Chapter 879

Aragaki Yui stood outside the door.

She wore a deep blue bathrobe, inside a dark gray cotton home sleepwear, long-sleeved, round-necked, hem reaching the knees, without any decoration, plain as if bought on discount at a convenience store.

Her hair was tied into a low ponytail with a black elastic band, no makeup on her face, the bluish-black under her eyes more noticeable than in daytime.

On her feet were a pair of ordinary fuzzy slippers, the exposed ankles bare of stockings, clean and spotless, nothing at all.

Compared to the adorable Shiomi Minori in "Love Is Hard" or the stubborn Daichi Machiko in "Legal High", after shedding all makeup, all roles, all "personas", what remained—clean, pure, belonging solely to Aragaki Yui as a person—was revealed. Privately, GAKKI is actually a lone individual, her personality gloomy and unsmiling, preferring to be alone, and she dislikes others constantly staring at her. She prefers men who, instead of clinging to her, would best find a place to sit, do nothing, and just make people feel at ease.

"GAKKI-san, you too?!" came the sound of high heels from the other end, sharp and hurried, as if someone was rushing. "??" Aragaki Yui was startled, she turned her head to look, and Tei Reiji, the leading lady of Fuji, stepped out from the hallway corner. She wore a burgundy silk spaghetti-strap dress, the hem short to mid-thigh, the neckline low to three fingers below the collarbone.

Her long legs were wrapped in a pair of flesh-colored lace-edged suspender stockings, the cherry blossom lace at the stocking tops faintly visible on the outer thighs, her feet in a pair of transparent high-heeled sandals, the heels slender and high, adding a sway to her gait, her black hair blown back into large waves cascading over her shoulders, her face made up with balanced evening makeup, lipstick a true red, the whole person like a moving flame, burning fiercely.

"You too???" Tei Reiji's face showed a hint of just-right surprise, she lightly covered her mouth, feigning shock: "You also came to see Uesugi Chief? No way, no way, GAKKI-san, you're a major actress, how could you come here this late?" Aragaki Yui's gaze shifted from Tei Reiji's perfectly subdued surprise, to the red wine and two cups in her hand, to her extremely sexy outfit and the sheer high-heeled sandals fully exposing her silk-stockinged feet and toes painted with purple nail polish, her expression unchanged, only pressing her lips: "I have something to discuss with Uesugi Chief."

"So late, still talking about work?" Tei Reiji smiled faintly, that smile so light only the corner of her mouth twitched, but the meaning in her eyes was strong—strong enough that Aragaki Yui couldn't possibly miss it.

She took a step forward, standing beside Aragaki Yui, the two side by side at the doorway, one in a burgundy spaghetti strap, lace suspender stockings, high-heeled sandals—a voluptuous woman, the other in gray home sleepwear, face plain, fuzzy slippers—a neighborly older sister.

The contrast was strong, like a dance drama.

"GAKKI-san doesn't know, coming late at night to see Uesugi has an unwritten rule, that one must wear stockings?" Tei Reiji said with a smile, also blinking her eyes.

Aragaki Yui grew a bit impatient: "I really have something to discuss with Uesugi-san!"

Damn bitch! Tei Reiji cursed in her heart.

Shameless slut! Aragaki Yui likewise cursed in her heart.

Yes, Aragaki Yui truly came to discuss matters with Uesugi Muneyuki, concerning the Inner World.

With age increasing, Aragaki Yui's self-generated Inner World energy gradually declined, and she hardly received any replenishment, so both her appearance and abilities began to decline step by step, and she became more susceptible to attracting other Inner World entities.

In recent years, Uesugi Muneyuki's rise has also drawn Aragaki Yui's attention, she quickly realized that Uesugi Muneyuki is almost certainly an Inner World entity, as for Shirakawa Mai, that goes without saying—she had long known, she and Mai Xuejie have always kept to themselves, rarely collaborated, hence the industry rumor of "co-starring NG", everyone thought it meant "king doesn't see king", which is also understandable.

Actually, Aragaki Yui fears Shirakawa Mai could one-shot her with an arrow, she has been secretly monitoring and guarding against Shirakawa Mai's movements.

However, Aragaki Yui soon noticed something strange: logically, Shirakawa Mai is also 28 this year, should have started declining.

But why hasn't her blue bar decreased? Instead, it's increased compared to before!

Compared to a few years ago, Shirakawa Mai's use of ability has become even more unrestrained and indulgent, utterly unconcerned with consumption, large-scale festival rituals one after another.

This is unreasonable!

Because this is New Delhi!

So, the scheming frog has been groping your belly!

Detective Conan concludes today that the answer is only one!

That is, it lies with Uesugi Muneyuki!

So Aragaki Yui came.

Who still has surplus Inner World energy?

The over-thirty GAKKI urgently needs it!

For this, she truly doesn't mind having a go with Uesugi Muneyuki, who is originally a famous lecher, his private life in high society both a laughingstock and an object of envy for everyone.

