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

She was clearly the same older sister she always was, with a cheerful tone and a bright, smiling manner just like always, so the thing she asked wasn't strange at all.

Yukino grew up in Yukinoshita's family, so she naturally knew that business collaborations and social engagements involving eating and drinking were unavoidable. Even her father had to go to clubs and similar places to discuss business with all sorts of people.

Even though her mother was quite unhappy about it, she would remain rational for the sake of the family's future, so Yukino didn't think there was anything wrong with her older sister inviting Chiya to dinner under such a pretext.

There are no major problems, but there is still a slight sense of incongruity.

This is because my sister clearly stated from the beginning that this was a work-related social invitation, not a friendly exchange between friends.

With such a statement preceding her, it seemed rather strange that she later specifically reminded herself to be present as well.

After all, he hadn't officially taken over the management of the family business, nor had he had any discussions or collaborations with Qianye regarding money or interests.

For many years, Yukino Yukinoshita has regarded her older sister and the childhood friend who suddenly entered her world as her pursuers, as family and partners. She has always held a competitive spirit towards the two of them, but beyond that, she also respects and trusts them.

The reason Yukino subconsciously thought so much after that phone call ended wasn't because of suspicion, but simply because of her personality; she's naturally more sensitive, that's all.

Although there was a slight sense of incongruity, it passed quickly with time.

So even today, when the old story was brought up again, Yukino didn't dwell on that feeling of unease any further.

"Yes, that's right, it's about this. Listen to me, I'm free tonight, so you should make time too. I'd like to have dinner with you and Qianye."

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid it's not possible today."

"what happened?"

Yukino explained, "Today, a friend of mine is performing at the Tanabata Festival, and I made plans with my friends to go and support her."

"What an unfortunate coincidence."

Although Yang Nai answered in this way, she had already begun to criticize the cunning of that bad guy in her heart. He was so shrewd and calculating!

Having anticipated his actions, he deliberately chose a time when Yukino was unavailable for their appointment. He was incredibly meticulous in his planning!

However, before she could develop her thoughts further, Yukino's next sentence stunned her.

"Besides, Qianye probably won't have time tonight either, so you should try another day, sister."

Eh?

“Wait a minute, Yukino.” Haruno stood up from her comfortable office chair. “You mean, Chiya will be with you tonight?”

"Yes, we made it a long time ago."

"I see... How late do you guys usually stay out tonight?"

“My friend’s performance starts at 7:00. By the time she finishes, we’ll meet up, and it’ll be at least 7:30. Afterwards, Rikka Eriri and the others said they wanted to browse the nearby stalls together, so it’ll probably be at least 9:00 by the time we finish. Is there a problem?”

"No problem, no problem. What a fulfilling youth! Have fun! I'm too busy this time, but I'll make plans with you next time. Bye-bye."

"okay."

After hanging up the phone, Yukino didn't dwell on it. Hearing her mother's call, she walked to the dining table in the living room.

Mrs. Yukinoshita asked, "Was that a call from your sister?"

"Ah."

"She didn't say anything, did she?"

"Don't worry, I'm just thinking that you can invite me to eat out together when you have time later."

"That's good."

The mother and daughter sat down facing each other and started eating together.

"I already spoke with your father tonight. Although he's out of town, he'll come back as soon as he finishes work. As for you, there's no need to rush. After all, your father won't be home until at least 8 p.m. It's fine for you to spend some more time with your friends," Mrs. Yukinoshita instructed Yukino.

Yukino nodded obediently: "Don't worry, I'll come right back as soon as I'm done there, so it won't delay my sister's birthday celebration."

Thinking about what would happen that evening, Mrs. Yukinoshita said gently, "Although your sister has never really cared about her birthday and hasn't let us throw her a special birthday party all these years, she is turning eighteen this year after all, so this year is still very meaningful for her and we should treat it with care."

Yukino smiled and said, "I understand, Mom, so I put extra thought into the gift I prepared for my sister this time."

"Thank you for your help."

"What are you saying, Mom? She's not just your daughter, she's my sister too."

"hehe."

Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled faintly. She was now increasingly convinced that giving birth to these two daughters was the right decision she had ever made.

Seeing the two of them so close, loving, and caring for each other, this was the small but real happiness and satisfaction in her life.

As soon as Yang Nai hung up the phone, she tossed it onto the sofa, rested her chin on her right hand, and paced back and forth in her office with a serious expression.

Let's summarize the current situation first.

That little rascal forced me to go out to dinner with him this Sunday night, which is tonight, with his rather forceful attitude.

He had a good plan. Faced with an unavoidable situation, he would bring Yukino along without informing him, so as not to give him any opportunity to be alone with her.

There are two advantages to doing this.

This not only demonstrates her firm and serious attitude, which is not to retract her previous statement, but also serves as a subtle reminder to him who is the person who is truly right for him, the one with whom he has harbored feelings since childhood.

