Money Can Buy Everything

022: Come to My Room

With Asuna opening up the conversation, the atmosphere of the meeting became much more relaxed. As the conversation shifted towards the top-grade truffles that Momo brought, the topic naturally transitioned to gourmet food.

The Yuuki family breathed a sigh of relief, as they could all engage in the topic of food. Having tasted many delicacies themselves, they were quite knowledgeable about different cuisines. And Momo, having lived for a hundred years in his previous life, also had a great love for food.

He shared various flavors and cooking methods, and Asuna, who initially tried to set the atmosphere, found herself genuinely fascinated. She followed Momo's descriptions, her mind wandering to different parts of the world, exploring famous landmarks and savoring exotic cuisines.

The Yuuki family's servant also received the truffles. Luckily, the classic and traditional way to enjoy truffles was by thinly slicing and consuming them raw, so he didn't need to trouble himself much with this priceless delicacy.

"Asuna, since you're so interested, how about I take you on a world tour to experience gourmet food? Not to boast, but not only do I love eating, I'm also an excellent cook!"

Asuna's eyes lit up, and she instinctively wanted to accept the invitation. Traveling the world and trying various cuisines was a massive temptation for someone who had studied hard since childhood.

However, a hint of reason made her snap out of it, and she finally understood Momo's real intention with the invitation.

He wanted to travel with her alone, without any interference from others. The two of them traveling together as companions?

Upon realizing this, Asuna blushed immediately, stumbling over her words, torn between wanting to refuse and being unwilling to do so.

Watching from the side, the Yuuki couple exchanged glances, and a smile appeared in Kyouko's eyes. She had initially wondered if this Masayoshi Momo was simply attracted to her daughter's appearance, but now it seemed that Momo's words and knowledge proved that he was not a shallow playboy.

As a woman, she could also sense her daughter's fondness for this boy whom they had recently met. She showed no resistance or defensiveness towards him at all. If it weren't for her last bit of reason, she might have already agreed to run off with him.

While feeling a bit helpless, Kyouko was also glad for her daughter. If she truly found happiness in this boy, she would wholeheartedly support her.

Putting aside her obsession with the word "elite," she loved her daughter just like any other mother.

"Well... Momo, I really..."

"What's wrong with it?"

At this moment, Shouzou spoke up, saying, "Asuna, you're almost sixteen now. You've been working hard in school and achieved good results. However, broadening your horizons is also essential. Since the Chairman invited you, this is a good opportunity."

Asuna looked at her father in surprise, never expecting him to allow her daughter to travel with a boy.

Asuna had high emotional intelligence, and she didn't think in this direction before. But now, her father's statement immediately made things clear to her—what all of this was about.

Masayoshi Momo, the boy who has earned her favor, what is his true identity in her father's heart?

Could this lunch meeting be...

Asuna's cheeks flushed even more, and she lowered her head. When Shouzou introduced Masayoshi Nobuyuki to her before, she had already realized this point. However, this time, it was different. Back then, she only felt disgust, but now, she is filled with shyness.

Stealing a glance, she saw Momo looking at her with a playful smile, making her even more embarrassed. She thought, "Did this guy know about this all along?"

In fact, Momo not only knew but also orchestrated this situation.

Kyouko looked surprisedly at her husband, not expecting him to trust Momo so much. Although she had some doubts, she chose to believe in her husband. After all, Shouzou held the highest authority in their household.

"Sir, Madam, may I serve the dishes now?"

At that moment, the servant, came and broke the silence. Shouzou nodded in agreement.

Compared to the enthusiastic atmosphere before, the lunch felt much colder now, mainly because Asuna kept her head down with a deep blush, eating quietly.

But thanks to Momo opening up the conversation, everyone could discuss the truffles, and Momo successfully achieved his goal. From time to time, he would steer the conversation back to the topic of truffles, preventing the lunch from falling into complete silence.

"Isn't it shameless of you two grown men to team up and play tricks on a young girl?"

Sitting on Momo's head, Reimu watched the scene coldly, her anger almost visible on her face.

Momo couldn't speak, so he responded with his thoughts, saying, "I'm not angry about it. Besides, it's all your dear uncle's doing. Asuna would have realized it sooner or later, right?"

"Anyway, you always have a reason. I'm too lazy to bother with you."

After a while, Asuna finally calmed down during the lunch. However, she still dared not look at Momo's face.

"Asuna."

"Yes? I'm here!"

Shouzou called her name again, surprising Asuna, who hurriedly responded to his word.

"Kyouko and I are too far apart from your age. If it weren't for you, the Chairman might have thought we were deliberately neglecting him."

