Chapter 121. Ordinary people of this caliber...

Is that why the man in front of me was able to detect a clue even though I hadn't specifically emphasized it?

Tsukino and Chiya finally managed to stop coughing, looking rather disheveled. He took the tissue that Fusashi Yomei kindly and considerately offered and quickly wiped his mouth. After regaining his composure, he quietly pushed his teacup away a little, deciding to hold off on drinking water for the time being.

Who knows what other strange things this mysterious man might say?

"Speaking of which, isn't the person Chiya-kun likes that boy named 'Ohma'?" Fusashi Yomei inquired curiously. "Is it the purple-haired boy you were with at the coffee shop this morning? I didn't expect Chiya-kun to like this type."

Tsukino and Chiya: "What's with that slightly surprised tone you're using?"

Fusashi Yomei: "Oh dear... how should I put it? Because you used to seem completely uninterested in things like love, as if you'd never even considered it, I thought you might stay single forever. Ah, well, you are indeed single now."

So you're surprised that he actually has someone he likes, rather than surprised by the gender of that person... Well, his family wouldn't care about that.

Tsukino and Chiya: "You did that last sentence on purpose, didn't you?"

“You’re very serious.” Fusashi Yomei seemed even more interested. “Hope Peak Academy… I’ve heard of it before. Well, I just didn’t expect you to go there and make so many friends. Both ‘Lucky’ and ‘Spirit’ are very interesting talents. The world is truly full of wonders. I’d like to interview them.”

"First of all, Komaeda and I have only worked together once. In terms of how well we know each other, we can't really be considered friends yet," Tsukino and Chiya pointed out. "Secondly..."

He paused for two seconds: "Are you a reporter?"

Fang Shiyangming said seriously, "I can be. I haven't had any inspiration lately."

Tsukino and Chiya: "Regarding Hope's Peak... although I've told you part of the story, you should know that I'm still hiding some things. However, this is enough for you to form a certain judgment about Hope's Peak. Even if you're interested, getting involved with that school at this time isn't a good thing."

In other words, you can't.

Tsukino and Chiya meant to remind him, but almost immediately after saying those words, he regretted it.

Just as he had previously shared his experiences related to the supernatural with Yomei Fusashi, Yomei Fusashi was already an adult capable of taking responsibility for his own life. Although he might seem unreliable at times, that was merely an appearance.

If anyone were to mistakenly believe that Fusashi Yomei could be easily manipulated because of his seemingly approachable (?) appearance, it would be as foolish and ridiculous to Tsukino and Chiya as being deceived by Ouma Shokichi's slightly more youthful appearance compared to his peers.

Tsukino and Chiya had witnessed many people underestimate this man, who called himself Yangming, because he was an ordinary person without any calamities, only to have him turn the tables on them without them even realizing it.

It was because of this that he developed this aspiration, having grown up surrounded by such influences. Rather than those with special abilities, he longed to be an ordinary person like this man...

In short, offering advice to this guy, who is also important to me, based on some emotional considerations, is actually a bit unnecessary. Instead of worrying about this man, I should think about whether I've unconsciously fallen into the rules he set for himself.

...Well, it's not a big deal after all. At most, they'll just get teased a bit. Tsukino and Chiya don't care about that.

“I never expected this…” Fang Shiyangming’s eyes widened slowly.

Yeah, I really don't care.

Tsukino and Chiya decisively said, "Don't say anything more."

Fang Shiyangming felt very innocent: "I haven't said anything yet."

Tsukino and Chiya ignored them and continued, "It feels a bit cheesy. I'm not used to it, and it's a little disgusting."

Fang Shiyangming: "I really didn't say anything just now, right?"

Tsukino and Chiya: "That's right, but I think I know what you're trying to say. For my own sake, I think it's better to interrupt first."

Fang Shiyangming: "Well, those words hurt me a bit."

Tsukino and Chiya: "I don't believe it." Do I really have that kind of ability? How come I didn't know?

"So decisive that I almost got hurt."

Fang Shiyangming first sighed in a way that made it obvious to everyone that he was putting on an act, before continuing.

"You're the kind of kid who gets shy and uncomfortable when you hear this kind of talk. In my experience, if you want to date and pursue other girls, it's better to be more honest."

"Regarding his words," Tsukino and Chiya recalled their past interactions with Ohma, then affirmed, "I was very frank; I never hid my feelings for Ohma from him."

