Is this... is this person the original owner’s family?
Shirakawa Sawahei was momentarily unsure. According to his memories, the original owner’s parents were supposed to be deceased, and the only family that treated him fairly was his aunt’s family, who took on the responsibility of raising him. So, the person in front of him should be his aunt.
"Mr. Shirakawa, your aunt has been waiting for you a long time... come over quickly."
Tsukimi Sakurazawa stood up and waved at him. At some point, Miss Tachibana Tomoku had also stood up and was gazing at Shirakawa Sawahei.
Without time to think much, Shirakawa Sawahei walked over and apologized, "I’m sorry for making you worry..."
Of course, he knew why Higashino Rin was there. Ever since he transmigrated, he hadn’t really been in touch with them. He was busy earning money to support himself and also didn’t want to show any changes that might give away the abnormality to his family.
He originally planned to go back this year for New Year’s, deal with the situation, and also use part of his part-time and scholarship money to repay them. However, since they had come to find him, he couldn’t avoid it anymore. At the very least, he had to get through this hurdle first.
"Mr. Shirakawa, take a seat. I’ll go prepare lunch. You all chat."
The Black Hearted Lolita spoke softly and left the sofa. Shirakawa Sawahei glanced at her inexplicably, not knowing what trick she was playing now.
Still calling him Mr. Shirakawa? Besides when they were initially unfamiliar, which was the only time she called him that a few times, after which Black Hearted Lolita just called him Shirakawa. Occasionally, when they pretended to be a couple, she would call him darling. In any case, Mr. Shirakawa was not a name she would normally use.
Maybe Little Bai would... It always feels like Shirakawa should be an advanced form of address.
"I’ll help you, Department Director Tsukimi..." Miss Tachibana Tomoku stood up and walked towards Tsukimi Sakurazawa, seemingly also intending to leave space for the aunt and nephew. The lazy girl saw this and ran over as well. Black Hearted Lolita wanted to eavesdrop, but after receiving a glare from Shirakawa Sawahei, she could only scurry away dejectedly.
Fine, I won’t listen. After all, does this young lady really care to know that much? Ungrateful white-faced boy! See if I’ll put so much salt in the food that it kills you!
Higashino Rin watched the various girls appear by Shirakawa Sawahei’s side, showing some uncertainty on her face. Given his previous character setup, he shouldn’t have had such a good rapport with women... How did he suddenly have so many admirers just by going to high school?
What kind of high school are you attending...?
Having so many admirers is one thing... but the key is that all these girls are very cute...
The aunt and nephew hadn’t seen each other for a long time and seemed a bit estranged, as Higashino Rin fell silent for a moment before saying, "How have you been recently?"
"I’m doing well, living quite nicely at school, and my part-time job isn’t too strenuous either."
Higashino Rin fell silent again briefly, murmuring, "That’s good... Your uncle and I have been worried that you might be bullied in the city..."
"I won’t be," Shirakawa Sawahei softly replied. "They wouldn’t bully me."
"Is the money enough?"
"More than enough." He earnestly replied, "I’m earning money by working part-time now... from now on, save your living expenses to subsidize your household. I can completely manage on my own."
"That won’t work." Higashino Rin, unusually, showed a firm stance: "You still need to take the university entrance exam. What if your part-time job interferes with your studies?"
"Although we’re not very wealthy, we can always make ends meet. You as a child shouldn’t worry about this."
Shirakawa Sawahei lowered his head and was silent for a while. The situation at Higashino Rin’s home was more than just not wealthy; it was quite impoverished. From the remote little mountain village alone, one had to walk quite a distance just to get out; traffic and communications were very inconvenient. Their family was already struggling, but they still managed to support Shirakawa Sawahei’s education after gritting their teeth, which was exceedingly kind and selfless. In such circumstances, having her worry about his college tuition was unreasonable.
He stood up, said ’wait a moment,’ and went into his room to retrieve an envelope he had prepared a long time ago, handing it to Higashino Rin respectfully.
"Aunt, you don’t need to worry about this. The scholarships at Akihisa High School are quite generous. I’ve received several consecutively, and the part-time job’s hourly pay is also high, more than enough to cover living expenses."
"Here’s some money I’ve saved up; Aunt, please use it to buy something for Higashino, as it’s been years, and I haven’t been back to see you all. I’m very sorry."
Higashino Rin glanced at the thickness of the envelope and was startled, insisting, "Sawahei, what’s this for? Kids shouldn’t worry about such things, you save this money for your university tuition."
"I can still earn money for university tuition. Higashino also needs money for school; if she misses out because of me, I’d feel very guilty."
"No, I swore in front of my brother’s spirit to raise you to adulthood," Higashino Rin said seriously. "This is my final wish as a daughter of the Shirakawa family, and it must be fulfilled. As for Little Ming Lan, she’s still young; a little hardship never hurt anyone."
"The most important thing for kids is their studies. Don’t worry too much about money. Your uncle and I will figure something out; don’t let part-time work interfere with your studies. Understand?"
Higashino Rin asserted her authority, leaving Shirakawa Sawahei with no choice but to relent. Seeing him concede, the elder sighed with relief, her attitude softening a bit, saying, "Sawahei... about your studies and part-time work, I won’t say much else... Also, regarding relationships... you need to be cautious."
"Don’t worry, I know what I should be doing now."
"That’s good... Even though you seem close with so many girls, don’t forget to cherish the feelings of those closest to you."
"Sakurazawa is also a girl, and although she’s sensible and polite, you mustn’t take her tolerance as having no limits... always remind yourself."
Shirakawa Sawahei was briefly stunned, not quite grasping the meaning behind Higashino Rin’s words.
The ones closest... Black Hearted Lolita? Care about her feelings? What feelings could she possibly have? The feeling of pretending to be my girlfriend to cheat some benefits from merchants?
Why does it feel like the Black Hearted Lolita somehow significantly improved her likability with Higashino Rin while I wasn’t around? In his aunt’s eyes, just what sort of image does she have now?
Shirakawa Sawahei glanced towards the kitchen, coincidentally meeting Tsukimi Sakurazawa’s mischievous gaze. The girl winked at him and mouthed.
"Do~you~want~to~eat~this~"
She gestured to the beef in her hand, but the action looked like she was pointing at herself. Shirakawa Sawahei didn’t respond, just as he was about to ask something, Higashino Rin started speaking slowly.
"If you get permission... for this year’s spring break... bring that girl Sakurazawa back with you for a few days to play..."