In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

"impossible."

"No way!"

The two gave their answers almost simultaneously.

After saying this, they looked at each other again, then let out different tones of "humph," and simultaneously turned their necks away, refusing to look at each other.

Seeing this, Yuan Qianye didn't intend to leave the two of them standing in the cold wind on the street.

Although Shiwa and Eriri had taken good care of keeping their upper bodies warm despite the cold weather, their lower bodies were a completely different story. One was wearing black tights and the other was wearing over-the-knee socks. While Chiyo found it pleasing to the eye, she also felt cold for them.

It is said that many Japanese women suffer from mobility problems such as rheumatism as they get older. This is because they tend to prioritize style over warmth when it's cold. We should remind them that their health is the most important thing.

Gen Chiya led the two into a specialty Wagyu beef hot pot restaurant.

Everywhere in the restaurant, small pots are steaming with hot water, and the aroma of various ingredients fills the space, creating a mouthwatering atmosphere.

The waiter led the three to their seats.

The seats are U-shaped, which is better than the usual two-to-one seating arrangement. Each of the three people can sit on one side, saving the trouble of arranging seating.

Neither Kasumigaoka nor Eriri sat down first, but waited for Minamoto Chiya to sit at the very back.

They then sat down on either side, one on the left and one on the right.

Yuan Qianye took the menu and let the two of them order first. He glanced at it one last time, added two plates of beef, and then asked the waiter to place the order.

The reason he specifically called the two of them out today was, firstly, to thank them for their previous help in writing his novel.

Another point is that they want to ease the tension between the two of them.

It's acceptable for people not to like each other, but to start arguing like that the moment you meet is a bit too much.

If this continues, I have a feeling that the verbal conflict between these two will one day escalate into a physical altercation.

Two beautiful girls with different styles getting into a brawl... that scene is quite exciting, but you can't be that cruel, not to mention that both are your own flesh and blood.

For the sake of peace and harmony in the future, we still need to make some special arrangements for them.

"Eri, let me explain. The reason you saw Shiho sleeping in my bed was because she stayed up all night polishing my novel the day before. The next day, she came to my room and listened to me talk about the plot of the novel. I saw her fall asleep in the chair, so I just carried her to my bed to rest. I also helped her take off her coat. After all, she was too tired the night before. It was an unavoidable situation and had nothing to do with her."

At this moment, Yuan Qianye placed his hands on the table and explained the situation in a gentle tone.

Although they were talking about the same thing as before, Eriri's expression was extremely docile at this moment, and she nodded repeatedly.

Then, Gen Chiya turned his head to the other side, towards Kasumigaoka.

"Shiyu, Eriri was just joking. She already told me privately that she wants me to invite you to join us sometime. It's more fun when everyone goes out together and has a lively time."

Although that didn't actually happen, it was still a way to save face for Eriri after her defeat.

Kasumigaoka looked at Eriri, whose little face was tense, with some surprise. Although she vaguely realized something, she did not expose her.

The reason she and Eriri had such a heated argument when they first met was ultimately because of Minamoto Chiya. She didn't want him to dislike her, so naturally, she had no choice but to react in accordance with his wishes.

"I see. I'm sorry, Eriri."

"No... I should be the one saying that..."

Utaha and Eriri exchanged glances.

Although somewhat reluctant, a superficial reconciliation was indeed achieved.

Overall, we still need to work hard in the future.

Yuan Qianye picked up the drink in front of her and gestured for them to clink glasses: "In short, I am really grateful for your help during this time."

Thanks to his efforts, the atmosphere was much lighter than before.

Kasumigaoka smiled and said, "Although I think those are just small things within my ability, if you really want to express your gratitude, instead of just giving me a perfunctory thank you, you should show some real sincerity."

"That's true."

She was only joking, but Yuan Qianye nodded slightly and actually spoke.

"If the submitted novel actually wins an award, we'll split the prize money and copyright-related revenue equally among the three of us."

"Pfft! Cough...cough cough cough!"

Eriri turned her head to the side, coughing incessantly. Once she finally regained her composure, she immediately spoke.

"I do not want!"

What a joke! The most crucial and exciting content of this mystery novel was all conceived by Qianye alone. She merely drew a few simple illustrations according to his request.

Such a low workload is just something she does casually on a daily basis.

Even if Yuan Qianye were willing, she would never accept it!

Kasumigaoka naturally shared the same idea; polishing the article, while time-consuming, was really nothing.

Not to mention that during the process of doing this work, she mostly followed the specific instructions of Gen Chiyo to make changes.