"No, it's not like that..."

"Where did you get that idea? Both Kyouko and I are still in our prime. If anything, it's just that I have limited knowledge and can't come up with any interesting topics."

Momo took responsibility for the situation, and Asuna breathed a sigh of relief. She thought she might be scolded, but now she was grateful to Momo.

Momo playfully winked at her.

Asuna had just sighed with relief, but now, looking at Momo's winking eyes, she felt her heart racing again.

"Don't worry, Chairman. It was our lack of preparation. Kyouko and I talked about it. We'll let you young people chat by yourselves. The Chairman and Asuna seemed to have had a good conversation earlier. As for us, we won't stay here and be in the way."

Kyouko was surprised by her husband's words, as it didn't seem like they had discussed this. She stared at Momo for a second, then made her decision. She decided to support her husband's choice.

"You're right. Asuna, you young people should have a good chat. After all, you're hosting Mr. Masayoshi. Don't forget your manners," her parents said, and the pressure from both of them instantly made Asuna serious. She also recalled Masayoshi Momo's true identity, one that the entire Yuuki family respected.

"Alright, leave it to me. Momo-san, please follow me," Asuna said.

"Call me Momo, Asuna. We're friends, right?"

Seeing the two leave, Kyouko sighed and asked her husband, "Although you have high hopes for him, isn't this moving too quickly? Do you really trust him that much?"

"Don't worry. He is absolutely trustworthy."

After all, with a divine oath as proof, Momo would definitely keep his promise.

Asuna let out a sigh of relief as she led Momo out of the dining room. Facing her parents' expectations, she felt immense pressure.

"Where should we go?" Momo asked.

"Huh!"

Asuna's relaxed breath was caught, and she thought, "Yeah, where should I take Momo?"

Asuna turned a bit stiff, forcing a smile. "How about... we go to the living room?"

"What for? Watch TV?" Momo asked.

"Haha, um, well..."

Asuna awkwardly laughed, suddenly realizing that this task was much more challenging than she had imagined.

No, it was quite daunting.

"How about... we..."

Asuna racked her brain but was startled to find that she really didn't know what to do.

"No need to be so nervous. Now, I'm just Momo, not Masayoshi Momo or your father, the Chairman," Momo grinned. "Whatever you usually do, we can do that too."

But Asuna couldn't say that she usually only rests and studies. There was no way she could invite Momo to study with her, right? It didn't feel like proper hospitality.

Asuna lowered her head.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Momo asked.

"Now, you're Momo, not the Momo Masayoshi family's young master, nor my father, the RECT Chairman, right?"

Momo smiled, "That's right!"

"So... let's go!"

Asuna reached out and grabbed Momo's sleeve, leading him directly upstairs to her room.

Momo was slightly surprised, and Reimu on his head became even more dissatisfied.

Asuna let go of her hand, pushed open the door, and turned back, saying somewhat shyly, "Since we're... friends, let's chat in my room. But I don't have any entertainment here."

Momo smiled again, and Asuna felt relieved. He then made an exaggerated gesture with his hand, saying, "Then, excuse me. May I come in?"

"Sure... of course!"

Asuna entered her room and hurriedly tried to move her chair to offer to Momo. But Momo sat down on the floor casually, saying, "I don't want to sit in that kind of chair. It makes me feel restrained. Besides, sitting on the tatami is a Japanese tradition, right?"

Finishing his words, Momo stretched lazily, saying, "Ah, I'm exhausted! Pretending to be formal in front of elders is truly torture! Anyway, Asuna, don't look so surprised. As I said, now I'm just Momo, and you're Asuna. We're just friends."

"As for my uncle and aunt's instructions, as long as you don't kick me out, I'll definitely give you full marks!"

Momo then lay down on the floor, using his arm as a pillow and closed his eyes, as if ready to take a nap.

Asuna's surprise vanished, and she chuckled. She didn't bother moving the chair anymore and instead sat on the floor, saying, "You are a really strange person. You have an enviable status, but you have no airs."

Momo raised two fingers, saying, "You have two mistakes in that statement. First, I'm not strange. I just know when to act differently. Second, everyone desires different things, and while my wealth might be enviable, it's not what I value the most. Instead, I envy you."

"Envy me?"

Asuna was genuinely surprised this time, asking, "What is there for you to envy in me? I'm not outstanding in any way, and both my family and abilities are..."

Asuna's voice grew smaller as she noticed Momo opening his eyes, smiling and looking intently at her.

Putting together her parents' reactions, Asuna finally realized Momo's true identity, and her cheeks flushed even more.