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

As the other person looked over in confusion, his eyes widened instantly, and he revealed an ambiguous smile, moving his shoulder over to gently touch her.

"Ah...no...that!...I...!"

Eriri's face turned bright red, and she waved her hands wildly, trying to refute, but then she started to ramble incoherently.

Saeko pressed her advantage: "It's okay, I know. I also subscribe to the doujinshi that Eriri draws online. A significant portion of the male protagonists in those works are based on Chiya, right? After all, their hairstyles are similar, and aside from their personalities, they are both handsome and have amazing physiques."

"I...I...I...I...! No, it's not like that... It's just...it's just a coincidence! Saeko-nee, you're overthinking it!"

"It's okay, Eriri, don't be nervous. I don't mind at all. Actually, if we're talking about the order of arrival, I think I'm the one who's causing trouble at the wrong time. After all, you and Chiya have known each other for a longer time and your feelings for each other are much deeper. If I hadn't suddenly barged in, the probability that you and Chiya would have developed feelings for each other over time and even ended up together wouldn't have been low."

"No, don't say that, that kind of thing..."

“To deny the feelings you have is to deny yourself,” Saeko said softly.

"Forehead……"

"I'm saying all this today for no other reason than to tell you that I also want to get along well with Eriri in the future, just like Rikka, and become your closest 'friends' no matter what happens."

Xiezi said every word.

"..." Eriri met her serious gaze and felt that there were too many complex and profound meanings in her eyes.

Just then, Rikka returned with drinks.

"In short, think about it carefully. If you have any ideas, you are welcome to come and talk to me anytime."

The moment afterward, Saeko's aura vanished, and she reverted to her usual gentle older sister persona.

"That's settled then. It's about time, we should head back."

…………

Chapter 027: Their Level of Understanding

The driver from the Yukinoshita family was waiting in the parking lot; he hadn't left after dropping them off.

Therefore, Yukino and Eriri naturally went back the way they came.

After thinking for a moment, Rikka greeted her older brother and joined them.

Given how close Rikka is to them, she can easily have a meal at any of their houses.

Of course, getting a free meal is secondary and not important. What's important is that she has to keep up and subtly test how her two friends will treat her brother after today.

As for Chiyo, it was just right that Miyoko drove, and she brought Utaha and Saeko along.

Now that everything has been discussed, Yuan Qianye felt an indescribable sense of relief.

Thinking back to when Yukino said goodbye and Eriri waved to him as they parted, he felt that although today had been full of twists and turns, it had still been worthwhile and the trip hadn't been in vain.

It seems that there should be more similar events in the future. However, we need to pay more attention to the strained relationship between Yukino and Utaha. We need to handle this more carefully and not always rely on Saeko to act as the villain and draw attention to the problem.

On the way back, Shiyu fell asleep.

His head tilted to the side and he leaned on Gen Chiya's shoulder.

On the other side, Saeko and he were holding hands, whispering intimately in each other's ears.

Now that their relationship is public, there are advantages to it; they no longer need to hide it in private.

It seems that Miyoko will need a few more days to adjust, as she glanced at the back seat of the car far too often on the way back.

Shortly after, the car stopped in front of the Dokushima family's house, and Shiyu was gently shaken awake.

"Shiyu, we've arrived."

"Well……"

"If you're really tired, take a nap when you get back to your room."

"That won't be necessary..."

Saeko and Utaha got off the car first.

Yuan Qianye spoke to them,

"You guys go back first. I have some work-related things to discuss with Miyoko-nee."

“Okay.” Saeko walked halfway around the car and came to the driver’s seat. “If you don’t mind, Miyoko-nee, you can have dinner with me tonight and stay overnight. I have quite a few spare guest rooms.”

"Ah, thank you for the invitation, but I have to go back tonight. I still have some work to take care of at home. I'll try your cooking again next time, Saeko."

Saeko nodded upon seeing this, waved her hand, and said nothing more before taking Shiho home.

So only Chiya Minamoto and Miyoko remained in the car.

"Boss, you want to know about tomorrow's work schedule, right? I was distracted for a while during their competition this afternoon, but I've already planned everything out. There's nothing planned for the morning, but the main thing is the afternoon. We have to go at two o'clock..."

"Just send me the work-related information to my phone tonight. That's not what I want to talk about right now."

"?"

"You haven't told anyone about me dating both Saeko and Utaha at the same time, have you?" Gen Chiya asked with a smile, without revealing any hidden meaning in his expression.

