On the other side, Saionji Ryuichi, after getting the brand new boxer briefs, quickly ran to the restroom.
As he walked, he carefully listened for any strange sounds coming from the stalls. Sure enough, just as he expected, Hoshino Jun had taken Kachiko to the innermost stall.
He crept like a guilty thief to the second to last stall, gently opened the door, and sat on the toilet, unbuckling his belt.
"Ryuichi-kun is such an idiot," a familiar male voice sounded from the next stall.
"Uh, no… he's not," a pleasant female voice stammered.
Kachiko was trying her best to defend her beloved Saionji Ryuichi.
Even though her throat was uncomfortable, she continued to whimper, saying, "Ryuichi is not… an idiot."
"Ah!" Hoshino Jun suddenly grunted, "If he's not, he's not. Why are you biting my head?"
"You're not allowed to badmouth Ryuichi!"
Kachiko's voice was slow and heavy, but exceptionally firm.
"Kachiko…"
Saionji Ryuichi clutched the doorknob, his eyes, previously filled with excitement, instantly became clouded.
So Kachiko's love for him was really that deep?
Even at a time like this, she was still defending him.
"I'm sorry, Kachiko, I'm too incompetent."
Saionji Ryuichi burst into tears. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs, but he was afraid his crying would disturb Hoshino Jun and Kachiko in the next stall.
A wife deeply in love with her husband, due to her husband's cowardice, had to please the man who could bully her husband anytime, anywhere, begging him not to target her husband anymore.
And the incompetent husband could only hide in a restroom stall, crying secretly.
"This feeling…"
"It's truly…"
"Perfect."
---In the innermost stall.
"Dentist" Hoshino Jun, after examining Kachiko's oral problems, prescribed her some medicine. After helping Kachiko take the medicine, he took the "patient" Kachiko and walked out.
Following behind Hoshino Jun, Kachiko, perhaps because it was too cold, kept clutching her skirt tightly.
"Hoshino-kun."
"Hmm?"
"Please give it back to me."
"Give what back?"
"You know."
Turning on the faucet and washing his hands clean, Hoshino Jun looked back at the beautiful eighteen-year-old wife.
The small suit and the white inner lining buttons were already fastened. Although her graceful body was wrapped in tight clothing, not an inch of skin exposed, the curves of her upper body were still beautiful under the outline of the clothes.
What's more, under the JK long skirt, she was in an absolutely vacuum state.
Just thinking about it was wonderful.
Hoshino Jun stared at Kachiko's legs, clad in black stockings, with a hint of playfulness in his eyes.
"If Kachiko would just beg me…"
"Absolutely not!"
Kachiko pursed her lips and refused firmly.
Although she had intimate contact with Hoshino-kun, this did not mean she would degrade herself because of it.
Everything she did was just to make Ryuichi happy.
As for Hoshino Jun, at most, she had developed some fondness for him on the basis of intimacy.
"Oh, is that so!"
Hoshino Jun pondered for a moment and said, "Then Kachiko, tell me your story with Ryuichi. Why do you love him so deeply?"
A gentle breeze blew, lightly lifting the pretty girl's skirt, and she anxiously pressed it down.
Her pretty face was flushed, but she still chose not to speak, remaining silent.
Clearly.
Kachiko did not want to talk to Hoshino Jun about what had happened between her and Saionji Ryuichi.
Seeing this, Hoshino Jun helplessly waved his hand:
"Then there's nothing I can do. I always inconvenience myself to go along with you two, so occasionally I have to collect some reward, right?"
"This, is the reward."
Walking to the previous desk, Hoshino Jun, in front of Kachiko, put the blue and white striped panties into his backpack.
Saionji Ryuichi had gone somewhere unknown.
Hoshino Jun should also leave.
"Ding-a-ling-a-ling—!"
Just then, the class bell rang.
A morning breeze blew quietly in front of the silent library, and the willow branches on both sides of the road rustled in the morning.
Silently watching Hoshino Jun's receding figure, Kachiko bit her lower lip, her voice faint, murmuring something she didn't understand.
"Compared to the surname Takagi, I will always prefer Saionji."
"Miss Ayako and Ryuichi are both wonderful people. Someone like Hoshino-kun wouldn't understand."
As for family.
Kachiko's answer was "suffocating devils."
Her father owned a successful food company. Logically, as a young lady born into such a wealthy family, Kachiko's life should have been happy.
But the reality was the opposite.
Because her mother's infidelity was discovered when she was a child, her father once doubted if she was his biological daughter. Even after a hospital test, it left a scar in her father's heart, and he treated her as coldly as a stranger.
After her parents divorced, unable to bear her father's long-term hostility and coldness.
