Tokyo: Oreimo

"Don't you already have a computer?"

The little princess of the Gao family is deeply loved by her father and had a computer installed at a young age.

"Leave me alone?"

Takashiro Ryou snorted.

I won't tell you it's for playing games!

Chapter 35 Akihabara (Thanks to "Demon King Ariel" for the monthly vote)

"Well, whatever you want."

Saving money is the best thing for Ryosuke right now.

He wasn't a stingy person; he'd just send her a separate red envelope after FSN was completed and sold well.

After the agreement was reached, the girl lingered in his room for a while longer. Finally, at 10 p.m., Ryosuke couldn't help but send her back to his own room.

Before leaving, Ling Nai gave him a warning.

"You must not tell anyone about my playing these kinds of games, especially Liuli. Don't forget that I also have something on you."

"Don't worry, I won't betray my partners."

.....

And so, the Takashiro family spent a week uneventfully.

Early Saturday morning, Ryosuke Takagi left home, while Ayano herself took the train to the studio.

"If you're talking about buying a PC, you should go to Akihabara, right?"

Ryosuke thought to himself as he boarded the train bound for Akihabara.

Akihabara, located in Tokyo, was originally a district where home appliances and electronics were concentrated. In the early 90s, it began to transform into a computer district after the opening of the large computer parts specialty store 'LTC'.

It is precisely because computer-related shops have become mainstream on the streets that the conditions for the gathering of future otaku culture audiences have been created.

Ryosuke was quite unfamiliar with this place; this was his first time visiting this future holy land of anime and manga.

Fortunately, the signs of that era were quite eye-catching, and he saw a huge sign as soon as he got off the subway.

LTC-PC Exclusive Store.

There were quite a few guests moving around inside the glass doors.

Computers, like mobile phones, are considered extremely trendy and luxurious items in this era, often costing two or three hundred thousand yuan, but that doesn't prevent ordinary people from understanding them.

Ryosuke entered the store, but the trial area was crowded with people, so he didn't rush to join in the fun.

When it comes to computers, you only need to focus on the specifications.

But as he walked back and forth in front of the display cases, browsing through the current mainstream models, he felt quite overwhelmed.

Unlike the technologically advanced era he remembered, today's PCs only displayed the most basic CPU series models and some promotional slogans he couldn't understand.

The brands are mostly local companies, such as NEC, Sony, and Toshiba, as well as Microsoft.

How should I choose?

Ryosuke suddenly understood why there were so many people in the experience zone.

"Why don't we go and try it out?"

He was about to turn around and head to the experience area when he found himself shrouded in a shadow.

Unbeknownst to him, someone was now standing next to him.

The white shirt hugged her slender waist, highlighting her feminine beauty, while the bottom was paired with slim-fitting trousers.

As for that face, it surprised Ryosuke the moment he saw it.

"Phoenix Courtyard? What are you doing here?"

Since their last parting, the two have frequently communicated via text message, but this is the first time they have met in person.

"Hehe, you found out, I work here."

Unlike last time, Phoenix Institute wore light makeup, and her heavy glasses were removed, revealing her stunning beauty.

Ryosuke noticed the nameplate on the other person's chest.

—Saoori Phoenix Institute.

Is this rare surname actually a real name?

Ryosuke originally thought that Phoenix In was just an alias for the other party.

"But what about you? Are you planning to buy a computer?"

"Yes, I've already contacted the artist, and they've offered a PC as payment."

"I see."

Phoenix Institute's face showed a look of sudden realization.

"Speaking of which, you can independently make games. With that kind of technical skill, you could definitely find a job at a major company. I thought you were an employee of some big corporation."

"Because I haven't graduated from university yet, I'm taking time out to work part-time, and also..."

As she spoke, Saori Hououin shook the Monthly Ace magazine she was holding in her hand.

"Helping customers choose a computer is very simple, it only takes a few words, and in my spare time I can read comics."

"Is the management so lax?"

"It's alright, after all, I'm not a full-time employee."

During the conversation, Ryosuke noticed that the page the other person was looking at was the content of "Cardcaptor Sakura".

Phoenix Inu Saori noticed his gaze, braced her waist with her wrist, and tilted her head.

"Interested? You can borrow it to read. I quite like this comic. I also really liked the author's previous work, which was very sensual."

"no need."

"Really? That's a real shame. You've missed out on a masterpiece."

Ryosuke chuckled.

He suddenly became very excited to see how this beautiful woman would react when he handed over the original artwork of FSN and revealed the artist's identity.

"Let's get down to business first; I have other things to do later."

Ryosuke turned his gaze back to the display case.

"You seem undecided about which one to choose. Do you need my recommendation?"

Phoenix Inu Saori asked.

"Your recommendation would be the best."

Ryosuke nodded immediately.

Having the programmer help him choose the model was the best approach for him, as Phoenix Institute's understanding of current computer performance should far exceed his own.

"You're too kind, don't forget I'm working here, it's my job."

Soon, with the help of Phoenix Institute, Ryosuke selected a Microsoft computer equipped with the latest Pentium processor, worth 28.8 yen.

Trusting her, Ryosuke readily paid and left a delivery address, the coordinates of which pointed to Ayano's studio.

"Is the delivery address in Sakae-cho? That's within two hours of delivery."

"Then I won't stay any longer. I'll give you the manuscript around the end of next week."

"What a heartless man. He used me and then left. At least he should have given me a goodbye kiss, right?"

Phoenix Institute rested her arms on the counter, squinting as she smiled at him.

The cashier stared wide-eyed, scanning him back and forth, making Ryosuke so embarrassed that he scratched his toes on the ground.

This guy, there's a time and place for jokes, isn't there?

Ryosuke Takagi thought that Phoenixin would be a little more restrained in this kind of situation, but he didn't expect that he was holding back something big.

I could only pretend I didn't hear it and quickly left the computer store. As I went out, I could still hear Phoenix Institute laughing behind me.

.....

He took the tram to Ling Nai's studio, bought the latest issue of "Monthly Ace" at the convenience store downstairs, and then knocked on the door.

After waiting for about two minutes, the door opened a crack, and Ling Nai peeked out. After confirming that it was Ryosuke, a look of dissatisfaction appeared in her eyes.

"You're so slow! The computer has already arrived!"

The girl opened the door, and Ryosuke noticed that there was an extra box inside, with the 'LTC' mark printed on the packaging.

"Did you notify them beforehand? They were so fast."

Ryosuke exclaimed that the delivery speed was truly impressive.

He ignored his sister's complaints and stepped into the studio.

What else did you buy?

Ling Nai noticed that Ryosuke was carrying a convenience store shopping bag and asked him about it with great curiosity.

"I saw Kadokawa's monthly magazine on the street and bought it."

"show me."

Takashiro Ryouko excitedly pulled the thick magazine out of the bag.

All seven shortlisted works for this month's awards are featured here, with each work averaging about two episodes.

The title page displays the number of votes each of the seven works received at the monthly meeting—data that is open and transparent.

Cardcaptor Sakura took first place with 48 votes, far ahead of the others.

Takashiro Ryou proudly puffed out her chest, her small hill rising up.

"As expected of me."

Although she had already learned of this achievement from editor Saito, Takashiro Ryōno still felt quite proud when she saw the printed and published product.