章 174: Chapter 174 : The Rivalry (1)

"Just to be clear," Midori held up a hand before Shinji spoke further, "I don't have money to give you. I am not as rich as Akiko Yamagata."

Shinji scoffed.

"If I wanted money, I would go straight to Akiko-san. Why bother visiting you?"

Midori narrowed her eyes at him.

"Good question. What are you here for?"

Shinji felt an unwelcome spotlight burning into his skin. Every passerby seemed to fixate on him and Midori, their curiosity etched in sideways glances and hushed whispers.

"Can't I come in?" Shinji asked, almost sounding like he was begging.

"No," Midori decided. "I don't want people to start baseless rumors and accuse me of wrongdoings just because they choose to believe what they do not see."

Shinji licked his lips nervously.

"Fine," he said. "Can we at least sit in the garden?"