Tokyo: Starting with a fake boyfriend

"Seriously."

Faced with this question, Yamabuki sat up straight and nodded.

"..."

Having received the answers he wanted, Shiratori Osamu was overjoyed. He instinctively leaned back tactically, then sat upright, his back pressed against the chair.

Is this correct?

This doesn't make sense, does it?

Although he sincerely hoped that his mother-in-law could get a divorce soon, because he believed from the bottom of his heart that a scumbag like Lao Deng, who cheated on his wife and was selfish, did not deserve such a good woman as his mother-in-law, wasn't that too easy?

Perhaps Shiratori Osamu has never been married, but he has seen couples living together break up, and they are extremely difficult to deal with.

Two people who once loved each other lived together for two years, completely integrated into each other's lives and worlds, making it very difficult for them to separate.

The relationship was like a lotus root that had been broken but still connected, going through many separations and reunions before finally ending after more than half a year of turmoil.

What's more, my mother-in-law is obsessed with romance, which makes things even more difficult.

"Why did my mother-in-law make up her mind so easily? Was it because the script I arranged for Xiao Nan was too hurtful? Or did my talk therapy help her see Lao Deng's true colors and make her feel heartbroken?"

Even with his extraordinary way of thinking, Shiratori Osamu couldn't figure out the answers to these two questions in a short time.

"Shiratori-kun, what are you thinking? I want a divorce."

After making her decision, Yamabuki wanted to get approval, but after waiting a while, she realized he was still thinking about it and became impatient.

"This is a good thing. The reason you are in so much pain and unhappiness right now is because of Mr. Yamabuki. As long as you divorce him, everything will be fine."

What else could Shiratori Osamu think? Although plans can't keep up with changes, all his actions and plans were for this purpose after Konan changed her demands.

"really?"

When Yamabuki saw that he approved of her actions without hesitation, the worry and anxiety on her face disappeared, replaced by a beaming smile.

"real."

Seeing her reaction, Shiratori realized that she had really made up her mind and was genuinely happy for her.

A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea—a woman with a romantic mind is even more unpredictable, no less so than finding a needle in a haystack.

However, even if he couldn't fully understand his mother-in-law's thoughts, as long as she was willing to get a divorce, that would be a good thing.

"Shiratori-kun, although I want a divorce, there are a few problems that are giving me a headache..."

Having finally found someone to discuss divorce with, Yamabuki disregarded the fact that the other person was her daughter's age and of the opposite sex, and decided to have a serious talk with him.

"Please speak."

"I don't have a job. I only worked as a shop assistant in a supermarket for three years. If we get divorced, I don't know how I'll support Xiaonan on my own."

Speaking of this, Yamabuki tucked a stray strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek and then felt ashamed.

Although she is over thirty years old, she doesn't earn money because she has been a full-time housewife. Her highest salary was only 17 yen.

"what?"

When Shiratori learned of her concerns, he was dumbfounded.

He thought the main headaches for his mother-in-law would revolve around how to be ruthless in getting a divorce and how to deal with Lao Deng after the divorce; he never imagined she would care about how to raise her daughter.

"And Xiao Nan will be going to university next year. Her tuition is 62 yuan a year, and she also needs living expenses. But I only have a high school diploma, and it will be difficult for me to find a job... What should I do?"

Yamabuki was really troubled by this problem.

Although Xiao Nan said she would definitely choose her after the divorce, her mother's earning ability is very poor, and it is impossible for her to provide her daughter with the good living conditions she has now.

"You're actually worried about money?"

Upon realizing that her attitude didn't seem like a joke, but rather genuine distress, Shiratori Osamu, after a moment of surprise, suddenly understood.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems that he had a preconceived notion and subconsciously believed that his mother-in-law had a very powerful family background and would return to the Hojo family as a young lady after the divorce.

But that's not the case. My mother-in-law is an adult. She's been married for many years and is a mother herself. In addition, she had a fight with my parents back then. Due to her personality and many other factors, it's impossible for her to move back to her parents' home with her daughter and live off them after the divorce.

Adults who have entered society and are self-reliant will not easily ask their parents for money; this is the norm.

