Chapter 81: Qingling Sang, Take a Look at Your Sister (Please Subscribe)

A refined teahouse in the heart of Shinjuku. From the outside, the entire structure was supported by redwood beams, exquisite carvings winding along the pillars, exuding a sense of age-old dignity. Amidst the forest of steel and glass skyscrapers, such a teahouse appeared startlingly out of place—an unmistakable testament to the formidable power behind its owner. With enough money, one could command the supernatural; with enough wealth, one could carve out a personal sanctuary in the midst of a global metropolis.

Standing at the threshold, Haruhi Harano couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. This vibrant red teahouse resembled a stubborn nail, hammered into the heart of Tokyo—untouchable, even revered. “Let’s go in, Mr. Harano,” said Shizuka Gozen, who waited ahead with a soft smile and a graceful gesture, her hospitality seemingly genuine. It was the first thing she had said to him, and she played the role of a gracious hostess well.

Haruhi fixed his gaze on the mature office lady before him. If he hadn’t possessed the ability to perceive changes in affection, her outward appearance alone might have deceived him. He wondered how she managed to speak and act so cordially with her feelings toward him sitting at a paltry one. Surely, she must feel a trace of revulsion herself. Following behind her, he watched her swaying hips with a mischievous glint in his eye.

They entered the teahouse, where kimono-clad hostesses approached with measured steps, bowing in greeting. Young and beautiful, each wore an elegant, creamy-white kimono adorned with ink-brushed bamboo, reminiscent of the handmaidens of old. The only downside, it seemed, was the expense—no wonder this place catered exclusively to prominent families, offering an immersive, high-quality experience of companionship. The Ultimate Maid Café Plues!

Shizuka Gozen appeared to be a regular here. With just a subtle nod, she led Haruhi deeper into the teahouse. The journey inside was unimpeded, and Haruhi’s eyes widened at the sight of rare, luxurious woodwork whose names he couldn’t even recall. Combined with the tranquil atmosphere and the genteel bearing of the patrons, the space exuded an air of opulence and prestige.

Everyone passing by wore an air of serene confidence, free from the anxieties of the outside world, moving with a calm assurance that all was within their grasp. It was no wonder the wealthy seemed so at ease—while the legions of office workers outside toiled under the blazing sun, the elite could afford to savor life at their leisure. “When the boss opens his mouth, those below run themselves ragged”—the saying held true.

Many of the guests were acquainted with Shizuka Gozen, offering her polite smiles and greetings in passing—not so much to her, but in acknowledgment of the Kiyoringa family she represented. She returned every greeting with impeccable grace. Here, as everywhere, she was the face of her house.

They finally arrived at a set of grand, tightly shut redwood doors—a private room awaited within. Shizuka Gozen knocked softly, then carefully opened the door, wary of disturbing the occupants. As the wooden door swung open, Haruhi’s view expanded abruptly.

Beyond the redwood doors lay a hidden world; rather than a mere private room, it was a self-contained courtyard. Following Shizuka inside, Haruhi was greeted by the gentle sound of running water. Looking up, he saw a pond in the center, crafted from blue stone, with a striking rockery at its heart from which water cascaded.

Beside the rockery stood a small pavilion, also made of redwood, weathered with age. Someone sat within, her figure partially obscured by the rocks. A few lush, unknown plants adorned the lakeshore, and a marble bridge connected the path to the center. If not for the rush of cars seen through the enormous pane of glass, Haruhi might have believed himself in the midst of a scenic spot.

He recalled the so-called experts online who claimed that the wealthy were deprived of the tranquility of nature—a notion he’d love to punch out of their mouths. When the rich desired nature, they simply planted it in the city’s very heart!

Muttering to himself, Haruhi followed Shizuka up the marble steps. Ornamental fish in the pond swam fearlessly near the surface, sending ripples across the water. But Haruhi had no mind to tease the fish—his attention was drawn to the pavilion ahead. Kiyoringa Yukino? He hoped this meeting wouldn’t be too taxing.

