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

Yang Nai decided to hold back for the time being and continue to observe for a period of time before making a conclusion.

After dinner, Yuan Qianye and the others did not leave immediately.

The Yukino sisters, considerate of their mother's hard work cooking, let her rest and let them clean the table and wash the dishes.

Toka considers herself a big kid, and her main goal is to salvage some of the etiquette points lost by Rikka, so she insists on going to the kitchen to help out.

The kitchen in Yukinoshita's house is bigger than their living room, so there's no problem with people not having enough room to stand.

With nothing to do, Mrs. Yukinoshita, in a gentle tone, told Eriri, Saeko, and Rikka to treat this place as their own home and not to feel constrained.

As for Minamoto Chiyo, whom she hadn't seen for a while, she started by mentioning how she had taken Yono to his father's bar last time, leading him to sit down in the tea room. While taking out various exquisite tea sets, she chatted about all sorts of topics.

In fact, Gen Chiya was already used to this.

He no longer interprets the somewhat amused and mysterious look in Mrs. Yukinoshita's eyes as impolite.

He realized that the person in front of him was simply admiring him from the perspective of an elder.

She might find certain qualities and strengths in herself quite valuable... that's probably all there is to it.

"...I visited your father that day and chatted with him for a while. He told me about your thoughts on the future, and I think they were very wise."

As Mrs. Yukinoshita spoke, she held the cuff of her kimono with her left hand, poured matcha powder into a Jianzhan teacup, added boiling water, and began to stir it quickly with a small brush called a chashin to create foam.

Her entire movement was quite skillful, and compared to Saeko Busujima, the elegance that comes with age made her appear even more graceful.

Yuan Qianye didn't know exactly how her father had talked to Mrs. Yukinoshita, so she just smiled and politely made a self-deprecating remark as a junior: "Aunt Yukinoshita, you're exaggerating. I'm just a junior high school student who hasn't experienced much. I haven't finished my studies or officially entered society. There are so many things I need to improve myself. How can I talk about being wise?"

"Being humble and polite, without being arrogant or impatient, is itself a manifestation of wisdom."

After a delightful and graceful process, Mrs. Yukinoshita gently handed over the tea.

Yuan Qianye, who was kneeling formally, lowered his head slightly, took the gift with both hands, and slowly brought it to his lips. He took a small bite and used the tip of his tongue to feel the rich aroma and smooth texture.

Mrs. Yukinoshita asked softly, "How is it?"

"It's delicious." Forgive Yuan Qianye for being so tongue-tied, mainly because he really doesn't know much about the tea ceremony. Knowing that the more he says, the more mistakes he makes, he can only give such a simple and straightforward impression.

But Mrs. Yukinoshita clearly didn't mind. She looked at Minamoto Chiyo with the same gentle gaze she would give her own child: "Yono and Yukino have both been learning tea ceremony from me since they were little. Their skills are about the same, both quite good. Next time, let them put on kimonos and serve you a cup of tea. Chiyo, whose tea would you like to drink first?"

Gen Chiya's hands trembled as he held the teacup.

Is he overthinking things? Is this really about drinking tea?

"Hehehe..." Mrs. Yukinoshita covered her mouth and chuckled, seemingly in jest.

Seeing that Yuan Qianye did not answer for a long time, she did not continue to say anything, but naturally transitioned to the previous topic: "I heard from your father that you have not yet decided on your future direction. Although you have excellent talent in swordsmanship, you have not thought about whether you want to continue on this path."

“That’s how it is.” Yuan Qianye nodded, realizing that the other party seemed to want to give him some pointers. He put down his teacup, placed his hands on his thighs, and made a respectful expression as if earnestly requesting guidance.

Thinking back to when her husband was his age, he smoked, drank, got perms, and played mahjong...

Mrs. Yukinoshita grew increasingly pleased and satisfied with this academically gifted and athletically gifted student. She continued to analyze the situation from his perspective.

"From a public and objective perspective, Kendo combines anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Long-term training can effectively improve physical posture and fitness. In recent years, it has been promoted in more than 60 countries around the world. The number of members of the International Kendo Federation is also increasing. As its influence expands, its professionalization is also gradually improving."

Judging from the current situation, the development of Kendo is showing a positive trend. I am very optimistic about the future employment prospects of Kendo. If you really intend to pursue Kendo, it is actually easy to predict and plan for the future.

The most direct way is to participate in it, rely on your own abilities, participate in various kendo competitions, win various prizes, and gradually improve your honor. Once your influence has increased to a certain level, you can start to choose to open a dojo, your own shop, and endorse kendo equipment for some big brands.

Of course, this is on the premise that you have the ability and are also interested in it.

Chiya, did you enjoy the atmosphere of the kendo match? Do you look forward to the future I just described?

Mrs. Yukinoshita posed a soul-searching question.

Yuan Qianye didn't think about it for long before shaking his head.

He initially participated in the national tournament to test his own abilities and also to help Saeko Busujima.

He ultimately won the championship. It wasn't like that famous saying that he was never happy, but the time he was happy because of winning the championship was indeed very short.

"In that case, Qianye, you can consider other futures. I think you have a high IQ, a very good personal image, outstanding personal charm and social skills, and excellent self-control and learning ability. These qualities combined perfectly meet all the requirements of a certain path. Therefore, I have a small suggestion for you."

"Oh? What is it?"

Mrs. Yukinoshita softly uttered two words: "Politics."

Gen Chiya: "???"

"Oh my, what a coincidence! Yukino's father is a government member. Being a politician is quite interesting. If you're interested, Auntie can tell you more about it..."

