Chapter 140
"Alice... I... there's no way I'm wearing something like that. You... you were the one who made that promise to Mineo! Wear it... wear it yourself!"
Seeing Erina glaring at her with such shame, anger, and tension, Alice let a small smile slip. She walked over to Erina and began to speak:
"Why does Erina think that something like this would be so embarrassing?"
"Isn't it embarrassing enough already?"
Erina gritted her teeth tightly, turning her gaze away. Alice, meanwhile, walked straight toward the wardrobe and pulled open the large doors of the dressing room closet.
Inside the closet, a vast collection of exquisite Maid Uniforms were neatly arranged. Not just the outfits, but headpieces, over-the-knee socks, and little leather shoes were all provided in a complete set. Seeing this sight, a blush crept onto Alice's face as well. She touched the fabrics and murmured softly:
"This Mineo is really a dishonest man. To think he collected so many Maid Uniforms in his restaurant. Does he plan on turning this place into a Maid Cafe?"
At Alice's remark, Erina subconsciously looked toward the closet as well. After seeing the clothes inside, Erina's face turned bright red.
"Everything... all of it is just shameful. A... Alice, we should take all these things and throw them away. Why are you indulging that jerk? Have you forgotten how he just bullied us?"
Hearing Erina's protest, Alice turned around and leaned her back against the wardrobe. She idly swung one leg and spoke in a slightly teasing tone:
"Is there something wrong with indulging the person you like? Erina, it seems like from the very beginning, you truly haven't a clue how to be in a romantic relationship."
"Do you think you know everything?"
Seeing Alice mocking her lack of romantic experience, Erina gnashed her teeth, standing there in a state of mortified anger.
"If I remember correctly, Alice, this is the first time you've been in a relationship too. Do you really understand it all?"
Hearing this, Alice looked quite proud of herself.
"I'm telling you, Erina, since we were children, I've always competed with you in many things. If there was a nice toy, I couldn't take it from you. When we cooked, people always said your food was better. But today, I've finally realized that my cousin—who usually seems so in control, so smart, and so rational—is actually a total amateur who understands nothing about romance!"
"Yes, you're right, this is my first relationship too. But at least I understand one principle: in front of the person we like, we should show our best side. Wearing the kind of clothes he likes for the person we love—what is there to be ashamed of?"
"You've visited a Maid Cafe before too, haven't you, Erina? Did you ever see the waitresses there feeling ashamed when facing customers? Please, the person you're facing now isn't a customer, nor is he a fan! In front of the person you like, in front of the partner you're dating, do you still want to put on the airs of a high-and-mighty young lady?"
"If you keep acting like that, you'll only make Mineo feel like there's a gap and a distance between you. In romance, failing to have natural interactions is the biggest taboo of all!"
While speaking, Alice secretly glanced at her phone, which she was holding behind her back. On the screen was a website titled: "36 Rules of Romance Every Young Girl Should Know!"
Even though she didn't actually know anything herself, Alice knew how to look up information. So, at this moment, she masqueraded as a relationship expert and gave Erina a serious lecture.
"I heard from some friends before. Girls who are sweet and understanding love to wear various beautiful outfits to show the person they like. This process can also increase the affection for one another at any time. If even this level of effort is considered embarrassing, then everyone might as well just not bother with romance at all..."
Erina fell silent at Alice's words. She clenched her small, delicate fists, her heart feeling a mix of tension and panic. Seeing Erina's reaction, Alice immediately seized the moment to push further:
"Erina, there's one thing you said just now that I completely agree with. Mineo that bastard is indeed a playboy! He's a man who likes to play with women's hearts. But what can we do? He managed to capture our feelings before we even realized it. Should we really pick a fight with him over something like this?"
"Even if Mineo is a jerk, you can't deny that he is truly incredible. I won't even mention his looks, but you've seen his cooking skills for yourself! The power and the world he possesses have an extraordinary allure for any ordinary person. Didn't you see Kobayashi-senpai even sign a 20-year work contract with him? Do you really think, naively, that after working here for 20 years, Kobayashi-senpai will ever be able to leave that bastard?"
"From what we know, we already have Kobayashi-senpai eyeing him, not to mention this man already has two pairs of official girlfriends. If we don't try harder, are we really going to wait for him to ignore us?"
"Erina, I know you are very proud and have a strong desire for control over many things. But what I want to say is, unless you are willing to leave Mineo right now and live a life entirely your own, then you can choose to do nothing. But would a life like that truly make you happy?"
"There's a saying I heard from someone else, and now I'm giving it to you straight. Truly liking someone means being willing to sacrifice for them voluntarily. Some people are even willing to give their lives to protect their love. Compared to that, isn't what you call 'shame' actually quite ridiculous?"
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