When he returned, Kazuya saw the dog wolfing down its food eagerly. Kazuya sighed softly. He wasn't cut out for pet-keeping.
Turning his attention back to Yoko, who had already turned on the TV to watch the night drama "Mikan, for your love!" he felt somewhat content. This child seemed more relaxed in his home. She wasn't as tense as when he first met her, trembling like a little kitten.
Kazuya poured two glasses of water, sat cross-legged beside Yoko, and took out a box of pastries, asking, "Want some?"
"Yes! Thank you, Onisan!" Yoko cheerfully accepted, then added mysteriously, "I also have something for Onisan!"
"Oh, what is it?"
Yoko, like presenting a treasure, took out a crumpled 1,000-yen bill and a welfare coupon from her pocket. She smiled mischievously, "Onisan, tomorrow I'll treat you to fried chicken and burgers!" She originally intended to treat him today but had to postpone it since Kazuya came back home late.
Kazuya glanced at the 1,000-yen bill and took the welfare coupon, examining it briefly. He felt a tinge of emotion. Japan's current economic situation wasn't great, and occasionally, the government issued welfare coupons to children and elderly people to stimulate consumption and boost the economy. This coupon was likely something Yoko received from school and now wanted to use to repay the favor of the griled meat from a few days ago.
Regarding money... He gently placed his hand on Yoko's head and softly asked, "Did you go collecting bottles again?"
Yoko's head was originally resting happily in Kazuya's palm. Upon hearing his words, she suddenly stiffened, her whole body motionless. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke in a slightly anxious voice, "Did Onisan see it?"
"It's okay, Yoko." Kazuya quickly reassured her. He could understand Yoko, as he had also collected bottles before. Compared to hunger, saving face was truly insignificant.
Yoko's anxious and tense demeanor made Toratoro who was enjoying dog food on the side raise its head attentively. It carefully moved between Kazuya and Yoko. It didn't dare to growl at Kazuya and could only wag its tail, trying to please Kazuya with a fawning smile.
Kazuya found it bothersome and casually moved it aside, then placed a piece of pastry in Yoko's hand, letting out a soft sigh, "It really doesn't matter; have a pastry."
Watching his gentle expression, Yoko who was afraid of being disliked cautiously asked, "Onisan, are you really not bothered by the things I do? Won't you think it's shameful..."
"Not bothered!" Kazuya replied decisively. "I just think that you shouldn't be doing such things at this age, ."
"But I also don't have any allowance. Sometimes when I need to buy something, and I ask my mom for money, she always gets really upset..." Faced with practical difficulties, Kazuya fell silent for a moment. Although it wouldn't be a problem for him, being self-sufficient, the issue now was that Yoko was too young, and she couldn't even work a part-time job.
After pondering for a while, he gently said, "If there's anything you need money for in the future, just tell me, and I'll do my best. Don't go collecting bottles at the station anymore." It was a foolish act to extend a helping hand when he himself was a poor fellow, but he just wanted to do it.
Yoko shook her head slowly, "I can't do that, Onisan." After all, they weren't family, and she couldn't offer much in return.
"It's okay. If you really mind your my help, consider it an investment from your big brother!" Kazuya joked with a smile, pretending to be serious. "Yoko, I have high hopes for your future! Now, I'll keep a record of the money you use. If you spend 100 yen now, you'll have to pay me back 400 yen in the future. 200 yen is also fine... I estimate that in ten years, you'll start repaying me. I might even get a 500% return on investment."
He playfully acted as if he were tempting Yoko to take out a high-interest loan, making her laugh. However, she soon became puzzled again, "I appreciate Onisan's good intentions, but I also don't know what my future will be like... My conditions are so poor. What if I can't repay Onisan in the future?"
"Poor? Where are you poor?" Kazuya patted her head, signaling her to eat the pastry. His expression became serious, "I think your conditions are excellent, Yoko, you are a hidden gem!"
Yoko took a small bite of the pastry, delicately holding it with her hands to avoid dropping any crumbs. She asked in confusion, "Am I good?"
