Chapter 131: Grand Shopping Spree Before Heading Home! Little Moneygrub Misae Comes Online
Now, he really planned to give himself a vacation.
The black Toyota Crown Majesta moved through the Tokyo after-work rush hour traffic like an elegant yet powerful black panther, silently weaving through.
Soft jazz music flowed from the high-end sound system in the car, isolating all the external noise and irritation.
Hiroshi Nohara rested one hand on the steering wheel, his gaze calmly fixed on the brilliant starry river formed by countless red taillights ahead.
With the beautiful music, Hiroshi Nohara was not irritated by the traffic jam.
On the contrary, he remained utterly composed.
The car turned into a relatively quiet street and steadily parked in front of that small office building already adorned with the shiny 【Future Manga Company】 sign.
“Beep beep—”
He lightly pressed the horn twice.
Soon, the spotless glass door of the office building was pushed open, and a stunning figure, like a fairy carrying the glow of a thousand stars, ran out lightly.
It was Misae Nohara.
“You’re here.”
She opened the car door and sat familiarly in the passenger seat, her voice crisp and pleasant, like a mint candy dropped into a clear spring, instantly dispelling the last trace of fatigue in Hiroshi Nohara’s heart.
And looking at Hiroshi Nohara driving with one hand, Misae couldn’t help but reveal a cute smile: “Your one-handed driving posture is so handsome!”
“Mm.” Hiroshi Nohara immediately smiled and started the car, skillfully merging into traffic while casually asking: “How’s it been? While I was away, did our family’s beautiful president miss me?”
“Not at all!” Misae pouted, but her obsidian-like big eyes were already brimming with amusement: “I was super busy today! Coordinating with Shueisha on the 《Doraemon》 volume cover design, interviewing three new manga assistants—I didn’t even have time to drink water, how could I have time to think about you, the big busy man?”
Though she said that, her soft, boneless little hand had already restlessly wrapped around his big hand on the gear shift, their fingers interlocking tightly.
Hiroshi Nohara chuckled lightly, turning his hand to envelop her small hand in his palm; that warm, powerful touch instantly filled Misae’s heart completely.
“Speaking of which.” Hiroshi Nohara looked at the gradually lighting up lights of myriad homes ahead, his voice carrying gentleness and nostalgia: “Misae, this weekend, shall we… go back to my old home?”
“Eh?!” Misae was stunned, then her delicate little face bloomed into a brilliant smile full of surprise: “Back to the old home? To Akita? Great, great! I… I haven’t been to your house yet!”
Her voice was filled with excitement for the unknown journey and a touch of slight nervousness.
But soon, as if remembering something, worry flashed in her beautiful big eyes: “But… this weekend is only two days, from Tokyo to Akita, just the Shinkansen round trip takes half a day. The time… isn’t it too rushed?”
“Who said we’re only staying two days?” Hiroshi Nohara’s smile deepened at her words.
He turned his head, looking at the little woman beside him still fretting over the time, and said in a slow, domineering tone full of “overbearing CEO” vibe that brooked no argument:
“I, Hiroshi Nohara, 【Hiroshi Nohara·Independent Production Department】 department head. Now, I formally notify my girlfriend, Miss Misae Nohara. Starting tomorrow, we will conduct a one-week deep field research and survey on ‘Neon countryside customs and modern agricultural development.’ This is official business.”
“Ah…”
Misae was completely stunned.
She stared blankly at the man beside her spouting nonsense with a straight face; her simple little head finally reacted after a three-second lag.
“Hey! You… you guy!”
She shyly and annoyedly punched his arm, but the force was as light as coquetry: “How can you do that! Actually… actually abusing your power! This is using public office for private gain!”
“So what?” Hiroshi Nohara righteously raised an eyebrow, his posture arrogantly matter-of-fact: “I am the rules.”
This declaration full of kingly aura struck like a scalding current at the softest place in Misae’s heart.
She looked at his handsome profile written all over with “I feel like it,” and in her watery big eyes, all the shyness and annoyance had faded, leaving only a massive sense of happiness from being utterly conquered by absolute indulgence and dominance.
She buried her little face into his arm bend, her voice as fine as a mosquito’s yet sweet enough to be cloying: “Mm… whatever you say.”
The car didn’t head back to the apartment but went straight toward Ginza.
“Where are we going?”
“Of course, to prepare the equipment needed for the ‘official business.'” Hiroshi Nohara’s tone remained utterly serious: “First time going to my old home, I can’t let my future Mrs. Nohara go empty-handed, right?”
……
Ginza, Mitsukoshi Department Store.
Familiar scenes, familiar luxury brand logos, familiar astronomical price tags that would deter any salaried worker.
