36-40

Chapter 36: Stuffed Like a Hamster 

Early in the morning, as usual, Tetsu Fuyukawa slipped into a hoodie and gray sweatpants for his morning run. 

He now ran on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends. With Fate and Surrounded by Beauties entering full production, time was tight. But unless you’re an athlete, there’s no need to overdo exercise as a regular person. 

The weather was great today, the morning sun casting a shimmering glow over the rooftops. Even Tetsu’s cheeks felt warm. As he reached his doorstep, he sensed someone watching him from behind. 

Turning around, he saw Sayoko, dressed in a sheer black nightgown, airing out bedding on the second-floor balcony. 

Their eyes met, and Sayoko’s face lit up with a warm smile, about to say something. But then, Izumi Himawari, wearing oversized pajamas and looking half-asleep, stumbled up behind her and wrapped her in a hug, rubbing her soft cheek against Sayoko’s shoulder. 

Morning light, chirping birds, a cozy house, a beautiful woman, and an innocent high school girl. 

It was a heartwarming scene—until the next moment, when Tetsu’s lips twitched. Himawari, who’d just been acting cute, suddenly snatched the bedding from Sayoko’s hands. 

“Little Kitten! No more sleeping!” Sayoko’s voice spiked with mock anger, though she quickly forced a smile, calling out, “Tetsu-kun, come back soon for breakfast!” Then her expression shifted as she chased Himawari back inside. 

In an instant, the house erupted into chaos, startling the neighbor’s dog into a barking frenzy. 

“That wild personality…” Tetsu muttered, amused. “Was I just fooling myself yesterday?” 

He gripped the envelope with sheet music in his hoodie pocket, shaking his head with a chuckle. 

Strolling through the neighborhood, he dropped the envelope into a mailbox by the alley, popped in his earphones, and began jogging along the Kanda Bridge, his long legs clad in white running shoes. 

Maybe because someone was making breakfast at home, his pace was faster today, and the system panel showed better buffs than usual. 

[Endurance +0.00002 +0.00002 +0.00003] 

[Recovery Speed +0.00002 +0.00002 +0.00003] 

[Tip 1: Improving relationships with others can raise your physical potential ceiling.] 

[Tip 2: Cannot exceed human limits.] 

“Endurance and recovery speed are improving faster,” Tetsu noted, glancing at the bustling traffic beside him as he ran across the Eitai Bridge, checking the system panel. 

The panel was like a body-monitoring system. He’d had it for a while but never paid much attention—looking fit and feeling good was enough. But since getting closer to Sayoko… 

“Tetsu-kun’s been a bit… lackluster lately, huh?” 

“I can’t let that little vixen underestimate me.” 

Recalling Sayoko’s teasing from yesterday afternoon, Tetsu picked up his pace. 

Sex and competition really are the greatest motivators for human progress. A round trip that usually took nearly an hour was done in under fifty minutes today. 

Drenched in sweat, Tetsu returned home to the savory aroma of breakfast—ramen made with leftover seafood broth from last night. 

“Smells amazing.” 

“Tetsu-kun, you’re back!” Sayoko called. 

“Where’s Little Kitten?” 

“It’s her turn for classroom duty, so she headed to school early.” 

Wearing a white apron, Sayoko set down her ladle and hurried over, bending to arrange his slippers. 

So sweet and attentive. Noticing her curves under the thin black nightgown and the empty house, Tetsu reached out and playfully grabbed her. 

Sayoko let out a soft squeak but didn’t resist. Instead, her ample figure pressed closer, swaying slightly as she wrinkled her cute nose in mock shyness. “Hey, you need to shower first! Otherwise, the ramen will get soggy, and you’ll go hungry this morning.” 

“No rush.” Tetsu leaned in and kissed her cheek. 

Sayoko’s face flushed, her hands crossing over her chest. “No way, no way! You’ve been too… Tetsu-kun, you need at least a day’s rest, or it’s bad for your—!” 

Her hand was guided, and the engine roared to life. Sayoko’s charming eyes widened in surprise, but before she could react, Tetsu hoisted her curvaceous frame onto his broad shoulder. 

“Join me for a bath.” 

“But the ramen…” 

“We’ll eat while we soak. No problem.” 

