Why was I assigned to be a horse girl?

But upon entering Hitoko's room, they found the bed covered with Hitoko's winning outfit that she had just taken off, as well as her underwear that she had worn that day.

In this situation, Kotobuki Toru was in an awkward position if he touched her, but it would be even more awkward if he didn't touch her and just went to sleep with her... After struggling for a while, Kotobuki Toru finally gave in and had no choice but to return to his room. He used the excuse that "the room fee is non-refundable and it would be a loss if I didn't sleep with her" to send Hitoko Amber back home.

After all that commotion, Hitoko Amber finally fell asleep, but Kotobuki Toru was filled with unease. After spending the day together, he vaguely sensed a change in Hitoko Amber.

She said she wanted to live as a racehorse girl completely, and it seems she wasn't just saying it casually.

In terms of lifestyle, in order not to appear too strange, Hitoko Amber used to behave and speak like an ordinary girl, so there was no change in her lifestyle.

Kotobuki Toru also realized... what had truly changed was Hitoko's attitude and the way Hitoko treated people.

Emotions and feelings of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness became more outwardly expressed...

Especially feelings like "joy".

The impression given is that, "Since she's already a Uma Musume (horse girl), it's perfectly normal for her to fall in love with someone."

And after she has repeatedly mentioned that she wants to live as a horse girl, Hitokohaku's attitude towards her is still so intimate...

So, could it really be that Hitotsu Amber's "liking" is directed towards herself?

This was a reaction made even though the other party had no idea about his family background...

Do I really have that kind of charm?

Thinking about this problem... Kotobuki Toru couldn't sleep all night.

……

The next day, the two returned to Sapporo together, and Kotobuki Toru threw dice for the entire train journey... it's unclear what he was trying to divine.

Fei Tu Hu Po continued to sleep soundly until she got off the bus.

As soon as they got off the bus, the enthusiastic people of Sapporo surrounded them, calling out the name of Hitoko Amber.

Some people were even holding faded takeout orders in their hands, on which the name of Fei Tu Hu Po could still be faintly seen.

To everyone's surprise, these fans actually brought out takeout orders from six months ago and asked Hito Amber for her autograph... These fans know how to keep souvenirs. What autographs or photos can compare to "Hito Amber delivered takeout to me"?

After interacting with fans for a while, the two managed to slip away by making excuses about needing a rest and having urgent business. They saw a special car sent by Hokkaido University to pick them up parked at the exit. As soon as they got in the car, they were taken to a hotel, where a celebratory banquet had already been prepared. The two sat down and began to eat and drink.

The head of Kotobuki Toru's department personally led a group of Kotobuki Toru's classmates to offer a toast, a gesture that is extremely rare in Japan where seniority and hierarchy are clearly defined.

Therefore, even someone like Hitoko Amber, who doesn't understand drinking culture, could tell that Hokkaido University probably really cherishes the koto as a treasure.

Kotobuki Toru has always been the type of person who responds better to gentle persuasion than force. Faced with everyone's sincerity, Kotobuki Toru responded by raising his glass, finishing a whole sake cup at a time, showing his utmost sincerity.

Even those fellow students who don't know much about drinking can tell that Kotobuki Toru's alcohol tolerance is actually quite extraordinary...

Then, everyone got drunk by Fei Tu Hu Po, who looked delicate and had nothing to do with alcohol.

After all, the pretty girl came up with a bottle of wine, filled it to the brim, and then said, "I'll drink it all, you can drink as you like," tilting her head back and chugging it down without spilling a drop.

Even the jewel of Sapporo is drinking like this, so if we don't, we'll really be disrespecting everyone...

So, by the end, only Fei Tu Hu Po was still sitting at the table, and she ate all the dishes on the table.

The saying "the best defense is the best offense" seems to have been something that Hitoko Amber learned without being taught.

The next day, Sapporo Tressen took the initiative to treat everyone to dinner... and while doing so, he was thinking of ways to poach people from Central Tressen.

On the third day, Venus's staff member, who was also the manager of the floral clothing store who had "returned to Sapporo from a business trip," took the initiative to call and invite Kotobuki Toru and Hisa Kohaku to dinner.

