Huang Zhetian was still utterly bewildered when Asuka dragged him outside.
On the rooftop, Asuka stood with her back to him, her hands resting on the iron railing. She refused to turn around and look at Huang Zhetian.
But Huang Zhetian still caught sight of her bright red ears, and delight surged through him. His bewilderment instantly gave way to wild joy. Asuka asked me out on a date?! System, hurry up and give me some items!
System: "For fuck's sake! Now you remember me? Where have you been? How many chapters do I even get to appear in this book? Have you ever considered my feelings? I'm even more of a plot device than Shinji Ikari..."
The system refreshed immediately, filling his view with a dazzling array of items. Their prices were positively... astronomical.
Even the cheapest ones cost two or three thousand Practice Points...
Killing one Dead Apostle only earned me a little over 7,000 points. Am I going to be broke again overnight? Are you doing this on purpose, or is it an accident?
Forget that. I need to talk to my darling Asuka first!
"Uh, so, are you really going on a date with me this weekend? It'll be my treat..." Huang Zhetian asked cautiously.
Asuka turned around and glared at him.
Hmph! If I weren't worried that woman would toy with you the way she toys with Shinji, I never would have offered to sacrifice myself. I got carried away and just said it... Idiot! Damn it! If I don't go on the date now, won't everyone laugh at me?
Whatever! Going back on my word isn't my style. Asuka! Just think of it as getting rooted up by a pig!
Huang Zhetian had no idea Asuka was comparing the date he was eagerly anticipating to getting rooted up by a pig...
In the original story, Asuka only went on two dates. One was with Kaji, and the second was with a boy introduced by the Class Rep, Hikari Horaki. But she found the boy boring and sneaked back home... ditching him.
"Fine! I heard Shinji's going on a date this weekend too! We can't lose to those two! I've decided to dress up nicely... Tonight! You're coming to the mall with me to carry my bags! Otherwise, find someone else to date!" Asuka absolutely refused to let that woman outshine her! It's bad enough that the Honor Student beats me. Now you want to butt in and walk all over me too? Not a chance!
Watching Asuka walk away as soon as she finished speaking, Huang Zhetian still felt rather happy.
If this had been his previous life, he definitely would have posted about it on social media to show off! But his current phone was just a basic model for seniors... Come to think of it, it was already 2015 in this world. Why were they still using phones like that?
Huang Zhetian wasn't stupid. He could tell Asuka really wanted to outshine Mana. That woman was half the reason for all this, but he ought to thank her too. Without her, he wouldn't be going on a date with Asuka. It looked like this was going to be a battle of dates.
Who was prettier? That was too shallow. It was about whose outfit looked better! This was a battle between women...
But I, Huang Zhetian, have to win this battle!
Let's check the system!
Tsk! I'm going all in! For my darling Asuka! Let's do this!
System clothing shop
A qipao?!
Huang Zhetian took an immediate liking to it! Just imagining Asuka's figure in that dress... Tsk, tsk, tsk. Perfection beyond words.
After the Second Impact, Japan had nothing but summer, so cooler clothes would be better. This is entirely for Asuka's comfort! It definitely isn't for my own sake...
But this qipao costs over 4,000 Practice Points!
That's no different from cutting off a chunk of my flesh. Am I really just going to buy it? Fuck it! I'm buying it! There are still several Angels waiting for me to kill them. If I keep dithering over buying one dress, how can I face Asuka? How can I face her fans? Just buy it!
Huang Zhetian sat on the floor and agonized over it for ages. Finally, he made up his mind, gritted his teeth, and bought it.
Ding! Host's purchase successful. The item has been placed in the System Inventory. Please check for delivery. Leave a five-star review...
Get lost! I haven't even called you out for fleecing me yet!
Huang Zhetian hurried back to his room, took the photos of Asuka out of his schoolbag, and locked them in the safe...
Then he carefully took a box out of the System Inventory and slowly opened it-Whoa! Golden light!! A legendary drop!!
As the saying went, the system only produced quality goods! Those 4,000 Practice Points had been well spent!
The qipao blended yellow and red, decorated with gold thread and embroidery. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, and the fabric felt rich to the touch. How should he put it? Pure silky indulgence.
"Oh, good lord. Suddenly, spending 4,000 Practice Points feels totally worth it. This craftsmanship is amazing. But what am I going to wear? I can't wear something worse than Asuka's..." Huang Zhetian examined the qipao from top to bottom. No matter which angle he viewed it from, it looked utterly perfect, and he couldn't help exclaiming in admiration.
"Let's see what I can wear... Hmm."
Huang Zhetian swept both arms outward, expanding the system panel. Virtual screens surrounded him, switching directly to a 180-degree view.
"Tsk! Only 2,500 Practice Points left. The system's stuff really is expensive! I'm going to be flat broke again... Let's look around."
Huang Zhetian complained as he scrolled through the men's clothing.
Ah, found it! You're the one!
Huang Zhetian spotted a men's outfit. Wasn't that the sort of long robe men wore during the Republican era? It was simple and plain, and the fabric looked excellent. Its only shortcoming was the lack of embroidery or other decorations.
"But it only costs 1,000 Practice Points. That's probably why it's cheap.
I can't spend every last Practice Point, can I? It's always better to keep some in reserve.
This one, then. Sigh! I'm poor again...
I'll go cook first, then give her the dress later.
I really wonder what our weekend date will be like. I'm pretty excited.
A date with the tsundere Asuka would make this whole life worthwhile.
Whatever. I'll think about putting some points into charisma when the time comes.
I've never raised it before..."
After thinking all that through, Huang Zhetian immediately got up and went into the kitchen to cook. He was happier cooking dinner tonight than usual. Whatever could the reason be?
He hummed a tune as he tossed the food in the wok. The evening sunlight streamed through the window into the kitchen, lending the scene a cozy warmth.
Asuka happened to come out and saw him.
A little smile curved her lips before she immediately resumed her usual expression. She called out, "Stupid Zhetian! Is it ready yet? I'm hungry!"
"Just a moment. It'll be ready soon, my princess. Would you like a glass of orange juice?"
"Sure! Freshly squeezed!"
"Coming right up!"
"I want it chilled!"
"No problem!"
As the sun sank in the west, he would not let his lovely lady down.
Before you continue