And she herself actually doesn't mind either—when she dated Kiritani Ryo before, there were rumors saying "from Okinawa, passionate as fire, loud voice, noisy to neighbors".

However, at this moment Tei Reiji spoke up, still making Aragaki Yui feel very embarrassed.

Some things can be done but not said, and she has already been dating Hoshino Gen.

At this moment, the room echoed with Shirakawa Mai's voice: "Who's outside?"

The room door opened, barefoot she walked to the doorway, she also changed clothes, a full black lace-trimmed spaghetti-strap sleep dress, the hem shorter than Tei Reiji's, revealing a pair of long, beautiful legs wearing black eclipse-patterned silk stockings.

Her hair loose, her face carrying the flush of just having eaten, brows and eyes holding a languid, sated, late-night allure, one hand hooked to a pair of YSL high-heeled thin-strapped sandals.

She saw Tei Reiji, then saw Aragaki Yui, her gaze lingered on Aragaki Yui's home attire for a second.

"Oh! Aragaki-san?" Shirakawa Mai's voice was soft, but each word sounded as if carved with an ice blade, "So late, you Aragaki Yui looking at her black lace sleep dress, then glancing at Tei Reiji beside her, suddenly laughed. Not a 'GAKKISMILE', but a kind of light, self-mocking, even slightly tired laugh. 'I came to discuss matters with Uesugi Teacher.' She said, her voice calm. 'Discuss matters?' Shirakawa Mai tilted her head, expression innocent and guileless, but her eyes held a sharpness only women can read, 'What matter needs such a late-night room discussion? Can't it be discussed in the hallway? Can't it be discussed tomorrow?'"

Aragaki Yui did not respond.

Shirakawa Mai looked her up and down, from her plain face, to her loose cotton home wear, to her bare ankles and fuzzy slippers, after looking, she lightly laughed.

But that laugh carried a feeling that makes one's whole body go cold, a superior, undisguised contempt.

"Aragaki-san, you too are a national superstar actress, unexpected that you'd also play this game." She paused, her gaze falling on Aragaki Yui's face: "You also came to play pillow business? Although in your circle it's not shameful. But at your age, in this state, do you think it's appropriate?" Aragaki Yui's pupils contracted slightly.

"Look at yourself," Shirakawa Mai's voice unhurried, as if stating something obvious: "Dressed like this, face plain, not even wearing makeup. You think coming to find a man like this will yield results? Or do you think you're a national actress, so you need do nothing, just stand there, and Uesugi will come rushing over?"

Aragaki Yui did not move.

Her hands hung at her sides, gripping the hem of her home wear, clenched tight, knuckles whitening.

She really wanted to shout at Shirakawa Mai, to make her stop!

When she didn't want to be found missing mysteriously tomorrow morning, her corpse discovered months later in the Hakkoda Mountains of Aomori Prefecture, cause of death "marching in snow" misfortune, deemed an accidental death.

Shirakawa Mai took a step forward, the distance between them close enough to see the reflection in each other's eyes.

She is slightly shorter than Aragaki Yui, but she lifted her head to look at her, as if looking down.

"Go back, Aragaki-san." Her voice lowered, low enough for only the two to hear: "You're too old. In the same ecological niche, you cannot beat me."

"You won't even wear stockings for him, yet you still want to come and discuss things with him late at night? Tsk tsk! He already has me, old woman must have old woman's awareness, go back and keep company with your Hoshino Gen!"

The hallway fell silent.

Aragaki Yui stared at Shirakawa Mai, stared for a long time, then she loosened her grip on the hem, turned around, and walked toward the end of the hallway: "I truly came to seek advice…… if so, let's talk next time."

"There will be no next time." Mai Xuejie coldly laughed, thinking really letting you know how the junior student shared energy with me? Still not acceptable? All mine! All mine!!!

At the corner, Aragaki Yui's silhouette disappeared, the hallway left with only a faint scent, like lemon or lavender, from her shampoo.

Tei Reiji stood at the doorway, still holding that bottle of red wine, watching the direction Aragaki Yui disappeared, the curve of her mouth unable to be suppressed, she immediately saluted Mai Xuejie.

As expected of Mai-sama!

One empty output troop leader, Tei Reiji, junior general, loyalty! sincerity!

I have always been the commander of the Capital Security Division of the Uesugi Shogunate, Mai-sama, you this side's ah!

"Mai-sama!" she said, her voice carrying a hint of careful flattery: "What you just said was absolutely right, GAKKI-san as a major national actress..."

Shirakawa Mai raised her hand and waved it lightly, signaling not to let Uesugi Muneyuki hear.

Tei Reiji immediately shut her mouth, closing it faster than anything.

Shirakawa Mai looked at her, scanning her from head to toe—from the burgundy spaghetti-strap dress to the lace trim on the flesh-toned stockings, to the toes in transparent high-heeled sandals painted with red nail polish. After finishing her inspection, she nodded, her expression softening somewhat, even carrying a hint of satisfaction. "Come in," she said, stepping aside to clear the doorway.

