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Chapter 64: You and Her, Embraced by Happiness
🕑 Added 2025-02-04 16:00:59 +0000 UTCJust as Minami Shouji had thought—
The simulation was nearing its end.
[Your daily life continued, your family was blissful, and you lived without worries.]
Under your guidance, Shouji Yuna quickly joined a well-known rock band.
With her exceptional bass skills, she gained a massive fanbase in no time.
Her androgynous, refined face instantly captivated both male and female fans alike.
Unlike her mother, Yuna was born into an environment of privilege. She also inherited your academic talents. Even though she wasn't particularly studious, she still ranked among the top in her grade.
That same year, Shouji Yuna easily passed the entrance exam for Nihon University's Art Department. A feat that Yamada Ryo had struggled immensely to achieve.
Upon hearing the news, Yuna teased her mother relentlessly. But Ryo didn't mind at all.
Keeping her usual cool and elegant demeanor, she pulled you in for a kiss— Right in front of Yuna.
For this shameless display of public affection, Yuna gritted her teeth in frustration at the despicable show-off behavior. But she was powerless to do anything about it.
[A Life of Happiness and Peace]
Time passed—
Unlike Yuna, who continued to move forward,
You and Ryo had entered a different stage of life.
As you both grew older, your health remained stable. But compared to before, your energy had noticeably waned. However—
Neither of you cared.
Meeting each other in this lifetime was the greatest treasure you had. Before your time was up,
You only wanted to enjoy the rest of your days together.
You temporarily left your hospital duties. You and Ryo set off to travel the world.
[Ryo had always wanted to travel, but found it too troublesome.]
[This time, free from responsibilities, you finally had time to relax.]
You traveled across Japan together.
You witnessed the beauty of the Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. You saw the last romantic journey of a retiring train line. You felt the loneliness of the lighthouse and seagulls along the coastal edges.
Life is limited in length, but its depth is infinite.
Supporting each other, Hand in hand, You looked forward to your next adventure— China, across the sea.
However—
You only reached the first stop before time stood still forever between you and her. .
[A Snowy Farewell]
It was a day of heavy snowfall.
Rushing from Japan, Shouji Yuna arrived in China after receiving the news.
There, she saw you and Ryo.
Sitting together on a bench, Leaning against each other. Fast asleep. Your faces carried peaceful smiles. Like two souls lost in a dream of happiness.
[Your hands were clasped tightly together.]
[Simulation Complete.]
[Final Score: 89 Points.]
[System Evaluation: A Love That Lasted a Lifetime, Though Slightly Imperfect.]
Your meeting was an accident, Yet accidents often bring the most unexpected and beautiful encounters. At first, Ryo was slightly interested in you, but had no romantic feelings. Your bond grew through her pursuit of music. Initially, she only wanted your help out of curiosity.
But in that process—
Your dedication, sincerity, and unwavering attitude captivated her. That was when your love story began.
In your youth,
You confessed to her.
She hesitated, but ultimately accepted your feelings.
Your relationship had its ups and downs,
But overall, it was smooth sailing.
For you, she was willing to change.
But you never let her sacrifice herself.
She was ready to give up so much for you—
But you wouldn't allow it.
Your love became even stronger.
Life wasn't always perfect. Her father's sudden passing left an irreversible scar on her heart. An unspoken sorrow she bore alone. In middle age, you had a child. Parenthood brought new joys. Together, you watched your daughter grow.
In your later years,
Having worked tirelessly for so long, you both chose to finally live for yourselves.
You traveled together.
Always moving forward.
In the end, you passed away together—
Embraced by happiness.
"89 points, huh?"
So close to a perfect ending.
There was a lingering sense of regret.
But—
Considering this was only the first simulation with Ryo…
Minami Shouji had to admit—
Their compatibility was ridiculously high.
With Hitori Gotoh, it took four rounds of simulations to barely reach a perfect ending. Yet with Ryo— One single simulation, and they were already at the threshold.
The biggest regret in this simulation?
Her father's passing.