But these words made Miyoko tense up immediately, and she hurriedly pledged her loyalty.

“Boss, how could I possibly tell anyone about something like this! It concerns your fledgling business and my livelihood. I'm so happy working here. No 996 work schedule, no need to clock in on time, I can work from home, I get bonuses on holidays, and you even provided me with a luxury car... With such a work environment, why would I betray you? Don't worry, I'll keep this secret to myself and I absolutely won't tell anyone!”

However, Yuan Qianye shook his head: "Why not tell me?"

"Huh?" This question left Miyoko completely bewildered.

Yuan Qianye gently and patiently guided her: "What I mean is, of course there's no need to mention unrelated people, but there are some people you don't need to hide from them."

“Boss…” Miyoko stammered, “I…I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

"Then I'll be frank. You can casually mention this to Aunt Yaozi. Of course, don't specifically say that I asked you to do it. Just act naturally and don't make it seem deliberate."

"Boss...I don't understand..."

"It's a very simple matter, just a little personal trick of mine. That's about it. I'm leaving now. Take care on your way back."

"Ah...okay..."

After watching her boss get out of the car and disappear from her sight, Miyoko suddenly realized what was happening and patted her face.

His words were so direct that she was caught off guard and couldn't react for a moment.

But now that she's calmed down and thought about it again, she seems to have realized something.

Given the current situation, it seems there's only one possibility that he specifically told the president about his romantic relationships with the two girls.

By understanding the president's reaction, he could discern her attitude towards the matter, allowing him to be fully informed and then take action against Kazusa based on that understanding...

What.

What's with this clear and logical thinking, this smooth and effortless scumbag behavior?

Miyoko suddenly felt a pang of nostalgia for the former president's Chiya, who had just left and arrived here. Chiya was somewhat inexperienced at work and would always consult with her privately before going to various occasions to ensure everything went perfectly.

But now... a boss with clear ideas who personally gives orders is also very charismatic, and at the same time, it resonates with me even more...

No, no! What are you thinking!

The next moment, Miyoko's head was pressed against the steering wheel. She took several deep breaths, and when she looked up again, she was back to normal.

Now comes the problem.

Since the boss has personally authorized it, and the president has also given instructions, this matter can naturally be reported directly to her.

There's one crucial point: should I listen to my boss and pretend nothing's wrong, concealing my true thoughts, or should I proactively bring it up when reporting to the company president...?

Miyoko pondered, her hands stroking the high-quality steering wheel in front of her, reflecting on her experiences over the past few days.

Two conflicting ideas were vying for dominance in my mind, and just as I was struggling with this dilemma, my phone suddenly rang twice.

She picked it up to examine it.

[Yuan Qianye: Remember to reply to my message when you get home.]

[Yuan Qianye: Also, Mother's Day is coming soon, remember to give your aunt a gift or something to make her happy. Don't be stingy with money, I'll reimburse you later.]

"..."

Miyoko silently put down her phone, staring at the road ahead with a look of guilt and helplessness.

Sorry, President...

I've now... completely transformed into the boss's shape...

That night, Miyoko wasn't the only one who transformed into the shape of Minamoto no Chiya.

Monday, May 6th.

During the lunch break, Gen Chiya arrived at the Service Department.

Yukino, who was quietly reading, glanced up at him, then quickly looked down again, her expression indifferent.

Eriri still looked different from before, a little unnatural, but her attitude was much better than Yukino's. At least she greeted him with a smile.

Compared to her somewhat evasive behavior before last Saturday, this is at least a breakthrough, which is commendable.

As for Rikka, needless to say, she immediately ran to the kettle and poured a cup of tea for her older brother.

Gen Chiya sat down beside them, glanced at the comic book in front of Eriri and the puzzle in front of Rikka, took a sip of black tea, and felt the breeze coming in through the window. He felt calm and extremely comfortable.

"I feel so relaxed."

Chiyo's casual remark drew a disapproving stare from Yukino.

Yuan Qianye asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Eriri quickly followed up with an explanation: "Actually, it's because since the Service Department was established, we haven't accepted a single commission yet."

"No way, it's been over a month and not even once?"

Rikka said, "Actually, it can't be said that I've never accepted any requests. There were indeed two people who came to me for help before... but how should I put it, the requests they made were a bit outrageous."

"How to say?"

Eriri began, "The first person to come here said he wanted us to help him become a bestselling novelist."

Yuan Qianye laughed: "Isn't that great? Having goals and ambition is a good thing, so what?"

Eriri shrugged: "And then that was it."

"what?"