But this time, Misae’s mood was completely different from the last time she came with family.
Back then, it was more a happiness full of vanity impacted by immense wealth.
Now, as she held that man’s arm walking through this gorgeous world built of money and taste, her heart was filled only with a solid tranquility of love and security.
“This windbreaker is nice, it really suits Mom’s temperament.”
“Elder Brother has a good figure, this suit will definitely fit. The last set we bought, he probably couldn’t bear to wear it; this time buy two more sets for him to rotate.”
“For Dad… this one, Burberry casual jacket. With his personality, wearing too formal a suit would make him uncomfortable.”
Hiroshi Nohara, like the most competent stylist, effortlessly selected suitable “equipment” for the family members.
His composure and familiarity made it seem not like shopping at a luxury store, but picking daily clothes for family in his own walk-in closet.
Misae acted like the most attentive little assistant, noting down sizes while offering various practical suggestions from her unique female perspective.
“For Aunt, I think this deep purple cashmere sweater is also very nice; it makes the skin look fair.”
“For Elder Brother, pair it with a pair of indestructible work boots; it matches his burly figure well.”
“For Uncle… I think for Uncle, better buy more pretty stylish clothes; I know Uncle loves to show off~”
This adorably contrasting remark made even the attentively serving saleswoman cover her mouth and let out a kind chuckle.
Soon, bags of spoils piled up the store counter’s sofa.
Just as Misae thought the shopping was about to end, Hiroshi Nohara pulled her into the brightly lit, opulent jewelry store on the first floor of the mall.
“Hiroshi-kun, are we… still buying?” Misae tugged his clothes somewhat reluctantly, her little face full of thrifty virtue: “Clothes and such are just tokens of heart. Jewelry… isn’t it too expensive? Uncle and Aunt will surely say we’re wasting money.”
Whether the Nohara family home or Oyama Family Home, they were actually ordinary families.
Gold jewelry like this…
Was really too precious.
“They are them, we are us.” Hiroshi Nohara just smiled.
He went straight to the gold accessories counter, and in front of the beautiful saleswoman stunned speechless by his attire and the “bag-carrying minions” behind him, he said in an unquestionable tone:
“Bring out your latest styles, heaviest gold necklace, gold bracelet, and gold ring. My wife will pick personally.”
Wife, huh…
“Aiya.” This address melted like the sweetest honey in Misae’s heart.
Her already flushed little face turned as red as a ripe apple, and her girlish heart pounded “thump thump,” nearly jumping out of her throat.
The next half hour was like a bizarre dream for Misae.
She watched Hiroshi Nohara stroll casually in front of the rows of counters gleaming with golden light, like a king inspecting his treasury.
“This one’s nice, simple and generous style, suits Mom’s temperament well.”
He picked for his mother Tsuru Nohara a finely crafted, hefty pure gold necklace and a matching pair of dragon-phoenix bracelets.
“This… as a meeting gift for future big sister-in-law.”
He then selected for the yet-to-be-met “Ikuna” a delicate yet equally valuable platinum clavicle chain.
Finally, his gaze fell on Misae, his look so gentle it could drip water.
“The rest, pick whatever you like.”
“Eh?!” Misae was stunned.
“Pick what you like.” Hiroshi Nohara’s tone was full of unquestionable indulgence: “Today, I’ll dress you up as the shiniest little golden pig in the world.”
……
When that black Toyota Crown Majesta hit the road again, the car was thoroughly filled with a happiness smelling of copper.
Misae, like a hamster that had just commandeered the entire vault, clutched several heavy logo-printed red velvet boxes, her beautiful big eyes happily curved into sweet crescent moons, her mouth emitting nonstop “hehehe” laughs full of money-grubber vibe.
One moment she draped the heavy gold necklace over her fair graceful neck, admiring it left and right in the rearview mirror.
The next, she slipped the diamond-studded gold ring on her ring finger, stretching it out the window to appreciate its brilliant dazzling glow under the streetlights.
Her adorably money-obsessed look made Hiroshi Nohara driving beside her smile even more tenderly.
He suddenly felt that his desperate efforts to make money, to scheme, to outwit those old foxes, were perhaps all for this moment—to see her in this purest, most genuine happy state wrapped in money and love.
“Like it?” he asked softly.
“Mm mm mm!” Misae nodded like a chick pecking rice, her big eyes now turned into “€€” symbols shining with unmasked fanaticism: “Love it so much! Hiroshi-kun, I discovered I… I seem to have a natural affinity with these shiny things!”
This contrast-cute “gold-digger manifesto” made Hiroshi Nohara unable to hold back and burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahaha! You little money-grubber!”
He laughed while reaching out his right hand to indulgently ruffle her hair.
