Uneasy daily life

Perhaps, maybe, I really am an old man...

After three unsuccessful attempts to climb the snow-covered hill, the father shook his head and said, "Young man, it's best to be careful pushing this cart by hand. There's a hill ahead..."

"A small bump can be called a slope? Uncle, just wait and see."

Bai Ying raised her hand to brace against the back of the car and took a deep breath.

Killer Queen!

An unseen evil spirit, relentlessly haunting the body, bestowed upon the power of a hand fetishist's transaction. The white figure took a bold step forward, and the car, which had previously refused to exercise its initiative, obediently and steadily moved forward.

At first, Yukinoshita's father was worried, ready to lend a hand at any time to prevent the kind young man from being hit by the car that had rolled back. Then he was shocked to see the other man walk across that deadly slope (which was not very high) with ease, without any unnecessary swaying or any desperate struggle due to exhaustion.

He subconsciously followed along, ready to lend a hand, only to realize in a moment that the notoriously steep slope (which wasn't actually that steep) had already been crossed.

"Hey, everyone's telling you not to worry, uncle. Instead, look behind you. Hopefully, no one else is as foolish as you and has taken this route."

Bai Ying said it was nothing, and even felt that calling out a stand-in was making a mountain out of a molehill. Pushing the car was not difficult at all, and the way the other person was panting and struggling made her mistakenly think that the car was very heavy.

This kid's power... is no less than mine!

"Ahem, thank you, young man." Yukinoshita's father coughed to cover his embarrassment, then asked curiously, "This road... is there another road?"

"Oreki said this is the old road, and the current road is on the other side, a flat road with buses going straight through," Baiying exclaimed. "Is Uncle pushing the limits of life?"

What a guy who loves to poke at people's sore spots!

Yukinoshita's father said, "I'm here as a traveler. I've heard that Jinshi is hospitable and has beautiful scenery, and it seems that's true. You two..."

Bai Ying shook his head and said, "Zhemu is considered a local, but I am not. We are just students here on a school trip. Uncle, when you travel in the future, don't drive this kind of sedan. Get an SUV or take public transportation instead."

The great goddesses take airplanes, the little goddesses take trams, and I can just take a rocket and land right there in the world?

"We were indeed a bit unprepared this time... huh?"

Exhausted, Yukinoshita's father belatedly realized, "You are students from Soubu High School?"

"Hmm? Uncle, you're not here for tourism, are you?"

The white figure seemed to sense something.

Yukino's father smiled gently and said, "Traveling is also a purpose. After sitting in an office for so many years, it's good to come out and relax..."

While I'm at it, I'll kill a Hachiman.

It's okay to arrive at the formation a little late; that little time shouldn't be enough for the enemy to do anything.

Chapter Ninety-One: A Pleasant Conversation

How's school going, young man?

"So-so, second in the whole grade."

"Oh? That's pretty good."

Yukinoshita's father was surprised for a moment, and casually asked, "What about the first place in the whole grade? Since you've already reached second place, you should try your best to reach the first place in the whole grade. Although there is no first place in literature and no second place in martial arts, exams are actually more like martial arts. The scenery that the first and second place can see is very different."

"I know a little about the first one, he's an ultimate exam maniac."

"Be bold—be bolder! If you can get to second place, it means you have the qualifications to compete for first place. You can't be afraid when you should be brave."

"Exams are something I do out of interest. I prefer to learn how to create and think, to meet more interesting people, different ideas, and the wonderful changes that come from the combination of people. These are things that exams don't offer, but the girl who came in first place gave me a different feeling... she's a weirdo."

"A weirdo?" Yukinoshita's father frowned. "Instead of confronting him head-on, he resorts to belittling and slandering him from the sidelines. Young man, that won't do."

"Why would I belittle her?" Bai Ying said casually as she pushed the cart. "For me, exams are just something I have to do to get by at school, but for her, it's more like a... lifeline? From a student's perspective, she's impeccable and enviable. Parents definitely want their children to be number one, and other students probably also have the idea of ​​'I'm awesome and I'll shock the whole school if I get first place.' But from a human perspective, she looks like a corporate slave who will be fired or jump off a building if she doesn't meet her performance targets."

You actually called my daughter a corporate slave—you're a bit arrogant, young man!

The father glanced coldly at the young man under the snow, his expression still kind and amiable: "Well, in terms of the results, isn't she still first in the entire grade? That means..."

Well, it's hardly a good thing.

"Sigh, perhaps this is the fate that humanity cannot escape. We are all animals after all, and the instinct for survival and competition is ingrained in our bones." The uncle shook his head and sighed, "We are always forced to get something, more or less."

"Humans are complex animals."

Bai Ying agreed, "The complexity lies in the fact that we inevitably impose this instinct on others, and are inevitably subjected to it by others, which is how society is born. But then again, who doesn't want to achieve success, make more money, and enjoy life? We are all just mortal bodies. If we are confused, then pursuing fame and fortune is not a bad thing. If we have money in our pockets, at least we can ask the boss to add a few more pieces of beef."

