Chapter 220
There's nothing wrong with saying goodbye to the past with a good cry before starting a new life.
Shiina Asahi nodded, glancing sideways at the window with a complicated expression. "I know, that's what I think too."
After a half-minute pause, he turned to face Ogura Asahi directly and murmured softly, "Let me ask one last question, is that child... happy now?"
"What are you saying?" Ogura Asahi took the takeout bag from the waiter, thanked him, and continued, "Now that she's come to my house and become my sister, she's destined to be happy for the rest of her life, regardless of whether she wants to be happy or not."
Shiina Asahi didn't know whether to laugh at his words, which were both domineering and gentle.
But in any case, after his tightly closed caramel-colored eyes widened, they narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of relief.
"I see... It's so wonderful to meet you today."
"... Although I'm not in a position to say such things, I'm entrusting that child to you."
Ogura Asahi finished the last sip of liquid in his glass, sighed with relief, and replied in a distant voice, "Indeed, I'm not qualified, especially coming from someone who doesn't even dare to utter a single name."
"..."
"However, considering how well you raised Mahiru, I'll allow you to say it this time."
"Thank you so much..." Shiina Asahi lowered his head, which bore the marks of decades more than the other person's, and seemed somewhat happy.
"I've finished my Drinks, the conversation is over, and I should go now. That's all." Ogura Asahi stood up and put his sunglasses back on.
Instead of saying "That's it for today," Shiina Asahi said "That's it then," and from this, he understood what the other person meant.
"Let me see you off!"
"No need, my driver is right outside. You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Why don't you finish your meal before you go?" He took out a brand new Yukichi and slapped it on the thin, crisp table.
"How could I let you pay! It was agreed that I would treat you..." Shiina Asahi hurriedly raised her hand, but dared not pull him, and awkwardly stopped in mid-air.
"I don't have the habit of owing favors to others, so please understand. Well, excuse me."
He picked up the bag of takeout drinks and strolled out of the store with the same footsteps as before.
The same sound produced a completely different effect in Shiina Asahi's mind than before.
"..." Through the glass, he watched the other person get into the car and drive away, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
Regret, remorse, relief, relief, self-loathing, sadness... a mix of emotions caused tears to stream down his face uncontrollably.
Before long, suppressed sobs could be heard softly echoing in the shop.
"Guest!?"
Ogura Asahi, who had already left, was naturally unaware of what happened next.
Even if he knew, he would only sigh softly and then forget about it.
There are countless things in this world that we can't seize in time; everyone has experienced a few. It's just a matter of degree.
Hoping to win someone's forgiveness and atone for your past sins by crying is wishful thinking.
If it were that simple, then what about all the tears Shiina Mahiru has shed over the years?
After getting on the bus, Ogura Asahi smiled and handed the takeout Drinks in her hand to the aunt who was closest to her, "Here's a cappuccino for you, Ichiyo!"
"Oh my! Thank you, young lady!" Mahiru Yashiro Ichiyo accepted the gift, flattered, and then asked, "Has the matter with Mahiru's father been resolved?"
"It should be about right. That person is more sensible and has a better conscience than I thought."
"That's wonderful!"
"Okay, let's go back!"
"OK!"
As the car approached the first traffic light, he suddenly remembered something and asked mysteriously, "Oh, right! That thing we talked about a few days ago... is it done?"
"Of course, the items are already in your room, just like last time."
"That's... wonderful!"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, rubbing his hands together, clearly eager for what was about to happen.
Seeing his reflection in the mirror, Yashiro Ichiyo said helplessly, "Please don't go too far, or Iyo and the others will have a real headache."
"What are you saying! Do you think I'm such a tactless person?"
"It was already like that the moment you asked me to prepare it."
"... I'll be careful, as long as I don't get caught, right?"
"This one is..."
Upon returning to Tokyo, he went back to the Ten no Yashiro as usual.
Since he had already dressed in women's clothing that morning, he planned to spend the day as Ogura Asahi.
Although he wanted to go to school, it was already late, and going wouldn't count as Perfect Attendance. Besides, he didn't have anything he wanted to do with Miyako Shizuka and the others for the time being.
As he walked along, he pondered the place and remembered a place he had almost forgotten.
Before officially using it, it wouldn't hurt to take a look, he said with satisfaction, arms crossed and nodding.
I've decided. I'll just kill some time there this morning, and then I'll put my plans into action this afternoon.
After entering the lobby, he went straight to the elevator and stepped into the elevator.
However, instead of pressing the button to go to the top floor, he pressed the button for the basement level—the underground shopping arcade.
Passing by a café he hadn't visited much lately, which had become Shiina Mashiro's snack bar and Gal Studio's dedicated dessert shop, he didn't stop. He walked a little further and stopped in front of another café next door.
This store is just as big as the coffee shop in front, and its exterior decor is even warmer and more vibrant.
What's a little unusual is that its exterior glass is one-way, so you can only vaguely see the scenery inside from the outside, which goes against the usual shop design.
It's hard for the average person to imagine that someone would be so foolish as to open a second branch so close to a popular coffee shop. What kind of confidence does that take?
But the reason is actually nothing special; it's simply because the owners of both coffee shops are the same person—himself.
The drinks and snacks here are simply sourced directly from the side; there isn't even a chef.
To this end, a door was even specially made in the wall between the two.
The staff are also the maids in the mansion on a rotating basis—thinking about it, the work that his maids have to do is really complicated.
The reason he specifically opened another Cafe that seemed to have nothing is because it actually has something.
There are at least real maids, and the place's signature feature—over 30 different breeds of cats from all over the world!
In other words, this is actually a cat cafe, or you could call it Maid Cat Cafe.