However, when his gaze touched her increasingly alluring red lips from excitement and her eyes shimmering with pure joy, the string called reason in his heart uncontrollably “snap”—snapped.
He yanked the steering wheel sharply!
The black beast let out a low roar, like a tiger scenting prey, instantly veering off the main road into a quiet, seldom-visited riverside lane.
“Ya!! Hiroshi! Wh-what are you doing?! Why suddenly to such a remote… you’re so naughty!”
Misae was startled by the sudden change, instinctively grabbing the safety handle; her little face full of money-grubber vibe seemed to sense something and was instantly replaced by a blush of shyness.
“Doing what?”
Hiroshi Nohara stopped the car and turned off the engine.
The whole world instantly quieted, leaving only the river tirelessly lapping the icy embankment in the evening breeze, and the two’s increasingly rapid heartbeats.
He turned, seeing his own clear, aggressive reflection in her eyes full of panic and shyness.
His lips curved into a domineering, dangerous arc.
“Of course, to collect a little… investment return.”
With that, he unbuckled his seatbelt, like a beast locking onto prey, leaning in to pull the already flustered little woman into his arms.
“Ya… this is… outside…”
Misae’s shy protest was soon drowned in the stormy, possessive hot kiss.
……
Night as dark as ink, yet dyed deep purple by Tokyo’s unquenchable neon.
It was now late at night.
The black Toyota Crown silently slid into the exclusive parking spot under the apartment building; the V8 engine let out a satisfied low growl upon shutdown, like a well-fed beast finally returning to its den.
Hiroshi Nohara leaned back in the driver’s seat, lit a Seven Stars, and took a deep, satisfying drag.
The spicy smoke swirled in his still-recovering lungs, and when exhaled, carried away the last bit of battlefield exhilaration, leaving only a victor’s lazy fatigue.
He turned his head to look at the small figure in the back seat.
Misae, like an exhausted kitten, curled up on the wide soft leather seat, covered with his suit jacket still warm from his body, sleeping soundly.
Her usually cute face still bore a lingering alluring blush; her long lashes cast small peaceful shadows in the dim light.
Hiroshi Nohara’s lips unconsciously curved into an indulgent smile.
He stretched lazily, his bespoke top-tailored suit unable to constrain his unfolding muscles.
But when he tried to straighten up, a sudden ache from the core muscle groups at his waist shot like electricity through his limbs.
“Hiss—”
He instinctively sucked in a cold breath, a helpless wry smile on his face.
He reached out, thumping the sore spot lightly twice, muttering under his breath in a volume only he could hear.
“The field is good, but the ox is about to be worked to death.”
Though self-mocking, it turned the fatigue from intense battle in his heart into ripples of sense of accomplishment.
After all, from just after eight to after eleven.
A full four hours!
Hiroshi Nohara smugly pushed open the door, went around to the back, and gently opened the car door.
“Misae, wake up, we’re home.” His voice was gentle as April’s spring breeze.
“Mm…” Sleepy Misae made a mosquito-like hum, rubbing her bleary eyes like a disturbed kitten, her watery big eyes misty: “Ho… home already?”
“Mm, home.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled and lifted her out of the car: “Come on, let’s go home and sleep.”
……
Early morning.
Lights blazed in the apartment.
Misae was no longer drowsy as in the car; like a diligent little bee, she bustled in the small kitchen.
Soon, a cup of warm milk rich with milky aroma was placed before Hiroshi Nohara, who sat on the sofa enjoying a moment of tranquility.
“Here, for you.” She shoved the cup into his hands, her flushed little face carrying a bit of young wife’s virtue and mischief: “Drink up, to… to replenish your body.”
“Replenish my body?” Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow, looking at the girl grinning like a fox that stole grease, a dangerous glint in his clear eyes: “Looks like you weren’t too satisfied with my performance last night?”
“Ya! You… you’re being improper again!” Misae’s face flushed red; she tried to snatch back the cup but was caught by her soft hand and pulled into his lap.
“Alright alright, no more teasing.” Hiroshi Nohara laughed and planted a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead, steering the topic back: “We’ll set off tomorrow morning.”
“Eh?!” Misae was stunned: “So soon?”
But soon, as if remembering something, worry flashed in her beautiful big eyes: “But… buying Shinkansen tickets now or tomorrow, is it in time?”
“Who said we’re taking the Shinkansen?” Hiroshi Nohara’s smile deepened.
He turned to the little woman beside him still fretting over time, saying leisurely: “We’ll drive back.”
“Drive?!” Misae gasped, her beautiful big eyes full of disbelief: “Th-that’s too far! I heard driving from Tokyo to Akita takes at least five or six hours! Too… too tiring!”