"Of course!" Kazuya continued to reassure her, "Look, you're very poor now, and it may not seem good, but I think this is a precious treasure in life. Because of poverty, you have to be proactive and ambitious, possessing a strong desire for success. Because of poverty, you have to study hard to have the power to change your situation. Because of poverty, you will dare to take risks in the future and seize opportunities at critical moments. You have nothing to lose, so you're not afraid of taking risks. Your chances of success are much higher than others!"
He looked at the slightly dazed Yoko and gently stroked her smooth long hair. "So, there's nothing to be confused about. All the pain and torment in life right now are the solid foundation for your future success, Yoko. I really believe in you!"
Kazuya's tone was firm and heartwarming. The light illuminated his face, casting a thin halo around his features. His gaze was gentle, overflowing with tolerance and consideration. Yoko was captivated, slowly grasping Kazuya's hand. She earnestly asked, "Is Onisan really thinking this way? Do you believe I will succeed in the future?"
Kazuya certainly couldn't make sure. Even his own success was uncertain, let alone someone else's.
However, his words just now were heartfelt. As long as Yoko could endure these ten years of hardship without going astray, her resilience would far exceed her peers. In terms of both determination and the ability to endure pain, she would have a comprehensive advantage, giving her the upper hand in the competition among her peers.
He sincerely said, "I believe, Yoko!"
Yoko's nose felt a bit sour, and her eyes welled up with tears. She knew that Kazuya was probably just trying to comfort her, and who could be certain about what would happen ten years later? However, she could feel the sincerity in his words, something she had never experienced before. For her, these words were more touching than diamonds.
Feeling the warmth from Kazuya's hand, she tilted her small face and said seriously, "I accept your investment, Onisan. In the future, you will definitely make a lot of money because of me!" She didn't intend to spend Kazuya's money. She couldn't use much anyway. She just wanted to prove to herself and to Kazuya that he hadn't made a mistake.
But after saying this, she felt embarrassed, took a look at the bran pastry in her hand, took a big bite, pretended to choke, turned away to wipe away the tears secretly. Toratoro stretched out its body on the side, wanting to lick, but it was pulled away by Kazuya.
Toratoro felt wronged, but it didn't dare to resist and obediently moved to the other side, looking at Yoko with its tongue out.
Kazuya handed Yoko a cup of water, "I'll be waiting for the day when Yoko earns money and treats me to something delicious. It must be meat!"
Yoko turned around, pointed her little head, and said seriously, "All the delicious food will be for Onisan!"
If there really is such a day, Onisan, I won't let you regret a single word you said today!
Kazuya rubbed her little head, "The nighttime drama you want to watch is starting."
Yoko was startled and quickly turned up the volume. Indeed, the opening advertisement was playing, with those tall girls dancing while holding milk. After checking the welfare vouchers and bills placed in front of Kazuya, she hesitated and asked, "What should I do with these, Onisan?"
Kazuya picked them up and put them in her pocket, "Use them as allowance. Now that big brother is older than you. The older you get, the more responsibility you have. Let big brother take care of improving our lives."
Yoko tilted her head and pondered for a moment. She had known Kazuya for almost a month, understanding his preferences. With a sweet smile, she said, "Then I'll use the money to buy pencils and reference books. Onisan, if there's any leftover, can I buy a little more dog food for Toratoro?"
Kazuya was indeed satisfied. Investing in knowledge was the most cost-effective, and he nodded approvingly, "I think that's a good idea!"
After saying that, he gestured for her to watch TV while he reached for a book to browse.
Yoko hesitated, not wanting to disturb his study, but also reluctant to leave. After all, there was warmth here. She tentatively suggested, "Onisan, should I go home and watch?."
Kazuya waved his hand, "I'm just casually reviewing some points. Finish these pastries when watching."
"Well, Onisan, you should eat too." Seeing that he was indeed just casually flipping through the book, Yoko felt relieved and handed him a piece of pastry. Kazuya accepted it and popped it into his mouth.
Hmm... the taste was ordinary. Little radish's dad was indeed a fourth-rate chef, not good at cooking, and the snacks weren't made well either.