After getting off the plane, Nene trailed behind Ichin, repeatedly kicking at his calf.
"That's for yanking my eye mask! That's for yanking my eye mask!"
Ichin dodged nimbly, grinning.
"The announcement had already played. You were the only one still dead asleep, so I just picked the most effective way to wake you."
"Urusai! I'm definitely telling Uncle and Auntie about your crimes later!"
Her threats rolled right off him. Ichin simply flicked a finger against her forehead, making her freeze.
"Hmph, always bullying me. Fine, you're the boss, you win!"
Seeing Nene's sulky face, Ichin exchanged a look with Utaha, then laughed.
"Alright, I'll apologize. When we get home, I'll buy you a chilled watermelon. Half for you alone—you can hug it and eat it with a spoon."
"Oooh! Really?"
The last time they'd gone back to China in summer, that way of devouring a watermelon had left a deep impression on her. In Tokyo, she never dared—half a watermelon there cost a fortune.
Of course, in the countryside fruit was way cheaper, but since life and work kept her in Tokyo, she never had the chance.
Just picturing it, Nene's irritation melted away. Truthfully, she'd never been mad in the first place—just the usual playful bickering.
They picked up their luggage, and in the arrivals hall they spotted Umiko, who had come to meet them.
Compared to those around her, Umiko's slightly darker skin stood out.
The moment Nene saw her, she dropped her suitcase and sprinted ahead.
"Umiko-nee!"
Smiling, Umiko waved—only to see Nene charging at full speed, then leaping to cling onto her.
Startled, Umiko quickly caught her.
"Good thing I've kept up my training, or I wouldn't have managed that!"
"Hehe, of course I knew you could handle it."
After rubbing her cheek against Umiko's, Nene finally slid back down.
By then, Ichin and the others had caught up. Ichin smiled.
"Long time no see, Umiko. Though honestly, I expected a bit more of a touching reunion scene. That was it?"
Haruno chimed in,
"You don't get it, little Ichin. The rest isn't free for us to watch—and this place isn't exactly appropriate either."
"Ohh, I get it now. As expected of Haruno-nee."
Umiko, of course, heard the teasing undertones in their words. She shot Ichin a glare, then pulled a car key from her pocket and handed it to him.
"Here. This is for you to drive back. I'll take Nene to drop off her luggage at my place first, then head over to your home. By the way, are Haruno and Yukino still staying with you this time?"
"Not this time," Ichin shook his head. "It's summer—cramming the sisters into one room is too hot, even with AC. Back at New Year, I asked Mom to buy another apartment in our complex. One happened to be up for sale. It's already renovated, so Haruno-nee and Yukino can move in. Later, if anyone else comes to visit, they can stay there too—much more convenient."
"What? How did I not know?" Haruno was stunned.
"It wasn't a big deal. And I'm telling you now, aren't I?"
As they walked out of the terminal, Ichin explained,
"We're family, no need for so much fuss. Prices in Shanghai will only keep rising—buying was no loss. The previous owner already knew my parents. Their daughter got married and moved to another city for work, so they sold it to us at a friendly discount. Basically market value, but still a favor."
"Ahh, in that case, good."
Haruno finally relaxed. He was right—they'd definitely be coming often in the future, so a stable place to stay was ideal.
Yukino, recalling something, added,
"I remember… apartments in that area were quite expensive, weren't they? I looked it up once out of curiosity."
"They're high, yeah, but not outrageous for Shanghai. They've broken 150,000 per square meter these past two years. There are at least forty or fifty places pricier than our complex. But honestly, unless you're buying, it's not worth worrying about. And your family's business doesn't extend into China anyway. So just relax and enjoy your vacation."
Yukino nodded. She really had only searched out of curiosity—but those numbers had been shocking.
Nene tugged at Umiko's sleeve and whispered,
"Umiko-nee, is your place expensive?"
"Not too bad. Ichin helped me find it—nice environment, close to work, very convenient. Price? Not sure, maybe seventy or eighty thousand?"
"That's still so expensive!" Nene's eyes went wide.
Ichin turned his head and said,
"It's just an apartment. Its value doesn't compare to what Umiko has contributed to the company. Well, did that speech move you? Make you want to work for me for decades?"
Umiko laughed.
"As it happens, I do plan on staying at your company until retirement. How's that sound?"
"You're one hundred percent welcome. And you, Nene?"
"Me? I never thought of changing jobs. Just don't let the company go under, and we're fine."
With laughter and chatter, the group left the airport. Ichin drove Utaha, Haruno, and Yukino home, while Umiko took Nene back to her apartment first.
In the car, Haruno glanced out at the sweltering weather.
"Shanghai summers really are hot… So, where are we going to play these next few days?"
Hands on the wheel, Ichin answered,
"There are plenty of places. Let's rest at home for a day, then decide. Mom's free anyway, so wherever you want to go, I'll be your driver."
From the back seat, Haruno nodded approvingly.
"Good, good, very sensible. In return, I'll reward you with a lap pillow!"
"I'll pass. I already have Utaha's lap for that."
He knew better than to trust Haruno's so-called reward—if he lay down, who knew what trap she'd spring next?
*
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