Talking with the Future Daughter-in-law

On the tree-lined road leading to the parking lot, Shinichi led a group of girls to accompany his parents.

"There's something we need to do next, so let's head back for now."

Though he spoke calmly, Kazumi's peripheral vision kept moving, revealing her inner unease.

It was impossible for anyone to accept the strange sight in front of them calmly.

(Being expelled by a son and a group of daughters-in-law...)

Or maybe, had she traveled to ancient times where wives and concubines were allowed to be in a group, and her son was an evil landlord plundering women and being immoral?

Kazumi closed her eyes and swallowed back her sigh.

"Alright, you two walk slowly and carefully on the road."

Shinichi smiled brightly and occasionally stared at his mother like a spring breeze, completely at ease.

Seeing that her word could no longer penetrate the illegitimate son's face, Kazumi decided to ignore him, turned to the group of girls, and first spoke to Fumino:

"Fumino, I remember you saying that your family isn't too strict, right? In that case, would you like to come to our house for dinner occasionally? Just come with Shinichi after school."

Fumino glanced at Shinichi, her beautiful face slightly blushing, and she seemed a bit shy but nodded very naturally.

"I understand, I'll come when I have time."

"There's also that 'method.' I can't explain it clearly over the phone. It would be better if I tell you directly." Gazing faintly at the flat chest of the straight girl, Kazumi smiled mysteriously.

"Remember to come here."

Fumino immediately became serious, nodding earnestly.

"I get it; I'll ask when the time comes!"

"Easy to talk to."

After solving the puzzle with her, Kazumi then looked at Ichika, who was still on a video call.

"Ichika-chan, work hard on your studies and pursue your acting career."

At the lunch party earlier, she had somewhat gotten to know the quintuplet sisters and recognized Ichika, a high school student actress who had recently appeared in a popular program and was becoming more and more popular.

What Kazumi found most incomprehensible was why this perfect girl with unlimited prospects, sweet words, and beauty would fall in love with her naughty son. Didn't she seem more fitting with a celebrity guy?

"Well then, I accept your good advice~"

A lazy and soft voice came from the microphone, with a smile on her lips, Ichika slowly said to Kazumi, "By the way, Aunt Kazumi, you said you like Ishimura Takuya, right? I have a senior in the entertainment industry who has a good relationship with him. I should be able to get an autograph for you... I don't know when I can bring him to your house. Which is better?"

"Isn't this too much trouble..."

Kazumi opened her eyes slightly, looking like she was heartbroken but didn't dare to accept others' kindness without permission.

Although she didn't say it explicitly, since the beginning of the lunch banquet, it was already clear that the other party wanted to have a good relationship with the future mother-in-law, or she didn't intend to hide it at all.

Just in the process of eating and chatting, she was teased and tested many times. Her caution didn't make people feel uncomfortable, but she controlled it at the right distance, showing maturity as an individual.

"It won't be troublesome; it's just a matter of effort."

Winking, Ichika said sincerely, "An autograph is nothing, as long as it makes Aunt Kazumi happy!"

"Oh, dear..."

Kazumi wiped her eyes as if moved, then gritted her teeth and made a decision.

"Okay, when you have free time, let Shinichi escort you home, and I'll cook a table of delicious dishes as a reward for you! But you have to let him contact me earlier; otherwise, I'm afraid the food won't be enough."

"Oh, you're very polite~" Hiding the joy because her plan succeeded, Ichika smiled like an ordinary 17-year-old girl who had gained the approval of her boyfriend parents, nodded shyly and happily.

"Well then, when the time comes, I'll ask Shinichi-kun to 'escort me home.' Thank you, Aunt~"

As soon as she finished speaking, through the screen, Ichika's and Fumino's eyes met.

"..."

Sparkles intertwined in the air with smiling eyes, and an invisible war began momentarily, like a declaration of war. Both of them covertly shifted their gazes.

Kazumi naturally noticed it, but what was it to her? Anyway, her son would find a way to resolve it.

For the sake of her popular son, she decided to step up her efforts, then looked at Nino with great interest.

"Nino-chan, your skills are truly outstanding. Do you plan to open your own restaurant in the future?"

"Eh, this..."

Nino scratched her cheek, unconsciously looking at Shinichi, then quickly turned her face, smiling shyly at Kazumi.

"Sorry, I'm still a bit unsure about what I want to do in the future... Especially after tasting Bibi's bento, I realized I still have a lot of shortcomings, and there's still a lot I need to do to open a restaurant. The journey is still long... indeed!"

Nino clapped her hands, looking straight at the middle-aged woman in front of her, and made a request with a sincere tone.

"If possible, may I ask for home-cooked recipes?"

"Of course, no problem... Huh?"

Kazumi responded inadvertently, then suddenly realized. Home-cooked recipes were just an excuse; the cooking skills of the girl in front of her were better than hers, and the bento she made was not only luxurious but also delicious, so there was no need to ask for any recipes.

So, she just wanted to get her son's favorite menu from her side and also have the opportunity to come to her house to openly search for it?

After thinking about this, Kazumi's expression remained unchanged, and she still smiled warmly and kindly.

"Let Shinichi bring you here when you have time. Then we can practice directly, and we can also let them and him taste and act as food testers."

"Sounds great!"

Nino blinked in surprise, but to avoid looking too happy, she still nodded and replied with a restrained smile.

Then, she lifted her head towards Fumino and put on a proud expression that said, "You don't have an advantage now."

"...Hmph."

Fumino looked at Shinichi beside her with an emotionless gaze, turned her face as if to say, "Look at the good things you did."

Shinichi: "..."

This was really like standing silent and lying down.

Next, Kazumi looked at Miku.

During this time, she didn't talk much with this quiet girl. She just felt her voice was weak and gentle, very similar to Yamato Nadeshiko, in line with the Japanese impression of daughters-in-law.

And Miku always sided with her son, emitting a kind of rosy aura that openly and secretly declared, "our relationship is not normal." From the parents' perspective, these two only displayed their love as if no one else was around.

Kazumi had a fairly good impression of her. Although she seemed somewhat dark and reserved, whenever she was spoken to, Miku could always respond with a shallow smile.

She thought for a moment and finally smiled, offering encouragement, "Miku-chan, you have to work hard at the medical center! Come and visit when you have time."

"Okay." Miku nodded calmly, then added, "Certainly."

"..."

She really wanted to come as well.

Kazumi couldn't help but laugh, then looked at Yotsuba.