What a twist! The loser heroine!

"Sorry, I ran into some trouble on the way, so I was delayed a bit."

As Wen Shui said this, she handed the purchased items to Himegami's mother.

"It's alright, it didn't take much time." Himegami's mother smiled as she took the things, and then said, "I'm almost done here, Koi, go play with your friends."

Himegami Karen nodded and took off her apron.

"Let's go, warm water."

"Oh well."

They walked out of the kitchen, and Princess Himeko looked at the tightly closed glass door and began humming a somewhat old song in high spirits.

When Wen Shui and Ji Gong arrived in the living room, they found everyone sitting around the coffee table, playing a board game that appeared to involve buying cards with currency and winning by counting points.

The television was on, and Hanami was sitting next to Hakamada, eating snacks while watching a food program on TV.

Xiao Ju sat on the sofa, grinning foolishly, while the other four, including Jia Shu, were engrossed in their battle.

So Wen Shui and Ji Gong also sat on the sofa and watched the board game battle together.

Beside the coffee table, Yoshiki was pondering the amount of currency he had while exchanging it for the most cost-effective cards. Judging from the quantity and quality of the cards, his younger sister's points seemed to be far ahead.

"Yasuki is really amazing," Himegami Karen said softly. "Except for the occasions when she's just really unlucky, she's basically always in first place."

Wen Shui nodded with considerable pride.

He glanced at Yoshiki, who seemed engrossed in a board game, and then said softly to Himegami, "When I was a kid, Yoshiki and I used to play chess all the time, and I almost always lost."

"Is Yoshiki a gaming genius after all?"

"No, but Yoshiki is very smart. He learns everything very quickly, so he looks very good when playing games."

"It's a pity, I thought my sister Yoshiki and my dad would have something in common."

After she finished speaking, she stared intently at the situation on the coffee table.

That's a real shame, since Uncle isn't here today, and I'm afraid Yoshiki might never have the chance to come again.

As Wen Shui thought this, she looked at Xiao Ju, who had somehow moved next to her and was scrolling through her phone.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Xiao Ju suddenly laughed foolishly: "Hehe, I'm currently reading the novel's comment section, and it's all unanimously positive reviews...hehehe."

She handed her phone to Wen Shui, which contained not only her thoughts on "The Love in the Shadows," but also some photos from the book signing event.

This guy is still as reliable as ever.

"The book signing is over, so don't worry too much about the novel." Wen Shui leaned back on the sofa. "You must be tired after signing books all morning."

"Yes, I am a little tired, but seeing all the good news from Editor Kihara makes me feel full of energy." Komari smiled from the bottom of her heart.

The message from editor Kihara is probably related to sales figures.

The light novel series *Yinjiao Lian* had already garnered significant attention on social media, with some self-proclaimed experts even using it to analyze the psychological states of introverted students on campus. Now, with the rescue incident occurring at the book signing, it's likely to generate another wave of discussion within the light novel community.

At this rate, it probably won't be long before Xiao Ju receives her royalties. Her family wasn't well-off to begin with, and she has three younger siblings; things are finally looking up for her now.

Warm water smiled naturally.

"That's wonderful," he said sincerely.

"This...this is all thanks to you," Xiaoju said softly. "Otherwise, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have been able to go to Nagoya."

"Huh? Isn't there still editor Kihara? I didn't play any decisive role, did I?"

As Wen Shui said this, Xiao Ju gently tapped her shoulder.

"Hey, let me praise you once in a while, you dishonest guy."

I'm telling the truth.

Wen Shui touched her nose, a little embarrassed.

Forget it, Xiao Ju is still in high spirits, it's better not to provoke her.

The autograph session is finally over, but I might have to get involved in another troublesome matter.

Wenshui glanced at Hakamada Sosuke, who was sitting by the coffee table, deep in thought, holding board game currency in his hand. Then she turned her gaze to Hanami, who was not far away, munching on corn and staring intently at the grilled meat on a food show.

Dinner is coming up soon. Is Bana really not afraid of gaining weight...?

