Chapter 281: The Urged Shizuka
Describing it as "not earning much" has a subtle touch of humility.
The Hiratsuka couple couldn't help but smirk at Hachiman's words.
Shizuka, even though aware of Hachiman's past earnings, was genuinely surprised by the substantial amount he mentioned. Several billion yen annually was comparable to the total profits of a medium-sized enterprise.
To ease the awkward moment, Shizuo coughed a couple of times.
"Hikigaya-kun, achieving such feats at your age is unexpected; indeed, a youth prodigy emerges."
"But financial success alone isn't sufficient. Given our family's involvement in the yakuza business and the adversaries we face, we hope you possess self-defense capabilities."
"We trust Shizuka's judgment, and we don't want you to be her vulnerability. While you're renowned as the youngest swordsmaster in the Japan Kendo world, wooden swords aren't always practical. Hence, regular practice in close combat skills would be beneficial."
Hachiman took this suggestion in stride, but Shizuka, a bit annoyed, interjected.
"Dad, this guy is even more proficient in hand-to-hand combat than me. So, the scenario Mom mentioned, where I might bully him, won't happen. Instead, you should be concerned about whether I'll be bullied."
Unexpectedly, another misunderstanding unfolded, causing Shizuo to look embarrassed again.
Cough, cough. "Hikigaya-kun, you're so formidable that you can even overpower Shizuka. I didn't expect that."
He was well aware of his daughter's combat skills, usually making ordinary adult males no match for her. This was why her arranged marriage situation was challenging. However, he hadn't anticipated that Hachiman could surpass Shizuka in combat.
However, how many talents does he have? Light novels, kendo, cooking, combat, and even communication with relatives at the banquet—this Hachiman can excel in various fields.
"Genius!"
These two words echoed in Shizuo's mind.
Unfortunately, he misunderstood; Hachiman isn't a genius but rather an all-rounder.
"Since Hikigaya-kun is skilled in combat, I won't dwell on it further." Being accustomed to high positions, Shizuo adeptly defused the awkward situation.
"But I'm curious about Hikigaya-kun's thoughts."
Hachiman was puzzled, "Thoughts? Uncle, what do you mean?"
"Naturally, I'm referring to your future career. Although you've achieved commendable success in light novels, it's unlikely you'll stay in that field forever. Have you considered transitioning? Furthermore, I'd like to hear about your plans regarding yourself and Shizuka. When do you intend to marry her?"
"Marry...marriage?!"
Hearing his father bring this up, Shizuka blushed immediately.
"Dad, what are you talking about? I have no intention of marrying this annoying guy."
Unfortunately, her words were ignored by the Hiratsuka couple, who kept their gaze fixed firmly on Hachiman.
Hachiman smiled and spoke, "Uncle, rest assured. I won't stay in the light novel field forever. Right now, I'm just accumulating capital, and I've almost gathered enough. In a while, I plan to invest."
However, he also had plans for manga, but revealing that at this moment wasn't appropriate.
"Invest?" Hiratsuka Shizuo furrowed his brows. After all, investing isn't a simple matter; one misstep can lead to significant losses.
"That's right, and I've already decided on the project I want to invest in. I also plan to collaborate with someone for the investment. I wonder if Uncle is interested." Hachiman nodded with a smile.
"Whom do you plan to collaborate with?" Shizuo asked.
"Totsuki." Hachiman mentioned a somewhat unexpected name.
He did have plans to collaborate with Totsuki on investment. Given his relationship with Chief Nakiri, he believed the latter wouldn't refuse. Besides, they were already in a collaborative effort with Totsuki, right?
The restaurant that Chief Nakiri mentioned some time ago is currently in preparation.
"Totsuki?" Shizuo raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Uncle. You also know that I'm good at cooking, so coincidentally, I developed some rapport with Mr. Nakiri. We even planned to collaborate on opening a restaurant recently." Hachiman smiled.
"I see."
Shizuo was somewhat surprised to learn that Hachiman was collaborating with a heavyweight like Totsuki.
However, since Totsuki is willing to collaborate with Hachiman, it suggests that he possesses qualities valued by Totsuki. This implies he is indeed an outstanding talent, sufficiently qualified to be their son-in-law.
"In fact, our Hiratsuka Group also has cooperation with Totsuki," Shizuo added, smiling.
"That's quite a coincidence," Hachiman remarked, finding the connection intriguing upon further thought.
For giants like Totsuki, there are many matters they cannot handle directly, necessitating the involvement of organizations like the Hiratsuka Group.
"Since Hikigaya-kun is considering a transition, I won't delve too much into that. As for the collaboration, we can discuss the details later," Shizuo nodded before shifting the conversation.
"But concerning you and Shizuka, what are your thoughts?"
"If Uncle is inquiring about my marriage with Shizu, my consideration is to wait until after I graduate from college. Currently, I'm still young, and my career hasn't fully taken off. It's not the right time to marry Shizu," Hachiman explained.
"After college graduation?" Shizuo furrowed his brows, considering Shizuka's age.
Now, Shizuka is almost thirty years old. If Hachiman waits until he graduates from college, it would take another five years, making Shizuka quite old.
"If Uncle thinks it's too long, we can get engaged after high school graduation," Hachiman proposed after some thought.
"That works too; getting engaged first is acceptable," Shizuo nodded, then added with a playful tone, "You can also have a child first; your aunt and I have been wanting a grandchild for a long time."
"Dad, what are you saying?!" Shizuka blushed instantly upon hearing her father suggest that she and Hachiman have a child.
"I won't have children with this guy, and why would I marry him? I haven't agreed to that."
"But Shizuka, it could be risky if you wait too long due to your age," Mrs. Hiratsuka chimed in with the tone of someone experienced.
"That's true."
Upon hearing this, Shizuka nodded in agreement, but then quickly realized her response.
"Wait, why am I even thinking about this? I said I won't marry this guy."
After uttering these words, Shizuka turned and left the living room. However, her departure seemed more like a hasty escape.
Seeing her reaction, the Hiratsuka couple exchanged a smile. They knew their daughter was just feeling shy.
"Hikigaya-kun, we approve of you and Shizuka. As for how to convince her, that's up to you."