Eating ramen in the bath was a bit odd, but being “eaten” while eating? Not bad at all. The system’s boost to his physical potential was proving pretty handy. 

After the bath and meal, Tetsu felt not just refreshed but downright energized. He drove Sayoko to the office. 

Traffic was light, and they reached the NTsoft building’s parking lot in just over ten minutes. 

“I’ll get you a cheek-massage chair in a few days so you stop complaining about a sore mouth,” Tetsu teased. 

“Hmph, with those little fangs of yours… haha, stop tickling! Okay, you’re the big brother, the biggest brother!” Sayoko giggled. 

“That’s more like it. Not sure who was just stuffing their face like a hamster munching corn.” 

Letting go of her ticklish sides, Tetsu laughed as he got out of the car. Sayoko, still smiling, adjusted her OL uniform, let out a shy hum, and stepped out. But as soon as she did, her attention was caught by the scene at the company entrance. “Huh, Tetsu-kun, why are there so many people over there?” 

“Hm?” 

Following her gaze, Tetsu raised an eyebrow. Two rows of burly men in black suits stood in front of the NTsoft building, exuding an intimidating aura. At the end of their formation was a silver-gray Rolls-Royce Phantom. 

“Some big shot?” Tetsu wondered. A Rolls-Royce Phantom cost over 200 million yen—way out of reach for most. 

Curious, he didn’t head upstairs right away. Adjusting his suit cuffs, he kept an eye on the scene. Soon, a long, elegant leg stepped out of the car, and Tetsu froze. 

“Miyano Mitei?” 

It was indeed the cold, striking Miyano Mitei, radiating her signature serpent-like charm. 

Honestly, Tetsu hadn’t expected this. Sure, Miyano Mitei was a division head at NTsoft with a hefty salary and bonuses, but a Rolls-Royce Phantom was far beyond her means. And arranging two rows of suited men like this? That wasn’t something money alone could pull off. 

Puzzled, Tetsu soon understood. 

Miyano didn’t head straight into the building. Instead, she carefully helped a frail, silver-haired elderly woman in a black suit jacket step out of the car. 

“Good morning, Chairman Tsuru!”  

The moment the elderly woman’s foot touched the ground, the men in black bowed in unison, their presence commanding. 

Pedestrians on the sidewalk and even drivers in passing cars turned to stare, but the elderly woman seemed unfazed, smiling and nodding at the men. As she walked toward the building, supported by Miyano and leaning on a cane, each row of men bowed lower as she passed. 

The scene was impressive, but Tetsu, watching from behind the car, frowned slightly. 

“Chairman Tsuru? Why’s she at the company?” 

Anyone who’s seen a Doraemon movie knows the “Toho Co., Ltd.” logo that appears at the start. Normally, you’d assume the company’s top dog is the chairman, but that’s not quite right. The chairman is usually a ceremonial role taken by a retired former president. 

Retired and mostly uninvolved in company decisions, so why was Chairman Tsuru here—especially with Miyano Mitei? 

“Why does this feel like the calm before a storm?” 

Chapter 37: Kazuma Studio 

"Good morning, Section Chief Fuyukawa!" 

As usual, Tetsu Fuyukawa steps into the lobby, greeted by the receptionist's sweet voice. He smiles and nods in return, but as he reaches the office floor, a strange atmosphere envelops him. 

"Something’s off." 

Carrying his briefcase, Tetsu strides quickly down the hallway, his brow furrowing slightly. The regular staff still bow respectfully as he passes, but Tetsu, sensitive to subtle shifts in behavior, notices their eyes lingering on him differently today—curious, almost as if they’re waiting for a show. 

He senses a problem but can’t pinpoint why. 

Puzzled, Tetsu’s mind races. As he enters Hikari Bird Studio, Kawaguchi, who’s heating water, blurts out in a panic, "Team Leader, bad news!" 

Here it comes. 

Tetsu doesn’t respond immediately. He glances at Sayoko, who’s followed him in. She quietly closes the studio door, understanding the cue. 

Tetsu sets his briefcase on a nearby table. "No need to rush. Take it slow and tell me what’s going on." 

