Tokyo Three Generations

Even though Xiangzi wasn't particularly observant, she still sensed that something was wrong.

“Yeah, that blonde idol has been really hostile towards me from the start…” Jun Takasaki shrugged. “He seems to really dislike me.”

"So, did you two have some past grievances? Like, you had a feud or something..." Xiangzi asked abruptly.

Jun Takasaki was drinking coffee when he heard this and almost spat it out.

He originally thought Xiangzi was standing up for him, but he didn't expect her first reaction to be this.

“I’ve never seen her before! We’ve never had any contact before.” Jun Takasaki immediately refuted this conjecture. “Instead of saying the reason is me, you should look for the reason here.”

Seeing Takasaki Jun's confident demeanor, Shoko's doubts gradually dissipated... It seems he really doesn't know him.

Then, she waved her hand innocently.

"Me? This has nothing to do with me. I only mentioned that you exist, and I haven't talked to her about anything else. How could she possibly have any grudge against you?"

“Perhaps just mentioning me is enough to make her hate me—” Jun Takasaki sighed.

"Huh? How is that possible?" Xiangzi's first reaction was complete disbelief.

Because it's so absurd.

Although she and Mitsumi Hatsuka were old friends, that was more than a decade ago, and she had forgotten about it. It was as if their friendship was starting from scratch.

So, under these circumstances, what reason does she have to be rude to the person she likes?

To put it bluntly, do you have the right to dislike the person I like?

She felt that the other person wouldn't be so lacking in boundaries, so she didn't quite believe Takasaki Jun's reasoning.

"If you don't believe me, then don't. I have no proof anyway." Jun Takasaki sighed. "I can't think of any other reason. It's not like she just inherently dislikes me from the very first moment we met, is it?"

Xiangzi looked up, examined his face closely, and then gently shook his head. "I don't think it's that bad."

Xiangzi's solemn denial delighted Takasaki Jun, but it did nothing to solve the problem. The two came up with several conjectures, but each of them rejected them, and in the end, they still couldn't find a clue.

If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it.

As long as the two people didn't have any past "connections," she didn't care.

For Jun Takasaki, an idol is nothing more than an idol. No matter how famous he becomes, it can't do anything to him, so he doesn't care. Let him hate if he wants.

So Xiangzi kept this question in his mind, planning to find out the truth when he had the chance later.

For now, she can simply continue to enjoy this leisurely time alone.

She sipped her coffee and chatted with Jun Takasaki.

As they chatted, the topic of traveling abroad came up.

This can be considered as encountering Xiangzi's "territory". As the eldest daughter of a conglomerate, although she is not old, she has traveled abroad countless times since childhood, leaving her mark on places such as Swiss mountain hotels, New Zealand ranches and beaches.

Jun Takasaki was spoiled by his parents since childhood and traveled with them quite a few times, but compared to Shoko, he was obviously inferior.

As they got into the conversation, Xiangzi picked up his phone and showed him pictures and blog posts he had written when he was a child. Takasaki Jun looked at the photos of Xiangzi in various poses and outfits from when he was four or five years old to when he was a teenager, and he was very interested in them.

There was only one problem: in these photos, Mrs. Mizuho Toyokawa would occasionally appear standing next to her daughter with a big smile. Every time they encountered her, the two of them could only tacitly skip over her and not talk about her.

The fact that he was able to share these photos of his life shows just how close Xiangzi was to him.

Jun Takasaki also shared interesting stories from his past based on his limited photos and observations.

For example, photos of myself on a beach in Hawaii.

Just as he was getting into the conversation, Xiangzi suddenly raised his hand, pointed at the photo, and asked a question.

"Chun, who is this little girl?"

Jun Takasaki paused for a moment, then looked down at the photo.

Then he realized that although the center of the photo was him standing next to the sandcastle he had built, grinning foolishly, there was a little girl looking at him from the corner of the photo.

Her pink hair was so striking that he recognized her at first glance.

He answered without changing his expression when Xiangzi looked at him inquiringly.

"Oh, this is Chihaya Aine, my best friend since childhood."

"Another family friend?" Xiangzi's eyes widened in shock. "From childhood..."

Even now, she still believes that Nagasaki Motoyo is Takasaki Jun's "family friend". She has accepted this relationship and even made Motoyo her good friend. But... who could have imagined that another one would suddenly appear.

Surprised, she couldn't help but look at the photo again, scrutinizing the small figure.

"So...so cute! You guys must have had a lot of fun, right?" she asked softly at the end.

