Even for Shinnosuke, finishing four bentos alone was very heavy, especially since the double-layered bento prepared by Ai had an overly large portion.
"Wow, this man is amazing, able to finish four bentos all by himself! How about next time you join my ramen eating contest?"
After watching the live eating broadcast on the spot, Chika couldn't hold back any longer, approaching Shinnosuke. She had a hunch that this boy brought by Ai must be very interesting.
"Forget it, I'm not interested."
Shinnosuke half-lay on the luxurious sofa, feeling like he would explode if he ate any more, truly too full.
"Shinnosuke-sama still doesn't like formalities."
Looking at Shinnosuke, Ai felt relieved.
She liked him, that was an undeniable fact.
Initially, Ai was attracted to him because Shinnosuke wasn't interested in children and wasn't easy for her to conquer.
In their subsequent interactions, Ai gradually realized that Shinnosuke was different from everyone she knew. He wasn't the type of fool who would be fascinated by her, nor was he the arrogant young master from a wealthy family.
There was a unique charm about Shinnosuke, and Ai happened to appreciate all his merits.
As time passed, Ai had transformed from simply admiring and competing to liking Shinnosuke's unique soul.
After graduating from kindergarten, Ai went abroad to study. Now that she was an adult, she chose to return to Japan, her sole reason being Shinnosuke.
Shinnosuke's experiences over these years were very clear to Ai, even including the Sawamura family's investigation into Shinnosuke a few days ago, she knew it clearly.
Eriri thought she had made a head start, but everything was under Ai's control.
Eriri also didn't expect Shinnosuke to finish all four bentos. Wouldn't he get a stomachache? At that moment, she decided that tomorrow she wouldn't prepare a bento for him anymore.
Healthy feelings wouldn't become a burden. Seeing Shinnosuke lying on the sofa, both Eriri and Megumi decided not to bring bentos for Shinnosuke for now. Let Ai do it.
Saeko, who had been quietly observing all along, took two steps forward and approached Shinnosuke. She smiled at Ai who was sitting beside Shinnosuke.
"Nohara-kun, could I ask you for a favor?"
"What is it?"
Today's meal was really a bit too much, Shinnosuke's expression was slightly bitter, still a bit too forceful.
"Could Nohara-kun teach me kendo? I'll pay for the lessons at the highest rate."
Since sparring with Shinnosuke yesterday, Saeko felt refreshed and energetic, the depression in her heart completely gone. This feeling was truly very comfortable.
Like a lonely wife who finally met a strong young man, making Saeko addicted.
"No need, haven't you also joined the kendo club? We can practice kendo together, forget about the fee."
Shinnosuke weakly rubbed his stomach. For him, practicing swords with Saeko was just a small matter, asking for payment would feel excessive.
'Nohara-kun is indeed very classy. Is this a rejection, or an agreement?'
Saeko hesitated slightly, then made her decision.
"I understand, Nohara-kun, please help me in the future."
"Then, I'll take my leave first."
After tidying up the bento box, she gave Shinnosuke a faint smile, then nodded to the others as a gesture, and got up to leave the student council activity room.
"I want to go back first too, I still have to prepare for the afternoon classes."
Megumi also got up, gently tucking her hair behind her ear, and tidied up her two bento boxes.
"See you, Nohara-kun."
"Bye-bye, Megumi."
Saeko and Megumi left, Eriri sat on Shinnosuke's left, and Ai sat on Shinnosuke's right.
Looking at Shinnosuke, Eriri looked very enthusiastic.
In another world, Shinnosuke often massaged his stomach. Now seeing him so full, Eriri also wanted to help him.
'Damn it! Why here, why can't it be just the two of us? When can she be alone with Shinnosuke?!'
"Maeda, please get some digestive medicine."
Ai was also a little dizzy. Shinnosuke was still the same as before. Why did he have to finish all those bentos?
"Shinnosuke-sama, you still like to push yourself. If you can't finish it, just say so, everyone won't blame you."
Shinnosuke didn't answer, took a deep breath, and sat up straight.
"By the way, Ai, how have you been abroad?"
"Does Shinnosuke-sama worry about me? I've been fine all this time, it's just that I missed Shinnosuke-sama."
Even though she was sitting, Ai gave off a very graceful and elegant impression. Every movement was very polite, but the faint blush on her cheeks when speaking to Shinnosuke proved that her heart wasn't that calm.
"Damn it! Don't be so lovey-dovey in this sacred student council activity room!"
The interaction between Shinnosuke and Ai gave Kaguya too much of a shock. She already regarded Ai as a sworn enemy. She who wanted to conquer Shinnosuke felt her loser aura growing stronger.
This feeling was very uncomfortable, making Kaguya a little irrational, and no longer caring about the Shinomiya family's interests.
"Why? What business is it of yours if I talk to Shinnosuke-sama? Or is that the etiquette of the Shinomiya family?"
Hearing Ai mention the Shinomiya family, Kaguya immediately calmed down.
"The etiquette of the Suotome family is more concerning. Being so fawning over a man in public."
Kaguya's words didn't touch Ai at all. Saeko and Megumi might be formidable opponents, Eriri wasn't worth worrying about. Kaguya's loser level was even higher than Eriri's, so there was no need to pay attention to her.
As for the Shinomiya family, they were already in their twilight years. Once Gan'an died, the huge Shinomiya family would collapse in an instant.
Shinomiya Oko, Shinomiya Seiryu, and Shinomiya Un'you were just unreliable mud.
Even without completing the plan, the Suotome family had many ways to deal with the Shinomiya family.
The current Shinomiya family was surrounded by wolves, everyone waiting for the right time to pounce and tear the Shinomiya family to shreds.
Maeda quickly brought the medicine, and after Shinnosuke took it, he regained his energy.
"Ahahaha, I am indeed amazing! I can actually finish four bentos at once!"
Shinnosuke, who had regained his energy, stood up. Actually, even without the medicine, he was almost done digesting the food.
"Alright, the lunch break is almost over, let's go back."
"Okay, Shinnosuke-sama. I have a piano class after today's lessons, so I can't walk you home, but please remember to miss Ai."