Chapter 96: Fortunately, I Have the Habit of Locking the Door

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Early morning, the sun shines brightly. After the heavy rain, the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of earth. The rising sun slowly brings a ray of dawn to this world. Haruhi Genya has always loved the rain, whether it’s falling or just after. During the rain, he especially enjoys sleeping, listening to the rhythmic patter nearby, feeling particularly content as he holds a soft, fragrant blonde beauty in his arms—such youthful vitality. Even his dreams are sweet.

Thinking of last night’s scene with Yumi, Haruhi felt completely at ease, stretching lazily as he opened the door. Golden strands of sunlight fell upon his eyes, momentarily dazzling him. He instinctively raised a hand to shield them, gradually adjusting until his vision cleared, revealing a vivid, high-definition world: blue skies, white clouds, moss sprouting between gray stone tiles, and dewy grasses sparkling beside the path, gleaming with life—like the smooth skin of Mrs. Momotani.

His supple body twisted into an exaggerated side stretch, the slender waist appearing fragile yet resilient. The wonderful, rounded hips were tightly wrapped in sharkskin leggings, beneath which were long, straight legs exuding vitality and health. A gentle breeze made Haruhi shiver; though it was the end of October, the air still held a chill. Though Mrs. Momotani’s figure was lovely during her morning exercise, now fully awake, he thought it would be impolite to stare any longer.

This was why Haruhi also relished the post-rain world, as if everything had been purified—the air fresh and pleasant. Of course, Mrs. Momotani’s workout only added to the beauty of the scene. Though sometimes lost in thought, overall, nothing was amiss.

Noticing a sound behind him, Eri Momotani turned around, smiling charmingly. Her snug white tank top was quite revealing. Haruhi couldn’t fathom why Mrs. Momotani, a landlord, insisted on wearing such a small sports top every time, as if saving fabric. Didn’t it make her uncomfortable? What if she collapsed during her run because she couldn’t breathe properly? Would he be allowed to rush to a public restroom to help her free herself? After all, it would be to save a life, for love and justice, for lofty ideals...

“Haruhi? What are you thinking about?” Eri approached, curious. Seeing her small nose and rosy lips, her delicate brows and eyes filled with a hint of worry, Haruhi was momentarily stunned. A faint, lingering fragrance filled the air.

“Nothing. Eri-san, you’re up so early today!” he replied.

Eri smiled softly, her eyes even more enchanting. “You must have gone to bed early last night, Haruhi, right?”

“Why do you say that?” Haruhi asked, stepping into the small courtyard to warm up. Wearing the new sportswear bought by Kiyosawa Miru, though his old clothes still fit, they were loose and ill-suited for morning runs. Now transformed, the simple, fitted outfit made him look upright and refined—handsome face, neat hair, clean and tidy overall. His alluring eyes added a mysterious and noble aura to his already striking charm.

At his national high school, Haruhi was widely recognized as a top heartthrob. Everyone agreed his aura and vitality had improved dramatically after losing weight and getting fit, inspiring other chubby club members to aspire for a better life. In fact, Haruhi had heard from Hirasuke Yoteru that some had even started to worship him like a deity—praying before meals, hoping to one day catch the attention of the esteemed lady.

A clear sign was the envelopes stuffed daily into his shoe cabinet, despite everyone knowing Kiyosawa Miru was his girlfriend.

“Because I saw you and little Miru come back late last night!” Eri continued, joining in the warm-up she hadn’t finished. “You two got caught in the rain. I happened to make some nourishing stew to bring over, but you went to bed so early I couldn’t deliver it.”

Haruhi paused, watching the lady stretching in front of him, her fair skin glowing in the sunlight, full of life. It turned out Mrs. Momotani had knocked on his door last night—luckily, he always locked it, or else it might have been a classic surprise and shock moment. Fortunately, neither he nor Kiyosawa Miru had white hair—he had black, she had blonde—so they didn’t quite fit the criteria.

“I was tired last night, so I went to bed early. Thank you for the stew; it’s a pity we didn’t get to taste it,” Haruhi said. It seemed Mrs. Momotani was the only one besides him and Miru with a key to his room.

“No problem. Next time, come to my house for dinner. I’ll make it for you,” Eri replied sweetly.

The two chatted casually before setting off together for their morning run.

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Watching Eri’s graceful figure swaying ahead, Haruhi sighed inwardly: dangerous, very dangerous. Eri having a key was not good news! If only he could uncover some of Mrs. Momotani’s little secrets...

[Character: Eri Momotani]
[Age: 33]
[Charm: 93]
[Figure: 95]
[Stamina: 76]
[Affection: 65 (Maybe it’s time to try confessing—who knows, she might say yes if she’s caught up in the moment or a little tipsy.)]
[Profile: Mrs. Momotani, owner of two properties in Tokyo’s prime locations, has long achieved moderate financial freedom. With little else to do, she focuses on fitness. Her daughter has grown up but is lazy and disobedient, so Mrs. Momotani hopes for a hardworking, obedient, sensible son. (Evaluation: After persistent effort, your physique now matches such a woman’s standards. Time to show your masculine prowess! Even without the mighty strength pill, you can do it!)]
[Current Status: Feeling very happy running with Haruhi (Strong), slightly frustrated with little Momotani still in bed (Weak), disappointed her nourishing stew wasn’t tasted last night (Weak)]
[Stage Tasks:]
Stage 1: Affection at 40 and practicing yoga together at home. Reward: Beginner painting experience card. (Incomplete)
Stage 2: Locked
Stage 3: Locked
Stage 4: Locked
[Daily Tasks:]
Run together with Eri Momotani for 30 days. Reward: 10 attribute points, 10 support points.
Progress: 28/30 (Incomplete)
Visit the gym with Eri Momotani 30 times. Reward: 100,000 yen or epic title: Fitness Wolf (choose one).
[“Epic Title” Fitness Wolf: +10 charm points in the gym.]
Progress: 10/30
Stage 1: Successfully convert 20 pounds of fat into muscle. Reward: 1 million yen. (No attribute points allowed or task fails.)
Stage 2: Gain Eri Momotani’s recognition as Tokyo’s most handsome high school boy. Reward: Mrs. Momotani’s secret.