The uncle said seriously, "I think we should add an extra ounce of noodles."

The young man chimed in, "Another fried egg would be perfect."

The uncle added, "Adding a grilled sausage would make it an even better match."

The young man pulled out all the stops: "Then I'll have to ask the boss to put on the ultimate truffle!"

The man wouldn't budge an inch: "Just pour me a whole jar of golden caviar!"

The young man immediately went all in: "Boss! Put all the noodles and meat in my bowl!"

The middle-aged man overturned the gambling table: "Add everything else's food to my bowl! I'll eat it all!"

"Hey, this sounds like a culinary disaster, doesn't it?"

Oreki Houtarou, who was riding his bicycle ahead and looking at the road, complained, "If I ate this bowl of noodles, I'd be so full I'd die."

The older man and the young man exchanged a glance and burst into hearty laughter.

A thoughtful and interesting young man. If the young goddess could make a friend like him, she wouldn't have to worry too much. That child lacks friendships with peers, and once he gets them, he's too easy to lose his sense of proportion and become extreme, which is worrying and could lead him astray.

The middle-aged man sighed inwardly. He hadn't expected that the young man he'd met by chance would be able to get along so well with him. It was rare for someone so young to have such insights into the future of his life, especially since he was second in his grade at Zongwu High School, right below the little goddess... He had the kind of beauty that comes from being a tool that could be trained into a high-quality employee.

An interesting middle-aged man who has a clear-headed view of life; Yukinoshita's father has such a personality, it seems his status in the family is indeed only above the floor.

Bai Ying sighed inwardly. She hadn't expected the middle-aged man she'd met by chance to possess such a broad and magnanimous philosophy of life. Despite being a company president and a member of parliament, involved in both business and politics, he possessed a pure and innocent heart amidst the turmoil. But he probably had no say in family matters, nor any interest in vying for one. Such a person, so unassuming, perhaps only lacked an opportunity to reveal his true colors… He possessed the beauty of a highly effective tool, someone who could be used to resolve conflicts.

The older man and the younger man exchanged a smile.

it's fate!

The middle-aged man's eyes flashed: "Speaking of which, young man, do you know Hachiman Hikigaya?"

A thought flashed through Bai Ying's mind, and she said casually, "Of course I know him. He's one of my most capable and reliable members. Uncle knows him? Could he be Hachiman's father...?"

"Of course not." The uncle denied it vehemently. "It's just that there was a minor car accident back then, and I visited him in the hospital a few times to express my apology."

"Oh, the car accident that made Hachiman stay in the hospital for a month?" Bai Ying comforted him, "Uncle, don't worry about it. Life is unpredictable. Hachiman doesn't mind that car accident."

I think it's better for him to mind and distance himself from the young goddess.

The middle-aged man smiled broadly and said, "If you don't mind, then I'm relieved. You two sound like you know each other well?"

“Of course, of course, I know him fairly well,” Bai Ying praised. “Hachiman Hachiman likes quiet and has developed a keen eye for observation, with a unique understanding and sharp insight into the relationships between many people.”

The middle-aged man's smile faded slightly: "Sounds a lot like a stalker. Anything else?"

Bai Ying thought for a moment and exclaimed, "Unlike other peers who don't think rationally about the future and interpersonal changes and just follow the crowd in their 'friendship' relationships, Hachiman's thinking is more mature. He's the type who will do everything he can to help a friend in need, no matter how much he loses in terms of his own interests."

The middle-aged man forced a smile: "He has no self-respect at all. He seems to be a reclusive guy. Being reclusive can easily lead to self-alienation, which is not a good thing."

Bai Ying smiled and said, "Life is a constant flow of people. You can live it casually or earnestly. He's just very serious and meticulous. He scoffs at superficial relationships among his peers, but he's also kind-hearted. If someone is in trouble and asks for his help, he finds it hard to refuse."

The middle-aged man's smile had vanished: "Oh, truly without principles, fickle and unpredictable, he'll hardly amount to anything..."

Bai Ying asked curiously, "Why do I feel like you have a lot of prejudice against Hitchhikari, Uncle?"

"No," the uncle denied outright. "People's words, actions, and thoughts are inherently two-sided. They can be understood in a positive way or in a negative way. To understand a person, you can't just look at what they show."

Bai Ying smiled meaningfully and said, "I agree with that. People live in the eyes of others while also living in their own eyes, which is why life is like a play. Who is on stage? Who is off stage? Who is wearing a mask? Who is cheering? These are questions that can take a lifetime to ponder."

The uncle didn't notice these agreeable words; his thoughts were already racing.

A withdrawn personality – even the little goddess is caught in the predicament of being withdrawn, but there is a possibility that they may band together for warmth and be attracted to each other.

She takes interpersonal relationships seriously—the little goddess was 'betrayed' by a friend in elementary school, and she also takes interpersonal relationships very seriously. If this type of person confirms their relationship, the relationship will be very stable.

