The Hikigaya couple's youthful love story is definitely not a problem.

After all, she is a very approachable person. She has no airs of a rich young lady and makes people feel comfortable and at ease when she is with them.

Although it's unclear how Yukino treats others, Rumi was undoubtedly very comfortable with Yukino's attitude.

If she didn't genuinely enjoy socializing with Yukino, why would Rumi spend an entire day with Yukino every time she leaves Hachiman's side?

But today, after agreeing to let Yukino stay overnight at her home in Tokyo, the two of them traveled together to Ariake. Rumi then realized what true wealth inequality really meant.

What are you still standing there for? It's unclear how much Rumi was affected by this, but Yukino couldn't control herself because of the coldness emanating from her.

A mix of confusion and impatience fueled his desire to study in the US.

Thinking that the weather would warm up as early spring approached, Yukino naturally gave up on those thick, bulky clothes.

Although she is a mother of two, Yukino is not too old and has not given up her love of beauty because of her status as a mother or the illness she suffers from.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that the more unsatisfactory life is, the less you should give up on yourself.

Otherwise, if you give up on yourself, then there will be no one in the world who can save you. In recent years, Yukino has become more and more enthusiastic, more and more positive and optimistic. It is precisely with this idea in mind that she hopes to gain the care of others by changing her own personality, thereby forming a virtuous cycle.

Forcibly calming herself down, Rumi mentally hypnotized herself, after all, she was someone who often ran around and played in mansions, how could she be scared by this... place that she could never afford in her lifetime.

Envious to the extreme, Liu Mei could only bitterly try to find some balance by thinking to herself that such a big house didn't feel like home at all.

When I was studying in the US, I would often see comments from people who were extremely resentful of the rich when I was reading the news or browsing posts on my phone. Back then, I thought it was funny.

Unexpectedly, I ended up becoming this kind of person myself.

Although it didn't lead to a twisted mind, the bittersweet feeling of inferiority was impossible to shake off.

Did Rumi really not want a wealthy life? No, she just understood that Hachiman alone couldn't match the accumulated wealth of several generations. Therefore, she didn't want to put pressure on Hachiman and instead chose to work together with him to become someone else's parents.

There's nothing I can do; I can't become a rich kid in this lifetime. So I might as well work hard and create a good environment for my child.

With Yukino, Shinki, and Yuuya as examples, Rumi also came to realize the impact of money on children.

The first thing that comes to mind is self-confidence. No matter what, a child from a well-off family will at least not feel looked down upon by others for some inexplicable reason. At the same time, they are extremely self-conscious but also have a strange kind of pride, and they will not allow anyone to comment on their sensitive areas. They are like a wolf covered in sharp quills, full of uncertainty and aggression.

Not wanting to overthink things because of her family background, Yukino's decision to treat her as a friend was definitely not wrong. It was precisely because of this relationship that Yukino felt comfortable inviting her to her home.

Conceal your inexplicable sourness and envy, and let them slowly ferment into your own motivation. Do not let those negative emotions become the root cause of destroying friendships.

Yukino is a very good person, and you would be a good match for her if you were completely open and honest with her.

She can not only listen quietly to the worries and concerns of those who want to study in the United States, but also point out ways to change the current situation.

Whether it's Hachiman or Rumi, Yukino is a great mentor who taught them many things.

Therefore, Rumi, with her kind heart, also hopes that Yukino can have the good life she deserves, instead of living in the shadow of illness every day.

Rumi is indeed still young, and compared to Yukino, she has far more time to waste. So, spending a few years accompanying Ikami—someone whose identity is particularly awkward for their family and who cannot be accompanied by Hachiman—is understandable.

I've just never been inside such a big apartment before.

He openly admitted his limited knowledge and did not try to pretend to be knowledgeable.

The building I frequented during my childhood wasn't exactly an apartment, but a villa built into the mountainside, a higher-class establishment.

To be honest, Liu Mei didn't think this apartment was much worse than that villa.

First of all, geographically speaking, an apartment building in Ariake, Tokyo, is already much more expensive than many small villas in the countryside of Japan.

Moreover, this residence is quite large.

It's over 700 square meters, so big it's almost unpleasant; it feels like being back in a hotel rather than at home.

Yukino's expression was somewhat complicated. After all, every family has its own troubles, and in fact, she envied Hachiman even more.

Although the house isn't very big, it's perfectly adequate for a family of three, and the whole house is filled with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

From childhood to adulthood, Yukino rarely had memories of her whole family gathering. Even on the few occasions she did have, she didn't feel the happiness of family reunion; instead, she felt an awkward distance.

It seems that Rumi is the first outsider to come here, right? She couldn't help but think to herself. In fact, this house is not the real residence of the Yukinoshita family; it can only be considered a place to rest.

The reason why Yukino brought Rumi here instead of going to the Yukinoshita family home in another area was because she didn't want to see her mother's face.

That cold, emotionless face was the source of Yukino's fear for a long time during her childhood.

If their father hadn't been relatively normal, and even somewhat doting on Yukino and Haruno, their problems would probably be much bigger than they are now.

This is why Yukino wanted to send the children to Hachiman. Yukino understood what kind of person she was, and if the children continued to grow up in her care, they might very well become the next victims.

When will this cycle of revenge end? Why not let the children go to Hachiman and experience the warmth of family?

Children who grow up in such loving families must...

They can also possess good character and face this indifferent world with gentleness and courage.

Yeah.

After catching her breath, Yukino stopped thinking about those random things.

