Tokyo: To reiterate, this is not a dating system.

67. I will take responsibility for Genji.

In the luxurious and quiet coffee shop, classical piano music flows.

Genji Aoyama seemed to be listening attentively, a thoughtful expression of interest on his face.

As for Haruka Minatsuki's performance, he wasn't too surprised.

Even before this, Genji Aoyama had a vague premonition.

"About when?"

He recalled the subtle smile on Haruka Minatsuki's face when they met that morning, upon hearing the word "meeting."

And there was the dissatisfaction in his tone when he called last night.

These fragments created a strange chemical reaction in a quiet corner of the coffee shop, which Aoyama Genji found very interesting, and he decided to continue watching.

Within minutes of the two entering the coffee shop.

Saotome's expressions were fascinating, ranging from arrogant disdain to forced politeness due to embarrassment, and then from displeasure to uncontrollable anger.

Finally, under Haruka Minatsuki's cold questioning, a look of panic flashed across Saotome's face.

Her long-term work environment allowed her to quickly adjust: "Please don't make things up without evidence; that's slander!"

"Yes, that's true."

Haruka Minatsuki smiled, her tone still carrying a hint of disgust and indifference, "Since you have shown your sincerity and attitude, then I should also show my attitude and sincerity."

She took a document from her elegant handbag, gently placed it on the table, covering the contract in front of her, and then pushed it, along with the contract, to the center of the table.

Saotome glanced at the document with a puzzled look. The moment her eyes met the paper, her face, which was covered in powder, instantly lost all color.

After a few breaths, the hand holding the corner of the paper began to tremble slightly uncontrollably.

Seeing the reaction from the person opposite her, Haruka Minatsuki smiled, and then added at just the right moment:

"According to the Personal Information Protection Act, your company illegally obtained and used Mr. Genji's private contact information for improper gain. The responsible parties may be sentenced to up to one year in prison."

"this……"

Saotome broke out in a cold sweat, and she opened her mouth as if to say something.

But Haruka Minatsuki didn't give her any chance to catch her breath.

"Once the case is filed, your company will not only face fines and suspension of operations, but also..."

Unlike Saotome, who looked flustered and even terrified.

Haruka Minatsuki seemed completely unhurried. Before continuing, she took another sip of her sparkling water: "The regulatory body will make this record public, you know~"

Aoyama Genji couldn't help but feel curious—he wanted to know what was on that piece of paper that could make Saotome, who had just been stubborn, change her expression so quickly.

"..."

Saotome's breathing trembled, and her expression began to contort. Sweat beaded on her forehead and temples, sliding hesitantly down her powdered face.

Haruka Minatsuki did not press her advantage; instead, she picked up the glass of sparkling water in front of her and sipped it slowly, as if savoring fine wine.

Saotome calmed down a little, bent down, and said in a somber tone, "Mr. Aoyama, Ms. Minazuki, I'm sorry... I acted rashly in a moment of panic. Please forgive me!"

"Hmm—I thought Ms. Saotome had forgotten my self-introduction yesterday."

Haruka Minatsuki reached for the contract again and seemed to be reading it carefully, while Saotome didn't seem to dare to look up during this time.

Seemingly finding something unsatisfactory in the contract, Haruka Minatsuki muttered to herself, "It doesn't feel like they're being very sincere."

Upon hearing Haruka Minatsuki's words, Saotome looked up and said, "As for the contract, I can discuss it with my superiors and revise it. I'm sure it will be to a degree that satisfies both of you."

Haruka Minatsuki simply smiled and remained silent.

Perhaps understanding the unspoken meaning behind Minatsuki Haruka's words, Saotome gritted her teeth, seemingly forcing herself to make a decision.

A moment later, she placed her hands on the table, her head drooping low, her forehead almost touching the surface, and emitted an even deeper, more muffled sound:

"I was momentarily blinded by greed and made a foolish mistake for the sake of sales targets. Furthermore, I looked down on you both because of my age. Please forgive me!"

Haruka Minatsuki glanced casually at Saotome, then looked at Genji Aoyama, her face regaining its gentle smile: "Genji-kun, what do you think?"

"Hmm—that's fine then," said Genji Aoyama.

Saotome fled in a flustered manner, her hurried footsteps being covered by the carpet, and the café returned to the quiet it had been when she first arrived.

Classical music played on the piano flowed through the room, but Genji Aoyama had lost all interest in appreciating it.

"Clap clap clap—"

He smiled and clapped.

Haruka Minatsuki propped her head up with one hand, smiling as she looked at him: "How was it?"

"At first, I thought Ms. Haruka was really going to cooperate with them."

"Um--"

Haruka Minatsuki made a nasal sound of dissatisfaction and glared at him.

"However, after meeting you this morning, I had some guesses."

"Hmph~" Haruka Minatsuki smiled and said, "How could I possibly agree to cooperate with people who don't respect Genji-kun?"

"That's true."

Genji Aoyama found it difficult to describe his feelings.

Haruka Minatsuki's behavior undoubtedly demonstrates her desire for control through her abilities and methods in order to "protect her private property".

He turned his gaze to the table.

When Saotome left, she took her contract with her; the crumpled piece of paper was still on the table.

The content was minimal, just a system log entry stating that someone had illegally accessed Aoyama Genji's account user data at a certain time.

Below is the company seal printed on it – TTK Corporation.

That is, the company behind the T-site video platform.

"I see."

Aoyama Genji laughed.

This piece of paper can be considered irrefutable evidence, no wonder Saotome's expression changed instantly, and she even bowed deeply in apology.

According to the island nation's laws, this piece of paper could easily send Saotome to prison, and Avex Corporation would also be embroiled in scandal.

"It was definitely the right choice to entrust the matter to Ms. Haruka."

Genji Aoyama looked at Haruka Minatsuki, his tone containing both admiration and a hint of ambiguity.

Being favored and protected are just appearances.

"Of course, I will take responsibility for Genji-kun," Haruka Minatsuki said with a smile.

"It's just a career," Genji Aoyama laughed as well. "With Haruka's abilities, I feel we're only one step away from success. Cheers to our collaboration."

He raised the wine glass in front of him, intending to clink it with Minatsuki Haruka's.

They seem unsatisfied with this answer.

Haruka Minatsuki's smile seemed to freeze for a moment. Instead of raising her cup, she moved it to the side with her fingers.

Genji Aoyama's hand, which was raising a glass, froze in mid-air.

Haruka Minatsuki made no attempt to conceal her thoughts, nor did they require any guesswork—she was responsible for more than just the collaboration.

In fact, Genji Aoyama knew this from the very beginning.

The brief period of reflection has ended.

As he was about to pull his hand back, a warm touch came from the back of his hand, followed by a "clink" sound of glass colliding.

Genji Aoyama looked over.

Haruka Minatsuki's smile was gentle, and the hand that had moved the cup away was now holding his hand.

(I've revised the ending of the previous chapter, adding about 1000 words to make the details and emotions more vivid.)