Kachiko chose to live with her mother for a year or two, but during that time, she suffered unprecedented pain.
Because her mother initially accepted her not out of love, but because she thought that after getting her, her father would at least provide some child support, but in reality, not a single penny was given.
Her mother, who had little work ability and struggled to support herself, now had to raise a child without her father's help.
Under immense pressure, her mother revealed her 瘋狂 nature, constantly humiliating Kachiko, and sometimes even beating and scolding her.
The days of being a punching bag continued until four years ago, when her father suddenly gave her mother a sum of money and took Kachiko back.
At first, Kachiko was full of anticipation, thinking that her father had finally realized how difficult her life was and had finally felt pity for his daughter.
However.
The truth was that her father's company was on the verge of bankruptcy, and he wanted to give her, who was still young at the time, to an old man in exchange for sufficient funds to keep the business afloat.
This was like the last straw that broke the camel's back, crushing Kachiko's last shred of hope for the world.
It wasn't until Saionji Ayako appeared that she was pulled back from the dark abyss.
The elegant and noble, always cool and aloof Ayako, after hearing about this at a party, intervened to save Kachiko's father's company, and also saved her.
Even now, Kachiko still remembers what Miss Ayako said to her that day.
"I hope you will study hard in the future, strive to strengthen yourself, and become someone who can protect herself."
"If you want to show your gratitude in the future, join the Saionji Family's company after graduating from university and help my nephew, Saionji Ryuichi."
"Oh, and he was the one who asked me to help you."
Recalling the image of Saionji Ayako speaking with a cool and aloof demeanor, yet revealing concern in every word, Kachiko was still filled with gratitude.
From that moment on, Kachiko's dream.
It also became to be a kind and strong woman like Saionji Ayako, and to marry Saionji Ryuichi, who asked Miss Ayako to save her.
Kachiko wanted to work with Saionji Ryuichi to make the Saionji Family stronger, and she worked hard to achieve this.
Now, half of this goal has been accomplished; she has changed from Takagi Kachiko to Saionji Kachiko.
---"Haruki Murakami said:"
"No matter what everyone in the world says,"
"I believe my own feelings are correct."
"No matter what others think,"
"I will never disrupt my own rhythm."
"Things you like can naturally be sustained,"
"Things you don't like will never last."
The balding teacher on the podium was a die-hard fan of the famous writer Haruki Murakami, and the last class of the morning was spent talking about Haruki Murakami's essays and stories.
Golden sunlight streamed in through the window, making Hoshino Jun's body feel lazy and wanting to sleep soundly.
But he couldn't.
Not to mention that the balding teacher was a short, hot-tempered old man who could target students who snored while sleeping at any time.
Just the need to work hard to earn money was enough to force Hoshino Jun to stay alert, always waiting for the lunch break bell to ring.
Today is April 26th, Thursday.
The time when Yamada Ran's A-rank debt was triggered was last Saturday noon.
This meant that Hoshino Jun only had two days left, and he had to seize every minute, every second, and every opportunity.
Striving to achieve it in one go.
"What will the reward for A-rank debt be?"
As Hoshino Jun anticipated, time slowly passed, and the bell signaling the start of lunch break rang.
"Ding-a-ling-a-ling—!"
Arriving at the cafeteria, he still chose yakisoba bread for lunch, not because Hoshino Jun wanted to save money, but because eating yakisoba bread was the fastest and most convenient way.
It allowed Hoshino Jun to free up time to do more things, such as accompanying Saionji Ayako to read.
This was a very meaningful thing.
After all, Saionji Ayako still had a total of twenty-one C-rank debts, which, converted into rewards, amounted to a staggering two hundred and ten million yen.
The path to the library was quiet, with the rustling of trees in his ears.
While most people were having lunch, Hoshino Jun had already started working hard to earn money.
"If someone like me doesn't succeed, who will?"
"Will lazy dogs succeed?"
Constantly reviewing every step of his route for the day in his mind, Hoshino Jun once again entered the quiet library, empty except for two people.
One was the librarian.
And the other was Saionji Ayako, sitting in a sunny spot.
As usual, she wore a brown trench coat, with books and a cup of hot tea on the table in front of her.
Bathed in the sunlight, her dark hair and elegant, slender face were particularly striking. Beneath her long eyelashes, her starry eyes were focused on the book.
Every posture appeared elegant and charming.
If he only looked at her face, Hoshino Jun thought she was probably more beautiful than Yamada Ran.
But unfortunately…
Yamada Ran was too overbearing.
Not just her personality, but in every aspect, she was overbearing.
Saionji Ayako was no match for her at all.
As if sensing someone's gaze on her, Saionji Ayako looked up.
"You're here."
