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

Yuan Qianye shook his head slightly, not giving a direct answer to the question: "I'm just a little surprised that you had already sensed my secret beforehand, and I also never expected your reaction to this matter to be so... indifferent."

"How should I react, as you originally expected?"

"Surprise is inevitable, followed by a natural discomfort with the truth, and perhaps they will try their best to hide some negative emotions because of our friendship."

"If I were a girl from an ordinary family, then perhaps that would indeed be the case."

"Does this have anything to do with one's background?"

Following his example, Hayasaka Ai skipped over the question and started a seemingly unrelated topic: "Chiya, you should know about the island incident in the Eagle Country, right?"

“Of course.” Yuan Qianye nodded.

The so-called "island incident" refers to a systematic criminal case involving the abduction and sexual assault of underage girls, which was organized and operated by a financier in the United States on his private island over a long period of time.

Once the case was exposed, the subsequent investigation results were shocking, with most political, business, royal, and cultural elites suspected of involvement, including even former and current presidents.

The systemic and long-term nature of the crime, the scale of the victims, the high-ranking and powerful backgrounds of those involved, and the systemic failures and corruption within the judicial and power systems all contributed to this shocking scandal that has rocked the world.

Hayasaka Ai slowly said, "The Shinomiya family is one of the top conglomerates in Japan, and it has a certain reputation even in the world. I have served and accompanied the young lady since I was a child, and I grew up in this family."

From childhood to the present, whether from what I've heard from my parents or what I've witnessed myself, I've seen far too many such incidents. Most of those in power are extremely selfish egoists. In fact, if you were to list all the things they do in private, it would be an extreme darkness that even the newspapers couldn't report in detail.

so……"

"No need to say anything more, I understand." Gen Chiya interrupted Hayasaka at this moment.

There was no need to continue; he had completely understood Hayasaka's meaning.

He looked at her bright smile that had returned, but his mind was filled with the memory of her eyes, which had suddenly darkened for a moment when she was recalling what she had just said.

He was glad that Hayasaka could accept her situation so easily and readily, but he never expected her to accept it in such a somewhat heavy way.

No, it shouldn't be called acceptance, but rather that being in that deceitful and shameless environment all the time has made it almost an instinctive habit.

The more you get to know this girl, the more you feel sorry for her.

I used to think that this young maid was working day and night in the Shinomiya household, which was really hard work for her.

After hearing what she said, I suddenly realized that in addition to the physical exertion, she was also being forced to accept the dark side of the so-called upper-class circles at all times, which caused her considerable mental torment.

It's truly remarkable that she didn't go astray under such circumstances and grew into a kind and good child.

With that in mind, Yuan Qianye decided not to delay any longer and quickly moved on to the next stage.

"What I'm about to say might be a bit abrupt... but do you have any thoughts about leaving the Shinomiya family?"

…………

Volume 2: Chapter 167: The First Kiss Under the Night (6k) (14)

"Resigned?" Hayasaka Ai repeated softly in surprise.

“Yes.” Yuan Qianye nodded, her tone certain, and she became more specific: “You will not continue to work for the Shinomiya family. You will resign from your current position as a maid.”

"Excuse me, may I bother you?"

Just then, the waiter served the food.

When there were outsiders present, they all tacitly kept quiet for the time being.

Only after the waiter left and no one disturbed them did Hayasaka Ai speak again, somewhat surprised: "Chiya, why did you suddenly ask about this?"

Yuan Qianye explained, "Before, it was because after gradually understanding how busy and stressed you are with your daily work, I simply felt that you were working too hard. And then, I happened to run into your mother that time..."

"Mother?"

"Yes, I ran into Auntie by chance at a business gathering. Actually, I was quite glad that I was able to run into her at that event."

"Did your mother help you in any way?" Hayasaka Ai asked instinctively.

“It’s not like that… no, you could say that.” Yuan Qianye thought for a moment, then shook her head, but then felt it wasn’t quite right and corrected herself: “After all, I was the one who greeted her first, and during our subsequent conversation, she did help me learn more about your situation in more detail.”

Hayasaka Ai suddenly became a little nervous: "What did your mother say to you?"

Gen Chiya immediately reassured her: "Don't worry, it didn't involve any sensitive privacy information. I only learned about your past experience of working for the Shinomiya family since you were very young from her."

However, when Aunt Hayasaka talked about these past events, she clearly seemed a little melancholy and sad.

I could tell she felt quite guilty about it. She probably felt she shouldn't have dragged you, so young, into such a complicated situation with the Shinomiya family at that time.

“Mom didn’t have to think like that at all…” Hayasaka Ai lowered her eyes slightly, looking at the food in front of her, and hesitated to pick up her knife and fork. “After that incident, it was actually my own decision. I wanted to take the initiative to do something for my parents and share some of their burden.”

"But from Aunt Hayasaka's perspective, she must still feel that she has not fulfilled her responsibility as a mother to protect and care for her child, which is why she said those things to me."

"What else did Mom say?" Hayasaka Ai was silent for a few seconds before raising her eyes again.

"Aunt Hayasaka did say something more important."

Chiya looked into Ai Hayasaka's eyes.

She said that as long as she and your father could work together privately to get you out of the Shinomiya family, it would be possible, although the process would be troublesome and there would be some resistance and possible subsequent attention.

