At this point, it's necessary to provide some clarification.
Although Youko usually presents herself as approachable, appearing to be nothing more than a beautiful and graceful older sister-like figure, in reality, she is an undeniable piano prodigy.
The honors she has received include, but are not limited to—
Winner of the 16th Chopin International Piano Competition Gold Medal, International Artist of the Year at the Classic BRIT Awards, Second place in the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition, etc.
When Suzumiya was previously brought to the underground music room by Kazusa, he was already deeply shocked by the sheer number of trophies, either hanging on the walls or placed on display shelves.
However, in reality, the number of accolades her mother, Youko, had received was several times greater than her daughter's.
Moreover, the paths they took were different.
At best, Kazusa was only somewhat well-known within Japan, whereas Youko was a recognized name in the world of classical music on a global scale.
Given that she had worked so hard to reach such heights in her field, it was only natural for her to possess such wealth.
If not for the fact that Youko had been quite extravagant in her younger years, the total value of her current assets might have been even higher.
However, Chisato was unaware of all this.
His understanding of Youko was only at the most superficial level—
A woman with incredible piano skills, as well as a dignified and elegant demeanor, who also happened to be his girlfriend's mother.
That was why, when she extended a single finger with a bright smile, straightforwardly offering him a hundred million, Chisato's first reaction wasn't joy, but utter shock.
Back in the restroom, he had already anticipated that she might express her gratitude to him—perhaps her impression of him would improve, and she might even try to offer him some form of compensation.
But outright giving him a nine-figure sum?
That was way beyond his expectations. In fact, it even scared him a little.
"If you think it's not enough, Chisato, I can sell off some of my stocks and double the amount. That wouldn't be a problem either."
Youko tilted her head slightly and raised a second finger.
Snapping out of his daze, Chisato quickly reached out to press down her two raised fingers.
"Please don't joke around, Miss Youko."
"I'm not joking with you. And you don't have to feel like you're taking advantage of me—this is the reward you rightfully deserve."
She paused, then deliberately curled her lips into a smirk, as if she had suddenly thought of something that mildly offended her.
"Or… are you saying that you think Youko's life isn't even worth this much?"
Chisato shook his head immediately.
"Of course, Miss Youko's life is worth far more than this amount. But I did what I did out of my own will, so I have no reason to demand compensation from you."
"Besides, even if I hadn't helped, maybe you would have been fine anyway."
"Medical technology is quite advanced nowadays—perhaps you could've recovered smoothly after a bone marrow transplant?"
"Don't try to mislead me by shifting the topic. I know my own condition best. Even if the surgery were miraculously successful, I wouldn't have many years left."
"Yes, bone marrow can be transplanted—but does modern medicine have the technology to replace all the organs in my body that have already started failing?"
"If it weren't for you, I might've acted nonchalant on the surface, but deep down, I wouldn't have been able to suppress my grief."
"Someone who hasn't experienced the pain of a life-threatening illness wouldn't understand the suffering I've been enduring these past few days—both physically and mentally."
"The pessimism in my mind and the weakness of my body are secondary."
"What I worry about the most is Kazusa."
"If I die, she will definitely be devastated for a long time. She might never recover from it."
Chisato's emotions were complicated.
"Miss Youko, your thoughts are too pessimistic."
"I'm simply stating the truth."
Indeed, Youko saw things very clearly.
For a moment, silence fell between the two.
"Still unwilling to accept my gratitude?"
Chisato nodded.
Youko raised an eyebrow in response.
"I see. So by refusing my gratitude, you're making me owe you a favor instead? That way, you can cash it in at the right time in the future. You're quite the clever one, aren't you?"
She had said this on purpose to lighten the mood, but at that moment, Chisato suddenly lifted his head and met her gaze.
Youko's casual smile froze.
After years of navigating the social world, she had mastered the art of reading people.
That was why, from the look on Chisato's face, she immediately caught onto some emotions that didn't quite match the situation.
Her lips pressed together slightly.
Ever since she confirmed that she had completely recovered, her elation at being given a second chance at life had been running high. But now, that feeling gradually cooled.
She went over their conversation in her mind—
The more she thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense.
His refusal to accept her financial reward now had a plausible explanation.
Because once she grasped the underlying reason, everything else naturally followed…
Youko took a deep breath.
She looked at Chisato, who was still staring straight at her. In his eyes, she saw emotions like guilt and remorse.
Her lips parted slightly, but the complex emotions swirling within her made her close them again.
But if her suspicions were correct, then this needed to be addressed immediately and put to an end as soon as possible!
"…Chisato, could it be that… you actually have feelings for me?"
"???"
The moment those words left her mouth, she saw Chisato's eyes widen to the point of almost popping out, his expression looking as if he had just been struck by lightning.
In that instant, Youko immediately realized she had guessed wrong.
But an experienced woman of the world like her was far beyond the league of naive school students still fumbling through life.
With a trademark playful smile, she casually brushed off the awkwardness with a simple—
"I'm just joking."
The atmosphere shifted back to normal, and deep inside, she let out a huge sigh of relief.
It was a good thing this wasn't turning into one of those scenarios commonly seen in adult videos from a certain island nation.
"So then, what exactly is it?"
Youko crossed her arms.
If the problem wasn't related to her, then there was only one other possibility left.
"Well… it's a bit complicated…"
Chisato hesitated.
His original plan had been to find the right time to come clean with Kazusa about certain things related to other girls in his life.
But the day after he made up his mind, Kazusa hadn't come to school, and the matter was put on hold. Now, Youko had already caught onto something.
What he was struggling with now was whether to let Youko know about it.
Should he explain things privately to Kazusa first?
Or should he take advantage of his good standing with his future mother-in-law and seek her help instead?
It was difficult to predict how she would react.
A life-saving favor was indeed priceless.
But as a mother, upon learning that her daughter's boyfriend was fooling around with other girls, what kind of attitude would she have?
He had no idea.
As Chisato continued struggling over whether to confess or brush the matter aside, Youko narrowed her eyes.
"Chisato, did you do something to betray Kazusa?"
Precise and straight to the point.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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