Chapter 35: The Greatest Hardship the Young Master Has Ever Endured Was an Iced Americano

The atmosphere in the cafe was vibrant; as night fell, the crowd seemed to grow.

Around Kitahara’s table, more people arrived one after another—men and women alike—and as if it were a party, they began to play games. While a cafe is not a nightclub, it still carries a certain social quality.

Miyako Nakamaki sat right beside Kitahara, one leg tucked over the other, holding a coffee. They were so close that with every breath, Kitahara could catch the scent of her perfume. It was this hazy, ambiguous distance—both intimate and yet not quite—that fueled the imagination. And once one begins to imagine, the descent into surrender begins.

Kitahara remained in a relaxed state. His fingers rested on the chair, tapping rhythmically from time to time, his gaze fixed on the drizzle outside the window. It was ten o’clock at night—neither early nor late, a perfect time for sleep. Before turning in, he intended to collect his reward.

[Capital Doubling Card]

He wasn't sure how much it would multiply, but Kitahara’s current assets, including his house, were roughly estimated at eight million yen. Even if it only doubled once, that would be sixteen million. Sixteen million yen was equivalent to eight hundred thousand RMB; it might not sound like much, but it was already a staggering sum. To obtain so much wealth through a simple action was truly maddening. If anyone were most prone to falling into the trap of money, it would likely be Kitahara.

However, this was only possible because the system had arrived early; otherwise, completing this mission would have taken an eternity. Facing a woman in her forties with an overwhelming need for control versus a naive, gold-digging girl just out of school—the difference in difficulty was obvious.

"King's Game, Pocky game!"

He snapped back to reality as a woman held up a draw and shouted, "Numbers nine and twelve, you're up."

Miyako Nakamaki glanced at the slip in her hand. She was number nine, while Kitahara... was not participating. He was watching the night view outside with calm indifference, the streetlights reflecting in his eyes as if everything happening here had nothing to do with him. Miyako’s eyes shimmered; she knew she hadn't completely subdued Kitahara yet, hadn't conquered this wealthy young heir. Only when he turned his gaze to everything she participated in could it be considered love.

Miyako Nakamaki was a greedy woman. Money and men—she wanted both.

"What should I do... I'm a bit too nervous to try," Miyako whispered to Kitahara.

"Haven't you played before, Senpai?" He turned back with a smile, as if waking from a dream. "Don't be shy, just be a little brave."

"It's just that I don't really know the other person..." Miyako glanced at number twelve sitting across from her, her expression dimming.

Number twelve was a male university student with decent looks, but compared to Kitahara, he was lacking. At that moment, he was looking at Miyako with excitement; if nothing else, this was likely his first time experiencing such an intimate encounter with a woman this beautiful.

"I'm a bit scared."

"Can I help you?" Kitahara offered naturally. As a gentleman, he didn't mind providing an excuse for her to pursue him.

"If you're willing, Junior, then I would be very happy..." Her voice turned sultry. "But I'm afraid you might get kissed by mistake. You haven't had a girlfriend yet, have you? Your first kiss is still yours—wouldn't it be a waste to give it to me?"

Such a thoughtful upperclassman was truly touching. Kitahara wore a gentle expression. "It’s fine, I don’t mind."

"Then... Judge!" Miyako made a request. "Can I choose my own partner?"

The group playing the game looked at each other and eventually agreed. After all, it was just a game; who she chose to play with was her own business. Only the man holding number twelve looked embarrassed, glancing around until he found one of Miyako’s companions to help him out. Fortunately, the woman agreed and began the game with him with a giggle.

"Be careful, don't let them touch, Ikeda-kun!"

"Oh, oh!!"

The atmosphere grew heated. Miyako Nakamaki, under everyone's gaze, shyly picked up a Pocky stick and held it to her lips, offering it to Kitahara. His warm breath brushed against her neck. He looked down and saw that the woman had undone two buttons, revealing a deep cleavage.

He looked up; Miyako’s full, lush lips were slightly parted, coated in a vibrant, fire-like lipstick.

"Then I'll be in your care, Junior." She added, "Be careful—will you really be content if your first time is taken by a woman like me?"

Miyako smiled sweetly as she spoke. Kitahara cooperated by leaning in, catching the other end of the Pocky.

"I'll be careful, Senpai."

"Game start!"

As the words fell, both pairs began to inch forward. But compared to the caution of the other pair, Miyako was clearly much bolder. She stared straight at Kitahara as if she would kiss him the next second. While Kitahara was still savoring the sweetness of the biscuit, she had already bitten off half. Before anyone could react, only a short piece of the Pocky remained.

She gave a light nip, snapping the last bit of distance. The Pocky broke.

The distance between their lips was only a few millimeters. Kitahara felt the softness of her lips, the taste of her lipstick, the moisture in her mouth... but with a sudden shift, Miyako moved at an angle, kissing him on the cheek instead.

*Smack!*

"Whoa!"

The crowd’s gaze turned suggestive and heated. Miyako seemed to realize what happened only after a few seconds, pulling back with a shy expression. A wet mark remained where she had kissed him.

"Yay, I won!" Miyako cheered happily.

Kitahara touched his cheek, wiping away a smear of red. Far from feeling awkward about being kissed by a woman, he let out a low laugh.

After her excitement settled, Miyako said apologetically, "Sorry, I kissed you by mistake. But it was only your cheek, not your lips. I was still being careful with my boundaries, you know."

Kitahara shook his head. "Actually, Senpai, you don't need to be so careful. Even if you had kissed my lips, I wouldn't have said anything. After all, coming from someone as charming as you..." He revealed a look of admiration, like a boy who had fallen into a love trap.

"Oh, you're terrible, don't say such things." Miyako laughed. "Even an old woman like me might take that seriously."

"Old? You just graduated at twenty-three—isn't that just perfect for me?" Kitahara feigned confusion.

"You have such a sweet mouth."

Miyako hugged him happily, her natural curves pressing firmly against his arm; even without measuring, he could feel their softness. She let go and sighed. "But still, I don't think we're a good match..."

A sharp glint flashed in Kitahara’s eyes.

Having provided enough benefits, she was now starting to ask for something in return.

"I’m at the age where I have to work, with all the pressures of family and career..." Miyako whispered. "If only you were a few years older."

"Pressure?" Kitahara looked puzzled. "I don't quite understand what you mean. After all, the greatest hardship I've endured since I was a child..."

"Is just an iced Americano."