In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

Yuan Qianye's expression was complicated.

For a moment, he couldn't tell whether it was him or Rikka who was acting strangely.

It's hard to imagine that Rikka would say something like that.

Rikka lowered her head and stroked the feathers of the black wings even more gently.

"I just felt that this way Eriri wouldn't be so sad. When I first met her, I already realized that she liked you. I continued to carefully test her and found out that she seemed to have had feelings for you since elementary school."

After all, most of the photos in the albums at her house were pictures of you two together, from various angles and sizes. The same was true for group photos from school events; she always had to be right next to you, without exception. All the dating simulation games at her house also included the element of childhood sweethearts.

The thought that she's held such passionate feelings for you all these years, and then unknowingly discovered you were dating someone else, makes me feel so sorry for her.

It inexplicably brings to mind a small puppy abandoned in a cardboard box during a rainstorm...

Although they are not related, the feelings of bitterness, helplessness, weakness and pitifulness are extremely similar.

There's another point that Rikka didn't mention just now because she was afraid that Minamoto no Chiya would worry.

During her video call with Eriri just now, she could clearly see Eriri's red and swollen eyes, obviously because she had cried a lot.

In matters of the heart, which are matters of mutual consent, there is no right or wrong.

Eriri's behavior only made Rikka feel more sorry for her, and naturally, Rikka's own stance would lean towards Eriri's side.

Gen Chiya's hand touched Rikka's head.

“I understand what you’re saying, but if I do what you say, wouldn’t that be even crueler to her? Besides, she might not be able to accept my situation. Don’t think too much about it. Leave the rest to me. I’ll handle this.”

"Hmm..." Rikka leaned her head closer: "...You can make her hate you, but you can't make her hate me because of that. Besides Yukino, she's my best friend."

"Yes, I promise."

"I wish Japan had polygamy."

"..."

Having his true feelings revealed, Yuan Qianye was once again speechless.

He desired this far more than Rikka.

"Good luck, bro. Become the president of Japan and change the marriage law. That way, no one will say anything if you two are together, and there won't be any obstacles for Eriri to join you."

"You can say these things to me, but please don't say them to Eriri."

"This is a helpless complaint; I'm not that blind..."

"It's getting late, let's go back to our rooms and get some sleep."

"Ah."

Not long after Rikka returned to her room.

After washing up, Shika dried her hair with a towel and went to the living room.

Seeing Yuan Qianye leaning back on the sofa, lost in thought, I chuckled to myself.

"Is this what they call a 'peach blossom calamity'? Is this the first time you've realized that being too outstanding can also be a problem?"

Gen Chiya shook his head: "I'm not troubled. I just imagined Rikka's suggestion."

What suggestion?

"Life with Eriri seems pretty good. She is indeed cute enough, with a slender and petite figure that can be easily hugged. She also likes anime and games just like me, so we don't have to worry about not having common topics. Most importantly, I imagined our future life together based on this. With her and Utaha around, I feel that life will be very lively and not boring."

"..."

Shihua silently stopped drying her hair and took a half step back.

"You asked me first, so there's no need to look at me like that, like you're looking at scum. Besides, I've already said that this is just my personal imagination. Haven't you heard the saying, 'A gentleman judges by his actions, not his intentions'?"

"I've heard that, but it has absolutely nothing to do with you. Anyway, given your incredibly efficient personality, once you have an idea in your mind, you'll definitely take action, right?"

Yuan Qianye felt very wronged.

"That's my personality, that's true, but it has nothing to do with Eriri's matter."

"Let's just say that's how it is." Toka's eyes revealed a knowing look.

Yuan Qianye felt like his inner thoughts had been seen through, and forced a smile: "What do you mean by 'just pretend it'? I'm very serious..."

"Okay, let's leave this topic at that. I'm going to blow-dry my hair."

Unlike Rikka, Touka wasn't worried about Eriri at all.

After all, before her, three girls, including her, had already been completely won over by him.

Gen Chiya took out a hairdryer and gently dried Toka's hair.

I drove it on low speed, without any rush or irritation.

How have things been going on your end these past few days?

"The longer I stay under Mr. Yukihira's tutelage, the more I realize how many shortcomings I have. Before leaving today, he told me that he could only teach me until the end of this month at most, because he had to go on a long trip and would not be home for a long time."

"What I mean is that by the end of the month, your culinary learning journey will come to an end. Do you have any plans to open a restaurant right away? I don't mean anything by it, I'm just asking casually, so don't feel pressured."

