In the world of anime with the power to stop time.

Chapter 110 End of This Volume: Fall in Love, Yukino!

 It was not difficult to understand that her mother wanted to talk to her and learn about her current situation.

 After all, since starting high school, she had been living alone for a long time, only returning to the Yukinoshita residence occasionally during holidays. Her contact with her mother had been minimal.

 This time, when she received her mother's message to return home, she had already mentally prepared herself for a conversation.

 Although she was not accustomed to it, she could accept it. After all, it was her mother. Even if she was uncomfortable dealing with her mother's assertiveness, she could not refuse.

 But, but now, what had her mother asked? Her mother had asked her, "Do you have a boy you like?"

 This question exceeded the processing capacity of Yukino Yukinoshita's brain, instantly plunging her into a blank, unresponsive state.

 The dining room fell into silence.

 Yukino's mother was in no hurry. She quietly watched her daughter, and at this moment, a servant poured tea. She picked up the cup, gently blew on it, and a faint white mist dispersed.

 After a while, Yukino finally snapped out of it and reacted.

 At this moment, she dared not look at her mother. She didn't know why her mother would suddenly ask this question. Had she heard something that made her suspicious?

 She realized that her mother must have found out about her going out alone with Lin Ye to search for the missing dachshund and having coffee. Otherwise, her mother would never have asked this question.

 "Yukino,"

 Yukino's mother's voice sounded again. She had already placed the teacup on the table and was calmly looking at her daughter.

 "Is this question difficult to answer?"

 It's just that I don't know why you would ask this question.

 "No, Mother, I don't have a boy I like. You're overthinking it."

 This was the truth, but she was worried that her denial would only deepen her mother's suspicions. This was also why she hadn't immediately denied it earlier.

 When her mother suspected something, her denial would only strengthen her mother's doubts.

 Yukino's mother had a faint, almost imperceptible smile on her lips.

 "In the blink of an eye, Yukino is already in high school and has grown into a graceful young woman. In a few more years, I think she'll be at the age where she can marry."

 The alarm in Yukino's heart kept rising.

 Strange, this was really strange. Why was her mother suddenly talking about love and marriage?

 "I'm still young, Mother."

 "Not that young. There must be quite a few boys at Soubu High who like you, right?"

 "..."

 She couldn't deny this.

 Ever since she was little, because of her cute appearance, countless boys had expressed their affection and liking for her.

 "Actually, it's quite normal to have someone you like at this age. Wanting to date someone you like, to have a rosy romance, to enjoy the sweetness and warmth of love these are all very normal things."

 How was she supposed to answer this?

 Agree, or disagree?

 She felt that either answer seemed wrong.

 "Mother, I currently don't have any thoughts in that direction. My studies are the most important."

 "I'm quite confident in your academic performance."

 What did that mean? Was she being encouraged to date?

 Could it be... that her mother was already scouting for a suitable match? Was she giving her a heads-up before formally introducing someone?

 In an instant,

 Yukino's heart tightened, her puzzled expression turning to one of tension and worry.

 As the second daughter of the Yukinoshita family, her elder sister Haruno would inherit the family and would inevitably have a son-in-law marry into the Yukinoshita family. As for her, unless something unexpected happened, she would be introduced to a suitable match from a family of equal standing, date, and eventually marry or perhaps even skip straight to marriage.

 This was the sorrow of being a daughter of a prominent family. Having grown up with the family's abundant resources, living a life of comfort and luxury that many ordinary people envied, she also had to pay the price for the family.

 Her marriage was not something she could decide for herself.

 Yukino had realized this a long time ago, and it was one of the reasons she had moved out after starting high school. She wanted a period of freedom, to live life on her own terms.

 She had thought this day would come after graduating from university, or at the earliest, during her university years. But she hadn't expected it to come so soon.

 Her mother was already showing signs of this inclination during her second year of high school.

 It really was... an early attempt to arrange a match for her, to benefit the Yukinoshita family.

 Yukino inwardly laughed bitterly, but her expression remained calm, tinged with a hint of sorrow.

