Her mother still smiled, but with a touch of chill, "Did the stock genius Hoshimi actually say this? Or are you making it up?"
"Of course not, how could I dare to make things up?"
"True, I suppose you wouldn't dare."
Her father cautiously said, "So should we..."
Her mother, elegantly continuing her meal, responded after a while, "Let's sell some by the end of the year. We do need some funds, and there might be a project bid early next year where it will be needed."
After speaking, her mother looked at her, "Yukino, today is the start of school…"
After that, Yukino couldn't quite remember. It seemed like her mother was advising her about school matters or perhaps something else?
The pressure her mother put on her was quite heavy, and that part of the memory was a bit unclear...
Yukino shook her head, clearing her jumbled thoughts, and continued reading the Wikipedia entry on the stock genius Hoshimi.
"Hoshimi Takuya, graduated from the University of Tokyo Law Department..."
Next were some biographical details and a brief summary of Hoshimi Takuya's achievements in the stock market.
She continued scrolling and found a photo of Hoshimi Takuya.
Looking at the stock genius in the photo, who bore some resemblance to Hoshimi Kiyokawa, Yukino's heart sank.
Could it be such a coincidence?
Yukino held her breath and continued to examine the photo of Hoshimi Takuya.
The stock genius had brown hair and brown eyes, which was very different from Hoshimi's white hair and red eyes.
Yukino breathed a slight sigh of relief. It didn't seem to be the case, as the hair color and eye color were different.
To be absolutely sure, Yukino continued scrolling to compare more photos.
As she looked through photo after photo, Yukino's heart gradually calmed down.
It didn't seem to be what she feared... such a coincidence would be too improbable...
While thinking this, Yukino turned to the next photo and was instantly shocked.
"Hoshimi Takuya and his wife. Hoshimi Takuya on the left, his wife on the right."
The woman on the right side of the photo had a gentle smile and looked at the camera.
Her gemstone-like red eyes and flowing white hair made Yukino's body go cold.
Her expression froze, and her right hand trembled slightly.
White hair and red eyes exactly like Hoshimi...
While there are many variations in hair color and eye color in the world, white hair and red eyes are extremely rare.
Hoshimi was the first person Yukino had seen with white hair and red eyes, and the woman in the photo was the second...
The surname... hair color and eye color... striking resemblance... family background...
With all these factors combined, the answer was becoming very clear.
Yukino's lips tightened as she quickly scrolled up. She needed to confirm one thing.
When she reached the top of the page, Yukino leaned closer to the screen and read the first paragraph carefully.
"...On March 27, 2019, around 9 AM, Hoshimi Takuya and his wife tragically died in a plane crash..."
Upon reading this, Yukino leaned back in her chair, unable to continue reading further.
I see...
No wonder Hoshimi lived alone in a luxurious mansion...
No wonder Hoshimi's attitude was strange when mentioning his parents...
No wonder Hoshimi stayed home for a year before returning to school...
Suddenly, many past doubts were clarified.
Yukino raised her hand, resting her arm on her forehead, staring vacantly at the ceiling.
She seemed to have mentioned Hoshimi's parents many times in front of him...
"..." Yukino bit her lip, a hint of regret in her eyes.
She shouldn't have said things so thoughtlessly... Tomorrow, she should apologize to Hoshimi.
No, she shouldn't apologize. Hoshimi's evasive attitude clearly indicated he didn't want people to know about this.
If she apologized, it would be like tearing away that veil.
It's better not to apologize; just treat Hoshimi normally, as he would prefer.
"Ah~"
Yukino sighed quietly, turned off the computer, and went back to the bedroom with her pillow.
...
Sunday morning, Hoshimi woke up again feeling sore all over.
Saturday's two-hour workout had left his body in poor condition.
He lay in bed, pondering whether to use another dream avatar for 'Revival' to recover.
The effect was quite good...
After thinking carefully for a while, Hoshimi silently chose to give up.
Better to save the good steel for the blade.
"Ding dong~~ ding dong~~"
The doorbell rang. Hoshimi picked up his phone to check the time: 7:55 AM.
It must be Nanami Aoyama arriving at this time on Sunday.
Hoshimi immediately woke up, put on his clothes, and went downstairs to the entrance with a cheerful smile.
The weekly Sunday tradition had finally arrived, and today was bound to be a delightful day.
Soon, in the living room, Hoshimi sat on the sofa while Nanami Aoyama stood nervously in front of him.
"Nanami, have you eaten?" Hoshimi asked.
"I've eaten..." Nanami Aoyama lied with a distracted gaze.
"Didn't eat? Then I'll order something now." Hoshimi took out his phone and began composing an email.
"Eh? Hoshimi-kun, I've eaten already..."
"Nanami, what would you like to eat? Do you want fish? Sure, fish is good. I'll start with a stew, and let's see what else..." Hoshimi continued talking to himself.
"Hmm..." Unable to dissuade Hoshimi, Nanami Aoyama, blushing, decided not to argue.
Speaking of which, Hoshimi's preparation of such a lavish breakfast each time was actually due to her own reason.
There was a time when she fainted from hunger while cleaning Hoshimi's luxurious home...
Since then, every Sunday there had been an exceptionally generous breakfast...
"Alright, the meal is over. Nanami, please help me with a massage."
Hoshimi put down his phone, smiling at Nanami Aoyama.
"Eh? A massage?" Nanami Aoyama's mouth opened slightly, looking surprised.
"Yes, a massage. After yesterday's workout, my muscles are sore and need relaxation."
"..." Nanami Aoyama's face turned even redder. She intertwined her fingers and, with a soft voice, asked, "Hoshimi-kun... is it still the essential oil massage?"
"Yes, essential oil massage is more effective." Hoshimi's smile grew warmer.
"..." Nanami Aoyama's blush deepened. She bit her lip, lowered her head, and softly replied, "Um... I understand..."
"Great, then let's go to my bedroom."
"Eh? Why to the bedroom? Wasn't it in the living room last time?" Nanami Aoyama looked at Hoshimi in confusion.
"Is the bedroom not okay?" Hoshimi pondered, "How about the bathroom? After the massage, we can take a bath together. I can also help with your massage."
"Eh?!!" Nanami Aoyama's eyes widened. After a full three seconds of shock, her face turned red, and she flustered, "No, no, no! Absolutely not! It's too inappropriate! The living room is fine!"
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