I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 317 Eternal Life
The brilliant summer has passed.

Its story, however, is not yet over.

Or rather, everything is the tail end it left behind. It's the things left undone, the conversations left unfinished, the final echoes of the remaining struggles.

Mochizuki Miki once thought that it wouldn't be so bad to die easily in some summer.

Even if a brilliant actress dies in the grandest way, countless people will remember her existence and lament her passing.

Of course, a person who understands the true meaning of death will not have many concerns about dying, nor will they care about the impact their death will have on the rest of the world.

How much despair she brought to her fans and the audience who believed in her.

But now that she has regained hope for life and understands that happiness has not abandoned her, she feels fortunate that she did not die hastily.

Because I am still alive, I can still feel the presence of love.

Because we are still alive, we can look forward to tomorrow.

Because I am still alive, I feel that everything in this world is still closely related to me.

She wasn't isolated to another world, nor was her soul left to wander alone. Nor did she die in the most desolate and lonely way she feared most.

Holding his body, living in his warmth.

This was not the aftermath of everything being over; Gen Tsukino treated her body again.

It is evident that with the continuous, painstaking treatment, although each session consumes a significant amount of one's internal energy, the effects are gradually becoming apparent.

The probability of her having an attack is getting lower and lower, although it's impossible for Tsukino Gen to go so far as to change even this woman's genetic defects. However, he can strengthen her body so that she can resist the symptoms when the attack occurs.

Basically, as long as a specific timeframe is chosen, although it's possible that the genetic defect cannot be fundamentally reversed even at the end of life, it can at least guarantee that she will not develop the disease again and that her life will continue in a normal, or even long, manner.

There was no other way; the treatment process was always as arduous as ever, leaving me drenched in sweat every time. So, I had no choice but to take a shower.

Gen Tsukino declined the other party's invitation to bathe together.

There's no other reason, it's just that I'm perfectly healthy, can't I wash myself? Do you really think I'm a massage therapist? Offering a full-service package, huh?

just kidding.

Something unusual is bound to happen tonight, so there's no need to enjoy it prematurely. Delaying enjoyment when possible is a form of happiness.

Gen Tsukino also took a bath.

I must say, their bathroom was indeed very convenient.

But what's with this black lace hanging on the shelf? Was it intentional?

The spoils of war display?
I don't know, maybe it's just a little trick of this woman's.

Some people always think they're incredibly clever, leaving clues everywhere, afraid the other party won't notice. It's like those villains in movies who could have committed a perfect crime, but insist on leaving some hints for the detective or police.

Of course, it could be an effect deliberately created for dramatic effect.

But this mentality does exist in humans. If no one notices or appreciates your masterpiece, it's as if you haven't done anything at all.

After taking a shower, Tsukino Gen didn't put on any clothes, just wrapped himself in a bath towel and left the room. Even though Mochizuki Miki had thoughtfully prepared pajamas that fit him perfectly.

Seeing that Tsukino Gen's hair was slightly damp and that his beautifully shaped shoulders and collarbone were exposed, he walked into the room.

Mochizuki Miki was a little dumbfounded, "You just came out like that?"

Gen Tsukino said nonchalantly, "Maybe I'm wrong, and I don't need to take my clothes off later?"

The mature woman, who had returned to her bed early, sat up abruptly, bending her legs behind her back in a classic duck-sitting position.

Gen Tsukino believes this pose is exclusively for women.

Only women can fully bring out the beauty and allure of this movement.

Especially a woman as beautiful and elegant as Mochizuki Mihime.

Her legs, clad in black stockings, rubbed against the sheets, the skin tightened by the edges of the stockings revealing an alluring tightness.

Her tall, slender figure was curvaceous and perfectly proportioned.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to become a national-level actress, since everything about her is in line with men's aesthetic standards.

As for the iconic beauty mark at the corner of the eye, there's no need to elaborate further.

She stared at the boy expectantly, "But if you keep this up, I won't be able to control myself right now, and I won't know how to hide it."

Tsukino Gen sat down on the edge of the bed, amused. "Then let's not do anything. You seem quite calm, not like you've lost your mind."

"boom!"

The words just finished.

As if to prove she wasn't lying, a soft, fragrant body pounced on her.

Gen Tsukino caught the other person steadily, and under the bright light at the bedside, he looked at the face that was very close to him.

"It shouldn't have come to this."