He opened the door and led Rumi into the room, hand in hand.

There were no shoes to change into, since the place was like a hotel with regular cleaning services, so slippers weren't provided.

It feels a bit awkward.

Looking around, Rumi realized that the uncomfortable feeling here was much stronger than that of Yukino's residence in Kaneha.

If Yukino's residence in Miyake was a simple but girly place, then this place is more like a presidential suite in a five-star hotel that isn't too luxurious.

From the lighting to the layout to the atmosphere, everything here suggests that this is a place for rest, not a place for people to live and work.

really.

I still hate this place.

Before Rumi could speak, Yukino frowned, instinctively rejecting the cold, desolate air.

It's actually not that bad.

It feels like a hotel; it's quite comfortable if you're just staying there.

Looking out the window at the scenery, Liu Mei thought to herself that if this place really was a place where people were drunk, then given its size, layout, and scenery, only a very small group of people could probably handle it.

It would be nice to just live here, but to actually live here...

It was an inhuman form of torture.

Looking at Rumi with a complicated expression, Yukino understood that Rumi didn't want to mention Huaihua in front of the house's owner, lest she feel dissatisfied.

But to be honest, Yukino hates this place even more than Rumi.

spray.

"Can you tell me what kind of torture you've suffered here?" The voice from behind startled both Yukiman and Rumi, but their feelings changed completely after they realized what was happening.

As the middle-aged man walked out of the door carrying a fruit salad, Rumi couldn't help but wonder about his identity.

However, while Rumi was looking at him, a kind-faced, robust man, who looked like a handsome young master, was also sizing her up, seemingly very curious about her.

As for Yukino, who was walking alongside Rumi, she showed a joyful expression the moment she saw the man, and called out in a very happy tone, "Dad, what are you doing here?" Rumi was taken aback and looked Yukino up and down for a long time, seemingly unable to believe that Yukino's father was such a young-looking, gentle and kind gentleman who could make people feel good about him.

Why can't I stay here? This is the house I bought; can't I stay here for a day if I want?

But you, instead of staying with Kaneha, ran off to Yukino's place for no reason. Yukino's fatherly love seemed to be overflowing, making Rumi, an outsider, feel slightly uncomfortable.

While feeling uncomfortable, Liu Mei couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt.

Yukino has always been portrayed as a wealthy young lady who is at odds with her family, but looking at her and her father now, the two are undoubtedly a father and daughter with a very good relationship. They are not at all like the heartless and harsh person Yukino has shown to her in the past.

That's not what I meant, you know what I meant.

Not seemingly good at expressing her feelings in front of her elders, Yukino even started to act coquettishly towards her father in her desperation, which made Rumi feel that something was wrong.

this is.

"Your friend?" Yukino's father looked at Rumi curiously. Although he felt that this person was a bit impolite, not only did she not greet him when they first met, but she also looked at him with a ghost-like expression. However, since she was probably his girlfriend's good friend, Mr. Yukino could only suppress his displeasure.

What can be done? It's just that my second daughter is young and not good at socializing. It's not easy to see that she has found a sweetheart to take home and spend the night with. Mr. Yukinoshita doesn't want to ruin the relationship between the girls.

Not knowing how to explain the relationship between studying in America and herself, Yukino immediately felt a headache coming on when her father asked her that question.

She couldn't very well say to her father openly, "This is the current wife of the man I love."

Therefore, Yukino simply nodded vaguely, which was taken as an affirmation of her father's question.

"That's right..." Yukinoshita nodded happily. After confirming that Rumi and Yukino were friends, Yukinoshita immediately found Rumi much more pleasing to the eye.

Ah... good evening, Uncle. My name is... Rumi Tsurumi, and I'm Yukino's friend.

She wanted to reveal her current name, but Rumi immediately changed her mind and used her old surname after realizing that Yukino's father might know Hachiman.

Rumi Tsurumi.

As he pondered, Mr. Yukinoshita felt as if he had heard the name somewhere before.

But with his main focus on his career, he naturally didn't have the time or inclination to remember someone who wasn't important.

Therefore, he assumed that he had only heard Yukino mention the name at some point, and then politely greeted Rumi.

After a brief, official greeting, the atmosphere turned awkwardly tense.

that.

In the end, Yukino stepped forward and spoke up to attract her father's attention, preventing him from having time to search his mind for the name Tsurumi Rumi and recall what he had heard before.

Is Dad staying here tonight? No, I just happened to be in the area taking care of some things and I'm planning to take a shower and rest before going home. After all, your mom needs me to stay with her, otherwise she won't be able to sleep well.

What, did you two invite your friends over for a party tonight and want me to leave?

Yi Yangyang sat on the sofa. Perhaps because he was at home, Mr. Yukinoshita's lazy appearance even made Rumi doubt whether he was really the head of the Yukinoshita family.

After all, in the eyes of those who have studied in the US, people who can earn such wealth are usually very serious and indifferent. They would never act like this, like a corporate slave who has just finished work and is ready to enjoy life.

Chapter 24

Watching the father and daughter talking silently, Rumi felt that the two people who were chatting so happily and occasionally bursting into laughter were not the father, but rather close friends despite their age difference.

Liu Mei herself wasn't without a father, but compared to the harmonious scene before her, she and her father had absolutely nothing to talk about.

Although they watched quietly, there was an undeniable hint of envy in their eyes.

However, with the scene unfolding before her, Rumi came to understand why Yukino's personality was so eccentric.

Actually...