However, the premise is that you yourself actually have this intention, so…

"So...?" Hayasaka Ai stared straight at him.

Yuan Qianye took a slightly uneasy breath: "That's why I'm doing this now, confirming your thoughts in person."

“Mom wants to confirm my thoughts out of concern, and perhaps also out of a sense of compensation for what she feels she has wronged me as her daughter over the years…” Hayasaka looked at him, her eyes trembling violently, but she forced herself not to run away: “…And what about you, Chiya?”

"Of course, it's out of concern," Yuan Qianye replied immediately without any hesitation.

"Just concern?" Hayasaka Ai was not satisfied with just that answer.

"Of course... it's not just about concern."

"Qianye, what you're saying is so vague, I don't understand what you're talking about."

Hayasaka Ai, her face slightly flushed, picked up her knife and fork and slowly began cutting the steak on her plate.

"Furthermore, suddenly asking me whether I want to quit my current job, which involves such a major decision about my future career, without giving specific reasons... puts me in a difficult position, and of course, I won't be able to give an accurate answer."

Perhaps because they had had a great day out, the atmosphere between them was harmonious and intimate.

Perhaps it's in keeping with the almost dreamlike romantic atmosphere created by the starry sky, night view, delicious food, and solitude.

Perhaps it was Yuan Qianye's genuine concern that gave her unprecedented courage and a reckless impulse.

Therefore, at this moment, Hayasaka Ai took a huge step that she herself had never imagined before, a step that was almost reckless.

It wasn't the kind of cautious, tentative probe that left room for maneuver.

Instead, they went straight for A!

However, this kind of ultimate move that consumes all courage points at once, while bringing tremendous impact, obviously also has drawbacks.

Just like now, after she spoke, she noticed that Yuan Qianye showed a rare look of surprise and momentary speechlessness because of her overly direct and even somewhat "aggressive" questioning. She then belatedly realized what had happened!

My heart started racing, and my body went limp. I couldn't even maintain a steady grip on the steak, and the metal knife and fork touched the ceramic plate, making a soft sound.

Even so, she did not regret it.

I've wanted that answer for far too long. I feel like if she were to run away out of cowardice, I would despise and scorn her to death when I return to my room alone at night!

So she didn't want to wait any longer.

I no longer want to rely solely on fantasy and secretive voyeurism to draw that illusory warmth...

"My heart aches..."

Just as Hayasaka Ai was torn between her conscience and her sense of shame and courage, Minamoto Chiya finally spoke.

"..." Hayasaka Ai's eyes widened slightly the moment she heard that word.

"If I had to give the most direct reason..." Yuan Qianye took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled.

This action is like expelling all the hesitation and concerns in one's heart, as well as those carefully planned, more prudent or romantic words, along with this breath, leaving only the simplest and most genuine purity.

Despite his concerns about the complicated situation between her and the Shinomiya family, his special feelings for Shinomiya Kaguya, and the potential consequences and troubles of his decision to resign, he had many other practical worries.

but--

The conversation has already gone this far...

Most importantly, the girl is already so proactive, so why should he, a grown man, be so indecisive and hesitant?!

"...For me, love is more about heartache than anything else."

Gen Chiya slowed down his speech to restate the story, expressing his most direct feelings.

The joy came too suddenly. Hayasaka Ai slowly covered her mouth, her big eyes clearly reflecting Minamoto Chiya's serious expression at this moment.

"I know that from such a young age, you have been shouldering hardships and responsibilities that are completely disproportionate to your age."

From what you just told me, I have gained a deeper understanding of your work environment.

The 'high society' circles you came into contact with around the Shinomiya family turned out to be so wicked and dark on the inside.

I simply cannot remain indifferent to this, nor can I pretend that I saw or felt nothing.

Therefore, I want you to resign and leave that place so that your daily life will no longer be tied down by those never-ending maid jobs.

I want you to be able to experience the same carefree, joyful, and colorful youth that you only have once in your life, just like most ordinary high school girls your age, and to create enough beautiful and warm memories that truly belong to you.

Instead of looking back on this period of your youth someday in the future and only feeling a gloomy, oppressive busyness, and irreparable sadness and regret.

Gen Chiya's feelings were clearly expressed.

It's not just concern, but also a deep sense of heartache based on a profound understanding, which gives rise to a strong desire to protect.

Hayasaka Ai listened blankly as he finished speaking, her mind blank with overwhelming happiness. Her lips trembled, and she had no idea what to say. Her ears were ringing, and her vision was blurry.

Qianye said... he felt sorry for me...

He wanted me to leave the Shinomiya family... he wanted me to have an ordinary youth and happy memories...

He's... completely thinking about my future...

"Thank you..." With a heart pounding like a drum and a blank mind, Hayasaka Ai instinctively said thank you first.

Then, my messy and burning head suddenly realized that this wasn't a nice thing to say.

At least on this issue they're discussing now, it's not good stuff!

It sounds like she was accepting his kindness, politely expressing her gratitude, and then... nothing happened!

So she immediately and somewhat flusteredly explained, "No, that's not it! When I said 'thank you'... I didn't mean that! What I meant was... I'm very grateful that you care about me so much, that you've thought of so many things for me, and that you've even planned out another possibility for my life..."