"The manager mentioned today that two talents would be coming by, could it be them?" Another girl in a maid outfit emerged from the store, sidling up to Imamura and Aoki, she licked her lips and said, "They look quite young."
"Ah, finally some younger guys coming to play? How refreshing."
The two unruly teenagers gazed at the blindingly white scenery and involuntarily swallowed their saliva once more...
It really wasn’t their fault for lacking willpower, after all, it was just too dazzlingly white...
"Come on in, the manager is in the lounge inside... come in~"
The voices of the two older sisters seemed almost magical, drawing the two unruly youths’ legs into the store involuntarily...
Imamura Takuya: Hehehe... (Abba Abba...)
Aoki Yoosuke: Hehehe... (Abba Abba...)
Inside the store sat another seven or eight maid girls, who all gathered around upon seeing new faces entering. Although their uniforms were a bit more conservative compared to the first two, still, being maid outfits, they were much more enticing than ordinary attire.
The two unruly teenagers finally understood what it meant to be amidst a bloom of florals, even before their eyes could glaze over, slipping into a dazed state, the two initial girls led them into the lounge.
Yuri Painter Dubian Ichiro was sitting inside, seemingly flipping through some magazine. Upon seeing people entering through the door, he raised his eyes in some surprise.
"Manager... these two seem to be the talents you mentioned~"
"Oh? Please sit down, please sit down!"
Dubian Ichiro became spirited, hastily standing up and inviting, "Please both sit down."
"Milu-chan, Kaizaki-chan, quickly make some tea for... oh no, make some coffee... wait a minute, aren’t your uniforms a bit small?"
"...We are a legitimate Maid Café, don’t let anything else cloud the customers’ eyes..."
"Okay~ we’ll change right away~"
The two girls stuck their tongues out, giggling as they ran out. Seeing this, Dubian Ichiro coughed lightly twice and seriously said, "Please both sit down. The coffee will be ready soon."
The two unruly, newly arrived individuals were instantly moved by the royal treatment they received right after entering, both quietly giving a thumbs-up to Brother Shirakawa in their hearts.
No wonder it’s you, Brother Shirakawa, this is heaven on earth!
It’s decided! Even if I die, today I must die here in this store!
"You two are talents recommended by Mr. Shirakawa, I trust you must be outstanding individuals. Do you have any requirements regarding salary?"
"No requirements! The standard level is fine!"
"If it’s not possible, reducing it a bit is also no problem!"
Afraid they would miss the chance to stay and work part-time at the Maid Café, they practically turned into sycophantic mode, fervently singing praises recklessly.
"The manager having thought of such a commercial plan is truly brilliant, staying here to work is the honor of my lifetime!"
"Not to mention being introduced by Brother Shirakawa, even without this connection, we would work tirelessly for this store, till death do us part!"
"The manager is so handsome!"
"Such an engaging personality!"
Upon seeing this, Dubian Ichiro could not help but sigh, "The talents introduced by Mr. Shirakawa indeed possess high moral standards and do not care about trivial matters... well, since your character is so noble, I won’t humiliate you with mundane things! You’ll be paid the highest hourly wage!"
The highest hourly wage!
Imamura and Aoki opened their mouths as if wanting to say you could insult us a bit more, we wouldn’t mind at all. However, upon reconsideration, they thought since they were introduced by Brother Shirakawa, making him lose face would be unseemly. Therefore, the unruly youths could only swallow this bitter fruit with tears.
"So, regarding the job content... do either of you have any outstanding talents?"
Imamura Takuya and Aoki Yoosuke exchanged glances, and honestly began answering Yuri Painter’s questions...
On the other side, Shirakawa Sawahei, after receiving a message from Asano Fūsei, hesitated a bit before typing back: [It was Hayakawa who invited us... not sure which house though.]
Does the Hayakawa family have several residences?
Asano Fūsei quickly replied: [Oh, I see, young man, don’t visit empty-handed. If you want to buy flowers, don’t bring roses! Most girls like roses, but Kaori really dislikes them.]
[As for fruit, Kaori likes something with a sweet and sour crisp taste, not too sweet or greasy, keep that clear.]
[Now that I’ve mentioned Kaori, let’s talk about her mother, my wife. The things she likes, you generally can’t afford, so don’t bother trying to please her, just be sincere, and she’ll accept you.]
[As for me, it’s similar, although I’m not into fame and riches, usually, the things I need are beyond your means... or you could give me some of the tea your family served me last time, that was good stuff.]
Shirakawa Sawahei: "..."
Moreover, why did a simple visit involving a little girl’s apprenticeship in his words turn into paying respects to the future in-laws?
Observing Asano Fūsei’s concern over his son-in-law-to-be, Shirakawa Sawahei felt rather odd, still slightly sensing there was something fishy about this unexpected father-in-law. Always cautious, after hearing Asano Fūsei’s words, he couldn’t resist checking Miss Kaori’s preference sheet and indeed found it largely matched what Asano Fūsei said.
This left him quite puzzled.
Could it be... this is the legendary mutual attraction between prodigies? He’s set on recruiting me as a son-in-law upon seeing potential in me?
But whether or not this recruitment happens isn’t up to you and him, ultimately Kaori needs to like me. Given her nature, Shirakawa Sawahei didn’t think Asano Fūsei could sway her decisions.
So, should I bring fruit or not?
With such thoughts lingering, Shirakawa Sawahei boarded the train, pondering this issue all along the way.
The next day after school, Shirakawa Sawahei and the little girl requested leave from Tsukimi Sakurazawa, seeming to worry about being noticed. Asano Nazuki didn’t request a driver until they had walked a considerable distance from the school.
"What are you laughing at?" The Black Hearted Lolita, amidst making a call, glared with fangs and claws upon catching sight of Shirakawa Sawahei’s expression.
"Nothing, just thinking how cautious Asano is, as if doing something sneaky."
"I’m maintaining my image at school! And besides, this is going back home, how is it sneaky!"
"Wasn’t the place I visited last time your house?"
"That’s one of my secret bases." The little girl bared her teeth in threat: "If you dare to reveal it, I’ll settle the score with you."
"Since it’s already this way, why not just come clean and lay it out?"
"No way, I like it this way. That wicked woman never came clean about having so much money."
"Isn’t her money just pocket money?"
"She has more than me! She even has annual red envelope money and shares!" The Black Hearted Lolita, gritting her teeth, grumbled: "I only get cash, treating me like a child!"
"I don’t think that’s your guardians’ fault..."
Asano Nazuki gave him a fierce glare: "Not helping me against the wicked woman is one thing, but we spend more time together, yet you always take her side!"
"Quick, tell me, why did she call you over, what’s her purpose?"