People in Tokyo, the world is clear

I instantly realized something, ran to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and found bags of baked bread and milk.

When I doubled the retail price on the package, my brows instantly jumped.

"Wait, this is what you've been eating for the past two days?"

“I quite like eating it.”

"Wow."

"Are you going to show some weird concern again? Let me be clear, I don't mind this kind of diet. I actually enjoy it."

"You'd be happy eating this for three meals a day, right?"

"...Exactly. What's wrong?"

Still talking hard.

He sighed heavily and took out the bread.

"First, there are a few tips. You generally don't buy so much of this baked good at once and fill up your entire refrigerator. First, it's not fresh. Second, if you go to a convenience store or supermarket later in the day, you can always find a discounted version. It's just cheaper, and there's no difference."

"I. I don't know any of that."

"In addition, long-term consumption of frozen products without heating them can cause serious stomach problems. Did you make these things every day when you ate at home?"

“There used to be a cook in the house.”

"Then why not just eat out more often? If you can't cook on your own, it's better not to eat at home... My apologies, Editor Sasakawa."

As soon as he said it and observed the expression, Lin Sen felt a little regretful.

Those previous words probably hurt the self-esteem of some flamingo.

The most hurtful part probably centers on the ill-considered word "independence."

But she didn't get angry, she just turned her head away and pursed her lips.

There was silence for several seconds.

"Eating out is expensive. We should...downgrade our consumption."

"I know a lot of cheap stores. I should have shared them with you in advance. It's my problem. From beginning to end."

They didn't consider the difficulties that a former caged bird would face in living independently for the first time. Under such circumstances, they disrupted her home purchase plan and recommended this house in the suburbs to her.

Maybe that's why she's been feeling a little resentful these past two days since she was alone in this room.

Then.

"No day is worse than today. There are a few restaurants that have delicious food. Are you interested in trying them?"

The sincere invitation probably melted some of the expression on the woman's face.

She finally put on a stern face again and stood up.

"Say it first..."

"Fifty-fifty!"

I have to say, Ms. Flamingo is really cute in some of her weird persistence.

Chapter 36: Opportunities in Life

The Umbrella Bar

Sasagawa Rimei swallowed the fried rice in her mouth.

Let the aroma of the food rage between your lips and tongue, then look up.

There is a noisy restaurant environment in my ears.

Around them, at identical tables, were diners chatting and chatting, their voices mingling with the clatter of forks and chopsticks against bowls and plates, creating a buzzing, clanging sound.

A standard, affordable family restaurant.

"I really admire Mr. Deaf and Deaf for being able to write in such an environment."

"I've been used to it for a long time." Lin Sen shifted the filled manuscript paper in front of him to his side. "Well, I've been through much worse situations before. Living and eating with a few people my age, at night, you'd hear mumbling, insults, and all sorts of other noises. From the balcony, you'd occasionally hear the sound of lighters, and the faint smell of cigarette smoke drifting in. And then, in this environment, you'd have to sit in your seat, concentrating and watching the video alone, thinking."

"Video?"

"Um...a movie, huh."

Lin Sen's example actually stems from his past experience as a professional player. As a child, he and everyone around him believed it was cool and free-spirited. But once he truly entered the industry, he discovered the undeniable strength of will required to maintain focus in challenging environments and strive to reach top-tier status.

The ability to remain unaffected by the outside world was probably developed during that period.

It is a talent that is of no great use. Certain qualities acquired through hard training will not be of much help in future life, and can only help one maintain a decent appearance in difficult times.

Many of life's inconsistencies and frustrations stem from this. I've burned my heart and soul into this endeavor, yet what awaits me at the end isn't fireworks, flowers, or applause.

I've lost so much that I've become a jerk. But that doesn't mean I won't reach out and grab the next glittering thing.

At least, try your best to have the right to dream.

"Is this why you requested that the publication order of your copy of 'Heat Wave' be advanced?"

"Yes."

Lin Sen nodded. "Of course, there are also commercial considerations. If my partner ultimately succeeds, people eager to learn about the stories behind her artistic creations will spontaneously seek out my book...and that would mean I'd make money, wouldn't it?"

"I do have some ideas."

"That's called taking advantage of every opportunity. If you can't do it yourself, you can only take advantage of others."

"That's something Shameless-kun would do. Did you have the same idea when you asked me to submit your work?"

"Of course. You're the one who can sit there in the editorial office doing nothing and feel at ease. You must have something."

"Tsk."

"Rub yours!"

"But what if she fails?"

Sasagawa Rimei put down her fork and straightened her expression. "That girl didn't become as famous as you hoped. Wouldn't all your efforts have been in vain?"

