Seeing this, Xiangzi smiled knowingly and took the initiative to explain, "Of course, he'll be my follower—until he pays off all the debts he owes me."

Chapter Twenty-Five: Followers and Butt-Pushing

"Of course, he'll be my follower until he pays off my debts." Xiangzi leaned back in his chair, toying with his lighter, his tone as calm as if he were talking about something trivial, but the desire for control in his eyes was undisguised.

"What debt?" Aine frowned immediately and stepped forward to block Hanami's path. "Didn't Hanami-kun already give you all the savings from the divorce?"

Xiangzi chuckled lightly, his tone laced with a hint of slyness: "Savings are savings, and debts are debts; they can't be mixed up. He advanced the convenience store owner three months' salary."

Coincidentally, I acquired that convenience store just yesterday. Therefore, this debt for the advance salary naturally transferred to my name—meaning I am now his creditor.

As soon as she finished speaking, Ai Yin instantly understood Xiangzi's thoughts.

The so-called debt was just an excuse. Her real purpose was to make Banami her follower, or rather, her servant, so that she could bind him tightly to her side and turn him into a puppet that she could do whatever she wanted with.

This is the method that Xiangzi came up with to completely control Banami.

"I'll pay it for you!" Aine blurted out without thinking, looking at Shoko with a determined gaze. "How much does Hanami-kun owe you? I'll pay it for you!"

In her view, three months' wages at the convenience store were not a large sum at all. Hanami-kun had only recently divorced and was experiencing financial difficulties, hence the advance on his wages; this absolutely could not be used as an excuse for Miss Shoko to force him to act as a "servant." She absolutely could not allow Hanami-kun to fall into such a predicament.

Upon hearing this, Xiangzi didn't immediately respond to Ai-yin. Instead, he turned to look at Banami, a playful smile playing on his lips: "Xi, did you hear that? This pink-haired girl said she'd help you pay off your debts. What do you think?"

Banami's gaze fell on Xiangzi's confident and composed demeanor, and he remained silent. In truth, he could have easily refused.

He knew Xiao Xiang's personality well. Even though she was now blinded by anger and possessiveness, her inherent kindness had not completely disappeared. At least she wouldn't really do things like those rumored Han Chinese, who would devour people without spitting out the bones.

Xiangzi was certain he wouldn't refuse. That debt wasn't a problem at all; it was just an excuse she made up. What he truly owed her wasn't money, but a debt of love—

It was the companionship they once shared, the abrupt departure during their divorce, and the guilt that plunged her into pain.

He had to repay this debt of affection. Only when Xiao Xiang finally vented her anger would she willingly let go of herself and start a new life.

“Alright, I promise you.” Banami spoke slowly, her voice soft but firm, “But Chihaya-san has nothing to do with this matter, so don’t drag her into it.”

"Hana-mi-kun!" Aine's eyes widened suddenly as she looked at him in disbelief, but she quickly understood what he meant.

Banami-kun, you really are... an idiot!

Ayane's eyes stung slightly, and an indescribable pang of heartache welled up inside her. Looking at the boy before her, who, despite his own predicament, was still thinking of protecting others, a certain thought in her heart grew even stronger.

When Xiangzi heard Banami's agreement, a satisfied smile finally appeared on her tense lips. However, looking at her ex-husband's willing expression as he was being tormented by her, her eyes couldn't help but become complicated.

Before Xiangzi could be happy for long, Aine suddenly stepped forward, looked up at her, and said loudly, "Since Hanami-kun has agreed to be your attendant, then I also want to become Miss Xiangzi's attendant!"

Seeing that the girl's eyes widened slightly, Banai immediately reached out and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder, her tone urgent, "Miss Chihaya, this is my own business, it has nothing to do with you, don't do anything foolish!"

“I didn’t do anything stupid.” Aine stubbornly pushed his hand away, looking at him with firm eyes. “I won’t oppose Banami’s decision, but Banami can’t stop me from thinking.”

She wanted to stay by his side. Whether as a servant or something else, as long as she could stay by his side, she could protect him in her own way, prevent him from being excessively harassed by Miss Xiangzi, and prevent him from bearing all the grievances alone.

This was her promise to herself, and also her protection of Hanami-kun.

Looking at the bright yet stubborn light in the girl's eyes, even though his heart was ashen, he couldn't help but feel a ripple of emotion and a surge of feeling.

Xiangzi's fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the lighter, her gaze sweeping over Aine with a complex expression. This pink-haired girl—she was right, this was the kind of girl who could attract Yana Miyu.

Xiangzi and Banami are very familiar with the way Xiangzi would do anything to protect the person she loves.

"Xi, doesn't this girl look a lot like me from before?" Suddenly, Xiangzi lowered his head and smiled.

