Chapter 216 It feels a bit weird
By the time Zhao Yu and Youhua returned to the apartment, Shiori Nanamiya and the others had already left.

“It’s still so comfortable at home…” Yuhua couldn’t wait to adjust the air conditioner to a comfortable temperature, and lay on the sofa with her eyes closed.

“Are you going to school this afternoon?” Zhao Yu asked after putting down the lunch box in his hand.

“Let’s just take a day off today. There won’t be any problem with applying for early graduation anyway, so it’s okay to take a break for a while.” Yuka said lazily.

“Okay, I’ll go heat up the food, and then we can take a nap together. If you want to play games in the afternoon, I can accompany you.” Zhao Yu said.

“Thank you for your hard work, Yujun~ Love you!”

Youhua raised her hands and made a heart shape to Zhao Yu, who chuckled and walked towards the kitchen.

“By the way, since you are not going to use that quota, who will it be left for?” While heating the food, Zhao Yu suddenly remembered the study abroad quota that Youhua had just mentioned, and asked curiously as he poked his head out of the kitchen.

“Who else could it be? We can’t leave Shiori here alone when we leave, right? Of course it’s prepared for Shiori.” Yuka replied.

Now Shiori Nanamiya has no relationship with her father at all. If she still stays in Neon, it would be no different from being a complete stranger.

“You are really thoughtful.” Zhao Yu sighed. Even he only thought of giving Shiori Nanamiya a job in China, so he recommended Shiori Nanamiya to Li Qingwan and did not consider the issue of studying abroad at all.

“Yujun has done a good enough. Shiori trusts me so much, so of course I have to do something for her.” Yuhua said.

“Then tell her during dinner?”

“No need. I just sent a message to Shiori. She should have started studying hard and preparing for her application to study abroad.”

“Ok, then I don’t care.”

After knowing that Yuka had already communicated with Nanamiya Shiori, Zhao Yu stopped asking questions and started to work intently.

Next door, in Shiori Nanamiya’s apartment.

She was staring at the message from Yuka on her phone in a daze. This sudden new choice disrupted her original plans.

For Shiori Nanamiya, she felt that it was a very lucky thing for a girl who went to school in the worst district of Tokyo to be admitted to Ochanomizu.

She would rather take it slow and steady and get her diploma before reuniting with Youhua. She can take a leave of absence after all when she gets married.

As for Li Qingwan, she has never been short of time and money. Even if she returns to China, it will not be a problem for her to fly back.

Now that I have the option of studying abroad, I don’t have to be separated from Yuhua and the others.

Shiori Nanamiya looked up the schools in China that can accept international students. Unlike Japan, they all provide dormitories for international students, and the prices are cheaper than in Tokyo.

There is almost no harm in thinking this way. I just need to reply to Yuka that I agree to study in China, and Yuka will help me communicate with the teacher. However, Shiori Nanamiya still can’t make a decision.

Putting her phone on the table, Shiori Nanamiya stood up from her gaming chair. Why? Why couldn’t she respond to Yuka’s expectations? She must be very happy that she and Yuka can be inseparable again, right?
The air in the room was a little stuffy. Since she had been earning her own money since high school, Shiori Nanamiya had developed a habit of saving money. She would not turn on the air conditioner unless it was too hot.

She climbed onto the bed and opened the window. Warm air rushed in and the chirping of cicadas outside the window suddenly became louder. Shiori Nanamiya felt much more comfortable now. She squatted on the bed, thinking while looking around the bedroom.

This apartment is the largest house she has ever lived in, with two bedrooms and a spacious and bright living room.

Although I also lived in a two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment with my father, it also had the defect of being old. There was a lingering musty smell in the house every rainy season.

Even after moving to Bunkyo Ward, I still lived in a small apartment that didn’t even have windows, and I could see the end as soon as I opened the door.

Since she was a child, Shiori Nanamiya has always dreamed of having her own little home, with everything decorated in her favorite style.

Not only is the bedroom now free of the unpleasant musty smell, but the walls are also covered with her favorite light green wallpaper, which Li Qingwan picked specifically for her.

The computer on the desk next to her also comes with a white and green case. It can be said that Li Qingwan’s childhood dreams have all come true.

“It seems like the amount of things I owe her has increased without me noticing…” Shiori Nanamiya murmured to herself.

However, Li Qingwan didn’t seem to care about these things. She never talked to him about paying back the money. Even when she mentioned it, she only spoke in a joking tone, asking him not to bully her as her boss.