On the fourth day, Shinichi Kotobuki, the head of the external publicity department of the Kotobuki Foundation, arrived in Sapporo... Without any sense of boundaries, he carried a suitcase and, accompanied by a chef, found the residence of Hitoko and Kotobuki Toru.

-----

The second update is here!

Please please please please

Chapter 312 Don't drink too much, or you'll be too young to drink...

In Hitotsu Kohaku's eyes, Shinichi Kotobuki was simply a weird uncle with an extreme lack of boundaries.

When other companies and departments invite guests, they make careful preparations in advance, and only after everything is arranged do they formally invite her and Kotobuki Toru to the event via text message or phone.

The man simply called Fei Tu Hu Po to ask where she lived.

When she answered the phone, Hitoko thought the older man would send a car to pick her up. However, after Shinichi Kotobuki found out that she was living with Toru Kotobuki, he not only didn't send a car, but also brought a chef to her door...

"Congratulations! You two are truly the best newcomers!"

Before even stepping into the room, Shinichi Kotobuki opened his arms and gave Toru Kotobuki a warm hug, his broad hands patting Toru Kotobuki's back with a "crackling" sound.

Kotobuki Toru didn't resist too much, reaching out to hug her back and pushing the bank card that Kotobuki Shinichi had forcibly shoved into her back...

"Tsk, you haven't changed at all, you little rascal."

“I have a salary now, I don’t need this money.” Kotobuki Toru led Kotobuki Shinichi into the room and said casually, “The room isn’t very tidy, please find a place to sit.”

Shinichi Kotobuki was stunned as soon as he entered the room: "Uh, I thought you were just being modest... but it turns out you really didn't clean the room much?"

"You'll have to get used to it yourself. Who told you to wear a suit?"

"Doesn't this show that I value you all?"

Shinichi Kotobuki was dressed in a suit and tie as usual, and on the surface he looked every bit the gentleman. But standing in this slightly messy room, his demeanor was completely out of place with the environment, and he looked quite awkward.

In the corner, two bedding sheets were casually rolled into two balls, like two lazy, curled-up cats. Near the window, various kinds of writing materials were piled up, and empty ballpoint pens were gathered together, as if silently telling the story of the user's diligence.

However, mixed in with the ballpoint pens were a few thin lipsticks and lip glosses, which looked like they were for makeup beginners or people who didn't really need to wear makeup... It was probably when Fei Tu Hu Po was free, she asked him to help her apply some lipstick.

Clothes were piled up like mountains on the side closest to the restroom and hallway.

The gorgeous and expensive Venus dress was neatly folded, one piece on top of another, next to a variety of socks: pantyhose, stockings, knee-high socks, calf socks, black and white mixed together, casually rolled into a ball, like a group of soft and cute little animals nestled there.

Closest to the bathroom, piles of clothes awaited washing, men's suits and girls' soft dresses intertwined, and just looking at them, the air seemed to be filled with a subtle, ambiguous atmosphere.

In this not-so-spacious room, the two distinct yet intertwined living areas excited even the old man, Shinichi Kotobuki.

Looking at Kotobuki Toru and Hitoko Amber, who were helping the chef move kitchen utensils and ingredients... Kotobuki Shinichi really wanted to take out a UV lamp and shine it on that pile of clothes that had been changed.

As a businessman who frequently needs to verify the authenticity of documents and banknotes, carrying a UV lamp with him has become a habit.

In addition to identifying anti-counterfeiting watermarks, ultraviolet lamps can also clearly illuminate various bodily fluids. Whether it's blood or any other liquid, they will emit a special fluorescence under ultraviolet light...

If the two were truly inseparable, there would be all sorts of marks on their clothes, even on the floor and the glass.

After much deliberation, Shinichi Kotobuki decided against it... He wasn't even sure he could beat Kotobuki right now, let alone with Hisu Kohaku in tow.

If he and the chef were together, they'd probably be picked up by Hitoshi Amber and thrown out with one hand...

Before long, the professional chef quickly got to work, the fire was blazing, the wok was hot, and amidst the sizzling of oil, the aroma of fresh and delicious food filled the air, smelling like authentic Chinese cuisine.