On the surface, Ryo never mentioned it. But deep down, Minami Shouji knew— She must have been in unimaginable pain. She just buried it within herself, choosing to bear it alone.
Regrets, after all, were inevitable.
Minami understood.
But at the same time—
[This was something he could still change.]
In the simulation, Ryo's father neglected his health for years—
Which ultimately led to his terminal lung failure.
But in reality—
That hadn't happened yet.
And if something hasn't happened yet—
It can still be changed.
If he warned Ryo now—
If he urged her to make her father get checked—
Maybe the outcome would be different.
Maybe they could catch the disease early and prevent this from happening.
Even if treatment wasn't enough—
Minami Shouji glanced at the system's item store.
There it was.
[Universal Cure – 900 Affection Points] [Expensive.]
Enough to make him hesitate.
But if 900 affection points
Could save a life—
Could prevent regret—
Then spending it would be worth it.
...Probably.
Minami sighed.
Okay, maybe it'd still hurt a little.
Spending 900 points wasn't nothing.
But if it meant fulfilling his promise to Ryo's father—
If it meant protecting both Ryo and her mother—
Then he wouldn't hesitate.
Tomorrow—
When he visited Starry—
He would warn Ryo.
And if, after a check-up, they found her father was truly beyond normal treatment—
Then he would spend 900 points to buy the Universal Cure.
No questions asked.
With that decision made,
Minami looked at the final simulation rewards.
[Simulation Rewards:]
Unlocked: "Limit of Learning – Minami Shouji Character Card." Unlocked: Medical Expertise (LV2).
"My own character card?"
This was the first time he had seen this.
He read the description:
[Limit of Learning – Minami Shouji Character Card]
"Learning is the ladder of human progress. As a natural-born genius, with enough effort, you can easily reach the peak of human capability."
Effect:
Using this card, you can instantly gain LV2 proficiency in any skill you desire.
Minami Shouji was stunned.
This…
Was ridiculously powerful.
If one were to follow the explanation given by the system.
As long as he used this character card, he would be able to immediately obtain any LV2 ranked specialty he wanted.
Let's say he wanted a baseball specialty, as long as he used this character card, he would be able to immediately reach the level of LV2 amateur top baseball player.
Minami was surprised for a while, but soon became somewhat relieved.
In the simulation of himself, the academic strength value of 10, LV5 learning specialty, this can already be regarded as the limit of human beings.
Regardless of whether it was clinical medicine or theory, his simulation self had already learned it with a single glance, and was truly a genius of learning.
The name 'Limit of Learning' was well deserved, and it was only natural that he could have such a strong effect.
It was just that he didn't have any specialties that he particularly needed for the time being.
Minami decided to use it later depending on the situation and put it back into the props bar.
Then there was another gain.
Medical Specialty LV2.
In the simulation, he had LV4 professional top level medical skills, but in reality, he was an LV2 amateur.
The gap was indeed a bit large.
However, the LV2 medical skill was completely enough to at least take care of his own body.
Minami was satisfied.
The system's rewards were collected here.
Minami roughly organized what he had to do next.
First, tell Yamada Ryo about Yamada's father.
Second, perform an open-air show and record a video to upload to the internet to gain revenue to improve his current living situation.
At the same time, use the 'Rock Queen' Gotoh Hitori character card to improve his guitar skills.
"Hmm... That's probably it."
Having roughly sorted out his thoughts on what he was going to do next, Minami retreated into the comforter with satisfaction.
Today was enough effort.
Let's continue working hard again tomorrow.
...
The next day, under the alarm ringing of the cell phone.
Without the slightest hint of being enamored with the futon, Minami didn't hesitate to go out and get up for a run.
[Your physique has improved slightly. Current Exercise Value 6]
Minami casually clicked on his data and took a look.
'Love Simulator'
'Bound User: Minami'
'Appearance: 9, Athletic: 6, Academic: 8, Specialties: cooking (happiness) LV4, learning lv4, music LV2, medicine LV2, self-discipline LV1, lies LV1.'
