Tokyo Soft Rice King.

"That's amazing..."

Moe looked at Ziyin with admiration and respect. If she was a shy flower bud, then Ziyin was a blooming flower.

"So you can also fully expose your true nature in front of a wise ruler. Don't tell me you don't want to. If you're a woman, you'll definitely want to, and you'll dream about it."

After tossing her hair, Ziyin sat down in the bathtub filled with water and continued speaking.

"It's better to let you eat more than to let those two man-eating demons pester the wise ruler. If they steal food, they won't even leave me any leftovers."

This naturally refers to Hitomi Anri and Makoto Hikawa.

"The wise ruler admires you greatly, probably even more than I do..."

"How could this be!"

"Because he seems to enjoy being with you more, because that's his interest. You two are kindred spirits and can have meaningful conversations, but I can only receive his guidance unilaterally. Even so, I'm happy."

However, when she said this, Ziyin was actually a little jealous.

Yes, she was a little jealous of Moe.

Because she has something that I can't have.

Ziyin didn't hide her feelings and spoke directly to him.

"Because of the nature of my job, I can't stay by Mingjun's side all day, so I'm really envious of you."

"Ziyin actually envies someone like me..."

"Because right now, the only person who can stay in the same room and work with a wise ruler is you. No one else has that qualification."

"Oh, actually, there's also Shiori, she's the original author of the story!"

“When writing a novel, it’s usually a solo endeavor. Discussions and exchanges typically happen after a portion has been written. I spent some time by Mingjun’s side, watching him write his novels, so I know very well that writing a novel is a ‘solitary endeavor.’ But comics are not like that.”

The only person who could discuss storyboards with Akira Kuroba was Moe.

"I heard that you and Mingjun are going to start serializing that sports manga, which means you'll be working together for several years, and almost every day together...tsk...!"

"Alas--!"

As Ziyin spoke, the light in her pupils faded, and she almost turned into a yandere out of jealousy.

It's terrifying! Even Menghui was so scared she almost cried and peed herself, fearing she might become a victim of the bathroom murder.

Fortunately, Ziyin managed to restrain herself and covered one eye with her hand as she spoke.

"Although it's only three years, you'll undoubtedly be taking up the most time from now on... Everyone will be watching you."

"Um... they've set their sights on me..."

So, is Ziyin also targeting me? That's why she dragged me to the bathroom for interrogation?

But it wasn't actually an interrogation; it was a commission.

“I am the exact opposite of you. I will have less and less time to spend with a wise ruler, so I hope you can maintain a good balance.”

"I'll maintain the balance..."

"Actually, we just want you to be a bit more assertive. If you can make us feel threatened, then those two women might behave themselves a little."

"Does that mean Hitomi and Makoto?"

Ziyin, Xiaotong, and Makoto are three women of the same zodiac sign, and are universally recognized as pure carnivorous women.

“That’s right. I heard Mingjun say that those two also helped with the backgrounds. They’ll definitely try to get a share of the profits as assistants. If you can’t outdo them, they’ll run wild on your turf.”

Ziyin continued.

"Imagine how you'd feel if, while you're working hard, those two were flirting with the emperor?"

"Ugh...! It's a little... annoying... and a little... angry!"

"That's normal emotion. Don't always bottle it up; you need to learn to release it...to them!"

Learn to breathe on your face! So cute!

Ziyin asked her to come and take a bath for this very reason.

In this way, when she's not around, she can at least put up some resistance against Hitomi Anri and Makoto Hikawa.

After all, Qingxia is neutral; as long as everyone stays home and doesn't violate the curfew, she won't care who gets more food.

That's why Ziyin wanted to find a new temporary ally...one who had advantages and was obedient.

Aiyuan Moe is the perfect choice.

The slaves received instruction from the Queen through words and deeds...

The union of the lowest and highest positions.

Chapter 419 Joint Action Inside and Outside

"Yes, yes! Senior!"

"senior?"

"Hmm, can't I call you that?"

"...Whatever you want."

It feels quite novel to be called a senior by someone my age.

Although she will still be called "Sister Shion" in the future, she will still feel quite different from Moe.