Shinichi Kotobuki took out some sake from the wooden box and asked, "These past few days... you guys seem to have been invited to parties and celebrations everywhere, so you must have eaten and drunk quite a bit. Why don't you skip the drinking today?"

Kotobuki Toru stared in shock at his father, who seemed to have undergone a complete personality change: "What? Has the sun risen in the west?"

"I'm just taking care of the younger generation, aren't I?" Shinichi Kotobuki waved his hand. "Anyway, we'll have plenty of opportunities in the future... well, there will always be opportunities to get together."

"No need, no need! I'm fine!"

Hitotsu Amber gracefully walked to Kotobuki Toru's side, plopped down, and looked like she couldn't wait any longer.

Even though everyone was eating at a square table specifically for tatami mats, which was more than enough for one person to sit on one side, Hitoko insisted on sitting right next to Kotobuki Toru, even squeezing Kotobuki Toru to the side by a large distance... The two of them were so close together, almost touching, sitting face to face with Kotobuki Shinichi.

Looking at the handsome man and beautiful woman who seemed to be a perfect match, Shinichi Kotobuki poured himself a full glass of wine and raised it up cheerfully: "Hehehe, there have been so many happy things lately! I'll drink this first! You guys can do as you please."

"Wait a minute...we haven't finished pouring yet."

Kotobuki Toru sighed softly, glancing at the overly excited old man, and quietly nudged Hitoko Amber's arm with his elbow.

As her partner, Hitotsu Amber instantly understood what Kotobuki Toru meant. She blinked her pale gold eyes twice and asked in a very soft voice, "Hey, Toru... are you sure you can handle this? I know you can hold your liquor well... but these past few days you've been going out for business during the day and staying up late writing your thesis at night. Be careful not to die young... Of course, if you ruin your health, you might also experience premature ejaculation or something."

"Pah, can't you say something auspicious...?"

Kotobuki Toru rubbed his face, which was covered in dark circles. "They've come knocking on my door today... I still have to drink this time, I absolutely have to drink."

For so many years, or more precisely, since I was admitted to university, this is the first time I've been able to sit down and have a drink with my father in a calm and peaceful manner.

Seeing Kotobuki Toru's affirmative expression, Hitobuki Amber didn't ask any more questions or say anything... She gently picked up her wine glass and poured half of the wine into Kotobuki Toru's glass.

This could be considered a kind of sharing a drink. In ancient times, unmarried men and women doing this would have been punished by being drowned in a pig cage... It's quite ambiguous.

My own father is still sitting across from me, watching!

"Cough cough, Amber, couldn't you just pour me a glass? Do I have to snatch it from under your nose?"

"Hey... really, don't drink too much. I don't think your body can handle it." Hibiki Amber shook her head and tail together in protest. "I have this ominous feeling, the kind of intuition that comes from a woman and a racehorse girl..."

"It's alright, it's alright!" Kotobuki Toru raised his glass. "Come on, cheers, let's celebrate winning the Satsuki Prize!"

---------

The first update is here!

Please please please please

Chapter 313 Shocking Change

After several rounds of toasts and exchanges, the atmosphere at the small table of three became quite lively...

The main conversation was between Shinichi Kotobuki and Toru Kotobuki. As the saying goes, a smile can dispel all grudges, especially since the two are father and son. Through Toru Kotobuki's previous phone call, their relationship has basically been reconciled.

So, taking advantage of this opportunity, Shinichi Kotobuki started chatting enthusiastically at the dinner table, asking all sorts of stories about Kotobuki Toru's student days that he had missed over the years. What was originally a drinking party to celebrate the Satsuki Award for Hitoko Kohaku unknowingly turned into a heart-to-heart talk between father and son.

To Shinichi Kotobuki's surprise and satisfaction, Hito Kohaku was not the type to be unhappy if her limelight was stolen.

He didn't say a word the whole time, nor was he in a hurry. He just sat quietly next to Qin Chuitou, occasionally raising his glass to toast everyone, and sometimes pouring drinks for Qin Chuitou. The rest of the time he ate in silence.