"It’s just…" Kawaguchi swallows hard, visibly nervous. He takes a deep breath to steady himself. "Department Three’s Kazuma Studio—didn’t their game already reach the final voice recording stage? Everyone thought they’d take a break after it launched. But I heard this morning that Kazuma’s team leader, Serizawa, submitted a new proposal. They’re making a galge! They’re coming for us!" 

"Kazuma Studio’s making a galge?" 

Tetsu raises an eyebrow, but his eyes show no surprise. 

While Surrounded by Beauties is a live-action interactive movie game, it’s still classified as a galge in this world, where no blockbuster of its kind has emerged, and its mature, beauty-focused style aligns with the genre. 

Competition within a major game company is fiercer than outsiders might imagine. It’s common for a single company to greenlight multiple competing projects in the same genre during the same period. After internal testing and early market performance, the weaker projects get axed, and resources are funneled into the strongest contender. 

Before Minister Miyano arrived, departments stuck to their historically established domains, competing internally among their own studios rather than clashing with others. 

But things have changed. 

Department Four started with fighting and strategy games, once hitting it big with the Fist King series and Twelve Zodiac Beauties Strategy series. 

Fighting games have faded, and the strategy game market is limited. 

For Minister Miyano to expand Department Four, she has two options: dive into a niche like galge or poach from another department’s territory, like Department Three’s ARPG domain. 

Given this, Tetsu isn’t surprised by Department Three’s aggressive response. What does surprise him is Kazuma Studio jumping into galge. 

While not Department Three’s flagship, Kazuma Studio has a solid reputation in the industry. Galge, including live-action interactive movie games, has a small audience—selling 100,000 copies is considered a hit. 

"President Ozuru showing up with Minister Miyano this morning." 

"Kazuma Studio announcing a galge." 

"Am I the fish caught in the crossfire?" 

Tetsu’s expression turns playful, but then he notices Kawaguchi glancing at him nervously, lips twitching as if he wants to say more but doesn’t dare. 

Catching this, Tetsu, already deep in thought, has no patience for hesitation. He plants a hand on his hip, annoyed. "Spit it out. Don’t hem and haw like that." 

"Yes, sir!" 

Kawaguchi snaps to attention but quickly deflates. "Alright, I’ll say it. This morning, in the restroom, I overheard some Kazuma Studio guys talking… They said…" 

"Well?!" 

"They said this is just the appetizer! They’ll crush us in three months and make you… make you know your place!" 

Perhaps out of fear, Kawaguchi practically shouts the last part, his voice booming before he slumps, exhausted. 

Know your place! 

The office falls silent. Mrs. Nogi flinches, clutching her teacup, only daring to sneak a glance at Tetsu with the corner of her eye. Sayoko clenches her fists, her worried gaze fixed on Tetsu’s expressionless profile. 

She knows how strong-willed Tetsu is. 

In a situation like this… 

Gulp. 

Sayoko swallows hard, pressing her back against the door, bracing for Tetsu to storm off and confront someone. But to her surprise, he just rubs his chin with his thumb, his face unreadable. After a long moment, he says calmly, "Got it. No need to stress. Get ready for the auditions." 

"Yes, sir!" 

His voice is steady, but even after Tetsu retreats to his cubicle, Kawaguchi and Mrs. Nogi don’t dare sit down. 

It’s no secret that the start of the workday is prime gossip time, when rumors spread like wildfire. Today, the two biggest scoops at NTsoft are President Ozuru’s return to the company and… Department Three and Four gearing up for a showdown! 

Compared to the vague buzz about the president, the second rumor is far juicier. 

Department Four is squaring off against Department Three, and Kazuma Studio is launching a rival galge to take down Hikari Bird! 

The news spreads through NTsoft like wildfire. Employees passing Hikari Bird Studio’s door can’t help but sneak curious, mocking glances. 

Yes, mocking. 

Hikari Bird Studio, including Tetsu, has just four members—NTsoft’s smallest team. 

Kazuma Studio, a mid-to-upper-tier team in Department Three, boasts over thirty core members, not counting outsourced staff. 

And that’s not all. 

Tetsu is undeniably a rising star at NTsoft, a standout among the younger generation. But he’s only been working five years and has never led a project solo. 

