章 59: Exploration and Bedroom
"Isn't this as large as some homes around the world?" Yasushi's voice carried a note of disbelief, eyes wide as he took in the scene before him.
They stood in a cavernous rectangular room, the ceiling soaring as high as the entrance hallway. Twin chandeliers hung majestically, casting a soft glow on the polished surfaces below. The table and chairs, crafted from expensive, robust wood, dominated the center of the space. Near the top corner, a few fridges stood incongruously, their presence a jarring note in the otherwise grand setting. Yasushi couldn't help but think they were placed there more out of convenience than design.
"Yinhaie probably put those there to make things easier for us," Jingliu speculated, her hand tugging gently on Yasushi's sleeve. "She'll likely put them back once she returns with the others."
Drawn by curiosity and Jingliu's insistent pull, they approached the fridges. Jingliu opened one, revealing two neatly packed lunch boxes, along with an assortment of desserts and drinks.
"This should be enough to keep us going," Jingliu said, her enthusiasm palpable. "Let's go explore the rest of the place."
With a gentle squeeze of Yasushi's hand, she led him forward, their steps echoing in the vast space. As they reached the entrance hallway, she paused and turned to him. "How about we go underground? Yinhaie mentioned it was like its own 'home,' spacious enough for a whole family to live down there along with us up here."
Yasushi nodded, a hint of curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Why not? I'm interested in it too."
Together, they began their search for the entrance to the underground section. To their surprise, they stumbled upon an elevator. The sleek metal doors slid open, revealing a modern, well-lit interior. Yasushi and Jingliu exchanged astonished glances before stepping inside.
The panel displayed a total of five floors: three above ground, the basement, and the top floor. They pressed the button for the basement, and the elevator hummed to life, descending smoothly. As they stood side by side, the anticipation of discovering what lay beneath adding a sense of adventure to their exploration.
The elevator finally arrived at its destination. As the doors slid open, Yasushi and Jingliu stepped out into an unexpected scene: a room that looked like the entrance to a typical home. They exchanged amused glances before moving through the doorway into a modest, slightly spacious entrance hallway.
Without much deliberation, Jingliu chose a doorway at random and led them toward it. They discovered it was a dining room. A rectangular wooden table, surrounded by several chairs, dominated the space. Sofas lined the walls, flanked by small bookshelves and mini-fridges. At the far end, a small kitchen area boasted two fridges and an array of necessary utensils and equipment.
"This really does feel like a small home, just underground," Yasushi murmured, his gaze wandering around the room. "I mean, we've only seen the kitchen, but still..."
"Mmm. You know, we could technically rent this place out and make a decent amount of money," Jingliu mused, her eyes sweeping across the room. "The only thing missing is a separate entrance. It wouldn't be practical for tenants to come through the main entrance."
"Like a side entrance? You know, like the ones in basements?" Yasushi suggested, his curiosity piqued.
"Exactly," she replied, nodding in agreement. With that, they left the dining room and ventured to explore another part of this subterranean domain.
Their next destination was just across the hallway, slightly to the upper right of their previous location. As they entered, they found themselves in an expansive entertainment room. This space was a treasure trove of recreational options, designed to cater to a variety of tastes and interests. A pool table stood prominently in one corner, its green felt pristine and inviting. Nearby, a small bar was stocked with an array of bottles and glasses, ready for a gathering of friends or a quiet evening in.
The walls were adorned with two large flatscreen TVs, each capable of immersing viewers in high-definition experiences. Below the screens, gaming consoles lay neatly arranged, accompanied by two high-end gaming PCs that promised top-tier digital adventures. Adding to the allure were vending machines that dispensed snacks and drinks without the need for coins or bills, a modern touch that emphasized convenience.
In the center of the room, a fake firepit emitted a comforting warmth, surrounded by wooden benches adorned with soft pillows. It was a perfect spot for conversations or simply enjoying the cozy atmosphere. Near the bar, a discreet dispenser for condoms hinted at the room's versatility and the consideration for intimate privacy, catering to all potential needs of those who might use the space.
Yasushi ambled over to the condom dispenser, his curiosity piqued by its incongruous presence. He paused for a moment, contemplating the device before pressing one of its buttons. With a soft mechanical whir, a single condom dropped into the tray below. Yasushi picked it up, examining the small, foil-wrapped item with a thoughtful nod. Without a second thought, he slipped it into his wallet, which he then tucked back into his pocket.
As he turned to rejoin Jingliu, he noticed her face was a bright shade of crimson, her embarrassment almost palpable. This reaction puzzled him initially, though it quickly gave way to amusement as he surmised the cause of her flustered state.
"Why are you blushing, Jingliu?" he asked, a slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Isn't it practical and safe to have one on hand for when the time comes for such things?"