"If you assume the possibility of failure when doing anything, you will definitely accomplish nothing."

"Um..."

This time, Sasagawa Rimei didn't think of a rebuttal. She simply passed over the topic, propped up her chin, and stared at Lin Sen's face.

Memories flash back to the day we first met, and I re-experience the vague sensations I had at that time.

"Actually, I think we met once when we were kids. Probably a long time ago, at a birthday party for some important figure in Chiba. At the time, you were with your father, and I was with my father and sister."

"Well, there is such a thing."

"Mr. Careless doesn't seem interested at all."

"It's a thing of the past."

The young man glanced over calmly. "Besides, is there really any connection between our childhood encounter and our adult acquaintance? Or does Editor Sasakawa mean to say that he's known since childhood that I'm a deadbeat?"

"That's what the self-aware Lord said. I didn't say anything."

"Wow."

Maybe it's a habit, but when two people are alone, they always try to attack each other in their conversation.

But similar conversations have to continue. After all, it is really awkward to remain silent while one person eats slowly while the other hastily finishes writing.

After finally finishing lunch, I was able to continue wandering around Tokyo.

"Any plans for the afternoon?"

"I mean, Mr. Tumouyi has other places where he thinks he can get closer to me?"

"There are some places I want to check out. If you're bored, you can find a companion. It's up to you."

"Idle-headed Mr. Idle has a strange mentality of always dragging others into the mess."

After a round of attacks, they still followed him to a newly opened arcade.

To exchange coins, Rio Sasagawa, with a vigilant look in her eyes, walked around the spectacular coin pusher and found an old arcade machine to sit down.

My impression is that in the mid-to-late 1980s, arcade fighting games were just in their infancy, and there weren't many good interactive games.

But the pace of this world is probably a little ahead of schedule. The first game in the series that is now well-known to later generations has been completed.

"Give it a try? It's actually quite interesting."

"It's hard to do it."

The female editor seemed a little reluctant, but she finally took out a handkerchief from her bag, wiped the joystick and chair first, and then handed it to me, "You do that too."

Finally dealt with the mysophobia.

I just wanted to reminisce about the past, but after a few rounds, I just stood up and felt a hand pulling my sleeve.

Palladium One Tung Forest Umbrella Bar

"...No, let's play a few more games."

"what."

I didn't expect someone would become addicted.

He then easily won several games with his experience advantage, and then deliberately lost the last few games. With Flamingo's gnashing teeth expression, he changed the machine for her and started a single-player game, then went to the cashier.

"Hello sir. Would you like to claim your prize?"

"Is the owner or manager of your place here?"

"Uh."

The suspicious observation and investigation were initially followed by a rejection attitude.

Then Lin Sen struggled to whisper, pointed at a woman who was still addicted to video games next to the clerk, and showed off the knowledge he had gained in the past few days.

"You know the Sasagawa Group, right? That person, Mr. Sasagawa's daughter."

"what!"

Finally, I managed to alarm the real owner by using my reputation.

The 1980s also marked the final heyday of the Tokyo Yakuza. In those days, in places like arcades, where all sorts of people gathered, the only ones who could truly hold their own were the male protagonists of novels like "Reborn: I'm Not a Yakuza."

She was invited to a secret room and met a man with a patched little finger.

"you..."

"Don't be nervous, it's not a big deal."

Bringing out the name of Yakuza is just a stepping stone to gain trust; what they are talking about is a business called "linkage".

Lin Sen will fund the renovation of the arcade's tickets, creating a special edition with the "Blue Coconut" logo. Additionally, there will be some additional promotional work.

In exchange, Lin Sen will also have some additional cooperation with the other party in the future.

It's not a big deal, and there is no deep exchange of interests between the two parties, so the discussion is easy.

In the end, it will probably be a good breakup.

So Lin Sen returned to the hall and stood behind Sasagawa Rio, who was still immersed in the game, under the clerk's somewhat surprised and curious eyes. He saw her making continuous "tsk" sounds as she was beaten by the monsters in the game, and then she pouting and bending over to continue putting in coins to prolong her life.

I smiled until someone jumped up and patted my shoulder.

Turning around, a boy wearing glasses appeared in front of him with an excited expression.

I was stunned at first, but then I tried hard to recall and finally recognized the identity.

"Tiai boy?"

One night when I first traveled through time, I met a child. He lost a game and sat on the stairs crying.

Fate is indeed wonderful.

"Hello. How was it after that night? Did you win anything back?"

"The day after tomorrow! Definitely!"

"the day after tomorrow?"

Only then did I realize it and look up at the promotional poster in the middle of the wooden stand next to me.