“You had a lot of fun.” Jun Takasaki nodded gently. “That’s the good thing about kids. You can just leave them alone and they can have a good time on their own. It’s much harder for them to be happy when they grow up.”

"So, are you still in contact?" Xiangzi asked abruptly.

“Of course we’re in touch,” Jun Takasaki replied immediately.

He originally wanted to tell Xiangzi about Aiyin's failed study abroad experience and how he had recently traveled thousands of miles to bring Aiyin back, but he stopped himself from speaking.

This matter involves Aine's self-esteem; it's her privacy, and it's definitely not appropriate for her to use it as a topic of conversation.

Even if Xiangzi wasn't the kind of person who would take pleasure in other people's suffering, he still couldn't say it himself.

So he changed the subject and told Shoko about Chihaya's best friend relationship with his mother, their childhood friendship, and Aine's brilliant career as student council president.

"I see..." Xiangzi fell silent.

She's a little frustrated right now.

Originally, I thought I had a "smooth road ahead", but I didn't expect Aine to suddenly appear out of nowhere. It would be hard for anyone to keep up.

No wonder I was so uneasy that day, there really was a problem... She sighed inwardly.

However, she quickly cheered up again.

The pride she developed from a young age made her inherently extremely confident; she believed that no matter what troubles she faced, she would eventually be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve her goals.

"This Ai-yin sounds incredibly talented..." She tried to keep her tone calm and even. "It would be wonderful to meet someone so outstanding."

Then, she glanced at Jun Takasaki, as if complaining, "Jun, you never mentioned such a person to me before? This is so unexpected..."

"You've never asked me that before?" Jun Takasaki retorted. "I don't need to introduce everyone I know to you, otherwise you wouldn't be able to do anything else all day..."

His words were reasonable, and even if Xiangzi wanted to refute them, he couldn't think of anything to say.

However, because she was holding a grudge, she felt increasingly resentful and frustrated.

Because she was unwilling to accept this, she was determined to see for herself who this childhood sweetheart was.

If so, she picked up her coffee, took a big gulp to calm herself down, and then looked at the other person calmly.

"Chun, we've already such a deep friendship, shouldn't we be more friendly? I introduced you to my best friend, my childhood confidante, and you've been keeping it a secret, not even mentioning it. That's really not fair of you..."

Her implication was that she absolutely had to meet this Miss Aine.

Moreover, her complaints are quite reasonable.

So, Jun Takasaki had no choice but to reluctantly agree. "Alright then, I'll ask her for you. If she's willing, I can introduce you two..."

"That's great..." Xiangzi stared blankly at the ice cubes swirling in her coffee cup, displaying the composure and calmness of Miss Toyokawa. "I'm really looking forward to it..."

Then, she looked up at Jun Takasaki.

"By the way, does Ai-yin like music?"

Jun Takasaki thought it over and finally gave a definitive answer.

"She's only slightly interested, not very good at it, at least not as good as you."

"Is that so? That's a pity. I was hoping to discuss this with her..." Xiangzi sighed, seemingly disappointed, but actually with a hint of victor's smugness. "Then I'll think of another topic... Your friend is my friend, so I have to treat her well."

Then, as if reminding him, she added, "If you think my music is better... you can come to my house more often. When I practice, you can just sit next to me and listen quietly..."

122, Facing Challenges Head-on

At this time, Chihaya Aine was unaware that she had secretly become the topic of conversation between her childhood friend and the young lady. She was on her way to her new school to complete the enrollment procedures, accompanied by her mother and Aunt Takasaki Mio.

At this time, a month or two had passed since the start of the school year for junior and senior high schools in Japan, so she was considered to have transferred in midway through the semester.

Although Haneoka Academy is not considered a top-tier school, its teaching quality and reputation are quite good, making it the first choice for many middle-class families to send their children to school. Therefore, Takasaki Mio also used her social connections to persuade the school to allow Aine to transfer schools—of course, Aine's previous excellent grades and performance were also important factors.

Since she was already considered a student of Yuqiu, she "did as the Romans do" and changed into the school's Western-style uniform and skirt, even wearing a small tie in a proper manner.

Objectively speaking, the school uniforms here are quite nice, but Ai Yin hasn't adjusted her mindset yet and feels that everything is unfamiliar.

Walking through this unfamiliar campus, she looked around as if she were visiting a tourist attraction, but she felt somewhat uneasy.

“Aine…” Just then, Takasaki Mio turned around, looked Aine up and down, and then showed a satisfied expression on her face. “This outfit suits you very well, it’s quite cute… I knew it was the right choice to bring you here.”

