Chapter 30

"Is your mother doing better now?" Shimada Isaku asked.

"Father's debts have all been paid off, and now that I can work part-time while attending university, Mother doesn't have to work so hard anymore," Takeda Kinako said.

"Life is a bitter journey, but there will always be a day when the bitterness turns to sweetness," Aoba patted Takeda Kinako's shoulder and said.

"Yes, compared to the hard times in the past, I cherish my life now! Although I have to work hard every day, I no longer have to worry about debt collectors, and I don't have to see Mother exhausted every day. This is already very happy," Takeda Kinako said with a smile.

"No wonder you always look so happy. Congratulations on finding happiness," Aoba also smiled.

"Thank you," Takeda Kinako raised her beer and clinked it with Aoba's.

"Happiness can sometimes be so simple! Takeda, congratulations," Shimada Isaku also clinked his beer with Takeda Kinako's.

"Thank you, Uncle," Takeda Kinako smiled and clinked her beer with his.

"For some people, a normal life is something to be cherished! Life is truly amazing!" Kitagawa Kako smiled slightly and said.

"That's life, with its bitter and sweet moments, but there will always be a day when the bitterness turns to sweetness," Aoba also said.

"Yes, life is bitter and sweet! Thank you all, Aoba-kun, Kinako-chan, Shimada-san, I suddenly feel much better," Kitagawa Kako stretched, revealing a beautiful figure.

After speaking, Kitagawa Kako looked at the small dishes on the table that had already been eaten, even the snacks Aoba had bought for drinking were gone.

"Wait a moment, I'll make some more snacks," Kitagawa Kako prepared to get up and go to the kitchen.

"Wait, let me handle the snacks. Let you all taste my cooking," Aoba stopped Kitagawa Kako and volunteered.

"Eh? Aoba-kun can cook?" Kitagawa Kako was surprised.

Takeda Kinako and Shimada Isaku also looked at Aoba in surprise.

In Japan, a man who can cook is a rare find.

"Of course, let you all taste authentic Chinese cuisine," Aoba said and walked to the kitchen.

"Chinese cuisine? Aoba-kun can cook Chinese cuisine?" Kitagawa Kako and Takeda Kinako said in unison, surprised.

"As a Chinese person, the first cuisine I learned to cook is naturally Chinese cuisine!" Aoba's voice came from the kitchen.

"Eh? Chinese?" Everyone was surprised at the same time.

"Yes, I have three-quarters Chinese blood, and until I finished elementary school, I lived in China. Takeda is my mother's surname," Aoba answered.

"No wonder Aoba-kun always looks so special, is it because you're Chinese?" Takeda Kinako's voice came.

"Yes, Aoba always looks so special, completely different from boys of his age!" Kitagawa Kako also agreed.

"Mature, steady, and composed. If all the young people in China are like this, Japan's future is worrying," Shimada Isaku was concerned about the country.

While the few of them were discussing Aoba's unexpected identity, Aoba was examining the ingredients in the refrigerator, thinking about what to cook.

Soon, Aoba decided on the menu, and in no time, the kitchen was filled with the sound of chopping and cooking. A few dishes were quickly served.

"Stir-fried green peppers with meat, tomato and egg stir-fry, stir-fried shredded potatoes, and Mapo Tofu. However, the Mapo Tofu might not be very authentic without doubanjiang. Everyone, please try them," Aoba casually served a few home-style dishes, sat at the table, opened a can of beer, and continued drinking.

"Mm, delicious," Takeda Kinako couldn't wait to pick up a piece of shredded potatoes and gave a good review.

"Mm, indeed delicious," Kitagawa Kako said after eating a bite of tomato and egg stir-fry.

"This stir-fried green peppers with meat is no different from what I've had at Chinese restaurants!" Shimada Isaku also agreed.

Thus, the few of them enjoyed the dishes and drinks, having a great time until the night grew deep.

In the morning, Aoba woke up to the smell of frying eggs coming from the kitchen.

Looking up at the kitchen, he saw Shiro floating in front of the stove, making grilled fish.

Recently, Aoba had gradually gotten used to this daily routine. Being able to eat a carefully prepared breakfast every morning is indeed a very happy thing.

Of course, Shiro isn't human, but it doesn't make a difference to Aoba.

After getting up, dressing, and washing up, when Aoba sat at the table, there was already grilled fish and milk on it.

Yes, grilled fish and milk.

This is a common mistake Shiro makes. Perhaps due to the lack of human memories, Shiro knows many things but is also half-knowledgeable about many things.

"Shiro, do you have rice?" Aoba asked somewhat helplessly.

"Rice? Sorry, Master, there's no rice for breakfast," Shiro answered.

"But how can I eat grilled fish without rice?" Aoba pointed to the grilled fish on the table.

"Does grilled fish have to be eaten with rice?" Shiro widened her eyes in surprise.

Aoba believed that if Shiro had a stable human form, her surprised expression would be very cute.

"Shiro, being naturally air-headed is a cute trait, but if it causes problems in real life, it can be quite troublesome," Aoba said helplessly.

"Master, what is naturally air-headed? What did I mess up?" Shiro said, somewhat panicked.

"Never mind, it's nothing! Actually, grilled fish with milk isn't bad, at least it's nutritious enough," Aoba sighed, not wanting to scold Shiro further. He picked up the grilled fish with his hands and started eating.

After finishing the grilled fish, Aoba grabbed the milk and drank it all, ending his breakfast.

"Alright, I'm full. I'm going to school. Shiro, you stay and watch the house!" Aoba got up, grabbed his bag, and walked to the door.

"Okay, have a good trip, Master," Shiro bowed near the octagonal plate on the windowsill.

"Of course, if you want, you can go out for a walk! With your current abilities, you can be a few hundred meters away from the octagonal plate without any problems. If you're interested, go out and explore, don't always stay inside, it can get boring," Aoba instructed.

"I'll go out for a walk, Master, have a good trip," Shiro bowed again.

"Then I'm off, see you later," Aoba opened the door and walked out of the room, heading for the apartment's entrance.