Will the plagiarism girl be a substitute for the preference for women?

Of course, after rinsing with water, she would still wear a headband, apply facial cleanser, and wash her face properly again at night.

This time, the washing was more about... feeling my face with my hands, stimulating my nerves with water that was slightly cooler than my body temperature, so that I could see myself more clearly.

I looked up at the mirror and saw that my fair face was perfectly fine except for a few water droplets.

"are you still there?"

After mentally preparing herself for the changes in her reflection in the mirror, Chizuru asked cautiously.

Of course, what worried her more was that she received no response.

Half a second passed, and the reflection in the mirror still showed the same expression as before, but a voice came from within.

I've always been here

There's no need to always speak in the form of a "mirror".

China breathed a sigh of relief, then used a towel to wipe the water droplets off her face and hands.

After making sure her hands were dry enough so they wouldn't leave any marks on the paper, she took the paper strip out of her pocket again.

Please let the band shine!

When looking at the contents of the note again, China no longer had the strong sense of mission and obsession she used to have.

Because it seemed to be a list that the original owner had not completed, which had been crossed off in the original owner's voice.

I have severed these chains, allowing you to soar freely. Tear this note to shreds, or burn it.

The voice in my heart gave its promise once again.

What story does this note hold?

The voice in my heart chose to remain silent.

Because once the meaning behind the note is revealed, this chain will bind China once again.

Even now, don't you still want to drag others down with you?

I want to see you live your own wonderful life, not as the inheritor of my will.

My past is like mud; you shouldn't step into it.

Well then... I'll take your opinion for now.

China put the note in the back corner of the bottom of the bedside table, in a place where she would least likely see it.

Then, she heard the sound of a gas stove being lit and a spatula being used for stir-frying coming from downstairs.

The familiar sounds of everyday life.

In the past, hearing such sounds always filled me with anticipation for the dishes my mother was about to serve.

But dinner time is also a "family meeting" time, and the girl is quite resistant to the nagging and scolding in her ear.

Even the most delicious food will become tasteless or even bitter at that time.

If Su Shi were to cook, it would be much better.

However, this may not be included.

Because Su Shi's hope of having him join the band is now an unknown to him.

……

"China, dinner is ready."

After finishing her work, Su Shi put the food on the table and then looked up and called out to the upstairs.

With a hopeful expression, China quickly walked down the stairs.

However, she still seemed a little unnatural, and appeared preoccupied.

Especially after seeing the dishes.

It wasn't because the dishes didn't suit her taste, but rather because it was clear that Su Shi had put a lot of effort into them.

The foie gras, pan-seared to a golden brown, is delicately arranged in a circle on the plate, with a half-circle of blueberry sauce cleverly spread on the outside. The color and sheen of the sauce resemble glistening dewdrops in the morning light.

Beside it, glistening sweet and sour chicken wings shimmered with an enticing amber luster, accompanied by a refreshing fruit salad, which not only added a touch of color to the dish but also cut through the greasiness and balanced the taste.

It looks very appetizing, and you can tell that Su Shi used more skill than she would for a regular home-cooked meal.

In general gourmet food, color, aroma, and taste are important, but home-cooked dishes only focus on the "aroma" and "taste".

To give the chicken wings a reddish-brown color, Su Shi specially caramelized sugar before adding them to the pot.

She poured white sugar and a little water into the pot and stirred it constantly with a spoon. Then, the rock sugar would melt and turn into caramelized sugar water.

This step requires a certain level of cooking skill; overcooking can easily cause the caramelized sugar to solidify and stick to the pan.

However, Su Shi skillfully mastered this technique, using caramel coloring to give the chicken wings a reddish-brown coat.

If you're just making everyday dishes, there's no need to go to such lengths for color; simply add white sugar.

Although Su Shi didn't cook many dishes, it gave Qian Nai the feeling of a "banquet," and the carefully arranged Italian foie gras next to the chicken wings added to this atmosphere.

Clearly, Suze meticulously prepared this dish so that China could join the band.

This also made China hesitant to eat after taking her seat because she was unsure whether to join the band.

After taking two bottles of Ramune soda from the refrigerator, Su Shi cheerfully invited them:

"Eat quickly, China, or the food will get cold..."

Upon seeing the heating plate beneath the dishes, Su Shi stopped talking, thinking that it was inappropriate to urge China to eat.

We need to try some more unusual methods.

Perhaps this is not a good idea.

But all of this was to reassure China about joining the band.

Su Shi put the soda back in the refrigerator.