 "Without affecting your studies, you should learn more about other aspects of life. High school isn't just about studying. I remember you even started a club."

 "Yes."

 Yukino wasn't surprised that her mother knew about the "Service Club." In fact, she would have been shocked if her mother didn't know.

 Although she had moved out and her mother hadn't been in close contact, she knew her mother had been discreetly observing her life from the shadows.

 As long as she didn't do anything outrageous, her mother wouldn't intervene.

 Clearly, the incident of being attacked while out with Lin Ye to search for the dog had made her mother uneasy.

 "Helping others is a good thing. It can improve your interpersonal skills and your ability to solve practical problems. But you must be careful about safety."

 Her mother definitely knew.

 It seemed her sister Haruno hadn't kept it a secret.

 Yukino didn't blame her sister Haruno. Haruno's position in the family was only slightly higher than hers. The true authority in the Yukinoshita family was their mother. Even their father didn't have much say.

 "I'm sorry for worrying you, Mother. I'll be more careful about safety in the future."

 "Have you properly thanked the classmate who protected you?"

 "I treated him to coffee as a thank you."

 "Oh!"

 Yukino seemed to detect a hint of dissatisfaction in her mother's tone. Did she think "a cup of coffee wasn't enough to express gratitude for saving her life"?

 "A boy who was willing to risk his safety to protect you isn't just a cup of coffee a bit too casual for the Yukinoshita family's standards?"

 Faced with her mother's retort, Yukino was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

 "Mother, what do you think I should do?"

 "Yukino."

 Her tone suddenly became serious, making Yukino's heart tighten and her anxiety spike.

 "You are a daughter of the Yukinoshita family. I hope you can think for yourself, rather than always seeking a clear answer from me."

 The black-haired girl's hands rested on her lap, her fingers unconsciously clenching tightly.

 She didn't know what she could do to satisfy her mother.

 It was precisely because she couldn't guess her mother's thoughts that she had chosen to ask directly, but her mother had instead "rebuked" her.

 "I'll treat him to a meal as thanks."

 After thinking about it, this seemed like the most appropriate option.

 "Sigh."

 Yukino's mother let out a light sigh.

 Yukino trembled slightly, her navy-blue eyes glancing over, filled with worry and tension.

 "Invite him to our home as a guest. As a daughter of the Yukinoshita family, couldn't you even think of that?"

 Yukino looked at her mother in shock.

 Inviting a male classmate to their home was this something her mother would do?

 "Alright, I understand. I'll contact Lin Ye, though I'm not sure if he'll agree."

 But since her mother had said so, she had no choice but to comply.

 "Yukino, I believe you can definitely invite him as a guest."

 Her mother was determined to have her invite him home.

 Yukino realized her mother's stance.

"I understand."

She nodded in agreement. If she couldn't even do this, her mother would surely be very disappointed!

She wasn't afraid of her mother's punishment; she was afraid of her mother's look of disappointment.

Compared to her sister, she was completely inferior. Her mother also favored Haruno more. She had already accepted this reality, but deep down, she still hoped to earn her mother's approval.

This was actually something she had always felt but never dared to admit.

"The family doesn't oppose you dating at this age."

The sudden statement left the long black-haired girl stunned.

Is this a trap?

Is she trying to trick me into admitting I like a boy?

"Dating in high school is a very normal thing. Finding a suitable and excellent man is also a way to train your judgment and discernment. Among the men around you, who is sincere, who has ability and potential these are things you need to analyze and judge for yourself."

The amount of information was overwhelming, so much so that Yukinoshita Yukino couldn't process it all.

As long as you pay attention to the scale and boundaries of your relationship, it will be fine. I know you are a very sensible girl, Yukino, and you will not disappoint your mother.

Mother, if you want me to do something, can you just say it directly?

Yukinoshita Yukino couldn't help but think this in her heart.

"I... don't have a boy I like."

"Is that so..."

Yukinoshita's mother's tone calmed down a bit.

"Yes."

