Chapter 318

Faced with their simultaneously resentful gazes, he looked puzzled, but quickly realized what they meant and asked hesitantly, "So, you two were troubled about that all night?"

Not entirely, but pretty much.

Sakurakoji Luna sighed and rubbed her forehead, "How am I supposed to face so many 'daughters-in-law' in the future? Just thinking about it gives me a headache..."

"Oh well, worrying won't help, so just let things take their course."

Ogura Asahi offered a consolation that wasn't really comforting.

"Looking at it on the bright side, this means that the Sakurakoji Family has accomplished the great task of expanding its family in just one generation, going from a situation of having few members to one of great success, right?"

"You're thinking too simply... but there really isn't any other way, is there?"

Her voice, melodious and lingering, drifted across the table as she murmured incessantly.

The last time a world-class strong woman like her could show such helplessness and inner turmoil was back in her student days, aside from when she learned of his illness.

"Sigh~ There's nothing we can do about it~"

He wholeheartedly agreed.

Snap!

She slammed her hand on the table and stood up, her smooth, youthful cheeks puffed out, glaring at him with harmless indifference. "Even so! You still need to keep your eyes open and not just date anyone, understand?!"

"Ah, me too,"

Okura Yusei also raised his hand in agreement, "Even though your father and mother agree to your free choice in love, they don't want you to fall for... someone with such a bad character."

"Don't worry, you have to trust my judgment!"

After finishing the last piece of beef, he wagged his finger. "I promise, they are all good girls like Mahiru and Ai—cute, self-respecting, and kind!"

"If that's not the case, I would rather embrace death than go near it."

"That would be great... But yesterday was too rushed, I didn't have a proper talk with her to get to know her better."

Sakurakoji Luna pinched her beautiful, glossy silver hair with a headache.

Her subtext was that, since she hadn't spoken to them up close, she didn't know whether they were good girls or not.

"Then after you've finished your nap, have a good chat with them. It's almost time, I have to go now."

After finishing the last sip of milk, Ogura Asahi wiped her slightly whitish lips with a wet wipe, then got up to leave.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing!"

She quickly stopped him from leaving.

Their equally clear, crimson eyes met and intertwined, and her expression returned to calm, casting aside all her previous troubles.

After a brief hesitation, her eyes welled up with tears, and she asked softly, "Talent, are you happy right now?"

The question might seem absurd at first glance, but to him, the statement had at least two layers of meaning.

Have you completely moved on from your past regrets and pain?

And whether he truly loves them, or is he merely feigning affection due to health reasons?

He lowered his gaze at first, then raised it again five seconds later, a gentle and beautiful smile and eyes appearing on his face, devoid of any mischievousness or teasing. "I have always been very happy, Mother."

"Well then, I'm off!"

"Bon Voyage!"

X 2.

After he left the living room, Sakurakoji Luna covered her mouth and nose, her eyes shining as she leaned against her husband, her throat moving gently.

Okura Yusei patted her back, his voice slightly hoarse as he softly comforted her, "Talent will be alright! He will! Believe in him..."

"Mmm~ Mmm, mmm..."

Chapter 347 The Signboard Girl of Edogawa Instruments.

No matter how harmonious, humorous, and witty the group may appear on the surface, a dark cloud always lingers behind this warmth and affection.

As long as his problem remains unresolved, they will always live in fear of losing him at any moment.

Even if their lives weren't in danger, just thinking about the daily suffering their son endured would make Sakurakoji Luna and Okura Yusei's hearts clench, causing them unbearable pain.

They still can't forget the scene when they first heard him, looking listless, say, "Mother, Father, I'm in so much pain..." after he learned to speak.

That was shortly after Ashiri was born, when he was only one year old.

Before this, they only thought that the child was naturally weak and often sleepy.

After conducting all the tests and confirming that he was indeed fine, they began to suspect that he might be lying.

But after his symptoms worsened, no one questioned it anymore.

This sudden news weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, especially on the couple, who wished they could take his place and bear this indescribable weight every second.

--In fact, if he hadn't been worried that her excessive worry might have affected the unborn Ashiri, he could have said it much earlier.

Ashiri, my dear brother, your love and care for you began even before you were born...

During the first half of his more than ten years of growth, he was tormented by illness, which made him increasingly aloof and quiet. This was also the most painful period for his parents and family.

The latter half of the period was when he realized how meaningless this was and decided to face life and fate positively.

Even knowing that he might be faking it or putting on a brave face, this positive change in mindset alone provided endless salvation for his family.

That stemmed from the initial doubts about whether their union was truly a mistake, as Sakurakoji Luna's father had suggested, and the divine retribution for it, coupled with guilt and sorrow over Sakurakoji Talent...

From feeling fortunate for his birth to thinking how wonderful it is to have him.

For Sakurakoji Saika, these past ten years have been a long and tragic stage play; for his family, at least for the first half, it has been a slow and agonizing torture of the soul.

Although they say it's hereditary, they all know that unlike Sakurakoji Luna, who became sharp-tongued and distrustful of people due to her childhood experiences, yet still maintained a kind and aloof personality with a touch of sadistic cuteness, the reason he is so similar to her in behavior and personality is probably just intentional imitation.

By taking amusement at other people's troubled expressions, just like Sakurakoji Luna, one can divert attention from oneself and incidentally improve interpersonal relationships.