Kazuma Studio’s team leader, Takatatsu Serizawa, is 43, a seasoned veteran who worked on major projects in his youth. Promoted to deputy chief at 35, he’s led Kazuma Studio through eight years of ups and downs, earning a solid reputation in the industry. 

Whether it’s studio size, staff capability, or leadership experience, Hikari Bird is outmatched on every front! 

Some busybodies are even betting in private, wagering on where Tetsu will end up after Hikari Bird disbands and whether his section chief title will be revoked. 

"If you ask me, he’d be better off joining our department. Then I’ll show him how to—oh, morning, Section Chief Fuyukawa!" 

The company buzzes with chatter. Kazuma Studio employees setting up the first-floor audition hall are especially chatty, but the moment Tetsu strides into the lobby with his briefcase, the entire floor falls silent. 

Gulp. 

A scruffy-looking Kazuma employee swallows hard as Tetsu walks past without a glance, heading straight into Hikari Bird’s audition room. Once Tetsu’s inside, the employee scoffs under his breath. "What’s with the attitude? When Hikari Bird flops, let’s see if you keep that section chief title—Morning, Section Chief Fuyukawa!" 

Mid-rant, he freezes as Tetsu reappears. The scruffy employee jumps, bowing hastily. 

Ignoring him, Tetsu, who’s just stepping out to use the restroom, gives him a fleeting glance. 

Did he hear me?! 

That single look sends the scruffy employee’s legs trembling. 

But seeing Tetsu disappear around the corner without a word, he scoffs again, though quieter this time. He glances around cautiously, muttering to himself, "What’s with that guy? Sneaking around like a thief with no sound!" 

Chapter 38: Asuka Tsukitake 

It’s easier to deal with the big boss than the pesky underlings. 

But as long as you’re the big boss, those underlings wouldn’t dare make a peep. 

Most people at the company weren’t betting on Hikari Bird Studio’s success, but no regular employee had the guts to badmouth Tetsu Fuyukawa to his face. 

Still… 

“The focus of work needs to shift to the company side now,” Tetsu muttered. 

At the men’s restroom sink, having just finished, Tetsu washed his hands and glanced up at the young, handsome guy in the mirror. His eyes sharpened. 

Nothing in this world comes for free. Respect or fear from others? That comes from your own strength. 

“NTsoft’s most promising young section chief”—that’s why regular employees, even those from the rival Third Department, didn’t dare cross him. But if Surrounded by Beauties flopped, all sorts of snakes and rats would come crawling out of the woodwork. 

Sure, he didn’t care much about what strangers thought of him, but he also wasn’t in the mood to play some cheesy “return of the dragon king” game with nobodies he couldn’t even name. All he wanted was to make games and live a carefree, shameless life with the woman he liked. 

“Finish this project early, lock in my section chief spot, and then I can focus on Fate without worries. But the female lead…”  

The heart of Surrounded by Beauties was its female protagonists, but the auditions these past few days had been a letdown. Six main female roles, and they hadn’t even found a handful of decent candidates. 

What a headache. 

Tetsu shook the water off his hands, mulling over the auditions as he stepped out of the restroom. But just as he crossed the threshold, a woman darted around the corner, right into his path. 

“Screech—thud!” 

His shoes skidded on the slightly wet tiles, making a sharp sound. Tetsu tried to stop short, but the floor was slippery, and he crashed right into her. 

“Eek!” 

“You—wait, you again?”  

His chest bumped her shoulder. Tetsu, in good shape from regular workouts, only swayed slightly, but the woman, teetering in high heels and moving fast, stumbled back with a yelp. 

Instinctively, Tetsu grabbed her soft waist to keep her from falling. A faint citrusy perfume—orange, maybe—hit his nose. It smelled nice, but when he got a good look at her face, his eyes widened. 

The woman in his arms had sleek, silver, ear-length hair and a cool, moonlit face framed by rimless glasses. Her slender, willow-like figure was wrapped in a sexy black dress, its hem barely reaching her thighs. Her long, pale legs were encased in delicate black stockings from her feet to her hips. 

She was stunning, with a killer figure, but… 

Why was she at NTsoft? 

Tetsu’s mind blanked. This sexy woman was the same teacher he’d run into at the music shop restroom when picking up Himawari Izumi—the one using that “pink toy” who’d turned the tables and accused him! 

