Chapter 28: Waiting for a Fateful Encounter with an Ordinary Soul

The place where they ate was a rather ordinary sushi restaurant.

Yosuke Ueno wasn’t exactly a veteran; though he had some money in his pocket, he hadn’t used any of those clever tricks like fancy restaurants, small gifts, or high-end hotels. But that suited their status as students.

Not long after they sat down, Kyoko Okita and her friend arrived.

Tao Zhimin was greatly disappointed. This shorter, round-faced Kayo Miyamura, though shy and somewhat cute, was unimpressive at best.

He had just adjusted his mindset, ready to enjoy this new chapter of life.

Unlike him, the young girl’s eyes kept sneaking glances at Yosuke Ueno, who, despite his simple attire, was tall and handsome.

“Tao and Ueno, thank you so much for taking time to guide us!” Kyoko Okita bowed as she sat, then asked, “Have you both decided where you’ll be working?”

Tao Zhimin replied honestly, “You have to compare a bit more to see which place suits you best. Besides, every time I attend a company seminar, they give out so many incentives after the provisional offer—it’s hard to stop.”

His words seemed so natural that Kyoko Okita blinked with admiration.

Those who can get close to Tokyo University really do have exceptional abilities.

Does he get something out of every seminar?

“Tao and Ueno, you two are... on a level I can hardly imagine,” Kyoko Okita said with longing. “If only I could be as strong as you.”

Yosuke Ueno’s smile became stiff.

Don’t include me, I’m not like him—how embarrassing.

“Just pay attention to a few details,” Tao Zhimin thought the girl seemed rather naive, not even considering preparing herself for her future as a company employee.

Since there wasn’t much to do over dinner, he treated it as a chance to teach Yosuke Ueno, talking about details and experiences in resume writing and interviews.

His voice wasn’t loud, but in a typical open-plan restaurant in Japan, the seating was a bit cramped.

Soon, the two girls at the neighboring table were also listening in, apparently drawn to Tao Zhimin’s advice.

Noticing this, Tao Zhimin looked at the girl directly across from him and smiled.

She didn’t avert her gaze and smiled sweetly back.

Something stirred in Tao Zhimin’s heart—there seemed to be a spark.

Time passed slowly, and when they had nearly finished eating, even Yosuke Ueno felt the discussion was far too short as Tao Zhimin stopped sharing.

“...I really don’t know how to thank you for your advice, Tao!” Kyoko Okita said sincerely, “I suddenly feel much more confident about the upcoming interviews!”

“Good luck,” Tao Zhimin glanced at the table and asked, “Well, shall we call it a day? Kyoko and Kayo, can you two share a taxi back?”

Yosuke Ueno looked at him in surprise.

“...Of course. Um... let us pay the bill. Tao, when I get the offer, please let me thank you properly!”

“No way!” Tao Zhimin said righteously. “We’ve already made tens of thousands just from the seminars. Yosuke, we can’t let the ladies pay!”

Yosuke Ueno looked at him with mixed feelings.

You got all that, not me—I’m just a nobody.

He spoke honestly, “Let’s wait until Kyoko gets her offer, then we’ll talk!”

Really, why did you just send them away?

After paying, Tao Zhimin stood outside the sushi restaurant, watching Kyoko Okita and Kayo Miyamura climb into a taxi, looking wistful yet resigned.

“Regretful?” Tao Zhimin teased. “You brought money but didn’t get to spend it—feeling unsatisfied?”

“...How could I feel that way?”

Tao Zhimin stayed put. “Honestly, not cute enough, and not interesting. How about we go out ourselves?”

“Where to?” Yosuke Ueno stood on the street at night, honest as ever.

“Let’s wait and see.” Tao Zhimin gazed at the Roppongi night, suddenly feeling inspired.

Such a wonderful life—a life without shackles, with limitless possibilities.

He strolled off to the side.

“Wait for what?” Yosuke Ueno followed, curious.

“For a chance encounter.” Tao Zhimin said as he walked into a nearby shop, buying a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

Damn, even lighters are expensive here.

Used to cheap lighters back home, Tao Zhimin felt a pang.

“When did you start smoking?” Yosuke Ueno momentarily forgot the earlier conversation, astonished.

Tao Zhimin unwrapped the pack, drew a cigarette. “Want to try?”

Yosuke Ueno shook his head.