These words were like a fine needle, instantly piercing Banami's heart. His body trembled slightly, and seeing the longing and complexity in Shoko's eyes, he hurriedly stepped forward and pleaded with his ex-wife, "Shoko, please. You can do whatever you want to me, but please don't involve Ms. Chihaya."

Xiangzi raised an eyebrow, his eyes instantly turning cold. "If you hadn't said that, I would have refused her request. Not just anyone can be a servant of the Fengchuan family. But since you care about her so much and want to protect her so much... then I have no choice but to agree."

Banami's eyes immediately dimmed, but she said nothing more. The two girls in front of her were really too similar in their stubbornness.

Ai Yin breathed a sigh of relief, nodded vigorously at Xiangzi, then clenched her fists, striking a pose of readiness, like a warrior about to go into battle: "Alright! What do you need to do as my attendant? Tell me!"

That noble demeanor of offering his neck for execution, facing death without fear, made Xiangzi sneer and say, "Of course, satisfy me."

"Huh?!" Aine's eyes widened instantly, and her face flushed red.

The image of Miss Xiangzi, dressed in a sexy black leather jacket, whipping a naked boy repeatedly, immediately flashed into her mind, accompanied by her classic three-part queenly laugh.

As for myself, well, I'll be pushing your butt from behind?

She reacted immediately, turning around abruptly and spreading her arms to block Hanami's path. Her eyes were wary as she looked at Shoko, like a little animal protecting its cub: "Don't even think about it! I will protect Hanami's chastity!"

Banami: "..."

Xiangzi's face immediately fell, and he cursed, "Clean out all that filthy stuff from your head!"

"Uh...so that's how it is..."

Ayane breathed a sigh of relief, but also showed a hint of disappointment.

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Relationship Between Meat and Meat

And so, Banami and Aine officially became servants of the Toyokawa family, and followed Shoko into that familiar Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The atmosphere inside the car was somewhat somber; the texture of the leather seats and the exquisite interior decorations made Ai Yin feel a little cramped.

Taking advantage of the moment when Shoko turned her head to look out the window and her attention was not on them, Banami gently turned to look at Aine beside her, her tone somewhat remorseful: "Chihaya-san, I'm sorry... I dragged you into this. I should have refused more firmly and shouldn't have put you in this situation."

Aine was touched by this and blushed slightly as she said, "If it's for Hanami-kun, I'm willing."

The girl's words were straightforward and passionate, like a beam of warm light that unexpectedly struck Banami's heart.

"I brought you here to sell yourselves into slavery to pay off your debts, not to have you here to flirt and be lovey-dovey." A cold voice suddenly came from ahead, breaking the delicate atmosphere between the two.

Xiangzi turned his head, his eyes sweeping coldly over them, his tone filled with undisguised sarcasm.

Ai-yin's cheeks flushed bright red instantly, and she awkwardly turned her head away.

Banami also withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyelids slightly, and the carriage fell silent again, with only the slight vibration of the vehicle moving.

Throughout the journey, Aine was filled with anxiety. She was constantly worried about how Xiangzi would treat Hanami, given Xiangzi's domineering and forceful attitude before, insisting that Hanami be made a "servant," which would undoubtedly involve various forms of harassment. She had even mentally prepared herself to shield Hanami from trouble at any moment.

But the place where the car finally stopped completely stunned her—this was the heart of Ginza's shopping district, and the mall in front of her was magnificent. The waiters at the entrance wore smart uniforms and treated the customers coming and going with utmost respect.

Ai Yin vaguely remembered that such shopping malls required exclusive membership cards to enter, and were definitely not places that ordinary people could set foot in.

Xiangzi got out of the car first, and a waiter immediately opened the door for her. Banami and Aine quickly followed, walking into the mall with Xiangzi and all the way to the entrance of a suit store called "Huntsman".

Even though Aine's family is considered a well-off middle-class family in Tokyo and has seen a lot of the world, she was still shocked by the luxurious atmosphere inside the suit store when she walked in.

Soft, warm light spilled onto the exquisite wooden shelves, neatly displaying various fabrics and semi-finished suits. The air was filled with the faint scent of wool and leather, and every detail exuded understated luxury. Such a place was completely unheard of for her.

When the shop assistants saw Xiangzi walk in, they all stopped what they were doing, bowed slightly respectfully, and called out in unison, "Miss Fengchuan."

Xiangzi nodded slightly and asked in a calm tone, "Is the suit I asked to be custom-made ready yet?"

“It’s ready, Miss Toyokawa.” A middle-aged manager, dressed in a well-tailored suit and looking quite gentlemanly, immediately stepped forward with a professional and gentle smile on his face. He turned around and took a brand-new suit from the display shelf behind him.

