Oh no! They all seem a bit off!

Chapter 158 The deadline is approaching
337 PM, Club Building, Light Music Club.

"So, just as Fuyuko said, as long as Shiraishi Rin, as the original body, acknowledges and accepts you, this abnormal phenomenon can be ended."

After Akizuki Makoto recounted his conversation with Touko from the previous night, the expressions of the other four people were somewhat subtle.

The first to be affected are ordinary people like Rie Niijima, who have no idea that superpowers exist in this world.

When Shiina Maki explained to her that there were two Shiraishi Rin in the world, she thought Shiina Maki was crazy to say something so outrageous.

It wasn't until Shiraishi Rin nodded in agreement that she accepted, incredulously, the absurd fact that superpowers existed in this world.

However, Shiina Maki did not reveal that she also possessed superpowers, after all, Himeyasuki was still there, and she was also embarrassed to reveal her abilities.

After all, every time she used her superpowers, she never used them for anything worthwhile; she always used them for bad things.

Is this really feasible?

Rie Niijima raised questions, after all, it sounded far too simple.

If you just acknowledge and accept it, isn't that a piece of cake?
"You're being too naive."

Makoto Akizuki glanced at Rie Niijima and explained, "This requires genuine recognition and acceptance, which is almost impossible for Rin Shiraishi."

“Akizuki-kun is right.”

Shiraishi Rin nodded heavily and sighed, "Achieving this condition is not just almost impossible, it's absolutely impossible."

No one understands the darkness and ugliness in the original Shiraishi Rin's heart better than her, and no one understands better how deep the hatred that the original Shiraishi Rin harbors towards her is.

It's the kind of thing that would enrage you with just a glance, and a little thought would ruin your mood, making you grit your teeth in anger and want to tear someone to pieces.

Given this situation, how could the real Shiraishi Rin possibly acknowledge her existence and accept her?

"Why, why?"

Rie Niijima looked puzzled and asked, "Isn't it a simple matter? If she wants to resolve this situation, she'll do it even if she's unwilling, right?"

Akizuki Makoto shook his head and explained, "Being unwilling won't work; it has to come from the heart, not just a fake, superficial agreement."

"If it's that Shiraishi Rin..."

Shiina Maki also thought of Shiraishi Rin from the beginning, and shrugged her head in embarrassment.

Now she finally understood why Shiraishi Rin's personality was so different; they were two people with the same appearance but completely different inner selves.

"The solution has been found; now it's up to you to put in the effort."

Ji Yexue, who had remained silent, looked coldly at Bai Shilin and said indifferently, "Stop causing trouble for everyone. Have some self-awareness."

"Okay, okay, I'm so sorry to have made everyone worry about me."

Shiraishi Rin lowered his head somewhat awkwardly to apologize, his heart filled with remorse.

"That's enough. Now, just do what you need to do and don't discuss personal matters during club activities."

Thus, at Ji Yexue's command, everyone else ended their conversation about Shiraishi Rin's private affairs.

This matter truly depended on Shiraishi Rin's own efforts; the help from others was merely icing on the cake.

They would never know how to get the ill-tempered Shiraishi Rin to acknowledge and accept the clone she hated most.

Because of Shiraishi Rin's special circumstances, Himeya Yuki has begun to consider whether she should learn to play the electronic keyboard, or find a prospective member.

Her desire to form a band was not just empty talk.

Like Akizuki Makoto, she believes in doing things to the best of her ability and never being perfunctory.

……

After that, it continued until the end of the club activities.

When everything was packed up and it was time to go home, Shiraishi Rin was immediately pulled away by Shiina Maki and Niijima Rie.

They still had some things they wanted to say to Shiraishi Rin, or rather, some things they wanted to ask her.

"Then I'll be going too, goodbye."

Akizuki Makoto turned to look at Ji Yexue standing beside him and said goodbye.

"Wait a moment."

Ji Yexue immediately stopped him and then said, "Are you free this weekend? My grandfather wants to see you."

"grandfather……"

Akizuki Makoto's eyes widened slightly, somewhat surprised as to why Himeya Ryūshun wanted to see him.

“Actually, his health condition has suddenly deteriorated recently, and he is now recuperating in a sanatorium. Yesterday, he suddenly told my mother that he wanted to see you.”