"Does Lin-kun like you?"

Yukinoshita Yukino remained silent.

Lin Ye had confessed to her more than once. It was normal for her mother to investigate Lin Ye and find out about this.

"He confessed to me, but I rejected him."

"You don't like him?"

"No, I don't."

"He saved you. Giving him a chance wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?"

Yukino: ???

"A boy willing to protect you with his life is precious. People reveal their truest selves in dangerous situations. It lets you understand your place in their heart. Yukino, do you know why I chose your father back then?"

Yukinoshita's mother's words immediately piqued Yukino's curiosity.

Was there a story between her parents? She had always thought it was her grandfather who arranged the match, choosing her father a young and promising man to marry into the Yukinoshita family. That was all.

"Twenty years ago, at a wedding banquet, there was a shooting. Everyone was panicking and running away, but he was the first to protect me."

The memory brought a softness to Yukinoshita's mother's eyes.

This was the first time Yukinoshita Yukino, as an adult, had seen such a gentle expression on her mother's face. In her mind, her mother had always been a proud and noble figure, someone who never showed her emotions.

But this time, she realized that her mother was also a woman.

"At that moment, I thought, 'It's him.' I didn't have a man I liked, but at least he would protect me. He wouldn't let me get hurt. He was the best choice in my heart at the time."

So, even a strong woman like her mother longed for a man's protection?

Yukinoshita Yukino couldn't help but think.

She realized that her mother had a side she had never known before.

"So, Yukino, if you meet a boy who is willing to protect you even at the cost of his own life, don't reject him too firmly. At least give him a chance. Try to get to know him. You might find unexpected surprises."

Yukinoshita Yukino wanted to refuse.

She had already received a huge "surprise" from Lin Ye and didn't want any more surprises.

But her mother had spoken so openly with her for the first time. She really couldn't bring herself to refuse.

The long black-haired girl pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and then nodded softly. "Mother, I will consider it."

"Yukino has grown up."

Yukinoshita's mother wore a faint smile.

"There are some things you don't want to talk to me about, but you can talk to Haruno. She is your sister, someone you can trust."

"Yes."

Whether it was her mother or her sister Haruno, Yukinoshita Yukino didn't really want to confide in either of them.

She harbored some resistance toward her sister and mother, but she also knew that no matter what, they were family relatives bound by blood ties.

If she ever encountered a problem she couldn't solve, her first choice for support would be her sister, mother, or father.

"Drink your tea. It's gone cold."

Yukinoshita Yukino only then noticed that the tea in front of her had gone cold.

She picked up the cup and drank it all in one go.

The conversation between mother and daughter officially ended.

But for Yukinoshita Yukino, this was the beginning of her troubles.

Walking alone in the garden, admiring the blooming flowers, Yukinoshita Yukino sat down on a bench.

As she recalled the conversation with her mother, she became increasingly convinced that her mother's words must have hidden intentions.

It seemed... her mother wanted her to date Lin Ye?

"No, no, no... that's impossible."

The long black-haired girl shook her head vigorously, immediately dismissing the thought that had popped into her mind.

"Maybe Mother really saw Father's shadow in Lin Ye's actions when he saved me, so she thinks I should give him a chance."

"Mother must know about my life and studies at Soubu High. She doesn't want me to continue being alone until graduation, so she's using 'dating' as a way to change me."

This thought filled Yukino with both helplessness and a warm sense of joy.

She had always kept her distance from her mother, not because she disliked her, but because she wasn't used to their daily interactions.

Even so, her mother's concern made her genuinely happy.

"Mother and Haruno really are alike."

She felt that this method was something her sister Haruno would be more likely to do. She hadn't expected it to come from her mother this time.

A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fragrance of grass and flowers.

The cold beauty's long black hair fluttered in the wind, strands tracing arcs in the air. Her eyes, however, were filled with a joy she didn't usually show, and the corners of her lips curled into a faint smile.

In the estate where she had lived for over a decade,

she had finally experienced a moment of happiness.

