At Ichinose's Home

Tanaka Yukishin let her younger sister hold her arm, slowly swallowed the food in her mouth, and then spoke.

"It's not impossible for me to support you for the rest of your life."

However, seeing his sister's eyes light up instantly, he waited a moment before slowly uttering the second half of his sentence.

"However... the condition is that you have to stop playing pranks and causing me trouble. Especially those 'naughty' things like hitting people with a plastic hammer first thing in the morning."

"No way!"

Tanaka Tsukishin immediately let go of her hand, sat up straight, and pouted so hard her lips could hang an oil bottle. "That's my special skill! It's a way of showing affection exclusively to Onii-chan! It's an expression of love! You should know how to be grateful, to be moved! Understand? Moved! (Loyal!)"

She waved her little fist, emphasizing her "legitimacy".

"Really?" Tanaka Yukishin, giving a "kind" smile. "Then I'll have to consider how much I'll reciprocate your love in the future. For example, some people want to go to amusement parks, aquariums..."

"Ugh! Onii-chan is the worst! He always threatens people!"

Tanaka Tsukishin immediately bristled, waving her spoon in protest, but her eyes were full of laughter; she knew her brother's threat was mostly a joke.

At the dining table, Tanaka Fuko quietly watched her children play and bicker.

Her lips curled up uncontrollably, forming an arc of unparalleled happiness and satisfaction.

All the hardships and worries of being a mother were soothed by this vivid and lively scene before her eyes at this moment.

That's great.

The family sat together, enjoying a hot breakfast.

They have a harmonious relationship and love and care for each other.

Chapter 141 140 Ichinose's House

After finishing breakfast, it was already 9:30.

After agreeing to a whole host of "unequal treaties" from his sister, such as "accompanying her to Akihabara to buy limited edition figurines" and "going to Disneyland in the future."

Tanaka Yukishin finally received Tanaka Tsukishin's "forgiveness," though she pouted, she couldn't hide her smile.

"I'm leaving, see you tonight." He picked up his shoulder bag and walked towards the entrance.

"Bring an umbrella, Xuexin."

His mother, Tanaka Fuko, chased after him to the door and shoved a folding umbrella into his hand.

The sunlight outside the window was blinding, and the cicadas were chirping incessantly.

Tanaka Yukishin looked up at the clear blue sky outside the window, with a few wisps of white clouds drifting lazily by, and asked doubtfully, "On such a sunny day, isn't this unnecessary, Mother?"

"The Japan Meteorological Agency says Typhoon No. 8 formed in the Pacific Ocean, although its predicted path will only brush past the southeastern part of Honshu,"

Tanaka Fuko gazed at the sky, a hint of weather-related worry typical of a housewife furrowing her brow. "But typhoons are unpredictable; they might change course midway through their journey."

"Knew."

Tanaka Yukishin stopped arguing and obediently accepted the folding umbrella her mother handed her.

Her gaze swept over her mother's shoulder and landed on Tanaka Tsukishin, who was hiding behind her.

The little girl was making a face at him triumphantly, her little nose wrinkled, silently showing off her "victory".

Tanaka Yukishin glared at her helplessly, which earned him an even more exaggerated tongue-out gesture from his sister. He shook his head and strolled out of the house.

Tanaka Yukishin unfolded her phone screen, where her memo clearly listed today's itinerary: visiting the families of Ichinose Honami and Sakura Sae.

He had already made all the plans yesterday while the Shinkansen was speeding along.

A morning is enough to complete these two "message deliveries".

He decided to dedicate the entire afternoon to searching for that intriguing figure— Goto Hitori.

That "Little Bocchi" he once knew so well, but whose memory is now hazy.

The exact location of the "Kessoku Band" is now a blurry memory, washed away by the passage of time.

However, this is not a difficult problem.

Tanaka Yukishin's lips curled into a confident smile. The versatility and high efficiency of [Child of Destiny] had already proven its value countless times; anyone who used it would know.

He walked leisurely, first taking a detour to the nearby ATM.

With a slight hum and the sound of counting money, neat stacks of ten-thousand-yuan banknotes were dispensed.

Tanaka Yukishin skillfully put it into her backpack.

One million five hundred thousand yen, as temporary pocket money.

He then walked to the street corner, where a pre-booked taxi was quietly waiting for him.

He opened the car door and sat in the back seat, giving the address he already knew by heart.

After speaking, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

The wheels rolled through the streets of Tokyo, and forty-five minutes later, they came to a steady stop in front of a somewhat old-fashioned residential area, bearing the marks of time.

The sight before her made Tanaka Yukishin frown slightly.

Although he had already deduced from Ichinose Honami's few words that her family was not well-off, the scene before him was still more shocking than he had expected.

"Third floor, room 303..."

He quietly confirmed the address and stepped up the stairs.

The wooden staircase creaked slightly, revealing the dark wood grain of the handrail.

The hallway was dimly lit.

Upon reaching the third floor, the corridor was so narrow that only one person could pass at a time.

He stopped in front of room 303 and pressed the old doorbell button.

"Ding-dong--"

The crisp sound of the bell seemed somewhat abrupt in the otherwise quiet hallway.

Who is it?

A response came quickly from inside the door, a clear yet slightly timid female voice, who sounded to be about the same age as his younger sister, Yuexin.

Then came a series of slightly hurried footsteps.

With a soft click, the door opened a crack just wide enough for a glance to pass through, and the security chain behind the door was raised.

A young and lovely face appeared behind the crack in the door.

The girl had long, fluffy, slightly curly brown hair, fair skin, and delicate features, especially her bright eyes, which were six or seven parts similar to Ichinose Honami, but her temperament was more lively and agile, with the unique naivety of a young girl.