He thought somewhat rudely.

Seemingly sensing Wen Shui's gaze or thoughts, Banami, with an ear of corn in her mouth, turned and glanced at Wen Shui. She raised an eyebrow, her expression asking, "Why are you looking at me?"

Wen Shui quickly looked away and turned to meet the gaze of Ji Gong Hua Ren, who was staring intently at him.

He blinked.

Princess Himeko also blinked.

"Warm Water, when you went out just now, it seems like something happened between you and Banami?" Himegami whispered to him.

"Yes, yes, what happened?" Xiao Ju also came over, seemingly very concerned.

Warm Water's brain immediately started working at lightning speed. He remembered that just moments before, Banai had been warning him not to tell Himegami about those things.

Although she didn't want to lie, Wen Shui didn't want to put her in a difficult position because it involved other people's feelings.

So he said, "I took a longer route because a car was illegally parked in an alley, which took longer than usual."

"It's not about the time," Himegami asked curiously. "Since Friday, I've seen Hana looking down. But she's suddenly feeling better today. Look, she's even eating corn now."

So, appetite is used to judge mental state...?

"Perhaps it's because I have a good appetite that I'm in a good mood?" Wen Shui argued.

"Hmm... it's not impossible..." Knowing her friend's true nature, Himegami nodded with a hint of doubt.

Seeing that Himegami was no longer paying attention to Hanami's affairs, Wenshui breathed a sigh of relief. However, from an angle he couldn't see, Hanami Anzu swallowed the corn kernels in her mouth and happily raised the corners of her mouth.

"As expected, he didn't say it out loud, warm water."

"Hehe, there's absolutely nothing to worry about," she said softly.

~Forty-fourth defeat~ Friendship training

After Wenshui couldn't resist joining the board game in place of Yoshiki, and was subsequently suppressed for three consecutive rounds by President Tamaki and Vice President Tsukinoki, Wenshui decided to give up this social activity that was not suitable for him.

As night fell, the arrival of the fried chicken delivery signaled the start of dinner.

"Well then, to celebrate the successful conclusion of Xiao Ju's autograph session, cheers!"

Himegami Karen picked up her glass of orange juice and spoke first.

"cheers!!!"

Many of the positive-angled individuals enthusiastically raised their drinks, and naturally, the only two negative-angled individuals, Wen Shui and Xiao Ju, also joined in.

After the toast, everyone began to enjoy the dinner prepared by Princess Himeko's mother.

As a seasoned housewife, Himegami's culinary skills were beyond doubt; a rich aroma filled the dining room. Looking at his favorite dishes, Wen Shui's appetite was whetted, and he immediately joined everyone in pressing their hands together in prayer.

"I'm starting~"

After a whirlwind of eating, everyone left the restaurant, savoring the delicious meal with satisfaction.

President Tamaki was helping to clean the table, Hakamada desperately stopped Hanami from asking Himegami's mother for extra fried chicken legs, and Onami took out a tissue to wipe Yoshiki's mouth clean.

He was just about to ask Yoshiki what she thought of the meal when, unexpectedly, Himegami Karen sat down next to Yoshiki and asked on his behalf, "How did Yoshiki-chan think of the food?"

Yoshiki thought it tasted delicious.

Yoshiki smiled and said that she had been paying attention to her brother's expression. As a younger sister, how could she not see what her brother was thinking?

If my elder brother thinks it's delicious, then Yoshiki will think it's delicious too.

"That's wonderful." Himegami tentatively took Yoshiki's hand, and after realizing that she did not show any resistance, she said with a smile.

"I heard your house is very close by. You can come visit often if you want to. I can do most of the things my mom can cook. Next time, I'll definitely let Jiashu try my cooking!"

"What do you think, elder brother?" Jia Shu looked up at Wen Shui.

【Huh? They're actually throwing the question at me?】

Seeing the expectant look on Himegami's face, Wen Shui naturally couldn't refuse: "Let's come again when there's another chance."

Anyway, such opportunities probably don't come around often.

