How rude, we are pure love!

Seeing his attitude, Ba Nai looked delighted and said, "Guess what, it means literally."

Qingye glanced at her several times, and after confirming that Lao Ba should not have the attribute of being "sickly", he breathed a sigh of relief.

He thought seriously for a while and said uncertainly:

"Are you exiting the simulation?"

The lemon incident before gave him a vague feeling that these heroines might be able to join in midway, but there was a time limit.

"Really, your brain is still so smart."

Ba Nai saw that his left eye was playfully closed, revealing a cute expression.

The conversation between the two gradually attracted the attention of the editorial department - mainly because Qingye was too famous in this circle. They stopped what they were doing and stared with wide eyes, shocked, surprised, and admiring.

"Let's go out for a walk!"

Amidst all kinds of gazes, Banaijian turned his face slightly, curled the corners of his mouth, and suddenly took Qingye's arm intimately, with a bright smile. It was obvious at a glance that the two had an unusual relationship.

Behind me came the sounds of gasps and excited discussions.

Banaijian smiled at him with a naive look. She knew the consequences of her actions - but in the end, let her be a little willful.

It was afternoon now, and the April sunshine was warm and pleasant. They walked under the cherry trees, the petals bloomed freely, and birds flew across the sky.

Alas, after I leave, Kiyono-kun will completely become a captive of the Yukinoshita family.

Yanaijian sighed. Ever since she knew the story of Kiyono and Yukinoshita, her mentality had changed. She felt inferior to the other party here. Her current situation was probably equivalent to "a concubine facing the wife".

No, but it doesn’t matter. When she returns to reality, she will not be inferior to the other party!

Comforting herself in her heart, she said:

"Qingye-kun, are you going to stay here for a long time?"

"Maybe." He wasn't sure.

Banaijian sighed again, feeling quite resentful that he was born at the wrong time.

After muttering a little with resentment for a while, her mood brightened up again. She walked quickly to Qingye and stopped him in his tracks.

"In that case——"

She stood on tiptoe slightly, stretched out her hands, and patted Qingye's cheeks hard.

"——You have to face everything. You have a life here too, right? We can start over, right? So, this time, you have to make a serious decision and don't back down."

Banaijian smiled cheerfully, and the smile was so beautiful that he narrowed his eyes slightly.

This time, you have to make a choice.

Choices to be made in the future.

"In this final moment, can you agree to one more request of mine?"

Ba Nai saw her with her hands behind her back, looking at him and smiling.

"What? I can satisfy you with anything."

Qingye laughed and tried to use a light tone to ease the impending farewell.

Then, Banaijian grabbed his hand.

Running in the sunshine -

"Come with me for dinner again! Run! Otherwise it will be too late!"

Should we say that she is worthy of being called Ba Nai Jian? With just one sentence, she turned the sad atmosphere of parting into a funny and joyful scene. However, the word "sentimental" really does not suit her. She should always be happy, even when parting, she should smile.

Banaijian tilted her head to look into his eyes, her ponytail swaying.

"By the way, I'll always be keeping an eye on you!"

It's turned from a comedy set to a horror set again! ?

*

What Banaijian said was true.

But the one who was spying was not her, but another mysterious girl named Eriri.

The two met by chance - once a game company asked Eriri to communicate with a paperback company about a promotional illustration, and then she met the editor Banaijian. The two hit it off immediately and felt that they had met too late. They formed an alliance tacitly, and their every word was filled with golden friendship.

And Eriri also learned that Yanami would pass away soon.

I will inherit your legacy!

What I want to show you now is my intelligence network!

I'll keep an eye on him online!

With this awareness, Eriri began to gather information about Qingye every day.

The first month: Oh, I feel a little distressed. Recently, Yukinoshita seems to have lost her sense of distance. She snatches the food from my bowl every day during meals and forces me to share a notebook in the library.

The second month: Oh, it was even more distressing. I was forced to go to school with Yukinoshita. She disliked other people's couple pendants as childish, and at the same time, she customized a pendant from Mr. Pan. I forgot to hang it that day, so she ran straight into the classroom.

Month 3: Qingye, Qingye, how could you have fallen so low? What is your life's purpose? What is the purpose of your life?!

Fourth month: Kissing and hugging Yukinoshita Yukino.

Is this your sophomore life?

Ugh—Gah—I don’t want to watch this! I can’t bear to watch this!

Eriri was killed in action.

*

Twenty-two years old.

Kiyono and Yukinoshita Yukino are in their senior year of college. Their college life is almost over. They have very few courses, and what takes up most of their time is the various pre-graduation jobs.

Qingye focuses on polishing novels, publishing at least two books a year. The sales and reviews of his new books are mixed - even literary masters in history only have a few famous representative works.

When he is not busy, he lives in seclusion in the literature college, discussing history and the future with many seniors, while Yukinoshita Yukino continues to travel between Chiba and Tokyo.

