Chapter 289: A Day Trip

That afternoon, after hearing Tsukiyuki Kyoichi’s story, Gao Sijin felt completely at ease. He discovered the old man was far from the stern and rigid figure he had imagined. Just as Tsukiyuki Rio had said, her grandfather was cold on the outside but warm within. After listening to the old man’s love story in particular, Gao Sijin suddenly found himself yearning for a life where he could grow old with his partner.

Nothing is more romantic than growing old together.

“Grandfather, we’re going out to have fun later. Do you want to come with us?”

The old man shook his head.

When a person grows old, many words become unusable. The word “fun” is one of them. The moment a man has to shoulder the burden of a household or a clan, he is destined to be forever separated from the word “fun.”

“You young ones go and have fun. While you are young, do as many of the things you can only do right now.”

Tsukiyuki Kyoichi stood on the balcony, basking in the warm breeze, as if listening to the whispers of his deceased wife.

Life continues, yet for Tsukiyuki Kyoichi, the most unbearable thing was that the world kept turning after his wife passed away. But in the end, he gradually accepted it. The one who leaves first cannot experience the entirety of love, while the one who departs later can fully embrace the pain, making the feeling of love all the more unforgettable and profound.

Thinking about it carefully, perhaps death is not so frightening after all. Tsukiyuki Kyoichi believed Tsukiyuki Rio was a far more exceptional candidate for Clan Head than himself. He wished to abdicate and spend his remaining years in leisure, giving himself more time to cherish the memory of his late wife. This was currently Tsukiyuki Kyoichi’s only remaining wish.

Perhaps he should bring up this idea with Rio after this matter concludes.

The Prophesied Girl is enough to lead the Tsukiyuki Clan to its pinnacle.

“Riko, it seems a true monster has appeared among our descendants.”

After Tsukiyuki Rio linked her arm with Gao Sijin’s and they departed, the two wandered through many more places in Karuizawa. They visited the famous art museum, tasted the local specialty of salt-grilled rock fish, and went to the century-old Asano Bakery. They sampled many delicacies that Tsukiyuki Rio normally never had the chance to try. As for meat buns, besides the usual fillings you’d expect, they even found venison buns and wasabi buns. It was the first time either of them had bought such simple food to fill their stomachs for dinner.

The maids followed closely behind, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far, ensuring the two’s safety while simultaneously guaranteeing they could enjoy their time alone. As for Yu Qingxue, she did not follow them further; she had gone to the indoor ski resort to enjoy some skiing.

In the evening, the two took commemorative photos together at Shiraito Falls. When asked whether he wished to return to the Castle on Mount Asama or stay at the Karuizawa West Prince Hotel, Gao Sijin chose the latter. He felt it was necessary for him to build a good relationship with Tsukiyuki Rio’s family.

“Gao-kun, today was truly enjoyable. I hope the rest of our lives can continue like this.”

Gao Sijin gently embraced Tsukiyuki Rio and said with a firmness he had never shown before:

“We will be happy forever.”

That madwoman Feng Na had completely vanished from Gao Sijin’s sight. From now on, no more pain would exist in his life. However, on the way back, Gao Sijin constantly felt as if his back was being watched. Like a deer eyed by a hunter, he was certain these were not the gazes of the maids, but someone else’s…

Could it be that woman?

Recalling that night, being stripped bare and squeezed dry—wrung out like a sugarcane forced to give up its last drop of juice—sent chills down his spine. Feng Na, like a wild beast, had pounced on him and swung frantically. The despair from that time was palpable. Even now, Gao Sijin regretted losing his virginity to that woman against his will. He felt utterly stained. Dirty.

“Rio, let’s head back a little faster.”

“Alright, Gao-kun.”

He took hold of Tsukiyuki Rio’s warm, soft little hand and quickened his pace toward the hotel.

At last, they arrived at the hotel again. He could finally relax.

In the evening, fireworks lit up outside the hotel, a dazzling blaze of fiery trees and silver flowers blooming with a light that stirred countless thoughts.

So beautiful.

Gao Sijin and Tsukiyuki Rio sat together beneath the Cool Pavilion. The night breeze was gentle. As the fireworks burst forth, Gao Sijin secretly gazed at Tsukiyuki Rio’s breathtakingly beautiful face, illuminated by the spectacle in the darkness. A sense of happiness welled up within him, so overwhelming he could not help but want to cry. Even though Gao Sijin had been abandoned by his own parents in life, just as his Aunt had said, everything lost will eventually return in another form.

Now, Gao Sijin felt he was the happiest person in the world.

He gently lifted the soft, delicate girl in the black kimono onto his lap, his hands caressing her hair as the wind blew through it. Tsukiyuki Rio was flattered, her pretty face blushing slightly, as if shy.

“Rio, thank you.”

“No, I should be the one thanking Gao-kun. I’ve experienced true love.”

This was an experience she could never have gained by kidnapping Gao Sijin and dominating him by force.

Everything had been done solely for this moment.

Controlling him quietly, yet making him believe he is free.

Manipulating the course of his life so that he can never leave the security and happiness she provides—this is an invisible chain far more effective than mere house arrest.

A Cheshire Cat-like, eerily morbid smile played at the corner of Tsukiyuki Rio’s lips. But it was a smile Gao Sijin could never possibly interpret. Dominating the dull-witted Gao Sijin was a piece of cake. She only prayed this lie would never be exposed.

“Gao-kun, please drink.”

After the fireworks ended, Tsukiyuki Rio reverently poured a cup of sake for Gao Sijin.

Faced with the drink poured by his lover, Gao Sijin did not hesitate for a single moment and downed it in one gulp.

“It tastes pretty good. What kind of sake is this, by the way?”

“It’s kuchikamizake.” Tsukiyuki Rio giggled. “Before our physical union, I, in my virgin state, brewed this rice wine using my saliva.”

“Rice wine brewed with saliva?”

This was the first time Gao Sijin had ever heard of kuchikamizake. After checking Wikipedia and watching a video, he understood the origin of this drink. It was made by a maiden chewing rice, spitting it out, and repeating the process several times before letting it ferment into alcohol.

“Does Gao-kun find it disgusting?”

“Not at all. The flavor is sweet and sour. It’s delicious. I’ll drink as much as there is.”

How could he possibly find the sake brewed by his lover’s saliva disgusting?

On the contrary, Gao Sijin was even more excited. Rio was the most beautiful woman in the world. Her saliva was sweet; he had tasted it many times when kissing her.

His left arm pulled Tsukiyuki Rio into his embrace, while his right hand held the sake cup. He mused that life as an immortal could hardly be better than this.

A little later, he returned to the room with Tsukiyuki Rio.

“Goodnight, Gao-kun.”

“Not doing it tonight?”

“Does Gao-kun want to?”

“No, I’m just relieved. After all, Rio is too gluttonous, and I can never quite satisfy you. I need to conserve my energy now and then.”

Gao Sijin lay on the bed, completely relaxed.

“Gao-kun, before you sleep, have a glass of water to help sober you up.”

He took the glass of water handed to him by Tsukiyuki Rio. About five minutes later, his mind grew groggy and heavy.

At the same time, he felt a light flashing at the edge of the sky.

It looked like the light of an alien flying saucer…

Tsukiyuki Rio gently covered Gao Sijin with a blanket, then put her already-removed clothes back on. She kissed Gao Sijin lightly on the cheek and spoke to Yu Qingxue, who had been waiting outside the door for a long time:

“Qingxue, I leave Gao-kun in your temporary care. The Person from the future has arrived.”