Chapter 38: A Chance Encounter

"If you have any thoughts of pursuing me, then bring a hundred million yen."

Miyako Nakamaki said this with a half-joking tone.

A hundred million. That was roughly five million RMB. Even in the provinces where dowries were most exorbitant, no sucker would be willing to pay that much.

Yet, Kitahara wasn’t angry. He knew this was Miyako’s way of discouraging him—she was using humor to clearly express her rejection. From that perspective, she was actually a decent woman; after all, she didn’t prey on the poor.

Kitahara swirled his glass, contemplating the possibility of pursuing Miyako. A person wouldn't just have one quest associated with them. As long as he stayed by her side and triggered a few more rewards, he could earn that hundred million—or even a billion—soon enough.

After a moment of thought, Kitahara smiled and shook his head. There were so many women in the world, why hang himself on just one tree? Wouldn't it be better to find a good woman?

"A hundred million? That might be a bit difficult," Kitahara said with a smile. "However, if you're willing to stay by my side, senior, perhaps I could come up with it."

"You cheeky little brother..."

Miyako thought he had truly become infatuated with her. A trace of helplessness flashed in the depths of her eyes. *I’ve already warned him like this, and he still won’t listen. Is his lower brain controlling his upper brain?*

Yet, she felt a bit happy. Who doesn't like being complimented? Even a woman like her felt a sense of pride when praised.

"I won't try to stop you then. If you're willing to spend money on me, I’d be more than happy," Miyako teased, though she had already decided in her heart that no matter how he tried to please her, she would never agree.

"If there's a reward involved..." Kitahara hinted.

"Let's eat." Miyako brushed off the topic, adding with concern, "You still have school tomorrow. Don't blame me if you don't get into university."

"Thank you for your concern, senior."

After that exchange, the atmosphere of the meal changed significantly. Every time Miyako ate a dish, she would introduce the cooking method, the texture, and the nuances of the flavors.

"It's a pity you didn't become a chef, senior," Kitahara said in admiration.

"It's just a little bit of trivial knowledge, not worth mentioning," Miyako said, puffing out her chest with pride. When her mother worked here, she had observed every single dish. It was all second nature to her.

Once they had finished eating, Kitahara paid the bill. Outside, the night had deepened. Kitahara checked the time; it was eleven o'clock, and the streets were quiet. Tokyo’s nights were prosperous, but it depended on the area; the neighborhood where this restaurant was located was already pitch black.

"How are you getting back?" he asked naturally.

"What, are you going to send me off?" Miyako gave him a charming smile. "If you're willing to see me home, maybe I'll give you a loving kiss."

"I don't have that kind of time. And does a promise from your lips actually count for anything?"

Miyako didn't answer his question. She stared at Kitahara’s face, hesitating for a moment, and gave herself an answer in her heart.

She could. If it were him, she wouldn't feel repulsed...

"Taxi." Kitahara flagged one down and looked at Miyako. "Get in. I'll pay the fare for you."

"Thanks, junior!"

Miyako jumped with joy, a professional smile plastered on her face. She leaned close to Kitahara, pretending to give him a kiss, but he dodged it. A flicker of surprise crossed Miyako's eyes.

"I didn't ask for a reward," Kitahara said first, then looked at her. "Also, it's too cold for you to be thanking me. Get in quickly."

Miyako pursed her lips, feeling a bit unhappy that her charm had been ignored. But she also found it somewhat amusing. This junior acted so mature, yet he was so pure underneath his skin. He wouldn't even let her kiss his cheek.

Miyako smiled. "Hee hee, you're such a sensible little brother."

"The way you are now actually makes you seem a bit cute..."

Miyako got into the car. The heater was running strong. She rolled down the window to say goodbye to Kitahara, her playful expression turning serious: "In the future, look at people clearly when you go out. Don't run into any bad women."

"Consider today a lesson from your big sister."

Before she could finish, Kitahara handed her a shopping bag. Miyako looked at the bag and pulled it open curiously. "What's inside?"

"A necklace. It’s not worth much, but it’s a designer brand. You should like it," Kitahara said casually.

"Oh..."

Miyako glanced at the bag, a look of surprise on her face. "When did you buy this?"

"This afternoon. I originally intended to keep it, but since you've done so much for me today, it wouldn't feel right not to give you something."

"You little pervert!"

Miyako quickly realized what Kitahara meant by "reward." Her face flushed red, and she gave a soft, indignant scoff.

"Alright, it's getting late. Bye." Kitahara waved goodbye.

Miyako waved back and rolled up the window. However, she felt as if something was missing...

As the taxi pulled out of the dark alley and into the glow of the city lights, Miyako finally snapped out of it. She didn't have Kitahara’s contact information. From the very beginning, he had never asked for hers. Was he looking down on her?

"..."

Miyako pursed her lips. It was rare to meet someone so interesting. But then again, this was normal. After all, what kind of normal man would associate with someone like her?

In the darkness, she remained silent for a long time. Then, a faint sigh escaped her. But soon, Miyako braced herself. She had prepared herself for this ever since her father passed away; at this point, what was there to regret?

She glanced back at the pitch-black alley, hesitating for a moment, but ultimately didn't ask the driver to stop. She opened the bag and looked inside. It was a well-known brand, a collaboration with a perfume line. Even though he said it wasn't worth much, this item was a limited edition—its value was far more than he implied.

If this was a "reward," it was far too generous. After all, she had only let him watch, and let him touch her leg... that hypocritical guy.

Miyako couldn't help but smile. If he weren't so young, and if she weren't still pursuing her career, perhaps she really would have dated him.

"Fukukita Daifuku..." Miyako whispered to herself. She remembered her superior mentioning this school, claiming they were investigating a certain board member within Fukukita Daifuku.

Perhaps she could use work as an excuse to go to his school and see him... She wondered what expression Kitahara would have if he saw her appear before him.

Miyako smiled as she looked out the window.

...

Kitahara walked home, tallying up his gains for the night. Forty million yen. If one didn't consider the house, this was a massive sum. Kitahara could use it for many things—cars, food, dressing better, starting a company, or buying property.

However, Kitahara had no plans to move. The house was left to him by his family, and he was prepared to live there for decades, unless he got married. Of course, even if he did marry, he would still come back to visit often. The old home was off-limits.

Kitahara pondered for a while and made a preliminary plan: use some money to hire someone to clean the gravestones and plant some flowers, then buy a car. Yes, he needed a car. He was only a year away from graduation, and he would need one soon.

A car was a symbol of status. If he hadn't been dressed the way he was tonight, he never would have attracted Miyako. With a luxury car to round out his appearance, others would treat him with more respect.

"Perhaps I can go out and look around on the weekends..."

As Kitahara was making his plans, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the corner of his eye.

"Huh?"

"That person..."

A girl in a worn-out uniform was throwing a trash bag into a bin, then wiping the sweat from her brow. When she turned around and made eye contact with Kitahara, a look of panic crossed her face.

"Chikawa?"

A flash of surprise crossed Kitahara's eyes.