In their spare time, the two of them did most of the time, and it was always Yukinoshita Yukino who took the initiative.

Qingye could understand what she meant. It would probably be difficult for her to come to Tokyo after graduation. She wanted to take advantage of this time to see more of the scenery that could only be seen in this city, experience the feelings that could only be felt now, and perhaps also have some thoughts of comparing herself with her sister.

They traveled to many places this year. Yukinoshita Yukino seemed to be aloof from the mundane world, but she actually had a girlish side. She would blush and pull him to take pictures when eating delicious food or seeing beautiful scenery, and she would also take the time to style her hair and wear cute clothes.

They went to the Tokyo Skytree. The weather forecast failed to predict the sudden heavy rain. The two rushed into the elevator of the Skytree in a panic, with water dripping from the ends of their hair, so cold that it made people frown. But when Kiyono and Yukinoshita Yukino stood at the highest point of the city and looked down, they were both shocked by the beautiful scenery and speechless. The city turned into a flowing oil painting in the storm, and the dark clouds rolled like ink. In the distance, the outline of Mount Fuji was looming among the thunderclouds, and the snow-white peak was coated with a layer of almost divine silver light by the skylight. Yukinoshita stood in front of the transparent window, in the silence above the storm, the whole city was reflected in her clear pupils. Kiyono should have gone to see the magnificent scenery, but he turned his head and turned his gaze to her profile.

They also went to Sensoji Temple and Ueno Park. These famous attractions were not very good, but Yukinoshita Yukino was still in high spirits because she had this person to accompany her. The azaleas at Nezu Shrine were in bloom. They walked through the torii corridor and went to the shrine to ask for amulets and pray for their loved ones. At this time, a lady from the shrine's main family saw her and her eyes lit up. She asked her to try wearing a shrine maiden costume. She looked at Kiyono shyly. Kiyono was waiting at the nearest place. When she lifted the curtain and walked out, time stopped. Her red clothes were like maple leaves, and her white jacket was like snow. She looked stern and embarrassed, and exuded a noble atmosphere. The shadow of the Thousand Torii behind her cut across her clothes diagonally, as if she had traveled to ancient times. Kiyono's sight seemed to be glued. He couldn't help taking several photos and even painted a picture on the spot.

Afterwards, Yukinoshita Yukino tried to learn the work of the shrine maiden. Kiyono kept praising her for being beautiful and cute. Yukinoshita's face became redder and redder. She couldn't help it, and silently pulled him away from the crowd and walked to the corridor full of ema. It was a remote corner, sparsely visited by people. The breeze gently swayed hundreds of wishing cards, and the sound of the wooden cards colliding was like some kind of ancient rhythm. Surrounded by century-old nanmu trees, the woman as pure as snow pushed him against the corner of the wall, her eyes flashing with watery light. She hugged him, her ears red, and whispered that he was not allowed to praise her anymore. Kiyono looked at her snow-white neck and said okay, and the shrine maiden raised her eyes dissatisfiedly, grabbed his lapel with her hands more tightly, and said no awkwardly. The wind chimes hanging on the eaves shook violently.

Arriving at Odaiba, Kiyono's spirits were high. He'd bought a Light Badge and stood beneath the iconic spherical building, clutching it, anticipating Angewomon's evolution. Yukinoshita stood by, watching him with amusement, teasing him that Kiyono wasn't interested in Tyrannomon, a type favored by boys, but rather women. He'd developed this strange fetish since childhood. The man snorted, "Hidden female characters who are strong and possess powerful abilities are the best. I woke up early, but you still understand this!" Yukinoshita fell silent. She tilted her head silently, her ears flushed. She'd only glanced at it before checking the information about the attraction because she thought he'd like it. She didn't understand your hobbies, but she was willing to take the initiative to learn more and share your joy.

Tokyo is huge, and they want to see as much of this vast world as possible.

Soon, another turning point in life arrived.

They are about to graduate.

It was really just a fleeting moment. Was it because their university curriculum was unique? Or was it because time seemed to flow at an accelerated pace? Four crucial years of life had flown by in a whisper. Even the cherry blossom showers in Akamon on the day of the entrance ceremony seemed to still linger gently on my shoulders. And now, my diploma was already heavy in my hand.

Is graduation like putting a postmark on youth, allowing it to continue running towards the distance with a more mature attitude?

After graduation, Yukinoshita Yukino will return to Chiba.

Today she did not take the family car, but came to the station alone, ready to take one last look at Tokyo before leaving.

When she first came to this city, she said that she was not used to Tokyo, and her evaluation is the same now. This city is too prosperous and it is easy to get lost in it if you are not careful. But she does not hate this city at all, because she has lived here with someone for four years, and the scenes of memories will pop up when she closes her eyes.

However, she did not call Kiyono because he went to collect materials from his senior in the Faculty of Literature. She also didn't know whether Kiyono would return to Chiba. Whenever she faced a choice, she rarely considered herself.