Under such circumstances, even if Yuan Qianye could bring himself to say it, she would be too embarrassed to accept it.

"I don't want it either. That's the result of your own hard work, Chiya."

Both of them had very serious faces, clearly determined not to accept the suggestion under any circumstances.

Having exhausted all other options, Yuan Qianye reconsidered and offered an alternative solution.

"Well... if you need anything in the future, you can always come to me for help."

"So, you mean Qianye owes us a favor, so he can grant us one request later? Is that what you mean?"

The novelist, harboring his own thoughts, had a certain idea that he couldn't tell outsiders, and deliberately expanded on and explained Gen Chiya's words in the direction he desired.

Eriri looked at her childhood friend's thoughtful expression and was initially a little dissatisfied. She felt that Kasumigaoka was too greedy. Why did he care so much about the reward when he was helping?

These so-called demands are probably malicious and ill-intentioned!

Eriri had intended to act as a champion of justice and loudly rebuke Kasumigaoka, but after looking at Kasumigaoka and receiving her deliberately raised eyebrow as if to give some kind of hint, she changed her mind.

She suddenly realized!

Kasumigaoka, she did say "we" just now, right?

In other words, if Qianye really agrees, I'll get a share too...

Damn it!

I clearly shouldn't have gone along with her...

Despite her inner struggle, Eriri couldn't help but hold her breath, mirroring Kasumigaoka's expression as she gazed expectantly at Minamoto no Chiya, awaiting his decision.

"...Yes, as long as it's within my capabilities."

Seeing how much they both looked forward to it, Yuan Qianye finally nodded in agreement.

But he still had a second thought, leaving himself a loophole to interpret his promise.

Even so, this gave both of them a jolt of energy.

Kasumigaoka was the first to extend its little finger.

"Then it's a deal, no backing out."

After beckoning to her, Yuan Qianye looked at the hesitant and shy Eriri and extended his little finger to her as well.

Kasumigaoka looked at Eriri, whose face was full of shyness and embarrassment, and chuckled to himself.

After these days of close contact, she felt she knew the illustrator of the book inside and out.

With skin so thin, it's no wonder there's been no progress to date.

If it were me, having known Qianye since elementary school, we might already be married by now. Our parents might have met, we might have gotten engaged, and we might have even tied the knot the moment we graduated from high school.

The situation that followed was completely different from the tense atmosphere of their initial meeting.

The three of them ate hot pot and then went shopping at a nearby mall. Seeing the two girls' bare necks, Yuan Qianye specially gave each of them a scarf.

"You've all worked hard this month. Take a good rest at home during this time. See you in the New Year."

As the day came to a close, Chiya said goodbye to the two of them in this way at the train station.

Eriri nodded obediently, her chin and half her face tucked into the off-white scarf that Chiyo had just given her, making her look even more adorable.

Kasumigaoka, however, tilted its head.

"But what if I get bored at home and want to visit your place?"

"Of course you can come over, but I'll be very busy for the next few days and probably won't be home most of the time. But you can hang out with Rikka."

Hmm... never mind then.

Kasumigaoka abandoned her plan to say anything more.

Being too persistent can be annoying.

The three waved goodbye to each other.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Yuan Qianye was indeed busy during these last few days of the year.

Buy New Year's goods with your family.

After a period of interruption, I started bothering Saeko and Kazusa's families again.

Kendo is good for physical health and can improve reaction speed. It also gives you the ability to resist danger, so you're unlikely to give it up and will probably practice it for a lifetime.

As for going to Kazusa's house, it wasn't just for the piano.

He had previously tried using Kazusa's professional recording studio, and with her help, successfully recorded the famous songs he remembered, and then posted them online under an anonymous account.

The response wasn't nonexistent, but it certainly wasn't particularly outstanding.

In just over two weeks, the song received more than 20,000 listens, more than 50 comments, and more than 200 shares.

For a new account, with its first work and no prior reputation, this is actually a pretty good result given the natural flow of traffic.

Based on this situation, Yuan Qianye felt that he had done the right thing and decided to continue with his previous approach, bringing the famous songs from his memory into reality one by one, and decided to give the entertainment industry of this world a little shock.

This time, when they found Kazusa again, they brought her the pudding that the dessert-loving king loves most. However, Kazusa seemed uninterested, even a little indifferent.

After a brief chat, she mentioned that she had stayed up very late the night before, left him standing in the living room with a "do as you please" message, and went back to her room to sleep.

However, she still took the pudding with her.