But as the joy faded and she realized what she had to do next, the girl's expression immediately turned heavy.

"Invite him to the Yukinoshita household..."

"Would he be willing to come?"

She had never invited a boy to her home before.

This would be her first time inviting a member of the opposite sex, and it was inevitable that she would feel uneasy and pressured.

Just the thought of having to ask Lin Ye to come over made her blush. Her slender fingers unconsciously gripped her skirt.

Would Lin Ye misunderstand?

Probably... yes.

What should she do? Should she explain in advance to avoid misunderstandings? Or something else?

The long black-haired girl was troubled, unsure of what to do.

...

...

On the morning of the 21st,

Haruno completed the transfer and tax payment.

Ten billion yen.

The process was complicated, but with the assistance of staff from the Macau Grand Casino, everything went smoothly.

After the tax payment was completed, all the procedures were no longer an issue.

The news that someone had won ten billion yen at the Macau Grand Casino last night had already spread throughout the streets and alleys of Macau.

Many people were curious,

and some even speculated that the Macau Grand Casino would resort to illegal means to avoid such a massive financial loss.

Many forces, including the Macau authorities, were watching closely.

However, the result was unexpected and shocking. The Macau Grand Casino actually handed over the money honestly, even assisting with the transfer and tax payment. There wasn't a single issue with the process.

They really gave the money.

Ten billion yen!

Just like that?

Was the owner of the Macau Grand Casino insane?

A million yen could buy who knows how many lives, and ten billion yen how many lives could that buy?

"Miss Miko, Mr. Gao, the necessary procedures have been completed. Do you two have any plans for what's next? If you're planning to leave Macau, we can arrange security personnel to escort you to the airport."

"Then we'll trouble you."

"Not at all. If something were to happen to you in Macau, our company would be in trouble."

After all, some might try to pin the blame on the Macau Grand Casino.

Following the casino staff, Lin Ye and Yukinoshita Haruno got into a black car.

There were three other cars in front and behind them.

Lin Ye didn't fully trust the staff arranged by the Macau Grand Casino. For ten billion yen, it wouldn't be surprising if they resorted to murder.

He remained vigilant.

But now that the money had been successfully transferred to the account arranged by Yukinoshita Haruno, even if the Macau Grand Casino wanted to kill them, they wouldn't get the money.

In the car,

Lin Ye turned to the female assistant in the passenger seat and asked, "Miss Li, has your company really never considered using some method to keep the ten billion?"

"You must be joking. Our company has always been known for its integrity. You and Miss Miko won the ten billion through your own skills. Naturally, we accept the loss. Of course, we hope Miss Miko will continue to visit our casino for entertainment."

"Of course!"

Haruno smiled and hugged Lin Ye's arm.

"If I come with my dear, I'll definitely visit."

The female assistant's eyes twitched. "As for Mr. Gao, I think it's better if he visits other casinos. But if he comes to ours, we'll prepare the finest tea for him."

"So I'm already on the blacklist?"

"Not at all."

The female assistant quickly denied.

Some things, even if they've been done, can't be admitted.

"Actually, strictly speaking, our casino didn't lose much."

"Oh!"

Lin Ye became curious.

"On one hand, because of our casino's trustworthy behavior, the reputation of our Macau Grand Casino has risen to a new level. We expect a 20% increase in new customers."

This seems normal.

But the revenue from these additional 20% customers is far from making up for the loss of one billion.

However, in the long run, it is still beneficial for the Macau Grand Casino.

"Additionally, our boss contacted other casinos, and each casino provided a twenty-million intelligence fee."

"Oh!"

Lin Ye was intrigued.

Soon, he understood the reason.

Last night, the driver from the Macau Grand Casino took him to other casinos; those not directly visited had paid in advance.

"Hahaha... your casino boss is very shrewd."

The loss was spread to other casinos.

Twenty million per casino, fifty casinos would make one billion.

Of course, in the end, not fifty casinos paid, but the total amount from those that did was certainly a huge sum.

"You... aren't angry?"