Even though they could guess it, they were still happy about the change and delighted by his seemingly steady growth.

The verbal rebuttals and actions she had given him earlier were simply their usual way of interacting.

The happiest and most excited people after learning that he could be saved were probably not Sakurakoji Talent himself, whose nerves had been hardened and numbed by hardship, but his parents who had been watching over him all along.

"Ya Lei, Ya Lei, why do you have to make this so emotional? Really..."

After leaving the mansion, Ogura Asahi wiped his eyes and muttered a complaint under his breath.

The last time he shed tears was when he was so tormented by a physical attack that he couldn't bear it anymore and involuntarily shed tears before contemplating suicide.

In this way, his long-standing record of not shedding tears will be broken!

Oh my god~ how are those two old guys going to compensate him now?!

Forget it, there's plenty of time later. I'll settle the score with them slowly. For now, I'll adjust my mindset and go keep my appointment with the Pink Milk Dragon.

The person I'm meeting with today is Chihaya Aine, who messaged him yesterday afternoon.

He got into his car and slowly drove out of the courtyard.

Having a driver's license is so convenient; I can go anywhere by myself.

However, considering the hassle of driving and the time spent finding a parking space, it doesn't seem very convenient... It's better to have someone drive you or take a taxi.

He parked his car near Haneoka School and walked to the entrance, the meeting place he had arranged with Haneoka Chihaya Aine.

Today is the 29th, the first day of Golden Week, and also Showa Day, one of the statutory holidays, so although it's Tuesday, schools are closed.

Starting today, the 8-day Golden Week holiday will begin.

The so-called Golden Week, although it is called a week, the holiday period is different every year.

It's called Golden Week because there are four statutory holidays in late April and early May: Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day (environmental protection), and Children's Day. With weekends and make-up days, you can have a holiday of about one to ten Golden Week.

"Ah, Senior Asahi!"

A few minutes after he stood at the school gate where almost no one passed by, Chihaya Aine called his name from afar and ran towards him, waving.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting!"

After running up to him, she bent over, slightly out of breath, and apologized.

"No, I just arrived too."

Ogura Asahi smiled nonchalantly, "There are still five minutes until the agreed time, so there's no need to rush."

"Oh, that's great!"

Chihaya Aine patted her chest in relief, glanced at Asahi, and exclaimed with admiration, "Asahi- senpai is so beautiful~"

"Not only is she perfect-looking, but even her casual outfits are so stylish! Did she receive some special training?"

"Oh! Right! I've also been following a beauty blogger lately, her name is Nyamon ~ Has Senior Asahi seen her?"

"Thank you, Aine-chan looks beautiful today too~"

Ogura Asahi responded politely, then her gaze shifted and she began to lie. "No, I don't usually watch beauty videos."

"Huh? How did you learn all this? Is it some kind of talent?"

Chihaya Aine blinked in surprise.

"Well, it's because I've been involved in this field since I was little. My family is in the clothing industry, and I also learn by reading magazines and professional books."

"That sounds amazing—no wonder he's senior Asahi!"

She covered her mouth and nose in surprise.

"But the clothing industry? Senior, you play so many instruments, I thought your family must be a musical family."

"Haha~ That's just a hobby, a hobby!"

He started to move. "Let's go then. You wanted me to give you some pointers on your guitar technique today, right?"

"Ah, yes!"

Chihaya Aine was dressed in casual holiday clothes, just like him, but unlike him, she had a very conspicuous black guitar bag slung over her back.

"Hey~ a lot of people at my school play in bands, right? I'm really interested in that!"

"After asking senior Asahi for help last time, I also tried hard to find other team members. Finally, yesterday, I teamed up with Little Tomori from my class and her friends!"

"Although I've played guitar before, it's probably been too long since I practiced, and I still feel a bit rusty... So I'd like to ask a highly skilled senior to teach me. Thank you for agreeing to my request!"

"It's nothing, no need to thank me. Also, congratulations on forming a band, Aine-chan!"

"Let's celebrate the birth of MyGO with a cannon salute! Boom!" he clapped, his mind racing with anticipation.

"I was going to ask if you're adjusting well here, but it seems there's no need to ask anymore."

"Hey~! Haneoka is such a great place!"

Chihaya Aine nodded happily.

"Well then, let's find a place first and hear how well you play."

Although he said it with a smile, he was already beginning to feel sorry for his ears...

The two men randomly found a seated platform nearby and had her do an impromptu street performance.

This could be a terrifying thing for someone with Social Anxiety Disorder, but since both of them are positive angles, it doesn't matter.

Compared to the school gate, there are significantly more people here, most of whom are young people who come out to play in groups during the holidays.

Naturally, everyone's attention was drawn to their good looks, and they secretly discussed it with their companions.

Ignoring the attention around her, Ogura Asahi signaled that she could begin.

Chihaya Aine nodded and began clumsily plucking the strings. The vibrating sound of the strings drew the attention of those who hadn't seen them before.

A minute later, she put down her guitar, looked up at him, and asked, "How was it?"

Ogura Asahi bit her red lips, unsure of what to say. She turned and looked around, feeling that the audience had already given her the answer.

Of those who were initially drawn to its appearance, only two remained interested after this brief sonic assault—it was truly terrifying!

"Aine-chan, how do you think you played?"

He didn't answer directly, but instead covered his forehead and asked a question in return.