Oh no! They all seem a bit off!

Chapter 109 Akizuki Makoto begins to suspect Shimizu Rei!

"...I was too excited."

Seeing Qiu Yuecheng's anxious expression, Ji Yexue realized that she had misunderstood.

She sat back down in her chair, picked up her teacup, took a sip of hot tea, and said, "Don't blame me for suspecting you, because you were there when my body became abnormal twice, so I can only suspect that you did it."

"You said your body has become abnormal..."

Qiu Yuecheng frowned, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "What do you mean? Why did you say he was ruthless and wanted to kill you?"

"I don't know how to describe that feeling. You just need to know that at that time, I was in so much pain that I wanted to die."

Seemingly recalling her feelings at that time, Ji Yexue's expression turned grim, and she said in a low voice, "Fortunately, it didn't last long, only a few seconds."

"……Feel sorry."

Upon hearing this, Akizuki Makoto remained silent for a while before apologizing in a low voice. He already had someone in mind who would target Ji Yexue.

Both morally and logically, he should apologize to Ji Yexue on behalf of that person.

Although Ji Yexue was the one who made things difficult for her first, she shouldn't have resorted to such ruthless methods.

If Ji Yexue hadn't interrogated him today, he would never have imagined that his childhood sweetheart had secretly plotted against Ji Yexue!
There were only three of them present, so he couldn't possibly suspect that Dongzi did it, could he?
Moreover, Shimizu Rei also had a motive for the crime, making her more suspicious than Fuyuko.

"If you didn't do it, then who could it be?"

Ji Yexue was filled with doubt, and this doubt even made her wonder if there was a hidden danger in her body that current medical methods could not detect.
After all, she is a superpowered individual, so it is perfectly reasonable that the side effects of overusing her superpowers would not be detected by any medical means.

"..."

Faced with Ji Yexue's question, Qiuyue Cheng turned his head away and fell silent.

He couldn't tell Ji Yexue that it was actually Shimizu Rei who did it.

In that case, Ji Yexue, in her rage, might seek revenge on Shimizu Rei.

He didn't want his childhood sweetheart to be in danger, so he could only choose to remain silent in order to protect Shimizu Rei.

Of course, this doesn't mean he'll pretend nothing happened; he'll go find Shimizu Rei and ask her for clarification later.

...Akizuki Makoto still harbored a sliver of hope, thinking that perhaps this was just an accident and not something that Shimizu Rei or Fuyuko did.

He really couldn't imagine that Shimizu Rei would do such a thing; she shouldn't be such a narrow-minded person.

Even if they are dissatisfied, they will not maliciously harm other people's bodies.

Otherwise, if Ji Yexue and several other abnormal women were to maliciously use their superpowers to harm others out of jealousy, wouldn't the consequences be unimaginable?

Each of them possesses the power to turn the world into a bloodbath.

"Forget it, let's not dwell on this."

Since she couldn't figure it out, Ji Yexue simply gave up thinking about it. In her view, the result was nothing more than either Qiu Yuecheng or something wrong with herself.

Akizuki Makoto is too suspicious to be cleared of suspicion. If she really wants to suspect that it was done by someone, then she can only suspect him, and it can only be him.

However, she also firmly believed that Akizuki Makoto was not that kind of person, so she was more inclined to suspect that her body had become abnormal due to overuse of her superpowers.

After that, Akizuki Makoto heated up the bento boxes and chatted with Himeyasuki about Fuyuko, passing the lunch break.

……

After school in the afternoon, Akizuki Makoto and Ji Yexue met at the school gate and got into the luxury car that had come to pick her up.

Ji Yexue casually reclined in her chair, smoothed her hair that was loose over her shoulders, and said with a smile, "You and that philandering cat seem to have a good relationship. I've heard all the gossip about your romance in class."

The term "cat that steals fish" naturally refers to Maki Shiina.

"It's just boring gossip."

Qiuyue answered absentmindedly, her eyes fixed on the street scene rushing past the car window.

So you're saying your relationship is just so-so?

"..."

"Pretending not to hear again."

