[Game] Chapter 449-450

Chapter 449: Long-Awaited Umiko

After getting off the plane, Nene trailed behind Ichin, repeatedly kicking at his calf.

“That’s for yanking my eye mask! That’s for yanking my eye mask!”

Ichin dodged nimbly, grinning.

“The announcement had already played. You were the only one still dead asleep, so I just picked the most effective way to wake you.”

“Urusai! I’m definitely telling Uncle and Auntie about your crimes later!”

Her threats rolled right off him. Ichin simply flicked a finger against her forehead, making her freeze.

“Hmph, always bullying me. Fine, you’re the boss, you win!”

Seeing Nene’s sulky face, Ichin exchanged a look with Utaha, then laughed.

“Alright, I’ll apologize. When we get home, I’ll buy you a chilled watermelon. Half for you alone—you can hug it and eat it with a spoon.”

“Oooh! Really?”

The last time they’d gone back to China in summer, that way of devouring a watermelon had left a deep impression on her. In Tokyo, she never dared—half a watermelon there cost a fortune.

Of course, in the countryside fruit was way cheaper, but since life and work kept her in Tokyo, she never had the chance.

Just picturing it, Nene’s irritation melted away. Truthfully, she’d never been mad in the first place—just the usual playful bickering.

They picked up their luggage, and in the arrivals hall they spotted Umiko, who had come to meet them.

Compared to those around her, Umiko’s slightly darker skin stood out.

The moment Nene saw her, she dropped her suitcase and sprinted ahead.

“Umiko-nee!”

Smiling, Umiko waved—only to see Nene charging at full speed, then leaping to cling onto her.

Startled, Umiko quickly caught her.

“Good thing I’ve kept up my training, or I wouldn’t have managed that!”

“Hehe, of course I knew you could handle it.”

After rubbing her cheek against Umiko’s, Nene finally slid back down.

By then, Ichin and the others had caught up. Ichin smiled.

“Long time no see, Umiko. Though honestly, I expected a bit more of a touching reunion scene. That was it?”

Haruno chimed in,

“You don’t get it, little Ichin. The rest isn’t free for us to watch—and this place isn’t exactly appropriate either.”

“Ohh, I get it now. As expected of Haruno-nee.”

Umiko, of course, heard the teasing undertones in their words. She shot Ichin a glare, then pulled a car key from her pocket and handed it to him.

“Here. This is for you to drive back. I’ll take Nene to drop off her luggage at my place first, then head over to your home. By the way, are Haruno and Yukino still staying with you this time?”

“Not this time,” Ichin shook his head. “It’s summer—cramming the sisters into one room is too hot, even with AC. Back at New Year, I asked Mom to buy another apartment in our complex. One happened to be up for sale. It’s already renovated, so Haruno-nee and Yukino can move in. Later, if anyone else comes to visit, they can stay there too—much more convenient.”

“What? How did I not know?” Haruno was stunned.

“It wasn’t a big deal. And I’m telling you now, aren’t I?”

As they walked out of the terminal, Ichin explained,

“We’re family, no need for so much fuss. Prices in Shanghai will only keep rising—buying was no loss. The previous owner already knew my parents. Their daughter got married and moved to another city for work, so they sold it to us at a friendly discount. Basically market value, but still a favor.”

“Ahh, in that case, good.”

Haruno finally relaxed. He was right—they’d definitely be coming often in the future, so a stable place to stay was ideal.

Yukino, recalling something, added,

“I remember… apartments in that area were quite expensive, weren’t they? I looked it up once out of curiosity.”

“They’re high, yeah, but not outrageous for Shanghai. They’ve broken 150,000 per square meter these past two years. There are at least forty or fifty places pricier than our complex. But honestly, unless you’re buying, it’s not worth worrying about. And your family’s business doesn’t extend into China anyway. So just relax and enjoy your vacation.”

Yukino nodded. She really had only searched out of curiosity—but those numbers had been shocking.

Nene tugged at Umiko’s sleeve and whispered,

“Umiko-nee, is your place expensive?”

“Not too bad. Ichin helped me find it—nice environment, close to work, very convenient. Price? Not sure, maybe seventy or eighty thousand?”

“That’s still so expensive!” Nene’s eyes went wide.

Ichin turned his head and said,

“It’s just an apartment. Its value doesn’t compare to what Umiko has contributed to the company. Well, did that speech move you? Make you want to work for me for decades?”

Umiko laughed.

“As it happens, I do plan on staying at your company until retirement. How’s that sound?”

“You’re one hundred percent welcome. And you, Nene?”

“Me? I never thought of changing jobs. Just don’t let the company go under, and we’re fine.”

With laughter and chatter, the group left the airport. Ichin drove Utaha, Haruno, and Yukino home, while Umiko took Nene back to her apartment first.

In the car, Haruno glanced out at the sweltering weather.

“Shanghai summers really are hot… So, where are we going to play these next few days?”

Hands on the wheel, Ichin answered,

“There are plenty of places. Let’s rest at home for a day, then decide. Mom’s free anyway, so wherever you want to go, I’ll be your driver.”

From the back seat, Haruno nodded approvingly.

“Good, good, very sensible. In return, I’ll reward you with a lap pillow!”

