Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

Could it be that what Chihaya Aine saw at that time was not just the label corresponding to the identity of "Toyokawa Shoko"?

She might very well have seen more labels belonging to the hidden soul of "Kujo Renji" at the same time, which were completely different or even conflicting with each other?

For example... [Dangerous Person]? [Gangster]? [Murderous]? [Complex Inner Feeling]?

A high school girl, with a bunch of labels floating above her head that are completely inconsistent with her appearance, and can even be said to be extremely dangerous and dark...

No wonder she reacted so strangely...

Because the "information" she saw was contradictory and incomprehensible.

In an instant, he figured out many things!

All those details that had seemed a little awkward and inexplicable to him in the past were now like scattered pieces of a puzzle, perfectly fitted together by this key piece of puzzle called "superpower."

I see...

In this way...many things will make sense.

After confirming that Chihaya Aine may have some kind of "superpower", Kujo Renji began to work on the next plan.

—Take the initiative to reach out and find ways to verify and utilize this ability.

And the best excuse for contact seems to be... that ramen shop that he personally dislikes.

After all, that was the flavor that Chihaya Aine "highly recommended" and that she truly liked.

If you want to build closer relationships, or in other words, lower the other party's vigilance, catering to their interests is undoubtedly the simplest and most effective means.

So, after a seemingly ordinary school day, Kujo Renji took the initiative to send a LINE message to Chihaya Aine.

Saki: Aine-san, are you free tonight? The ramen shop you recommended last time was really good. I'd like to try it again. Would you like to join us?

The moment the message was sent, Toyokawa Shoko's complaints immediately rang in my mind:

"Didn't you say this place was expensive and terrible, a rip-off?! Didn't you say the broth wasn't cooked through and was just plain water?! Why is it that just to invite someone out, it's like, 'It tastes really good'?!"

Xiangzi's voice was full of accusations against someone for having no principles or bottom line.

"What do you know?"

Kujo Renji responded indifferently in his mind:

"This is called treating the symptoms and catering to the needs of the people. To achieve your goals, you must be flexible and appropriate 'strategic compromise' is necessary."

"A strategic compromise? That's clearly hypocrisy!"

"Why not?"

Kujo Renji asked back:

"Should I just tell her, 'Even though I think your favorite ramen is terrible, I'll still reluctantly go with you to eat it again just to prove your superpowers'? Do you think she'll agree?"

Xiangzi snorted

"I think someone's just being stubborn. I was right last time. I actually think the food here is pretty good, but I just don't want to admit it because of my pride! Now I've found an excuse to come back and eat there again!"

Kujo Renji was speechless.

"I'm too lazy to care about you."

He finally gave up arguing with this young lady with a strange way of thinking. He threw this sentence in his mind and turned his attention back to reality.

Kujo Renji was too lazy to argue with her anymore.

At this moment, the phone screen lit up, and Chihaya Aine's reply came in at an astonishing speed, and between the lines, there was an unconcealable surprise and joy:

【Anon】：Huh?! Xiaoxiang wants to invite me to eat ramen?

【Anon】：Really? Really?! That's great! I'm thinking of going there again! (≧?≦)/

[Anon]: I'm free! Absolutely free! What time? Where can I wait?! I'm leaving right now!

.

PS: This chapter has 7,600 words, which can barely be considered a four-in-one chapter.

I'm really sorry, I said I'd update more, but I broke my promise again.

Chapter 90: Easily take down the pink-haired JK, because I am a killer (9K5)

In the late summer afternoon, the sun still carries scorching heat, and the cicadas chirp tirelessly in the treetops on both sides of the street.

The air was filled with a stuffy atmosphere, as if the whole of Tokyo was wrapped in a huge steamer.

Jiujo Renji arrived at the agreed place at the agreed time.

——A small park not far from Hanaoka Girls' Academy.

For today's "date", he put some thought into his outfit.

Instead of choosing the elegant dresses or exquisite school uniforms that Shoko Toyokawa usually wore, she changed into a loose white linen shirt, paired with dark wide-leg pants and a pair of simple white sneakers.

The overall style is neutral, retaining the girl's freshness while incorporating a subtle touch of neatness and casualness belonging to "Kujo Renji".

He hopes that this subtle change will make it easier for Chihaya Aine to subconsciously capture some "labels" different from "Toyokawa Shoko".

He took out a glass bottle of marble soda with fine water droplets condensed on the bottle from the canvas bag he was carrying. The cool touch dispelled some of the heat.

Not long after, the familiar figure appeared at the entrance of the park.

Chihaya Aine was still wearing the summer school uniform of Yugaoka, and her long pink hair swayed with her brisk steps.

When she saw Kujo Renji, she immediately showed her signature bright smile with her little fangs visible and trotted over.

"Xiao Xiang! Sorry, sorry, have you been waiting for a long time?"