For some reason, the librarian looked at Hoshino Jun's handsome face with a strange glint in her eyes.
But Hoshino Jun didn't pay any attention.
This librarian hadn't triggered any debts, and she looked decent, but only decent.
Her charm was probably only between 6-7, completely not Hoshino Jun's type.
His attention was entirely on Saionji Ayako: "Hmm, I'm here."
The aloof Vice Chairman raised an eyebrow, as if she had thought of something, and replied, "Are you perhaps thinking I would say you shouldn't have come?"
He was seen through.
But if Hoshino Jun didn't admit it, then it didn't happen.
"I never thought that."
"Good, that line is quite awkward."
You know it's awkward, yet you still say it?
Hoshino Jun didn't reply. After borrowing a copy of Tagore's "Stray Birds," he walked over to Saionji Ayako and sat down opposite her without any restraint.
"Why aren't you reading books in pure Chinese anymore?"
The Vice Chairman seemed to be in a good mood today, even talking a bit more.
Hoshino Jun replied, "Occasionally, I have to try other flavors. Always reading only pure Chinese makes me seem pretentious."
"Knowledge is ultimately what one learns for oneself, so why care about others' opinions?"
"I don't want to care, but when too many people stare, it's impossible to ignore."
"That's an illusion. The world is vast, and there are many people. No one will notice you."
"No, I am watched by countless young girls every day. I think the Vice Chairman must also have this kind of trouble."
Hoshino Jun's words were serious, and Saionji Ayako fell silent.
Because she had to admit that this seemingly arrogant young man was half right, as Hoshino Jun was indeed excessively handsome.
Even Saionji Ayako herself, sometimes while reading, couldn't help but glance at him a couple of extra times.
As for why she said he was only half right.
It was because Saionji Ayako didn't have the problem of being watched by people every day. In public, she usually attended with her older sister.
Basically, everyone's gaze would converge on her sister, thereby overlooking her, who considered herself quite good-looking.
Saionji Ayako subconsciously looked down. Quite ordinary, she thought.
"Hmm, it is indeed quite troublesome."
"I was right, wasn't I?"
"…"
For a moment, Saionji Ayako really wanted to hit him.
But Hoshino Jun didn't notice; his attention was on something else.
For example, all the books Saionji Ayako was reading today were in pure Chinese.
And they were all written by Brother Xun.
"A Madman's Diary," "Call to Arms," "Pang Huang," and other classic works were all there.
Did this count as a successful book recommendation?
Saionji Ayako did not reply to Hoshino Jun again. The atmosphere between them became quiet, and they each read their respective books, not disturbing each other.
Until about ten minutes passed.
Someone entered the library. Hoshino Jun's hand seemed to have grown feet, climbing step by step onto Saionji Ayako's hand.
It was cold.
And very smooth.
Like a softened piece of ice.
The other party seemed to have gotten used to Hoshino Jun's actions, only looking up once and then making no further movements.
"Has Chairwoman's person arrived?"
Hoshino Jun thought for a moment and chose to shake his head.
"I don't know if they've arrived, but when I saw someone coming, I decided to do this."
This answer.
Well, it works.
Saionji Ayako nodded, not saying much.
Her gaze shifted to the large hand pressing down on hers. Saionji Ayako felt that Hoshino Jun would actually make a very good hand warmer.
She didn't know where he got his warmth from, but the temperature of his palm was so warm.
Just right, it canceled out her own coldness.
If possible, Saionji Ayako wanted to occasionally switch hands to warm them; both her hands were very cold.
"Saionji Ryuichi looked for me."
"Hmm?"
Saionji Ayako frowned, "What did he want with you?"
"It was probably just a misunderstanding. He just warned me to stay away from you, Vice Chairman." Hoshino Jun's voice was flat, devoid of emotion.
"Elaborate."
"There's nothing more. I just felt that his tone and demeanor were a bit off, so I specifically came to report it to you, Vice Chairman."
Although Saionji Ryuichi was probably already busy because of Hoshino Jun, Hoshino Jun felt he should provide greater value.
So, he also brought him up in front of Saionji Ayako.
Saionji Ayako pressed, "How was it off?"
"This…" Hoshino Jun smiled awkwardly, "It's hard to say, but I believe someone as intelligent as you will definitely be able to sense it."
Hearing this, Saionji Ayako fell into thought, not asking any more questions.
However, a seed of doubt had already been planted in her heart.
'What kind of thing would make Hoshino Jun feel it's hard to talk about?'
'Is Ryuichi keeping a secret from me?'
'He should be, after all, Ryuichi hasn't appeared before me for several days now.'
'Normally, at noon and in the afternoon, Ryuichi would come to read with me.'
I'll ask him tonight.
