My dear wife, I still love you more.

"Then, Hasegawa-kun, if you go to gather material, don't forget to let me know," Kasumigaoka Utaha said to Hasegawa with a smile.

"Okay, Kasumi-senpai, I will." Hasegawa nodded, speaking with a polite attitude that maintained a certain distance, but there was no real intimacy between them.

After saying goodbye to Kasumigaoka Utaha, Hasegawa went straight home. Kasumigaoka Utaha and Machida Sonoko, however, remained seated in the café, watching Hasegawa's departing figure.

“Utaha, it seems like Hasegawa-sensei has never heard of you before.” Machida Sonoko smiled, looking at Kasumigaoka Utaha with a slightly strange expression.

"He's probably just a bookworm. That's why he hasn't even heard of me." Kasumigaoka Utaha pouted. As the top student of the second year, and so beautiful, she could be considered one of the most beautiful girls in the school, along with Saeko Busujima, Eriri Sawamura, and Yukino Yukinoshita. She was extremely famous at school.

However, Hasegawa showed absolutely no reaction after hearing her name. Kasumigaoka Utaha felt that there was no other explanation than that he was a bookworm, so why hadn't Hasegawa ever heard of her name?

"A bookworm? You don't seem like one at all. Although I haven't interacted with Hasegawa-sensei much, he actually seems like a very reliable and quick-witted person to me. It's just that I don't think I've ever heard of you before, Utaha, which does make you seem like a bookworm."

Kasumigaoka Utaha's expression was slightly strange as she stared thoughtfully in the direction Hasegawa had disappeared.

Kasumigaoka Utaha was truly filled with curiosity about Hasegawa. Just who was Hasegawa? She had many impressions of him before, but now, those impressions were all shattered. Hasegawa seemed to be shrouded in a great mystery.

"It really makes me want to know more about him, Hasegawa-kun," Kasumigaoka Utaha murmured to herself.

"Curious? Be careful you don't fall for him. When a girl becomes curious about a boy, it's usually a sign she's about to fall for him," Machida Sonoko teased with a laugh after hearing Kasumigaoka Utaha's words.

"Heh." Kasumigaoka Utaha chuckled coldly, then looked at Machida Sonoko with a disdainful gaze: "Editor Machida, it seems you've never been in a relationship, have you? You can just take theoretical talk with a grain of salt, don't actually believe it."

Swish!

Machida Sonoko's expression changed instantly. Kasumigaoka Utaha's words dealt her a fatal blow, a critical hit, and a fatal blow. Machida Sonoko felt her health bar instantly emptied.

……

Hasegawa returned home, took off his shoes and put on slippers: "I'm home!"

"Hasegawa-kun, welcome back." Mrs. Yuihama's voice came just in time.

"Mrs. Yuihama, you didn't go to work?" Hasegawa looked at Mrs. Yuihama with some surprise.

"Well, since Yui is going to participate in the entertainment club soon, I took a few extra days off. Is Hasegawa-kun's trip going smoothly?" Mrs. Yuihama walked over as she spoke, and gave Hasegawa a happy smile when she saw him.

“I see. Don’t worry, Mrs. Yuihama. Although Yuihama is joining the talent club, her singing skills are already quite good. So everything should go smoothly.” Hasegawa comforted Mrs. Yuihama.

"Yes, I trust Hasegawa-kun. After all, Hasegawa-kun is a genius, very reliable, and makes me feel at ease."

"Thank you." Hasegawa felt happy to hear this. "By the way, it's already noon. I'll go cook."

"Leave the cooking to me, since I've already taken the day off. How can I trouble Hasegawa-kun?"

"It's not troublesome at all. Besides, I quite enjoy cooking," Hasegawa said with a smile.

"Hmm, how about we cook together?" Mrs. Yuihama thought for a moment and said to Hasegawa.

"Together? Sure. Let's go together." Hasegawa nodded with a smile.

The two chatted and laughed as they walked into the kitchen. Although the kitchen wasn't small, it wasn't too cramped for the two of them. While cooking, they would occasionally touch each other. Each time they touched, they couldn't help but exchange a smile; the atmosphere was quite relaxed, and even Hasegawa felt a sense of warmth.

Chapter One: Two People Starting to Be Alone

The previous chapter has been revised. The attitude between the senior and Hasegawa has changed slightly. Hasegawa is only slightly better on the surface, but still keeps a certain distance from the senior.

text

"Hasegawa-kun is really amazing. I think his cooking skills are now good enough to make him a head chef at a five-star hotel," Mrs. Yui exclaimed in amazement.

"It's alright. I'm quite interested in cooking, and I've cooked a lot before, so I just picked it up without even realizing it. But Mrs. Yuihama's cooking skills are amazing. The dishes she makes taste absolutely fantastic." Hasegawa praised Mrs. Yuihama in return, even giving her a thumbs up.

"No way! I know myself very well when it comes to cooking. At most, I'm just a housewife. I can't compare to Hasegawa-kun at all," Mrs. Yuihama said modestly, but her smile was particularly bright.

"Mrs. Yuihama, you're too modest. I absolutely love the food you make, it's a hundred times, maybe even ten thousand times, better than what I make myself."