Seeing that Qiuyue Cheng was starting to pretend to be deaf and dumb, Ji Yexue curled her lips, feeling very bored.

She had only mentioned it casually and didn't expect Qiuyue Cheng to give any decent answer.

Because neither admitting it nor denying it would be appropriate. If they denied that they had a good relationship, it would be too fake, but they should admit it...

Isn't this like unleashing a powerful attack right up against Ji Yexue's face?

She will definitely be even more critical of Akizuki Makoto, making him feel embarrassed.

The two fell silent, each turning their heads to look at the scenery outside the car window.

There's really nothing to see, but it's better than nothing at all.

After returning to his apartment in Hakusan 1-chome, Akizuki Makoto opened the car door and entered the apartment.

Looking out the car window at the apartment, Ji Yexue muttered to herself, "Those philanderers...it really is time to do something about it."

……

After taking the elevator to the sixth floor, Akizuki Makoto opened the door, walked into the living room without taking off his shoes, and went straight to the closed bedroom.

"Fuyuko!"

He didn't open the bedroom door immediately, but stood at the doorway and called out to it, just in case anything unexpected happened.

"Huh? Brother."

Upon hearing his voice, Dongzi immediately jumped out of bed and opened the bedroom door.

She clung to the bedroom door, half her body hidden behind it, looking at Qiu Yuecheng with a guilty and uneasy expression, and whispered, "Brother, welcome back..."

"Go change your clothes and come out with me."

Akizuki Makoto didn't say anything, but after leaving a sentence, he turned and walked towards the entrance to wait.

We can talk about scolding them when we get back from Ji Ye's house.

Dongzi quickly changed her clothes, still wearing a white dress, and holding a black plush rabbit in her arms.

She walked to Qiu Yuecheng's side, took his hand, and asked softly, "Brother, where are we going?"

"I'm visiting an older sister's house."

After Qiuyue finished speaking concisely, she took Dongzi down the elevator and got into the car parked downstairs.

He sat in the front passenger seat, letting Dongzi sit in the back with Ji Yexue.

“How cute.”

Ji Yexue looked at Dongzi, who was wearing a white dress and looked timid and uneasy, placed her hand on Dongzi's head, gently stroked it, and smiled softly.

"Hello, sister..."

Although Dongzi felt uneasy, she still spoke softly and greeted Ji Yexue.

"Why are you so nervous?"

Ji Yexue felt a slight tremor in her palm, tilted her head, and looked slightly confused, wondering if she was really that scary.

Akizuki Makoto turned around from the passenger seat and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, this older sister will treat Dongzi to cake in the future."

"And?"

Ji Yexue accurately caught Qiuyue Cheng's words and said with a smile, "It seems that before I could get along with Dongzi, that thieving cat had already made its move."

"...Do you always have to be number one in everything?"

Akizuki Makoto felt the coldness emanating from her and was speechless.

"Of course, you know how strict my grandfather is. He taught me from a young age that if you're going to do something, you should do it the best."

After saying that, Ji Yexue turned her head to look at Dongzi beside her and said softly, "From now on, if you want to eat cake, come to me and I will give you the best cake in the world so you can eat your fill."

"Don't spoil her too much. I'll buy her whatever she wants to eat; she doesn't need you to."

"Stop talking nonsense and shut your mouth. It's me and Dongzi talking now, so don't interrupt."

"……Row."

Akizuki Makoto turned his head back with a hint of helplessness. In any case, no matter how much Ji Yexue tempted or seduced Dongzi, it would be of no use without his consent as her older brother.

"Dongzi, from now on, you'll only eat the cakes your sister buys, okay?"

Ji Yexue asked with a smile, then continued, "No matter what kind of cake it is, I'll buy it for you."

"You should ask your brother about this."

Dongzi responded softly, looking at Qiuyue Cheng for help, but Qiuyue Cheng had his back to her and was unable to respond to her plea.

"It's okay, your brother has to listen to me too."

Ji Yexue smiled, then looked at Qiuyue Cheng and asked, "Right? Cheng?"

"..."

