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Chapter 60: She Suspects You’re Cheating, Meeting the Parents
🕑 Added 2025-02-04 14:01:35 +0000 UTCRyo Yamada's parents sought out Minami Shouji.
The meeting went surprisingly well.
At the dinner table, Minami—who was already skilled in social situations—showed no signs of nervousness.
With just a few casual remarks, he lightened the atmosphere, making what could have been a tense encounter feel comfortable.
And through this conversation—
He finally understood what Ryo's parents wanted.
"So, Uncle, Auntie… you're saying that you want me to get into the University of Tokyo before I seriously consider a future with Ryo?"
Taking a sip of water to clear his throat, Minami asked this question calmly and seriously.
"That's about right."
Ryo's father nodded.
Out of respect, he hadn't conducted an in-depth investigation into Minami's background.
But just by following basic clues—seeing the tiny apartment he lived in—it was easy to guess that Minami's family wasn't wealthy.
Looking at Minami, he continued:
"Minami-kun, I'm sure you're aware of our family's financial situation. We run a private hospital, and we're quite well-off."
His voice was composed, educated, and refined—not aggressive in any way.
"And, I'm sure you also know just how extravagant Ryo's spending habits can be."
Ryo's Lavish Spending
Minami understood this very well.
Ryo spent money freely.
She casually bought 400,000-yen guitars and basses as if they were nothing.
Even in Tokyo, where the cost of living was high—this level of spending was outrageous.
For comparison, the average monthly salary of an office worker in Tokyo was only around 300,000 yen.
And yet, that was just part of Ryo's allowance.
Through this, Minami fully grasped just how deeply loved and spoiled Ryo was by her parents.
She had grown up completely free-spirited—likely because of this unconditional love.
"As her parents, we only want our daughter to continue living happily, even after marriage."
Taking a sip of tea, Ryo's father locked eyes with Minami.
"And in that, financial stability plays a major role."
Wealth & Happiness
It was true.
For most marriages, happiness relied heavily on financial stability.
Without financial security, how could one even begin to discuss a fulfilling life?
Letting Ryo suffer hardships after marriage—
That was something her parents absolutely could not accept.
Assessing Minami's Future
By this point, Minami fully understood the implied message behind their words.
Though they hadn't directly stated it, their concern was clear—
Could Minami provide Ryo with a comfortable life?
Could he be worthy of their daughter?
Their Expectation: A Future in Tokyo University
Looking at Minami, they wondered—
Would he respond with the usual youthful arrogance?
Would he become defensive?
Would he feel insulted?
To their surprise, Minami showed no signs of being offended.
Instead—
He nodded thoughtfully, his expression calm.
"I understand where you're coming from, Uncle, Auntie."
An Unexpectedly Mature Response
This unexpected level of understanding caught Ryo's parents off guard.
Even Ryo's mother, feeling slightly guilty, spoke up:
"We know… that asking you to get into Tokyo University is a bit much."
"But for Ryo's future, we hope you can understand why we're making this request."
They had always treated their daughter like a treasure.
How could they allow her to suffer hardships with another man?
Even if this request felt unreasonable, they had to say it.
Because at the end of the day—
Getting into Tokyo University (Todai) meant securing a future.
It was Japan's top university, and those who graduated from it—
Had endless opportunities ahead of them.
"But Tokyo University… is not easy to get into."
It was a battlefield.
Hundreds of thousands of students competed for a few limited spots.
It was the ultimate test of Japan's academic elite.
Their demand was truly harsh.
But to them—
It was the bare minimum requirement for anyone marrying their daughter.
Would Minami Accept?
They turned their eyes toward him.
Would he hesitate?
Would he refuse?
Would he say it was impossible?
Minami's Answer
Under their gaze—
Minami fell silent.
Did He Just… Hesitate?
Seeing this, Ryo's parents felt disappointed.
Their first impression of Minami had been positive.
They had never seen their daughter interested in someone before.
And if Minami had shown a clear, determined attitude, they would have even offered financial support.
They were about to speak again—
When suddenly—
"Uncle, Auntie."
"I believe that simply getting into Tokyo University is not enough to guarantee Ryo's future."
His calm, serious voice cut through the air.
"When I graduate next year, I will enter the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo University."
In a small, quiet restaurant.
Minami's unwavering statement.
Ryo's parents, completely stunned.
He Raised the Difficulty Level Himself?!
They hadn't expected this.
Not only had Minami not backed down—
He had raised the bar even higher.
If Tokyo University was already a battlefield—
Then entering Todai's Faculty of Medicine was like stepping onto another planet.
It was one of the hardest academic programs in the country.
(There's a saying in Japan—"Half the nation's geniuses gather in Tokyo, and half of those are in medicine.")
(This alone proves the difficulty of getting into Todai's Faculty of Medicine.)
Hearing Minami's bold declaration, Ryo's father was silent for a moment.
Then, impressed by his confidence, he finally spoke.
"If that's your decision… then I'll support you financially."
A Pivotal Choice
At this moment, the simulation presented a crucial choice.
[Faced with Ryo's father's offer of financial support, you decide—]
1. Politely decline to show independence. This may increase their favorability toward you.
2. Accept their help. Even though you are confident in your abilities, financial support will make things easier.
3. Great! I was just wondering how to renovate our future love nest! Accept everything!
4. Direct Simulation.
Minami Stares at Option 3 in Disbelief
"Excuse me?!"
"Am I really just planning to fully settle into Ryo's lap of luxury?!"
"Even thinking about renovating a 'love nest' at this stage?!"
The simulated version of himself…
Was weak.
Utterly weak.
Minami scoffed at his own simulated self, then turned to Option 1 and Option 2.
