Starting a New Life in Tokyo by Inheriting a Shopping Street [79]

Life seemed determined not to let Chiba Shuuichi idle long enough to grow mold. He’d planned to head home and bask lazily in the afternoon sun, but the moment he stepped inside, his phone rang—it was Nase Sumire.

She was on her way over, bringing along the friend she’d often mentioned but never named—always just “Amamiya.”

So much for his plans of peaceful idleness. With a resigned sigh, Shuuichi straightened his posture. After all, until he’d earned enough, even wasting time required a clear conscience.

He didn’t have to wait long. Barely ten minutes later, Nase Sumire arrived at the Management Office with her mysterious friend in tow.

“This is the friend I mentioned before—Amamiya,” Sumire said, clearly amused, watching for his reaction.

And sure enough, Shuuichi froze for a moment—exactly as she’d expected.

On looks alone, this woman surpassed the Ogawa Madames, even the Akiyama sisters. Without exaggeration, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen in person—graceful, refined, untouched by artifice.

Even an unfiltered photo of her would easily outshine all those airbrushed internet idols.

More striking still was her air of quiet intellect—gentle and poised, the very image of that unreachable “white moonlight” ideal.

No wonder she had countless admirers. What man wouldn’t feel his heart stir at first sight?

Under normal circumstances, Shuuichi might’ve been no exception—he might even have reconsidered his stance on romance.

But after Madame Fumika’s passion the night before and Pervert Kaichou’s energy this morning, his heart was calm as still water. Monk-like. He could appreciate beauty now with detached serenity.

Her figure wasn’t as voluptuous as the Ogawa sisters’, but she had more shape than the petite Akiyamas—and leagues beyond Nase Sumire’s flat, almost aerodynamic frame. Combined with her composure, her proportions felt just right.

“Well? I didn’t exaggerate, did I?” Nase Sumire’s smile brimmed with self-satisfaction.

Shuuichi blinked back to awareness and said earnestly, “Indeed—far prettier than Sensei.”

“…” Sumire’s smile froze. “Why do I feel like that wasn’t a compliment?”

“What’s wrong with it?” Shuuichi spread his hands innocently. “I just repeated what you said yourself.”

“…” Her eyelid twitched. Turning to Amamiya, she muttered, “Forget it. This guy’s not reliable.”

“Sensei, that’s unfair. How am I unreliable? For telling the truth?” Shuuichi shifted his attention to the newcomer. “My apologies, Amamiya-san. Nase-sensei spoke so highly of you, I was curious.”

Amamiya Momoka smiled gently, unfazed. Her first words since entering were soft and composed. “It’s quite all right.”

Her voice was soothing, but her demeanor carried a certain reserve, like someone polite yet hard to approach.

Shuuichi’s mind was already assessing: excellent shop-owner potential, though her “Sense of Belonging” might take effort to build.

Then again, he’d learned that people who seemed distant at first were often the most trusting once you got close. Quiet, sincere types who’d thank you even as you sold them off—

Wait, what kind of thought was that? Damn that Pervert Kaichou—he’d been corrupted.

He forcibly cleared his mind. “Please, have a seat. You too, Nase-sensei.”

Sumire narrowed her eyes. “Why specify me? Am I that unwelcome?”

“Welcome, welcome! I’d be even happier if Sensei decided to stay overnight,” Shuuichi said cheerfully.

Black lines appeared on her forehead. “Amamiya, let’s go. This place clearly isn’t for you.”

“You’re already here—it’d be a waste to leave now. Don’t you think so, Amamiya-san?” Shuuichi cut in smoothly.

Amamiya hid a faint laugh behind her hand. “Then please, Chiba-kun, show me around.”

Of course, Sumire hadn’t really intended to leave; if she had, she wouldn’t have brought Amamiya in the first place.

Once both women sat down, Shuuichi pulled out a stack of documents. “So, Amamiya-san, what kind of business are you planning?”

“A flower shop,” she said softly.

“A flower shop…” Shuuichi mused. It fit her perfectly. Though he couldn’t help wondering—what kind of System Buff would come with that?

More fragrant flowers? A higher success rate for confessions? Or maybe double merit points when placing flowers at graves?

He shook off the absurd ideas and flipped through his property list, quickly finding something ideal.

“Conveniently, there’s a two-story, ninety-square-meter shop right next door. The second floor can be used as living space. Would that suit you?” he asked, sliding the file across the desk.

Nase Sumire immediately leaned forward. “How much? You mentioned discounts before.”

“Of course. Since Sensei introduced you, there’s a special rate.” Shuuichi smiled at Momoka. “If you’re ready to sign today, Amamiya-san, we can finalize it now.”

“Yes,” she replied simply, her movements as graceful as her voice.

“In that case…” Shuuichi pretended to calculate while checking the System’s suggested price. “Monthly rent is 120,000 yen—management included. No deposit, no key money. How does that sound?”

Inwardly, he noted that her discount matched the Ogawa Madames’. So the System’s “beauty bonus” was standardized? Then what about the ramen shop girls—what, a 10,000-yen discount each? Like a prepaid phone promo?

Sumire’s eyes widened. “That cheap?”

Even she knew 120,000 yen for a ninety-square-meter shop in Taitō Ward was outrageously low. She’d expected maybe ten or twenty percent off—but this?

“This place isn’t haunted, right?” she blurted, deadpan.

Shuuichi rolled his eyes. “Sensei, if it were haunted, would I still be living here? Besides, if I ever tried pranking you, I’d never dare involve Amamiya-san.”

“…How reassuring,” Sumire muttered dryly, folding her arms. “You’re lucky, you know. If Amamiya ever wanted to teach instead, she’d make more as a tutor than from any flower shop.”

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This is a fan translation of 从继承商店街开始东京生活 by 净消尘土 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!