Qiu Yuecheng chose to activate his passive skill and pretend to be deaf and dumb, since Ji Yexue had told him to shut up and not to interrupt.

Seeing this, Ji Yexue smiled even more smugly, placed her hand on Dongzi's head and stroked it, saying softly, "See, he listens to me so well. Just now, I told him to shut up and not interrupt, and he immediately stopped talking."

"Brother, brother..."

Dongzi stared wide-eyed in surprise, never expecting that her brother would actually listen to Ji Yexue.

But this did not make her admire Ji Yexue, or trust or feel close to her; instead, it made her even more afraid.

The fact that this older sister, Ji Yexue, can make her brother so obedient and docile is truly terrifying.

After that, Ji Yexue acted like a wicked woman who abducted children, constantly tempting Dongzi with promises of endless cakes, and then telling her not to eat other people's cakes anymore.

Although Dongzi was very eager to agree to Ji Yexue's request, she didn't dare to speak without her brother's consent and remained silent.

Ji Yexue didn't care, thinking that Dongzi was simply socially awkward and shy.

If she knew that Fuyuko and Shiina Maki became very close right after meeting, I wonder what she would think.

"Miss, here we are."

As the car drove into the large courtyard and stopped at the entrance of the mansion, the driver respectfully said something and got out to open the car door for each of them.

As soon as they got off the car, Dongzi clung to Qiuyue Cheng, holding his arm with both hands, a hint of unease creeping into her expression.

Seeing this, Akizuki Makoto placed his hand on Touko's head, stroking it as he comforted her, "Don't be afraid, Himeya-neechan is not a bad person. Touko can trust her and be close to her."

No matter what, Ji Yexue meant well and wanted to get closer to Dongzi. Dongzi's constant fear was rather impolite.

He didn't know why Fuyuko could get close to Shiina Maki so quickly, but Himeya Yuki couldn't.

Clearly, Ji Yexue had already promised to buy lots and lots of cakes for Dongzi.

"Is what Sister Ji Ye said true?"

Dongzi hesitated and asked softly, "Brother really... listens to her?"

Akizuki Makoto laughed, vigorously rubbed Touko's head, and said, "Of course it's fake, but Sister Himeya can indeed buy you lots and lots of cakes, so many that you can't eat them all in your lifetime."

"Hmm... but I feel like Himeya-neechan is a little scary."

"Haha, it's okay, let's get to know each other slowly, there's no need to feel guilty..." During the chat, Akizuki Makoto took Touko's hand and followed Ji Yexue into the entrance hall. Then, with the help of the servants, they changed into indoor shoes.

After a winding and unsteady journey, they arrived at the main room, where Mrs. Himeya had already prepared hot tea and was waiting for them.

Upon seeing the three enter, she greeted them with a smile: "Welcome home, Qiuyue... Oh dear, since you brought your younger sister along, shouldn't you address her by her name?"

Mrs. Ji Ye touched her cheek with her hand, her brows furrowed slightly, looking somewhat troubled.

"Long time no see, Auntie. You can just call me by my name."

Akizuki Makoto bowed his head in greeting, then looked at Fuyuko beside him and said softly, "Come on, say hello to your aunt."

Upon hearing this, Dongzi lowered her head somewhat timidly and then greeted him.

"Hello, my name is Akizuki Fuyuko. Nice to meet you."

"What a lovely child."

Mrs. Ji Ye's smile became even gentler and more amiable. As she looked at Dongzi, it was as if she were seeing Ji Yexue from her childhood.

They are both beautiful and lovely, the only difference is the temperament they exude from within.

However, her timid and shy nature has its own charm, because it is a personality trait that would never appear in the Ji Ye family.

"Come on, Xiao Dongzi."

Mrs. Himeya beckoned to Fuyuko, then patted the seat next to her and said softly, "Sit here with me, let me take a good look at you."

"..."

Dongzi didn't respond immediately, but instead looked up at Qiuyue Cheng.

"Go."

Akizuki nodded with a smile, let go of her hand, and let Fuyuko walk over by herself.