"That's what Mr. Yukihira advised me: culinary skills can only be improved through continuous practice. If you just shut yourself in and study without communicating with different diners, you will only be tied down and stagnate."

"Only a master could say something like that."

“I also think what he said makes a lot of sense. After hearing about the location and environment of the shop you bought for me, he asked me a question: what is your future goal, is it to make money as soon as possible, or to pursue more in the field of cooking?”

"My choice of the ten flowers will definitely be the latter answer."

Yuan Qianye was absolutely certain.

Shi Hua smiled, which could be considered tacit agreement.

"After hearing my answer, he suggested that I open a restaurant specializing in Omakase."

The term "Omakase" translates to "I entrust this to you" or "I'm asking you to" in Japanese.

However, when this term is placed in the context of dining, it forms a rather unique dining style.

When guests arrive at the restaurant, they only need to state their preferences and dietary restrictions. There is no need for any extra ordering process. Sitting at the table is like returning home after a long day at work. They can simply look forward to dinner.

At this moment, the head chef is not only the head chef, but also the guide and interpreter. He will use the freshest and highest quality ingredients from different seasons and take into account the overall rhythm and order of the meal to create a unique dining experience for the customers.

From the perspective of Omakase restaurants, it can be simplified to one sentence: you eat whatever I make.

That's roughly the idea; this type of dining also heavily relies on the chef's personal skills.

"What are your thoughts, Toka?"

"I want to... give it a try."

"Okay, like I said before, whatever decision you make, I will support you unconditionally. This new book launch just happened to make a lot of money, so if the store needs to buy anything else later, please don't hesitate to help, understand?"

"Um... there's one more thing."

"Go ahead," Yuan Qianye said in an extremely gentle voice.

Toka hesitated for a moment, then closed her eyes and after several hesitations, finally spoke: "Just like I said, because Mr. Yukihira can only teach me until the end of this month, time is very tight, so..."

"so?"

"So... for the next month, if you want... I'm not saying I don't like it, it's just... every time it ends, I'm very tired the next day... My constitution is pretty good, but it's still not as good as yours... um... do you understand?"

Shihua stammered as she spoke.

However, the intended meaning was clearly conveyed.

With her hair dry, Yuan Qianye turned off the hairdryer and a playful smile appeared on her face.

Shihua's face was flushed at that moment.

It makes you feel even cuter.

"Okay, I understand. After all, this is the last bit of learning in a short period of time, so I will cooperate."

"...I'll make it up to you later." Shihua's voice was barely audible.

Yuan Qianye persisted, "How do you plan to compensate me?"

"It's about... what you said before, about... getting the cream... you'll find out when the time comes!"

After saying that, Shihua couldn't take it anymore, her whole body burning up as she threw down a "Goodnight" and went back to her room.

Yuan Qianye was left alone in the living room, silently amused and lost in thought.

May 4th, Saturday.

A clear, cloudless day.

Eriri, who was sitting in the back of the car with Yukino, could see the lush, undulating mountain range outside the car window.

Escaping the city and arriving in the mountains and countryside, the beautiful scenery brightened her mood considerably after two unpleasant days.

At 9:00 a.m., the vehicle arrived at a campsite with an attached parking lot.

Yukino got out of the car first, then turned around with a gentle smile and reached out to Eriri.

"Ah, Yukino, Eriri, you've finally arrived!"

Before the people arrive, the sound comes first.

Rikka, who had arrived earlier to wait, ran happily toward them.

…………

Chapter 026: She's the one who broke the contract.

Rikka was quite resentful when she was shaken awake from her sleep by Minamoto Chiya before six o'clock on Saturday morning.

However, after hearing what he said next, she instantly lost her morning grumpiness and her face lit up with joy.

"I was supposed to go to the TV station today to be interviewed face-to-face with the 'Tell Your Story' program, but something unexpected happened. I just received a call from Miyoko-nee. The popular host of the program was in a car accident. Although the injuries are not serious, she still needs to be hospitalized for two days for observation just to be on the safe side."

"Huh? So that means..."

"Well, I've got nothing planned for today, and a nice weekend shouldn't be spent staying at home. I was thinking of asking you to invite Eriri, Yukino, and the others out for a bit, partly because of what happened before, so they can relax together."

"Great, bro! I'll call them right now."

Rikka was so happy that she jumped off the bed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and excitedly rubbed against him with her legs wrapped around his waist.

That host, you did a great job... oh wait, I mean!