Chapter 10: There's Not Much Time Left for the System

It was five forty in the evening, twenty minutes before school let out.

Qingshan Li had lost both the stamina and the motivation to keep touring.

Mentally exhausted, his legs ached so much he could barely walk—true mind-body fatigue.

He sat in the corridor outside the Choir Club door, waiting for Ono Mizuki to finish club activities so she could support him home.

The Brass Band Club seemed to be practicing in sections; several members were on the Overpass Corridor, the sunset setting, the instrument melodies carrying a loneliness unique to after school.

"I really want a drink." Qingshan Li gazed at the sky and murmured.

He couldn't bear to spend the money.

His legs weren't good either.

Where was the future of his life?

—System

The panel popped up.

Always on call, as reassuring as a pack of toilet paper in the bathroom that never runs out.

—Since you have Intelligence, can't you be a little more intelligent? My demands aren't high. Next time Competition Mode is detected, second place in the competition, my life first.

The system had no response.

—Then at least during 'Self-study', let me set the time myself? Must every self-study session be two hours?

The system still had no response.

Of course, how could toilet paper respond?

On the contrary, if toilet paper suddenly spoke while you were talking to yourself in the restroom, that would be terrifying.

Qingshan Li had nothing to do, so he could only space out alone, recalling what he learned in today's National Language and Math classes.

The memory was profound, as if engraved, even making one doubt whether this was truly achievable by human memory?

Having lived two lives, Qingshan Li still couldn't be sure.

After finishing his review, he again took 'Conceiving a Campus Mystery Novel' as his theme, letting his thoughts diverge.

Combining the book he read last night and today's experiences, all sorts of daydreams surged forth endlessly, all so exquisite they made him praise them, as if carrying colors brilliant and dazzling like a rainbow.

But no matter what, he was the assistant, and Mikami Ai, the labyrinth girl, was the detective.

Was this something he thought of himself? Or was it implanted by the system?

The same doubt appeared once again.

Qingshan Li looked at the panel; although he thought of many plots he considered outstanding, the Material Collection Progress had not advanced at all.

It seemed all of this was within the system's expectations.

Qingshan Li began to look forward to it; when Material Collection Progress reached 100%, what kind of novel would these plots combine into?

Perhaps only one book was needed to let the Ono Sisters and him forever escape the Yen Underwear.

Yen Underwear—even if dating, it was too embarrassing to develop to the point of taking off pants.

Six o'clock, the Choir Club let out on time.

Ono Mizuki supported Qingshan Li as they left school, the two taking the train, leaving Minato Ward, and returning to Kitasenju Station in Adachi Ward.

"You rest well; I'll go prepare dinner." Ono Mizuki placed Qingshan Li in the Living Room, tied on an Apron, and got to work.

"Thank you for your hard work." Qingshan Li said.

He took out his Mobile Phone and confirmed each other's safety with his older sister Ono Mika.

He couldn't work part-time now; next month he'd just suspend the Mobile Phone, saving expenses wherever possible.

Just as he was thinking this, Ono Mizuki's voice came.

"Brother, I plan to quit the club and get a part-time job like my sister."

Qingshan Li looked at Ono Mizuki; she had her back to the Living Room, seriously making dinner.

Without looking, Qingshan Li knew what tonight's dinner was: cream stew and boiled broccoli.

Like curry, cream stew was also made in a three-day batch at once.

The three people's daily food expenses were controlled at around 800 yen.

"Next month." Qingshan Li said, "If next month I still haven't written a novel that can earn money, then you go work part-time."

He did not directly reject Ono Mizuki's intentions.

"Don't force yourself." Ono Mizuki turned back to look at him.

"I'm not forcing myself."

"Fainting on the road from part-time work, immediately starting to write novels after recovering from illness, losing emotional control in Physical Education Class because you can't write—isn't that forcing yourself?"

"Nonsense!"

"That was what Teacher Hisa from the Infirmary said."

"Tell her to be careful walking at night from now on!"

After a brief pause, Qingshan Li spoke again: "Mizuki, let's talk about it next month; I think I can do it."

"... Alright."

The sound of cooking rang out.

If the school allowed part-time jobs, Qingshan Li might be able to rely on special skills like cooking to earn some quick money in a shorter time.

Of course he could also drop out of school, thus escaping the school's regulations.