Will Kiyono stay in Tokyo?

If he rarely goes back...

Yukinoshita Yukino was lost in thought when she suddenly felt someone was staring at her and subconsciously turned around.

"……How will you be here?"

She was stunned.

"Of course I'll go back with you." The man said as a matter of course, patting the light snow on his sleeves. It would occasionally snow in March.

"……Oh."

Yukinoshita pursed her lips and turned around so that Qingye couldn't see her expression.

We came to Tokyo together four years ago, and returned to Chiba together four years later.

*

After graduating from university, you become a real member of society.

The way people treat students and social personnel is completely different. From now on, she will no longer be tolerated and protected, and she must be responsible for her actions.

Yukinoshita Yukino began to inherit the family business.

The Yukinoshita family has two jobs.

First, she would become a county councilor - she would gradually get involved in this job, because there were few female councilors in the political arena and they were also criticized. Even in the Yukinoshita family, it was Yukinoshita's father who held the position.

Then came the construction company - the company's affairs were not difficult. After all, she took over as a manager and a boss. She didn't need to worry about anything when dealing with most of the employees. She could just do things with her original attitude.

At the beginning, her work went smoothly. After four years in college, she was completely familiar with her family's company. Moreover, she was extremely outstanding and capable, and with the help of her parents and sister from time to time, she could be called a "Snow Prodigy". Many employees of the company had a good impression of this decisive and cold president, and her career was booming.

At this stage, she was full of confidence and worked very enthusiastically - even spending less time with Qingye.

But after just two years, she gradually felt overwhelmed.

As the next president of the company, she has to deal with more than just employees. She also has to deal with numerous partners, peers, and the government... In other words, she has to deal with all kinds of people.

Moreover, this period is mixed with interests and money, full of calculations, intrigues, and scheming. With Yukinoshita Yukino's serious character who can't stand any sand, she will definitely not be able to get out even with the protection of her family. If she wants to survive in this dark and dangerous circle, she can only change herself and let her beautiful and pure soul continue to be stained by mud. This is the responsibility she has to bear.

Yukinoshita Yukino is as smart as Haruno. She can understand this kind of logic and even see through other people's hearts. Even so, she still resists.

She didn't want to change herself, didn't want to become the person she hated, but being in this position, she had to change and adapt...

On this day, Yukinoshita, who had messed up another batch of orders, returned to the apartment tiredly - after graduation, she chose to live alone because it was close to the company, and by the way, Qingye was next door.

At this time, Kiyono was standing in the semi-open kitchen area on the first floor. In front of him was a soup pot with white steam coming out. Yukinoshita, who had changed her shoes, happened to see his profile. He had a serious expression, was wearing an apron, and holding a long spoon in his hand.

Hearing the noise behind him, Qingye turned to look at her. These eyes were always looking at her, and she must always be looking at these eyes.

"Welcome back." He smiled.

"Um……"

Yukinoshita Yukino shyly put down her bag and sat on the sofa. She was exhausted physically and mentally during this period and couldn't even balance her life and work, so Kiyono would cook dinner for her like this from time to time.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that."

Kiyono turned off the pot, put down the spoon, and walked in front of Yukinoshita.

Forgot to say something? She was a little confused.

Then, she saw Qingye showing her a bright smile——

"thanks for the effort."

Yukinoshita Yukino suddenly felt her legs weaken. She grabbed the handrail tightly and turned her face away. Her snow-white face and neck were all pink. After a long moment, she whispered, "How cunning..."

She sighed resignedly, then turned her head and looked at him with moist eyes.

"Come here, lend me your shoulder."

Kiyono was forced to do as he was told, and Yukinoshita quietly told him everything that had happened recently.

"This is the path I decided to take, but now I'm thinking about this. Isn't that irresponsible?"

Kiyono saw the confusion and helplessness in Yukino's eyes. Every change in a person's personality must be made with difficulty amidst contradictions. On the one hand, she wanted to get her mother's expectations and recognition, but on the other hand, she noticed the dark side of the world.

"If you want to follow the path of the Yukinoshita family, if you want to achieve something... or even just to preserve what the family has, you must integrate into this circle and do things you hate. The longer you stay, the further away you will be from your original intention. You may even forget the self who once wanted to change the world."

Yukinoshita Yukino's voice ended softly: "...What should we do then?"

"As long as you have the ability to ignore the rules, it will be fine. I like the current Yukinoshita Yukino. She is a little clumsy and unwilling to compromise with the world. She is solitary and brilliant. I want you to always maintain your original self, so leave these things to me."

He smiled, his words carrying an indescribable sense of security, which meant that every choice she made would not lead to bad consequences, because he would solve everything for her and bear everything...

"If I continue to rely on you like this, I will become more and more useless." Yukinoshita gently touched his shoulder with her little head.