Unless there is absolutely no other way, able-bodied adults will want to solve problems on their own.

"Uh...shouldn't I be worried?"

Yamabuki was surprised by his reaction.

"Regarding this issue, I don't think you need to worry, because after a divorce, the couple will divide their property... Please wait a moment while I check the information."

Realizing her thoughts, Shiratori Osamu didn't say that she could still live off her parents, but instead took out his phone while speaking.

He wasn't very familiar with Japan's marriage law, but since the birth rate is a top priority for any country, most countries provide women with preferential treatment and reliable protection in their marriage laws.

"Approximately how much wealth does Mr. Yamabuki possess?"

"It should be over 40 billion, right?"

"Let's calculate based on 40 billion. If the woman is a full-time housewife and initiates the divorce, as long as she can prove that she is not idle and has been handling housework and taking care of the family, she will receive at least 30% of the property. According to this ratio, after you divorce Mr. Yamabuki, you will be able to receive at least 12 billion in assets."

Shiratori Osamu operated the phone for a while, then turned the screen upside down to show it to her.

"120 million?"

Upon hearing the amount, Yamabuki, who had been worrying about money, was immediately taken aback. Her beautiful eyes lit up as she carefully examined the content on the screen.

Having worked before, she knows how hard it is to earn money, and she also knows how big that amount is.

120 billion yen, and their current luxury apartment in Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shibuya, even with the renovation and furniture, only costs 27 billion yen.

If she had this money, she wouldn't have to worry about supporting her daughter alone... If she were frugal, she wouldn't need to go out to find work and earn money in the future.

Having been a full-time housewife for so many years, and having moved several times, had many different neighbors, and heard a lot of gossip, she is quite afraid of going out to find a job.

She had heard that beautiful single mothers often face bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.

"120 billion yen, that's a clause from the Six Codes, and there are real cases, so it should be quite reliable. Considering that Mr. Yamabuki's assets were all acquired after the marriage, his share may increase further. As for the specific distribution, you'd better consult a marriage lawyer first."

After a brief inquiry, Shiratori Osamu did not conduct a detailed investigation but simply offered her advice.

It's best to leave professional matters to professionals.

In fact, he felt that if his grandfather found out that his mother-in-law wanted a divorce, Old Deng would suffer a terrible fate. At best, he would be left with nothing; at worst, his life would be in danger.

"Will I really get 120 billion?"

After the initial surprise, Yamabuki muttered to herself that the amount felt unreal.

"I wouldn't say for sure, but dividing the money is a certainty... Mother-in-law, didn't you know before that there's a property division process in divorce cases?"

He was puzzled when he realized she didn't believe him and Shiratori Osamu confirmed it.

For a moment, he didn't know whether to call his mother-in-law an exceptionally good wife or a naive and innocent girl, as if she had never considered the possibility of dividing property in a divorce, which is common sense.

“I don’t know, I haven’t read the Six Codes… I only know that when my third uncle and third aunt divorced, my third aunt didn’t get a penny and was kicked out of the house. The child’s custody was also awarded to the man.”

Faced with his confusion, Yamabuki pursed her lips somewhat awkwardly.

"Uh……"

Shiratori Osamu initially thought she was naive and innocent, but after hearing her explanation, he was speechless.

Oh no, poverty has once again limited his imagination and cognition. The common sense of the rich is completely different from that of the ordinary people.

Chapter 80 Lonely Man and Woman

Anxiety, anxiety, anxiety.

Waiting can make time feel incredibly long.

Outside the student guidance room, Shinonome Mizuki had been waiting outside since being kicked out, pacing back and forth.

She waited for more than half an hour.

Because she couldn't do anything and was getting impatient, she even tried pressing her ear against the door to eavesdrop.

However, she couldn't hear anything. Shiratori-kun and Mrs. Yamabuki were probably deliberately keeping their voices down in the room, and it was all very quiet. She didn't know what they were doing.

"What exactly is it that requires such a long discussion?"

Shinonome Mizuki raised her right hand again to look at her watch, realizing that lunch break was almost over, and felt very anxious.

After such a long time, she thought about many things and recalled many details.

