My System Always Wants to Force Me to Confess-Chapter 284 - 282: 10,000 Reasons to Beat You

The shopping proposal from Tsukimi Sakurazawa never materialized. Taking advantage of some free time, Higashino Rin, accompanied by Shirakawa Sawahei, bought some gifts and visited their elderly landlady to thank her for her care.

Asano Nazuki wanted to tag along, but unfortunately, Shirakawa Sawahei coldly rejected everyone, going to the old lady’s house with Higashino Rin alone.

During the conversation, the elderly landlady once again expressed her admiration and praise for Shirakawa Sawahei, sighing about the excellent family upbringing of the Shirakawa family, noting their manners and maturity in dealing with others. Higashino Rin simply nodded repeatedly, beaming with joy.

Ever since her brother passed away, she had been worried that this sole male of the Shirakawa family might go astray. Having him come to the big city to study was more of a concern than a joy. After all, there are many examples showing how easily one can go down the wrong path outside. It might be better to study at an ordinary high school in a small town and peacefully live out one’s life.

She had thought about it and even had heated discussions with her husband at the time. Looking back now, those concerns seem to have vanished, leaving only relief.

Thankfully, she made the right gamble back then; Sawahei not only didn’t go astray, but he also corrected many previous mistakes and became much more mature.

Thinking of this, Higashino Rin couldn’t help but glance at Shirakawa Sawahei, her eyes full of comfort.

The next day, Shirakawa Sawahei took Higashino Rin to the station. Before parting, Higashino Rin earnestly urged him, although it was just trivial matters, he didn’t show any impatience.

"Sawahei, studying hard is good, but you must take care of your health, especially breakfast, never forget it. If you study too late at night, have a little something... Winter is coming, keep warm. If you can’t afford winter clothing, write back and say so directly. Occasionally, we’ll call you from town. If you’re busy and miss it, no need to call back..."

The earnest teachings of elders might seem trivial when you’re young, but as you grow, you begin to understand the sincerity behind their words. Shirakawa Sawahei understood this, so he always interacted with Higashino Rin with respect.

"I understand. I’ll take good care of myself."

"That’s good..."

Higashino Rin hesitated for a moment, then couldn’t help but say, "Although I might sound naggy, you’re of age now, Sawahei. As long as it doesn’t seriously affect your studies, it’s okay to date..."

"..."

Shirakawa Sawahei felt a bit speechless, thinking his aunt might have been brainwashed by a little girl, persuading him to date her.

But this is also because of the Neon trend. They don’t see dating as something monstrous; some people start dating in junior high, and parents don’t mind much. Under such social customs, the term ’premature dating’ doesn’t even exist.

"Will you come back this New Year?"

"Yes, I couldn’t make it back last year, I’m very sorry."

"It’s okay... Last year you just came to the city, returning might have made you looked down upon..." Higashino Rin added, "Your uncle and I originally thought about asking you to stay in the city..."

"Well..." Higashino Rin’s tone suddenly became slightly awkward. Looking elsewhere, she said somewhat unnaturally, "If things go well... bringing a girlfriend home for New Year would also be okay..."

"I think... that girl named Tsukimi Sakurazawa is pretty nice..."

"Of course, this is just your aunt’s opinion, don’t worry about it much, make your own decision... The train is here, I’ll be going..."

Shirakawa Sawahei stood there, dazed, watching Higashino Rin’s slightly hurried back, feeling a bit confused...

What’s going on? Isn’t this supposed to be the little girl’s assist? How did it end up passing to Tsukimi Sakurazawa?

Could it be that the whimpering monster bribed the referee?

With these doubts, Shirakawa Sawahei turned to go home and ask the whimpering monster. His goal in sending Higashino Rin off was already achieved — just as she turned to leave, Shirakawa Sawahei had slipped the prepared envelope into her bag. She would probably discover the money when she bought her ticket.

Shirakawa Sawahei was short on cash, but the Higashino family needed it even more. He still had many opportunities to earn money, while the other side was diligently working to support his studies. If he didn’t leave the money he saved for them, Shirakawa Sawahei felt his conscience wouldn’t be clear.

It seems it’s time for him to find a way to make some money, not only to feed himself but also to help the Higashino family! When the New Year comes, if he can’t bring a girlfriend back, he’ll bring enough money!

Before, he couldn’t pass the hurdle of relatives, so he didn’t consider them in his goal-setting. Now that he received their recognition, it’s not for anything else, but for the righteous and kindhearted character of this family, Shirakawa Sawahei is determined to help them out of poverty!

He walked with new-found confidence in his stride, seemingly having a new target in his eyes — not only to get into an excellent higher institution but also to accumulate wealth as much as possible, so the kind Higashino family can have a better life.

Back home, Shirakawa Sawahei immediately saw the usual lazy Ise Yu lounging on the sofa and casually went over to flick her dangling white leg, making the girl sit up.

"Eek~ Shirakawa, what are you doing?"

"Have you finished your manga draft? Just watching TV here."

"I finished it."

Shirakawa Sawahei paused, feeling slightly unconvinced, "Then have you finished your homework?"

"Shirakawa, did you forget? You already made me finish it before." The skiving girl puffed her cheeks, looking like a sulky little toad.

"Did you take out the kitchen trash?"

"I threw it out before you got back."

"What about the trash in your own room?"

"That’s out too. I also managed to clean up a bit."

"..."

It seemed he was at a bit of a loss with the skiving girl, so Shirakawa Sawahei calmly pinched the cheeks of the little toad that puffed up again.

"You’ve been too well-behaved today. I suspect something’s up."

The skiving girl: ???

"Shirakawa! You’re a devil!"

Ignoring Ise Yu’s existential questioning, Shirakawa Sawahei walked to the refrigerator and took out a box of barley tea while skillfully changing the topic, "Why did you finish your draft so quickly this time?"

The cute little Ise Yu rubbed her cheek, slightly displeased, "Come on... I’ve always been the diligent type; it’s just Shirakawa’s a bit biased against me."

"Heh heh."

"What is that! What kind of expression is that, Shirakawa! Damn it! Take it back!" The skiving girl angrily declared, "It’s my first time collaborating with Miss Morihara; of course, I wanted to make a good impression!"

"So after you submit the draft, how soon can it be published?"

"That I’m not too sure about... Miss Morihara said she’d arrange it as soon as possible because she’s very confident in my manga~"

"What kind of manga did you draw?"

"It’s about a poor scholar and a cold, arrogant genius loli!"

"So, what do you think? Doesn’t it sound intriguing just by hearing it?"

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