After hesitating for a moment, Dongzi slowly walked towards Mrs. Jiye, who had a gentle smile on her face, and sat down next to her.

In Fuyuko's perception, Mrs. Himeya was a kind and gentle woman with a friendly and tolerant nature, so she wasn't actually that afraid of Mrs. Himeya.

My previous timidity was simply due to shyness.

"So cute."

Mrs. Jiye watched as Dongzi sat down beside her, carefully examining her features before smiling and saying, "Little Dongzi, I heard you like desserts?"

"……Um."

After a short silence, Dongzi nodded gently in agreement.

Upon seeing this, Mrs. Ji clapped her hands lightly, and the maid who was waiting outside immediately pushed open the screen and walked in with her head down.

"Bring all the desserts over."

After giving a soft instruction, Ji Yexue seemed to feel that the command was not specific enough, so she added, "All of them."

"Yes."

The maid responded and quietly left the main room, closing the screen behind her.

"……Why."

Seeing this, Akizuki Makoto hesitated, but considering that this was Mrs. Himeya's good intention, he could only sigh softly in the end.

The plan to get Dongzi to stop eating sweets is really a long and arduous one.

Every day, people would bring Dongzi sweets, and he couldn't refuse them, since they were all well-intentioned.

“Chengjun, Xiaoxue has already told me why you came to visit today.”

At this moment, Mrs. Hime turned her head to look at Akizuki Makoto and said with a faint smile, "Tomorrow, you can take Fuyuko to school. I have already made arrangements for her."

"Thank you, aunt."

Akizuki Makoto bowed his head in thanks, and he and Ji Yexue sat on the other side of the seats.

At this moment, Ji Yexue was making tea for him, fulfilling her duty as a host.

"It was nothing. If you need anything in the future, just come to me."

Mrs. Ji smiled, then glanced at Ji Yexue, shook her head, and smiled bitterly.

When Ji Yexue contacted her at noon and told her the whole story, she immediately understood Ji Yexue's little scheme.

Although Ji Yexue didn't really have much say at home, that was only true at home.

Outside, she can do whatever she wants; arranging a transfer student is just a matter of a few words, and it's all settled.

"Knock knock."

After a while, there was a knock on the screen. Mrs. Ji Ye responded and let them in. Then the screen was pushed open.

Maids dressed in kimonos filed in, carrying porcelain plates filled with all sorts of sweets, and arranged the sweets in a neat and orderly fashion.

There are many kinds, including cakes, macarons, tiramisu, cookies...

"This, so much?!"

Dongzi stared wide-eyed at the dazzling array of desserts laid out on the table, her young mind deeply moved.

So Ji Yexue was telling the truth; she really did have an endless supply of cake.

"How about it?"

Ji Yexue asked with a hint of smugness, "Dongzi, if you want to eat cake in the future, just tell your sister, and she'll let you eat as much as you want, but you can't eat cake from other people anymore."

"Xiaoxue, what are you saying? It's so childish. If your grandfather finds out, he'll scold you again."

Mrs. Ji Ye smiled wryly, knowing full well that her daughter's words meant she was arguing with another woman.

Perhaps influenced by that day, her relationship with Ji Yexue improved considerably, and Ji Yexue opened up to her a little more, able to share her innermost thoughts with her.

However, everything he said was about Makoto Akizuki.

He kept talking about Qiuyue Cheng and how he was bad, which made her very unhappy.

Mrs. Ji could only shake her head and smile bitterly, thinking that her daughter was still a long way from finding happiness.

At this stage, there is no doubt that Ji Yexue likes Qiuyue Cheng.

However, Ji Yexue's affection was too obsessive and twisted. Qiu Yuecheng was also a very proud person at heart, unwilling to be forced or to be subordinate to others. Therefore, her affection felt like a clash of titans.

When Ji Yexue's liking turns into love, then she will be able to move Qiu Yuecheng and truly enter his heart.

"But Grandpa isn't here..."

Ji Yexue muttered something, but didn't continue to brainwash Dongzi, making him only eat the desserts she gave him.

