Chapter 12: A Rich Woman's Gift

"Thump thump BOOM!"

The rhythmic and deliberate knocking echoed through the room, almost rearranging its entire space. Startled by the sound, both occupants ceased their current tasks. Senior Sister was busy organizing the bed and arranging daily necessities, while Jiangli watched her intently, his gaze fixed on her diligent efforts.

With each knock, the room seemed to come alive, its walls resonating with a luxurious rhythm that demanded attention. Senior Sister paused in her work, her eyes glancing towards the door. Jiangli's attention was equally diverted, drawn towards the source of the impending presence.

Without missing a beat, Senior Sister approached the entrance and swung open the dormitory door, revealing a figure cloaked in an air of elegance and poise.

"Kanata, what brings you here?" Senior Sister inquired, her voice marked by a note of surprise.

The new arrival, known as Kanata, was the embodiment of British elegance. Clad in a sweeping white formal gown, she donned a pair of white lace gloves and held an umbrella in hand. Her demeanor exuded an aristocratic charm, her very presence a testament to a life of privilege and refinement.

The unexpected guest tilted her head slightly, revealing a delicate, flawless chin framed by cascading golden hair. Her gaze was concealed beneath a wide-brimmed hat and the shelter of the umbrella, adding an air of mystique to her already enigmatic aura.

Her eyes met Senior Sister's, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. In her gaze, emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity, the depths of their vibrant green hinting at an intellect and wisdom that belied her youthful appearance.

"Hello," Jiangli offered a polite greeting, rising from the sofa and standing before the enigmatic newcomer.

Kanata's presence seemed to command respect, her aura both intriguing and beguiling. Jiangli's manners were genuine, his courteous smile an expression of goodwill extended towards the guest.

The room's atmosphere shifted, subtly transformed by the addition of a new character. The gentle breeze that entered with Kanata carried an air of exclusivity, an essence that hinted at her status within the world.

Toudou Touka, known as Senior Sister, had managed to find another beautiful heart—her roommate, Totokubara Kanata. The transition had been swift, a day-long journey that had transposed the former inhabitant with the newcomer. Although only a brief exchange of places, Kanata's presence seemed to have left a mark that was as tangible as it was intangible.

Jiangli's gaze lingered on Kanata, his thoughts tracing her presence as she gracefully exited the room. She moved with the confidence of one accustomed to luxurious surroundings, an aristocrat navigating her way through a carefully choreographed existence.

With her departure, the room returned to its previous state, and Senior Sister resumed her task of tidying up. Jiangli found himself lost in contemplation, pondering the rich tapestry of lives intertwined within the dormitory.

Senior Sister's voice broke through his reverie, dispelling the lingering echoes of Kanata's presence. "Junior Brother, are you still sitting there? Show some courtesy and come help me."

Jiangli offered a sheepish smile and joined her, engaging in the activity of reorganizing and arranging. As they worked, the room began to transform, each touch imbuing it with a sense of order and purpose.

Moments passed, and the room was soon restored to a state of welcoming calm. The bed, now neatly made, exuded an inviting aura, beckoning to those seeking rest and refuge.

Jiangli's eyes drifted towards Senior Sister, who had momentarily stepped away. With her back turned, she busied herself with the task at hand, unaware of the quiet admiration that stirred within Jiangli's heart.

"Junior Brother, before I forget, which bedsheet do you prefer—white or sky blue?" Senior Sister's voice carried from across the room.

"White," Jiangli replied, his gaze still fixed on her form. The choice of bedsheets seemed trivial in comparison to the aura of strength and compassion that Senior Sister radiated.

As they continued their work, Senior Sister offered insight into Kanata's background. "Kanata is Totokubara Consortium's daughter," she explained matter-of-factly.

Jiangli's response was immediate, his surprise evident in his wide-eyed expression. "Isn't that the super rich woman?"

Indeed, the Totokubara Consortium was among Japan's most prestigious and influential financial groups, with a presence that spanned multiple industries. The family's influence extended to real estate, dining, medical services, and philanthropy—a testament to their impact on the nation's economy and social welfare.

Totokubara Kanata, it appeared, was the heiress to this vast economic empire, a member of one of the wealthiest families in Japan. The revelation left Jiangli in awe, his mind racing to grasp the implications of such a connection.

Senior Sister's own history was interwoven with Kanata's, their friendship stemming from shared experiences at the "Wakaba House" orphanage—a facility affiliated with Totokubara Consortium. The connection between the two women was strong, a testament to their enduring bond despite their disparate backgrounds.

Jiangli's mind churned with thoughts as he absorbed the revelation. He had met Kanata briefly, her enigmatic presence leaving an impression that demanded further exploration. The idea of a wealthy benefactor had sparked within him a playful notion, a sentiment that elicited a wry grin.

He contemplated the significance of a rich woman's influence, realizing that in this world, she could provide him not with a woman's affection, but with a means to acquire a better sword—his most prized possession and a symbol of his skill and prowess.

In this realm of warriors, where battles were fought with swords and strength, the prospect of a superior blade held an undeniable allure. The concept was both intriguing and amusing, a reminder that in the complex tapestry of fate and fortune, even the most unconventional possibilities could hold the key to unlocking one's true potential.

As Jiangli entertained the notion of a rich woman's support, he couldn't help but smile. In a world where swords held sway and strength was paramount, the idea of receiving a better sword from a rich benefactor took on a whole new meaning.