Elf: Rewriting the script, starting with Black Stocking Hanako

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating Ai Mei's face.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

The first thing I saw was a familiar face: Jiang Chuan.

He was still asleep, breathing steadily, and the lines of his profile looked particularly soft in the morning light.

Ai Mei blushed slightly, then carefully moved Jiang Chuan's arm away from her waist and gently sat up from the bed.

A wave of soreness washed over my body.

Her face flushed slightly, but she couldn't help but smile.

Then she turned to look at the window.

The sunlight filtering through the gaps in the curtains was already quite bright.

It was broad daylight.

Her beautiful expression froze instantly.

"Oh no! Oh no!"

She jumped off the bed suddenly, her legs buckled when she landed, and she almost fell.

She quickly steadied herself by the bedside and then hurriedly began to dress.

She quickly put it on.

Then I picked up the bra from the bedside table and quickly buttoned it up.

Then put on that light blue T-shirt and jeans.

The whole process takes no more than two minutes.

She was getting dressed as she walked towards the door, muttering to herself.

"Oh no, it's so late, Mom must have been up long ago."

"Hanako-nee and Kasumi must be up too."

"I can't believe I slept in this late..."

She opened the door and quickly walked out.

Then she froze.

The scene in the living room left her completely stunned.

A steaming hot breakfast was already laid out on the table.

Plain congee, side dishes, fried eggs, steamed buns, and a pot of hot tea.

Every dish was steaming hot, clearly freshly made.

Ayano was wiping the table with a rag, her movements were quick and efficient, her face was rosy, and she looked particularly energetic.

She wasn't surprised at all when she saw Aimei come out of Jiang Chuan's room; instead, she greeted her with a smile.

"You're up? Go wash your face and brush your teeth, breakfast will be ready soon."

Aimei opened her mouth as if to say something, but her gaze was drawn to the scene in the yard.

In the yard, Hanako was squatting on the ground, holding some Pokémon food in her hand, feeding Pikachu and Eevee.

Pikachu was eating with great relish, its mouth covered in food crumbs.

"Pikachu Pikachu~"

Ibu ate happily, wagging its tail like a little fan.

"Bueebuee~"

Xiaoxia stood to the side, holding a basin of water, giving the fiery monkey a bath.

The fiery monkey sat in the water basin, looking quite content, and occasionally shook the water off itself, splashing Xia all over.

"Hey! Stop shaking me!"

"Haha, it itches so much!"

Xiaoxia's laughter drifted in from the courtyard, clear and melodious.

Then Aimi saw Abbyron.

The Hitmonlee was standing in a corner of the yard, next to Pikachu and Eevee, and was quietly eating its share of food.

Its wounds have almost healed, and it seems to be in good spirits.

Hanako would occasionally pat its head, and it didn't resist; instead, it showed a gentle expression.

Aimei stood at the door, completely stunned.

At that moment, she suddenly realized that she was no longer the only one struggling to support the family.

She used to have so many things to do every morning when she woke up.

First, I went to check on my mother's condition, took her blood pressure, gave her her medication, and prepared breakfast.

Then go to the dojo to clean, organize the equipment, and wait for challengers.

When I get home in the evening, I still have to cook, do laundry, and tidy up the house.

All the burdens fell on her shoulders alone.

She dared not complain about being tired, dared not give up, dared not collapse.

Because she collapsed, this family is finished.

but now……

My mother's condition has improved, and she is able to cook and clean the house by herself now.

Hanako and Misty are here too, so they can help take care of the Pokémon.

and also……

Her gaze fell on Jiang Chuan, who had just come out of the room.

Jiang Chuan walked over to her with a coat in his hand and draped it over her shoulders.

"It's chilly in the morning, don't catch a cold."

His voice was calm, but carried a reassuring warmth.

Ai Mei smiled slightly in response.

"Um."

Ayano peeked out from the kitchen.

"Alright, alright, stop standing at the door and come in to eat."

"Porridge doesn't taste good when it gets cold."

Aimei took a deep breath, turned around, and went into the house.

Hanako and Misty also came in from the yard, bringing Pikachu and the others with them.

The family sat down at the table.

Ayano served everyone a bowl of porridge.

"Come on, eat it while it's hot."

Aimei picked up the bowl and took a sip.

"It tastes good."

She said softly.

Then I took another sip.

Ayano sat beside her daughter, watching her drink porridge, a satisfied smile on her face.

Then her gaze fell on Jiang Chuan.

Jiang Chuan was quietly drinking his porridge, his movements unhurried but very focused on each sip.

Ayano became more and more satisfied with what she saw.

When everyone had almost finished eating, Ayano put down her chopsticks and glanced at Aimi.

Then she stood up, pretending to go to the kitchen to get something, and as she passed by Aimi, she whispered something.

"Aimei, come help Mom with these things."

Without thinking much, Aimi followed Ayano into the kitchen.

Ayano stood in the kitchen, turned around, and looked at her daughter.

Her eyes gleamed with a gossipy light, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

"How about it, you love beauty?"

"Was last night's milk enough to get pregnant?"

Aimei was drinking milk when she heard this and spat it out with a "pfft".

Milk was sprayed all over the floor.

Then she choked and coughed violently.

"Cough cough cough... Oh dear~ Mom, what are you saying?"

Ai Mei's face turned as red as if it were about to bleed, and she panicked completely.

Ayano looked at her daughter with an innocent expression.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Did you two just chat in bed last night?"

Her expression turned slightly worried.

"Still they didn't let Jiang Chuan stay?"

Ai Mei's face turned even redder, and she looked like she was about to burst into flames.

"Oh dear, Mom!"

She lowered her head, her voice barely audible, like a mosquito's buzz.

"Yes, there is..."

Her voice grew softer and softer.

"But I don't go during those two days..."

Ayano's expression relaxed slightly, but she still stared at her daughter.

"Besides, I'll be busy organizing the Fighting Spirit Dojo later, so... I won't have time to think about this~"

Ai Mei's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

Ayano nodded, her smile deepening.

"Are you tidying up the dojo...?"

She thought about it.

"I do have time, I can bring it for you..."

"Anyway, I'm healthier now, so I might as well just sit around doing nothing."

Ai Mei was so anxious that she stomped her feet.

"Oh dear, Mom, you...you go and do your thing~"

She reached out and pushed Ayano out of the kitchen.

Ayano was pushed forward by her, smiling from ear to ear.

"Okay, okay, I won't say anything more."

"But if you really are pregnant, you must tell me."

"Mom is preparing some supplements for you."

"Mother!"

The voices of those who love beauty have all changed tone.

Ayano burst into laughter; this was the first time she had ever seen her daughter so shy.