Chapter 24: The Genji Project
The apartment where Kaoruko lived wasn't far from Shiun University. It was an upscale place, more suited for wealthy residents rather than students.
After parking his bicycle on the side, Yuuta trailed behind Kaoruko into the elevator.
At that moment, there were no other occupants in the elevator. As the doors closed, Yuuta couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in.
Sharing a confined space with such a stunning woman made Yuuta incredibly self-conscious.
Kaoruko was dressed in casual home attire, not like she was going out. Yuuta's gaze was drawn to the elevator buttons rather than her well-fitted outfit.
This was a high-rise apartment building, and its high prices meant it didn't house many residents. The owner seemingly held onto it as an investment property, with prices double that of the surrounding area.
After a brief silence, the elevator came to a stop on the fifteenth floor, and Kaoruko exited without a word.
Nervously, Yuuta followed her. He couldn't quite fathom this woman who appeared somewhat enigmatic.
Kaoruko glanced at Yuuta as she opened the door and then proceeded into the room.
"Please have a seat. I'll make some tea."
"No need to be so formal. I'm already thankful for your assistance in finding a job. Even if it doesn't work out, I can search at my own pace," Yuuta replied, his decision to follow her into this situation now seeming a bit peculiar.
Firstly, how did she have his phone number?
Secondly, she had no apparent reason to extend such generous help. They weren't particularly close, and they hadn't spent much time together. Why was she going to such lengths to assist him?
"Don't be afraid. I won't harm you." Kaoruko gracefully settled onto the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, and gestured toward the seat opposite her. "Please, have a seat."
Although Yuuta wasn't particularly skilled at interacting with women like her, he obediently took a seat after her invitation.
As Yuuta sat there, nervously observing Kaoruko, she began to speak, "I am Raika Oda's aunt, and I got to know about you through her."
Yuuta took a moment to recall. Raika Oda was a school beauty, ranking first in entrance exams, excelling in both academics and sports. They weren't particularly close, just acquaintances. Raika didn't have any male friends either.
Despite Yuuta having a crush on Raika and saving her photos on his phone, he didn't believe she would reciprocate those feelings.
Yuuta couldn't help but wonder how Kaoruko knew about him when Raika had his phone number.
Kaoruko regarded Yuuta and spoke calmly, "Raika's parents are well-known scholars and professors. Their family is well-off, but due to their work, they seldom come home. Even when they do, they are usually occupied with writing research papers, which has influenced Raika's somewhat peculiar personality."
Yuuta understood that by "peculiar personality," Kaoruko meant Raika's emotionless demeanor and her propensity for engaging in embarrassing situations.
Yuuta offered a compliment, saying, "Raika senpai is a very beautiful girl. I think she'll change in the future," all while wondering about Kaoruko's true intentions for seeking him out.
Kaoruko nodded and settled more comfortably on the sofa, crossing her legs in a different manner.
As Kaoruko adjusted her posture, a radiant light streamed through her tight-fitting miniskirt, causing Yuuta to hastily divert his gaze to the floor to maintain politeness.
Kaoruko had been scrutinizing Yuuta closely, and upon noticing his behavior, she inquired, "You don't have a girlfriend, do you?"
Yuuta affirmed, "That's correct. I have many things to focus on right now, so I haven't really considered a relationship."
Kaoruko smiled, and this smile took Yuuta by surprise. He hadn't expected her to react this way to the topic, but she looked remarkably appealing when she did.
"What kind of women do you like?" Kaoruko asked with a serious expression. "In 'The Tale of Genji,' which part do you like the most?"
Yuuta hadn't read 'The Tale of Genji' extensively and didn't have a strong impression of it. He felt a bit embarrassed to admit this, so he said, "Well, if I had to choose, I'd say I prefer women who have a dignified appearance and a somewhat good-natured personality."
"Like Lady Aoi, perhaps?" Kaoruko suggested. "Lady Aoi exudes nobility, has a cool demeanor, is dignified and refined in appearance – she can be considered the most elegant character in the entire story. She's distant with Genji, and he feels that while she's dignified, she lacks warmth. However, Lady Aoi is, in fact, a gentle and stable woman who does harbor feelings for Genji. It's just that Genji is preoccupied with seeking pleasure elsewhere, leaving Lady Aoi feeling lonely and distant. However, deep down, she does care for Genji."
Kaoruko brought up a character from the book and then shifted her attention to Yuuta, saying, "It seems like you have a preference for older women. Do you have a mother complex?"
"Absolutely not!" Yuuta vehemently denied.
Kaoruko continued, "Your parents passed away when you were young, and you've been lacking a mother's care. It's not unusual to have such thoughts. Don't worry; I don't mind."
Mind what exactly?! Yuuta looked at Kaoruko and said directly, "I still need to find a job, so I'll take my leave."
"Wait a moment, let's discuss the job now," Kaoruko said, realizing that Yuuta was genuinely planning to leave. She then began talking about the employment opportunity, "I can help you find a good job and provide compensation, but I need your assistance with some research."
"What kind of research?" Yuuta felt somewhat uneasy. Was she planning to use him as a test subject for some experiment?
Could it be that she's discovered something related to his experiences with transmigration?
Kaoruko seemed unaware of Yuuta's thoughts and continued to gaze at him, disclosing her true intentions.
"We'll research 'The Tale of Genji'! I'll guide you through the 'Genji Project,' which means emulating the protagonist of 'The Tale of Genji' to pursue real-life girls who represent the fourteen women in the book! In other words, you'll be dating fourteen different girls!"