Chapter 433

"I have to get to work early so I can get off early and rush over there."

"So, regarding club activities, I'll have to be absent today. Sorry."

Hearing this, the three of them finally understood the reason.

However, everyone knew Natsume Chikage's family circumstances—that working a part-time job was a necessity—so no one said much more.

It was just that Yukimura Lingyin and Xiyuanji Qilai couldn't help but be curious about the relationship between that "aunt" and Natsume Chikage.

After all, they had never heard him mention her before.

But out of respect for others' privacy, the two of them really couldn't bring themselves to ask.

As for Classmate Classmate Tengyuan Kui, she vaguely guessed that Natsume-kun was likely going to that Aunt Kondo's house for dinner.

She couldn't help but feel a bit worried—worried that Natsume Chikage might spark some unexpected chemistry with Aunt Kondo's daughter, Kondo Miki.

Xiyuanji Qilai seemed to suddenly remember something and asked:

"By the way, Natsume-kun, isn't tomorrow Saturday? I remember you were going to participate in the third round of the shogi tournament tomorrow, right?"

Natsume Chikage nodded:

"Yes, what about it?"

Xiyuanji Qilai asked with concern:

"Have you already asked the teacher for leave?"

Natsume Chikage shook his head:

"Not yet, but I already gave them a heads-up in advance, so the teacher won't say anything; it'll be fine to submit the leave request form tonight."

Xiyuanji Qilai smiled:

"That's good."

"But... I remember your match tomorrow starts in the first slot in the morning, right?"

Natsume Chikage nodded again:

"Yes."

A hint of happiness appeared on Xiyuanji Qilai's face.

She knew there were no classes on Saturday afternoon.

By then, Natsume-kun, having finished his match in the morning, should be able to go buy stones with her.

She wanted to extend the invitation immediately.

But looking at Classmate Classmate Tengyuan Kui and Yukimura Lingyin beside her, for some reason, a sense of shyness welled up in her heart, making her retract the thought—better to chat with Natsume-kun when she sends him a message tonight.

And so.

She temporarily suppressed the anticipation in her heart and sincerely congratulated him:

"Then... good luck with the match, I will definitely be cheering for you."

Classmate Classmate Tengyuan Kui gave a thumbs up and encouraged him with great energy:

o(￣▽￣)ｄ

"Natsume-kun, you must do your best in the match!"

Yukimura Lingyin was silent for a moment, then also said softly:

"Good luck... with the match."

Natsume Chikage felt their sincerity and thanked them earnestly:

"Thank you, I definitely will."

At night.

Around six o'clock.

Kondo Miyuki stood before the mirror, examining herself—already wearing light makeup and a proper loungewear outfit—and nodded gently with satisfaction.

At this moment.

She received a call from Natsume Chikage.

【Natsume Chikage: Hello, Aunt Miyuki? My sister and I have already arrived downstairs.】

【Kondo Miyuki: You've already arrived downstairs? That's great, the food at home is just ready; I'll have my daughter go down to pick you up.】