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Seeing Masako's expression, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
"Masako, are you still so traditional? Young people these days have their own way of life. Megumi has probably adapted to the big city by now. She can't always look at things from the perspective of a small town."
The burly uncle said with a smile.
Masako considered his words and realized he was right. Even though she had raised Megumi to be mindful and cautious, her daughter had grown up and formed her own views.
It wasn't that she disapproved of Megumi having a boyfriend; she was simply concerned that her daughter was still young and inexperienced, making her vulnerable to getting hurt.
"And what's wrong with Sui as her future husband?"
"Exactly," came the chorus of agreement.
Several uncles nodded, clearly pleased with Sui.
"That's true," one added.
Masako smiled subtly. Though they hadn't known each other long, she genuinely liked Sui. He was polite, handsome, and talented—a promising young man.
As a mother, she didn't necessarily expect her future son-in-law to be exceptional and promising, but it certainly didn't hurt.
Come to think of it, Sui is actually quite a good match.
"It seems I was worrying too much."
A gentle smile appeared on Masako's pretty face.
"You just care too much about Megumi. You still see her as the little girl who left town at thirteen to study in Tokyo."
The burly uncle said.
"Yes, that's true."
Masako nodded. Megumi was at the age where girls start to fall in love, so it was normal for her to have someone she liked. She was also very satisfied with Sui.
Her only concern now was that they were still too young. If they were careless, it could lead to unforeseen consequences.
But Megumi had always been obedient and sensible. Masako trusted that her daughter would handle everything well.
Meanwhile, Sui entered the living room, where Masako had already prepared a steaming hot breakfast for everyone.
While eating, Sui's thoughts were occupied with what had happened with Megumi.
After a while, Sōma, Yoshino, and Ryoko woke up one by one.
"It felt so good to sleep in!"
Yoshino stretched happily.
Soon after, Megumi also came downstairs.
She was wearing the blue skirt she usually wore at school. Her hair, usually braided, now fell softly over her snow-white shoulders, and her skirt revealed a glimpse of her calves, as fair as lotus roots.
If one looked closely, they might notice a slight unsteadiness in her steps, but no one seemed to pay attention.
Seeing her lovely face, Sui couldn't help but think of last night. However, he had been drunk then and couldn't recall many details. He could only vaguely remember how incredibly smooth, white, and soft Megumi's skin had felt.
"Megumi, come have some breakfast."
Yoshino called out.
"Y-yes, okay."
However, Megumi seemed distracted. It was only after Yoshino called her several times that she reacted and walked over to sit at the table.
But as soon as she glanced at Sui, a shy blush spread across her snow-white cheeks. She quickly lowered her head, nibbling on her bread without daring to look at him again.
"Megumi, you don't seem to be in a good mood. Are you feeling unwell?"
Ryoko asked with concern.
"I just stayed up too late last night. I feel a bit tired. I'll be fine soon."
Megumi gave a slightly forced smile.
"That's good."
Ryoko replied, relieved.
At that moment, Masako joined them for breakfast.
"Did everyone sleep well last night?"
She asked with a gentle smile, her gaze lingering on Sui for a moment longer, her eyes showing a hint of warmth.
"This soup is made from dried vegetables. It's a local specialty, and Megumi prepared it herself. Please give it a try."
Masako personally served each of them a bowl of steaming vegetable soup.
"Sui-kun, you don't look well. Drink more."
She said with a gentle smile, giving him a little extra.
"Thank you."
Sui accepted it quickly, sensing that Megumi's mother seemed especially attentive towards him, particularly with the tenderness in her eyes.
Of course, he didn't know that Masako already saw him as half a son-in-law. The more she looked at him, the more she liked him.
Feeling slightly awkward, Sui quickly finished his breakfast.
"I'll go help in the kitchen."
Megumi stood up and headed to the kitchen as usual.
"Let's go too."
Sōma and the others laughed, standing up to join her. They didn't want to just sit around and eat for free.
"Oh? How can that be?"
Masako exclaimed, trying to stop them.
But everyone ignored her and went straight to the kitchen to help.
As soon as Megumi and Sui entered the kitchen, the others there couldn't help but glance at them, an inexplicable smile on their faces whenever they looked at Sui.
Sui felt speechless. He finally understood that everyone must have found out he had spent the night in Megumi's room.
But the way they looked at him made him feel uncomfortable.
"I'll take care of these potatoes."
Seeing a pile of potatoes soaking in a basin, Sui approached to start peeling them.
"No! How can we let our future son-in-law do such a thing?"
An uncle quickly snatched the task away.
"S-Son in law?!"
Yoshino exclaimed in surprise.
Megumi's face turned as red as if blood were about to drip out.
The uncle realized he had spoken out of turn and hastily went back to peeling the potatoes.
After that, whenever Sui tried to find something to do in the kitchen, someone else would take over, giving him special treatment.
This made Sui feel not only awkward but also left Megumi blushing with embarrassment, wishing she could disappear into the ground.
"Why does the atmosphere feel a bit strange today?"
Yoshino stroked her chin thoughtfully, looking from Sui to Megumi, then back again, pretending to be a detective. "Did something happen last night?"
"Huh? What?"
Sōma, who was busy peeling a squid, turned around curiously. He clearly hadn't noticed the unusual way everyone was treating Sui.