"Hasegawa-kun, you're exaggerating. Hasegawa-kun's cooking skills are clearly much better than mine."

"But I really enjoy Mrs. Yuihama's cooking."

"Hasegawa-kun, you really, really know how to talk. I was thinking of learning cooking from you, Hasegawa-kun, and you're flattering me like this, do you not want to teach me?"

"How could that be? This is not flattery at all. It's all from the bottom of my heart. And if Mrs. Yuihama wants to learn, I will absolutely, without reservation, teach her everything."

Hasegawa and Mrs. Yuigahama were cooking in the kitchen, exchanging a few words now and then, both wearing happy and relaxed smiles. The impact of Yuigahama Yui's decision to drop out of school and join the entertainment club had been completely dispelled at this moment.

……

"Yuigahama, are you really going to join Nogizaka46?" Hasegawa looked at Yuigahama Yui seriously.

“Yes, I’ve made up my mind. Actually, I’ve done some research on Nogizaka46. It’s backed by Ken Akimoto. He’s a very talented producer who has created many girl groups, most of which were very successful. I believe that Nogizaka46 will also be successful. So I’m going to join Nogizaka46.” Yui Yuigahama said very seriously to Hasegawa and Mrs. Yuigahama.

Looking at Yui Yuigahama like this, Hasegawa realized that the difference between her now and before was really huge. It was as if she were a completely different person. He seemed to have never seen that determined look in Yui Yuigahama's eyes before.

Seeing her like this, Hasegawa smiled: "Since Yuihama has made her decision, then I support you. Actually, I did some research beforehand, and Nogizaka46 is indeed a good company, especially its producer, Ken Akimoto, who is a very capable and well-connected person. However, I've heard that Ken Akimoto is a very strict person, so if you join Nogizaka46, you should be prepared to endure hardship."

"Yes, I've been prepared for this for a long time. And as long as I can succeed within two and a half years, I'm willing to endure any amount of hardship." Yui Yuigahama said, her big eyes staring straight at Hasegawa with a burning gaze, without the slightest hint of evasion as usual.

Looking into Yui Yuigahama's burning gaze, Hasegawa felt a bit of a headache: "Since you've made up your mind, then good luck. If anything happens, be sure to tell me, and I'll definitely help you."

"Thank you, but I want to try my best on my own. If I rely on you for everything, it's like I'm still a child who can't be independent," Yui Yuigahama said with a smile.

"Hmm, is that so? That's fine. But you've probably heard some rumors about places like Yulongqi, about its unspoken rules and such. If you encounter anything like that, be sure to come find me." Hasegawa scratched his head and added another word of advice.

"Unspoken rules... Hasegawa, don't worry. I... I will absolutely not accept any unspoken rules. If I succeed because of unspoken rules, then even if I succeed, I will not have the face to stand in front of Hasegawa." Yui Yuigahama blushed slightly, but her tone was firm and decisive.

Hasegawa didn't know whether to be pleased or annoyed by such words.

While the Japanese entertainment industry does have its unspoken rules, they are generally considered within the realm of normalcy. Similar to China, most unspoken rules are consensual, with coercion being relatively rare. Unlike South Korea, where the entire entertainment industry is shrouded in a dark, all-encompassing influence. Therefore, Hasegawa is relatively confident about Yuigahama Yui; as long as she can resist temptation, there shouldn't be any problems.

"Yui is truly exceptionally beautiful now." Mrs. Yuigahama looked at Yui Yuigahama, whose eyes were filled with determination, and couldn't help but sigh, "Yui has grown up too."

"mother"

"Yui, you must work hard from now on and strive to succeed within two and a half years, then confess to Hasegawa-kun. As for Hasegawa-kun, I will definitely keep an eye on him for you." Mrs. Yuihama was both gratified and heartbroken. At the same time, she assured Yuihama Yui that it was worth it.

"Thank you, Mom." Yui Yuigahama smiled happily.

Hasegawa, standing to the side, felt even more troubled. What on earth was going on?

……

Yui Yuigahama was chosen for Nogizaka46 because she is exceptionally beautiful and youthful, with an appearance that is considered outstanding even in Japan. After receiving guidance from Hasegawa, her singing skills steadily reached level 3, roughly equivalent to a professional singer. While this level isn't considered high among professional singers, it's excellent for a girl group.

So, these two conditions combined allowed Yui Yuigahama to successfully enter Nogizaka46, and it even seemed to have alarmed Ken Akimoto.

Knowing this, Hasegawa breathed a slight sigh of relief. With Akimoto Ken's attention, it was clear that Yui Yuigahama's treatment within Nogizaka46 wouldn't be too bad. Perhaps Yui Yuigahama really would succeed and become an excellent singer.

The matter of Yui Yuigahama has come to a temporary end, and she has begun to pursue her dreams and goals.

However, now only Hasegawa and Mrs. Yuihama are left at home.

Hasegawa and Mrs. Yuihama sat facing each other in the living room, and for a moment, they were at a loss for what to say.