“I’ll pass. I already have Utaha’s lap for that.”

He knew better than to trust Haruno’s so-called reward—if he lay down, who knew what trap she’d spring next?

***

Chapter 450: Family Hierarchy

The car pulled into the complex, parked in the family’s spot, and Ichin led Utaha and the sisters upstairs.

Instead of heading straight to his own place, he took them to the apartment prepared for Haruno and Yukino, where his mom was already waiting.

The doorbell rang, and moments later the door opened—Ichin’s mother appeared with a broad smile.

“You’re back! Come in, come in!”

Once the four entered, she hugged Utaha, Haruno, and Yukino one by one, pointedly leaving Ichin out.

He had long since expected this and only laughed, helping carry in the sisters’ luggage.

Holding each sister by the hand, his mother said warmly,

“Come, let me show you the setup. I prepared everything in advance without knowing your preferences, so I’m not sure if you’ll like it. If you want to change anything, I’ll take you shopping in the next couple of days.”

Looking around the living room, Haruno nodded in approval.

“This is already very nice. We never liked overcomplicated décor. Simple is best.”

Yukino agreed.

“Yes, it’s similar to my Tokyo apartment’s style. Very comfortable.”

They checked the living room, study, bedrooms, and bathroom. His mother had put a lot of effort into redecorating, leaving both sisters thoroughly satisfied.

Yukino’s room, in particular, was like heaven. Knowing her love for cats and pandas, Ichin’s mom had prepared themed items—she even managed to track down several of the now sold-out Bing Dwen Dwen mascots from the Winter Olympics and placed them in her room.

Seeing her two goddaughters so pleased, Ichin’s mom finally felt relieved.

She told them to unpack, then brought Ichin and Utaha upstairs to their own home.

Opening the door, Ichin stretched comfortably.

“Back home at last. Nothing feels quite like it. Mom, did you buy groceries? There’ll be a lot of people at dinner tonight—Umiko and Nene are coming too.”

“Don’t worry, I bought everything this morning.”

She pointed at his bedroom.

“Go unpack. Utaha, stay here and chat with me.”

“Fine, fine. My place in this family is already the same as Dad’s—rock bottom.”

Shrugging, Ichin carried his bag to his room.

He turned on the AC, opened drawers, and unpacked bit by bit—electronics on the desk, clothes into the wardrobe.

It didn’t take long. Soon he was sprawled on his bed, yawning lazily.

“Mm… may as well nap for a while. Dinner doesn’t need me anyway.”

Sleep took him quickly.

In the living room, Utaha chatted with his mom. When Ichin still hadn’t reappeared after ten minutes, she grew curious and peeked into his room—only to find him fast asleep.

His mom joined her, chuckling at the sight.

“This boy… how did he fall asleep so fast?”

“He must be tired,” Utaha whispered. “So he could stay longer here, he’s been handling extra company work these past few days. Since we’ve nothing to do this afternoon, let him rest.”

She gently picked up a blanket and tucked it over him, making sure he wouldn’t catch a cold from the AC.

Ichin’s mom watched silently from the doorway, her face warm with affection.

Their relationship was strong—she felt reassured. The only thing that bothered her was timing: Ichin wasn’t yet old enough to register marriage with Utaha; they’d need two more years. As for children, that could wait even longer—she would never allow Utaha to interrupt her university studies with a pregnancy.

Blanket tucked in, Utaha left and returned to watch TV with his mom.

Soon after, Haruno and Yukino came upstairs, and half an hour later Umiko and Nene arrived too.

Even though her son was still snoring away, Ichin’s mother didn’t mind. With five lively kids keeping her company, who needed him?

Her son? Whether he was here or not made no difference!

Near five o’clock, the bedroom door creaked open—Nene and Yukino tiptoed in.

Nene clutched a feather plucked from a duster. Yukino eyed it with a twitching mouth.

“Are you really going to do this?” she whispered.

“Hmph! This is revenge! I, Nene, never let a grudge last overnight!”

Chin raised, she crept toward Ichin’s bed.

He was still deeply asleep, not stirring even as they entered.

Kneeling beside him, Nene murmured softly as she studied his face,

“Say what you will, he really is pretty handsome. Better-looking than those hosts in Tokyo.”

“You’ve been to a host club?” Yukino asked flatly.

“Of course not. I saw it on YouTube!”

Pulling out her phone, Nene started recording, then brought the feather to his nose, brushing lightly.

The tickling made him scrunch his nose and frown, but he still didn’t wake.

Nene’s grin twisted mischievously—eerily like her best friend Aoba’s.

“Tickle, tickle!”

“Ahhh—achoo!!!”

The explosive sneeze startled both girls.

Ichin finally woke, staring at Nene holding a phone in one hand and the feather in the other, with Yukino behind her looking embarrassed.

Realizing instantly, he exhaled, then ground out between clenched teeth,

“Nene, are you prepared to face your punishment?”

“Hehehe~”

Nene gave him a silly grin, quickly pocketed her phone, and bolted from the room.

Ichin scratched his head helplessly, glancing at the blanket covering him.

That must’ve been Utaha’s doing. If it had been his mom, she’d have slapped him awake for daring to nap in his room alone.

***