Tao Zhimin ignored him, lighting up and smoking with practiced ease.

Blowing smoke rings and such was just showy nonsense.

Letting the smoke flow from nose to mouth, the nicotine gave him a taste of adulthood.

He’d been busy with interviews lately, really starting to feel like a student.

But in truth, he wasn’t.

Yosuke Ueno stared at him, suddenly thinking... he looked a bit cool.

“Wait... just now you said, a chance encounter, what do you mean? Who are we waiting for?”

“Ha... who knows?” Tao Zhimin continued to smoke by the street, looking like a delinquent.

Yosuke Ueno felt this guy upended his image every day.

Seeing his expression, Tao Zhimin added, “You don’t know what I’ve been through. A cigarette when the mood hits—it’s wonderful.”

As he finished speaking, the sound of high heels clicked behind them.

Yosuke Ueno turned to look—it was two stylishly dressed young women, gazing right at them.

He thought maybe Tao Zhimin’s smoking had caught their attention, and tried to tug at Tao’s sleeve, worried.

Tao Zhimin turned, saw the two women, and, feeling no pressure, continued holding his cigarette. “...It’s you two.”

Yosuke Ueno stared in surprise.

The girl who’d met Tao’s eyes earlier smiled, lips pressed together. “Oh my, I vaguely heard just now—you two are Tokyo University students, right? You smoke so expertly—it’s surprising.”

Yosuke Ueno lowered his head slightly. “Sorry for the offense.”

But Tao Zhimin put an arm over Yosuke’s shoulder. “Sometimes you have to let off steam. What’s wrong, ladies, did we disturb you?”

“Really, do we look older than you?” She gave him a mock-annoyed look.

“So you’re younger sisters, then.” Tao Zhimin took another drag, then stubbed out the cigarette. “Well, how can we help you?”

“Nothing, just curious about two Tokyo University geniuses. Where did the girls you were eating with go?”

Tao Zhimin sighed. “They left, probably thought we weren’t attractive enough.”

“...You were the one who sent them away.” She pointed to her ear. “Heard it myself.”

“Ah, caught out...” Tao Zhimin laughed helplessly. “We were planning to go find a place to drink, just met them, so it didn’t feel right to invite.”

“Actually you just didn’t want to be tied down, right?” The girl covered her mouth, laughing. “You two want to enjoy yourselves tonight, don’t you?”

Yosuke Ueno watched Tao chat with the girls so easily, amazed all over again.

This guy—he said he was waiting for someone, but did he mean these strangers?

How could he be so sure they’d show up?

And honestly, these two were much prettier than Kyoko and Kayo.

“Again, you see right through me.” Tao Zhimin grinned. “Are you planning something similar?”

“No plans at all. After dinner, we weren’t sure where to spend our time.” She smiled. “Nice to meet you, I’m Risa Tomizawa.”

“...Miho Yanagawa, I’m...” The other was less outgoing.

“Tao Taro,” Tao Zhimin said, pointing at Yosuke Ueno, “and he’s Yosuke Ueno. Risa and Miho, are you still in school or working already?”

“Embarrassing! We didn’t get into university, so we’re already working.”

“I see,” Tao Zhimin replied. “We’ll be starting work next year too. Since none of us know where to go, how about we find an izakaya for drinks? Maybe Risa and Miho can teach us a bit about the workplace—we’ll treat.”

“We have nothing to teach you!” Risa Tomizawa kept smiling, but didn’t refuse.

“Well then... let’s go. My place isn’t far, I know a good spot nearby.” Tao Zhimin smiled knowingly, already leading the way—a place Tao Taro had visited before.

“Tao, you live in Minato Ward? Rent here is so expensive!” Risa Tomizawa looked amazed.

“If it weren’t my own place, I’d have to pick somewhere cheaper—really lucky,” Tao Zhimin smiled slightly.

Risa Tomizawa and Miho Yanagawa nodded together.

A man from Minato Ward, with his own property, tall and handsome, a Tokyo University genius.

Perfect!

Yosuke Ueno instantly absorbed a lot.

So this is... the art of dealing with women?

Watching Risa and Miho chatting and laughing with Tao Taro, a huge question mark popped up in Yosuke Ueno’s mind.

This guy... how did he ever end up so hung up on Kazuko Kawashima?

He clearly has the presence to make anyone follow him without hesitation!