However, Dongzi seemed to be frightened by Ji Yexue's words, and even though she was eyeing the desserts in front of her, she hesitated to take a bite.

Even though Akizuki Makoto had already silently nodded, allowing her to eat it.

"Dongzi is very naive. If you say that, she really won't dare to eat it."

Akizuki Makoto was also full of helplessness, thinking that Ji Yexue's possessiveness was really strange. Once you accepted something from her, you couldn't accept something from others.

Such a demand is far too heavy, no wonder Dongzi dares not eat it.

It wasn't until Mrs. Hime couldn't bear to watch any longer and took a piece of pastry, feeding it to Dongzi and telling her not to pay attention to Hime's words, that Dongzi cautiously opened her mouth and ate the dessert.

This one meal was like opening Pandora's box, and she couldn't stop eating it.

“Y-yummy!”

Dongzi's eyes sparkled; she had never eaten such delicious pastries before.

"Eat more, there's more if you're still hungry."

Mrs. Hime smiled and picked up a spoon, then scooped up a piece of cake and fed it to Fuyuko.

"Auntie, don't let her eat too much. She's been eating desserts every day for the past few days. We need to control her intake."

Akizuki Makoto couldn't help but remind him, his expression quite helpless.

"Really? But I think if the child likes to eat it, let her eat it. Being able to eat is a blessing."

"……Ugh."

"Don't be so harsh, you sadistic siscon."

Ji Yexue chuckled from the side, picked up a piece of pastry and ate it, then sipped a mouthful of freshly brewed hot tea.

Perhaps because Akizuki Makoto had teased her at noon about how much she liked black tea, she was brewing green tea now. The tea had a light and elegant flavor, which went well with the sweet cake.

After that, the four of them enjoyed a pleasant tea and snack time in a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

Dinner was again kaiseki cuisine, but because Fuyuko had eaten too much cake before dinner, she didn't get to eat much.

Akizuki Makoto thoroughly enjoyed his meal, since he had just eaten a little to his fill last time before being dragged off to duel with Himeya Ryushun and hadn't had a chance to savor it yet.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'd rather not stay overnight. I have to go to school tomorrow."

After having dinner and staying at Himeya's house for about an hour, Akizuki Makoto politely declined Mrs. Himeya's request to stay overnight.

"OK then……"

Mrs. Ji Ye did not try to stop them any further. She nodded gently to show her understanding, and then said to Ji Yexue, "Xiaoxue, go and see Chengjun and Xiaodongzi off."

"Okay, mother."

Ji Yexue bowed her head in agreement, then bid farewell and, together with Qiuyue Cheng, led Dongzi away from the main room.

Mrs. Himeyasu watched as her daughter and Akizuki Mako took each other's hands and left the Japanese-style room, and she felt a deep sense of emotion.

In a flash, she saw a scene from the future, a picture of the two of them married, holding their daughter's hand.

……

"Did you enjoy your meal today?"

After leaving the vast mansion and getting into the car, Akizuki Makoto turned back to look at Fuyuko in the back seat and gave her a cold smile.

"Don't forget, you ate cake last night and haven't given your brother an explanation yet."

"Ugh?!"

Dongzi, who had been looking happy, was startled when she heard her brother say that, and her face instantly fell.

"elder brother……"

She tried to whine, but Qiu Yuecheng snorted and interrupted her, saying, "I'll teach you a lesson when we get back. You'd better prepare yourself mentally now."

"That's really strict."

Ji Yexue chuckled and teased, "You said I'm controlling, but aren't you the same? You make a fuss over eating sweets."

"Eating too much is bad for your health; the sugar content is too high."

"What a noble and righteous reason! No wonder he's a top student..."

As Ji Yexue was speaking, her expression suddenly changed, and she quickly shut her mouth and stopped talking.

Perhaps because she was too relaxed, she blurted out that name!
Fortunately, under her careful observation, Akizuki Makoto's expression did not show anything unusual, so he probably did not notice anything. This made her secretly breathe a sigh of relief and think to herself that it was a close call.

(End of this chapter)