I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 59 As the Sea Level Sinks

Uncle Sato?

This was the first time Tsukino Gen had heard this title from this girl, and it was also the first time he had met this man.

The man, however, seemed quite natural, and the concern and tenderness on his face appeared very genuine.

Judging from his clothing and demeanor, he is easily associated with a successful person who has a respectable job and a smooth life.

Especially the Mercedes parked next to it.

He smiled and said, "I was planning to come straight to you, but when I knocked on the door, you weren't there. I asked the security guard at the door, and he said you went out. So I'll wait for you here."

These words caught Kiyono Mizuki off guard.

"I was out today. Why did you come so suddenly? I didn't have to wait long, did I?"

The man smiled and said, "It's alright, I didn't have to wait long. I was just worried it would be inconvenient for you to go out, so I'm a little relieved to see you're back safely. By the way, is this your friend?"

His gaze finally fell on Tsukino Gen.

Gen Tsukino's expression remained calm. "I am her neighbor, Gen Tsukino."

"You look so young, are you still in school?"

This question was somewhat abrupt and insightful.

However, Tsukino Gen did not deny it, "Yes, in my second year of high school."

"It must be quite difficult for a high school sophomore to take care of Jian Yue, right? I'm so grateful that there is such a kind boy like you in this world."

Gen Tsukino found these words strange, but he didn't show it for the time being, only responding indifferently, "It's alright, she's not a problem, she's not having a hard time."

"That's fine, that's fine."

The man nodded repeatedly, seemingly very grateful for everything.

Kiyono Mizuki seemed a little awkward. She looked up and asked, "Uncle Sato, is there something you need today?"

The man looked at Kiyono Mizuki, then sighed softly.

"Nothing else, I just heard something and came to see how you are."

"Condition."

"Yeah, those debt collectors are still bothering you, right? I saw the paint on your door, it's just too much."

Kiyono Mizuki's good mood, which she had accumulated throughout the day, seemed to vanish in an instant. Yes, what did it matter how much fun she had before? The troubles of life would still entangle her, and those glaring paint and words would still remind her that she was a quagmire.

The girl, looking dejected, shook her head. "It's nothing, I'm used to it."

"No, of course not."

The man suddenly said this.

He looked at the girl and said softly with a gentle expression, "It's my fault for not dissuading your father from starting his business before, which led him to incur so much debt in a moment of impulsiveness. I've watched you grow up, and I can't let you bear all of this alone."

"what?"

“Mitsuki, I want to help you pay off your debts, provide you with a better living environment, and find the most suitable treatment plan for you. I can’t let Kiyono’s child live such a terrible life.”

"Wait, wait a minute."

Kiyono Mizuki seemed somewhat incredulous, looking at the other person with hesitation.

“Uncle Sato, my father owes a lot of money to loan sharks. I can’t trouble you like this. I appreciate your kindness, but since it’s my father’s problem, I’ll take care of it myself.”

"But how will you take responsibility? You need help even to go out now. Don't feel embarrassed. In my heart, you're no different from my daughter. Besides, I'm not married or have children yet, and I don't have any other financial burdens. Helping you is the right thing to do. Don't you trust your uncle?"

The man's eyes seemed to be full of tenderness and affection.

It seemed like an enticing offer, as if it had suddenly opened a door to his dark life.

But in fact, Kiyono Mizuki didn't think about it for long. She didn't really believe in free lunches, nor did she want to take advantage of other people's kindness.

Or rather, the only thing she trusted was the hand behind her that was tightly gripping her wheelchair.

She lifted her face, a genuine smile appearing on her lips.

"I understand your good intentions, Uncle Sato, but I really can't trouble you."

A hint of regret appeared on Sato's face.

He shook his head. "It's okay. You don't need to refuse too soon, and don't be too stubborn. If you run into trouble, you can contact me anytime. You have my phone number."

"Ok, I know."

It seems this is the end of the conversation.

But at that moment, Sato looked at Tsukino Gen.

"Tsukino-kun, right? Can I talk to you alone? I just wanted to thank you for taking care of Mizuki."

Gen Tsukino glanced at Mizuki Kiyono without refusing; he was also curious to know what this suddenly appearing man wanted to say to him.

First, they took Kiyono Mizuki to the old security guard at the gate, and then Tsukino Gen and Sato stood by the car.

The man looked at the boy with a smile.

"Jian Yue is indeed a very strong child, isn't she?"

"Yes, that's how life has been for her. She has no choice but to be strong."

“That’s very insightful. But as her father’s best friend, I have no reason to stand idly by. I would feel guilty watching her get stuck in this quagmire. Can you understand that feeling?”

Looking into his seemingly sincere eyes, Tsukino Gen didn't agree, but instead said...

“I think Jian Yue is an adult now. Although she has physical disabilities, she is mentally mature. She has the right to choose what kind of life she wants to live. Sometimes what others think is better for her may not be what she wants.”

He phrased it tactfully, but he felt Sato would understand.

Sato understood perfectly, and he simply smiled easily.