And the kicker? Not only did he catch a whiff of her perfume, but he also heard a familiar, faint buzzing sound. 

What was this woman’s deal? 

His eyes instinctively flicked to the source of the buzzing—her perky, heart-shaped peach of a backside, not as full as Sayoko’s but still eye-catching. Tetsu was utterly dumbfounded. Just then, the woman recognized him, her eyes widening as she wriggled out of his grasp. 

“You?!” she exclaimed, stepping back in her heels with a suspicious glare. “What are you doing here?!” 

“As an NTsoft employee, I should be asking you that,” Tetsu shot back, raising an eyebrow. “What’s a music teacher doing at a gaming company?” 

Games needed soundtracks, sure, but a music teacher was as far from a game composer as a literature teacher was from a novelist. Plus… 

Recalling that buzzing sound, Tetsu’s gaze drifted to her hips again. Look, adults using toys was normal, but someone this into them, using them anywhere and everywhere? That was a first. 

“You’re with NTsoft?” the silver-haired woman said, touching her chin, looking adorably serious as she pieced it together. “That makes sense—you were with Kawachi-san that day.” 

Just then, Sayoko appeared around the corner. “Tsukitake-san, you’re here! Oh, Tetsu-kun, do you two know each other?” 

“Nope,” Asuka Tsukitake replied, her cool, delicate face expressionless. 

Tetsu, surprised, turned to Sayoko. “You knew she was coming?” 

“Uh, Tsukitake-san, the auditions are about to start—better hurry,” Sayoko said quickly. “Oh, and if anyone asks, don’t mention you know me, okay? Just… special circumstances.” 

“I understand. Thank you, Kawachi-san,” Asuka said, giving a slight bow. She shot Tetsu a glance before swaying off on her slender hips. 

“What’s the deal? You brought her here?” Tetsu asked, raising an eyebrow as he watched her leave. 

“Yeah, here’s the thing,” Sayoko said nervously, her pale fingers twisting together at her waist. She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before continuing, her voice timid. “Tsukitake-san is super talented and even trained as a voice actress for a bit. A while back, I heard Kazuma Studio was looking for voice actors, so… I tipped her off. Tetsu-kun, please don’t be mad! I had no idea Kazuma Studio would end up at odds with us.” 

Kazuma Studio and Hikari Bird Studio were now bitter rivals. Her actions were borderline “aiding the enemy.” 

Terrified of being misunderstood, Sayoko’s fair face looked on the verge of tears, her eyes pleading with Tetsu. He just reached out and pinched her soft cheek. “Getting worked up over something this small? Can’t you trust me a little more?” 

+10,000 points! 

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Sayoko’s doe-like eyes widened, and a silly smile crept onto her lips, marked by a beauty mole. She nuzzled his hand gently. “I was just worried, okay? Ugh, I know I messed up.” 

“Silly girl,” Tetsu said, tweaking her nose with a grin. “But try to avoid playing matchmaker like this in the future. If it doesn’t work out, people might think you don’t have enough pull and look down on you. If it does work, they might thank you at first, but if the job doesn’t meet expectations or hits snags, they could end up blaming you too. It’s a classic lose-lose.” 

“Don’t worry, Tsukitake-san might seem cold, but she’s actually really nice,” Sayoko said confidently. 

“Might?” Tetsu raised an eyebrow. 

Sayoko glanced around the empty hallway, then stood on her tiptoes and planted a soft kiss on his neck. Her warm breath grazed his skin, her tongue lightly tracing his Adam’s apple. “I’m not sure, just a feeling. But… even if everyone else betrays me, it doesn’t matter. I’ve got you holding me from behind.” 

“Getting all sappy in the morning, huh?” Tetsu teased. 

“Pfft, acting all tough now that you’re in ‘sage mode’! Should’ve skipped that morning shower with you!” Sayoko huffed, sticking out her tongue. “Hmph, I’m off to the restroom!” 

“…” 

Chapter 39: A Little Harder 

The encounter with Asuka Tsukitake and Sayoko in the restroom was just a minor blip. 