"Does that mean I don't need to be honest with you?" Fang Shiyangming retorted. "Chiya-kun, isn't it a bit too late to pretend to be rebellious at this age?"

“What you said…” Tsukino and Chiya said, “of course it’s different. But with your abilities, whether I’m honest or not shouldn’t make much difference, right?”

"Are you saying I can read your mind?" Fang Shiyangming exclaimed, seemingly flattered. "I'm not a god, I don't have the cheating skill of reading minds."

He feigned modesty: "So although I really want to accept all the praise, I really can't go against my conscience."

“Yes.” Tsukino and Chiya nodded in agreement, their tone softer than usual. “That’s why I think I can’t be too frank with you.”

There is no one in this world who is completely unaffected by others.

Ultimately, as a person grows from a blank-slate infant into an individual with a clear and independent consciousness, they are inevitably influenced by various external factors.

Tsukino and Chiya were also influenced by their parents.

"Fangshi Yangming"... He wanted to become an ordinary person who could reach the level of this man whose real name was unknown. However, this was not something that could be achieved overnight, and perhaps it was not a goal that he could achieve in his current state—Tsukino and Chiya knew this very well.

Although they may feel lost at times, ultimately, Tsukino and Chiya are the kind of people who know exactly what they want.

Although I want to be able to do what that person can do someday, how do I judge the gap between myself and him?

If you set up a few rounds yourself and invite that person to play, you can probably make a judgment, right?

Even when he was much younger, Tsukino and Chiya realized they couldn't exploit his weaknesses as perfectly as that man. Since they couldn't, they decided to try to leave no openings. — So he gradually restrained his expressions and voice, making it impossible for others to see into his heart from his outward appearance... and it eventually became a habit.

And so far, he has been away from home for almost two years... Even now, Fang Shiyangming would not be able to easily guess his plans.

However, the strange events and the matter of Ouma Shokichi are more important right now. The challenge and game that I want to launch against Fusashi Yomei... whatever, can wait.

"Does Qianye-kun also want to become my rival, someone who cheats and deceives me?"

"That kind of relationship... you and Mom can have your fun on your own." Having already had enough of this PDA, Tsukino and Chiya stopped the conversation and brought the topic back to the first question, "So, what about Chie Minoru?"

"She was busy with work, so I've been doing everything by myself lately, and then I unexpectedly ran into you."

Are you very busy?

"Unfortunately! I'm extremely busy. You know, things over there."

"I see..." Tsukino and Chiya nodded in understanding. "Then I'll be going now, goodbye."

"So suddenly?!" Fang Shiyangming protested. "Don't you have any lingering feelings for me at all?"

"Don't say such ambiguous things," Tsukino and Chiya said righteously. "The main reason I met with you was to see Chie Minoru. Since Mom is too busy to come, there's no need for me to stay here."

"That's ruthless. I think I know what you're up to. Don't you need my help?"

Upon hearing this, the black-haired boy, who had already been about to get up and leave, remained silent. He simply glanced at Fang Shiyangming's rather sturdy body, and the meaning was self-evident.

Fang Shiyangming laughed out loud, "Hahaha, is it just my imagination? It seems like I'm being looked down upon without my noticing, hahaha..."

Tsukino and Chiya exclaimed, "It must be my imagination."

Fang Shiyang cleared his throat, trying to justify himself: "Even so, I can still help Qianye-kun in other ways. You haven't answered that question about whether you need dating advice yet."

Has it really degenerated to the point of 'trying to salvage one's dignity by using past romantic achievements to compensate for one's lack of physical prowess'?

"Hahahaha, what are you saying? Hahahaha, I don't understand any of that at all!"

“However, it really isn’t necessary.” Tsukino and Chiya shared their thoughts after consideration. “That’s between Ohma and me, and I don’t plan to tell anyone else. Besides, everyone is different, and their ways of pursuing love are naturally different, so…”

He paused for a moment, thought about it, and finally refused again directly: "No need."

"Alright, I'm not the kind of person who clings on relentlessly." Fang Shiyangming finally ended his monotonous, fake smile. "But, have you two reached the point where you're pursuing and being pursued?"

"Based on my understanding of you, I'm a little worried. Even though you said you're quite frank, actually..."

"Does that Mr. Wangma know that you are pursuing him?"

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Author's Note: This man is so hard to write! (Lament again)