Starting a New Life in Tokyo by Inheriting a Shopping Street [72]

Holding an umbrella, Chiba Shuuichi strolled leisurely toward the Management Office, listening to the rain patter against the canopy above.

He peeked inside, but Ogawa Fumika was nowhere to be seen. Next door at the Beauty Salon, workers were busy setting up equipment on the first floor.

It had only been two days since he’d last seen Taichi, but even after celebrating over the phone last night, there was still an odd restlessness in his chest.

Instead of heading straight home, he asked around for Ogawa Fumika’s whereabouts and eventually found the Ogawa sisters upstairs at the gym.

“Yes, just set that over there. Thanks for your hard work, everyone,” Ogawa Sayuki called out, directing the bustle. Fumika was right beside her, checking off items on a clipboard.

They were both so busy, they hardly noticed him at first.

He waited around until Fumika finally spotted him and slipped over to whisper, “Sorry, Chiba-kun. This might take a while—I’ll come over in a bit.”

“No worries, Madame. I can see you’re busy. My thing isn’t urgent, so I’ll head back first and stop getting in the way.”

Because of the people around, Chiba kept it vague, tossing her a meaningful wink.

She looked like she wanted to say more, but just nodded instead.

Feeling oddly unsettled, Chiba didn’t linger on it. He headed back to the Management Office, went up to the second floor, tossed his schoolbag on the cabinet, changed into slippers, and stood by the balcony, watching the rain streak the street out back. Emptiness crept up on him.

The Akiyama sisters were busy at school, and the Ogawa sisters were tied up across the street. Rainy days really were dull.

Boredom led to random thoughts—especially Fumika’s expression just now. Something felt off. That bad feeling was back.

He tried to focus on some anime, but his attention kept drifting. In the end, he just stared blankly out the window at the rain, checking the time on his phone.

Four o’clock…

Four-fifteen…

Four-thirty…

Still no sign of Ogawa Fumika.

Chiba suddenly realized he was acting like some lovesick idiot.

Who could have guessed Madame—usually so easy to tease, so quick to give in—had such hidden depths? She was playing him like a pro, and he’d barely noticed.

He’d really underestimated Taichi. Even the gentle types could be terrifying in their own way.

Half an hour more dragged by. At five o’clock, the doorbell finally rang.

Instantly composed, Chiba strolled over and opened the door. Sure enough, Ogawa Fumika was there, looking as calm as ever.

“Madame’s really something, huh? Just toying with a young man’s heart—honestly, I’m hurt,” he said, leaning against the doorframe and making her wait.

“Eh?” Fumika jumped a little, surprised. “Wh—what happened?”

“You’re a whole hour late. Do you know how much I suffered, not being able to see you?” Chiba grumbled.

But Fumika just laughed softly, hiding a smile behind her hand. “Is it really that serious?”

“Of course! You did this on purpose—first you spoil me, then you vanish. That’s a classic move for a bad woman, you know.” Chiba kept a straight face.

Fumika felt both helpless and a little delighted. Getting this much attention from someone—how could any “Madame” not get flustered?

Well, maybe a bad woman wouldn’t.

Chiba finally dropped the act and stepped aside to let her in. As usual, he wrapped her up in a hug from behind, breathing in that familiar scent.

“Madame still smells amazing… It just never gets old.”

Fumika’s breath hitched, and she had to lean into him for support. “W-wait a second, Chiba-kun… I have something important to say…”

“What could be more important than this? You know these moments don’t last—don’t mess it up, Madame,” he murmured, nuzzling closer.

His breath tickled her ear, making her shiver. Fumika let out a quiet whimper.

“It really is important…”

“Then tell me.”

“It’s about the date we set before… Something’s come up,” Fumika managed, voice shaky.

“Oh, I see…” Chiba paused, then grinned. “If Madame can’t explain herself, I’ll be sad, you know.”

She almost laughed despite herself, trying to find her balance. “It’s the beauty salon and the gym—they’re opening on Sunday, so that day’s going to be crazy.”

Chiba’s expression shifted, clearly disappointed. “Can’t be helped, then. Got it.”

So that’s what had been bothering him. No wonder she’d seemed hesitant at the gym.

That damned system—what kind of superhuman renovation crew finishes in a week?

Noticing his mood, Fumika bit her lip. “Actually, Chiba-kun… your math was a little off…”

“Huh?” Chiba blinked.

She started counting on her fingers, looking a little mischievous. “It’s five days total… last Saturday was the second day. Then there’s a three-day break…”

Chiba retraced her math and realized—he’d gotten it wrong. It should’ve been Saturday, not Sunday. Guess he really had been distracted.

No one does math right when they’re distracted—especially when they’re looking forward to something.

He laughed, half annoyed, half amused, and turned her to face him. “So Madame’s not just a bad woman, but a clever one too? Then… tomorrow’s fair game?”

Fumika blushed harder, fighting a smile. “Tomorrow might not work either… there’s still a lot to prep for the opening.”

“And after that?” Chiba wasn’t falling for the same trick twice, but Fumika finally dropped the act; teasing wasn’t her strong suit anyway.

She turned, wrapped her arms around his neck, and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. Her eyes sparkled.

“So… I wore something special today. Just in case. Chiba-kun… want to see?”

Chiba grinned, tasting a hint of sweet lipstick. “Is today really okay?”

“It’s almost the end of the day, so… close enough. Besides…”

Fumika leaned against his shoulder, suddenly shy and girlish.

“You know, the ‘three-day wait’ thing… it’s more of a suggestion. If things are good, sometimes even the fourth day’s fine…”

Chiba was speechless for a second—he’d definitely learned something new today.

“Madame, you’re too good at this. Still want to claim you’re not a bad woman? Playing with me like this… I’ll have to get revenge somehow.”

“How will Chiba-kun punish me?” Fumika’s breath caught.

“Madame, are you ticklish?”

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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!