If one were to name the biggest difference between MEI and Raiden Mei, it would probably be their culinary skills.
Of course, Raiden Mei's cooking was also terrible during her time at Chiba Academy. It wasn't until her father went to prison and she had to become independent that she was forced to make food taste good, eventually becoming the "Herrscher of Rice" for Kiana and the others.
But this rule... seemed to have no effect on MEI?
Using the high-EQ request of "tasting dishes," Leo successfully fed his freshly made food to the girl across the window, ensuring MEI wouldn't go hungry, or perhaps to avoid testing just how tough his own fate really was.
MEI was his bond partner, after all. If something really happened to her, wouldn't his bond be gone?
Then, while making his own portion, he learned from MEI that her father had been away from home for several months, seemingly participating in some classified scientific research mission, with no news until now.
MEI's father was a world-famous electromagnetic physicist. In this era where the Honkai had descended, it was normal for such things to happen.
And because MEI had agreed to his invitation at the cafe, she missed out on buying her favorite pickled plum rice balls at the convenience store, so she could only try making them herself.
—Wait, you call that purple mush a rice ball? How did you even manage that? Do you have Indian heritage?
Although he was extremely curious, he didn't want the Favorability that had just risen slightly due to the delicious food to drop back down. He wisely chose to shut up... and ask later!
"If that's the case, then come eat at my place for the time being." Flashing a bright smile, Leo invited her, "We're neighbors, after all. It's necessary to help each other out."
"Of course, if you're worried or afraid I have ulterior motives, I can just pass the food to you like this in the future. We live right across the window anyway."
"You know, you're still in your growth phase. If you just eat pickled plum rice balls every day, that little bit of nutrition won't satisfy your brain's development."
Saying that, he carefully sized up the young girl's upper body.
To put it nicely, MEI's current figure was slender; to put it bluntly, she was scrawny.
To be honest, if Leo didn't know MEI's future development, he really wouldn't dare believe she had such potential.
And to prevent MEI's potential from being strangled in the cradle, he could only feed her more now, considering it an investment for the future.
"You... alright." Although she wanted to refuse, looking at the food she had wiped clean, MEI couldn't help but blush slightly.
As the daughter of a world-famous scientist, her family's financial situation naturally wasn't bad; in fact, it was very good. But because of her love for learning and her lack of high requirements for food, she prioritized efficiency and simplicity during this time.
But she was human after all. After eating low-oil and low-salt food for such a long time, her body instinctively craved oil and salt. Coupled with the "wok hei" in Leo's cooking, she couldn't resist just smelling it.
And this was also why she didn't refuse when Leo passed the food over... It was simply impossible to refuse, okay!
But—
"However, I will pay you!"
Business is business; she didn't want to owe Leo too many favors.
Only—
"Um..."
Wearing a look of disbelief, Leo asked with a complex expression, "You don't think I'd let you freeload, do you?"
To be honest, he was serious about this. Even if she was a 2D girl he loved, he wouldn't be a simp. In the end, he was here to play a romance game, not a simp game.
If she wanted him to give unilaterally, there was no way! Only when both sides contributed could it be called romance.
"Uh..." Slightly stunned, MEI hurriedly forced herself to calm down, pretending to be nonchalant as she changed the subject. "Then how much is this meal?"
"Let me think..." Facing MEI's inquiry, Leo didn't hold back. After some calculation, he said, "That will be 150 Yen."
"But I suggest paying a lump sum at the end of the month, otherwise paying every time is a bit troublesome. Also, if you have any dietary restrictions or something you want to eat, you can tell me. I'll definitely satisfy it if I can."
Paying meant she was God; his attitude naturally changed.
"No restrictions, and I don't care what I eat. Food of this quality is fine." Facing Leo's question, MEI shook her head.
"But... is this meal really just 150 Yen?"
You have to know, sometimes even a single rice ball she bought cost more than that. But Leo made it with meat and vegetables, looking incredibly appetizing. Otherwise, she wouldn't have finished the food before she even realized it.
"We're neighbors. I'm not really doing business with you, just pay the cost price." A refreshing smile appeared on his handsome face as Leo said, "Besides, I have to cook for myself anyway, making one extra portion is no trouble."
"Alright..." Seeing that Leo didn't seem to be lying, MEI accepted this explanation, but she still felt she owed him something.
So—
"The bowl..."
"Hmm?"
"Let me wash the bowls." Pursing her lips, MEI held her right elbow with her left hand, her gaze dodging slightly. "At the very least, I can do that much."
"Oh?" Looking at MEI with some surprise, Leo couldn't help but smile. "That works out great."
He naturally wouldn't refuse such a good thing.
At the same time—
[Current Favorability: 56 (Normal)]
[Current Bond: 20%]
Looking at the changed favorability and bond, Leo considered it an unexpected bonus. After all, he hadn't really thought about changing anything through this event. But since MEI really changed her view of him because of it, it was naturally a good thing for him.
"Um..." Watching Leo still eating, MEI couldn't help but ask, "Although it's a bit presumptuous to ask, may I ask about your parents?"
"What's presumptuous about that?" Looking at the polite MEI, Leo spoke openly, "Didn't I just ask where your father went?"
"As for my parents, they attained Buddhahood long ago, you don't need to mind."
Whether in this life or the last, he was long used to such things. If anything, if 'Tongzi' had actually arranged a pair of parents for him after transmigration, he wouldn't have been able to accept it.
"Uh..." Seeing Leo speak so naturally, MEI's slightly stiff expression finally relaxed.
But before she could say anything else, Leo beat her to it.
"Regarding my affairs, it's best if you don't ask too much right now."
Having finished the last bite, Leo put down his bowl and chopsticks and said solemnly, "Unless you want to give up this last bit of leisurely time."
Saying that, he looked seriously into MEI's still somewhat naive eyes.
He wasn't trying to scare her; he really thought so. After all, the current MEI had at least three months left to enjoy. Once she truly faced the Honkai, there would be no more rest in her life.
So at least for now, he didn't want to drag MEI into it. It was enough for her to just be a bond provider for him.
To be honest, if he hadn't lacked the absolute certainty to clear the dungeon, he wouldn't have asked MEI for Mobius's contact information.
He really wanted this young girl, who would give her all and die for the Previous Era, to have carefree time for just a little longer!
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