Chapter 209
While Ouka Mai understood, she wasn't surprised. Her current home in Tokyo was a super luxurious penthouse duplex with its own elevator, where she and her entourage usually lived alone.
Even so, it doesn't mean it's cheap. In terms of price, it could buy a small mansion in Tokyo.
Similarly, given the other party's net worth, this is not surprising.
The only thing to worry about is that it won't be easy to find a vacant room.
In fact, although Ten no Yashiro has only been open for two months, it is already almost fully occupied, even though the rent is quite expensive...
"Miss Wangzhong, you seem to have misunderstood something," Okura Rumin chuckled. "This entire building belongs to Talent-kun, which is why we were able to be assigned accommodations so easily."
"Huh?!"
Ouka Mai turned her neck with a creaking sound, her eyeballs darting around in circles, staring at Sakurakoji Talent with a mixture of shock and confusion.
No way! Why is it that, even though we're both second-generation clothing entrepreneurs, you're able to own such a large private property so early?!
Was the Sakurakoji Family really this extravagant?!
"Alright, enough talk. Let's go to the 60th floor first, starting from the bottom up." He sighed, ending the nonsensical conversation, and headed towards the elevator.
Ouka Mai followed behind him, pondering whether she should go and collect all the gold coins her elderly mother had at home as soon as possible.
The first 60 floors aren't particularly interesting; they're mostly just ordinary rooms, but it's not a bad idea to take a quick look.
The elevator first arrived at the 59th floor. After observing the basic layout, they went to the swimming pool area on the 60th floor.
"Oh, there's a swimming pool here! That will be really convenient in the summer." Ouka Mai looked around with interest and curiosity.
Because her luxury apartment building didn't have this facility, she usually went to a super high-end hotel outside when she wanted to swim, where there was a café with a swimming pool on one of the floors.
"Looking at the shimmering water reminds me of a hotel I frequented last summer in Akasaka. It had a members-only pool with a café, and the rosehip tea there was very flavorful."
[Note: Akasaka, like Aoyama and Azabu, is one of the three core wards of the Minato Ward, so they are actually very close to each other.]
"If Miss Wangzhong doesn't mind, you're welcome to come here for a swim and a relaxing break anytime this summer. There's a really nice café in the underground shopping arcade that also belongs to the apartment complex."
"This is usually a perk only for residents of high-rise buildings, but I'll inform the concierge so you can order food anytime and have it delivered. How about that?"
Sakurakoji Talent extended the invitation, thinking that if it would increase the number of times he could meet her in the future, he would have hit the jackpot.
There weren't many VIP residents on the upper floors to begin with, and the three of them had already taken over the entire third floor, so adding a few more spots wouldn't make a difference.
Chapter 265 There should be some erotic books in a boy's room
"Is that okay? Thank you!!"
Ouka Mai agreed, without any hint of modesty or refusal.
In the past, she would have carefully considered the atmosphere and context to decline, but after he pointed it out and enlightened her, she no longer has that thought at all.
If you dare to suggest something, she'll accept it; if you dare to give something, she'll accept it.
Despite possessing many positive and admirable qualities, arrogance, pride, stubbornness, and self-destruction are also part of her true nature.
"Eh, of course~" Sakurakoji Talent's eyes revealed a knowing look.
Next,
With each floor they visited, one person left in the group. By the time they reached his room on the 66th floor, Ouka Mai remained.
"..." Sakurakoji Talent remained silent.
What do these two people mean?
After looking into her room, Okura Rumin stayed in her own room, saying she needed to practice the piano later.
Whether it was imitating her or not, Ashiri made the same request after seeing the 65th floor.
Actually, the two of them were doing this for—who knows, maybe they were just sleepy after lunch and wanted to take a nap.
Rather, it's highly likely!
And so, the task of guiding and showing the way fell to him alone. While he didn't suffer any real loss, he still felt like he'd been tricked...
"I'm really looking forward to seeing what Mr. Talent's room looks like!" Ouka Mai's eyes were as clear as water on her model-like—no, model-like—exquisite face, making no attempt to hide her feelings.
"... Really? But like theirs, it's not much to look at, is it?"
"Haha! Even so, I'm still really looking forward to it!"
"..."
"To be honest, this is my first time entering a room of the opposite sex. Although Mr. Talent doesn't seem to have any obvious feelings for the opposite sex—should I be more flustered?"
"..."
You should figure this out yourself! Don't ask me, you idiot!
With mixed feelings, they opened the door and entered one after the other.
Upon entering, Ouka Mai acted like a curious child, making no attempt to hide her awkwardness and curiosity, wandering through every corner, observing and marveling at everything around her.
"Oh~ so this is what boys' rooms are like~ How novel!"
"I heard that boys' rooms are usually messy and dirty, but this is completely different. It even smells nice!"
"Ah! It seems there's also a place where they secretly keep erotic books. Could you tell me where it is? And if possible, a place to keep figurines, CDs, and mugs too..."
Sakurakoji Talent's gaze gradually turned lifeless as he stared wide-eyed at her. "What kind of person do you think I am...?"
"Isn't that right?" She tilted her head in confusion, her fingers resting on her chin.
"Of course not! Apologize to every boy in the world!" He covered his face in anguish. "And, I don't have any of those things you mentioned."