But Shiori Nanamiya never forgot her efforts, her increasingly skilled live streaming, and her tolerance of Li Qingwan’s little whims.

Unconsciously, Li Qingwan has become an inseparable part of Shiori Nanamiya, both in life and in other aspects.

But this is the problem, what would Li Qingwan think? She should be very happy, but is the reason for her happiness because she can return to China, or return to China with me?

Shiori Nanamiya seemed to have figured out her inner thoughts. She slowly moved her body, climbed down from the bed, walked to the computer desk beside her, and picked up the mobile phone she had just put down.

Opening the memo, there was a diary with photos of Li Qingwan.

(I met a new friend today, Zhao Yu introduced me to her. I saw her in Youhua’s live broadcast room. She’s not a very smart girl.)
(We went to Yuka’s deer farm. The girl looked like a little deer, silly, but her hair was so soft, more comfortable than a little deer…)
(I met that man. I didn’t expect that he would keep pestering me, but the girl who had always been bullied by me actually stood up for me. I never imagined that a little girl could have such great power. She beat up the man severely…)
(I owe her more and more. Recently, she has also paid the rent for the apartment. I want to do it myself, but she always finds a way to refuse me. How can she be so smart at this time? I feel a little annoyed.)
(Today she wanted me to wear a swimsuit, and I agreed, but I still couldn’t help but let her call me sister. I want a sister like her more and more. Her cat swimsuit is also very cute. I wanted to hug her and rub her head, but I held back…)
There were more and more photos and texts until the latest one, which was a swimsuit photo of himself and Li Qingwan.

“Would you like me to go?” For some unknown reason, Shiori Nanamiya spoke to Li Qingwan in the photo.

She knew that Li Qingwan absolutely supported her going to China, but Nanamiya Shiori didn’t want to tell her actively, but wanted Li Qingwan to tell her.

Li Qingwan’s mischievousness, Li Qingwan’s reliability, and her never-fading smile have occupied a very important position in Shiori Nanamiya’s heart.

Unlike Yuuka, she is more complicated, being both a friend and a family member, a boss and a sister.

But all these were just his inner thoughts. Although he could vaguely guess what Li Qingwan was thinking, he couldn’t be sure.

Nanamiya Shiori only wants one sentence now, and she wants Li Qingwan to say, “I hope you can go back to China with me.”

Maybe with this sentence, I will have a suitable reason to stay with her?

“After all, I just want to know what she thinks.” Shiori Nanamiya murmured to herself.

After walking out of the bedroom, she saw Li Qingwan who had fallen asleep while reading comics in the living room.

The little one curled up on the sofa with an unfinished comic book on his body. Shiori Nanamiya picked up the comic book, which seemed to be a girls’ comic about the friendship between two girls.

“Why have I been reading this kind of thing lately…” Putting the comic aside, Shiori Nanamiya picked up the air-conditioning quilt on the sofa.

The temperature in the living room was very low. This was Li Qingwan’s bad habit. As long as she had air conditioning, she would set the temperature very low, and then wrap herself in a blanket while reading comics or playing with her mobile phone.

According to her, “There are many people who waste money, and I have money, so why shouldn’t I waste money? Other richer families don’t turn off the faucets all year round, so they should be the ones to save money.”

Shiori Nanamiya always thought that this was a fallacy, but she had to admit that there was some truth in what Li Qingwan said. It was just that she was used to being frugal and couldn’t change it.

“You didn’t even cover yourself with a quilt when you fell asleep, and aren’t you afraid of catching a cold…” After covering Li Qingwan with the quilt, Shiori Nanamiya stared at her profile in a daze.

“Just like a cat…”

I couldn’t help but touch Li Qingwan’s head. The touch was so irresistible.

Nanamiya Shiori had the urge to call Li Qingwan up and ask her a question, but after hesitating for a moment, she held back.

Maybe with Li Qingwan’s carefree personality, she wouldn’t care at all whether I go or not?

Forget it. If she asks me, I will be ready to go to China. If she doesn’t ask, it’s okay to graduate here slowly.

At worst, I can just treat Li Qingwan as an ordinary friend and boss in the future.

“What a coward…” Shiori Nanamiya spoke softly with a self-deprecating smile.

—-

“Did Qigong reply to you?” After finishing his meal, Zhao Yu asked Youhua in his arms.

“It seems not yet, but I think Shiori won’t refuse, right? We can discuss the details with her in the evening.” Yuka said.

