Chapter 281: The Urged Shizuka
Describing it as "not earning much" has a subtle touch of humility.
The Hiratsuka couple couldn't help but smirk at Hachiman's words.
Shizuka, even though aware of Hachiman's past earnings, was genuinely surprised by the substantial amount he mentioned. Several billion yen annually was comparable to the total profits of a medium-sized enterprise.
To ease the awkward moment, Shizuo coughed a couple of times.
"Hikigaya-kun, achieving such feats at your age is unexpected; indeed, a youth prodigy emerges."
"But financial success alone isn't sufficient. Given our family's involvement in the yakuza business and the adversaries we face, we hope you possess self-defense capabilities."
"We trust Shizuka's judgment, and we don't want you to be her vulnerability. While you're renowned as the youngest swordsmaster in the Japan Kendo world, wooden swords aren't always practical. Hence, regular practice in close combat skills would be beneficial."
Hachiman took this suggestion in stride, but Shizuka, a bit annoyed, interjected.
"Dad, this guy is even more proficient in hand-to-hand combat than me. So, the scenario Mom mentioned, where I might bully him, won't happen. Instead, you should be concerned about whether I'll be bullied."
Unexpectedly, another misunderstanding unfolded, causing Shizuo to look embarrassed again.
Cough, cough. "Hikigaya-kun, you're so formidable that you can even overpower Shizuka. I didn't expect that."
He was well aware of his daughter's combat skills, usually making ordinary adult males no match for her. This was why her arranged marriage situation was challenging. However, he hadn't anticipated that Hachiman could surpass Shizuka in combat.
However, how many talents does he have? Light novels, kendo, cooking, combat, and even communication with relatives at the banquet—this Hachiman can excel in various fields.
"Genius!"
These two words echoed in Shizuo's mind.
Unfortunately, he misunderstood; Hachiman isn't a genius but rather an all-rounder.
"Since Hikigaya-kun is skilled in combat, I won't dwell on it further." Being accustomed to high positions, Shizuo adeptly defused the awkward situation.
"But I'm curious about Hikigaya-kun's thoughts."
Hachiman was puzzled, "Thoughts? Uncle, what do you mean?"
"Naturally, I'm referring to your future career. Although you've achieved commendable success in light novels, it's unlikely you'll stay in that field forever. Have you considered transitioning? Furthermore, I'd like to hear about your plans regarding yourself and Shizuka. When do you intend to marry her?"
"Marry...marriage?!"
Hearing his father bring this up, Shizuka blushed immediately.
"Dad, what are you talking about? I have no intention of marrying this annoying guy."
Unfortunately, her words were ignored by the Hiratsuka couple, who kept their gaze fixed firmly on Hachiman.
Hachiman smiled and spoke, "Uncle, rest assured. I won't stay in the light novel field forever. Right now, I'm just accumulating capital, and I've almost gathered enough. In a while, I plan to invest."
However, he also had plans for manga, but revealing that at this moment wasn't appropriate.
"Invest?" Hiratsuka Shizuo furrowed his brows. After all, investing isn't a simple matter; one misstep can lead to significant losses.
"That's right, and I've already decided on the project I want to invest in. I also plan to collaborate with someone for the investment. I wonder if Uncle is interested." Hachiman nodded with a smile.
"Whom do you plan to collaborate with?" Shizuo asked.
"Totsuki." Hachiman mentioned a somewhat unexpected name.
He did have plans to collaborate with Totsuki on investment. Given his relationship with Chief Nakiri, he believed the latter wouldn't refuse. Besides, they were already in a collaborative effort with Totsuki, right?
The restaurant that Chief Nakiri mentioned some time ago is currently in preparation.
"Totsuki?" Shizuo raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Uncle. You also know that I'm good at cooking, so coincidentally, I developed some rapport with Mr. Nakiri. We even planned to collaborate on opening a restaurant recently." Hachiman smiled.
"I see."
Shizuo was somewhat surprised to learn that Hachiman was collaborating with a heavyweight like Totsuki.
However, since Totsuki is willing to collaborate with Hachiman, it suggests that he possesses qualities valued by Totsuki. This implies he is indeed an outstanding talent, sufficiently qualified to be their son-in-law.
