girls every day???
Possibly, since he had never tried this before, a happy quandary.
"Haruka? Mr. Haruka?"
In a daze, he seemed to hear someone calling his name. Haruka Yuzan slowly opened his eyes, the feeling of a weight on his chest still there, more real than in his dreams,
As he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Reiko Onodera's concerned face, tender and lustrous like she had just stepped out of the bathroom. The two were very close, and he could even smell her pleasant scent.
Seeing that Haruka had awakened, Onodera exhaled in relief, then wrapped the bath towel around her a bit tighter, which seemed a little small. Her delicate hands were constantly covering her chest, moving them slightly would reveal more than intended.
Though the only man present had already seen it.
Haruka Yuzan wordlessly lifted Roast Meat, who'd been snoozing comfortably on his chest.
The disturbed chubby cat was discontented, flailing its short legs in the air, like a little creature bearing grievances alive and well.
Why did it feel heavier? This cat just about suffocated Haruka, who had thought it was due to frequently inhaling the scent of beautiful girls.
Tossing the chubby cat onto the couch, he looked up at the lady opposite to him, his eyes inadvertently lighting up.
The pure white towel paired with her creamy skin, her full yet slender legs together, her pale neck, and eyes that seemed to ripple like autumn waters, her black hair still slightly damp... Yes, she had clearly just taken a bath.
The towel... did indeed seem a bit small. Pulling it up even a little revealed too much below, and pulling it down meant not even a small hand could conceal what was above.
Reiko Onodera also realized the issue, her face reddening as she bashfully turned her head away.
"Meow~"
Roast Meat, on the side, was about to step forward onto Haruka's lap with its pudgy short legs, but the boy shoved him away, even squishing his baozi-like face out of shape.
"Let's go back to the bedroom to sleep. Sleeping on the couch is very uncomfortable," explained Reiko Onodera, her reason for coming.
Just when she had finished tidying up the kitchen and was considering asking what time Haruka would get up the next day, so she could prepare breakfast,
she found that the big boy had fallen asleep on the sofa, with the fat cat Roast Meat also sprawled atop his chest, breathing evenly in deep slumber. The harmonious breathing of the man and cat,
made Reiko Onodera instinctively lighten her movements, tiptoeing upstairs to take a bath.
The bathroom was full of steam, and the beautiful woman stood before the full-length mirror, water cascading down her body, the reflection showing a mesmerizing face tinged with traces of fatigue, unsure of what the future held.
She slapped her cheeks, forcing herself not to get lost in wild thoughts, and after a bit of self-encouragement, she casually wrapped a towel around herself.
After stepping out of the bathroom, she looked downstairs and saw the man and cat still asleep. She thought for a moment and eventually decided to go down to wake up her landlord.
"I'm a bit tired from the day, mostly because Sister Reiko's cooking was too delicious, it's easy to doze off after a good meal."
Ignoring the resentful look in Roast Meat's eyes, Haruka Yuzan stood up and stretched, feeling some soreness in his lower back due to his sleeping position.
"Sister Reiko should hurry off to bed, it's already so late. You need to get up early tomorrow."
As he spoke, he uncomfortably shifted his shoulders.
Seeing this, Reiko Onodera narrowed her eyes, a hint of hesitation and bashfulness flashing through her attractive gaze?
"Mr. Haruka, does your back feel very uncomfortable?"
"Yes, a bit, it's probably due to the sleeping posture, feels a bit stiff."
Haruka Yuzan nodded.
"I, I know a bit of massage, if you'd like, I could help alleviate your discomfort."
Massage?
For some reason, upon hearing this word, Haruka Yuzan's mind couldn't help but wander to some not-so-pure material.
Dammit! Haruka Yuzan, you've changed!!! Where did the innocent and upright boy from before go???
"Alright, that'd be great."
Meanwhile, Roast Meat sat on the sofa with a small table, those bean eyes looking like he was feeling wronged, giving off an air of sulking.
But no one paid him any heed, the cat was no longer the center of attention, as Haruka Yuzan was already leading Reiko Onodera upstairs, past the plump feline.
"Meow~"
.......
Setting foot in a guy's bedroom for the first time, Reiko Onodera couldn't help but look around; it was unexpectedly clean, without the imagined clutter of papers and gaming cards or celebrity posters.
The bedroom was simple, the decor primarily in shades of gray and white, a minimalistic style that appeared uncomplicated yet fashionable,
A double bed looked very soft, with a bedside table next to it holding a small lamp, and there seemed to be a book on it, a bedtime read?
It appeared that the room's owner had good taste.
On the opposite wall hung an LCD screen, with a small coffee table beneath it housing game controllers and a Switch.
The window was half-open, allowing the night breeze to waft in, lifting a corner of the gray curtain, ensuring good air circulation in the room.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
37 Power
stone 
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