Is it a matter of being blinded by a fleeting infatuation due to chance, or is it about valuing the most precious bond of childhood sweethearts? I believe any rational person can make that choice.

This was originally a good idea, but what I learned from Yukino was quite unexpected.

That guy is actually going to be with Yukino tonight.

What do you mean?

What was he thinking about?

Is she planning to ask me out for a late-night snack after her activities with Yukino are over?

After cultivating a relationship with her younger sister, she seamlessly transitioned to her older sister's side, the so-called sisters... a double-eat?

Yang, in a fit of rage, burst into laughter.

This is the first reasonable explanation that comes to her mind right now; there are no other explanations.

Otherwise, the timing simply wouldn't allow it; he would have to decline one invitation in order to comfortably attend the other. There's no perfect solution where he can handle both at the same time.

But who does that guy think he is?

Putting aside the fact that he came to find me immediately after finishing his activities with Yukino, what was his intention in delaying our meeting so long?

Was he thinking of doing what he did last time, having a late-night snack and a few drinks with her, and then using the excuse that it was getting late to take her home, so that she would half-heartedly give in to him?

In his eyes, was he really that... casual?

With her thoughts wandering, Yukinoshita Haruno was clearly smiling, but her angry eyes still betrayed her true feelings.

She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm herself down.

She still retained some rationality, knowing that although the possibility was high, it was still just her own guess.

So she sat on the sofa, calmed herself down for a moment, and then dialed Yuan Qianye's number.

"Yuan Qianye, what are you busy with?"

"Huh? You're using my full name? Sister, are you in a bad mood right now? Don't tell me you have something come up and can't make it tonight, or I'll be very disappointed."

You brat, I was just wondering how to bring this up, and you just had to barge in like that, didn't you?

"That's exactly what I was going to ask you. You clearly had plans with Yukino tonight, but you insisted on inviting me along. What's the meaning of that?"

Yang Nai had already made up her mind. If this guy dared to openly say that he wanted to meet her later, or even reveal the slightest hint that he wanted to spend another night with her, then she wouldn't hesitate to give him a good scolding!

However, Gen Chiya's next answer was completely unexpected.

"Oh, it's nothing special. It's just about what happened between me and my sister. I've been thinking about what you said for a long time, and it makes a lot of sense. So I wanted to give you an answer during our formal meeting tonight. It won't take up too much of your time, so even if I had a prior agreement with Yukino, it won't affect anything. I just want to officially end things with my current relationship with my sister tonight. That's all."

Yuan Qianye's reply was delivered in a gentle voice, with a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant, and it was impossible to detect any other emotions. He seemed like a wise man who had transcended the mundane world and had truly taken certain things lightly.

Because it was a phone call, Yang Nai could only make this judgment based on his tone of voice.

If that's the case, then... it seems there's no problem.

If that's really what he thinks, then it should be an absolutely good thing for her.

That passionate night was considered by both of them to be an accidental mistake, and they let it go. From then on, their lives would return to normal. Later, he would marry Yukino and have a baby, and she could get along happily with their family as their aunt.

I should be relieved and at ease, right? But after he clearly showed that he would no longer pester me, why am I feeling this kind of depressed mood that shouldn't be here?

Yang Nai took a deep breath: "It's best if you think that way."

"Then, according to the original plan, please make time for me, sister. We can meet then, talk things out, and resolve this matter completely."

"it is good."

…………

Chapter 079: The Qixi Festival Officially Begins

Four Palaces Villa.

Since waking up this morning, Lady Shinomiya has noticed that her best friend, confidante, and close attendant, who has always been by her side, is acting quite strangely today.

The most obvious change is that her expression, which has always remained cold and aloof while she's working and which she's often criticized for resembling a cyborg, has today transformed into something extremely difficult to describe and quite complex.

Let's explain it in chronological order.

First, it's right after I wake up.

Hayasaka came over as usual to wake her up and then helped her get dressed. During this time, Shinomiya noticed a blissful, almost dreamlike smile on her friend's face.

Perhaps it was because Shinomiya's staring gaze was too obvious at that time that Hayasaka would consciously suppress that unusual expression, try to keep his facial expression straight, and return to his usual expressionless appearance.

However, the effects of doing so cannot last long.

Like a piece of ice in the sweltering summer, it will melt away completely over time.

Her expression was the same; although she consciously tried to hold it in, she would still show an extremely gentle and happy look the moment her attention relaxed. Just looking at her was quite heartwarming and adorable.

With Kaguya Shinomiya continuing to pay close attention, Hayasaka's expression constantly shifted between these two modes.

Because it happened so many times, it even seemed a bit bizarre.

Then it was around noon.

As one of the four major conglomerates in Japan, the Shinomiya family naturally has its own set of elaborate rituals and procedures that differ from those of ordinary households.

Specifically, this means that during lunchtime, Kaguya Shinomiya is usually served by chefs and maids who are dedicated to serving her meals alone.