With the audition hall set up, Tetsu Fuyukawa sat down with his notebook, legs crossed, and got to work on today’s casting. Unlike yesterday, there were noticeably more girls auditioning today, and the quality was higher too. 

It wasn’t some dramatic turnaround. Many small-time actors didn’t take interactive live-action movie games seriously, but for them, any acting gig was hard to come by. Most of these actresses didn’t rush to Hikari Studio’s casting call right away. Instead, they checked if bigger projects were on the horizon first. After all, a three-month, high-intensity shoot meant no side gigs, so they prioritized confirming if major opportunities were available before considering Surrounded by Beauties. 

Fuyukawa understood this perfectly and didn’t take it personally. Even when some girls who demanded higher pay yesterday showed up today all eager, he didn’t give them attitude. Just as he’d ruthlessly cut those whose acting didn’t measure up or whose vibe didn’t fit, job hunting was a two-way street driven by mutual interests. 

With more candidates, the results were better too. By mid-morning, Fuyukawa had locked in the actress for the role of Zhong Zhen. 

The role went to Michiko Inoshita, a 33-year-old single mom. She was the epitome of mature beauty, with the poised air of a former section chief at a small company. Her sensual presence was a spark for any man’s hormones—Kawaguchi, for one, was practically hunched over after running lines with her. 

Michiko had once been a successful career woman but quit to focus on her family after marriage. Her husband, however, racked up massive debts from pachinko and skipped town. Facing loan sharks, she had no choice but to re-enter the workforce. 

Anyone who’s been out of the game for years knows how tough it is to jump back in. (Bookmark 101kan.com for the fastest chapter updates.) 

But her striking looks caught an agent’s eye, landing her gigs as a minor actress. Still, the debt loomed large. Before this audition, she’d nearly been roped into auditioning for adult films—those paid far more than what Fuyukawa could offer. If she hadn’t fought tooth and nail, her “new work” might’ve been online in a matter of days. Even now, her agent had subtly hinted that landing the role could come with “extra services” that’d make anyone go, “Wow, jackpot!”—no strings attached. 

Tempting, sure, but Fuyukawa brushed it off. Sayoko was leagues above Michiko in looks, with a better pear-shaped figure to boot. Plus, he had no interest in exploiting a single mom struggling to raise a kid and pay off debts. 

He signed Michiko because her acting was genuinely solid. Her background in corporate management gave her the commanding presence needed for Zhong Zhen’s character.  

What Fuyukawa didn’t expect was that his professional approach—maybe a rare breath of fresh air in the entertainment world, or maybe his young, successful, handsome vibe—left an impression. After the audition, Michiko somehow got his contact info and subtly suggested “dinner.” 

Dinner?  

Who has a “proper” dinner date at a hotel? 

Upright guy that he was, Fuyukawa scoffed and firmly declined.  

It definitely wasn’t because Sayoko was shooting daggers at him from the side, her slender fingers ready to “comfort” him with a firm grip. 

In the audition hall, with so many people around and only a table for cover, Sayoko’s bold move—grabbing him under the table when she sensed a threat—was something else. Crisis mode made her daring. 

After Michiko’s audition, they shortlisted a few more actresses, and soon it was noon. 

“Good work, everyone. Take a solid break and be back on time this afternoon,” Fuyukawa said. 

“Boss, for the sake of the game’s progress, we could start early,” Kawaguchi piped up, his face all serious. But Fuyukawa saw right through his eagerness. 

Kawaguchi was buzzing from running lines with so many beautiful women and clearly didn’t want the lunch break to stop the fun. Fuyukawa tapped his shoulder with the notebook, grinning. “Get a grip, man. You think you can handle entertainment industry women? Be careful, or your future kids might not even be yours.” 

“Better than being single forever! You’re just too full to understand a hungry guy’s pain, boss.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean? You looking for a fight?” 

“Haha, just kidding, boss, spare me!” 

Fuyukawa playfully smacked Kawaguchi’s shoulder with the notebook, rolling his eyes. Under Kawaguchi’s envious stare, he led a blushing Sayoko out to the parking lot. 

Since they’d lingered too long in the bath this morning, Sayoko hadn’t had time to pack lunch, so they had to eat out. To avoid office gossip, Fuyukawa picked a Sichuan restaurant a bit off the beaten path but not too far. 

