Satou was a little puzzled by Miyoko Hojo's reaction, as he felt Miyoko Hojo's jealousy seemed to stem not from the butterfly charm material, but from Tadokoro Megumi.
"Satou gave it to you, didn't he?"
Miyoko Hojo took a sip of tea and asked, feigning nonchalance.
"Mm."
Megumi Tadokoro nodded shyly, giving a soft hum.
Miyoko Hojo's face showed an "as expected" expression and she said, "Satou really seems to be good to you."
"It looks like Hojo-san has a crush on you, you know."
Ryoko Sakaki leaned over and whispered into Satou's ear.
Satou gave her a speechless look, realizing Ryoko was looking at him mischievously, her eyes full of amusement.
However, he did feel that Miyoko seemed to treat him differently in the activity room.
Does she really have a crush on him?
Actually, if one were to speak of it, Miyoko Hojo was a very good girl. She had delicate features, a perfect figure, especially those long legs, and a very good personality. Although she was usually cold, she was actually cold on the outside and warm on the inside, a very warm-hearted girl. Her family background was also excellent, as she was the heir to Kitajo Restaurant, a famous restaurant in Hojo.
Even in Far Moon, where pretty girls were abundant, such an excellent girl like her was rare.
"Miyoko, do you want this kind of butterfly too?"
Yuki Yoshino stuck out her tongue and asked.
On the usually icy face of Miyoko Hojo, a rare look of embarrassment appeared. Blushing, she stammered, "I just asked casually because I think this butterfly is very beautiful. It's said to also produce precious spices."
"If you want one too, then forget about it. This kind of butterfly is very precious, you know. Only girls like Erina-san and Megumi, who are especially, especially close to Satou, have them. Little Yu and I pestered him for it several times, but he wouldn't give them to us."
Ryoko Sakaki deliberately emphasized the word "especially," then gave Satou a mischievous look and smiled slightly.
"Exactly! Satou is so stingy!"
Yuki Yoshino exclaimed indignantly.
Satou looked at them, feeling a headache. He might as well give them a pair, otherwise, they would definitely keep complaining.
Sure enough, after hearing Ryoko Sakaki's words, the jealousy in Miyoko Hojo's eyes grew even stronger.
Everyone chatted for a while longer, when suddenly Miyoko Hojo said to Satou, "Oh, by the way, Satou, are you free in a few days?"
"Hm?"
Satou looked at her in surprise, not understanding why she was asking him out alone.
"Oh, is Miyoko inviting Satou on a date?"
Ryoko Sakaki took a sip of tea and joked with a smile.
"Eh?"
Megumi Tadokoro was also startled.
"No, it's not that."
Miyoko Hojo's face flushed, and she quickly explained, "Actually, my father wants to ask Satou for help, because the annual Food Awards in Hojo Chinatown are about to begin."
"Food Awards?"
Satou asked curiously.
"Oh, I've heard of it. It seems to be a very popular food event."
Yuki Yoshino said from the side.
"Yes, this event does attract a lot of customers every year."
Miyoko Hojo nodded, "Actually, at first, this event was an internal competition among the restaurants in Chinatown. Back then, the economy wasn't very developed, and businesses were struggling. Everyone wanted to suppress rival restaurants and boost their own popularity, so they created this competition. Each restaurant would present their dishes, and they would see which one was most popular with tourists."
"However, later the economy improved, and the business environment for restaurants also changed significantly. Malicious competition became rare, and coupled with the unexpected popularity of such competitions among tourists, it gradually evolved into a recreational event."
"However, even though it's mostly for entertainment, the restaurants in Chinatown still have a competitive mindset to some extent."
Satou nodded and said, "So, you want to ask me for help?"
"Yes, my father hasn't been feeling well lately. Of course, if Satou isn't free, that's fine too. I just mentioned it casually."
Miyoko Hojo said with a blush, feeling very embarrassed.
Actually, Hojo Head Chef's health wasn't a big issue; he just kept nagging her to call Satou, which gave her a headache.
Of course, she also had some selfish motives.
At this moment, Satou also received a new mission.
"Host has received a new mission."
Mission Description: Help Kitajo Restaurant win first place in the Chinatown Food Awards.
Mission Reward: One Food Gift Pack.
Mission Time: Unlimited 0…"
Oh, a Food Gift Pack?
Satou's eyes lit up. Food Gift Packs had a chance to yield cooking utensils, and he had been looking forward to the remaining Seven Star Knives for a long time. Such an opportunity, of course, could not be missed.
Moreover, Miyoko was a member of his research club, and they had a pretty good relationship. He would naturally help if he could.
"Alright then, just call me when the time comes."
He said with a smile.
"Really? That's great."
Miyoko Hojo breathed a sigh of relief and said somewhat happily.
Her father had been nagging her these past few days, and she had long grown impatient.
In the evening, Satou and Erina Nakiri were once again invited to dinner by Leonora Nakiri, and Souei Nakiri also joined them via video call.
"Satou, long time no see. You seem to have lost a little weight. Remember to eat more and study hard!"
Souei Nakiri, from half a world away, greeted him warmly over the phone while drinking the wine Satou had sent.
"Yes, I understand, Uncle."
Satou said with a smile, "Have you finished the last batch of wine? Shall I send some more?"
"Really? Then please do. Satou is truly filial."
Souei Nakiri said in surprise.
"Exactly! This child is so well-behaved. Come, try the soup Aunt made herself!"
Leonora Nakiri smiled warmly and gently served Satou a bowl of soup.
"Thank you, Aunt."
Satou quickly said, "The soup Aunt made is delicious."
"Haha, this child really knows how to talk."
Leonora Nakiri laughed happily.
Erina Nakiri sat silently in the corner, ignored by everyone. No one even bothered to serve her food or soup.
A faint vein throbbed on her fair forehead, and she gritted her teeth, desperately trying to suppress her inner anger.
Compared to the warmly welcomed Satou, she felt like she was an adopted child, which was truly infuriating.
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