For some reason, Mrs. Yamabuki didn't seem to dislike Shiratori-kun; in fact, she seemed to like him quite a bit, which was completely different from what she had expected.

Moreover, when Mrs. Yamabuki waited for Shiratori-kun to arrive in the student guidance room, her gaze didn't seem like she was looking at a hated guy at all. It was more like she had seen the person she had been longing for, and she even had a sense of relief and peace.

"Woooo..."

Just then, the sliding door to the student guidance room opened.

Upon noticing this, Shinonome Mizuki's spirits lifted, and she looked on with some anticipation.

Shiratori Osamu was still the same as before, his clothes looked quite neat, there was no change in his appearance, and even his expression was the same.

But when she saw Mrs. Yamabuki walking behind her, her heart skipped a beat.

Although Mrs. Yamabuki's dress looked neat and tidy without a trace of mess, her eyes were red, as if she had been crying.

Most importantly, her mental state has changed drastically.

When Mrs. Yamabuki suddenly visited the school, she was enveloped in an aura of loss and sadness. Her languid hair and sorrowful eyes conveyed a sense of utter desolation.

When she saw Mrs. Yamabuki like that, even as a woman herself, she couldn't help but be amazed.

However, after spending half an hour alone with Shiratori-kun, Mrs. Yamabuki's feelings of sadness and heartbreak completely disappeared, replaced by a radiant glow, like a cloudy day turning into sunshine, feeling content and very happy.

No, what were those two doing in the room just now?

Noticing Mrs. Yamabuki's change in mood, Shinonome Mizuki was startled, and her mind suddenly became active.

A lone man and a lonely woman – her mother – a beautiful stepmother – a gentle wife who is not good at saying no.

"Teacher Dongyun, I apologize for keeping you waiting."

"Teacher Dongyun, thank you so much for your help. I'm sorry to have troubled you."

"Mrs. Yamabuki, you're too kind."

Faced with their greetings and apologies, Shinonome Mizuki quickly shook off the distracting thought of whether 37 minutes was fast or long, and shook her head and waved her hands to show her understanding.

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, Yamabuki said it was almost lunchtime and she had to deliver a lunchbox to her daughter. She then said goodbye and left in a cheerful mood.

She was really happy because her decision to talk to Shiratori-kun was the right one.

After a conversation lasting more than half an hour, Shiratori helped her see her husband's true character clearly, which strengthened her resolve to divorce him and cleared away all her concerns.

Without money, everything is difficult; with money, everything is easy—having put aside her worries about not being able to raise her daughter, she is now free of any constraints.

First, she delivers a lunchbox to her daughter, then consults a lawyer about the division of assets in the divorce, and in the afternoon, she drives to pick up her daughter and Shiratori-kun to go home and confront her husband—that's what she's going to do today.

"Shiratori-kun, you and Mrs. Yamabuki seem to have a good relationship."

Shinonome Mizuki stood there, gently waving goodbye to Mrs. Yamabuki as she left. She couldn't help but glance sideways at Shiratori Osamu beside her and whispered.

This guy is really popular. The prettiest girl in the class likes him, the smartest and most well-behaved class monitor dates him, and even his girlfriend's mother has a good impression of him.

"Mrs. Yamabuki is like that to everyone because she has a very gentle personality."

Although her words sounded a bit sarcastic, given his previous experience, Shiratori didn't dare to misunderstand her this time and simply shook his head in defense.

He did have a good relationship with his mother-in-law, after all, he was helping her fight against Lao Deng, but he still understood the principle of not airing family dirty laundry in public.

"May I ask what you were talking about just now?"

Shinonome Mizuki naturally didn't believe this claim, since it wasn't her first time meeting Mrs. Yamabuki, but she didn't argue and instead asked a question.

"Teacher Dongyun, I'd be happy to answer your question, but this isn't a secret just for me, so I'm sorry."

When it comes to getting paid to do something, Shiratori Osamu is quite conscientious about maintaining confidentiality.

Even putting money aside, out of respect for his mother-in-law, he couldn't possibly talk about such a private matter.

"Is this secret absolutely forbidden to be told?"

After waiting anxiously for more than half an hour, only to receive this result, Shinonome Mizuki was somewhat unwilling.

"Feel sorry."