“Okay, then do you want to go shopping for groceries with me today?” Zhao Yu suggested.

“Why do you suddenly want to go shopping for groceries together?” Youhua rubbed Zhao Yu.

“Because the ladies around here are very curious about what that lovely fiancée I’ve been talking about looks like…” Zhao Yu said with a smile.

Cooking and buying groceries all the time made Zhao Yu familiar with the housewives nearby. These ladies all wanted to see what Youhua looked like in real life.

“You’re praising me outside again. What if others find out that what you said is not what you said and they are disappointed?”

“That’s impossible. Yuuka is the cutest girl in the world…”

“Really? You have to show off today.”

The two of them chatted while watching TV, and time soon passed into the afternoon. The enthusiasm of the housewives made Youhua a little overwhelmed. She didn’t expect that everyone would like her so much, and they kept praising Zhao Yu in front of her. Youhua felt that her fiancé was finally discovered by others. She was very proud for a while.

After returning home, she not only took the initiative to help Zhao Yu cook, but also started to give Zhao Yu a massage after finishing the meal.

“Tsk tsk tsk, as soon as I come in I see you two showing your affection, are you comfortable, Brother Yu?” Li Qingwan, who had already woken up, pushed open the door at dinner time, and asked Zhao Yu who was squinting his eyes and enjoying himself.

“It’s comfortable… I feel like this life is worth it.” Zhao Yu answered while making a comfortable sound.

“It’s not that exaggerated.” Youhua patted Zhao Yu lightly.

“Do you need my help serving the dishes?” At this time, Nanamiya Shiori asked.

“The dishes are already on the table. Change your shoes and wash your hands, then we can eat.” Zhao Yu pointed to the dining table.

“Got it, right away!” Li Qingwan couldn’t wait to go into the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, several people put their hands together, said “I’m starting”, and started to eat dinner.

“Um, Shiori, did you receive the message I sent you?” Yuka asked while eating.

“Got it.” Shiori Nanamiya raised her head and glanced at Li Qingwan who was still eating.

“So what do you think?” Yuka spoke again.

“What news? What have you done without telling me?” Only then did Li Qingwan react.

“It’s about studying abroad? Didn’t Qigong tell you?” Zhao Yu looked at Li Qingwan in confusion.

“About studying abroad? How come I don’t know anything about it?” Li Qingwan looked at Nanamiya Shiori and spoke.

“Nothing, let’s talk about it after dinner.” Shiori Nanamiya said expressionlessly.

Zhao Yu and Youhua vaguely felt that the atmosphere was not right, so they did not continue to ask questions, but ate in silence.

After dinner, Youhua found an excuse and went to the kitchen to wash dishes with Zhao Yu. Only Li Qingwan and Nanamiya Shiori were left in the living room.

“Now can you tell me what it’s like to study abroad?” Li Qingwan said to Nanamiya Shiori who was sitting opposite her.

“The school has a place for studying abroad in China, and Yuka said she would give it to me.” Shiori Nanamiya spoke concisely.

As expected, Youhua mentioned studying abroad, and Xiaowan also asked about it. So… would she think the same as I did?

“That’s great, we can go back to China together. This way it will be more convenient for you to live broadcast, and I won’t have to run back and forth.” Li Qingwan was overjoyed.

“Is that all?” A trace of disappointment appeared on Shiori Nanamiya’s face.

This guy’s mind is really full of live broadcasting. Why can’t he be happy just because I’m there?

Thinking of this, Shiori Nanamiya felt a little annoyed. She felt like she always took things for granted.

“But I think even if I review, I may not be able to meet the application requirements. It’s better for me to graduate normally from school.” said Shiori Nanamiya.

“??? Why does Shiori think so? The standards for studying abroad should be pretty good, right? As long as she’s serious about it, there’s no problem. If she doesn’t go, she’ll have to stay in Japan alone for at least another year…” Yuka, who was eavesdropping, couldn’t help but want to go out.

“Wait a minute!” Zhao Yu grabbed Youhua.

“Things may not be that simple. Let’s see…”

The careful Zhao Yu discovered that Shiori Nanamiya had been shaking her legs nervously. It seemed that although she said so, she probably didn’t think so in her heart.

“Huh?! Why?! If Shiori wants to do it, she can definitely do it, right?” Li Qingwan widened her eyes.

“But what’s the reason?” Nanamiya Shiori and Li Qingwan looked at each other.

“You can stay in China with our friends and we don’t need to separate. Isn’t this reason enough?” Li Qingwan said.