Though some time had passed since the tasks were assigned, progress on the Fitness Wolf’s first stage was modest. Haruhi couldn’t always run or work out with Mrs. Momotani; besides occasionally joining the lady for club activities, he often visited Mrs. Uehara and tutored Uehara Miko. Busy but fulfilling, Haruhi preferred to take tasks naturally unless the rewards were particularly good.

Life must go on. If the system forced relentless task completion, it would ruin the joy of both the game and daily life.

Now, after morning runs with the charming Mrs. Momotani, Haruhi spent his days holding his tsundere blonde beauty, occasionally teasing shy classmate Yuriko, and depending on the day, visiting Mrs. Uehara’s place. Feeling lively, he sought thrills at convenience stores; when calm, he settled in at Mrs. Uehara’s home. Since Miko attended club activities after school, the house was often empty, giving Haruhi the opportunity he needed.

Sometimes, while in Mrs. Uehara’s bedroom, Haruhi’s fingers couldn’t resist touching the sparkling diamond ring on her ring finger. Though he could remove it, he didn’t want to. There was no need; everything depended on Uehara Kami, and Haruhi did not press the issue.

Regarding Mrs. Momotani, he figured he should speed up stage one to tackle stage two sooner. Secrets were always enticing.

“Hello, ready to check out?” The petite cashier lowered her head, blushing and hesitant to meet the gaze of the young man before her.

“Here’s your change—please take it,” she stammered repeatedly, her face growing even redder, her head dipping lower.

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Unfortunately, no matter how much the girl lowered her head, she couldn’t imitate an ostrich—lacking the conditions for such a feat. Such a pity.

“Thank you,” Haruhi said with a charming smile, radiant like the morning sun, taking his bag and walking out.

Feeling that Miru had suffered a bit last night, after parting with Mrs. Momotani, Haruhi stopped by the supermarket to buy some red dates, planning to make a fragrant, sticky red date porridge at home to nourish the young lady.

Back home, the young lady was still reluctant to get out of bed, so Haruhi began preparing the ingredients. Pitting the red dates, rinsing the glutinous rice, turning on the stove, adding water and ingredients, then simmering gently.

Today was a day off. While the porridge cooked, Haruhi gathered the discarded school uniforms from last night in the living room, placing them in the laundry basket, intending to wash them once Miru woke, so as not to make too much noise.

Having finished, he sank onto the sofa, listening attentively to the gentle bubbling from the kitchen pot, pulling out his phone to scroll through the day’s news, a habit formed since his rebirth. Checking entertainment updates was fun—now he could observe the daily lives of actors he’d only seen in movies before. Attending a fan meeting someday would mark his success as a fan.

People who dedicate themselves to art...

“Tsk tsk, has Kozawa changed boyfriends again?” Haruhi clicked through today’s hot topics, the kitchen emitting a steady “toot toot” steam sound.

“Wait, who’s Kurozawa Shirin? Some knockoff?”
“And this Prime Minister Fujiwara, number one in popularity???”

Just as he found intriguing news and was about to click, sounds came from the bedroom. Putting down his phone, he saw the tousled-haired blonde beauty standing at the door. Though her complexion was good, her legs seemed weak. She wore one of Haruhi’s loose T-shirts, the fabric covering her small hips, bare feet planted on the floor.

Today, Miru carried an indescribable charm, having shed some of her youthful awkwardness. In short, she had grown.

Haruhi grinned and approached. Miru glanced at him indifferently before heading to the sofa, sitting where he had just been, casually turning on the TV.

Coincidentally, the screen showed the news Haruhi had just seen: an anime character named Chika Fujiwara running in the current election, leading by a wide margin, accompanied by a cute close-up photo.

Listening to the sweet voice from the broadcast, Haruhi smacked his lips, eager for more, but Miru seemed uninterested, switching channels to the morning Crayon Shin-chan show.

Glancing at the mischievous character on screen, Haruhi returned to the kitchen. Young girls liked watching such little rascals, and this hobby was certainly healthier than idol dramas—just look at Terashima Kanae, poisoned by idol dramas in her youth.

In the kitchen, he observed the steaming pot. The white rice grains had thickened, and bits of chopped red dates floated amid the bubbling.

It smelled delicious.

Thanks to the patron who only eats tomatoes.
Thanks to patron 20180429201022982.
Thanks to patron Liusu.
Thanks to patron Zanglong Yipo.
Also thanks to patron Haijiao Chen from Jiandaka Tower—deep gratitude.

More updates tomorrow!

(End of chapter)