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

This time, her action and expression as she put the phone back in his pocket were much more natural than before.

"I heard from my sister that your company has only ever consisted of you and Miyoko since it was founded," Yukino asked casually.

“Yes, that’s right. It’s mainly because I don’t usually work that much…” Yuan Qianye suddenly stopped, her words abruptly ending.

Yukino looked up at her: "It wouldn't be anything like that, would it?"

Yuan Qianye changed his words without changing his expression: "Ahem, I misspoke just now. My work is usually not that leisurely, I'm very busy, but there's nothing I can do about it. In today's society, it's easy to recruit employees, it's just a matter of paying them more. But employees who can make me feel at ease, are absolutely loyal, have outstanding and reliable abilities, and have excellent temperament so that I won't lose face when I take them out are one in a million."

Yukino smiled faintly: "Hehe, it's rare to see something that can actually make you feel troubled and find it difficult to handle."

Yuan Qianye stared straight at her and smiled, his eyes filled with a meaningful look: "Who says otherwise? Now that Miyoko-nee is on a short break, I'm incredibly busy. This makes me realize that some things really can't be put off any longer. I can't do everything myself. I need to think of a way to find someone to genuinely help me share the burden."

Yukino gradually realized something was wrong, and when she looked up and met his gaze, her premonition instantly became reality.

“…I’m already helping you polish your novel.” She immediately became wary, her tone carrying a clear sense of distancing herself. “Chiyo…” Yukino’s tone was somewhat complicated, “…You are indeed very smart.”

Yuan Qianye smiled gently again and shook his head: "This has nothing to do with intelligence. I just know you too well."

"..." Yukino was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to respond to those words.

The red tide, which had just begun to recede, seems to be making a comeback after people have come to understand the deeper meaning behind this statement.

She gently shook her head, repeatedly reminding herself of the fact that he already had girlfriends, and more than one.

Only then did I manage to regain a calm and rational perspective.

She thought about what Qianye had just said; if he could ask that question in that way, then the specific answer was self-evident.

She didn't know exactly how much he had guessed correctly, but whether out of pride or shame, she didn't want to find out anymore.

Now, she just wants to figure out one last thing.

"About Eriri..." Yukino's voice was low and tense.

“What she said to me from the entrance hall was, ‘We’re all crammed together again, it’s not very comfortable, and with the weather so hot, it’s no wonder Yukino is a little irritable and in a bad mood.’ She didn’t notice anything wrong, so you can rest assured.”

Yukino sighed helplessly. She made it sound easy, but from her perspective, it wasn't so easy to let go.

She suddenly felt even more sorry for Eriri, not only because she had inadvertently invaded her privacy, but also because Chiya had noticed her emotional fluctuations.

Although Eriri herself may not have realized it, it still indirectly caused her to lose face.

"Don't overthink it," Yuan Qianye suddenly said out of the blue.

Yukino: "?"

“For creators, we often take situations, examples, or characters from our own lives and use them directly in our works because it is very convenient. This is actually quite normal and understandable, so there is nothing to worry about.”

Yukino: "?!!!"

Is this guy a roundworm?!

Yukino's surprised expression was noticed by Chiyo, who laughed even harder, but quickly changed the subject: "Okay, really, let's not talk about this anymore. Hurry up and shell the peas, then beat five eggs for me, add a little milk and mix well. I'm going to make tamagoyaki later."

Yukino didn't reply, but simply nodded silently, quickening her movements.

For the next twenty minutes, the two simply worked together tacitly to prepare lunch, each busy with their own tasks. The only sounds in the kitchen were the clanging of spatulas, the rinsing of water, and the cooking of food. Everything was peaceful.

Then, the phone that Yuan Qianye had in his pants pocket suddenly rang.

"Do me a favor and get my phone out so I can answer it." Yuan Qianye raised his hands, which were covered in disposable gloves and minced meat, and turned slightly towards Yukino.

After the exchange and the subsequent silent cooperation, Yukino's emotions had basically calmed down. She was washing grapes for dessert by the sink when she heard this. Without thinking much, she took a kitchen paper to dry her hands and prepared to help.

But when she walked to Qianye's side, she suddenly stopped and a look of embarrassment appeared on her face.

There was no particular reason; it was simply because Yuan Qianye's phone was in his pants pocket.

Her sudden pause caught Yuan Qianye's attention. After thinking about it, he could understand, since she was similar to Eriri, possessing a contrasting tsundere and shy nature.

"Never mind, I'll do it myself," Yuan Qianye said, preparing to take off her disposable gloves.

"No need." But Yukino seemed to have made up her mind and stepped forward first.

She lowered her head slightly, reached out and gently lifted the hem of his apron, while her other hand quickly and somewhat stiffly reached into his pants pocket and took out his phone. During this process, her fingertips inevitably touched his side through the fabric, bringing a slightly warm sensation.

"It's an unknown number." She tried to sound calm, but she couldn't quite pull it off naturally; her voice still carried a noticeable tension.

"Take the call, put it on speakerphone."

"Ah."

Yukino did as she was told, and after the call connected, she brought the phone close to Chiya's mouth.

"Is this Hoshino Eiki Co., Ltd." a polite male voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, I am the receptionist at Xingye Yonghui. My surname is Xiaolin. May I ask who you are?" Yuan Qianye's voice instantly switched to a calm and professional tone.

Yukino raised an eyebrow slightly as she looked at him.

"This is Yuexiatang Culture Co., Ltd. We would like to inquire about the process for commissioning a manuscript from your president, Mr. Minamoto Chiya."