Although limited by space, he couldn't include all breeds, but he was certain that this was one of the cat cafes with the most diverse selection of cats in all of Tokyo, no, in all of Japan!
He had consulted with Aoyama Nanami about whether he wanted to open a cat café (see Chapter 74 for details).
At the time, Aoyama Nanami couldn't understand it, but now—she sometimes even asks to switch shifts and work here.
Because of the large number of cats, the daily tasks of feeding, cleaning the litter box, sweeping fur, and changing the litter box are quite complicated. Her daily work here is not easy, but she still enjoys it.
As you push open the door and step inside, what greets your eyes, besides the warm and elegant minimalist layout, is a dazzling array of cats of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout the store.
Ragdoll, British Shorthairs, Siamese, Garfield, Scottish Fold, Tabby cats, Golden Silver Gradient cats... and other common and popular breeds need no further introduction;
Even rare and unique beautiful cats such as Maine Coon, Bengal Cat, Shandong Lion Cat, Norwegian Forest Cat, Anisinya Cat, and Selkirk Rex are everywhere here.
Because there are so many varieties, there is only one of each kind, making them all unique and precious items here!
To reduce aggression and mitigate danger, all cats are female cats that have undergone selective breeding and vaccination.
Ogura Asahi proudly puffed out his chest and snorted softly. This was the cat kingdom he had created, a holy land for all cat lovers, guaranteed to be a place where no cat lover would ever leave alive!
He looked around the store and found that there were quite a few customers.
Although he wasn't aiming to make a profit or recoup his investment, and didn't want the place to be occupied by curious onlookers, he deliberately raised the price per unit, but it still seemed quite popular?
Even though it's only morning, there are already quite a few customers.
Could it be that there are actually more cat lovers in Tokyo than he imagined?
Haha, that's an exaggeration!
Chapter 275 The Expected People; Cliques Full of Beauties
But upon closer reflection, it makes sense.
Not only does this place boast the largest variety of cat breeds in Tokyo, but it also offers incredibly delicious coffee and snacks, exquisite decor, tranquil and soothing music, and a relaxed atmosphere free from external distractions... It has many advantages.
Although it has only been open for a short time, it should already have a considerable reputation within certain circles.
A true cat lover wouldn't be stingy with the money in their pocket.
Ya Lei, Ya Lei~ Cats are really scary.
I wonder if the revenue here, excluding the maid's salary (which is not included), can cover the operating costs such as rent, utilities, cat food and litter, medical treatment and check-ups, toys and equipment, etc.
The goal isn't to break even, but simply to avoid needing further investment – that would be a victory.
He casually grabbed a lazy, dozing white Lion Cat and held it in his arms before walking toward the receptionist who had already noticed him.
"Young Miss! Welcome!" A waitress dressed in a mansion maid's uniform came over and greeted him with a bow.
Tsk, they're all old folks, why are they still trying not to laugh! Deduct their pay!
Her slightly hurried movements attracted the curious gazes of some customers, and when they saw him, who was as white as the white cat in his arms and even shinier than all the cats in the store, their eyes were filled with amazement.
"Uh, I'm just looking around, you go about your business." He coughed lightly. "Also, please prepare a pot of Black tea for me. No need for snacks, I'll be staying here this morning."
He also wanted to drink Green tea, but Cafe usually don't offer it.
"I understand." The maid bowed slightly, then withdrew and went through a small door to the next room to prepare.
He strolled to the front desk, asked another maid for a tablet, and then found a quiet seat to sit down.
A menu was placed on the table in each private room.
Slightly different from the one next door, this one is much thicker—it includes information about each cat, along with their photos and names.
Yes, because each one here is unique and easy to distinguish, Aoyama Nanami and the others were very interested in giving them all names.
Touching the sleepy, docile Lion Cat in her hands, Ogura Asahi subconsciously thought of Kanau —the same White Hair, the same heterochromatic eyes...
Although she might really like this place, he wasn't planning to bring her here so soon, otherwise it might become her permanent residence, which wouldn't be conducive to his work.
Although she probably won't come back once she runs out of money, it's possible she'll drag Ichiji Nijika into treating them...
His goal wasn't to turn this place into a random spot for the Kessoku Band.
He has very serious, really serious things to do.
According to a research report he had read, broadly speaking, perhaps due to maternal instincts and nature, every girl is likely a potential cat lover—some may even prefer dogs.
However, it's certain that very few people actually dislike small animals; most people have a positive impression, just to varying degrees.
Of course, this excludes free-roaming creatures like stray cats and dogs that may pose a threat.
It's just that many people are reluctant to keep pets due to reasons such as lack of money, time, energy, or the hassle involved.
So, although it's said to be aimed at cat lovers, more accurately, if money isn't a factor, this is a place almost no girl would refuse, unless that person is allergic to cat fur.
In other words, this place is not only a good spot for fishing (for cat lovers), but also a perfect dating spot to pass the time and strengthen relationships.
No, that should be said to be the main purpose, after all, how many hardcore cat lovers can serve as his target?
If you have resources, of course you should make the most of them; you have to develop their full potential!
If the conditions aren't there, won't you create them?
If there are no cat lovers, wouldn't you create cat lovers and cultivate them from scratch?
If you broaden your perspective, you'll find that everyone in the world is a cat lover, and everyone can be a cat lover!
Take Aoyama Nanami for example. It's hard to say that she was originally a cat lover. In fact, she used to struggle to balance her life and dreams and support herself. Beneath her strong and independent exterior, you wouldn't see much of a soft side that loves animals.
But there's no doubt she has no resistance to cute creatures, and now she even enjoys being around them—this is a perfect example!