Chapter 207

After the meal, Okura Iyo called Sakurakoji Talent to the reception room alone.

"I'll get straight to the point," he said, his calm voice tinged with pleasure, clearly pleased with himself. "Do you know what Miss Wangzhong's mother's true purpose is?"

"I don't think it's just about getting Miss Wangzhong to come and take a look, is it?" Sakurakoji Talent casually sat on the sofa in the room, facing him.

Even if they were extremely bored, the other party wouldn't waste an opportunity to bother Okura Iyo just so their daughter could come and get acquainted with them.

"That's right!" Okura Iyo nodded approvingly. "That woman's real goal is to get you to become her daughter's friend."

"I heard that although her daughter is very talented, she often feels lonely and self-pitying because there are no peers around her who are similar to her—ah, that's the unique trouble of talented people."

At this point, Okura Iyo, seemingly recalling some past events.

"So this aroused Uncle Iyo's appreciation for talent, right?" Sakurakoji Talent asked with a helpless expression.

The fact that Okura Iyo so proactive, even at the cost of involving him, is not only due to the other party's personal connections, but also related to his own circumstances.

In his youth, Okura Iyo followed a domineering path, adhering to the life motto of "talent above all else," firmly believing that only top-tier talent that transcends race, bloodline, and gender—a talent that silences all others—can change the world.

His pursuit of talented people is almost obsessive. As long as the other person possesses dazzling talent, he can easily forgive them even if they speak rudely to him.

In his eyes at that time, people in the world were only divided into talented people and mediocre people.

If we break it down further, mediocre people can be divided into hardworking mediocre people and trash who don't even put in any effort.

A person without potential will not treat even their own family members well, and it is common for them to verbally abuse their younger siblings.

In his eyes, mediocre people have no right to complain. Since they know they lack talent, they should work even harder and not waste a single second.

In that case, it might be possible to defeat those geniuses in a miracle that only happens a few times in a lifetime.

Of course, that's all in the past. He's a completely different person now, and his feelings for his family have quietly taken precedence.

The reasons are complex and I won't go into detail (spoiler alert)...

However, this characteristic of valuing and cherishing talent has been retained.

He probably brought Ouka Mai over to get to know him, hoping to give this rough stone, which might blossom and bear fruit somewhere in the future, a boost.

"That's how it is," Okura Iyo readily admitted. "Although I said before that whatever happens after we meet is up to you, from what I've observed, you don't seem to dislike her, right?"

"If possible, try to get a little closer to her. Although she's not as good as you, she's still someone with potential."

"Of course, if you really don't have time, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

These words left him with a bitter taste. Compared to this nephew, even the most talented genius among their group back then was far inferior.

Chapter 263 Relax, this isn't human.

Sakurakoji Talent lowered his gaze and pondered for a few seconds, then asked, half-judging and half-questioning, "Miss Wangzhong shouldn't know about this, right?"

Okura Iyo confirmed his thoughts. "That's right, the relationship between that woman and her daughter is a little awkward—no, isn't that how most parents and children are in the world?"

Because he's still single, he's not entirely sure.

"Even you, back then... never mind, it's nothing, we were the same back then." He sighed softly.

"Compared to us, their situation is quite harmonious, but not yet to the point where they can confide in each other."

Sakurakoji Talent took a tactical sip of tea, his eyes blank and speechless, unable to agree more with his statement.

That's right, who can compare to your generation?

Imprisoning the father in the manor, using the mother as a tool, having Relatives who are enemies who will stab you in the back at any time, and having the grandfather as the big boss who needs to be pleased before taking power... What a ridiculous display of filial piety!

Compared to them, I was so kind before, really!

He endured that kind of pain, yet he didn't turn into a monster or a psychopath. Ah~ maybe his heart is actually even purer Ashiri's.

He cupped his face in his hands, blushing, and began to admire himself.