From the moment they got out of the car, Sayoko was grumbling about not eating food. It wasn’t that she disliked it—she just knew lunch breaks were short, and restaurants weren’t as quick as ramen joints. But when the sizzling boiled pork slices arrived, she turned into a little hamster, chopsticks flying. 

Japanese tastes often lean mild, despite their bold media. Fuyukawa had specifically asked the staff in Mandarin to make authentic Sichuan flavors. The result? Sayoko was in bliss for the first few bites, but soon her lips swelled like sausages, her face flushed, beads of sweat dotting her fair skin. 

Spicy and flustered—it was both cute and amusing. Fuyukawa, anticipating this, had ordered a large jug of cold water. But to get a sip, Sayoko had to pay a price: stretching her leg under the table. 

Already spicy and now teased, her pale face turned apple-red. After sneakily checking that the tablecloth mostly hid their antics, she scrunched her nose shyly and lifted her stockinged foot. 

Soft, warm, it lightly pressed against Fuyukawa’s waist. 

Little Fuyukawa was all about it. Fuyukawa sucked in a breath, grinning as he handed her the water jug. 

“Hmph, you’re such a pervert, Tetsu-kun! Hiss—so spicy!”  

She shot him a cute glare, her flushed face adorable as her toes wiggled under the table. She grabbed the glass, chugged, and fanned her neck. “Phew, too spicy! This food is totally different from what I’ve had before.” 

“That’s because most restaurants in Tokyo tweak the flavors for local tastes. If we ever get the chance to visit China, I’ll take you for the real deal—hiss—a little harder.” 

Mid-sentence, he caught Sayoko’s playful smirk, her chopsticks in hand, and the soft touch under the table. He grabbed her stockinged calf, pressing harder, and sucked in another breath. “I’ll take you for super authentic Sichuan food.” 

“Authentic? Is this place authentic?” 

“Hiss—harder. There’s spare clothes and wet wipes in the car.” 

“Hmph, you big perv!” 

The meal stretched on, and just as Fuyukawa, fully satisfied, was about to pay the bill, an angry man’s voice erupted from a nearby table, cursing loudly. 

Chapter 40: Chance Encounter 

“Idiot! Are you out of your mind, woman?! Do you know how expensive this suit is?!” 

The angry shouts of a man cut through the air. Tetsu Fuyukawa, in the middle of paying at the counter, glanced over with a frown. At a nearby table, a man in a suit was berating a young waitress. 

This was a restaurant, and the young waitress, seemingly unfamiliar with Japanese, stood frozen, holding a half-empty plate of mapo tofu. The floor near the man’s feet was splattered with the dish. 

It looked like she’d spilled the food, and some had splashed onto his pant leg. 

From a distance, Tetsu couldn’t see clearly, but he noticed the man’s black socks under his suit pants were free of any red sauce—the mapo tofu had mostly hit the floor. 

The commotion quickly drew the restaurant’s owner couple out. 

“So sorry, sir. She’s new and not quite used to things yet. Please, don’t be upset. We can discuss compensation,” the owner apologized profusely. 

The owner’s wife, meanwhile, pulled the waitress aside with a scowl. “Xia, what happened?!” 

“Boss, he… he grabbed my butt first, and then—” 

The waitress, Xia, looked on the verge of tears, her pale face full of grievance. But the owner’s wife wasn’t having it. Switching to rusty Mandarin, she snapped, “So what if he touched you? It’s not like you’re missing a piece of flesh! Now you’ve made a mess—your pay’s docked for a week!” 

With that, she turned back to the man, forcing a smile and even pushing Xia’s head down to bow in apology. 

“What?! An apology? If apologies worked, what’s the point of police?!” The suit-clad man grew even more belligerent. “Oh, a girl? An illegal immigrant, huh? I’m calling the local cops!” 

Seeing the owners too intimidated to stand up to him, the man’s arrogance swelled. Some customers paid their bills and left, while others pretended not to notice. The owners panicked further. “No, no, please don’t call the police! Xia, apologize now!” 

Xia herself had no legal issues and wasn’t afraid of the police, but the restaurant’s hourly wage was well below Tokyo’s mandated 1,167 yen. If the authorities got involved, the owners would face a hefty fine. 

