Chapter 350: Becoming Hikigaya Yukino
Observing Yukino's demeanor, Hachiman felt somewhat puzzled.
Although Yukino had been wanting to break free from the control of the Yukinoshita family for some time, today she seemed particularly eager.
Hachiman could somewhat guess the reason behind it. It was probably because Yukino's mother had said something that Yukino strongly disagreed with.
After all, Yukino had a stubborn personality and was not very articulate, making her prone to getting stuck in her own thoughts.
Just like in the original story, Yukino disagreed with Hachiman's method of sacrificing himself to protect others. However, being not very good at expressing herself, she didn't know how to address it, which led to the strained relationship among the three of them.
Moreover, Yukino had always wanted to prove that she could be independent.
Indeed, Yukino didn't resent the Yukinoshita family per se; she just didn't like her mother controlling her destiny.
Since childhood, she had been raised according to her mother's plans.
Without the constraints of her family, perhaps she could have been like anyone else, enjoying the things she liked and pursuing her own interests, a person with her own identity, a normal girl.
But being born into the Yukinoshita family, especially after her sister, Haruno, was designated as the heir, Yukino's path seemed predetermined—to become a tool for the family's alliances.
This wasn't the path Yukino wanted to take. She was a living person, not just a pawn manipulated by her family.
That's why she was so eager to prove herself independent. She wanted to show that she was just as capable as her sister, Haruno. Even if she left the Yukinoshita family, she could still live a fulfilling life.
Thinking to herself, Yukino lifted her head and looked directly at Hachiman.
"Can you help me?"
In fact, Hachiman's help wouldn't be difficult for Yukino to obtain. He had previously suggested that Yukino needed to achieve financial independence as the first step to breaking away from the Yukinoshita family.
His suggestion of the cat website was a good direction, but Yukino hadn't taken real action yet.
Once she achieved financial independence, Yukino would have the initial capital to break free from the Yukinoshita family. After all, it was a legal society now; the Yukinoshita family couldn't just come and abduct her, and Hachiman wouldn't stand idly by.
However, Hachiman was still curious about why Yukino was suddenly so eager.
"I can help, but can you tell me why you're in such a hurry?"
Of course, it's because of you.
Yukino mentally rolled her eyes at Hachiman. According to her conversation with her mother, it wouldn't be long before the Yukinoshita family approached Hachiman about marriage.
The specific content would likely involve using her as leverage to bind Hachiman to the Yukinoshita family's interests.
Yukino certainly wouldn't agree to that. She liked Hachiman, yes, but it was her own choice, not something forced upon her by her family.
Although the outcome might seem the same—marrying Hachiman—Yukino didn't want to become a pawn used by the Yukinoshita family to control Hachiman.
She wanted to stand her ground, even if it meant marrying Hachiman. It would be her choice, completely separate from the Yukinoshita family's influence.
However, she couldn't say these things directly in front of Hachiman; after all, she had her own pride as Yukinoshita Yukino.
With a plan in mind, Yukino maintained a cold expression on her face.
"Because when I went home last time, my mother said she wanted to arrange a marriage for me and unite the Yukinoshita family with a young man she approves of."
"What?!"
Hearing this, Hachiman exploded.
"No, absolutely not."
He had long regarded Yukino as his woman. How could he remain calm when the Yukinoshita family wanted to marry her off to someone else?
Seeing Hachiman's excited expression, Yukino couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
Of course, she wouldn't mention that the marriage arrangement her mother mentioned was about him; she continued with her act.
"That's why I'm so eager to break free from the Yukinoshita family's control."
"Will you help me?"
"Of course!"
Hachiman nodded without hesitation.
Plan successful!
Seeing his agreement, Yukino smiled. She had no doubt about his ability to help her, especially after the incident during the company visit.
However, Hachiman couldn't shake the feeling that he was being manipulated by her.
It must be just his imagination. After all, Yukino wasn't someone who played mind games, unlike her sister.
But before he could dwell on it further, Yukino asked, "How do you plan to help me?"
Shrugging, Hachiman replied, "As I said before, if you want to break free from the Yukinoshita family's control, the first step is to achieve financial independence."
Yukino nodded. Hachiman had indeed mentioned this before, along with his idea for a cat website.
"Even if you cut ties with the Yukinoshita family now, it wouldn't be a problem. I can support you financially, but I believe that's not what you want," Hachiman continued.
Again, Yukino nodded. Accepting financial support from Hachiman would mean becoming dependent on him, and she didn't want that.
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime," Hachiman said with a smile, noticing Yukino's expression.
"So, the most important thing now is for you to learn how to earn money. The cat website we discussed earlier is a great opportunity. After all, you're the 'Cat Encyclopedia' and know everything about cats."
Hearing him mention her nickname, Yukino huffed but still smiled confidently.
"Of course, no one knows cats better than I do."
Amused by her pride, Hachiman shook his head. "So, opening a cat website is the easiest way for you to make money."
Yukino nodded again. Turning her hobby into a source of income was indeed appealing.
After a moment, Yukino's expression became hesitant.
"But I don't know how to build a website."
"It's okay; I can help you with that," Hachiman reassured her, glancing at the level five "Computer" skill on his status panel.
"Really? That's great."
Seeing his promise, Yukino smiled. But before she could fully enjoy it, Hachiman continued speaking.
"Helping you is fine, but I wonder what reward you'll give me, Yukino?"
"Huh? Reward?!" The girl blinked in surprise.
"I... I just kissed you earlier, didn't I?"
"Just a kiss isn't enough," Hachiman wagged his finger.
Hearing his words, Yukino's face flushed with embarrassment, unsure of what to say next.
"So... what kind of reward do you want, then?"
Seeing the shy expression on her face, Hachiman smirked and pulled her into his embrace, whispering softly in her ear.
"Since you're planning to break free from the Yukinoshita family, then from now on, you'll become Hikigaya Yukino."