Okura Iyo ignored his behavior and continued talking to himself:

"In addition, her business is mainly in France, and she doesn't have many connections in Japan, which is why she asked me for help."

"That woman, despite her appearance, actually cares deeply for and loves her daughter. Because her daughter studies here, when she wants to meet her, she'll use excuses like wanting her to model clothes she designs for her to get her to come over..."

"But if you tell her the real reason, the rebellious spirit of teenagers cannot be underestimated."

"So when she asked me if I could introduce her to an outstanding child of the same age, you were the first person I thought of. If it's you, then there won't be a problem, right?"

Don't flatter me... Although he wanted to say that, he happened to need the other person this time, so he let him have his way.

Could it be that I've unknowingly learned some inside information that even Ouka Mai herself doesn't know?

"So, those words were deliberately said for Miss Wangzhong to hear?"

He was referring, of course, to the reason that Okura Iyo had given earlier in the foyer.

"That's true, but it's not entirely a lie; that woman is indeed very interested in you."

Oh, I see... He probably understands what happened.

In short, the Queen Mother was interested in him, but her request to meet was rejected. At the same time, Okura Iyo agreed to another request, and then used this situation as a pretext to arrange a meeting between them, right?

Wow, to have such wealthy people of this caliber acting in your films, President Wang, you've truly lived a life of luxury.

"I understand, leave it to me!"

"Oh... you agreed so readily." Okura Iyo opened his eyes, expressing surprise.

"Because this time, it just so happens that I need something too."

"Really? Could it be related to your recuperation and treatment?"

As the secretary (in reality, the actual executor) of one of the world's top conglomerates, and a genius industrialist who rose from virtually nothing, he astutely grasped the key points.

"Pretty much," Sakurakoji Talent didn't deny.

"Hmph! It seems I've unknowingly done a good deed. It's truly delightful!" Okura Iyo, who had initially felt a bit guilty, burst out laughing.

He didn't ask what the key was; he was a smart man, and his nephew was even smarter. If they really needed help, they wouldn't have remained silent.

In interpersonal relationships, there are some things that don't need to be, and shouldn't be, investigated thoroughly. This is especially true for geniuses, something he understood many years ago.

"How about it? If you'd like, I could propose marriage on your behalf," Okura Iyo teased playfully.

"... No need, at least not for now. I'm not ready to put myself in the cage of marriage so soon."

"Hmph~ If you get engaged in high school, it's quite normal to get married after graduation. Your parents were pretty much like that back then."

"I can't imitate what they do, and I don't intend to."

"Really? Then why did you specifically choose that school to enroll in?" Okura Iyo narrowed his eyes, the teasing undertones deepening.

He helped Sakurakoji Talent with his school admission procedures, so he naturally knew which school he had entered.

"..." Forget about that, weed!

His face flushed slightly, and his fair, jade-like cheeks instantly turned a delicate blush. Damn skin, even his blush was more noticeable than others!

"That's... there's a special reason, just like before."

"Hmm? Is the key to your treatment women? Or beautiful women? Or intimate relationships with the opposite sex? If that's the case..." Okura Iyo fell into deep thought, already having devised more than a dozen contingency plans in his mind.

"Stop, stop, stop! What are you thinking! I'm still a..."

He didn't finish speaking with his eyes closed, but Okura Iyo completely understood what he meant.

Out of consideration for a good relationship between uncle and nephew in the future, he did not continue to tease him, but instead kindly changed the subject.

"What a pity, I thought I'd have another niece."

"You can rest assured about that. You just need to pray that you don't have too many nieces in the future."

"Um?!"

After spending another hour at the Sakurakoji Family mansion in the afternoon, Okura Iyo hurriedly left. After all, he was really busy; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was extremely busy.

However, one person was deliberately left behind.

"Miss Wangzhong, do you have any reservations this afternoon?" After seeing off Okura Iyo, Sakurakoji Talent looked at Ouka Mai beside him.