He then took out a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

"?, Su Shi..."

Looking at the logo diagonally pasted on the bottle, like the world swaying in the eyes of a drunkard, Qian Nai uneasily shifted her body back in her chair.

"Didn't you say I wasn't allowed to drink?"

"Just a little drink now and then, consider it me indulging you this once~ Besides, it goes really well with foie gras."

With one hand supporting the bottom of the glass and the other holding the bottle, Su Shi elegantly poured the wine into the glass in front of Chi Nai until it was about one-third full.

Then, he poured the same amount into his own cup.

Her unusual behavior was intended to get both of them slightly tipsy.

This will lead to China agreeing to things she wouldn't normally dare to promise, under her guidance.

For example, forming a band for life or something.

After pouring the wine, Su Shi sat half-reclined in the chair, leaning forward with her calves slightly back and her face resting on her clasped hands, displaying a languid yet graceful posture.

At the same time, she cast a tender and affectionate invitation at China.

"Little Chinatsu, do you remember? Wine tasting is an elective course for the ladies of Tsukimori~ How about I give you a preview together now~"

So, in front of the dish I've carefully prepared, would you have the nerve to refuse my invitation, Chika?

"of course."

China agreed with feigned composure, then mimicked the young lady's mannerisms, picked up a knife and fork, cut a piece of foie gras, and put it in her mouth.

"Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it melts in your mouth. It's truly a testament to Xiaosu Shi's skill."

Su Shi was not distracted by Qian Nai's sincere praise, but continued to gesture:

"Yes, pairing it with whiskey will make the foie gras taste even more complex and flavorful."

And China thoughtfully offered a hint:

"I think we should eat something first, so that we won't harm our health too much when we have a little drink."

Su Shi couldn't deny this, so she and China also sampled the food.

During this time, China chewed slowly and savored the food carefully, using all the knowledge she had acquired in her life to express her admiration for Suze's culinary skills.

This buys time, allowing more alcohol in the glass to evaporate, so that one doesn't get drunk.

After nearly half of the food on the table had been eaten, Su Shi finally couldn't hold back any longer. She rested her face in one hand and raised her wine glass with the other, gesturing for China to clink glasses with her.

"Let's forget about today's unpleasantness, Ms. Chinatsu."

Under this sincere invitation, China had no choice but to raise her glass and offer a toast.

"To those of us who are lost."

Just as the glasses were about to clink, Su Shi quickly moved her hand down.

What was originally a collision of cup rims became a collision of Su Shi's cup rims against Chi Nai's cup body.

In this way, Sosei expressed his respect and made China uneasy about faking it just before taking a bite.

Drink it all in one gulp!

A voice suddenly spurred him on.

Drink it all in one gulp, just like the last time you drank an espresso!

Are you serious?

"Quickly, trust me!" The voice in her heart urged urgently as Su Shi gently sipped the glass.

??All right……

Following the voice in her heart, China tilted her head back and drank the whiskey in one gulp.

Then, a strong aroma of alcohol spreads in the mouth, accompanied by a rich smoky and fruity flavor.

On the other side, Su Shi, who originally only intended to take a sip, saw this scene and, not wanting to be outdone in order for China to join the band, bravely put the whole glass of wine into her mouth.

It tastes awful!

Despite these feelings in her heart, Su Shi still used her willpower to suppress her rebellious body and swallowed the wine.

A moment later, a wave of dizziness rushed to her head, and Su Shi immediately felt the world spinning.

She held her forehead, trying to steady her body that had lost its balance.

But soon, her vision became blurry, and her eyelids involuntarily closed...

……

When Su Shi woke up again, she saw the ceiling of the guest room in front of her and soft, warm sheets behind her.

She turned her head to the side, and saw China sitting on the edge of the bed, holding her hand the whole time.

"Shouldn't we refrain from learning what adults do?"

China advised him with concern.

"Sorry……"

After apologizing, a tear rolled down Su Shi's cheek as she seemed to recall the past at home and muttered a complaint.

"Adults shouldn't learn from adults' actions."

Chapter 97 Drunken Recklessness

In order to get Chinatsu into the band, Sose felt she had gone too far.

Especially when using something you already despise.

When she was little, she always thought it was her fault that caused her father to leave.

Now, reflecting on these hazy memories, perhaps my mother couldn't stand that idle man who spent his days drinking at home.

What was once a tool for socializing has become something that numbs the person's senses.

"Adults shouldn't learn things that are meant for adults..."

"yes……"

China took a wet wipe and lay down next to Su Shi again.