Izumi Kaneyoshi's Perfect Cover

"Mom and Dad, I want to use this money to buy a new computer. After buying the computer, I'll set aside a small portion for daily expenses and save the rest in my bank account," Kotomi Izumi expressed her plan, showing little interest in financial investments.

She only wanted to use her first earnings to buy a new desktop computer that would allow her to play games to her heart's content. The remaining money would be divided into two parts: one for daily expenses and the other to be kept in her bank account.

"A new computer? But don't you already have a laptop?" Izumi Akina asked, somewhat puzzled.

Before Kotomi could respond, Izumi Kaneyoshi, with a knowing smile, stepped in to 'cover' for Kotomi:

"Even though Kotomi already has a laptop, the screen is still relatively small. If she plans to pursue a career in creative work, she'll need to spend a lot of time in front of the computer. A desktop computer with a large screen would be much easier on her eyes."

Hearing Kaneyoshi's explanation, Izumi Akina was quickly convinced:

"You're right, Kotomi is a big-time author now. Most authors nowadays don't write on paper but use computers to type their manuscripts. A good computer is definitely important for Kotomi. Since your father and I aren't well-versed in computers, you can pick out one yourself."

"Got it!" Kotomi nodded happily, relieved that her mother had agreed so easily.

She was grateful her mom didn't suggest getting a friend to take her to a computer store to assemble a custom PC. While the intention would be good, getting a custom-built computer at a store could lead to potential pitfalls.

For those who aren't tech-savvy or are worried about assembling a PC on their own, going to a computer store or buying a pre-built system from a reputable brand might be a convenient choice. It eliminates the need for DIY assembly and offers long-term after-sales service.

However, Kotomi planned to write up a configuration list and buy the components on Amazon. In her past life, she had a good understanding of PC assembly and believed that putting together a computer herself wouldn't be too difficult.

She had previously known all the theory behind building a PC, but due to financial constraints, she had never been able to put it into practice.

Now, in this new life, with money at her disposal, she could finally build her own rig!

With her first earnings decided, the family continued their meal.

Halfway through, Kotomi suddenly remembered her conversation with Izumi Aimi earlier and affectionately patted her sister's silky hair, saying:

"Aimi, how about we go out for some yakiniku on Friday night?" Kotomi suggested with a smile.

Aimi's eyes lit up with excitement, and she replied enthusiastically, "Yay!"

"You two want to have yakiniku on Friday night?" Izumi Akina chimed in.

"Yeah! Mom, Dad, do you want to join us?" Aimi asked.

"You two go ahead. Your father and I have to attend a college friend's son's wedding on Friday evening," Izumi Akina replied, adding with a sigh, "Time flies so fast. I can't believe the son of my college dormmate is getting married."

"I remember she had her child during her sophomore year," Kaneyoshi recalled.

"That's right. I even held him when she brought him to our dorm after class. Time sure does fly—now her son is getting married."

Kaneyoshi nodded in agreement, realizing how quickly time had passed. He had become a 43-year-old middle-aged man, now at the age where people would start calling him 'uncle.'

"I remember when Kotomi was just a little baby, so tiny, like a cute little pudding. In the blink of an eye, she's grown into a graceful young lady. Honey, sometimes I dream of Kotomi in a wedding dress on her wedding day," Akina said, her voice filled with nostalgia.

The moment she finished speaking, Kaneyoshi, who was drinking miso soup, started coughing in surprise.

Cough cough cough! "Honey, why are you suddenly talking about weddings? You gave me a scare—our daughter is only 16!" Kaneyoshi's tone and expression became uncharacteristically serious, a rare display of his deep love and protectiveness for his daughter.

"I was talking about four or five years from now."

"Well, since it's still a long way off, let's discuss it when the time comes. Right now, you're just putting unnecessary pressure on Kotomi," Kaneyoshi replied, regaining his composure.

"Yes, yes," Akina responded playfully.

The small family moment soon passed, and the Izumi family finished their meal.

Akina began clearing the dishes, taking them to the sink to wash, while Aimi returned to her room to continue her homework.

"Thanks for covering for me earlier when I mentioned buying a new computer," Kotomi expressed her gratitude to Kaneyoshi.

Sitting on the sofa, Kaneyoshi put out his cigarette in the ashtray on the coffee table and waved off her thanks with a smile:

"It was no big deal. But even if I hadn't helped, your mom wouldn't have said anything. After all, this money is yours, and how you spend it is your choice. Just remember not to use it on anything shady. The Izumi family might not be wealthy, but we have principles."

Kotomi nodded firmly, indicating she understood.

"Even though we're proud of your success in writing, you still need to focus on your studies. No matter what, you have to graduate from high school and get into college. Life is about walking on two legs."

At this, Kaneyoshi added with a light-hearted smile:

"After all, if you spent all your time thinking about your novel, you'd get exhausted. Consider studying as a way to clear your mind and refresh your thoughts."

"I understand, Dad. You don't need to worry," Kotomi replied as she massaged her father's slightly sore shoulders, aware of the toll his long hours of work took on him.

Feeling his daughter's concern, Kaneyoshi smiled warmly and took off his black-framed glasses. "Have you thought about which university you want to apply to?"

"Dad, I'm only in my first year of high school. Isn't it a bit early to be thinking about universities?" Kotomi asked, puzzled.

But Kaneyoshi shook his head:

"It's not too early. Once you enter high school, every day counts. The sooner you decide on your target university, the sooner you'll be motivated to study. While college entrance exams aren't the only way to change your life, they are one of the fairest competitions you'll ever face."

"The university I want to attend..." Kotomi thought for a moment, then said, "Tokyo University or Kyoto University, one of the two."

"Wow, those are both prestigious universities. You have quite the ambition, young lady. Your grandfather will be thrilled to hear this."

Given that Kotomi's academic performance had been average at best, when she mentioned aiming for Tokyo University or Kyoto University, Kaneyoshi assumed she was simply setting a high goal to motivate herself.

And even that was enough to make him happy—he had always believed that where there's a will, there's a way.

He trusted that if Kotomi truly set her sights on these goals, even if she didn't make it into Tokyo University or Kyoto University, she would still end up in a good school.

This thought filled Kaneyoshi with a deep sense of pride, seeing his daughter growing up and developing ambition.

But Kotomi didn't see it as mere encouragement. She had already unlocked the academic abilities in her God-Level Heroine System.

There was no need to wait for the college entrance exams.

In just a few weeks, during the midterm exams, she would amaze everyone at Sobu High School with her results!

As the system had assured her, even if she spent all her time slacking off, she could still get into Tokyo University.

At that point, choosing between Tokyo University and Kyoto University would be a luxury decision.

"By the way, System, if I accidentally get first place in the entire grade during the midterms, will I earn Fame Points?"

[Of course, you can! After all, the answers on the exam sheet will be written by you, Kotomi. Wait a minute—are you aiming for first place just to rack up Fame Points?!]

"Ah, darn, you figured it out!"