Before Okura Iyo, he told her to stay here a little longer, and in front of her, he made her show her around and have fun—what disgusting adults!

"Nothing special. What about Sakurakoji-san?" Ouka Mai asked meaningfully, but she didn't seem to have any particular thoughts.

She vaguely understood that Okura Iyo hoped she could improve her relationship with the other party, but she was not yet clear on the specifics.

She is not afraid of or dislikes socializing, and can handle everything naturally, including interpersonal relationships.

In fact, contrary to her seemingly perfect qualities, her personality can even be described as kind and gentle. She is gentle in her dealings with others and can generally get along well with those around her.

At school, due to her flawless personality and abilities, she was nicknamed "Miss Perfect" and "Super Daring".

Wow~ This is practically an illness! No wonder he needed to be sent here for treatment. Sakurakoji Talent shook his head inwardly.

How could anyone truly be as perfect as people imagine? If someone were to achieve that level of perfection, it would definitely be an act.

Even him, no, just considering him.

Ogura Asahi is already a heartthrob. She has excellent grades, a gentle personality, is kind to her classmates, has exquisite looks, and comes from a wealthy family... Ordinary students at school can hardly see any flaws in "her"—except for skipping classes.

Even if she skipped class, some "great scholars" would defend her, saying it was because she was going to participate in work, which made her even more remarkable!

But the reason he seemed so perfect was because it was all an act!

Would he really tell everyone that he's actually a sadist, enjoys playing pranks on people, likes seeing people's troubled expressions, and enjoys cross-dressing and admiring his own body with narcissism?

Impossible!

No matter how glamorous or beautiful a person may be, they all have at least a few little-known quirks.

Without this, one can no longer be considered human.

Similarly, the reason why Ouka Mai can maintain her perfection is simply because she always plays the role of perfection in the outside world.

However, unlike him, who clearly distinguishes between acting and his true self, she may be blurring the line between them.

"Then let's go see my place outside. Actually, I haven't been living here recently. I only came back today to entertain Uncle Iyo. I usually stay in my apartment outside."

"Really? Although I live at home, I often go to hotels to rest, it's kind of the same thing." She smiled warmly.

If he were an ordinary person, he might have been overwhelmed by her smile. It's a pity, though; that kind of power had no effect on him.

"If you could, please show me around." She readily agreed.

"Hey~ Of course, but before that..." He paused for two seconds, drawing her attention.

"Hmm?" Ouka Mai smiling.

"Miss Wangzhong, are you nervous?"

"No, not at all. Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing, it's just that you seem to be playing the role of a perfect person all the time. Is it just my imagination?"

"..."

Not only Ouka Mai, but even Okura Rumin and Sakurakoji Ashiri beside her stared at him in astonishment. Was this a topic that could be brought up in front of them?

Even Okura Rumin, who felt a bit uncomfortable, had to admit that Ouka Mai's appearance was well maintained, and so far she hadn't noticed any flaws.

Whether it was her flawless appearance, her impeccable manners, or her interactions with them, there was nothing impolite about her.

Forget about problems, it's like a breath of fresh air. While you're comfortable with them, you don't feel overly close or create a sense of distance; they're always considerate of you... Wait, something seems a little off?

--But even if that's what you think in your heart, you can't say it to my face! That would be so rude, Talent-kun!

Besides, isn't it normal to put on an act in social circles? It's actually those who don't act who are the odd ones out.

After a moment of hesitation, Ouka Mai tentatively asked, "Did my behavior just now displease you? If so, then I apologize..."

"Non non non," Sakurakoji Talent interrupted him by shaking his finger.

"It's perfect, it's perfect, it's perfect, it's manière."

It's not your perfection that makes me unhappy, but the way you try to maintain that perfection that makes me unhappy.

Ouka Mai was surprised again. "Sakurakoji-san can speak French."

"I think everyone here would say that," Sakurakoji Talent glanced at his two relatives beside him.