"In fact, our Hiratsuka Group also has cooperation with Totsuki," Shizuo added, smiling.
"That's quite a coincidence," Hachiman remarked, finding the connection intriguing upon further thought.
For giants like Totsuki, there are many matters they cannot handle directly, necessitating the involvement of organizations like the Hiratsuka Group.
"Since Hikigaya-kun is considering a transition, I won't delve too much into that. As for the collaboration, we can discuss the details later," Shizuo nodded before shifting the conversation.
"But concerning you and Shizuka, what are your thoughts?"
"If Uncle is inquiring about my marriage with Shizu, my consideration is to wait until after I graduate from college. Currently, I'm still young, and my career hasn't fully taken off. It's not the right time to marry Shizu," Hachiman explained.
"After college graduation?" Shizuo furrowed his brows, considering Shizuka's age.
Now, Shizuka is almost thirty years old. If Hachiman waits until he graduates from college, it would take another five years, making Shizuka quite old.
"If Uncle thinks it's too long, we can get engaged after high school graduation," Hachiman proposed after some thought.
"That works too; getting engaged first is acceptable," Shizuo nodded, then added with a playful tone, "You can also have a child first; your aunt and I have been wanting a grandchild for a long time."
"Dad, what are you saying?!" Shizuka blushed instantly upon hearing her father suggest that she and Hachiman have a child.
"I won't have children with this guy, and why would I marry him? I haven't agreed to that."
"But Shizuka, it could be risky if you wait too long due to your age," Mrs. Hiratsuka chimed in with the tone of someone experienced.
"That's true."
Upon hearing this, Shizuka nodded in agreement, but then quickly realized her response.
"Wait, why am I even thinking about this? I said I won't marry this guy."
After uttering these words, Shizuka turned and left the living room. However, her departure seemed more like a hasty escape.
Seeing her reaction, the Hiratsuka couple exchanged a smile. They knew their daughter was just feeling shy.
"Hikigaya-kun, we approve of you and Shizuka. As for how to convince her, that's up to you."
Chapter 282: Eating Shizuka (1)
At eight in the evening.
In Shizuka's room.
Having just taken a bath, she lay on her bed wearing only a yukata in a relaxed "大" shape.
Her black, long hair scattered on the large bed, and her well-defined bust stood prominently even while lying down, creating a tempting curve with the yukata. Her two milky legs reflected a delicate sheen under the lamplight.
Although she was in her own home and her own room, Shizuka didn't feel entirely secure because Hachiman was in the room next door.
During dinner, Hachiman showcased his exquisite cooking skills, earning admiration from Shizuka's parents, who became even more enthusiastic about him.
During dinner, the Hiratsuka couple once again expressed their desire for grandchildren, making Shizuka blush with embarrassment.
What surprised her even more was that Hachiman actually said he would work hard.
Work hard for what?
What are you trying so hard for?
Moreover, after dinner, Shizuka's parents specially arranged for Hachiman to stay in the room next to hers. What were they thinking? She couldn't be clearer about it, could she?
Could it be that tonight...
Thinking of this, a blush once again appeared on Shizuka's face.
But surprisingly, there was a faint anticipation in her heart for Hachiman's potential nighttime raid.
Could it be that she's really entering a springtime of love?
Shizuka couldn't help but cover her face with both hands, rolling around on the bed.
As for Hachiman, he also lay on the bed after just finishing a bath.
Indeed, he did have plans to make a nighttime visit to Shizuka. After all, he had put in so much effort to gain approval from Shizuka's parents for them to be together, and now it was time to reap the rewards.
Moreover, judging from Shizuka's parents' attitude, it seemed they didn't object to him approaching their daughter. Otherwise, they wouldn't have arranged his room right next to Shizuka's.
Thinking about this, Hachiman sat up on the bed and walked out.
Arriving at Shizuka's door, he knocked on the wooden door.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Hearing someone knocking on the door, Shizuka in the room couldn't help but be startled.
She steadied her mind, stood up, and opened her door.
As she expected, standing at her door was Hachiman.
"Why did you come here?"
Looking at Hachiman at the door, a hint of panic and a faint expectation flashed in Shizuka's heart.