The suit was carefully placed on the mannequin, the deep blue fabric gleaming delicately under the lights, its lines smooth and crisp.

"Our best tailor spent fifty hours handcrafting this suit exactly according to your measurements and requirements." The manager respectfully handed the suit to Xiangzi, his tone full of pride.

Ai Yin's gaze fell on the brand logo of the suit, and she suddenly remembered something. Her father had once quietly told her when he took her to an important cocktail party that his boss was wearing a suit from the British luxury niche brand Huntsman. Not only was it expensive, but it also required ordering well in advance, making it inaccessible to ordinary people. At the time, her father's eyes were full of envy when he spoke of this brand.

Ai Yin was secretly amazed.

Xiangzi casually took the suit handed to him by the manager, without giving it much of a look, and walked straight to Ba Nai, handing it to her and saying in an unquestionable tone: "Put this on, Xi."

The middle-aged manager's gaze fell on Banami, looking at the tall, slender boy in simple casual clothes, a hint of envy involuntarily appearing in his eyes. As the manager of this store, he knew better than anyone the value of this handmade Huntsman suit.

But these are secondary; the value of an item ultimately depends on its owner.

Anyone who can be personally ordered and brought by Miss Toyokawa can be considered a lucky person.

"But...but aren't we your attendants?" Aine finally couldn't help but ask, her voice full of doubt.

She couldn't understand it at all. Miss Xiangzi was clearly trying to get revenge on Hanami, and she had already prepared herself for all sorts of difficulties. But she never expected that her first stop after becoming his attendant would be to bring Hanami to such a top-notch suit shop to change clothes.

Moreover, judging from Xiangzi's appearance, it was definitely not a spur-of-the-moment decision; this suit was clearly ordered a long time ago. Aine could even guess that this suit had probably been made for Banami as soon as Miss Xiangzi returned to the Toyokawa family and regained control of the family's resources.

Xiangzi ignored Aine's question, his gaze fixed on Banami, and said indifferently, "Xi, didn't I tell you before? If I had money, the first thing I would do is give you a suit that is truly yours. I always keep my word."

Her eyes were clear and focused, fixed on her ex-husband, as if the whole world consisted only of the two of them.

Long-forgotten memories surged into Banami's mind like a tidal wave.

He recalled a long time ago, when the two of them still lived in that cramped rented room. One cozy evening, Xiangzi nestled in his arms, gently tracing circles on his chest with her fingers, and said enthusiastically, "Xi, I think you would look amazing in a suit! And it can't be a ready-made one. With your figure, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long limbs, a regular-sized suit wouldn't suit you at all. It has to be a custom-made, handcrafted one! Huntsman would be best. My dad used to love that brand of suits the most, saying that men who wear them are the most charming."

"How much money will this cost? With our current salaries, we wouldn't be able to save enough even if we didn't eat or drink for two years," said Banai, gently embracing his young wife.

Hearing this, Xiangzi's cheeks flushed instantly, and she chuckled sheepishly, clearly realizing that her goal was too far-fetched. But she still looked up at him with bright, sparkling eyes, and foolishly assured him, "People must have dreams! We'll definitely be successful someday, that's what Fengchuan Xiangzi is telling you, it's absolutely true!"

Those warm words and sincere smiles seem like they happened just yesterday.

Today, Xiangzi has truly done it; she has fulfilled her promise from back then in her own way.

"You won't refuse, will you?" Xiangzi's eyes suddenly turned stern, his tone carrying an unyielding force, as if to say: I won't allow you to refuse.

Banami took a deep breath, her chest filled with complex emotions: gratitude, bitterness, nostalgia, and a touch of indescribable melancholy.

He reached out and slowly took the heavy suit, nodding gently to Xiangzi.

The manager immediately understood and respectfully led Banami towards the store's dressing room: "Sir, please follow me."

Banami followed the manager into the dressing room and closed the door. Aine and Shoko stood there waiting, and the store fell silent again, with only the faint luster of the fabric illuminated by the light.

Not long after, the locker room door was opened.

The moment Hanami walked out of the dressing room, the entire store seemed to quiet down.

He was already quite tall and slender in casual clothes, but after putting on this tailor-made Huntsman suit, his entire demeanor underwent a dramatic transformation.

He was already tall and straight, and wearing this tailor-made handmade suit, the dark blue fabric perfectly hugged his figure, outlining the excellent proportions of broad shoulders and narrow waist. The tight waistline showed off his V-shaped waist, and especially his perfectly firm buttocks, which were rare even among men.

His face was sharply defined, and his usually slightly melancholy eyes and brows appeared more composed and sharp when accentuated by the suit. His already deep eyes were even more expressive now, and his high nose bridge and thin lips were pressed tightly together, giving him an unintentional air of coldness.

