Chapter 25 Rejection
"Are you kidding me?"
Yuuta initially wanted to laugh it off, thinking this was some sort of joke or prank. He even considered making a self-deprecating comment to dismiss the apparent absurdity of the situation.
However, when he saw Kaoruko's unwaveringly calm expression, he began to realize that she might not be joking at all.
Most people wouldn't make this kind of joke, especially with someone they barely knew, and she was a senior to his fellow student. Making such a joke would be highly inappropriate.
Yuuta desperately hoped it was just a joke, but he recalled the reputation of this professor at school.
Much like Raika Oda, she possessed that icy demeanor of a beautiful woman who kept her distance from guys. There had been no rumors of her ever interacting with male students.
If it wasn't a joke, he could believe it. She was the kind of scholar who had researched "The Tale of Genji" for years. So having such an idea...
No, it's not weird at all!
Although he understood that people with unique personalities might have some unconventional ideas, making him date fourteen different girls? Wasn't that beyond unconventional?!
Kaoruko could sense Yuuta's disbelief, as most people wouldn't easily accept such a proposition.
"I'm serious. Don't you have any interest in girls?" Kaoruko stood up, showcasing her appealing figure to Yuuta.
Even though she looked the same as before, at this moment, Kaoruko standing in front of Yuuta had transformed from the beautiful professor into a... woman!
Kaoruko was wearing a summer-weight silk dress, an elegant and tasteful choice that didn't reveal much skin. But women always seemed more attractive when wearing clothes than without.
When your mindset changes, your perspective on things changes too.
So now, with Yuuta looking at Kaoruko standing naturally in front of him with her hands clasped in front, devoid of any defenses, the pressure he felt was monumental.
Seeing Yuuta remain silent, Kaoruko continued in a gentle tone, "It's okay, you don't need to hide anything in front of me. I will teach you to become a man like the protagonist in the book. You'll have a chance to meet various women with different personalities, just like the characters in the story. For instance, the protagonist's stepmother, the ideal woman. And I'm quite confident in myself; I can introduce you to Raika as well."
If Raika Oda were to become Yuuta's girlfriend, then naturally, Kaoruko would be considered Yuuta's elder, fitting the role of one of the women in the story's protagonist's life, and specifically, the stepmother of the protagonist.
Even though Kaoruko defined herself as a perfect woman, Yuuta didn't think she was just boasting. She was genuinely beautiful and charming.
After taking a deep breath and calming himself, Yuuta stood up and made his decision.
Kaoruko watched Yuuta silently, and even before he spoke, she said, "I'm not joking. I hope you'll seriously consider it."
Maybe it was to silence Yuuta, or perhaps to prove that she wasn't joking, Kaoruko lifted her top and revealed her inner clothing to him.
This woman meant what she said!
Yuuta looked at the wall beside him, his mind momentarily blank. He made a choice – one he might anticipate but wouldn't regret.
"I refuse. I have three children at home, and I work hard to provide them with a good life. Besides financial support, I also need to teach them other things, so I won't do anything that would bring shame upon myself."
Yuuta's stance was resolute. He saw himself as a father and wouldn't disrespect women for the sake of money.
"Thank you for the invitation, but I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
After saying this, Yuuta turned and walked out. Perhaps he would think of Kaoruko on sleepless nights, but at least he could sleep peacefully beside his three girls, knowing he was educating them in the right way.
Besides, trying to pursue fourteen different women – wasn't he afraid of capsizing his ship with that many women aboard?
"Alright, I'll give you some more time to think it over. As for the job, I'll contact you later, and I'll let you know once it's arranged," Kaoruko didn't give up easily; she wasn't the type to give up halfway.
Yuuta turned around, calmly looking at Kaoruko. Then, he quickly approached her, reached out, and grabbed her collar.
Kaoruko hadn't expected the young man, who had been so self-righteous a moment ago, to be so eager now. She also hadn't expected him to be so hypocritical.
However, the reality was different!
Yuuta stared at Kaoruko, and a thoughtful expression slowly appeared on his face. "I recall that in 'The Tale of Genji,' the protagonist had his way with relatives, even young girls, right?"
Kaoruko was a clever woman, feeling a bit of pain in her neck and sensing the seriousness in Yuuta's demeanor. She calmly explained, "Don't worry, I haven't sunk to that level."
"My apologies, I misunderstood you," Yuuta let go of her collar. If Kaoruko had intended harm to young girls, Yuuta would have punched her without hesitation.
But now that he realized he had overreacted, he let go of her. "I'll pass on the job opportunity. I can find work on my own. Goodbye."
Kaoruko watched Yuuta leave in silence. She noticed that he wasn't as expected, and if she wanted him to cooperate, she'd have to prepare differently.