Tanaka Yukishin guessed that this must be Ichinose Honami's younger sister, Ichinose Risa.

Standing outside the door was an extremely handsome and distinguished young man.

The wariness in Ichinose Risa's eyes faded slightly, replaced by curiosity and a hint of barely perceptible shyness.

After all, handsome guys always have an inherent advantage in terms of popularity.

Tanaka Yukishin bowed slightly, revealing a gentle and polite smile.

"Hello, I already contacted Aunt Ichinose phone yesterday. I am Honami-chan's classmate, Tanaka Yukishin. I took the opportunity to leave school to participate in the Gyokuryuki competition and was asked to visit you to convey Honami-chan's message and also to tell you about her recent situation at school."

His voice was clear and steady, and his gaze was calm as he looked at the girl behind the crack in the door.

Upon hearing her sister's name, Ichinose Risa was instantly replaced by surprise and curiosity. She subconsciously opened the door a crack wider, carefully observing the tall and handsome young man outside.

Tanaka Yukishin's outstanding appearance and calm temperament naturally carried a reassuring power, Ichinose Risa's face flushed slightly.

"Ah! You're Xuexin-gege? Mom mentioned you to me on the phone last night!"

Ichinose Risa's voice lit up, but her good upbringing prevented her from opening the door immediately. "Please wait a moment! Mom will be back soon!"

She tilted her small face up, her tone carrying a hint of apology and assurance.

Although her affection for this handsome and gentle older brother grew stronger, her instinctive self-protection kept her cautious, and the security chain remained firmly fastened to the door.

As she spoke, she couldn't help but steal glances at his handsome features again.

"It's okay, I understand."

Tanaka Yukishin nodded, her tone gentle, showing no impatience whatsoever.

He took out his phone and checked the time: 10:18.

If the wait is too long, he might need to visit Sakura Sae's sister's house first, and then return to visit the Ichinose family in the evening.

Time is indeed precious to him.

"Little Risa, do you know how much longer Auntie will be? If it's going to be a while, I can go take care of something else and come back to visit later."

"It'll be quick! Xuexin, just wait a little longer!"

Ichinose Risa, afraid he would leave and she would miss the opportunity, quickly said, "Let me pour you a cup of tea!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly turned around, her small figure disappearing behind the door.

Soon, a small, fair hand cautiously reached out from the crack in the door.

He held a simple glass in his hand, filled with clear barley tea, the barley grains floating on the surface.

"Brother Xuexin, please have some tea!"

"Thank you, Risa."

Tanaka Yukishin reached out and took the slightly warm barley tea. Her fingertips inadvertently touched the other girl's, and she could feel the girl flinch instantly.

He took a small sip; the wheat aroma was refreshing and the taste was simple and unpretentious.

He leaned against the slightly mottled wall by the door, his gentle gaze falling on the small face behind the crack in the door, still filled with curiosity and a touch of shyness.

The waiting time seemed a bit long, but having someone to talk to made it less unbearable.

Taking advantage of this time, Ichinose Risa, unable to suppress her longing and curiosity for her older sister, began to quietly inquire about her sister's recent situation from Tanaka Yukishin.

"Brother Xuexin, is Sister doing well at school? Is she happy? Is it hard for her?"

"She's very good and hardworking," Tanaka Yukishin replied with a smile.

"Are the school dormitories big? Are they pretty? I heard that you don't have to pay for utilities?"

Ichinose Risa Ichinose's eyes sparkled, filled with longing.

"Yes, the facilities are complete, with a private bathroom and enough space. Utilities are all free, making life very convenient."

Tanaka Yukishin truthfully described the excellent accommodation conditions at the Advanced Nurturing High School.

Listening to Tanaka Yukishin's calm and gentle description.

Ichinose Risa's little face first showed genuine joy—it's so wonderful that her older sister lives and studies in such a good place!

But then, a hint of undisguised envy crept into that joyful radiance.

What a wonderful environment! No need to worry about water and electricity bills, I can concentrate on my studies...

That was the ease and freedom she had never imagined in her life, which involved helping with housework and carefully calculating every penny after school every day.

This mixture of envy and blessings for her sister made her expression complex and vivid.

However, when Ichinose Risa tries to go further and inquire about the school's specific course schedule or other students' interesting matters, Tanaka Yukishin always politely declines with a well-timed smile.

"I'm sorry, Risa, but school regulations state that many things involve internal management information and cannot be disclosed to outsiders."

He pointed to the school badge that wasn't actually on his chest and made a "keep it a secret" gesture.

The reason "school regulations" sounds formal and reasonable enough.

Ichinose Risa nodded understandingly. Although she was a little disappointed, she was already very happy to receive this positive feedback.

She couldn't help but ask a few more questions about her sister's daily life, to Tanaka Yukishin gave concise and direct answers.

The hallway was now empty except for the two of them, who were talking quietly back and forth. Sunlight streamed in through the window at the end of the hallway, casting long patches of light on the old floor.

About ten minutes later, a slightly hurried sound of footsteps, accompanied by soft breathing, came from the stairwell and grew closer.

Tanaka Yukishin and Ichinose Risa both looked in the direction of the sound.

A thin woman dressed in simple work clothes appeared at the corner of the stairs.

Her face still faintly reveals the features of her youthful beauty, and her eyebrows bear a striking resemblance to those of Honami and Risa. However, the relentless passage of time has left deep marks on her.

The crow's feet at the corners of her eyes resembled fine spider webs, the shallow wrinkles on her forehead were like ripples on water touched by the wind, and her temples were already streaked with frost.