Choosing Wisely
Option 1 would allow him to prove his independence and earn more trust.
And realistically, he was more than capable of getting into Tokyo University's Faculty of Medicine without financial support.
However—
Option 2: Thinking Ahead
After multiple simulations, Minami understood something important.
Life wasn't just about academics.
One's physical and mental well-being also played a huge role.
If he threw himself entirely into studying, he might neglect his health.
If he fell sick or burned out, that would only harm him in the long run.
With long-term planning in mind, Minami chose Option 2.
[Facing the financial support from Yamada's parents, you did not refuse it impulsively, as a young person might, but instead, you expressed a willingness to accept their assistance.]
[For you, the chances of entering the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine were already ninety percent, and accepting this financial aid would increase that probability from ninety to one hundred percent.]
[Although such a decisive acceptance might make Yamada's parents concerned about your motivations for being with Yamada Ryo, for you and Ryo, only a guarantee of one hundred percent is truly real. Anything less than that is false.]
[Sure enough, your decisive attitude in accepting the support made Yamada's parents worry about your intentions in dating Yamada Ryo, but you didn't mind. After receiving their first financial aid, you threw yourself wholeheartedly into your studies.]
[To maintain a good study state, you first used the funds from Yamada's parents to purchase abundant ingredients, ensuring that you met your nutritional needs during the intense study periods. You also moved into a quieter apartment to improve your current poor study environment.]
[Yamada Ryo was somewhat surprised by your sudden wealth, but under your clever explanations, she temporarily set aside her doubts.]
[In your spare time, she still clung to you. Her grades had greatly improved, but she still needed to put in more effort to be admitted to the University of Tokyo.]
[She relied on you greatly, trusted you completely, and at this point, she no longer cared about the once ethereal dream of the University of Tokyo. She believed that you might be the most important thing in her life, aside from music.]
[Afterward, to maintain your study routine, you bought some fitness equipment, and in your free time, you didn't forget to strengthen your body.]
[Your physical health, studies, and mental state all improved.]
"What a comprehensive improvement!"
Minami was very satisfied.
[Yamada's parents spared no effort in supporting you, but your lavish spending once again caught Yamada Ryo's attention.]
[When she saw that you had bought more fitness equipment, she finally concluded one thing: You were probably being kept by some unknown woman.]
"???" Minami thought.
Miss Yamada, you...
[She was well aware of your family background, as your girlfriend. This was also the main reason she had never pressured you for money.]
[And your appearance, among boys of the same age, was definitely top-tier. Even she admired your face, and considering that you had been approached by older women asking for your contact details before, she was well aware of your charm with women.]
[She increasingly felt you must be supported by some woman.]
[Engrossed in studying and improving your body, you didn't notice the change in Yamada Ryo's attitude, because for you now, besides taking care of her studies, the important goal was to get into the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine.]
[Yamada Ryo knew that you were focusing on your studies, but this gave her an opportunity. She began observing your every move.]
[Soon she discovered that every beginning of the month, you would go alone to a restaurant located closer to the center, which raised her suspicions even more.]
[This restaurant, her parents had taken her to before. The place was small, but the price was extremely high for its kaiseki cuisine.]
[Your meager living expenses certainly wouldn't cover the cost of dining there, and she became more and more convinced that there was a woman behind you.]
[But she remained calm and elegant, not taking rash action. Instead, she continued gathering evidence and clues.]
In her mind, images of Yamada Ryo secretly trailing and taking photos began flashing back.
Minami sighed.
As expected of Yamada Ryo.
Her ability to act was truly strong, she had already started tracking him.
[Finally, when she thought the time was right, she confronted you with a series of questions, listing various suspicions about your recent behavior.]
[You were surprised by her proactive approach, as you knew she had never been one to willingly get involved in troublesome matters.]
[When you couldn't easily brush off her questions, you had no choice but to explain everything that had happened.]
"Confess, Minami."
She placed the evidence photos she had collected over the past month on the table and looked seriously at her boyfriend.
Although she hadn't caught the woman red-handed, with so much evidence, she believed her boyfriend had no more room for excuses.
"Confess, who is that woman?"
Yamada Ryo's calm, elegant face turned toward Minami. "Admit it now and stop seeing her, and I might forgive you."
Across from her, Minami was somewhat helpless.
Though his recent focus had been entirely on studying, the main reason was still that her investigative abilities were simply too strong.
He hadn't noticed at all.
He shook his head.
At this point, there was no point in lying anymore.
He confessed everything to Yamada Ryo.
"My parents...?"
She was taken aback as she held her face in her hands, under Minami's gaze.
This result was completely unexpected.
She opened her mouth and then pulled out her phone.
Then—
"You guys are really the ones who are causing the trouble? You're making him get into the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine to continue dating me?"
"You're forcing him. I need to talk to you both properly."
"..."
For someone who usually didn't care about much, it was the first time Yamada Ryo expressed complaints and opinions toward her parents.
But after her conversation with them, she turned back to face Minami, her amber eyes looking at him.
"Minami."
She spoke.
"Hmm?"
"Are you really sure about this?"
Her voice, asking the question.
"Yes."
Minami nodded in response.
They stared at each other.
After a moment of silence...
"I believe in you."
She said.
"Okay."
Minami nodded back, then smiled: "Although, even if something unexpected happens and I don't get in, I won't break up with Ryo. Even if I change my mind, I wouldn't want to."
"..."
Yamada Ryo tilted her head. Out of his view, her cold expression turned slightly red.
Then—
"Cunning."
She stretched out her hand and tapped Minami's chest.
Minami squinted his eyes.
It didn't hurt.
It was a little itchy.
