People in Tokyo, the world is clear

"Yuzuru's basic skills are even worse than I thought, and she's currently working on them from the beginning. I've signed her up for a summer individual competition in Tokyo. If she prepares well, she'll have a good chance of achieving good results."

"What does this have to do with whether I come to visit her?"

"I don't think so."

"Any concerns?"

"In order to stimulate her wolfish nature, I used a little trick."

At this point, Ms. Matsuzaki on the other end lowered her voice seriously:

"Only after she completes all my targets can she get the chance to see you."

"?"

"Let me tell you, the effect is surprisingly good. So, for her future, Xiaolin, don't act rashly."

"So, I have to cut off all contact with her for the sake of the great cause? Like the secluded cultivation in ancient times?"

"That's right. However, if Yuzuru-chan succeeds, please come and see her as soon as possible."

"must."

This is nothing.

While feeling both amused and helpless, the body immediately started to work.

Ran from the public telephone booth to the nearby publishing house.

As time goes by, he has grown from an unknown person to a big star.

As I walked into the building and headed towards the editorial office, I met more and more people who greeted me - however, most of the employees and even the editors seemed to call me Mr. Itsuki, and didn't seem to know my real name.

It seems to be the result of a female editor trying her best to help protect privacy.

I was so happy to see Ms. Li Ya that I went to the bathroom and washed my face thoroughly to get rid of the dust I had picked up along the way and the sweat on my forehead.

I adjusted myself to the best condition in front of the mirror and was about to go out, but I stopped in my tracks when I heard a familiar voice.

It was a sharp voice, buried deep in my memory palace from long ago. It was so vivid because I had once spoken ill of Ms. Ri Ya, who was not yet my wife, behind her back.

I was just starting to feel a little emotional and wanted to go out and see this person's face in person.

However, after hearing the content of the conversation, he was suddenly stunned and gave up the idea for the time being.

She said this in a somewhat fake friendly tone:

"Editor Xiaolin, have you been researching watches lately? I saw two very nice ones on your desk."

Then, a familiar and cold voice came from outside:

"Yes."

It was the woman I was thinking about just now, my wife Ri Ya.

It is unexpected that those who have made sarcastic remarks behind someone's back would act almost obediently when facing the real person.

It's probably the interesting part of human nature.

He suddenly found it very humorous, so instead of rushing out to join his wife, he decided to listen to the entire conversation.

I heard the voice, which was a bit forced in an attempt to be friendly, continue:

"They're all very expensive men's watches...are you planning on giving them as gifts?"

"For my husband. Trying to figure out which one will suit him."

"That's really the case, haha."

The shrill-voiced woman forced out a somewhat unnatural laugh. "Come to think of it, I never expected you, Editor Xiaolin, to get married so suddenly at such a young age. I thought it would be a few years later."

“Because it’s suitable.”

Beneath the flamingo's cold, unapproachable exterior, it actually hides a very kind personality. Lin Sen already knew this.

Faced with this sudden awkward chat from her colleague, she responded patiently even though she was not very enthusiastic about it.

Just as one of the shrill-voiced companions had said when we came in March—this essentially lovely woman was a person with a cold exterior but a warm heart.

Perhaps it is this upright and peaceful aura that makes it impossible for those who can only hide behind others and speak ill of others to hide.

Now that she has proven her business ability with her husband's achievements, she can only bite the bullet and pretend, trying to rebuild the colleague relationship that was unilaterally severed:

"Is that so... I have a different opinion. I think it's okay to wait a little longer."

"Is it because Editor Asano doesn't have anyone he's interested in right now? I seem to have heard you say you have several suitors."

Kobayashi Rimei finally called out the other person's name.

The woman named Asano laughed, as if she had suddenly occupied a good platform, and there seemed to be a hint of complacency in her voice.

It was as if I suddenly had a sense of superiority in terms of certain insights and ideas:

"That's certainly a factor. However, another reason I'm not in a hurry is probably because if I continue to improve myself, I might find a better man in the future, my true soulmate."

"I see."

"Speaking of which, Editor Kobayashi, do you sometimes feel that you got married too early? If you had waited a little longer, maybe there would be someone better in the future... Have you ever had that thought?"

"no."

Li Ya answered without hesitation, "I am very satisfied with my current life."

"..."

As if facing an invincible opponent, the shrill-voiced editor Asano suddenly felt a little at a loss.

After choking for a while, he brought up the topic that had been ignored just now, as if to promote his own theory and gain recognition:

"Then, Editor Xiaolin, have you ever thought that if you calm down and try to make yourself better, you might be able to have a better marriage?"

She pretended to be concerned for a certain flamingo, "Look, you've been married for a while, and your husband has never given you anything. Instead, you're the one choosing gifts for him... You're such a careless man. If it were me, I'd definitely give him a good scolding... wouldn't I?"

"I don't think there's anything wrong with it." Kobayashi Rimei's voice remained calm. "Besides, what do you mean by becoming better?"

"It's about investing in self-improvement." Asano seemed to count on his fingers. "For example, enjoying delicious food to improve your cultivation, traveling to broaden your horizons, buying yoga classes to exercise... cultivating yourself to have more inner qualities and temperament."

"Ultimately, it's just about finding a way to spend the money and enjoy yourself. It's just a nice excuse."

"Uh..."

Asano choked, seemingly caught off guard by the married woman's way of thinking. "How can you say that? Even though it cost money, it did improve me..."

"I can't deny that this kind of spending might bring some superficial glory. But from a husband's perspective, this kind of spending ability isn't something he'd be proud of."