The warm light shone on him, perfectly blending the texture of the suit with his figure, giving him a unique charm of a mature man. He possessed both the clean and refreshing qualities of a young man and the composure and reliability of an adult, enough to make anyone's heart flutter.

Ai Yin was instantly stunned, her eyes widening and her breathing slowing down. She felt as if her heart had been struck by something, pounding wildly, and hearts almost welled up in her eyes. Her cheeks flushed uncontrollably.

This was the first time she had ever seen Hanami-kun like this; he was so handsome that she couldn't take her eyes off him.

If she was initially attracted by his character and personal charm, now Aine announces that she has decided to join the damned "face-value club".

Xiangzi also looked at the man in front of her. Unlike Ai Yin, she didn't have the same amazement in her eyes. This was exactly the effect she had imagined. However, she had a dazed look and a hint of dazedness.

The next second, Xiangzi took a step and walked straight towards Hanami. To Aine's astonishment, she raised her hand, gently stroked Hanami's cheek, then tiptoed slightly and kissed his lips without hesitation.

This kiss was deep, filled with a strong possessiveness and an indescribable affection.

Their relationship is deeper than that of spirit and flesh; it is flesh within flesh.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Banami, the Master of Balance, Yu

Seeing Xiangzi and Banami kissing passionately in the center of the suit store, the employees all wisely lowered their heads. Some pretended to be focused on arranging high-end fabrics, while others looked down at the receipts, afraid that looking at them for even a second would offend the young lady of the Toyokawa family.

Only Ai Yin resembled a kitten whose tail had been stepped on; its fur instantly bristled, and its pink hair seemed to stand on end.

She almost staggered forward, forcefully separating the two with both hands. Her cheeks were flushed red, and her eyes were slightly hot. She shouted angrily and anxiously, "Miss Xiangzi, you...you've gone too far!"

How could you just kiss like that? Especially on the lips... She hasn't even kissed Hanami-kun on the lips yet!

Ai Yin's heart felt like it was being tightly gripped by a small hand, a mixture of sourness and bitterness.

She secretly glanced at Banami, feeling incredibly wronged.

Having her good time abruptly interrupted, Xiangzi's face instantly darkened. She impatiently pushed away Aiyin's hand, then raised an eyebrow at her, a disdainful smile playing on her lips: "Haven't you heard the saying, 'If you interfere with someone else's relationship, you'll get kicked by a horse'?"

“You two are not lovers at all!” Ai Yin retorted, her voice trembling slightly with agitation, but she remained unyielding. “You are divorced, you are a divorced couple, and you should maintain a proper distance.”

Xiangzi was speechless for a moment after hearing Ai Yin's words. His fingers curled slightly at his side, and he glared at Ai Yin with gritted teeth, a clear anger flashing in his eyes.

But her anger only lasted a few seconds before a sly smile suddenly appeared on her lips, her eyes filled with undisguised mockery: "Since you insist on coming to be my follower, you should naturally act like one. In fact, I've already prepared a suitable follower's outfit for you."

Ai blinked, still not quite processing Xiangzi's sudden change in attitude, when Xiangzi clapped his hands lightly.

Soon, a shop assistant in a neat uniform came over carrying an exquisite box. She opened the box and found a traditional British-style maid outfit inside, not the light and airy Japanese maid outfit with lace trim that Ai-yin remembered.

The heavy, dark gray fabric wrapped her whole body tightly, the long skirt reaching her ankles and almost completely covering her shoes. The collar and cuffs had a stiff, starchy feel, and the dull gray color was utterly unattractive, making her look both gloomy and restrictive.

Aine immediately saw through Xiangzi's sinister intentions: dressed like that, she would look like a disheveled little follower, while Banami, wearing a tailor-made suit, stood tall and straight, and together with Xiangzi in his luxurious clothes, the two looked like a perfect couple.

"What, you don't want to wear it?" Xiangzi narrowed his eyes slightly, the corners of his eyes slanting upwards, his tone carrying an undisguised threat. "If you want to be my follower, you have to abide by my rules. If you don't want to wear it, then get lost."

"Hmph! Fine, I'll wear it! Don't even think about kicking me out." Ai Yin snorted defiantly, showing no less stubbornness than Xiangzi.

She snatched the maid's uniform from the shop assistant and turned to walk towards the dressing room.

As she passed the shelf displaying sewing tools, taking advantage of everyone's attention being focused on Xiangzi and Banami, she quickly reached out and quietly snatched a small, sharp pair of silver scissors, hiding them in the pocket of her maid's uniform.

"Xiao Xiang, don't make things difficult for Miss Chihaya." Seeing this, Banai quickly stepped forward, her tone sincere.

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