Fei-yu walked into the kitchen with the ingredients. Looking at the familiar space, he expertly set everything down by the sink. He stood tall, narrowed his eyes, and quickly organized his thoughts. Though he had inherited memories of culinary skills, hot pot was a bit different from regular cooking. He was actually a bit nervous. He didn't want to mess up and disappoint the girls.
"Fatty beef, lean beef, tripe, luncheon meat, and yellow throat are already prepped. I just need to plate them and toss them in the pot later," he said, pulling the ready-to-eat meats from the bags. These weren't top-tier luxury cuts, but they were close, and they had effectively emptied his wallet.
He realized he needed to find a part-time job soon. He couldn't keep taking money from Auntie Mitsuko and spending it on other girls. It felt awkward—like he was a kept man spending his sugar mommy's money on mistresses!
Well, that was a tangent. He shook his head and focused. He didn't need much money for himself, but holidays and gifts for a growing number of girls meant his expenses were going to skyrocket. Damn, I really am broke, he thought with a sigh before getting back to work.
He pulled out a mixed bag containing beef balls, egg tofu, crab sticks, and fish cakes. A smile tugged at his lips. In his mind, these were "kid foods." He remembered at buffets in his past life, adults went for the tripe and beef, while kids loaded up on meatballs and sausages.
"Yui-shin must have picked these, haha," he chuckled, picturing her cute, slightly ditsy face.
The rest were vegetables. "Potatoes and lotus root need to be sliced. The rest just need to be washed and torn into pieces... as for the base, split the pot, add water, and boil. Simple enough!"
"Alright! Let's start with the veggies!" He cracked his neck, full of fighting spirit.
In the living room, Yui-shin followed Minato inside. Looking at the luxurious decor, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. For a moment, a sense of inferiority bubbled up in her heart. She lowered her head, her small hands twisting together, and her steps became hesitant.
Minato, walking ahead, didn't realize at first. She sat on the sofa, her delicate ears perking up to listen to the sounds coming from the kitchen.
I wonder if he needs help? she wondered with a happy smile. But she remembered his instructions and stayed put. "Yui-shin, why are you standing there? Come sit by me."
"Okay..." Yui-shin whispered, walking slowly and sitting down with a bit of a dejected slump.
Minato blinked. She could sense Yui-shin's mood had shifted, but she wasn't sure why. She wondered if she had accidentally offended her. Then, she remembered what Fei-yu had told her about Yui-shin—how her grandmother had passed away, her divorced parents had abandoned her, and she had lived alone in an old shack in the countryside.
Thinking of this, Minato felt a sharp ache in her chest. Her own parents were often away for work, but they loved her. Yui-shin had no one.
"It's okay... it's okay... Fei-yu and I will always be with you. We're family now," Minato said, her eyes misting over. She leaned over and pulled the silent Yui-shin into her arms, pressing the girl's face against her soft chest.
Yui-shin was startled to be suddenly "motorboated" by Minato's large breasts, but the gentle stroking of her hair and the warmth of the older girl's body made her feel like she was bathing in a warm spring breeze. Her gloom vanished, replaced by a deep sense of belonging. She didn't cry, though her nose felt tingly; she didn't want to bring her negative emotions to the people who cared for her.
No wonder Fei-yu loves Minato- so much... if I were a boy, I'd fall for her too... Yui-shin thought, nuzzling into the warm cleavage.
"Hanabi! Meow-meow! Come here and meet our guest!" Minato called out.
"A kitty?" Yui-shin's eyes popped open. She looked up with wide, sparkly eyes.
"Mmh. You've been wanting to see her, right?"
"Yes!"
"Hanabi~" Minato called again.
"Meow~" A small head popped up from a bundle of blankets. Hanabi, the cat, looked at the two girls hugging. She sniffed the air. Two parts stinky male owner, eight parts fragrant female owner. She's a friend.