"When life is hit hard and a loved one is lost, it's easy for people to get stuck in a rut. I understand that you must have been there for her through those difficult times. But this is just the beginning. What about the future? Without money and resources, her legs will never heal. And it seems impossible for her to earn enough to support herself."

"So it's a vicious cycle. As she gets older and the years go by, her life will only become more and more painful and inconvenient. So I want to help her change all of this. I believe that you, Tsukino-kun, are also kind-hearted and genuinely want the best for her. So you should understand what I mean even more."

Gen Tsukino narrowed his eyes and looked at the other person. "I think I understand."

"Ah."

Sato nodded. Then he said, "Then I'll trouble you to persuade her. It's not too late to change things while she's still young. I'll be going now. Please take care of her."

Gen Tsukino watched as the man got into the car, and before starting the engine, he gave him a friendly smile.

Only then did he leave politely.

Everything seemed impeccable.

His words seemed flawless, even suggesting a heart of gold.

If Tsukino Gen is truly just an ordinary high school sophomore, and an orphan at that, then the best course of action is to consider things from Kiyono Mizuki's perspective and trust this friend of Kiyono Mizuki's father.
Is it true?
Tsukino Gen returned to Kiyono Mizuki's side and pushed her home.

Before they could speak immediately, Tsukino Gen received a call from an unknown number.

He was a little confused. After answering, he asked, "Hello, who is this?"

He asked a question, but the other party didn't respond at all; it was so quiet that it was as if there was no one there.

He frowned and hung up the phone. He checked the number several times; he had never seen it before. His memory was terrifyingly good.

But why did they call at this exact moment, without making a sound? It just so happens to be the day Sato came to see Kiyono Mizuki.
The girl's words, which came out of her low spirits, interrupted his thoughts.

“His name is Yuta Sato. He’s a good friend of my parents. They went to high school together and college together. They knew each other when my parents first got together. When my parents had their accident, he helped with the funeral arrangements. Afterwards, he kept calling to check on me and tried to give me some financial assistance, but I refused. I’m afraid of accepting excessive kindness from others; I’m afraid I won’t be able to repay it.”

Gen Tsukino looked down at her thick black hair, which fell onto her fair neck and into her hollow collarbone.

"What do you want to say?"

Kiyono Mizuki looked up, her eyes deep and thoughtful, as if she were feeling sad.

"I know roughly what he told you. Are you trying to persuade me to accept his help?"

"Do you want to accept this yourself?"

Tsukino Gendo asked.

The door opened, using his key.

He didn't turn on the lights immediately, but closed the door; the room was somewhat dark.

They both seemed to be shrouded in shadow, creating an unfamiliar atmosphere.

Kiyono Mizuki bit her lower lip.

If I accept, will you respect my decision?

She was worried.

Her heart was racing when she asked that question.

She even had a weak urge to close her eyes directly in the darkness.

But Tsukino Gen turned on the light so she could see the look in her eyes.

Serious and diligent.

“I don’t think that was necessarily a good intention, and I won’t let you accept it.”

Upon hearing this, Kiyono Mizuki visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

She laughed, feeling a great sense of relief.

"What, do you really think I'm your pet kitten? You're not allowed to go to other people's places."

She intentionally lightened the conversation, making the atmosphere as familiar as possible for both of them.

Gen Tsukino nodded matter-of-factly. "Of course. I've taken care of you for so long. If I let someone else take you away so easily, and if they actually cured you, wouldn't I get nothing? I'd be at a huge loss."

"Huh?!" Kiyono Mizuki blushed instantly. She knew this boy spoke recklessly, but this was too direct, wasn't it?

What exactly do you want from me? I'm offering it to you, but you won't take it.

He carried the blushing girl to the living room and skillfully lifted her onto the sofa.

She looked at the boy who was stubborn but always gentle with her and said softly.

"At the time, I wasn't tempted at all by what Uncle Sato said."

Tsukino Gen looked at her with amusement.

"You weren't even tempted when he offered to heal your legs?"

The girl shook her head decisively.

"You might not know this, but sometimes I really want to just cut off both my legs, so I won't keep fantasizing about whether they can get better, and I won't have this disappointment that comes with hope. Maybe that way I can live a normal life."

But Tsukino Gen shook his head, "We can't cut it."

"why?"

"There is one reason why I absolutely disagree."

"What reason?"

Kiyono asked curiously.

Then she saw Tsukino Gen sitting on the sofa, right next to her, but this time a little further away.

But soon, he fell towards himself.

He lay down on his legs, which he had no feeling in, and looked into his trembling, shocked eyes.

"If you cut it, there won't be any way to make a lap pillow for me."

He closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying the moment.

Unable to speak, Kiyono Mizuki eventually swallowed all her shock and embarrassment.

She glanced at it and then placed it on the other side of the sofa, where the bag was almost full of dolls.

Then she slowly reached out and gently stroked the short hair on his forehead.

I'm not entirely without value to him, am I?
As the sun set outside the window, their even breathing was like that of a calm sea.

It sank.

……

The release date is confirmed! It will be available next Wednesday, the 16th, at noon. Let's not say anything else, it'll be a little surprise for everyone!
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(End of this chapter)