Chapter 56: Supreme Euphoria Town

Tao Zhiming thought Runa Onodera would take the melon with her hand, but instead, he felt a breath brush against his fingers. Surprised, he turned his head and saw her gently holding the slice between her lips.

Seeing his expression, Runa panicked. She quickly sucked the fruit into her mouth, cheeks puffing out, face flushed, and stood up straight, lowering her gaze as she kneaded his shoulders with greater force.

Tao Zhiming couldn't help but laugh softly; her allure in that fleeting moment was rather captivating.

In truth, Runa Onodera felt he was even more charming. Why was it that, despite being a twenty-one-year-old young man, every movement and gesture exuded such mature appeal?

Tao Zhiming simply opened to the pages he had already written, checking if there was anything to add.

Runa stood by, able to glimpse the words on the page. She murmured, “Mogami... Gokuraku... Town?”

“That’s right. If I want to establish myself in Tokyo, I need to accomplish something truly significant. But let’s not talk about that. How are things progressing with Okawa Tsui? Has he taken a liking to any aunties yet?”

Runa pressed her lips together in a smile. “You really analyzed it perfectly, Tao-kun. Mr. Okawa is much warmer toward me now. He even said that if he’d had a daughter, she would surely be as thoughtful as I am, caring for her lonely father. I was so embarrassed by his praise—and it’s all thanks to your idea.”

“Is that so? Then, what about his willingness to sell the house? Has he softened?”

“He hasn’t found anyone he truly gets along with yet, so it might take a bit more time...”

Tao Zhiming nodded. Runa watched as he picked up his pen, turned to the last page, and wrote down Okawa Tsui’s name.

She blinked in confusion. Was Mr. Okawa Tsui part of Tao-kun’s future plans?

“All right, if you keep massaging, your hands will get sore. Runa, take it easy with work for the next couple days, and stay mainly at home.”

“Eh?” Runa withdrew her hands, clasping them nervously. “Did I... do something wrong?”

“No, you did very well.” Tao Zhiming turned around, resting one arm on the chair. “I’m just worried you’ll be seen as someone important to me and used as bait to lure me out. It could be dangerous.”

Runa gazed at him in a daze.

Tao Zhiming smiled radiantly. “Stay at home and keep Miyako company. Help her prepare. Once I’ve taken care of this matter, I’ll have Yosuke take you both to meet the school principal.”

Runa bowed deeply, overwhelmed with gratitude. “I truly... don’t know how to express my thanks...”

When she straightened, she saw Tao Zhiming still smiling at her, his expression making her heart flutter. She hurriedly said, “I won’t disturb your work any longer...”

With that, she slipped out the door.

Only after closing it did she clutch her chest, quietly letting out a breath.

What did Tao-kun’s smile mean?

Why did he keep looking at her like that after she’d said she didn’t know how to thank him?

She walked softly to the living room, sat down, and let her thoughts wander.

Tao-kun... still worried about her safety. So, was she an important person to him after all?

As she pondered, she spotted a book lying on the floor in the corner. Crawling over, she picked it up.

Whether or not she was important to him, she had to work hard to learn more, striving to become someone important at his side.

Even if only as an employee...

...

After writing for a while longer, Tao Zhiming stepped out to use the restroom and stretch his legs. That’s when he saw Runa sprawled on the living room mat, a book open in her hand.

She was using her arm as a pillow, her mouth slightly open, a small line of drool escaping.

Her curving silhouette was harmonious, and as Tao Zhiming watched her, he recalled her earlier words, feeling a warmth rise inside him.

But there was no need to rush.

This dish was already flavorful. For someone as worldly as she was, if her heart held genuine affection, it would be all the more delicious.

He walked over and crouched down, gently shaking her shoulder.

Runa murmured sleepily, then opened her eyes to see him. With a start, she sat up. “Oh no... I fell asleep... I must have embarrassed you, Tao-kun...”

Tao Zhiming smiled. “If you’re tired, go sleep in your room. You’ll catch a chill out here.”

Runa lowered her head. “It’s fine, I was just studying...”

“Looks like you’re already comfortable here, if you can fall asleep in the living room.” Tao Zhiming left her to it, rising and heading to the restroom. “Wipe your mouth.”

“...Eh?!” Runa touched the corner of her mouth and was mortified.

Had he seen her drooling in her sleep?

Flustered and shy, she heard Tao Zhiming call back, “It was rather cute,” before he disappeared into the restroom.

Hearing the sounds from inside, Runa felt she could no longer stay in the living room.

Cute, he said... How could she possibly face him later?

But eventually, she had to. She made dinner, and since Yosuke Ueno wasn’t back yet, it was just the three of them eating together.

Tao-kun seemed to have forgotten all about calling her cute. Just like at lunch, he ate quietly, deep in thought.

It was Miyako who spoke up: “Mom, the cherry blossoms will bloom soon. Can we all go for a picnic then?”

Before Runa could reply, Tao Zhiming answered, “Of course! We’ll all go together. Miyako-chan, do you have a cute kimono?”

“Of course I do!” Miyako said excitedly. “But I’ve grown taller this year!”

“We’ll buy one in a few days! Now that your mother has money, she can dress you up as the cutest little girl!”

Runa stared blankly at Tao Zhiming, who was laughing and chatting with Miyako. Wasn’t that money meant only for her to take on the image of a ‘wealthy lady’? Could it be spent on Miyako too?

Seeing her expression, Tao Zhiming, as if reading her mind, said, “There will be occasions in the future where you’ll attend gatherings with your child. Miyako-chan should be an outstanding little girl too!”

Runa nodded silently and lowered her head to eat.

She couldn’t help thinking, if only things could stay like this forever—just like a family.

Tao Zhiming adjusted his mood, chatting lightly with little Miyako.

Even though a turbulent life awaited, he hadn’t been given this second chance just to live in constant fear.

Tao Zhiming had full confidence in his own plans.

After all, people like Hiroshi Omiyama had chosen the wrong target.

What good could possibly come from provoking the protagonist?

But there was no hurry. He had originally intended only to squeeze a bit of interview money out of him, but now, he would extract much more value.

And then, use him as the stepping stone to truly establish himself in Tokyo.