When Ji Yexue said this, her expression became inexplicably complicated, making it impossible to understand what she was thinking.

Even she herself didn't understand, because she clearly loathed the Ji Ye family, especially her grandfather.

It was all because of Himeya Ryūjun's autocratic educational policies that she was on the verge of collapse, and that her childhood was devoid of anything to be happy about.

She should have been incredibly grateful that Ji Yelongjun's time was coming to an end, because this would mean she would be freed from her constraints and would no longer have to be as subservient as before.

But when she saw her grandfather lying on the hospital bed, old and listless, all those thoughts vanished.

Looking back, everything seemed to have changed ever since Akizuki Makoto visited her home.

She reconciled with her mother, and her grandfather's attitude towards her was no longer as stern and ruthless as before.

When she made a mistake, her grandfather no longer scolded her mercilessly as before, but chose to be lenient.

"Yeah……"

Qiu Yuecheng nodded and agreed, "I understand, I will definitely go."

He had a decent impression of Ji Yelong, and since an old man nearing the end of his life wanted to see him, he had no reason to refuse.

"My mother said that Grandpa's health suddenly deteriorated because he was relieved."

Ji Yexue lowered her head and said in a muffled voice, "Grandpa had been forcing himself to stay strong all along, so once he felt relieved, his body couldn't hold on any longer."

"..."

Qiuyue Cheng listened in silence, and roughly understood what Ji Yexue meant.

Although she didn't say it explicitly, he wasn't stupid and knew why Ji Yelongjun was relieved.

He understood why Ji Yelongjun wanted to see him, but even so, he still had to go.

because……

Ji Yexue, who was seen as aloof and unattainable like a high-necked flower by others, revealed a vulnerable and sad demeanor in front of him.

This was the first time Akizuki Makoto had seen Ji Yexue like this, and he felt as if a chord had been touched within him.

Undeniably, he is a sentimental person, so when others open their hearts to him and reveal their true selves, he can't help but be moved.

It was just like when Shiina Maki was on the verge of collapse due to various factors and cried as she asked him for help.

True love is so beautiful that one can't help but want to touch it.

If reason hadn't prevailed, Akizuki Makoto would have followed his heart and embraced Ji Yexue to reassure her. But he considered the consequences of doing so, and he wasn't yet aware of that possibility.

"Cheng, will you hold me up?"

Looking at the silent Qiu Yuecheng, Ji Yexue couldn't help but step forward and get closer to him.

She looked up and met Qiu Yuecheng's gaze, clearly seeing the unfathomable look in his eyes.

At that moment, the answer had already formed in her heart, but she still held onto a sliver of hope.

"Answer me, if one day I can't hold on anymore, will you reach out to me and come to save me without hesitation?"

"I……"

Qiu Yuecheng opened his mouth, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded in agreement: "If that day ever comes, I will come."

"So... will you take responsibility? What will your mindset be when you help me?"

Ji Yexue knew, of course, that Qiuyue Cheng would come to help her, but she didn't need help if it was just to offer assistance.

What she wanted was for Akizuki Makoto to firmly choose her and support her through life, not just temporary charity or pity.

Faced with Ji Yexue's aggressive questioning, Qiu Yuecheng remained silent for a long time before saying apologetically, "I'm sorry, I don't know how to answer your question."

"...I should be the one apologizing. I told you I would give you time to respond by graduation, but now I can't help but press you for your feelings."

Ji Yexue murmured absentmindedly, took a step back, and distanced herself from Qiu Yuecheng.

Then, she turned around, her back to Akizuki Makoto, and said with a sense of loss, "I'm sorry, forget what I said today. I won't be coming to school for the next few days. I'll contact you again this weekend."

"……goodbye."

Qiuyue Cheng watched Ji Yexue leave, his heart filled with indescribable mixed feelings.

Recalling his moments with Ji Yexue, he had felt hatred, but he had also been moved by her beauty.

Without a doubt, Ji Yexue's sincere feelings had been conveyed to him.

She also made changes to atone for her past actions.

The current Ji Yexue is no longer the same as before, acting recklessly according to her own whims.

She finally understood the difference between liking and loving, and gradually learned how to love others.