Kind-hearted – When the little goddess encounters a difficult problem, she easily loses her composure. If someone offers help, she will subconsciously become dependent on them and strengthen the bond, just like when she faced the big goddess and subconsciously sought their protection.

Clunk—! !!!

"Hmm? What's the car stuck on?" Bai Ying looked down to observe.

"It's probably just a small pebble, don't worry about it."

The father, his gaze deep and unfathomable, touched his cheek.

My back molars hurt a little when I bite down.

……

……

Under the snow, Yang temporarily broke free from his hiding place.

Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita strolled around the village.

"Thank you for your help this time, Hikigaya-kun." Yukino Yukinoshita was on high alert, trying her best to appear natural and calm. "Just wander around."

Hachiman Hikigaya felt a bit awkward. It wasn't about pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend; it was just about the two of them walking around together to see if they could trigger an event and spawn Yukinoshita's mother. It felt like he was being sent out as a scout or bait. As everyone knows, bait units are quite dangerous in military operations: "Let me make this clear beforehand: if your elders show up, I'm afraid I won't be able to say a word."

"Don't worry, I definitely won't be able to say a word."

Yukino Yukinoshita gave a forced laugh, revealing a sense of resigned helplessness: "She has her own ideas, and I have never seen anyone who can sway her mind since I was a child... Anyway, when she sees us, Mother will come out and decide everything. You don't have to say anything then—at least Mother is very polite in this respect and will just treat you like you're invisible."

“...That sounds terrifying.” Hachiman Hikigaya remained silent for a moment, then tentatively suggested, “How about we have the captain come and play along with you in this charade… Never mind, never mind.”

The minister is truly a chaotic variable. The authority of adults or teachers will likely have no effect on the minister. It's unimaginable what might happen then.

Yukino Yukinoshita sighed deeply: "I trust Haku-kun's abilities, but I don't trust Haku-kun."

Hachiman Hikigaya gave it a thumbs up: "Insightful."

"And..." Yukino Yukinoshita shook her head, hesitating, "Anyway, you just come with me around and lure Mother out. Then your mission will be complete. Leave the rest to me. Mother definitely won't make things difficult for you."

“Hmm, I know…” Hachiman Hikigaya scratched his head, “But this is a lie, isn’t it? You made me cover up your living with Hakukage. Don’t you hate lying?”

Yukino Yukinoshita stared at him intently, her mind filled with a frenzy of excitement.

Hachiman Hikigaya was startled and took two steps to the side: "W-What's wrong?"

Yukino Yukinoshita pressed her fingers to her forehead, trembling slightly, and asked in a state of near collapse, "How did you know that Shirakage and I are temporarily living together?!"

"Huh?" Hachiman Hikigaya was stunned. "Didn't you know I knew, which is why you sent me to cover for you?"

Yukinoshita Yukino: “?”

Hikigaya Hachiman: “?”

Chapter Ninety-Two: Heroes Strike!

"Phew... Calm down, let's calm down first."

Yukino Yukinoshita, thinking that her mother was still waiting for her, forced herself to calm down: "First of all, Shirakage and I are not living together. I just rented out the empty guest room to him for half a month."

Hachiman Hikigaya: "Okay."

"Secondly, how did you know? Did you come to my house as a guest last time?"

Hachiman Hikigaya: "Pretty much."

Yukino Yukinoshita took a deep breath: "Who else knows?"

“Um…the others probably didn’t think of it this way. At most, they noticed something unusual, like how you seemed to enjoy the smell of the kitchen when the captain was cooking…” Hachiman Hikigaya promptly dragged someone into the fray. “Oreki probably noticed it too, but he definitely wouldn’t say anything casually, and he’s too lazy to overthink it—why not let Oreki help cover for us?”

"That's not the reason." Yukino Yukinoshita rubbed her forehead. It wasn't the hellish scene where everyone around her already knew and she was still carefully guarding the secret. Thank goodness. "It's just that once when I was on the phone, my mother asked me if I had made any friends. I panicked and told her about you and Yuihama."

So you've decided that I'll be the shield?

Hachiman Hikigaya understood: "Oh."

"Let me make it clear beforehand, I really don't like lying, so, cough cough..." Yukino Yukinoshita lowered her eyes, "I'm just running away."

Running away... Concealing is not lying, it's just escaping. There's a hint of that in his choice during the last car accident incident. He wanted to adjust his relationship with Yui Hama by taking responsibility.

"But will this really work?" Hachiman Hikigaya couldn't help but say. "In the end, it probably won't solve anything."

“The school trip is over, and Haku-kun should move out soon. As long as we can keep this a secret this time, we don’t need to worry too much about being exposed.” Yukino Yukinoshita forced a smile. “It won’t solve anything… I can’t exactly have a huge fight with my mother, can I?”

Hikigaya Hachiman's silence was indeed unacceptable; there was simply no room for him to intervene in such family matters. To meddle without understanding the full picture would only be an overemphasis on self-interest.

But there's something I just have to get off my chest...