That evening, the Okkotsu Family home was very lively.
"Cheers!"
Bang.
Gulp, gulp.
Eichi and Okkotsu Kenichi tilted their heads back and downed their beers.
After Eichi presented enough identification to prove his identity, Okkotsu Kenichi immediately treated Eichi as an honored guest.
Okkotsu Kenichi's wife, after receiving a subtle hint from him, immediately bought a lot of beef and cooked a lavish dinner.
"I never thought your esteemed company would take an interest in me; it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"It was Mr. Okkotsu's diligent work ethic that earned you this chance."
...The two exchanged a round of mutual flattery.
"By the way, may I ask your relationship with the young lady from the Orimoto Family?"
Okkotsu Kenichi asked curiously, watching Rika Orimoto return to her room with his son after dinner.
"I am currently Rika Orimoto's guardian."
Eichi's answer surprised Okkotsu Kenichi.
"Rika has some connection to our Family. Recently, after learning that both her parents had passed away, we decided to adopt Rika."
Eichi replied nonchalantly while pouring more drinks.
"Oh, speaking of Rika, there's something that's really troubling me right now."
Eichi placed a hand on his forehead, making a conflicted expression.
"What is it?"
Okkotsu Kenichi felt it was his time to shine.
"Due to Family reasons, we've always been active in the Tokyo area. Originally, we wanted to bring Rika back to Tokyo, but Rika couldn't bear to leave her friends here and insisted on staying in Miyagi. We can't possibly let a child live alone, it's really a headache."
While Eichi was subtly probing Okkotsu Kenichi, he had implicitly revealed that the company he was about to join was his Family's enterprise.
"Haha, if you don't mind, you could entrust Rika to our care. Yuta and Rika get along very well, and if they stay together, they definitely won't be lonely."
Okkotsu Kenichi thought it was perfectly fine.
Eichi also thought it was perfectly fine.
"I'll buy a house next door for Rika. When the time comes, I'll trouble you to look after her. For these next few days, let Rika and Yuta stay together…"
"No problem!"
Okkotsu Kenichi patted his chest, loudly declaring that he would handle it.
Upstairs, in Yuta Okkotsu's room.
Rika Orimoto was exploring inside, her face full of curiosity.
This was a great opportunity to uncover Yuta's little secrets.
"Rika, are you looking for something?"
Yuta Okkotsu looked at Rika Orimoto, who was peeking and glancing around, with confusion.
"It smells just like Yuta here."
Rika Orimoto smiled and leaned close to Yuta Okkotsu's ear.
The warm breath she exhaled while speaking landed precisely on Yuta Okkotsu's ear.
"That tickles, and it's too close, Rika."
Yuta Okkotsu's face flushed slightly, and he recoiled.
"You're so cute, Yuta."
"Why so sudden?"
Suddenly being told this by Rika Orimoto, Yuta Okkotsu's face grew even redder.
Rika Orimoto smiled, enjoying Yuta Okkotsu's shy expression.
Knock, knock.
"Ah, please come in."
Hearing the knock, Yuta Okkotsu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He felt that Rika was a bit strange today, making him somewhat overwhelmed.
"Oh my, it seems you two are getting along well, Yuta."
Yuta Okkotsu's mother beamed with a kind, doting smile.
"Mom, is something wrong?"
Yuta Okkotsu, who had just been relieved by the interruption, suddenly felt a sense of unease.
"Mom is just here to tell you that since Rika-chan's new residence isn't ready yet, she'll have to stay with us for a few days. Yuta, you need to take good care of Rika."
"Me? Take care of Rika?"
Suddenly, Yuta Okkotsu seemed to realize something.
"Wait, shouldn't Rika be staying with my sister?"
"Oh dear, unfortunately, your sister hasn't been feeling well lately. It wouldn't be good if she infected Rika. Don't you want to, Yuta? Then Rika-chan would have to sleep on the streets."
Yuta Okkotsu's mother covered her face with one hand, feigning distress.
In reality, the corner of her mouth, hidden by her hand, was harder to suppress than an AK.
"Yuta."
Hearing Rika Orimoto's voice, Yuta Okkotsu instinctively turned his head.
What met his eyes was a pitiful Rika Orimoto.
------------------------
There are already 70+ chapters available on my Patreon!
The story will continue to update 1 chapter per day on Webnovel,
while early access chapters are posted on Patreon.
Maybe it's not worth it today but it could be later
[email protected]/Kazenova223
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"