“Okay. It’s settled then.” Himegami nodded, then looked at Yoshiki: “Yoshiki, let’s go watch TV. I heard the TV station has already edited out today’s autograph session.”

Yoshiki nodded and obediently let Himegami lead him to the living room, which greatly surprised Wenshui. Recalling Yoshiki's previous attitudes towards Himegami, he was astonished that his sister was being so easygoing this time.

“Strange…” He was a little puzzled, but he still stood up and helped President Tamaki clear the dishes from the table.

As he and President Tamaki finished clearing the table and walked out of the restaurant discussing the plot of a bishoujo manga, the television was broadcasting today's Toyohashi News.

The serious-looking host introduced the events of this morning's book signing event, and then focused on explaining some official announcements about the economic benefits that the event had brought to Toyohashi.

The television then switched to a video showing a reader fainting at the "Love in the Dark" exhibition stand, causing a commotion in the crowd.

Due to the chaotic situation, the camera lens was somewhat shaky. Fortunately, several students wearing Shilu school uniforms managed to maintain order, allowing the TV reporter to make his way through the crowd to the side.

On the screen, Karen Himegami is kneeling beside an unconscious reader, skillfully determining the cause of her unconsciousness. The already stunningly beautiful girl, styled by a stylist, combined with the scene of saving someone, seems to possess a touch of sacred, ethereal beauty.

The photographer really did a great job.

Wen Shui watched TV silently, nodding to herself.

"Wow, that's amazing, Hime-miya! Where did you learn all these first aid techniques?"

Tsukinoki-senpai asked, seemingly very curious about the matter.

"Haha, I taught myself this back in middle school," Himegami replied with a laugh.

"Huh? They teach this kind of skill in junior high school?"

"I was thinking of preparing for any eventuality during the skills training organized by the school, so I pestered the teacher to teach me a few more tricks."

"I see." Senior Moonwood nodded.

In the television report, after the prop team members came out with a stretcher, the camera followed the rescue team all the way to the ambulance outside the venue.

No wonder the school board leaders were so happy in the afternoon. Young students wearing Ishibuki High School uniforms helping a patient at a book signing event that was more promotional than practical—not to mention the huge positive publicity this would bring to Ishibuki, even the Toyohashi City Council would probably issue a letter of commendation to Ishibuki.

Just as Wen Shui was letting his thoughts wander, Himegami Kaoru, who had already finished washing the dishes, quietly came up behind him.

"My little Lian is really hardworking," she said softly.

Wen Shui was startled and shuddered, but quickly composed herself after seeing that it was Princess Himeko's mother.

He continued, following Hime-miya's lead, "Yes, when we were rescuing people, we were very grateful to her for confirming the situation."

"I see~" Himegami's mother drawled out her words. She glanced at the boys and girls sitting around the TV, intently watching the program, and then gently patted Onami's shoulder.

"Warm Water, could you please come with me for a moment?"

"Huh? Oh, okay."

Wen Shui assumed that Princess Himeko's mother needed help with something, so she followed her upstairs without suspicion.

At this moment, the television also showed a video of the reporter following the line into the small booth for signing copies of "The Love in the Shadows".

On the screen, Xiao Ju is silently signing her pen name with her head down, occasionally looking up to say encouraging words to some introverted readers; while Wen Shui is responsible for returning the books to the readers and thoughtfully pointing out the location of the side door for leaving.

Himegami first glanced at Komari's hairstyle, which she was holding in her arms, with some surprise, then carefully observed the warm water on the television screen.

After being "surprise interviewed" by a TV reporter, Wen Shui on television displayed an extremely awkward smile. The interview scene, with Wen Shui sweating profusely, made everyone present burst into laughter.

Seeing this, Princess Himegami suddenly wanted to see the expression on the person in question's face, so she turned around.

"temperature--"

She paused, the joke she had intended to make vanished from her lips.

The warm water disappeared into the living room, and at the same time, Princess Hime could not find her mother anywhere.

She pondered for a moment, then turned around with a slight blush on her cheeks.

Please don't say anything strange, Mom.

She thought to herself silently.

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