"I'm done eating."
Shen Bai picked up his bento and walked out, with Yumi Suo following him.
"Are you coming home for dinner tonight?"
"No, I won't be back."
Shen Bai, who had changed into his shoes, took a step forward, embraced Yumi Suo, and whispered in her ear, "Mom, you smell so good!"
These words made Yumi Suo's heart tremble.
"I'm leaving."
"Be careful on your way!"
Although it was a perfectly normal interaction, due to the subtle change in their relationship, the meaning was completely different.
Yumi Suo's feelings were complicated, but she didn't dwell on it. She went back to eat with Suo Fang Youxi and then left the house.
— — — — — — — — — —
"Guess who I am?"
"Bai-tongxue, you really come up with something new every day."
Kato Megumi pushed Shen Bai's hand away and turned her head.
"Oh, today's Hui-jiang is different from yesterday's again."
Shen Bai stroked his chin, pondering with a furrowed brow, while also scrutinizing Kato Megumi, "Hmm, after my assessment, Hui-jiang is even prettier than yesterday."
"Please, Bai-tongxue, don't you feel embarrassed saying things like that? Or is your skin already so thick that it's impervious to everything?"
"Hehehe, those who are amused by me have no right to say that."
"I didn't!"
Kato Megumi herself might not have noticed, but the corners of her mouth had already curled up slightly, forming a smile.
The bus arrived just in time. Without Shen Bai needing to tell her, Kato Megumi consciously stood in the innermost spot, allowing Shen Bai to shield her.
Nothing unexpected happened today, but Kato Megumi was still very content throughout the journey.
However, when they got off the bus, a passenger's complaint stung her a little inside.
"Seriously, do high school students take up so much space these days? What do they need so much room for!"
Kato Megumi's presence was low, and she had long been used to it.
But if this was going to cause trouble for Shen Bai, she felt she couldn't ignore it anymore.
"Bai-tongxue!"
"Hmm? What's wrong, Hui-jiang?"
"Nothing."
Kato Megumi knew that Shen Bai could see her, and in his eyes, she was no different from anyone else.
So, asking him how to become more noticeable wouldn't yield any good advice.
"Huh? That's strange, Hui-jiang, is something on your mind?"
"No, I still have to be on duty today, so I'm leaving first."
Kato Megumi gave Shen Bai a deep look, then quickly ran through the crowd.
"Wait for me, Bai-tongxue."
No sooner had Kato Megumi left than a familiar voice came from behind.
Chapter 027: Kitagawa Marin's Promise [Requesting data]
Shen Bai turned around and saw the energetic Kitagawa Marin jogging towards him.
[Character: Kitagawa Marin]
[Potential: A]
[Affection: 78]
[Status: Joyful]
"Marin-chan, good morning!"
"Mm-hmm! Bai-tongxue, let's walk together."
With Kitagawa Marin by his side, Shen Bai clearly felt many envious glances falling on him.
This was the charm of a beautiful girl!
Even with several of them around, it could bring an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
Of course, what Shen Bai cared about more was whether he could take his relationship with Kitagawa Marin, whose affection level had reached 78, a step further and capture her for himself.
And now was the time to test his acting skills.
"By the way, Marin-chan, about... that outfit from last night, are you really going to wear it?"
"Don't you think it's a bit too..."
Shen Bai didn't say it directly, but with the coordination of his eyes and body language, the meaning was fully conveyed.
"No, for me, being able to 100% recreate a character is my ideal."
"It's a manifestation of my deep love for them."
"If I can't recreate them as much as possible, I'll be unhappy myself."
Kitagawa Marin's eyes were firm, and her answer didn't surprise Shen Bai.
She was truly passionate about cosplay.
No, she was truly passionate about the characters she liked, otherwise she wouldn't choose to make her own costumes for cosplay.
Speaking of which, she brushed her long hair behind her ear and said with a hint of teasing, "Bai-tongxue, are you having some difficulties with the production?"
"No difficulties, it just feels a bit..."
"Hoho~! What feeling?"
Kitagawa Marin nudged Shen Bai twice with her elbow.
"After all, I'm a red-blooded man. It would be strange if I didn't feel anything seeing something like that."
"Exactly! That's the feeling the little succubus gives people. Bai-tongxue naturally felt her charm."
"Having felt the charm, Bai-tongxue should naturally put more effort into it."
"Huh? Is that so?"
Shen Bai was a little surprised by Kitagawa Marin's answer, but it was just an act.
"At that time, just treat me as the character you're cosplaying. If you can recreate a feeling that makes Bai-tongxue's heart flutter, that's also a success."
"Don't worry, nothing will happen."
"Alright, since you've said so, what do I have to back down from?"
Shen Bai let out a breath of stale air.
Kitagawa Marin looked at a side of Shen Bai she hadn't seen before.
Her heart fluttered a little for this handsome boy who shared her hobby.
Bai-tongxue is a bit cute!
"However, there's one thing I need to clarify."
"Because this character isn't very popular, there aren't even any fan-made illustrations online, so character design drawings and such are impossible to find."
"Eh?"
"But I have the game disc at home. You just need to play it a little, and you'll notice the details of her costume."
"I have to play the game too?"
Seeing Shen Bai's surprised face, Kitagawa quickly put her hands together in a pleading gesture, "Alright, alright, Bai-tongxue, please, I'll pay you for it."
"Ahem, let's be clear, I'm not helping because of the payment!"
"Mm, I know, Bai-tongxue~!"
The two walked into the school gate, chatting and laughing, just as Kirisu Mafuyu, who was coming out of the garage, saw them.
Last night, she saw Shen Bai hugging another girl in a school uniform by the roadside.
Today, she saw him going to school with another girl, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
That person is Kitagawa Marin, also a classmate in our class.
It seems Shen Bai is very popular.
Saeko Busujima, Kitagawa Marin, both are beautiful girls.
No, I need to find an opportunity to talk to Shen Bai.