The former is the yearning of idol worship, while the latter is the respect and admiration... It's roughly like a big sister having a little sister?

Does Shirai Shiori feel the same way, that people can't help but take extra care of her?

Ziyin, without changing her expression, pulled her legs back and said.

"Why don't you come in too? Or are you planning not to come in until I come out?"

"Then, then I'll be rude..."

Urged on by Ziyin, Moe stepped into the bathtub, her timid manner resembling that of a domesticated pet testing its owner's emotions.

The two sat facing each other with their knees drawn up to their sides. The bathtub was just big enough for one person to lie down in, so it was difficult for them to stretch their legs out because they would touch each other's bodies.

If they were close enough best friends, they could probably playfully cuddle and stick together, but there was still a certain distance between Ziyin and Moe, like being alone with a friend of a friend, with an awkward atmosphere.

If it weren't for Akira Kuroba, these two probably wouldn't have met... It's a strange connection that arose from the man they both liked, but it's a very weak link.

Looking at the pair of large torpedoes, more than half of their volume of which were floating on the surface like buoys, and comparing them to her own small torpedoes that could barely feel any buoyancy, Ziyin still felt a little annoyed.

Although bigger isn't always better, as wise rulers have said... men's hands and faces are honest and will automatically go for the one with the larger contact area.

Actually, it's fine when the two of them are alone, as they can receive all kinds of love and affection. However, when there are more people around at the same time, and when there are choices to be made, Ziyin realizes that she is not the best option.

While having beautiful legs and stockings still gives them an advantage, they are at a complete disadvantage in terms of symbolizing motherhood. They are only slightly better than loli with flat chests, placing them in the second-to-last tier.

Even more disappointing is that single-player mode is expected to become less and less common in the future, with multiplayer mode becoming the mainstream.

Ziyin was furious, but she could only try to adapt.

Meng Hui hesitated for a moment before finally sharing her biggest takeaway from the experience.

"Um...actually, I originally thought you, Shion-kun, would hate everyone who likes Kuroba-kun..."

"If I had to say what I hate, of course I still hate it, but I've also accepted the current situation... just like that woman, Hitomi Anri."

Saying it's resignation... that's probably not wrong.

Ziyin has also realized that wanting to completely possess it is just a greedy delusion.

Or rather, winning just once doesn't guarantee victory in everything.

Changes happen all the time, and no one knows what the future holds.

Therefore, the only way to adapt to the new version is to change one's mindset... In any case, giving up is out of the question.

"But I really like everyone, and right now I feel... it's so great to have met everyone..."

Moe said such innocent things.

In Ziyin's opinion, Moe is too kind.

Kindness is not a negative trait, but it can be a disadvantage in the struggle for self-interest.

Although Shiori protects her, if she doesn't learn to fight for herself, she will eventually be neglected because the wise ruler doesn't have the luxury to pamper her. It might be one or two times, but if it happens too often, it will hurt her self-esteem.

But this goodwill... now seems to be more than just a nuisance.

"...Perhaps, there will be times in the future when I find you all somewhat pleasing to the eye."

Ziyin slowly straightened her legs, her feet touching Menghui's knees, pressing her knees down.

"...That's great..."

Moe obediently stretched out her legs, allowing her to have more contact with Shion.

Instead of fighting for it, we share it...

Small acts of kindness can gradually bring members closer together.

If things continue like this, maybe one day I and that woman will be able to... shake hands and make peace?

Ziyin frowned, feeling nauseous at the thought of it.

Moe is a small animal that poses no threat to her, but she's not someone you can negotiate with.

But then an idea that would never have appeared in my mind before popped into my head…

I don't know if this is progress or regression...

I can only say that I have indeed changed.

……

While Shion and Moe went to take a bath, on the other side, Kuroba Akira was discussing future plans with Daikou Kaori.

"Director Fuyumi asked me to bring these new project proposals over for you to take a look at, Amin."

Hongxiang handed over a stack of project proposals. Kuroba Akira counted them and found there were at least twenty.

"So many?"

"Actually, there are more than these. The total number is already over a hundred. These are a batch of relatively reliable project proposals selected by Director Fuyumi."