People in Tokyo, the world is clear

Wow.

It's so disgusting just thinking about it.

So even though there was indeed no problem from the other party's point of view, out of sympathy for Miss Ito, in the eyes of Lin Sen, whose head was controlled by his butt, the two people sitting opposite him suddenly became hateful.

Listen to what is said:

"Although I know you might not be suited to this kind of intense work, Xiguo, you should still try harder."

"After all, a long-term contract with a company is a guarantee of a foothold in society. The economy has been so good in recent years, and if you work for a few more years in such a good company, your future will be very good."

"If it really doesn't work, you can contact me. I have some connections with the people in that company, and I can at least help Xiguo by asking for favors."

"How did it become like this... Sigh."

Not to mention the ear-piercing "Xiguo" sounds, the tone alone is enough to raise one's blood pressure.

Wow, that's really not true.

Lin Sen knew this person's identity from Miss Ito.

We grew up together, just older. Do you really think you're a relative or elder on a brotherly level? And what about "try harder" and "have a say"? Are you kidding me?

Unfortunately, any rebuttals tend to be too personal and can only be kept to oneself.

What made Lin Sen even more restless was the reaction of the girl next to him.

She really lowered her head like a younger sister and endured this seemingly mild lecture, curling up like a kitten without saying a word.

In an instant, the image of myself curled up in a chair on a rainy night two months ago kept flashing before my eyes.

For some reason, I felt a pang of sadness for her.

There was even a sound of admonitions continuing in my ears.

"How about this? I think I have some university friends who have some connections. Can I ask around for Xiguo?"

"You're not a child anymore, Xiguo. You still have to work hard for the adult world."

!

This sentence, I really can't stand it.

Lin Sen no longer cared about the little hand that had been pulling his sleeve hard to suppress it, and put his hands directly on the table.

I took a deep breath, looking at the surprised and curious eyes of the two people at the opposite table.

"I feel I have to be fair."

"Actually, I think Ito is doing pretty well the way he is now."

Chapter 43: Life Management Mentor

Lin Sen doesn't consider himself a man of eloquence.

But the remembered experience helped unlock a skill.

Lin Sen is good at shutting up those who attack him with idle looks and gossip - that was the beginning of his career in his previous life.

I thought these skills should be buried in the ground and collect dust, but I didn't expect that I would have to dig them out and use them now.

Thus, in the course of a theoretical exposition that was mixed with realism, open-mindedness, and accuracy mixed with rambling, the two people sitting opposite each other gradually showed expressions of mental overload.

As I mentioned earlier, East Asian society has pathologically tied work to seriousness. From birth, we navigate classrooms filled with complex and difficult knowledge points, until grades and GPAs are etched on our minds, fitting like parts into a machine of rules known as seniority and order. Consequently, the weak, unable to blend in with the turbulent times, are scorned, and those who fall behind and don't fit in are considered idlers. Consequently, whether or not we achieve the right things at the right time—for example, whether or not we have a serious job in adulthood—becomes the sole criterion for judging whether an ordinary person has lived up to their life.

"But people can't be generalized. I admit that acquiring a wealth of knowledge can help shape a good personality, and I believe a stable job can help one better navigate life. But not everyone is ultimately suited to the mammoth machine of society. If you find yourself forced into a job you can't handle, it's better to give up."

"As Malinowski said, one of the most important forms of work is rest. You two clearly don't understand the intensity of Ito's work, but as a neighbor, I've seen it with my own eyes. He returns home late every night. His body is weakened by long hours of overtime, and he's always getting sick with the changing seasons. If this continues, I'd rather not do this kind of work."

The man sitting opposite her opened his eyes wide at the patchwork of bluffing theories and the accurate information about Ms. Ito's current situation.

He first glanced at Lin Sen in surprise, then turned his gaze to the girl who was about to lie on the table to hide herself.

"Is that so, Ito?"

"Uh-huh..."

Ms. Ito nodded.

For some reason, the girl's expression was a little strange, as if she was overwhelmed by some complex emotions and could only lower her head to hide it.

Lin Sen felt a little worried.

"I see. I've never heard you say that before."

The man scratched his head embarrassedly. "It's my fault too. I should have asked my friends there more often about your situation."

Just as he was about to say a few more words, he was interrupted again by the young man who suddenly interrupted him.

"I don't think it's necessary."

Lin Sen snatched the empty cup in front of the other person, filled it with water like the owner of the house, and pushed it back. "Ito also has the right to maintain his privacy. Can I follow Ito and call you Brother Dongcao?"

"Ah, of course."