Suddenly, the large hand that had finally managed to warm her hand left. Saionji Ayako looked up; the young human furnace had already stood up.
"Time is almost up. I should go clean for the Chairwoman."
"Vice Chairman, see you tonight."
Hoshino Jun smiled slightly, bidding farewell to Saionji Ayako.
"It should be see you this afternoon."
"It's all about the same."
--- Inside the elegant office, a faint floral scent permeated the air.
Yamada Ran meticulously watered her flowers with a watering can, and as she looked at the overlapping petals, she inexplicably recalled the young man cleaning her office yesterday.
The eight-pack abs faintly visible beneath his shirt.
It seemed somewhat similar to the shape of the flowers.
Hmm.
Perhaps not so similar after all, it felt more like Tetris.
"baka!"
"Why am I thinking about these things!"
Suddenly realizing, Yamada Ran spat, angrily slamming the watering can on the table, her full chest rising and falling.
"I must have lost my mind!"
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Yamada Ran irritably called out, "Enter!"
"Click—!"
Hoshino Jun, opening the door and walking in, happened to meet Yamada Ran's angry expression, and he couldn't help but feel a little curious.
Who had the guts to anger this hot-tempered Chairwoman Yamada?
Was it her son, or her husband?
Hoshino Jun didn't ask.
In front of a woman with a bad temper, it's best not to ask too many questions. She's not familiar with you, so just do what you're supposed to do honestly and dutifully.
"Chairwoman, I'm here to report."
According to the customs of the island nation, he first politely bowed, then began to recount the experience of reading with Saionji Ayako just now.
Of course, Hoshino Jun knew what to say and what not to say.
He also subtly glanced at what he should and shouldn't see.
Chairwoman Yamada was as beautiful as ever today, with elegant brows, a delicate nose, and well-maintained skin. Her condition even seemed to surpass that of an eighteen-year-old girl, and even her thin lips were rosy.
Beneath the crystal-clear collarbone, half-covered by a sheer jacket, was a full, rounded bosom. A gray dress perfectly outlined her figure, and from her waist to her calves, everything that should be seen seemed visible.
Yet, it was all covered.
The ripe charm she exuded at all times, who could resist it?
At least Hoshino Jun's little brother had already declared he couldn't resist.
"Is that all for today?"
After listening to Hoshino Jun's report, Yamada Ran frowned her willow-like brows, somewhat displeased.
"How many days has it been, and you're still at the hand-holding stage? Aren't you very confident?"
Huh?
Hoshino Jun blinked blankly, "Yeah, we're already holding hands."
Is this progress not fast enough?
You, Chairwoman Yamada, should know that all the people you found before made no progress at all.
"Too slow." Yamada Ran seemed to be in a bad mood, deliberately looking for trouble, "With you like this, who knows how many days it will take to win her over? I just want to see Saionji Ayako's embarrassed look, unable to get what she loves. Hurry up."
Hoshino Jun had a certain unutterable sentiment.
Who was that? That was Saionji Ayako, who had not been close to men for over thirty years. How could Hoshino Jun speed things up?
Judging from her consistently cold and indifferent attitude, if it weren't for the pretense of acting, Hoshino Jun wasn't even sure if he could hold her hand in half a month.
Now she wanted to see her unable to get what she loved? Maybe next year.
"If you achieve the goal within a month, your reward will be doubled."
Huh?
How much?
Fifteen million yen doubled.
Wouldn't that be thirty million yen?
Hoshino Jun stood at attention, chest out, and replied in a loud voice, "Mission accomplished, guaranteed!"
"And if you fail?"
"Only seppuku."
"You're excused from seppuku." Yamada Ran rolled her eyes at him, pulled a cigarette from her pack, lit it, took a deep drag, and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
At this moment, in Hoshino Jun's eyes.
Chairwoman Yamada, even her act of smoking, was so elegant and beautiful.
She changed her posture, crossing her legs in white high-heeled sandals, and rested one hand, along with the generous fruit at her chest, on the table:
"If you fail, then after you graduate from university, you'll directly join the Yamada Group to work."
Good heavens.
Hoshino Jun only wanted Yamada Ran's thirty million, but Yamada Ran wanted Hoshino Jun's entire life.
Hoshino Jun generally wouldn't agree to such a losing bet.
It's just that…
Yamada Ran offered too much.
"Alright, I accept."
Not only Yamada Ran's bet, Hoshino Jun wanted to win.
He also wanted to win Yamada Ran herself.
At this moment, Yamada Ran, with a slight upturn of her lips, watching the young man gallantly accept the bet, was yet unaware.
That the young man's true target was her.
And today.
Was the time for Hoshino Jun to launch his second offensive against Yamada Ran.