My daily life is not peaceful
Chapter 20 - Scumbag

Chapter 20: Scumbag

“If you really want to thank me, how about making your light novel ideas even better? After all, I’ve read your work, and if you keep at it, turning it into an anime wouldn’t be difficult.” The arrival of Kirishima Touka made Luo Yun shift the topic. But he was sincere. Becoming a bestselling light novelist was Kasumigaoka Utaha’s dream, one he once had too, but reality had already defeated him. So, when he saw others chasing their dreams, he would offer a word of advice if convenient. “Eh? Are you also a fan of Love… Metronome?” Kasumigaoka Utaha, gazing at Luo Yun, slightly curled her lips upon hearing this, a surprised smile appearing on her cheeks. As an author, meeting a fan of her work was quite a delightful thing. Especially this fan, who held special significance for Kasumigaoka Utaha. Her dark eyes quickly darted, the gaze within them gathering like water on Luo Yun. “It’s pretty good for passing the time, Teacher Kasumigaoka.” Luo Yun set down the convenience store bag. “Much better than this beginner.” Sword Art Online was merely a work he had brought over, without a shred of his own ideas. Before crossing over, he was an amateur failed writer, with hundreds of thousands of words published but only single-digit subscriptions, the lowest of the low. So, he genuinely admired Kasumigaoka Utaha for persisting with her dream. Of course, that guy Aki, who freeloaded off others to make games, was another matter. However, that person didn’t seem to exist in this world. “I didn’t expect you to read light novels too.” Sakurajima Mai sized up Luo Yun. “I’m human too.” Luo Yun gave a wry smile. “Who are you talking to?” Kasumigaoka Utaha was about to respond but felt Luo Yun was implying something. “Eh? Who’s this beside me?” Only then did she suddenly notice that, at some point, a black-haired girl had sat down beside her. Very beautiful, with a strangely familiar feeling. “It seems you can finally be seen by others.” Luo Yun said. “Strange, has that symptom disappeared? This morning when I came here, people still couldn’t see me.” Sakurajima Mai also realized this situation. Unable to figure out the reason, the girl fixed her gaze on Luo Yun, facing him. Her hair, lifted by the breeze, swayed in the air, and her expression suddenly sharpened, tinged with a hint of certainty. As expected, it was because of him. “Sticking by your side was the right choice.” Sakurajima Mai slightly leaned forward, this positive development giving the girl hope, her lips curving into a slight arc. If she were still wearing that bunny girl outfit, Luo Yun might have been treated to a face full of “cleansing milk” by now. To the person in question, these words were merely about resolving her invisibility, but the two girls nearby wouldn’t see it that way. Kirishima Touka’s gaze instantly sharpened. She clearly remembered that this man’s companion during the day was another girl. And now, there were two new girls by his side. She had thought they were just ordinary friends, but it seemed there was more to it. A scumbag stepping on multiple boats. With this thought, even the complimentary pudding was slammed onto the table with a bit of force. “Customer, the complimentary pudding from our shop.” After some thought, Kirishima Touka felt she couldn’t just ignore this. She deliberately reminded him: “By the way, where’s the female companion you were with during the day? Our shop is currently offering a couple’s membership card with a half-price discount.” Even an idiot could hear the “malice” in her words. Switching between three female companions—Kirishima Touka’s disdain was understandable. However, the truth wasn’t what she thought. “I didn’t expect you to be so popular.” Kasumigaoka Utaha returned to her usual self. A faint smile hung on her face. But that smile carried an indescribable charm. “Hey, if possible, how about considering me, Luo Yun-kun?” Like Sakurajima Mai, Kasumigaoka Utaha leaned slightly forward, her body drawing closer to Luo Yun, her lips curving into a dangerous arc. At the same time, three girls who had only met him once ganged up on Luo Yun. But this was hardly a shura field. It was just a few girls from different servers chatting. Kasumigaoka Utaha, in particular, was just stirring the pot for fun, nothing more. After all, though he had saved her once, Kasumigaoka Utaha’s personality was still a façade of maturity. She wouldn’t become some junior’s fangirl just because of one rescue. “It’s getting late; you all should head back.” Luo Yun glanced at the sky outside the window, which was gradually darkening. The nights on Genkami Island were not peaceful, especially for these defenceless girls. “Hmph! Couldn’t you play along a little?” Kasumigaoka Utaha let out a dissatisfied huff. “Also, I’ll try to think of ways to help with your situation, but my current advice is, if you get a chance to return to the stage, take it. You already have enough strength to prove yourself.” As they were about to part, Luo Yun felt it was good to offer some encouragement. What she lacked was confidence and the courage to prove herself. Hearing this, Sakurajima Mai, with a smile on her face, sat back down. Then, she stood up silently. “I’m heading back.” Mai grabbed her bag and stood up. “Oh, leaving already?” Kasumigaoka Utaha asked with a smile. “By the way, give me your phone number.” She walked back with quick steps, and Sakurajima Mai asked for Luo Yun’s contact information. With no choice, Luo Yun wrote it on a nearby sticky note. Kirishima Touka was puzzled—why would she want this scumbag’s contact info? She should just splash a cup of coffee in his face right now. But just as the girl was about to leave, the door opened. The short-haired girl reflexively responded: “Welcome, may I…” Seeing the figure at the door, Kirishima Touka’s expression instantly darkened. …

Footnote 1: Qing xiaoshuo (light novel): A style of Japanese novel primarily targeting young adults, often featuring anime-style illustrations and serialized storytelling. Footnote 2: Lian’ai… Jiepaiqi (Love… Metronome): Refers to Kasumigaoka Utaha’s fictional novel within the story, emphasizing romance and rhythm. Footnote 3: Daojian Shenyu (Sword Art Online): A popular Japanese light novel series, referenced here as a work Luo Yun claims to have “brought over.” Footnote 4: Shura chang (shura field): A term derived from anime/manga culture, describing a chaotic situation where multiple romantic interests confront each other.