Feeling pleased that the auntie had praised her for being cute, Aine bowed her head to thank her. "Thank you, Auntie... I'm so grateful for all the help you've given me lately."

"There's no need for words of gratitude; it's unnecessary and would only seem too formal." Takasaki Mio waved her hand, indicating that she shouldn't be so polite. "If you're truly grateful to me, then enjoy restarting your school life and don't give up on yourself."

Resuming school life... Chihaya Aine fell silent for a moment.

Yes, she has a new school, a new life... and she can no longer go back to the past.

Because of a momentary lapse in judgment, she has lost the opportunity to continue shining at her alma mater. Now, even at her new school, she can no longer reach the same heights, and becoming a campus idol is an unattainable dream.

Since I can't climb back to my original position, I can only settle for second best during my three years of high school. I should try to integrate into a small group and spend this time as "peacefully" as possible.

Japanese girls can't avoid being part of small circles; it would be too tragic if they remained unknown and invisible for three years.

So, it's best to find your own circle of friends as soon as possible...

With this thought in mind, she bowed solemnly to Mio Takasaki, "Auntie, don't worry, I will cherish the opportunity you have given me. I will work hard to become an excellent student in the next three years. This time, I will never take the wrong path again!"

Seeing Aine's energetic answer, Takasaki Mio nodded with satisfaction. "Yes, Aine, I believe in you. You've always been a good girl, and you'll continue to be just as excellent."

Meanwhile, Mrs. Chihaya, standing to the side, once again couldn't help but shed tears.

Before, I felt sorry for my daughter, but this time I feel fortunate and relieved. My daughter has escaped the nightmare and is no longer at risk of Yu Yu syndrome. Everything is moving in a positive direction. Although the family has spent a lot of money on this trip, we are already satisfied.

"Aine, you must study hard and become a pillar of the Takasaki family in the future, to repay your Aunt Mio and Tsun-kun for their kindness..." she urged her daughter, her voice trembling with tears. "They have always been very kind to you, you must not let them down."

"Okay, okay," Chihaya Aine said impatiently, trying to soothe her mother.

She actually knew her mother's true meaning (or rather, she had hinted at it countless times), and she had already taken it as a "predetermined matter" to some extent, without even feeling that it needed to be emphasized.

As the three of them strolled through the campus chatting, Ai-yin's phone suddenly vibrated slightly.

She picked up her phone and saw that it was Jun Takasaki who had sent her a message.

"Aine, are you free now?"

"I'm free." Ai Yin smiled slightly and replied, "I'm with my aunt today, helping her with the enrollment procedures at her new school... The campus is quite beautiful; I'll share some photos with you later."

"Hmm, that's good." Jun Takasaki replied perfunctorily at first, then got to the point, "So, are you free lately? I mean, I mean, free to go out and about."

Chihaya Aine's eyes lit up. Of course, she remembered that the two of them had made a promise to eat and play together after returning to Japan. She didn't expect Jun-nii to be so thoughtful, so she was a little excited.

"I'm free! Although I'm a little behind in my studies since I just transferred schools, it's not a problem for me. I can make time, so call me anytime—"

She typed the words with lightning speed, her excitement evident in every line.

However, Jun Takasaki's next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her head.

"Well, actually, it wasn't me who wanted to invite you out this time, it's just that someone else wants to get to know you—"

Chihaya Aine was a little disappointed, but then she thought that it was a good thing that Jun-nii was introducing his friend to her, so she cheered up again, "Sure, no problem, I'd love to..."

“Well, that person has a special identity, so I need to tell you in advance.” Jun Takasaki hesitated for a moment before saying.

At this moment, Chihaya Aine had a bad feeling and vaguely guessed what was going on.

Sure enough, her guess was easily confirmed: "That person is about the same age as you, and is the eldest daughter of the Toyokawa family."

It really was her... Seeing that her worst guess had been confirmed, Aine's vision went black, and the good mood she had just managed to build up vanished instantly.

Of course she still remembered what Aunt Mio had said to her the night she returned to the country, and the photos she had shown her.

So at this moment, even though she didn't know the cause and effect of the matter, she felt a girl's instinctive anger.

In her view, the fact that this Miss Toyokawa had gotten close to Jun-nii without her knowledge was already an "offense," and now that she had specifically asked to see her, it was an even greater provocation.

This is absolutely intolerable!

What is she trying to do? Is she trying to intimidate me and make me back down? If so, that's going too far...

Just as Aine's heart was in turmoil, because she hadn't replied, Takasaki Jun thought she was worried about Shoko's high status, so he immediately comforted Aine.