My name is Levi, and I work in anime.

To be honest, Yukino's words were somewhat unexpected for Li Wei. The conditions were quite favorable, exceeding what a normal adoption relationship should have.

Considering that the other party probably didn't intend for me to marry into their family as a child husband—that is, to be adopted by a son-in-law—it can only be said that I am highly regarded.

However, Lady Yukinoshita's expression remained unchanged as she spoke, and her words carried no warmth whatsoever. Instead, it sounded more like she was discussing business with Li Wei, or simply exchanging favors.

Use the resources of the Yukino family to exchange for Li Wei's loyalty and future.

From a certain perspective, this attitude of discussing with adult partners can be seen as an affirmation of him—since he was certain that coaxing children wouldn't work, he might as well directly state the terms.

"That's right."

Li Wei also straightened his attitude, abandoning the demeanor he displayed when facing his classmates' parents: "My answer is, I refuse."

"...The reason is..." The enormous Yukinoshita's expression remained unchanged as she continued to look at the boy, hoping for a satisfactory answer.

"There's no particular reason, I just simply don't like it."

"dislike?"

"Yes, I don't like this kind of life."

After the other person repeated the question with a puzzled look, the boy continued in a calm tone, affirming the reason he had given: "Indeed, just as you said, the Yukinoshita family can indeed give me a lot of resources and convenience, and I no longer need to worry about the trivial matters of life."

But at what cost?

Madam, you've said so much, but the central idea is only one thing—to revitalize the family business and bring glory to our lineage. Once I choose to accept this, it means that my entire life will be dedicated to this mission.

In the future, the friends I make will no longer be called friends but connections, the activities I participate in will not be because I like them but because they can bring prestige to my family, and the people I marry will only consider whether the family of the person I marry is of equal social standing and whether it can bring benefits to my family.

If one accepts a large sum of money without considering propriety and righteousness, this is called losing one's original heart.

I don't like this kind of life, that's why I refused.

If the boy really wanted a life of plenty, he had many options. At least Ryougi had mentioned that the Ryougi family could adopt him, but he refused.

"Actually, I had no intention of having you marry into another family." Ignoring the strange exclamations coming from outside the door, Lady Yukinoshita said this.

“But the other parts exist, right?” The marriage wasn’t the point, and Li Wei didn’t dwell on it: “To be honest, if you had asked to adopt me a few years ago when I was still in kindergarten, I would definitely have agreed.”

But back then I was just an ordinary orphan, and I doubt I'd be looked up to much.

"..."

This time, even the mature Lady Yukinoshita didn't know how to answer.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Madam." Li Wei gave his answer again: "I have no intention of becoming a child of the Yukinoshita family for the time being. I have class this afternoon, so I'll be leaving now if there's nothing else."

"……it is good."

The enormous Yukinoshita nodded, seemingly unbothered by this setback.

A failed investment, which could hardly be considered an investment, was not enough to shake her resolve; on the contrary, it further reinforced her belief.

Whether in appearance, morality, academic achievements, character, or integrity, he was undoubtedly first-rate. No wonder his second daughter mentioned him more than once.

Such a child is bound to be successful in the future.

No, even by adult standards, this child is already very successful.

"If you change your mind in the future, you can contact me or my two daughters at any time. The door of the Yukinoshita family will always be open for you."

This was their last conversation of the day.

……

"You're amazing, daring to refuse Mom's invitation."

After Li Wei left the office, the two Yukinoshitas who had been eavesdropping outside the door for a long time immediately came over. The larger one, who was very familiar with Li Wei, patted him on the shoulder and praised him, "This is the first time I've ever seen a mother speechless."

The smaller Yukinoshita appeared much more reserved, silently following behind the boy, her expression clearly saying, "Me too."

"By the way, aren't you afraid of my mother?"

The big snow girl took advantage of the situation and put her arm around the boy's shoulder. Anyone who didn't know them would think that the two had a very good relationship and had known each other since they were toddlers.