When Hitotsu Amber is not talking or making a mistake... she is actually quite virtuous.

However, it's also possible that the dishes prepared by the head chef today were far more appealing to Hitotsu Kohaku than the content of Kotobuki Toru and Kotobuki Shinichi's conversation.

Today, the head chef is preparing Sichuan cuisine, a style of Chinese cuisine that is both spicy and flavorful, with a rich and savory taste. This is a rare and highly sought-after dish in Japan, where the palate is generally mild.

It is said that spiciness is also a form of pain, and racehorse girls have a very high pain tolerance, so Hito Kohaku was eating with great relish, her chopsticks and little mouth never stopping.

Kotobuki Toru tried a bite of the boiled pork slices, and his face immediately contorted: "Um, while I don't doubt the chef's professionalism, isn't this dish a bit too spicy? Amber, can you handle it?"

With its amber cheeks puffed out like a hamster hoarding nuts in its mouth to prepare for winter, the Scarlet Amber said, "I think it tastes delicious... I even have a strange feeling of familiarity with it, I feel like my ancestors ate this dish..."

Well, Kotobuki Toru is still worried about whether Hitoko can handle it, but Hitoko has already started to taste the flavors of home in Sichuan cuisine.

Shinichi Kotobuki took a sip of his drink: "It's been raining a lot lately, and according to what we say in China, the humidity is really high... So I specially treated everyone to Sichuan cuisine to get rid of the dampness, especially you, Trainer Kotobuki, you should eat more."

Qin Chui Tou put a few pieces of spicy chicken into his bowl, looking puzzled: "Why should I eat more?"

"I feel like there's something missing inside you, a spark..."

"Ha, I'm not a child, why would I need so much fire? It's flammable and explosive..."

From a young age, he taught Kotobuki Toru that as a scion of a noble family, he should remain calm in the face of adversity and not change his expression even if Mount Tai collapses before him.

Kotobuki Toru did develop a calm and unhurried temperament during high school, but when Kotobuki Toru came of age, Kotobuki Shin was about to teach him what it meant to strike when the time was right and to attack with fiery speed... the kid simply ran away from home, leaving him unable to make up for this missed lesson.

However, because the zither music, though deeply ingrained, lacks that offensive and restless "fire," he can only watch helplessly from here.

However, from the perspective of the elders, Hitotsu Amber is actually quite good. Unlike Donna, who has hundreds of crooked ideas in her mind, she is cute and has a simple family background.

Of course, to put it in a somewhat hellish way, Hitotsu Amber actually has no family background at all... Such a child is actually the type that elders feel most sorry for.

If Kotobuki Toru weren't still hiding something from Hitokohaku, even if Hitokohaku and Kotobuki Toru might part ways in the future, Shinichi Kotobuki would still try his best to help Hitokohaku in every way.

Hitoko Amber felt a little awkward under Kotobuki Shinichi's gaze and quickly put down her chopsticks: "Um, Uncle... why are you staring at me like that?"

"You look familiar..." Shinichi Kotobuki chuckled. "What do you think of me, Kohaku?"

"Uncle, you're a really good person... You're impeccable when it comes to getting things done and diplomacy."

Hibiki Amber gently nibbled at the rim of her wine glass with her teeth, making a "crunching" sound. "But I just have a feeling of dislike, even a bit of hostility, towards you..."

"Ah...why is this happening?"

Shinichi Kotobuki took a big gulp of bitter sake. Being described in this way by a beautiful young woman, Shinichi Kotobuki truly felt as if the bitter sake was going down his throat and his heart was aching.

"I don't know... just go with your gut feeling. Of course, Tou Tou didn't care about my gut feeling at all just now, so you don't have to care about it either. My rational mind still thinks you're a good person."

As she spoke, Hitoko Amber raised the corners of her mouth at Kotobuki Shinichi, preparing to show this middle-aged man a pretty and cute smile.

"Um, Little Amber, could you please stop saying you think I'm pretty good while you're baring your teeth and breathing on me?"

Shinichi Kotobuki could tell that Hitsukohaku was actually preparing to give him a friendly smile or something, but the moment her lips curled up, her smile turned into a grin...