Life is a bitch, it always likes to slap you before giving you a sweet date, and sometimes you don’t even get the date. Fortunately, this time they got lucky. The doctor said Taira Sakurako’s condition has improved and her mood is stable. It’s best not to let her get upset again.
Besides, people with high-functioning autism generally have higher intelligence. The doctor suggested trying to develop Taira Sakurako’s interests and specialties, as there might be a pleasant surprise.
Minamoto Tamako also made up her mind and planned to have a good talk with Taira Sakurako. Before entering the room, she tidied up her appearance, pressing down the cowlick on her head, trying to look like a qualified elder.
This felt like a critical interview that could decide the future, with maximum pressure. Minamoto Tamako finally experienced the nervousness of becoming a mother, sometimes worrying that the child wouldn’t accept her, other times worrying that she couldn’t take proper care, occasionally pulling out her piggy bank wallet to check the balance... Fushimi Roku had a déjà vu of a girl dropping out of school to become a mother.
"Don’t overthink it. People can take care of themselves without you worrying."
Fushimi Roku comforted her a few times, slightly boosting Minamoto Tamako’s confidence. At his command, the Yuzi Beast immediately charged forward, pushed open the ward door, and stood righteously in front of Taira Sakurako.
Under everyone’s gaze, she said aloud:
"Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Minamoto Tamako, female, 21 years old this year, graduated from Hokkaido University. I graduated a year early due to excellent academic performance. I currently work as a patrol police officer at the Sugamo Station front Patrol House and aim to become a famous detective police chief. My basic monthly salary is 150,000 yen, and with some overtime, it can reach between 300,000 to 400,000 yen..."
"Additionally, I enjoy eating sweets. Sugar helps replenish the mental energy consumed by thinking. In my spare time, I like reading detective novels and watching police dramas. My most hated foods are broccoli and carrots. I don’t have any bad habits like smoking, drinking, or gambling and have no history of improper relationships..."
"If you think this is suitable, I am willing to be your guardian until you are an adult and live independently."
The attending doctor looked surprised and instinctively glanced at the patient; the social welfare officer scratched his head, not knowing what she was up to. Fushimi Roku stood by the door, watching the show, putting his red-and-white game console back in his pocket.
Minamoto Tamako felt her face burning, scorching hot.
She thought she must stand tall! She couldn’t be underestimated! Now she’s already an adult and can support herself, so she certainly can take care of others!
Mama always taught her to learn the hard-working spirit of the generation and to courageously undertake her social responsibilities. She’s been freeloading for twenty-one years, and it’s time to do something for society!
The next second, Taira Sakurako turned her face away.
Minamoto Tamako froze, wondering what this meant. Was the child shy? Or was the crowd too much, so she felt pressured?
The attending doctor, who understood the patient best, brought pen and paper, helping Taira Sakurako sit up. The latter quickly wrote two words on the paper. Minamoto Tamako stepped forward and peeked, seeing two big words written:
Minamoto Tamako felt as though her heart was pierced by an arrow.
Her biggest fear actually came true!
Why? Is it because my salary is too low?
She was so ashamed that she wished she could find a hole to hide in, while Fushimi Roku was behind her snickering, which made her clench her fists in anger with no outlet for relief.
After a while, Minamoto Tamako couldn’t help but ask, "Can I ask why you refused?"
Taira Sakurako wrote another word on paper, then turned over and curled up, covering her head with the quilt.
From Fushimi Roku’s perspective, he could see the swirling resentment above Minamoto Tamako’s head, just like anime effects, with a ’hatred of the unjust sky and earth’ halo of despair.
He slightly turned, looking at the white paper, which now had three more words.
"Pfft." Fushimi Roku couldn’t hold back.
This heartfelt chuckle became the last straw that broke Minamoto Tamako. Even her best partner laughed at her. She totally broke down, really broke down.
Previously, Minamoto Tamako could comfort herself, fooling herself that those bad people were vicious, so they weren’t afraid of her. Actually, when kids met her, they still respected her... After all, she is a patrol police officer! A formally enrolled officer! With a gun license, the right to emergency arrest, and the responsibility to safeguard the peace!
Why do they call her a little kid!
Why do they look down on her!!
Minamoto Tamako was so aggrieved that tears came rushing out, feeling that all her efforts had been in vain. She turned around, wiping her tears, and ran out of the ward, leaving the others to stare at each other.
"Aren’t you going after her?" the social welfare officer asked.
"Why should I?" Fushimi Roku was puzzled.
"At a time , it’s better to comfort her," the attending doctor interjected.
"No, have you got something wrong..." Fushimi Roku frowned, not wanting others to think he was a lolicon.
Though it’s true that Minamoto Tamako is adorable, with big eyes and a soft face, even her elbows are pink, she’s just not his type. If talking about mate selection standards, Fushimi Roku would choose a wise and mature lady with big breasts and long legs, ideally with buttocks curvy enough to hold a soda bottle, saving him a cup holder.
But on second thought, given Minamoto Tamako’s family background, what kind of cup holders doesn’t she have? Gold, silver, copper, iron, wood, flesh, seven different ones for each day of the week, and on Sunday, she could wear a kimono to serve tea herself, her cowlick styled like a housewife...
Fushimi Roku snapped back to reality, only to see Taira Sakurako poking her head out from under the covers, looking at him with disdain. She seemed to know what he was thinking just from his expression.
Fushimi Roku immediately put on a serious face, indicating not to mind that female patrol officer. He took care of Taira Sakurako’s discharge procedures, completed the handover with the social welfare officer, and informed the children’s facility and the investigation team to follow up, as officers might repeatedly visit Taira Sakurako for verification records.
"Hey, are you sure you don’t want to consider letting your partner adopt?" the social welfare officer asked.
He thought Minamoto Tamako was already a pretty good choice. She was a civil servant after all, and so cute; as long as she’s not short-sighted, she will surely marry into a good family, and Taira Sakurako could benefit from it, living in a wealthy family is better than staying in a welfare home.
"It was just a moment of impulse," Fushimi Roku said nonchalantly.
The nurse lifted Taira Sakurako into a wheelchair while the attending doctor helped with a blanket. Fushimi Roku noticed that Taira Sakurako sneakily took pen and paper, but he said nothing.
The social welfare officer pushed the wheelchair downstairs, and Fushimi Roku walked alongside. While waiting for the elevator, he felt something drop into his pants pocket, a note Taira Sakurako had slipped in.