Although the small Yukinoshita didn't speak, the expression on her face clearly said, "I think my sister is right."

Li Wei's response to this was:

"Why should I be afraid of her? She's not my mother."

Chapter 39 New House Finalized

There are only three reasons for feeling afraid of others: fear of power, fear of reason, and fear of emotion.

In other words, when someone's power and influence are greater than yours, or when you are in the wrong in some matters, or when you owe someone a favor, you will feel fear towards them.

Li Wei had no interest in the Yukinoshita family; he had neither done anything wrong nor been impolite. As for favors—on the contrary, the Yukinoshita family owed him favors, so he couldn't see why he needed to be afraid of Lady Yukinoshita.

Seeing this, the two Yukino sisters exchanged a glance and both saw the helplessness in their eyes.

The larger one felt not only helplessness but also curiosity and admiration; while the smaller one felt more envy and longing.

"if……"

The small Yukinoshita couldn't help but say that.

Although it was just a "what if," the large Yukinoshita and Levi still understood what she meant.

I wish I could be as unrestrained and free-spirited as Livy.

Unfortunately, that's simply impossible.

Personal independence is predicated on economic independence; at least until she can live well without relying on Yukinoshita's family, everything else remains just a fantasy.

Or perhaps she becomes strong enough to surpass her mother, the pillar of the family, and becomes the backbone of the clan.

Of course, there is another option, which is to find a rich husband who can take her to new heights, which is relatively simpler.

……

After saying goodbye to the two snow-covered figures, the boy still had one last Japanese literature class.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Wei secretly browsed the rental information he had collected, choosing a place to live for his future.

Frankly speaking, doing this kind of thing during class is not gentlemanly behavior, but the matter is urgent, and even the teacher would probably understand.

The teacher on the podium pretended not to see it.

This is a privilege reserved for top students, and the classical Chinese text they studied today was really not worth reading. For him, the classical Chinese texts for lower grades in Japan were far too simplistic, like asking a high school senior about to take the college entrance exam to do elementary school math problems.

【Sakura-sou】Looks a bit old in the photos, so the soundproofing is probably terrible. Plus, it's a shared apartment, and Li Wei prefers a place where he can rent a single room, so PASS.

【Hinata Manor】 looks alright, but it's a girls' dormitory, and I don't have any habit of dressing as a woman, so PASS.

【Shunhara-sou】is generally decent, but its location is a bit out of the way. It's neither next to the Ryougi family nor the Saeko family. Neither of them would agree to this choice, so PASS.

【Kuonji Residence】, how far is that? It's practically the countryside. Would anyone from Tokyo rent a place there? PASS.

It's indeed quite difficult to find a house you like right away.

Or we could continue living in Xiaochuan Apartment for a while longer, and then consider moving once we find a new place?

The boy was deep in thought until a small note thrown from the side of him hit him on the head, interrupting his train of thought.

The only person who would do something like this during class time is probably Rin Tohsaka, the twin-tailed little devil.

Why are you looking at rental ads? Are you moving?

This guy is always exceptionally well-informed about certain strange things, and he never lets us down. If only he could keep it up forever, but unfortunately, we can't replace him.

Li Wei strongly suspects that even if she were given a different world, a different personality, or even the Spirit Origin of a goddess, Rin Tohsaka would still be unable to escape her fate of failing.

Ultimately, it may become her defining characteristic, written into books by countless mediocre writers, and used as a model to be remembered for generations.

[I've indeed had this idea, but I haven't found a suitable place to live yet.]

The Tohsaka family has a property rental business in Tokyo. Would you like to consider it?

Why does your family do all sorts of businesses?

[Stop talking nonsense and just tell me if you're renting or not. Since we're acquaintances, I can give you a discount on the rent if you just say "Good morning, world's number one Tohsaka lady!" to me every day on your way to school~]

[You can't make such a hasty decision. Send me the property information first, then we can discuss the rest.]