"Of course."

Mochizuki Miki looked intently into the boy's eyes.

Her gaze lingered, moving from the other person's eyes to their nose and then to their lips.

When she couldn't resist reaching out to touch the boy's lips, she whispered, "I remember the first time I asked you out, in that teahouse."

"Ah."

“At that time, I seemed very carefree. I told you that it didn’t matter if you didn’t save me. I could bear the consequences of death. I also seemed to have no expectations for the future.”

"Yes."

That was indeed the case for Mochizuki Mihime at that time.

His calm demeanor was even somewhat unexpected.

Gen Tsukino admitted that he himself might not be able to remain calm in the face of such a situation.

She smiled, still exuding charm.

"Actually, I'm not that brave. What I fear most is that, like in many stories, a woman who could have had a more beautiful life chooses to die alone in the most tragic way, in a corner where no one knows her."

"But some things are true. For example, when I decided to become an actor, I hoped that when the day came, someone would be sad because of my departure, and that I would leave behind some works that would make people remember that I was once in this world."

"But now, I don't care about any of that anymore. It's not just because I seem to be able to live a normal life, but also because I genuinely feel that my life doesn't need so many spectators. Whether or not so many people remember me, it really doesn't matter."

Gen Tsukino watched as her expression grew increasingly moved as she spoke.

I understand that she is speaking from the heart at this moment.

There will always be nights like this, when you have to truly speak out about your inner wounds, hidden corners, and unspeakable secrets.

Whether you're laughing, crying, or making fun of yourself, it doesn't really matter.

Being able to speak out and have someone listen is already a very fortunate thing.

Is the most tragic thing that you only have one chance in your life to be honest with yourself, but no one cares how much suffering you have endured?
Do people only see you as a clown on stage, or a character who is not important in life at all?

That's pathetic.

Gen Tsukino doesn't want to become that kind of person either.

So he gently stroked the mature woman's soft hair, then his hand fell on her face.

Her large hands could easily cover her cheeks.

She also reached out and placed her hand on the back of Tsukino Gen's hand, as if she wanted him to feel more, that she was willing to let him control his own will.

"Actually, I think you deserve so many viewers who care about you. Of course, if you change your mind and don't want to expose your life to the public like this, I support you. Whatever lifestyle you choose is your freedom and right. All I can do is make you a late-night snack since you work too late and don't have time to eat properly."

He smiled to himself.

"To be honest, I'm ashamed to say that there's nothing I can do for you. I can't give you a normal identity, so naturally I can't go out in public places with you. It's really difficult for you to make up your mind; you have to make some choices. Of course, if you don't care about these things, then I won't try to persuade you any further. As for whether you'll regret it in the future, we can talk about that later."

"Pfft, what are you doing?"

The woman couldn't help but throw herself into his arms, hugging his neck tightly, as if he might disappear if she let go.

"Why are you making it sound like saving my life is a small thing? You saved my whole life."

Gen Tsukino shook his head. "It's not that serious. If you've already given up on your life, there's no point in me trying to save you. You are the one who saves your own life; life is not the same as living. When you decide to become an actor and shine brightly in front of everyone, your life is already vibrant. As for being able to save you, that's my good fortune."

Hearing what Tsukino Gen said.

Mochizuki Miki remained silent for a long time.

She remained silent for a long time until her eyes grew increasingly red, and she couldn't help but bury her face in the boy's neck.

"Why do you talk like that? Do you know how wonderful you are? It's really hard for me to convince myself to share you with others, because I only want to possess you."

Gen Tsukino stroked her soft hair.

"I also regret this matter."

"No regrets, everyone has to choose a way of life. I've chosen this one, and I won't look back."

She looked up, this time with seriousness.

She practically rode on Tsukino Gen's back, showcasing the perfect lines of her upper body.

Strands of hair fell down.

Her jet-black hair covered half of her face, but it only accentuated her charm and allure.

"So now, can you please let me not have even the slightest intention of regretting it?"

Gen Tsukino couldn't help but laugh.

"What are you saying? Have I ever disappointed you?"

His arms tightened around her waist.

A little bit closer, and there's no escaping it, so there's no need to hide.

Mochizuki Miki lowered her head, pressed her lips to his lips, and spoke in an almost trembling voice.

"Love me forever."

"Even if you're lying to me, it's fine."

……

(End of this chapter)