"Ugh~~~" Her little face was full of disappointment.
"Hey, what the hell!"
"What happened to the room exploration we were promised?"
"When did I ever say that this project existed?"
"..."
"..."
As the two were talking, another soft and earnest voice came from behind them.
"Young Master?"
Aoyama Nanami, who was cleaning, heard the noise and came out of one of the rooms carrying her cleaning tools.
Noticing there was another person besides him, she looked closely.
Her hip-length blonde hair, similar in length to Sakurakoji Talent, complements his beauty; her pale blue eyes hold a mysterious allure; her stunning looks rival those of top celebrities; her tall, perfect, and flawless figure; and the powerful aura of confidence that surrounds her...
Even though she had seen many beautiful women since arriving here, this stranger still gave her a refreshing feeling.
Compared to the reserved and introverted temperament of top beauties like Rumin-san, Ashiri, Sakuri, and Esther, Ouka Mai possesses a unique and noble air of self-importance, yet inexplicably, she doesn't come across as arrogant.
Perhaps it's because of being in the spotlight and under the public eye for so long, or perhaps it's the invincible confidence that comes from never having lost a child, or perhaps it's a self-awareness of one's own limitations, believing that humility is a sign of arrogance...
In short, among all the people Aoyama Nanami has met, her presence is the second strongest.
As for who's number one... isn't that obvious?
"Young Master, who is this young lady?"
"Ouka Mai. I am honored to have you here today, my esteemed guests. Please feel free to guide me."
Upon hearing her question, before Sakurakoji Talent answer for her, she gracefully began her self-introduction.
Even towards Aoyama Nanami, who was clearly a maid, she did not show the slightest arrogance or disdain.
"Oh, oh, I am Aoyama Nanami, the Personal Maid of the Talent Young Master. Please take care of me, Miss Wangzhong." A bead of sweat appeared on Aoyama Nanami's forehead as she Kokoro bowed.
The oppressive feeling he gave her reminded her of the first time she accompanied him to the Sky Tea Party and learned about Okura Rumin's identity.
It was an absolute and overwhelming difference between them, leaving one with no room for comparison other than to be cautious in one's words and actions.
So, it turns out Miss Wangzhong was the guest who visited our building today. Her presence is truly impressive...
She had heard from her masters that Okura Iyo would be bringing an unknown guest to the mansion today, but since there were plenty of maids in the mansion, she didn't need to go along.
She thought she wouldn't have a chance to see the other person's face—of course, she wasn't particularly interested anyway.
But to my surprise, I saw it in this room.
The Young Master took Miss Wangzhong to his room, could it be...?
No, it's nothing. Mashiro and Rumin-san came by too, so it should be fine!
"That's it," Sakurakoji Talent added, unable to fathom the complex thoughts running through Aoyama Nanami's mind. "I'm currently showing Miss Wangzhong around here, since Ashiri and I don't usually live at the mansion."
Aoyama Nanami wasn't stupid; on the contrary, she was quite clever and immediately figured out the whole story.
"Ah! I see!" She clapped her hands, a thought suddenly popping into her mind. "Young Master, why don't you take Miss Wangzhong to the studio? Mashiro now!"
???
Sakurakoji Talent glared at Aoyama Nanami with a bitter, murderous look, startling her so much that she froze, like a frightened Shiro-chan.
No, are you still my maid?!
The reason he didn't mention the studio when he was with Rumin earlier was because he didn't want them all getting mixed up together!
Do you know how difficult it is for him to be so RuiRui and Kokoro around a bunch of women every day, afraid of falling into a disastrous Shura Field?!
As his maid, can't you even fathom this much of his heart?
Nanami, I'm so disappointed in you!!!
"A studio? What's that? It sounds interesting." Ouka Mai, oblivious to his odd behavior, asked curiously.
"It's nothing really, just one of my hobbies..." he explained vaguely, hoping to make her lose interest.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, the other party became even more enthusiastic.
"Could it be some kind of secret base? I want to go! I want to go!!" Ouka Mai's eyes lit up as she looked him straight in the eye, her whole body radiating anticipation.
"How could I miss such an opportunity to discover another side of Mr. Talent? Please take me there to see it!"
"..."
No, are you sick?
Is it really that fun to snoop into other people's privacy? -- It does seem quite fun.
Tsk, looks like there's no other way.
"I understand. How about we go to the rooftop garden first, and then go over there?" he suggested with a casual smile.
If we can buy them even a little time, we can notify Kasumigaoka Utaha and the others to quickly move the battlefield, preventing them from meeting and avoiding any aftereffects...
"There was a rooftop garden here? That sounds wonderful."
"In that case..."
"But what I want to know most right now is Mr. Talent's personal hobby. Could you please take me to see that one first? The roof won't move, so I'd like to go there later."
"..."
Judging solely from her gentle and serene expression, there was not a single flaw to be found, yet the words she uttered were so profoundly meaningful...
The roof doesn't move, so what can? It's so hard to guess.
Damn it, I hate smart women!
Don't they know that being a little less intelligent makes you more likable?
"Plz follow me..."
"Um!"
"This is it."
Together with Aoyama Nanami, the three arrived at the "Sakurakoji Gal Development Studio" located on the lower floor.
Just like when she entered his room, Ouka Mai was full of interest in the unknown.