Chapter 402

The hundred and thirty-seventh chapter Today’s Dinner is Yakiniku

The door of Nestac Café was pushed open just in time, with people coming in one after another, which was quite rare.

“Yuri~ I haven’t seen you in ages! Ah, you’re here too.” Coming back from the filming site, Umi Momoka came over wearing the clothes she used during the shoot—a short-sleeved denim outfit. She approached Yuri flamboyantly to show her concern by waving, but her face fell when she saw Ash’s figure.

“I…. What? Why are you all staring at me!? Hold on, what kind of looks are these! And why do you look like you’re calling the police? That’s rude!”

As a recently renowned “celebrity” on the streets, Eddie immediately drew a lot of attention, and Momoka was ready to report him and catch this wanted criminal.

“Listen, I’ve already proven myself through my actions. The police canceled my warrant, and I cleared my name as a peeping tom!” After helping countless residents of Hope Flower Market, he jumped up, eager to clear his name.

“Alright, alright. Your bravery last time impressed me, so we believe you.” Acknowledging Eddie, Ash patted his shoulder. “But why are you still wearing that blue coat I gave you?”

“I didn’t bring any changes. Why do you keep looking at me like that? I always keep my clothes clean, there’s nothing messy about them!”

“Hm…. If that’s the case, what do you wear while your clothes are drying?”

After Ash finished speaking, Eddie froze, as if paused.

Gently tapping his chin, Ash pondered whether to bring up the peeping tom incident again.

Today, two customers simultaneously visited Nestac Café, surprising even the staff, including Lei, who wondered if the world wasn’t ending.

The two related customers sat down naturally, and Momoka immediately engaged in conversation with Yuri. “It’s hard to catch you after school, everyone says even icebergs have thawed because of you, is there something good going on with you?”

“I…. Yes, it’s unforgettable and wonderful memories.” Thinking of getting to know Kuron again, and being with everyone, including Ash, and rubbing her wooden ring, the rigid expression on Yuri’s face softened.

“Hm…. This is!” Seeing the ring on Yuri’s hand, Momoka’s eyes widened. Yuri confidently showed off her golden hand, her left index finger prominently featuring the special wooden ring.

“At first, I planned to wear it on my middle finger,” Yuri said with a smile, showing the ring to the increasingly stunned Momoka. “But since Ash didn’t respond, it’s not solely my matter, so I wore it here for now.”

In front of the entirely gentle-eyed Yuri, void of her usual cold demeanor, Momoka rushed into her arms in tears.

“Ahah—Yuri, who belongs to me, has been snatched away by some unknown brute from somewhere! Waaah!”

“Okay, okay, Momoka is still my most important friend.” Laughing, Yuri tried to comfort her sobbing friend, mimicking Ash’s gesture.

“It’s not true, you know. When we were little, Yuri even said she would marry me!”

“Oh yeah? I remember it wasMomoka who said that instead.”

“Ehehee~” Lifting her little fist, Momoka lightly knocked her forehead and stuck out her tongue playfully. “Maybe I got it mixed up.”

“Haha, coffee’s here!”

Cheerfully approaching with a tray of coffee, Ash noticed the teenagers preparing their own drinks preemptively, leaving no room for him.

“No… Really?” Putting his hands on his heart dramatically, Ash acted as if he was struck. Only Eddie, happy with the coffee, gave it a thumbs-up.

“It’s perfect! You’re the best, BUSTER!”

“You are a true hero.”

Seeing Ash hugging Eddie, both acting warmly, even Yuri had to admit this.

“Brother Eddie, I have something to ask…”

Leaving it at that, Ash seized the moment to dig deeper into Eddie’s potential.

“If you’re from some type of time management agency, can you reveal future plot twists?”

Eddie shook his head seriously, “Not a time management agency, SCSO. Travelers really use this method but I refuse to peek at such things.”

“Why?”

“Knowing the future is complicated. While it gives an advantage, it distorts your judgment of people and events. Good and evil become labels. Worst, you’ll treat real people like NPCs.”

With a sense of reflection, Eddie spoke passionately, “I’m not smart, but I remember that advice!”

“It’s understandable… It’s great then!”

Ash empathized somewhat, having chosen to erase unknown plot details from his memory.

“Didn’t expect such a proud character to have such depth.”

“I, I aim to follow our overall commander…” Embarrassed, Eddie blushed and scratched his head.

“Effort leads to growth, even without natural talent!”

“Right, you are different from someone like me.”

Ash pat Ash on the back, causing him to stumble. A hint of pain crossed his face.

Watching it all, Yuri took steps towards Ash cautiously.

“Manager…”

Yuri approached with a stiff smile.

“Alright!” Not hearing her, Ash slammed his fist on the table, drawing everyone’s attention.

“To celebrate our victory today!”

“Let’s have a celebration! My treat! Last time I promised to buy you all yakiniku, now eat to your heart’s content!”

But we still need to get Lei’s granny’s seal…

Observing their hesitation, Ash decisively waved it off.

“There’s no rush. We’ve got it, let’s party first, party first!”

“Yeah!”

An overwhelming cheer erupted from the crowd.