Awakening

Takeda Cangshi appeared a bit restless, “Good evening, Miss Hase. May I come in and have a talk?”

Hearing his words, Naoko can’t help but hesitate. Although now it was only 9 o’clock in the evening, she was the only person in the room, and being in a room with an unrelated man was not good. Her experience with Hinatsu Junichiro two years ago was still fresh in her mind.

Seeing her embarrassed look, Takeda Cangshi smiled for a moment and then said: “Since Miss Hase is inconvenient, then just forget it. I am very sorry to disturb your rest, excuse me.”

Seeing he was about to leave, Naoko was shaken. This place was someone else’s house, after all, if she can’t even promise such a request, it would appear a bit too unreasonable. After bowing her head to think for a moment, Naoko said: “That was rude of me. Mr. Takeda, if you have something to talk then please come in and let’s talk about it.”

Takeda Cangshi suddenly bowed to her and said, “Thank you, Miss Hase.”

Naoko was shocked by such a big ritual, immediately said: “Mr. Takeda, you are too serious.”

After he came in, Naoko did not close the door but pushed the door open a bit more. But Takeda Cangshi did not seem to notice this casual movement from her and continued to sit on the other side of the table.

Naoko brought a cup of tea in front of him, “Please enjoy the tea, Mr. Takeda.”

“Thank you.” Takeda Cangshi picked the tea cup in a very standard position and took a sip.

“Miss Hase, your tea flavor is very good.” After putting down the cup, Takeda Cangshi said something.

“You flatter me, Mr. Takeda. Your family has been in the tea business for generations. Your erroneous praise makes me ashamed.”

Takeda Cangshi said with a straight face: “No, I am saying the truth.”

Seeing his serious face, for a while Naoko did not know what to say, but finally said: “You are too kind. Mr. Takeda, you said there is something you want to talk to me?”

Takeda Cangshi was at a loss for a while. Actually, for a long time, he did not say any words.

Seeing him like this, Naoko did not dare to make a sound and can only wait for his answer.

For a time, the entire room was quiet.

After an indeterminate time has passed, Takeda Cangshi finally looked up at Naoko, and then said the words that, for her, was truly unexpected.

“Miss Hase, I like you.”

Naoko was shocked and almost knocked over the teacup in front of her.

After she composed herself, Naoko immediately said: “Mr. Takeda, I....”

Takeda Cangshi interrupted her, “Please do not misunderstand, Miss Hase, I have no other intention. I am well aware that you truly love Mr. Gennai, and I will not do anything to affect your feelings. I just want to settle my wish before I leave, that’s all.”

“You said before you leave?” Naoko realized he was wearing a suit rather than a Kimono, which he usually wore everyday at home.

“Yes, because there is something urgent that I need to take care of in the company, I have to go back on a plane tonight. Maybe after this, I will have no chance to see Miss Hase again. Therefore, I really hope I can settle my wish before my departure. That is, to confess my feelings for Miss Hase. Of course, I don’t expect to get any response, I just don’t want to leave with regrets. If this causes you any discomfort, please forgive me.” With that, he bowed to her.

Seeing this man, who always wore a very serious expression, Naoko did not really know what to say. After a while, she slightly pulled herself together and then said: “Mr. Takeda, I don’t deserve your kindness, I feel very uneasy.”

Takeda Cangshi said: “Miss Hase, you are the most beautiful and gentle woman I have ever seen, my heart is filled with admiration for you. I wish for you and Mr. Gennai to grow old together.”

“Thank you, Mr. Takeda. With Mr. Takeda’s condition, I believe you will soon find a woman who suits you.”

Takeda Cangshi smiled, “Thank you for your good wish. But to be honest, I really envy Mr. Gennai.”

“I don’t deserve such a praise.”

After he drank the tea, Takeda Cangshi stood up, “Very well, I have to go, Miss Hase. Please take care of yourself.”

“You too, have a nice trip.” Naoko stood up and sent him out.

After walking out of the door, Takeda Cangshi suddenly looked back to Naoko and said: “Perhaps this sentence is rude, but I want to ask: What exactly do you like in Mr. Gennai?” He still did not understand why a woman so perfect like her love such an ordinary man.

Naoko was stunned for a moment, and after a while gently said: “In this world, no one treat me better than him.”

Seeing the gentleness on her face, Takeda Cangshi seemed to understand, turned around and slowly walked away.