Afraid to call the cops? 

The man in the suit sensed an opportunity. Initially, he’d just wanted to scare the girl to avoid a harassment complaint, but now… 

His eyes gleamed with brazen excitement as he sized up Xia. Her figure was stunning—her white work T-shirt strained against her curves, and her long, black JK skirt revealed shapely legs wrapped in thigh-high stockings, paired with black loafers. Yet her beautiful face was filled with fear and confusion—a vulnerable girl with no one to rely on. 

Sensing his predatory gaze, Xia’s fear surged, her fists clenching instinctively. Just then— 

“Kawai, what the hell are you doing?” 

A familiar, icy voice cut through. The man turned to see a sharply dressed man in a black suit glaring at him. 

Terror flashed in Kawai’s eyes. He shot to his feet, bowing. “F-Fuyukawa-san?! I—” 

“I asked what you’re doing. An NTsoft employee bullying a young girl?” Tetsu’s voice was cold, barely containing his anger. 

This sleazy suit was none other than a loudmouth from the Kazuma Studio, whom Tetsu had encountered that morning. He already had a low opinion of that team, and now this? His tone seethed with suppressed fury. 

Feeling Tetsu’s mood, Kawai panicked, bowing a full ninety degrees. “It-it was her! She—” 

Before he could finish, Tetsu crouched down, grabbed his hair, and yanked his head up. Their eyes locked. Tetsu glanced at the faint speck of sauce on Kawai’s sock. “This? You think I didn’t see what happened? Want me to check the security footage?” 

“Uh—” 

Kawai froze, staring into Tetsu’s deep, calm eyes—calm like the sea, but with a storm brewing beneath. He was done for. Tetsu was known at NTsoft not just for his talent and favor with the higher-ups, but also for his no-nonsense temper. 

And worst of all, Kawai knew he was in the wrong. 

Unable to talk back, his lips trembled as he groped for an excuse. But Tetsu yanked his hair again, snarling, “Get lost!” 

Wincing as his hair nearly tore out, Kawai let out a yelp, tossed some cash on the table for his meal, and turned to flee. But he froze under Tetsu’s glare. 

Tetsu’s eyes flicked to the stunned Xia. Kawai got the message. 

“I’m so sorry! It was all my fault! Please, take this as compensation!” With a 130-degree bow, he shoved money into Xia’s pocket and bolted. 

“Just when I thought he was tough, he practically wet himself,” someone muttered. 

“Who’s that guy? So cool.” 

“No idea, sounds like some company bigshot. A righteous hottie, huh?” 

“Wait! That’s Fuyukawa-san! Didn’t expect to see him here!” 

“He’s the Fuyukawa-san? So handsome! No wonder the office seniors call him ‘NTsoft’s hottest guy.’” 

The restaurant buzzed with chatter. By chance, a few NTsoft female interns at a nearby table were practically swooning, their eyes turning to jelly as they stared at Tetsu. 

Ignoring the adoring gazes, Tetsu turned to the groveling owners and then to the terrified Xia. In fluent Hunan dialect, he said, “Treat your own people better.” 

With that, in a foul mood, Tetsu didn’t bother saying more. He left the restaurant with Sayoko in tow. 

He didn’t notice Xia’s gaze soften into a pool of admiration as she memorized the name “NTsoft.” Nor did he see, in a corner booth, Asuka Tsukitake, eating ultra-spicy jajangmyeon, watching the scene with an intrigued expression. 

Lunch had been pleasant at first, thanks to Sayoko’s playful teasing with her stockinged foot under the table. But the incident soured Tetsu’s mood. 

Sayoko clearly picked up on his irritation. When Tetsu retreated to the backseat of the car to change his pants, she initiated some playful interaction. 

Normally, given their recent frequency, Tetsu might’ve been too drained to respond. But the system’s boost to his physical potential was nothing short of magical. 

Still, with limited time at lunch, Tetsu went a bit too hard, leaving Sayoko chugging two bottles of mineral water to recover her voice. 

He worried he’d been too rough and was about to kiss her in apology, but Sayoko just smiled. “If Tetsu-kun’s happy, Sayoko’s happy,” she said, affectionately pinching his cheek.