"Togusa-san's behavior isn't very nice. Ito has her own life. Since Togusa-san has already made her own choices, there's no need to interfere and mess up her life. Do you think what I said makes sense?"

"Hiss... Yeah."

The man, who was in deep thought, pinched his chin, and for some reason an expression of interest appeared on his face - towards Lin Sen.

"Xiaolin, you are right."

He first nodded calmly to show his agreement and also showed an attitude of being willing to communicate, which made Lin Sen look at him differently.

Although I feel some hostility towards this person from my own perspective, objectively speaking, he is easier to talk to than I imagined.

So I calmed down and waited for the other party's subsequent remarks.

"However, I have some considerations of my own that I need to confirm with Ito. Kobayashi, could you wait with me for a moment for Ito's answer?"

"...Can."

Having said that, Lin Sen couldn't bring himself to take the lead anymore.

He tried his best to do what he wanted to do - trying to help the girl get rid of the shadow of the "unrequited lover" opposite her, as she called him, and to distance herself from him, but in the final analysis, the last few steps needed to be taken by Miss Ito herself.

So the pressure fell on the girl who remained silent.

Under Lin Sen's gaze, she clenched her fists slightly under the table and kept her head down.

Until the man sitting opposite spoke.

"Ito, you now feel that you are no longer a child who needs to be taken care of, but an adult, right?"

Then, the girl in sight took a deep breath.

"Yes."

it is good!

This answer made Lin Sen tap his thigh subtly.

Then, the next question:

"So, as an adult, after leaving a job that wasn't suitable for you, does Ito have any plans for the future?"

"At present, I have decided on my future with my friends."

"."

Brother Dongcao opened his lazy eyes slightly.

His eyes gradually became clear and serious, and he glanced at Lin Sen beside the girl.

"Well, as someone who considers myself your elder, Xiguo, I have a few questions I'd like to know. First, regarding the future, if things don't go well, do you have a plan for a fallback? Second, are you trustworthy friends?"

"...Yes. And, even though we've only known each other for a short time, I trust my friend."

"so."

For some reason, the lazy man's mouth gradually curved up, causing his lover, who remained silent, to relax as well.

"Next question. These days when I go home to visit my grandma, she always asks me about you. Is Ito confident enough to explain the current situation to her?"

This question made Lin Sen clench his fists.

The girl was biting her lips as her vision was shaking with nervousness.

But, the next moment.

"Yes. I believe grandma will support me too."

"it is good!"

Along with Lin Sen's inner voice came the voice of the man who stood up.

For some reason, his expression relaxed and he looked at the girl as if he was looking at a younger generation who had finally become independent.

Also, the smile on the face.

"The most important question. From now on, Ito, can you manage your own life without my active help?"

The main event is coming.

The eyes of the three people present were instantly focused on the girl with short hair.

The next second, under everyone's gaze, she slowly raised her head and looked straight ahead.

Gradually his gaze became firm.

Speak slowly.

"Yes. Dongcao brother. From now on, I no longer need your care."

For a moment, the sunset glow coming through the door made the girl's profile sparkle.

Against the backdrop of the joyful and gratified mood of the onlookers, she seemed to be shining with beautiful light in their eyes.

But, in just the next second, the resolute expression quickly collapsed with a sudden question.

"So, Ito has finally given up the idea of ​​not getting married?"

"Eh...ah?"

Her calm expression was instantly disturbed, and Miss Ito opened her eyes wide, "W-why did it involve such a thing?"

"Is not it?"

Ito Tousou pinched his chin. "You always told me that marriage was meaningless. It turns out you haven't met the right person yet. Is that what you meant?"

"what?"

"Originally, Xiguo would have come to me for advice on something as serious as being fired from the company. Now it seems I was worrying for nothing. Are you ready to quit working and become a full-time housewife?"

"what is this!"

The girl was stunned, her face incomprehensible, as if she had heard a language from another planet. It wasn't until she subconsciously turned to the side and looked at the young man beside her that she was suddenly stunned.

The stuck thoughts suddenly became clear because of his profile.

Things in the future...

A trusted friend...

Manage your own life...

No longer needing care from others...

"..."

"what!"

Subconsciously, she punched someone next to her who also looked dumbfounded and didn't understand, and her cheeks instantly turned red.

"No, no! Brother Dongcao, you, are thinking about something weird!"

"You've completely, completely misunderstood everything!"

Chapter 44: The King of Inspiration Finds a Way

“Oh, oh, oh!!!”

About two minutes later, in the apartment, the man who stood up and sat down again, with an expression of sudden enlightenment, put his right hand behind his head.