"Why should I be angry? Instead, I'm even more curious about the boss of the Macau Grand Casino. I hope to have the chance to meet him in the future."

"I will convey your message to the boss, definitely."

The female assistant withdrew her gaze.

In the back seat, Yanai nestled close to Lin Ye.

The black car convoy moved slowly.

Occasionally, the female manager received news of being followed, and she calmly arranged things. For the final stretch, Macau's official traffic police began to provide escort.

Finally,

The convoy entered the airport.

Only after Lin Ye and Yanai entered the airport,

Did the staff from the Macau Grand Casino leave.

One hour later,

An international flight bound for Narita Airport, Japan, soared into the blue sky.

At 5 PM Tokyo time,

The plane landed successfully,

Twenty minutes later,

After passing through customs and security checks, Lin Ye and Yanai successfully entered.

"Let's go! The car has been arranged."

Yanai was more familiar with the place than Lin Ye,

She led Lin Ye first to the free shuttle bus stop at the terminal, where they would take the terminal's bus to the car pick-up point.

Ten minutes later,

Yanai suddenly poked Lin Ye, "Over there,"

A black car was already waiting.

A driver dressed in a black suit was standing upright, holding a sign.

Their few pieces of luggage were placed in the trunk of the car.

Lin Ye and Yanai got into the back seat of the car.

Another long journey.

The lights inside the car went out.

Yanai couldn't sleep.

She had slept enough during the flight and now had no sleepiness at all.

"Lin-kun, after we get to Chiba, let's find a place to have dinner together! I'm so hungry now, I could eat a horse."

The plane had provided meals, but Yanai hadn't eaten much.

"Sure, what do you want to eat?"

"Can I eat you?"

Suddenly, the black-haired girl who had been drawing lines on Lin Ye's chest leaned closer, her voice soft, her breath like orchids.

"I'd rather eat you."

"That... could also be possible."

"I wonder what human flesh tastes like."

Yanai: ???

She finally understood Lin Ye's attitude.

"Ugh, that's not how you eat a girl!"

After a bit of playful banter, Yanai brought up another topic,

"It's been a long time since I've seen Yukino, I really miss her. I've decided to go to her apartment, do you want to come, Lin-kun?"

"I already told you she doesn't want to see me."

"Hahaha, who told you to treat Yukino like that and then get caught by the clever Yukino!"

Yanai hadn't expected Yukino to see through it.

But actually, Yanai also had an lingering worry.

She thought this might be one of the reasons Yukino had contacted her to ask about the 'mysterious game'.

Because Yukino herself had encountered an 'abnormal event' 'a classmate with special abilities to see through things' combined with rumors circulating online and among classmates, she had made the connection and couldn't resist her curiosity to ask both Hiratsuka and her for confirmation.

She was worried that her sister might delve deeper and attract the attention of the mysterious, encountering mysterious events.

"Lin-kun, there's something I want to ask of you."

Yanai's tone was serious, without her usual joking manner.

"I'll consider it."

"Promise me. I hope that if Yukino ever encounters a supernatural event, you can help her. This is a request I make to you both as her sister and as your partner."

Lin Ye knew what Yanai was referring to.

This sister-con, her first concern is her sister.

"Aren't you worried about yourself?"

"Of course not, I'm Lin-kun's important partner. If something happened to me, would you just stand by? Could you bear to see something happen to me?"

I really couldn't.

"It's not impossible."

"Ugh! You really don't understand a girl's heart, no wonder Yukino rejected your confession back then."

"There's never been a girl who accepted my confession."

"Hahaha! If you confessed to me, I definitely wouldn't reject you!"

"Pass, not interested."

...

...

More than an hour later,

The car dropped them off at the shopping street.

This time,

Yanai didn't take Lin Ye for a big meal, but at Lin Ye's request, they went for ramen.

"I've eaten ramen at many places in Chiba, this shop has the best tasting ramen."

Seven o'clock,

Early evening,

This not very large ramen shop was decorated in an antique style.

A chef in white was busy preparing noodles.