Before, even if Hasegawa and Mrs. Yui were alone in the living room, they wouldn't feel anything, since Yui would be home even if she wasn't in the living room. But now, with only the two of them at home, Hasegawa and Mrs. Yui both felt a little uneasy.

To be honest, at this point, it would have been most appropriate for Hasegawa to move out of the Yuihama residence, since it's still not quite right for a man and a woman to be alone together, even though there's a significant age difference between them.

However, neither Hasegawa nor Mrs. Yuihama felt comfortable with the situation, but neither of them wanted Hasegawa to move out.

Hasegawa was naturally reluctant to give up the opportunity to be alone with Mrs. Yuigahama. As for Mrs. Yuigahama, although she felt it wasn't appropriate for her to live with Hasegawa, she had previously promised Yui Yuigahama that she would keep an eye on him. If Hasegawa moved out, how could she keep an eye on him? Not to mention, after Yui Yuigahama left, it would only be the two of them at home. If Hasegawa left too, she would be all alone, and that's when she would feel lonely and isolated.

Moreover, getting along with Hasegawa is actually quite comfortable; she always develops a certain fondness for him.

"Mr. Hasegawa, from now on, it will just be the two of us at home, so please take good care of us from now on." Mrs. Yuihama stood up, bowed to Hasegawa, and said with a slight bend in her waist.

"Ah? Um, well, please take good care of me from now on, Yuihama-tatami." Hasegawa stood up a little awkwardly and bowed in return.

Looking up slightly, Mrs. Yui saw Hasegawa blushing a little, and couldn't help but smile. Hasegawa's appearance and the way the two of them were now reminded her of the time when they had just gotten married and started living together.

However, Mrs. Yuihama blushed. Hasegawa was clearly the son-in-law she had chosen, and looking at her son-in-law, she couldn't help but think of the situation when they got married. It was really absurd.

"Well, I'll leave things to Hasegawa-kun from now on. I... I'll go tidy up the room." Mrs. Yuihama hurriedly went upstairs, looking a little flustered, as if she was too nervous.

Hasegawa looked at Mrs. Yuihama's figure and couldn't help but scratch his head. Why did Mrs. Yuihama look a little disheveled?

"But, will we be living together from now on?" Hasegawa clenched his fist slightly, a sense of anticipation rising in his heart.

In fact, Hasegawa had thought about this kind of life a long time ago. When he was teaching Yui Yuigahama music, Hasegawa had imagined that Yui Yuigahama would leave home because of music, and then only he and Mrs. Yuigahama would be left at home.

However, it was difficult to express this idea directly, but now, his previous idea has finally come true.

The daily life of two people living together.

Readers have been saying that the relationship between the protagonist and his wife is progressing too slowly, but things have to take it one step at a time. After all, their daughter was involved before that. What would happen to their daughter if the protagonist and his wife started having a lot of interaction back then?

Chapter Two: The First Day Alone

Early in the morning, Hasegawa, as usual, got up early. When he arrived outside the bathroom, he suddenly heard a strange sound coming from inside.

Listening closely, it sounded like crying.

Hasegawa paused for a moment, then roughly understood what was going on.

Mrs. Yui's daughter, Yui, has suddenly left home to pursue her dreams. Although Mrs. Yui showed some reluctance yesterday, she was mostly happy, as if she was happy that her daughter had finally found a goal to strive for.

But Yui was, after all, her daughter, her own flesh and blood, and to leave her like that was unbearable. She would always feel a pang of sadness, a deep sense of loss. It was just that she couldn't easily show these emotions. So much so that early that morning, after Mrs. Yui went to the bathroom, she couldn't help but cry.

Hasegawa sighed softly and turned to leave. He pretended he hadn't seen or heard anything.

When Hasegawa came out of the bedroom after waiting for ten minutes and went to the bathroom, he saw Mrs. Yuihama, who had already put on makeup, coming out of the bathroom.

At this moment, Mrs. Yuihama looked completely normal, with a faint smile on her face, showing no trace of having just cried.

"Hey there, Hasegawa-kun." Mrs. Yuihama greeted Hasegawa with a smile when she saw him.

"Yay, ya hello! Mrs. Yuihama." Hasegawa still felt a little uncomfortable with being greeted like "ya hello."

"Go wash up quickly. I'll wait for you downstairs," Mrs. Yuihama said to Hasegawa with a smile.

"Okay, I'll be right down." Hasegawa nodded quickly, then went into the bathroom, washed up quickly, and ran downstairs. Mrs. Yuihama was already waiting for Hasegawa, dressed in sportswear.

Even though Yui Yuigahama is no longer with us, our morning exercise routine will not stop.

"I feel great today, and I'm sure I can run even further this time," Mrs. Yuihama said to Hasegawa with a smile.

"Okay! I'll run with you."

"No need, Hasegawa-kun, just exercise as usual. Okay, let's go." Mrs. Yuihama said energetically, and took the lead in running forward.

Seeing this, Hasegawa quickly followed behind her, watching Mrs. Yuihama run away.

Mrs. Yuihama said she felt good today, so she ran much faster than before. However, she hadn't run for very long before her breathing became slightly erratic.