'Simulator evaluation: a handsome young man with a promising future, a rare and sought-after commodity among women of all ages, which also includes certain males with unconventional sexual interests.'
"That's good, that's good, I can feel it, I'm getting closer to the perfect youth."
Looking at himself in the mirror, Minami exhaled comfortably and sighed.
[You have gained Specialty Narcissism LV1.]
As usual, ignoring the system prompt, Minami took out the prepared breakfast ingredients.
Yesterday, he had already observed the prosperous star crowd and realized that they just simply felt happy when they ate their own stuff, and had no other negative effects.
Since that was the case, there was nothing to be afraid of.
Minami began to carry out the preparation of breakfast.
With the blessing of his Culinary Arts LV4, there wasn't much difficulty in making breakfast.
About twenty minutes later.
[You have obtained a 4.4 rated One Sauce Three Dishes.]
The so-called One Sauce Three Dishes was also a combination of miso soup with three dishes, (one main dish and two side dishes).
(TL Note: Also known as "One Soup Three Dishes," Ichiju Sansai is a traditional Japanese meal that consists of a bowl of steamed white rice, soup, and three side dishes. This simple yet elaborate meal is rooted in the Muromachi period (1336-1573).)
This is also the favorite pairing of most Japanese people.
But to be honest, as a member of the vast number of transmigrators, Minami didn't have much interest in the so-called Japanese cuisine.
It was simply easier for him to prepare it this way.
He brought the rice into his mouth.
And then-
The beautiful flavors twined around his tongue, pulling out all sorts of beautiful memories.
A kind of heartfelt happiness floated up from his chest, pulling out tears of emotion.
He thought of the stray dog that his aunt's friend's second uncle had adopted that had died this winter.
It died this winter though.
But it should be happy to have its master watching over it before it dies-
"Hey? Hold up, Wait a minute?"
Breaking free from the whirlpool of happiness, Minami couldn't help but open his mouth.
Wicked.
The last time he used the 'Regret of Life' guitar, he thought of the stray dog adopted by his aunt's friend's second uncle.
How come he still thought of it this time?
How evil!
When Minami snapped out of it, he thought that he should offer a bone to the dog as a memorial.
Otherwise, why would the other party keep pestering me?
Finishing the dishes on the table.
It was only then that Minami realized that the happiness effect of this cuisine was probably only once for each person.
By the time the effect ended, the cuisine at hand wasn't as evil anymore.
But what replaced it was the long-lasting deliciousness.
Just like the system's note on 'Shouji Hitori's happy cooking skill'.
It was the purest of delicacies and heart-warming flavors.
There was a saying.
'The smell of fireworks in the world is the most soothing to the hearts of ordinary people.'
Delicious things could always make people subconsciously forget all their troubles.
Finishing the meal, Minami carried his guitar on his back, dragging the speakers and effects equipment he brought from the studio, and walked in the direction of ''STARRY''.
Today was a double holiday, and Minami didn't have to go to Shuka High School, so he simply headed to 'STARRY', and incidentally asked Seika about some things he should pay attention to regarding open-air performances.
But just halfway there, Minami met someone he didn't expect.
"Oooh... good morning."
The other party took the initiative to greet Minami.
Her expression was bitingly cold, with a tear mole in the corner of her eye, and her short blue hair scattered to cover her eyes, giving her an indescribable sense of languid elegance.
It was none other than Yamada Ryo, who was still conducting the simulation last night when Minami was there.
This is an unexpected chance encounter.
Minami didn't expect that the leisure like Yamada Ryo would actually take the initiative to come to 'STARRY' early in the morning on a day off.
It was hard to believe that the young girl in front of him was a hard worker unlike the one in the simulator?
Minami was quite surprised.
And then--
"What are you waiting for?"
Yamada Ryo, who took the initiative to walk in front, stopped and flex that cold and refined face at Minami:
"Aren't you going to make hamburger meat? Buy me some."
"..." Minami.
Okay.
I take it back...
It doesn't matter if it's Ryo Yamada in the simulation or in reality.
Neither has changed half as much.