Lin Ye ordered the most common tonkotsu ramen, and Yanai ordered the same, but a medium portion with less noodles.

They were lucky,

A corner table had just been vacated, the waiter cleaned up and invited them to sit.

Yanai sat opposite Lin Ye, propping her chin with one hand, her feet occasionally lightly touching Lin Ye,

"Lin-kun, tell me why you like Yukino."

"Want to know?"

"Mm,"

"It's simple."

"What's the reason?"

Yanai slightly opened her eyes, curious.

"Love at first sight."

"Pfft hahaha..."

Yanai laughed heartily,

"Only you would dare say that in front of me, then... what about me?"

She touched her own face, smiling,

"Didn't you fall for me at first sight too?"

"Calm as ice, unshaken even if the sky falls."

"Then... what about those two beautiful girls? Could Lin-kun fall for them at first sight?"

Following Yanai's gestured gaze, Lin Ye looked over and saw two attractive women.

One was a cute girl with chestnut-colored long hair, the other a timid-looking girl with purple shoulder-length hair. Both noticed Lin Ye at the same time, their gazes fixed, frozen in place.

Fujibayashi Ryou and Nanase Ren had planned to hang out on Sunday, shopped all afternoon, and decided to eat at a famous ramen shop nearby. They never expected to see Lin Ye with a beautiful woman, waiting to dine alone.

Both remembered the weekend invitations they had extended to Lin Ye, which he had declined.

So it was a date with this woman!

Both couldn't help but show a bit of bitterness on their faces.

But Yanai's eyes lit up immediately.

There's definitely something going on here!

"You two, come here."

With that, Yanai immediately stood up and waved to them, making sure they were coming over before she sat back down next to Lin Ye, leaving the opposite seats for them.

"Two beauties, truly worthy of Lin-kun!"

At this moment,

Fujibayashi Kyou and Nanase Ren have arrived.

"Good evening, Lin-kun."

"Good evening."

Lin Ye gestured for the two to sit down.

Haruno warmly welcomed them, "What would you two like to eat? Today, my treat no, actually, let's have Lin-kun treat us today! What do you say, Lin-kun?"

"My treat."

"Lin-kun is so generous."

Fujibayashi Ryou and Nanase Ren each ordered a bowl of noodles.

Both girls were curious about the relationship between Lin Ye and this beautiful woman, but they weren't bold enough to ask directly.

"I am Yukinoshita Haruno, and my relationship with Lin-kun is... well, a pursuer, I suppose! I'm pursuing Lin-kun, but I keep getting rejected. I really wish to become Lin-kun's girlfriend someday!"

Both Fujibayashi Ryou and Nanase Ren showed expressions of surprise.

"He's my collaborator,"

"Fujibayashi Ryou, nice to meet you, Yukinoshita-san."

"I'm Nanase Ren, hello! Yukinoshita-san."

After the three of them introduced themselves, they engaged in some simple conversation.

"Both of you, how close are you with Lin-kun?"

What counts as close, and what doesn't?

"We're friends with Lin-kun,"

"Oh, just friends?"

"Yes."

Fujibayashi Ryou nodded, and Nanase Ren naturally didn't deny it either.

"Then, please help me! You must know Lin-kun better than I do. I want to pursue him, and if you help me, my chances of success will definitely skyrocket."

Help you?

Are you serious?

Nanase Ren silently lowered her gaze, unwilling to comply.

Fujibayashi Ryou also hesitated, "Well, this... this is something Yukinoshita-san should work on herself. We haven't actually known Lin-kun for very long,"

She was trying to refuse.

"Ah, what a pity."

Haruno's tone was filled with regret.

Meanwhile, Lin Ye, who had been eating his noodles and listening to the three girls' conversation, was instead curious about what new superpower would refresh tomorrow.

The passive X-ray vision of Yukinoshita Yukino would finally come to an end.

He just wondered if Yukinoshita Yukino would still go to Soubu High School tomorrow.

...

...

Week 3: Opportunistic Theft