But she realized it too late; the person she loved was an incurable idiot.

The usually decisive Akizuki Makoto is undoubtedly a coward when it comes to matters of the heart.

He had many concerns, was always hesitant and timid, and considered many things.

Occasionally, he would wonder what kind of girlfriend he wanted to find.

Is there anyone better than Shiina Maki, Himeyasuki, or Shimizu Rei?

All three of them deeply loved themselves; that feeling was absolutely genuine, without any falsehood or exaggeration.

"...What am I thinking?"

Akizuki Makoto couldn't understand his own feelings either, and he began to feel confused about his relationships with those around him.

Now that things have come to this, he can no longer ignore their feelings and should make a decision as soon as possible.

……

After leaving the school, Ji Yexue took the car that came to pick her up and went to a high-end private sanatorium in the port area.

This place is home to many renowned doctors in the medical field, including quite a few from abroad.

Not only Ji Yelongjun was recuperating here, but also many politicians and businessmen, each with an extremely prominent identity.

In a place like the port area where land is extremely valuable, the facility covers an area of ​​tens of thousands of square meters, but only a few dozen patients receive treatment there.

"Young Miss, over here."

As soon as Ji Yexue arrived at the private sanatorium, she was immediately greeted and led the way by someone.

Ji Yelongjun checked into the sanatorium three days ago. In the past three days, she only visited him once when he was brought to the sanatorium, and has not come back since.

On the one hand, seeing my grandfather's frail and aged appearance evoked mixed feelings; on the other hand, there were just too many things to deal with lately.

Not only does she have to keep an eye on Shiraishi Rin for Akizuki Makoto, she also has a bunch of personal matters to deal with.

If the news of Ji Yelongjun's illness were to spread, it would undoubtedly attract countless conglomerates and families that were eyeing the Ji Ye family.

Although the Ji Ye family is very powerful, that is based on the fact that Ji Ye Longjun was in power. He served as the head of the family for nearly fifty years and won over all his peers and the next generation.

Following the maid's directions, Ji Yexue took the elevator and quickly arrived at the top floor of a building deep inside the sanatorium.

On this floor, only Ji Yelongjun lives, and the entrance is guarded by security personnel and nurses 24 hours a day.

Pushing open the ward door, she saw Ji Yelongjun lying on the hospital bed, his old and withered arms covered with IVs, and his frail and listless face.

The old man, who once exuded an imposing and awe-inspiring presence like a lion, now lay on a pure white hospital bed, looking frail and sickly.

Her mother was waiting by the bedside, and when she saw her come in, she immediately got up to greet her.

"Xiaoxue, what brings you here?"

Mrs. Ji asked gently, her beautiful face, which was still charming, also revealed a hint of fatigue and disappointment.

After all, her father was nearing the end of his life, and she must have been feeling terrible.

Furthermore, as the head of the family, her situation was also precarious.

Not only are there external threats, but also branches or other direct lineages that want a share of the spoils after Ji Yelongjun falls.

Without Ji Yelongjun in charge, the Ji Ye family is only strong on the surface.

Madam Ji Ye's methods as the head of the family are not ruthless or sophisticated enough. She is as gentle and easygoing as her personality. No matter how much she pretends, her true nature cannot be changed.

"I came to visit Grandpa and, by the way, to talk about what we discussed yesterday."

As Ji Yexue spoke, she looked at Ji Yelongjun, who was lying on the hospital bed.

At this moment, Ji Yelong opened his cloudy eyes and said weakly, "You're here, Xiaoxue. Have you asked Qiuyue-san yet, and what his reply was?"

Ji Yexue replied in a low voice, "He promised to come over this weekend."

"...Didn't you ask him if he could be your pillar of support?"

Ji Yelongjun sighed softly, his already aged face becoming even more lifeless.

It seems he was too early to feel at ease, but there was nothing he could do; he had already reached his limit.

He had toiled his whole life, and his physical functions were already exhausted, barely holding on by a thread.

That breath dissipated when he met Akizuki Makoto.

"I asked, but I didn't get a definite answer."

Ji Yexue's voice also became somber. Although she had prepared herself mentally, she still couldn't help but feel sad when Qiuyue Cheng avoided her.

(End of this chapter)