The pavilion was small, barely able to seat two or three people. Standing a short distance away, Haruhi watched as Shizuka Gozen leaned in to report something to the kimono-clad figure. Receiving a silent command, Shizuka bowed, straightened, and left without a word or a backward glance at Haruhi, as if he were nothing but empty air. She exited the pavilion, crossed the bridge, and finally left the courtyard.

Now, only Haruhi and Yukino Kiyoringa remained. The sound of water made the courtyard feel particularly still. Alone, Haruhi unceremoniously took a seat on the cushion opposite her, finally taking in Yukino’s features.

To his surprise, he was genuinely impressed—her skin was lustrous and flawless, her nose delicate, her eyes almond-shaped and bright with a quiet allure. Her beauty was so exquisite, it seemed as if she had been carved by an artist. Haruhi’s gaze instinctively drifted downward, curious about the rest of this goddess.

But one glance lower, and he couldn’t help but feel a stab of disappointment. Below the neck, she was utterly ordinary—plain to the point of dullness. To put it bluntly: from the neck up, she was world-class, and from the waist down, world-class as well. The middle? Perhaps it could be cobbled together.

“Haruhi Harano?” Yukino Kiyoringa lifted her head, her gaze calm. She had to admit, her foolish sister had good taste—he was handsome enough to become a superstar on looks alone. He also had a strong build, no delicate pretty boy, but a man in every sense. If one judged only by appearance, he deserved full marks.

But what was with that look in his eyes? Abominable—utterly abominable!

The initial flash of admiration in his eyes was expected, but the subsequent flicker of disappointment? And why did he look so let down after glancing at her upper body? Was she really that lacking? Unable to help herself, Yukino stole a glance down at her own kneeling knees—smooth, round, unremarkable.

“Yes, that’s me. I wonder why you wanted to see me, Miss… Yukino?” Haruhi replied. He’d meant to call her Miss Kiyoringa, but it sounded odd, so he changed it. Meanwhile, he silently pulled up her status screen in his mind. Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

[Character: Yukino Kiyoringa]
[Charm: 95]
[Figure: 85]
[Stamina: 43]
[Affection: 9 (No problem—someone with an even lower score just left, right?)]

Seeing the “9” on her affection meter, Haruhi tried to comfort himself. Just as the system said, Shizuka Gozen’s affection was still stuck at one. As he reassured himself, the panel flickered:
[Affection: 8 (So what if it just dropped by one in a minute? You’ve seen worse!)]

What? Hey, system, are you sure you’re not bugging out? I haven’t done anything!

[Profile: Yukino Kiyoringa, second daughter of the Kiyoringa family. Unlike her elder sister Miron, Yukino has been intelligent and obedient since childhood, the family’s model. She was brought into the Kiyoringa household at five and met her sister. Taught by her mother to get along with her, she can’t help but wonder why everyone loves her foolish, rebellious sister. Why, when she herself is so well-behaved? She doesn’t know whether she hates or likes Miron. Her ultimate goal: to become the next head of the Kiyoringa family, to seize everything, to take her foolish sister’s toys. (Evaluation: If you pursue Yukino, be prepared for Miron’s “cleaver bonus.” Of course, if you play your cards right, there may be another way. The player must find out for themselves.)]

[Current status: Feels strong aversion (due to perceived disrespect from Haruhi Harano); mild worry (because her sister seems involved with him); strong confidence (feels she can control him).]

[Stage rewards:]
Task 1: Raise affection to 45 and kiss her under Miron’s gaze. (Reward: unlock exclusive route.)
Task 2: Locked.
Task 3: Locked.
Task 4: Locked.
[PS: Would you like to activate the assist tool? With the assist tool, you’ll receive a random interest or weakness; other details require points, the cost varying by value. Activate?]

Haruhi glanced from the status panel to Yukino, who was sipping tea with unhurried grace. What a complicated mind for someone so young—clearly, she had another reason for calling him here. To already be scheming for the future of such a vast family enterprise at her age—compared to her, his own little chef back home was almost pitifully naïve. Alas, Miron, when will you grow up? While others plot for power, you’re still poring over recipes. It really is… unexpectedly reassuring.

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(End of chapter)