At this point, Gen Chiya understood everything.

Busujima's father openly wanted to adopt him as his godson, while Yukino's mother stood before him...

She's probably secretly trying to get me to be her son-in-law!

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.

Later, Yukino finished washing the dishes and found that Minamoto Chiya was not in the living room. She then went to the tea room and finally rescued Minamoto Chiya.

When she knocked on the door, Mrs. Yukinoshita had already planned out arrangements for Chiyo Minamoto after he went to university.

With the help of Yukino's family, she could start as an intern under a member of parliament, gradually becoming familiar with political work, and then rise to public secretary, policy secretary, and so on.

If one is exceptionally capable and operates properly, it's not impossible for them to become one of the more than one hundred members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly right after graduating from university.

After all, there is a precedent: a young man was elected as a member of parliament at the age of only twenty-one.

Yukinoshita believes that if Chiya Minamoto maintains his current momentum and continues to grow excellently, he has a high chance of breaking this record in the future.

Putting everything else aside, she felt that her ability to judge people was quite accurate.

"What did your mother say when she specifically took you to the tea room?"

Yukino knew her mother's habits.

Unless it's something important, Mom wouldn't specifically bring people to the teahouse to discuss things.

Gen Chiya shook his head. It wasn't that he didn't want to say it, but he couldn't bring himself to say it in front of Yukino in her current state.

Although he sensed something, and Mrs. Yukinoshita did indeed show something, she ultimately didn't say it outright, so this was just his wishful thinking.

"Do you still have secrets between you and my mother?"

On the long corridor extending outside, Yukino stopped in her tracks. Although her tone remained the same, her slightly narrowed eyes revealed her dissatisfaction.

The three women in the Yukinoshita family all have cat-like eyes. When they narrow their eyes slightly in displeasure, they all display a bright and sharp, very aggressive look.

"They didn't really say much, it was more like a life discussion."

"Life consultation?"

"Yes, my aunt analyzed my future and helped me plan the path I could take, which has benefited me a lot."

Hearing him say that, Yukino breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The reason she questioned him so unusually was mainly because she was worried that her mother would say something unpleasant, just like she usually did when she disciplined herself and her sister. She was afraid that her mother would show the same stern attitude to her childhood friend, thus causing him trouble.

Now that we know, it's good that nothing like that happened.

Yuan Qianye looked up at the sky and said, "It's getting late, I should probably head back."

"Well... by the way, although I'm still studying at home these days, my schedule isn't too tight, so... if you need anything, you can tell me now so I can free up some time in advance."

Yukino crossed her arms and turned to face her own courtyard as she spoke, her gaze falling on the startled deer.

The water, flowing down from a slightly higher point, landed in a small bamboo container far away from the lever, producing a crisp sound as the bamboo tube struck the stone.

Yuan Qianye thought about his plans for the future. He had arranged to meet Shi Yu at his house in a few days, and he would help her take a look at the parts of her novel that she had already written.

In the days that followed, everything continued as usual.

Even if you suddenly say that... I'm fine.

"If nothing's wrong, then forget it."

As Yukino answered in her clear, melodious voice and turned to leave, Chiya felt as if the outdoor temperature had suddenly dropped several degrees with the howling of the cold wind.

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.

After Yukino returned to Japan, she had a few peaceful days after having dinner at Yukinoshita's house.

In the early hours of December 23rd, a phone call woke up Yuan Qianye, who was fast asleep.

"Chiyo! I beg you, please do me a favor!"

"..."

Recognizing the caller's voice, Yuan Qianye, whose eyes were still half-closed, let out a helpless sigh.

"Aunt Yaozi, do you know what time it is?"

The other end quickly replied, "Nine o'clock at night? What's wrong?"

"..." Yuan Qianye was silent for a long time: "That's your time. It's 2 a.m. in Japan right now."

Touma Yoko then realized what was happening: "Sorry for disturbing your rest, but it will be quick. Listen to what I have to say before you go back to sleep."

Yuan Qianye was now fully awake. He adjusted his position, leaned against the headboard, and softly murmured "Mmm".

It's quite amazing, really. His interactions with the other girls and aunties are very normal, and there's a clear distinction between elders and juniors.

But it was a completely different story with Yoko Touma. Was it because they hit it off immediately, or because musicians are generally young at heart?

In short, ever since she came to my family's bar to show her support and got my contact information, she has been very enthusiastic, chatting with me from time to time, or sharing some everyday photos of herself.

For example, the image of her daughter sleeping on the piano; the food she ordered for takeout today, accompanied by captions like "Both Kazusa and I think it's not as good as what you made for us the other day"; and the photos of many employees gathered in her office to prepare for her re-organized concert...

It felt like Touma Yoko considered her a friend of the same age, and one of the closest of friends.

Yuan Qianye had no complaints about this; after all, she was a world-class pianist, and it wouldn't hurt to have a good relationship with her.

But I still hope that she will seriously consider the time difference issue before making a phone call in the future.

Touma Yoko sighed softly on the other end of the phone: "I should have listened to Chiyo's advice before, and shouldn't have held the concert at this time."

Yuan Qianye's heart jumped: "Aunt Yaozi, have you been infected?"

It refers to influenza.

"I'm fine. I don't know the specifics, but my assistant told me that it seems my hotel has experienced the situation you described. The entire hotel is now under lockdown and people are not allowed to enter or leave. They are in quarantine. Forget about the concert, and forget about going back to China. I can't leave the hotel at all now, and I don't know how long I'll be stuck here."