Chapter 4: Double Cashback

When he arrived on the street, what greeted his eyes was a scene of prosperity.

This place was located in Chiyoda Ward, one of Tokyo’s six core wards.

It was very close to Akihabara, which was widely known and hailed as the "Holy Land of Anime."

Looking up, high-rise buildings stood row upon row. The streets were bustling with traffic, and pedestrians were everywhere. On both sides of the road were all kinds of shops and storefronts, full of modern atmosphere.

The reason the original owner chose to live here was, first, because it was very close to the University of Tokyo. He had moved out to live on his own during his school years. From here to the University of Tokyo, it only took ten minutes by tram.

At that time, his financial situation was very good, and he could afford the rent here.

Also, life here was convenient and comfortable, and transportation was easy. The moment you stepped outside, you were on a bustling street full of the flavor of daily life.

As a writer, he was unwilling to waste time on other matters and needed this kind of convenient life.

Kitahara looked at the scene before him and felt a little dazed. For a moment, he thought he hadn’t transmigrated and was still in the 21st century!

As expected of Tokyo. Even at this time, it had already been built into such a modern metropolis!

No wonder the Japanese had once boldly declared that selling Tokyo could buy the entire United States.

At this time, the Japanese really were impressive and had the capital to say so. But talking to Daddy like that was asking for a beating!

Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been the "Lost Thirty Years"!

...

Dozens of meters away, across the street, there was a 7-Eleven convenience store. That was where Hayami Rina worked.

Kitahara crossed the street and walked along at an easy pace. A moment later, he pushed the door open and walked in.

At this time of day, the convenience store wasn’t very busy. There were no customers. Amid the receptionist’s greeting, Kitahara walked a few steps inside and saw Hayami Rina resting in a corner.

Hayami Rina was sitting there in a daze at this moment. Her legs were together, her arms were on her knees, and she was propping up her chin with her hands.

Her beautiful eyes were lifeless as she stared blankly at the ground, her expression somewhat dim. No one knew what she was thinking about.

This voluptuous widow wore a white casual shirt on top and a light green skirt below. The simple outfit complemented her intellectual and gentle temperament.

It also made her skin appear even fairer and more delicate.

"Oh! Kitahara-kun, why are you here?"

Perhaps because she felt someone’s gaze on her, Hayami Rina came back to her senses. When she saw Kitahara Chiki, she asked in some surprise.

"Oh, Rina-nee, I came to buy some things and take a walk while I was at it. Staying at home is too stuffy." Kitahara withdrew his gaze and answered with clear eyes.

"That’s good. You should go out and walk more. What do you need to buy, Kitahara-kun? Do you want me to help?"

Hayami Rina stood up, smoothed out her clothes, and casually tucked the hair that had fallen down behind her ear, ready to fulfill her work duties.

But she still had to first ask whether this customer, Kitahara, had such a need.

Because some people, when shopping, didn’t like having someone follow them around and preferred to quietly choose by themselves.

"No need, I can do it myself. Rina-nee, you can go back to resting!" Kitahara only wanted to casually buy her something to test things out, so he declined.

He went to the snacks and drinks section and looked around. The variety of goods here was very rich. He picked a box of matcha-flavored cookies and also grabbed two bottles of chilled green tea, then took them to pay.

Each bottle of green tea was 135 yen. The cookies were a bit more expensive, probably a big brand. A small box cost 850 yen.

Kitahara didn’t mind and paid the bill readily.

Because they were acquaintances, Hayami Rina had been paying attention to Kitahara’s movements. When he headed toward the register, she came over, ready to say a simple goodbye.

"Kitahara-kun, take care. Welcome back next time!"

Seeing that Kitahara had finished paying, Hayami Rina said with a pretty smile.

"Not in a hurry, Rina-nee. Please come out with me for a moment. I have something to tell you." Kitahara pointed outside the convenience store, signaling Hayami Rina to follow him out. He went out first.

After the puzzled Hayami Rina followed him out, Kitahara handed the cookies and a bottle of green tea toward her:

"Rina-nee, these are for you. Please take them!"

"This? Kitahara-kun, why are you buying this for me? There’s no need, right?"

"Rina-nee treated me to a bento this morning, so I’m returning the favor with afternoon tea. Hurry and take it. Just a small token of appreciation."

Kitahara would not take no for an answer and directly stuffed the items into Hayami Rina’s hands.

Hayami Rina found it hard to refuse any further.

At that same moment, a notification sound rang out in Kitahara’s mind:

"Beep. Host spent 985 yen on girlfriend Hayami Rina. System double cashback. Host may withdraw 1,970 yen at any time!"

Yes! He could really farm money!

Kitahara was thrilled inside, and uncontrollable joy appeared on his face.

Too awesome!

The peak of life was just around the corner!

With the system, life really had something to look forward to!

Since cashback really worked, the next step was to get something more valuable to give to this girlfriend and try for a big one.

But exactly what to give still required some thought. Hayami Rina didn’t seem like the kind of person who casually accepted other people’s gifts.

"Rina-nee, I still have things to do, so I’ll be going. See you!"

Kitahara waved goodbye and left, planning to stroll around nearby and pick out a suitable gift.

Hayami Rina watched Kitahara walk away, then returned to the convenience store with the items.

"Wow, Rina-nee, was that young man just now your suitor? He bought things for you to eat! I’ve had those cookies before. They’re really tasty, just a little pricey. They’re worth an hour of my wages! Rina-nee, can you share two pieces with me?"

Inside the convenience store, a slightly plump girl in charge of the register saw Hayami Rina return and chattered excitedly.

She had just seen the two people’s actions outside through the glass from inside, and the fire of gossip was burning in her heart. She couldn’t wait to ask.

Don’t think that all Japanese people are cold and dislike gossip.

Actually, people are social animals and all have social needs. It’s just that many people are only willing to share their feelings with those they are familiar with. Toward strangers, they appear cautious or even somewhat cold.

This girl had worked with Hayami Rina for more than half a year. Because their personalities clicked, they had long since become friends and knew each other’s situation well.

So she seemed a bit unfiltered.