Chapter 117: Aso Ai’s Self-Awareness

Aso Ai possessed a great deal of self-awareness.

She knew full well that considering her own conditions, she could hardly be considered exceptionally outstanding or prominent.

Although she did have her own striking strong points, if she relied solely on those plus her own level of capability, attempting to successfully secure a position as the principal wife of a wealthy and prominent family was simply a foolish daydream and wild fantasy.

Since that was the case, it was better to be pragmatic—actively lowering her standards and taking a humble stance rather than yearning for a distant, unreachable position.

Being a second wife or mistress wasn’t a bad choice either.

It was a pretty good alternative.

Wouldn’t she still be able to enjoy the material luxuries that wealth brought?

Aso Ai envied the lives of rich people far too much.

Speaking of which, the reason she held these current ideas had a lot to do with her close friend, Chida Rinon.

She was a child from an ordinary family who used to live a thoroughly plain and average life. However, ever since coming into contact with Chida Rinon and seeing everything Rinon possessed along with the luxurious life she enjoyed, her world had been turned upside down.

An uncontrollable envy filled her heart; she wanted to possess all of that as well.

A luxurious and comfortable home, a life of fine food and rich clothing, buying whatever she liked whenever she wanted, going on spontaneous trips, and attending all kinds of high-end banquets...

Such a life felt dreamlike, filling her with intense longing.

She yearned to live a wealthy, comfortable life like Chida Rinon.

This longing gradually transformed into a driving force, inspiring Aso Ai to work hard and push forward toward that seemingly distant yet immensely enticing goal...

...

Kitahara arrived at Shueisha and met Suzuki Misaki once again. Today, Suzuki Misaki looked to be in better shape than last time.

Perhaps because she had gotten sufficient rest, she no longer looked so haggard, radiating a touch of vitality and energy instead.

Of course, the most eye-catching thing about her remained her temptingly voluptuous figure.

Whether it was her shapely curves or her well-defined contours, she exuded a unique charm that made it impossible for Kitahara to look away.

Suzuki Misaki was like a rose blooming amidst a bed of flowers—gorgeous, charming, and fragrant.

Seeing Kitahara arrive, a bright smile blossomed on her lovely face. She offered him a seat and swayed her waist gracefully as she went to brew a cup of coffee for him.

"Kitahara-kun, I’m really sorry to have interrupted your writing. You’re not angry with me right now, are you?"

Suzuki Misaki bowed slightly to apologize.

Earlier on the phone, she had caught the displeasure in Kitahara’s tone.

She knew writers loved quietness and hated nothing more than being disturbed during their creative process.

Especially when inspiration struck and they were fully immersed in writing—once interrupted, the feeling was agonizing.

That was why she usually didn’t dare disturb Kitahara without an important reason.

Today was out of necessity—there really was official business to handle, though she had still accidentally interrupted him...

"It’s alright, Misaki-nee. I was only a little unhappy for the brief second when I picked up the phone. The moment I heard Misaki-nee’s voice, my mood instantly brightened up. Now that I see you in person, my mood couldn’t be better!"

Kitahara Chiki looked at Suzuki Misaki as she leaned forward in front of him, his throat unconsciously swallowing as he spoke.

He was indeed a bit thirsty, so he picked up the coffee and took a sip. Mm, rich, aromatic, and delicious—the flavor was truly not bad.

"Haha, Kitahara-kun’s mouth is getting sweeter and sweeter! I wonder if you’re telling the truth or just lying to make me happy," Suzuki Misaki chuckled.

"Naturally it’s the truth. My greatest virtue is that I never tell lies," Kitahara said sincerely, looking into Suzuki Misaki’s eyes.

"I... I’ll take your word for it then."

Suzuki Misaki accidentally made eye contact with Kitahara, but very quickly, she averted her gaze like a startled little deer.

That brief glance was like a flash of lightning across the night sky, sending ripples through her heart.

Her heart, originally as still as water, unexpectedly fluttered without any warning at this moment.

This unfamiliar yet miraculous feeling left her thoroughly confused.

Recalling carefully, Kitahara Chiki seemed different today compared to before.

There was an added depth in his eyes, a subtle smile hanging at the corner of his lips, and his entire being radiated a unique aura.

What kind of charm that was, Suzuki Misaki couldn’t explain clearly either, but she only knew that she was suddenly deeply drawn to him.

That attraction felt like an invisible force tugging at her, making her involuntarily want to get closer and explore Kitahara Chiki.

She restrained herself, reminding herself to stay reserved—after all, she was a married woman...

"Kitahara-kun, please review it once more. If there are no issues, I’ll finalize the manuscript today and arrange the printing and publishing process."

With a slightly unnatural expression, Suzuki Misaki picked up a manuscript from her desk and placed it before Kitahara.

Then, she stepped a bit further away from Kitahara, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

Kitahara didn’t notice the subtle change in Suzuki Misaki’s demeanor; taking the manuscript, he began to read.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Misaki sat down at the other end of the desk.

Originally, she had intended to work on other matters while waiting for Kitahara to finish reading.

Yet without realizing it, her work ground to a halt, her eyes and mind both focused completely on Kitahara.

Come to think of it, she had never noticed before that Kitahara Chiki’s aura was so extraordinarily captivating.

He wasn’t bad-looking either—well-proportioned features, a high and straight nose bridge. While not the striking type at first glance, he was very easy on the eyes and made people feel comfortable.

In her memory, Kitahara’s build used to be somewhat thin and weak, giving off a gloomy impression that lacked masculinity.

Now he looked much better—bright, positive, and full of vigor.

Suzuki Misaki had known Kitahara for over several years now.

All along, she had never associated Kitahara with romantic feelings between men and women.

To her, Kitahara was merely one among the many authors under her care. Even if they occasionally chatted a bit more, they could at most be considered ordinary friends.

Lately, Kitahara’s personality had undergone some changes—becoming more humorous and witty, with his talent gradually shining through even more. Due to certain matters, their interactions had also grown much more frequent.

In Suzuki Misaki’s heart, Kitahara had already become a close friend.

However, fate was always full of twists and surprises.

Today, she had actually developed romantic feelings toward Kitahara!

Ripples stirred across the lake of her heart.

A emotion that had been dormant for a long time was suddenly awakened!

Watching Kitahara Chiki intently reviewing the manuscript, Suzuki Misaki’s heart grew restless and uneasy...