Upon receiving the note from Li Wei, the twin-tailed little devil immediately began rummaging through her schoolbag. Soon, a detailed house information sheet appeared in her hand; it looked like she'd been preparing it for a long time, though it was unclear who it was for.

After confirming she hadn't taken the wrong one, Tohsaka looked around to make sure no one was watching, then quickly folded the sheet into the shape of a paper airplane. She breathed twice into the nose of the airplane, then threw it forcefully.

The paper airplane took off successfully, carrying the two of them with perfect luck... and landed on the head of the class monitor with braided pigtails, sitting in front of Li Wei.

The two of them immediately shrank back.

Li Wei: "..." It's really unrealistic to expect Tohsaka not to mess things up.

Fortunately, the class monitor was easygoing. Seeing the expressions on the two people behind him, he guessed what was going on. He sighed softly, as if to say, "I really can't do anything with you two," and then handed the airplane to his back.

It seems like I'll be getting a lecture after class.

"We'll talk about the future later," the boy silently thanked the class monitor, then unfolded the airplane and began reading.

This is a typical middle-class two-story house with a yard, a lawn, a balcony, a reasonable layout and clear planning, and even a special area for practicing high jump and martial arts. Moreover, the price is very cheap, which is perfect for Li Wei.

But this location...

This is clearly right next to your house! If I move in, won't I become your neighbor? Are you sure you didn't do this on purpose?

【Huh? You really think I deliberately bought this house two years ago and didn't rent it out, and even added a study and a martial arts training ground, specifically building a high jump practice area within my sight, just so you could move in and walk to and from school with me? Don't flatter yourself!】

It seems like everything has been said, yet it also seems like nothing has been said at all.

Why is this house so cheap? Surely someone didn't die there?

No one has died, but the previous tenants said the house was haunted. They would see a warrior in ancient armor appearing and disappearing at night, which scared them all into moving out. They haven't wanted to rent it out recently. It's still unrented, so it's a dead stock.

"Then why are you still renting it to me!"

[You always say you're not afraid of ghosts or anything, right? This is perfect for you.]

Do you dare say that while looking me in the face?

No, I'd feel guilty.

[You sold it to me despite your conscience!]

After much deliberation, Li Wei decided to rent the house.

The reason is simple: the location is just too perfect.

If it's really haunted, go and look out the window of the Tohsaka house and ask her to leave you a room to sleep in.

Chapter 40: These criteria for choosing a partner are absolutely reasonable!

After school time.

Because the decision to move was made on short notice and it conflicted with Saeko's kendo club activities, she couldn't walk home with Li Wei after school today.

But the boy was not alone.

After learning that Li Wei had found a suitable new house, Liangyi, in a good mood, decided to accompany Li Wei home to help him pack and unpack his belongings. It would be best to contact a moving company tomorrow to avoid any unforeseen problems.

Li Wei hadn't enjoyed the daily routine of walking home from school with Liangyi for a long time, so he was very happy.

"Why don't you stay at my house tonight? It's too late to go home alone. I heard that there are tall women who are over eight feet tall who try to abduct young boys."

Two handsome boys walked hand in hand down the street. The boy then extended an invitation: "Besides, we haven't slept side by side since we started elementary school."

He remembered clearly that neither Shiki nor Iori had an elegant sleeping posture. It was common for them to wake up to find Ryougi lying on top of them or with her feet on their faces. If the girls in school who liked Ryougi knew this, they might be disillusioned.

“Okay.” Ryougi agreed without even thinking.

"But I didn't bring any toiletries."

"Just use mine for now," the boy offered a solution. "Hiratsuka-nee came to visit a few days ago and used mine too. There's a lot more space now that we've moved, so we can prepare a separate bedroom for you."

"Miss Hiratsuka?" Ryougi raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat concerned.

For some reason, after several years of getting along, Ryougi and Saeko's relationship improved a lot, but she still didn't get along well with Hiratsuka-nee.

"Hasn't she found a boyfriend yet?"