Kobayashi Rimei's voice was still calm, even a little indifferent.

As if he was talking about some common sense:

"In my humble opinion, what people admire more is not selfishness, but altruism. For example, a woman is willing to consider things from her husband's perspective and take the initiative to understand his interests, rather than blindly consuming her own preferences. Or, for example, she understands his difficulties and feelings, is willing to listen to his ideas and provide feedback based on her knowledge. As the old saying of our neighboring country goes, knowledgeable and well-mannered is the demeanor of a noble man."

"this..."

Asano was speechless for a moment. Then, as if to regain the right to speak, he quickly cleared his throat:

"But, this... doesn't benefit you either? For example, the man might not necessarily appreciate your efforts. Instead of that, it's better to improve your charm..."

"I personally believe that a marital relationship isn't about calculating who must win or lose. If you dwell on this, you might miss out on some of the happiness you should be focusing on."

Compared to Asano's sudden volatility, Kobayashi Rimei remained calm. "It's true that sometimes your efforts aren't rewarded. But even in that situation, I don't want to be fussy about it. If the person you're giving to truly appreciates your efforts and understands your feelings, and they're also a sincere person, then you'll feel true happiness."

"Happiness..." Asano's shrill voice rose uncontrollably, seemingly irritated by the word, yet also seemingly unconvinced. "So, Editor Kobayashi... do you feel happy now? You didn't receive any gifts, but instead chose for others..."

"So, as I just said, I don't think this is a business deal." Kobayashi Rimei sighed helplessly. "Asano, do you think that the current situation you've seen makes you think that my husband doesn't love me?"

"Yes."

As if seeing something, Asano's answer from the corridor suddenly contained a deep sense of disbelief.

Then, the next sentence is still peaceful:

"Everyone has their own judgment. I won't influence your conclusion, Editor Asano. However, as for me, I am very happy every day now, and I hope Editor Asano will not make any assumptions about my husband."

"you..."

"I also hope you'll find a satisfying marriage. Also... last time I heard Editor Seto mention that Editor Asano is turning 29 in a few days, right?"

"Yes..."

"Remember it was the weekend, so as a colleague I couldn't help celebrate properly... so I'll just wish Editor Asano a happy birthday in advance."

Having said this, under the dazed gazes of her colleagues, Kobayashi Rimei turned around and walked towards the editorial department.

When they finished looking at each other, they couldn't help but curl their lips.

——Of course, I could hear the woman’s subtext in the previous conversation.

It's nothing more than pretending to be kind, but actually mocking her for her poor marriage choices as a woman, and then showing off how easy it is to handle so many suitors...

Under normal circumstances, I would probably just laugh it off. Even though, the other party has always had some problems with me.

But she insisted on holding on to the fact that her husband wasn't good enough, and continued to mock him secretly...

Don't blame her for choosing to fight back.

Not everyone can evaluate your own man.

Thinking of this, Kobayashi Rimei raised her head.

Just like the red-crowned crane that stays true to its partner throughout its life.

Chapter 116: Unchanged Mood

Most people can maintain a calm attitude towards people and things that they don’t care about but have no impact on them.

Just as small stones falling cannot break through thick ice.

Only warm heat can make this indestructible barrier begin to dissolve.

This theory was soon proven in reality - not long after, in the editorial office, her husband quietly held her hand tightly, and when they clasped their fingers, her beautiful face, which had just maintained a proud and calm expression, gradually became delicate and shy.

But it was soon covered up by the forced calm, as if a layer of frost had quickly appeared on the water waves that had already melted.

"How shameful..."

The first words of accusation came out in a low voice.

She immediately glanced nervously at the entire editorial office, but found that the gossipy glances she had cast at her had been withdrawn in dissatisfaction - her husband was sitting upright next to her, looking honest and proper, like a humble writer who was just visiting to discuss miscellaneous matters with the editor.

As for the two people's tightly clasped hands under the table, because she was in the corner, they were perfectly blocked by the barrier formed by her body and the partition.

Therefore, the scene of a couple meeting secretly in the workplace, which is very likely to cause gossip, is suddenly wrapped in a layer of official veneer, avoiding many subsequent complications while adding a different kind of excitement.

"It seems that not revealing my real name and other identity can really save me a lot of trouble and gossip. My wife is really smart."

The straight-looking young man puffed out his chest and whispered to each other in a tone almost like lip reading.

The sidelong glance was full of ambiguity and a gentle smile.

Then he gently tickled Flamingo's palm with his fingers, causing her body to tremble.

"How come you have time to come here today..." She lowered her head and tried her best to suppress the heat on her face, "Also, can we go to my private lounge..."

"I missed you. I remembered how charming you were when we first met here. Since there was nothing else to do, my body couldn't help but move towards you."

"Full of lies."

But the female editor's heart began to pound, and her whole body suddenly felt empty, as if she was in urgent need of a sense of security.

He repeated his previous suggestion:

"So, to the lounge..."

"Let's wait. We just arrived and haven't even warmed up yet. If we suddenly move together, it will only arouse other people's suspicion."

"Then, let go."

"No. I can't give up such a happy thing as holding my dear wife's hand so easily."

"..."

In the next few seconds, Ms. Ri Ya struggled to suppress the curve of her lips and rolled her eyes.

"Don't you know that this is affecting my work?"

"Call me willful. But speaking of which, what are you busy with? When I first arrived, you seemed to be putting something in a drawer in a hurry."