"Thank you for your call and your interest in cooperation. Regarding the specific details of contacting President Yuan, I can convey your initial intentions or provide you with a more direct working communication channel. You can find our online contact information on our official website, Xingye Yonghui, where you can find our publicly available work email address and online contact account. You can also send a more detailed proposal or project summary directly to the president's publicly available email address, and we can discuss further details online later..."

Yuan Qianye answered clearly and fluently, his voice revealing a composure and competence that belied his actual age.

For some reason, seeing him so focused on his work and handling things so well, Yukino's chaotic thoughts, filled with shame and embarrassment, gradually subsided and quietly transformed into another indescribable emotion.

"...Okay, if there are any matters that require my assistance in confirming or relaying, please feel free to call me again at any time. I won't take up any more of your time today."

"Thank you for your help."

"I wish you success in your work, goodbye."

Gen Chiyo gestured with his chin, and Yukino hung up the phone.

"Xiao Lin?" She looked at him with amusement.

Yuan Qianye replied matter-of-factly, "Of course it was made up. I can't let the other party know that I, the head of the company, personally answered the phone, would that completely undermine my prestige?"

"Where's Miyoko-san?"

"She had something to do, so I gave her the day off."

Yukino nodded thoughtfully, and then Chiya turned to the side.

This time, her action and expression as she put the phone back in his pocket were much more natural than before.

"I heard from my sister that your company has only ever consisted of you and Miyoko since it was founded," Yukino asked casually.

“Yes, that’s right. It’s mainly because I don’t usually work that much…” Yuan Qianye suddenly stopped, her words abruptly ending.

Yukino looked up at her: "It wouldn't be anything like that, would it?"

Yuan Qianye changed his words without changing his expression: "Ahem, I misspoke just now. My work is usually not that leisurely, I'm very busy, but there's nothing I can do about it. In today's society, it's easy to recruit employees, it's just a matter of paying them more. But employees who can make me feel at ease, are absolutely loyal, have outstanding and reliable abilities, and have excellent temperament so that I won't lose face when I take them out are one in a million."

Yukino smiled faintly: "Hehe, it's rare to see something that can actually make you feel troubled and find it difficult to handle."

Yuan Qianye stared straight at her and smiled, his eyes filled with a meaningful look: "Who says otherwise? Now that Miyoko-nee is on a short break, I'm incredibly busy. This makes me realize that some things really can't be put off any longer. I can't do everything myself. I need to think of a way to find someone to genuinely help me share the burden."

Yukino gradually realized something was wrong, and when she looked up and met his gaze, her premonition instantly became reality.

“…I’m already polishing your novel.” She immediately became wary, her tone clearly indicating a clear line between them. “With your abilities, taking on a few more small jobs shouldn’t be too much of a burden, and I also heard from Rikka that you don’t seem to need to go to tutoring classes this summer, so you should have plenty of time.” Gen Chiyo’s smile deepened: “What’s that saying again? The capable are often given more work.”

…………

Volume 2: Chapter 118: The Indispensable Shura Field

Yukino did not respond to Chiya's words.

Because he ultimately didn't specify his desired needs, just as he had already guessed the reason why Yukino was acting so strangely, but didn't directly voice that guess.

Interpersonal relationships are like sex; it's not just about your own pleasure and satisfaction, but also about considering the other person's feelings and going along with their preferences and pace.

Only in this way can a relationship be lasting and harmonious, achieving a win-win situation.

Not to mention, he actually had other intentions.

He had already failed once before in responding to a similar request from Yukino, and he wouldn't risk asking again this time unless he was absolutely certain of his success.

The timing for bringing it up might not be easy, but during the summer vacation, whether it's discussing the revision and polishing of the novel manuscript or traveling together, there will be plenty of opportunities to spend time with her, so there's no need to be so worried or anxious for now.

So I'm asking for your help now, future me!

After a long time, Chiya and Yukino worked together in the kitchen, and their teamwork was surprisingly good. They washed and chopped while Yukino cooked, and it went quite smoothly and naturally.

Soon, the clock struck noon.

"It's almost time to prepare dinner." Yuan Qianye wiped her hands as she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room.

Rikka went to the restroom, so Eriri was alone now.

"Okay, I'll help serve the dishes." Upon hearing this, Eriri immediately turned off the TV and stood up.

"Eriri." Minamoto Chiyo suddenly called out to her.

Eriri turned around: "Hmm?"

"How have things been going for you lately...?"

"what?"

Eriri looked completely bewildered; clearly, Chiya's sudden question had left her quite confused.

Despite her confusion, she still gave an answer: "It went very smoothly. My final exam results were also good. The last-minute cramming I did with Rikka paid off, which is why my parents felt at ease letting me stay in the country alone."

"Congratulations! Besides that, you seem to be in a good mood too?"

"Um...yes, it's pretty good."

"That's good. If anything happens in the future, whether you have any troubles or need help, you can come to me for advice."

"Um... okay."

Yuan Qianye smiled slightly, said nothing more, and walked towards the kitchen first.

Some things are actually quite impolite to say.

In the early years, Yuan Qianye would occasionally use his God's Eye to observe the learning girl he was bound to, out of concern, care, curiosity, and other similar feelings.

He had no ulterior motives. When they changed clothes or went to the bathroom, he would consciously withdraw his supernatural powers. After all, just watching without being able to do anything was really meaningless to him.

However, during this process, he also learned about their private, unknown side.

For example, when Yukino is bored in private, she will hug the Mr. Pan doll that he gave her and talk to herself.

Saeko often measured her bust size with a soft ruler and sighed with regret after obtaining the exact measurement, probably because her large bust size would affect her performance in kendo.