Jingliu's face flushed an even deeper shade of red. She shook her head vigorously, her embarrassment rendering her momentarily speechless. She refused to meet his gaze, instead opting for silence, her eyes darting anywhere but towards him. Her refusal to engage in conversation spoke volumes, her mortification evident in her every gesture.
Determined to escape the awkwardness of the moment, Jingliu reached out and grabbed Yasushi's hand, her grip firm yet slightly trembling. She led him away from the room without a word, her steps brisk as if seeking refuge from her own embarrassment. Yasushi allowed himself to be guided, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he followed her to yet another undiscovered corner of the underground expanse.
+-+
"That's pretty big. It's the same size as my room and bed, right?" Yasushi inquired as they stepped into the master bedroom of the underground home.
The room was bathed in a soft, ambient light that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Unlike typical rooms with visible lightbulbs, this space was illuminated by hidden sources: LED lights cleverly integrated into the design and stylish lamps placed strategically around the room. The bed, with its plush pillows and luxurious bedding, was identical in size to the one Yasushi had back in Jingliu's home.
Jingliu glanced at her phone, her eyes flickering with the soft glow of the screen. She nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. It seems like this underground home was designed to emulate a slightly more lavish home, which explains why the bed is a normal size," she explained, slipping her phone back into her pocket.
'…Normal? How is this normal? Although, if I consider it from the perspective of how the wealthy perceive normal, then I suppose it makes sense,' Yasushi mused silently. He watched Jingliu with a mixture of astonishment and mild exasperation, his thoughts swirling.
The room was a masterclass in understated opulence. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, and a large, ornately framed mirror hung above a sleek dresser. Soft, high-thread-count sheets covered the bed, which was flanked by matching nightstands holding elegant lamps. A sitting area with plush armchairs and a small coffee table occupied one corner, perfect for intimate conversations or quiet moments of reflection.
Yasushi wandered over to the bed, running his hand over the luxurious fabric. The LED lights cast a gentle glow, creating an ambiance that was both soothing and sophisticated. He marveled at the meticulous attention to detail that had gone into designing the room, from the seamless integration of modern lighting to the choice of furnishings that exuded both comfort and elegance.
Jingliu, noticing his contemplative expression, offered a reassuring smile. "It's impressive, isn't it? They really thought of everything to make this place feel like a true home, albeit an underground one."
Yasushi nodded, still absorbing the sheer scale of the effort that had gone into creating this subterranean sanctuary.
Yasushi then kicked off his shoes and sprawled out on the bed, lying spread-eagle across the luxurious mattress. He let out a tired sigh, his gaze drifting up to the ceiling as his thoughts turned inward, contemplating the uncertain future that loomed ahead. He knew he was on the cusp of a significant transition, with graduation just a year away, and the prospect of what lay beyond filled him with a sense of unease and anticipation.
His thoughts wandered to the money he had won in the lottery, a stroke of luck that had provided him with a financial cushion, along with the inheritance he was likely to receive from his parents. Despite these financial resources, Yasushi felt a deep-seated desire to work, to find a path that would give his life meaning and purpose.
However, what that path might be remained a mystery to him. The idea of following in his parents' footsteps and learning their trade crossed his mind, but he was uncertain whether they would be willing to teach him, making it a last-resort option in his mental list of possibilities.
As his mind continued to churn with these thoughts, Jingliu, sensing his contemplative mood, crawled onto the bed and nestled into his arms. She laid her head on his chest, her eyes fluttering shut as she found comfort in his embrace. The warmth of her presence was a soothing balm to his restless mind.
"You look like you're thinking about something. Care to share?" she asked softly, her voice a gentle murmur that broke through his reverie.
Yasushi took a moment before responding, his hand idly stroking Jingliu's hair as he considered how to put his swirling thoughts into words. "I'm just thinking about the future," he began, his voice tinged with a mix of uncertainty and resolve. "Graduation is coming up next year, and I don't really know what I want to do. I have the lottery money and whatever I might inherit from my parents, but I want to work, to find something meaningful. I've thought about asking my parents to teach me their trade, but I'm not sure if they'd go for it. So, it's kind of my last option."
Jingliu listened intently, her eyes still closed but her attention fully on him. "That's a lot to think about," she replied softly. "But you've got time to figure it out. And whatever you decide, I'm here for you."
Her words, simple yet heartfelt, provided a measure of comfort. Yasushi felt a weight lift slightly from his shoulders, the presence of someone who cared deeply for him making the uncertainty a little easier to bear. As they lay there, wrapped in each other's warmth, the future seemed a bit less daunting, and the present moment a bit more precious.
クリエイターの想い 
Haruki_Murakami
Haruki_Murakami "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." -African proverb
Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the value of teamwork and cooperation, suggesting that working with others leads to longer-lasting and more significant achievements than working alone.
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