But for long-term planning, dropping out was not a good choice.

Moreover, given the current situation, all he needed was for Ono Mika and Ono Mizuki to hold out for one month, and he could turn things around.

As long as he gathered enough material, he could write a novel!

"Mizuki, what do you think of Kaiming's Choir Club?" Changing the heavy topic, he idly chatted.

"Hmm— it doesn't feel as good as my middle school choir club." After thinking, Ono Mizuki replied, "Senior said we have to participate in the competition, and at our current level, it would be very dangerous."

"But you've joined now." Qingshan Li smiled, "Mizuki, this year you just need to work hard, improve your strength, wait until next year, when you become Club President, then lead everyone into the National Choir Competition."

"Is that the novel plot you thought of?"

"How is it?"

"Probably only I would buy it, and of course you'd be the one paying."

—System, write a novel about a high school girl working hard for her club and finally entering the national competition.

【'National Competition' established】

【Material Collection started: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%8%】

The task is heavy and the road is long.

Better to focus on 'Campus Mystery, Main Ability is Beauty' — that's more realistic.

In Qingshan Li's mind, a slender and charming silhouette appeared; Mikami Ai's face was like the first snow in sunlight, so white it seemed a touch would make it melt away.

If he understood her well enough, he'd quickly collect enough material, right?

The two ate a simple dinner, then began reviewing homework.

—System, time to study, Mathematics II

【Guidance started】

When he came to, two hours had passed; whether it was his head or his heart, a satisfied fullness surged up.

At the same time, hunger pangs came from his stomach.

Recent exercise volume is high — whether physical or mental, he didn't eat at noon today either, and dinner was only one portion; for sixteen-year-old Qingshan Li, the food was completely not enough.

Before his stomach could growl, he downed a glass of water.

Write books, make money!

Not just for the Ono Sisters, but also so he himself can eat his fill!

"Brother, lend me your phone for a bit." Ono Mizuki had also finished reviewing.

"Sure."

Ono Mizuki logged into her own Line account on the phone, chatted with classmates, and at the same time had to check the Choir Club group chat for any new notifications.

Being poor has its benefits; if in the future he needs to check phone browsing history to serve as his alibi, he completely can.

Qingshan Li took out the mystery novel and continued reading.

When the time came, he closed the book and said: "I'm going to pick up Ono Mihana, be careful at home alone."

Lying on the tatami, playing Candy Crush happily, Ono Mizuki lifted her head: "Your leg is injured, let me go instead."

"A pair of sisters would only make people more excited, what use would you going be."

"Pervert!"

Ono Mizuki knew the true feelings beneath Qingshan Li's improper words, and didn't insist.

A man, even with an injured leg, in a pervert's eyes, still has more deterrence than a girl.

Ono Mika works part-time as a front desk receptionist at a private dental clinic nearby.

Monday to Friday is 7 PM to 10 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 7 PM.

Relying on her gentle and pretty looks, and a mouthful of naturally snow-white teeth, in this position she's like a healthy tooth — as long as it's a dentist with professional ethics, none would dare touch her.

Arriving at the clinic, Ono Mika hadn't gotten off work yet, wearing a nurse uniform.

"Li-kun, wait a moment, today a reserved client came late!" Ono Mika said.

"Mm." Qingshan Li nodded.

Dental clinic, wonder if it can be used in the novel; he observed all details of the clinic, including what magazines were in the waiting area.

【Campus Mystery, Main Ability is Beauty: 90.1%】

0.1?

—System, are you Pinduoduo?!

Just thinking of that name, endless worry surged in Qingshan Li's heart; Pinduoduo is just that oppressive.

However, since the dental clinic is useful, that proves the nurse uniform is needed too, right?

Qingshan Li appreciated Ono Mika dressed as a nurse.

"Okay, so you mean you're planning to come next Monday at 8 AM, is that right?" Ono Mika, confirming the next appointment time with the last client, spoke haltingly under his gaze.

Thank you Yu Mo Ling Xi, Milan Legend Former Midfielder Kaka, Hateful Unscrupulous, Shuo Ye Shi Yu pro, My King's Little Ahoge, Filial to Death, Reader 20250317014748330, Shu Yu's Ice Feather, Sunny Day and Distance, Yue Yile, Everything Like Flame for the donations!

Thank you everyone for reading, donations, votes!

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(Chapter End)