“Tiring?” Hiroshi Nohara righteously raised an eyebrow, arrogantly matter-of-fact: “Misae, what do you think I spent so much money buying that car for?”
“For… convenience?” Misae ventured puzzled.
“No.” Hiroshi Nohara shook his head, his clear eyes gleaming with a man’s purest show-off light: “For returning home in fine feathers.”
“Imagine, when I drive that one-of-a-kind Toyota Crown Majesta in all of Omagari City’s countryside, carrying you—prettier than any star—as my fiancée, appearing on that little street in my old home, what a flashy scene that would be?”
Hiroshi Nohara felt stimulated just thinking about it.
Who doesn’t have a dream of returning home in glory, or rather, showing off?
He could already see the neighborly aunts who loved gossiping behind backs, their faces twisted in jealousy; the distant relatives who once looked down on the Nohara family, their eyes full of shock and fawning.
Mm, though such things are rare.
But one can’t be forbidden from dreaming, right?
“Mm… whatever you say.” Misae would never deny any of Hiroshi Nohara’s proposals, just burying her little face in his arm bend.
Thus, the next day, Saturday morning.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced the clouds, the black beast that had slumbered a night in the underground garage let out a low roar, carrying Hiroshi Nohara and Misae onto the highways weaving toward the hometown.
Thanks to Neon Country’s solid infrastructure this era, the five-hour drive wasn’t dull as imagined.
Smooth highways, scenic views along the way, plus the car sound system rivaling a concert hall, made this homecoming more like a romantic road movie.
……
Meanwhile, in distant Akita Prefecture, Omagari City.
In the Nohara Family Home old house full of years’ traces, the morning time was stretched lazily by cicada chirps, distant and tranquil.
“Sigh…!!!”
Ginnosuke Nohara, the Nohara family patriarch, now lay boneless like mud on the tatami, letting out a long sigh full of middle-aged man’s unique emptiness.
He looked at his wife in the kitchen, apron-clad, humming off-key tunes while preparing breakfast for the family; sly light flickered in his little eyes, flowing with happy glow.
“Ah Tsuru.” He called weakly.
“What? Want to drink again?” From the kitchen came Tsuru Nohara’s voice, helpless yet full of gentleness.
“No.”
Ginnosuke Nohara flipped over, burying his face in the sun-and-grass-scented tatami, his muffled voice: “I just feel… kinda empty inside. Feels like… something big is gonna happen today.”
“Always so dramatic.” Tsuru Nohara came out with a plate of freshly sliced iced cherry tomatoes.
Picked from their own vegetable garden.
The red cherry tomatoes still bore morning dew, mouthwateringly appetizing.
She set the plate on the low table, sitting by her husband; her warm-smiling face showed motherly affection: “You’re just bored. Right, it’s Saturday; that kid Hiroshi said he’d pick up Ikuna for dinner. Also, in the afternoon, we can watch Hiroshi’s whatever… 《Super Change Change Change》.”
She paused, her eyes etched with fine lines by years yet still clear and bright, full of fondness for the future daughter-in-law: “I heard from Hiroshi, Ikuna loves this program too. Last time at the audition, she secretly went to cheer for our Akita team.”
“Oh?”
At this, Ginnosuke Nohara perked up instantly; he sat bolt upright from the tatami, his old face shedding all emptiness for childish excitement: “That’s great! Just right to let Ikuna see how talented us Nohara men are! How full of… artistic germs!”
As he spoke, his thick eyebrows uncontrollably wiggled up and down a few times.
But under Tsuru Nohara’s glare, he stopped further actions.
After all, Ah Tsuru’s fists weren’t for show.
“Speaking of which, Ah Tsuru.”
His voice suddenly lowered, full of old-lech mystery: “I see Hiroshi and Ikuna are getting along well. How about… we find a time, go to Ikuna’s home, talk to her parents about… the marriage?”
This made Tsuru Nohara completely stunned.
Seeing undisguised surprise in her usually boozing, ogling, do-nothing husband’s eyes.
“You… you old lech… actually… actually have such a serious moment?” Tsuru Nohara exclaimed in shock.
“Outrageous!”
Ginnosuke Nohara’s old face reddened like a child whose secret was exposed; he hastily put on the family head airs, neck stiff in retort: “I… this is called outgoing personality! Full of life fun! What do you know?!”
“You you.” That blustering embarrassment made Tsuru Nohara unable to hold back, covering her mouth in spring-like gentle laughter.
She knew her husband, unreliable all his life, loved their now-grown sons more than anyone.
PS: Keep asking for recommendation votes~ Next is daily life phase~ I’ll write more daily life~ If skipping, please full subscribe to help, data affects new book’s future recommendations, thanks everyone~ Kneeling thanks here~