“Not enough. The school will have holidays, and I can come to see you during the holidays. Besides, I am already very skilled in live broadcasting, so it will be no problem even if Xiaowan is not around.” said Shiori Nanamiya.

“What about Yuuka’s wedding?”

“I can take a leave, it’s totally fine…”

“So you mean you don’t need me anymore?”

The tension between the two was getting worse and worse, and Li Qingwan seemed a little angry.

“It’s not that I don’t need it. You and Yuka have given so much for me. I don’t want to continue to accept your help with a clear conscience. You must give me a chance to develop myself and work hard to repay you, right?” said Shiori Nanamiya.

“It’s okay to go to China? There will be more opportunities, and you can also interact with your fans offline.” Li Qingwan retorted.

“But you will continue to help me, right? Just like providing me with a new apartment now, I don’t know when I can pay you back.” said Shiori Nanamiya.

That’s why I couldn’t make a decision. We’re just friends and subordinates. Is it really worth it for you to do this? At least… at least give me a reason to accept it with peace of mind, right?
“In other words, do you think that the fact that I bought you a new apartment and provided you with live broadcast equipment is a burden?” Li Qingwan looked at Nanamiya Shiori in confusion.

Don’t you understand what she’s thinking? Li Qingwan did this just because Qigong Shizhi was different from others, at least in her heart.

“No, I don’t feel like it’s a burden.” Shiori Nanamiya explained, and then she continued speaking word by word.

“It’s just that I need a reason to accept it with peace of mind.”

Sure enough, this girl was too slow… When the conversation really started, Nanamiya Shiori no longer hesitated. She felt that she probably couldn’t wait for Li Qingwan to think of it herself, so she decided to take the initiative, even if the result was not what she wanted.

“Reason?”

Li Qingwan lowered her head, and at the same time, Nanamiya Shiori’s heart was also hanging. She waited anxiously for Li Qingwan’s answer.

“In fact, I just regarded Shiori as an ordinary friend at the beginning, but… although you always like to bully me, you also tolerate my willfulness.”

“I know Shiori will feel bad that I always help you when you haven’t done anything, but I regard you as the most important person, so I want to give you the best.”

“I always say I’m your boss, but I never treat you as an employee. I cherish friends like you.”

Apart from Yuka, perhaps only Shiori Nanamiya would be so nice to me, and it’s not just for my money. But although Yuka is a good person, she also has a life with Zhao Yu, and sometimes she doesn’t pay attention to her friend’s feelings.

But Shiori Nanamiya is different. She has always been paying attention to herself. In Shiori Nanamiya’s heart, she is very special, and Li Qingwan knows this very well.

“If Shiori really wants a reason, then… I hope you can stay with me forever. Is this reason enough?”

“You think it doesn’t matter, the distance between the two sides can be bridged with just a plane ticket, but I don’t want to be separated from you!”

Li Qingwan no longer concealed her inner feelings and spoke out her true thoughts.

“I see…” Shiori Nanamiya finally smiled. All the worries in her heart disappeared, replaced by a feeling of happiness.

“So, Shiori, do you still want to stay in Neon until you graduate?” Li Qingwan asked cautiously.

“Since you said so, it’s time for me to work hard. After all, there’s nothing I can do if you can’t live without me.” said Shiori Nanamiya.

Now I finally got the reason I wanted. I couldn’t leave her, and she couldn’t leave me either…

“But I will still repay you for your help, it’s just that the period will be longer.”

“It’s okay. It’s not a big amount of money. You’ll get better slowly…”

Hearing what Nanamiya Shiori said, Li Qingwan waved her hand indifferently. When she paid the money, she didn’t think about Nanamiya Shiori paying it back. The only person she cared about was Nanamiya Shiori.

“The deadline is just until you get tired of me, okay?” asked Shiori Nanamiya.

Wait? What does this mean? Li Qingwan’s face suddenly turned red, and she couldn’t help but start to think wildly.

“Is it okay?” Shiori Nanamiya asked again.

“Of course! Then you should be prepared to pay off the debt for your whole life!” Li Qingwan stuttered.

For a moment, the atmosphere changed from being full of gunpowder to being subtle.

“It feels a little weird?” Yuhua looked at the two blushing girls with some confusion.

“What’s strange about this? It’s obviously fine, isn’t it?” Zhao Yu was smiling. He seemed to understand how Li Qingwan felt about him and Youhua.

(End of this chapter)