"Don't be so nervous. Relax. I won't do anything without your consent."
Seeing her reaction, Hachiman shook his head with a somewhat amused expression.
Unfortunately, these words sounded like mockery in Shizuka's ears, making her blush even more.
"Who's nervous? I'm your teacher."
Teacher?
What about being a teacher? Isn't there a saying that as long as you're bold, teachers can take maternity leave?
Moreover, Shizuka currently exuded an aura of being outwardly strong but inwardly resilient.
Seeing her like this, Hachiman couldn't help but secretly roll his eyes.
"Okay, my dear Shizu-sensei, do you want me to keep standing at the door? How about letting me in?"
Hearing that he wanted to come in, Shizuka fiercely grabbed the door frame with both hands.
"What do you want by coming in?"
Despite Shizuka's authoritative demeanor at school, encountering Hachiman seemed like meeting her nemesis.
No way, she couldn't win in a fight, and now her parents were also on Hachiman's side, making her feel quite desperate.
If it were someone else, seeing Shizuka's appearance would surely be a headache. Unfortunately for her, she was dealing with Hachiman.
"Hehe, I said I won't do anything. What are you worried about? Could it be that Shizu is scared?"
Indeed, Hachiman was using provocation.
Unfortunately, even with such a straightforward provocation, Shizuka fell for it.
"What? Scared of what? Do you think I'm really afraid of you?" She said as she stepped aside.
After a moment, Shizuka realized she fell for the provocation, but unfortunately, Hachiman didn't give her a chance to retract. He smoothly entered.
At this point, she couldn't care much. She refused to believe that Hachiman could force her.
Now that Hachiman had entered, Shizuka quickly took remedial measures.
First, she unlocked the window so she could escape through it if needed. Then, she tightened her yukata, making sure she was well-covered.
Seeing her actions, Hachiman was somewhat speechless. "Do you really need to go to such lengths?"
"Well, who knows what you might do," Shizuka sighed in relief after securing her attire.
"Alright, tell me, what brings you here?"
Hachiman shook his head and said, "I helped you handle your parents, so shouldn't you reward me? No more arranged marriages for you. Shouldn't I get some benefits?"
"Come on, what benefits? What kind of method did you use? Do you really want to marry me?" Shizuka retorted without curiosity.
"Exactly, I do want to marry you," Hachiman's tone was quite affirmative.
Hearing Hachiman say he wanted to marry her again, Shizuka's heart panicked, so she quickly changed the topic.
"You're talking nonsense. Clearly, you're just a little brat. Talking about marrying me, you're far from that."
"I think you should find someone your age. I think Yukino and Yui are good options."
"You mean Yukino and Yui? They are indeed both good," Hachiman agreed, nodding.
"..."
However, hearing his words, a hint of unhappiness appeared on Shizuka's face.
Even though you said you wanted to marry me just now, you're now talking about other girls like Yukino and Yui, and in such an affectionate way. Men are indeed big boors.
Seeing the expression on Shizuka's face, Hachiman found it amusing and changed the topic.
"But right now, the one I'm most interested in is you, Shizu."
As he spoke, he took advantage of her distraction and planted a kiss on her tempting red lips.
Shizuka was initially surprised by Hachiman's sudden move, but she slowly began to respond.
Perhaps deep down, she was waiting for this.
After some time, their lips separated with a soft sound. Shizuka's slightly flushed face carried a hint of charm.
"You, didn't you say you wouldn't do anything?" she teased.
"I didn't do anything. My mouth just couldn't resist wanting to kiss you," Hachiman chuckled.
Hearing this cheeky remark, Shizuka rolled her eyes at him.
"Just a little brat, don't get too cocky."
"I'm not that little," Hachiman said as he pulled Shizuka into his arms, his right hand reaching for the ample curve on her chest.
"Hey, your hand..." Shizuka struggled a bit.
"Don't worry, just a little squeeze. I won't do anything. Consider it a little reward for me," Hachiman grinned.
"Who said I agreed to reward you? Hurry up and let go," Shizuka said without hiding her annoyance.
Despite her words, she didn't seem eager to break free from his embrace.