The girl ran up to him, panting slightly, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, and her cheeks had a healthy flush from running.

"No, I just arrived."

Jiujo Renji smiled and shook his head, handing over the marble soda in his hand:

"It's hot, drink something cold to cool down."

"Wow! It's soda!"

When Chihaya Aine saw the familiar glass bottle and the iconic marble inside, her eyes lit up instantly and she cried out in surprise:

"Thank you, Xiaoxiang!"

She took the soda, and the cool bottle made her sigh comfortably.

She skillfully used the small tool on the bottle cap and pressed the marble down with force. Bubbles rushed up and made a "sizzling" sound.

"hey-hey."

She smiled a little embarrassedly, tilted her head back and took a big sip. The cool, sweet liquid slid down her throat, bringing a refreshing coolness.

"This soda was my favorite when I was a kid! Every time I went to a temple fair or summer festival, I would pester my parents to buy it for me."

A hint of nostalgia flashed in her eyes. "But...after growing up, I seem to drink less. It feels...a bit childish?"

Looking at her satisfied yet slightly shy expression, Jiujo Renji picked up another bottle of unsweetened oolong tea he had prepared, took a sip, and casually asked:

"So what kind of soda do you like to drink now?"

"Huh? Now?"

Chihaya Aine was stunned for a moment, as if she hadn't expected the question. She subconsciously wanted to say that she didn't have a particular preference for soda, but as the words were on her lips, she changed her words, her tone a little unnaturally "fashionable":

"Well...nowadays, I usually...drink more Monster Claw, right?"

After saying this, she herself felt a little awkward.

Monster...This energy drink is extremely popular among high school students and is highly sought after for its cool packaging and "refreshing" effect.

Although Aiyin followed the trend and bought it a few times, she actually didn't particularly like the overly sweet and chemical taste.

But... for some reason, in front of "Toyokawa Shoko," she always unconsciously wanted to show her "up-to-date," "very JK" side. Perhaps it was because Shoko always looked so mature and elegant, which made her feel a little... rustic?

Did she subconsciously want to get closer to the other person and prove that she was also a "qualified" and popular female high school student in Tokyo?

Even she herself couldn't explain this subtle little thought.

When Kujo Renji heard the answer "devil's claws", he didn't react in any special way, but just nodded.

"Well, that one is indeed very popular with young people."

The two of them drank their drinks while walking towards the "Internet celebrity" ramen restaurant.

On the summer streets, people walked in groups of three or four, and the sunlight made the shadows of the two people very long.

"Speaking of which, Xiaoxiang."

Aine shook the marble soda bottle in her hand, and the marbles inside made a gurgling sound.

"You're wearing something a little different today... eh? But... it looks great!"

"is it?"

Jiujo Renji looked down at his clothes:

"Just something to wear."

"Xiaoxiang is too modest!"

Aine retorted, "It feels... well... refreshing! And kind of cool! Like... like one of those models in fashion magazines!"

She struggled to find the right adjective.

Kujo Renji smiled and didn't respond.

It seems that this "neutral" outfit works quite well?

The two chatted and laughed, and soon arrived at the door of the exquisitely decorated ramen restaurant.

However...

The scene before them left both of them stunned.

The shop door was closed, and there was a wooden sign hanging on the door with the words "Closed Today" written in beautiful fonts.

“Eh——?! How could this happen?!”

Chihaya Aine let out a cry of disappointment:

"I saw on their SNS yesterday that they were open as usual today!"

Jiujo Renji looked at the "Temporarily Closed" sign and secretly said that he had miscalculated.

He had deliberately "sacrificed" himself to choose this restaurant to please Aine's taste, but ended up seeing nothing? What was this? Was it fate?

Or is it that even God couldn't stand his "duplicitous" behavior and deliberately gave him a way out?

"hehe--"

In my mind, Toyokawa Shoko's undisguised laughter sounded

"Now it's good. I can't eat it even if I want to."

Kujo Renji: "..."

“Ahhh… What a pity…”

Chihaya Aine's face fell, and she looked deeply shocked:

"I've been looking forward to it for a long time..."

Seeing the girl's genuine look of disappointment over not being able to let him eat delicious ramen, the depression in Kujo Renji's heart caused by his disappointment dissipated a lot.

He comforted her: "It's okay, come again next time you have the chance."

"Hmm..." Aine nodded, but her mood remained low.

At this moment, she seemed to have suddenly thought of something, her eyes lit up again, she pulled on Jiujo Liansi's sleeve, and her tone became excited again:

"Oh right! Xiaoxiang! I know there's another ramen shop! It's not far from here!"

Pointing in the other direction of the street, she added:

"That shop might look a bit old, but the taste is super authentic! It's the shop my dad always took me to when he was working in Tokyo! He said it was 'ramen for men'!"

"Ramen for men"?

This adjective...actually piqued his interest a little.