Tei Reiji seemed to have been pardoned, her face breaking into a radiant smile. She tiptoed quickly into the room, placed the red wine on the table, turned, and gave Shirakawa Mai a slight bow.

Loyalty! Sincerity!

Shirakawa Mai did not respond, walked back to the bedside and sat down, crossing her legs. The foot wearing black silk stockings swayed slightly, the toe almost touching Tei Reiji's calf. Tei Reiji immediately sat beside Mai Xuejie, leaning toward her.

"You came too? Why were you standing at the door for so long?" Uesugi Muneyuki asked strangely, looking at the four women already seated in the room, then glancing at the unopened bottle of red wine on the table, thinking tonight probably wouldn't involve sleep.

"We discussed a few things about tomorrow's arrangements... Since Tei-san is here too, let's order something to eat." Shirakawa Mai suddenly said, "What specialties does Aomori have?"

Asuka poked her head out from under the blanket, her eyes lighting up: "Apples! Aomori's apples!"

"And scallops," Miyawaki Sakura also perked up, sitting up, the tips of her white over-the-knee butterfly-like socks pressing into the blanket: "I saw in a guide that Aomori's scallops are especially delicious."

"Then apples and scallops it is." Shirakawa Mai glanced at Tei Reiji.

Tei Reiji immediately picked up the phone on the bedside table and dialed ahead.

Her tone shifted the moment the call connected into standard, polite hotel service language: "Hello, Room 308, could you please send some late-night snacks? Aomori apple platter, grilled scallops, and if there are any side dishes that go with alcohol, please bring a few. We have our own wine, thank you."

After hanging up, she turned to Shirakawa Mai and smiled: "It'll be delivered in twenty minutes."

Shirakawa Mai "mm"-ed, picked up the remote and turned on the TV, volume set low, the screen showing a local late-night program currently airing a tokusatsu series, a very classic ranger show.

"Ah-ha, sealed for a whole year, finally about to enter the S-League! Scoop scoop, I'm going to destroy you!"

"Dangerous, we need an elite ranger team to face off against the Fly Scientist Demon King!"

Then came a passage of uplifting, fluctuating music.

gogo "Surging Battle Brother~"

gogo "Surging Battle Brother" youmighty top Surging Battle Brother "

"Great Water God, Top Gyro Zode!"

Outside the window, cherry blossoms fluttered everywhere, and the snow scenery of the Hakkoda Mountains.

Uesugi Muneyuki sat at the foot of the bed, leaning against the bedpost. Asuka crawled out from under the blanket, placed a pillow behind him to make him more comfortable, then snuggled into his embrace. Xiao Ying also came over, pulled the blanket over to cover his legs, then leaned against his shoulder, her hair brushing his chin.

Shirakawa Mai watched this scene, the corner of her mouth slightly lifting as she raised her wine cup and took a sip.

From then on, this side of the inner world came under complete control of the White River Manor by me.

Aragaki Yui, how many blue strips does she have?

Tei Reiji did not lean over, but instead sat at the other end of the foot of the bed, opened the red wine, and poured a cup for everyone.

The late-night snacks arrived.

The Aomori apples were sliced into crescent shapes, arranged like a flower, each slice so thin it transmitted light, glowing with a honey-colored sheen under the lighting. The grilled scallops were served in their shells, sprinkled with green onion and lemon juice, steaming hot, their aroma filling the room. There were also several side dishes to go with alcohol—pickled vegetables, cold tofu, edamame—each placed in small plates, delicate yet restrained.

Asuka picked up a slice of apple, took a bite, her eyes lighting up again: "So sweet! Tokyo's apples can't compare to this!"

"Nonsense, this is Aomori." Miyawaki Sakura also took a slice, eating it in small bites, her white silk knee rubbing against Uesugi Muneyuki's leg: "Isn't the Yamaguchi in Aomori Prefecture just apple apple?"

Tei Reiji respectfully picked up a grilled scallop and placed it on the plate in front of Uesugi Muneyuki, her motion natural as if caring for her own man. Shirakawa Mai saw it, said nothing, and Tei Reiji quickly also picked one for her.

After drinking two cups of wine, the topic turned to the ranch.

"That ranch, I had someone look into it." Shirakawa Mai put down her chopsticks, picked up her wine cup and turned it in her hand: "Social Welfare Corporation, Aomori Welfare Association certified facility, ostensibly accepting disabled people for employment as a charitable organization. But you guess, over the past fifteen years, how many people have been sent out from that facility?"

Several people looked at her, no one speaking.

"More than thirty." Shirakawa Mai's voice was very calm: "More than thirty disabled people, died in that ranch. Causes of death mostly listed as 'heart failure,' 'respiratory failure,' 'hypothermia.' Not one underwent detailed judicial autopsy, not one had a complete cause-of-death appraisal. After cremation, the ashes were returned to relatives one by one—if there were still relatives. Those without relatives were buried in the empty space behind the ranch." "Muneyuki." Mai Xuejie suddenly broke into a radiant smile.

"We're going to get rich!"