Chapter 25: A Daily Wage of One Million

"And there are evaluation rewards..."

"Wait, I performed so well yesterday, so why is the overall evaluation only a B?"

After reading the text on the panel, Ryuichi Sugawara felt quite surprised. Although he did not know how many levels there were in the system's evaluation, a B grade, no matter how he looked at it, could not be considered top-tier; at most, it was merely excellent.

However, he did not dwell on the system's rating for long and instead opened his personal panel.

[Ryuichi Sugawara]
Talent: [Professional-grade J-pop singing technique]
Items: None
Heartthrob Value: 28
Current Dating Partner: Tsuki Yamabuki (Expandable)

"28... At a ratio of 1 to 100,000, that means I made 2.8 million from this date?"

Seeing the number on his personal panel, Ryuichi whispered it aloud and could not help but lick his somewhat dry lips. Even if 2.8 million was in Yen, it was still a very considerable fortune. He knew that his part-time job only paid about 120,000 a month; he wouldn't earn that much even in two years.

"Let's test it first."

Despite his overwhelming excitement, Ryuichi did not lose his head. Instead, he reached out to operate the interface.

[Do you wish to exchange 1 point of Heartthrob Value for money? (Ratio 1:100,000)]
[Yes]
[No]

Faced with this option, Ryuichi clicked [Yes] without hesitation.

"Ding!"

As he clicked the option, the phone lying on his bed suddenly chimed. Seeing this, Ryuichi walked over and picked up the phone to find a new notification from Kuyo Bank. He had a new transaction alert: the amount was 100,000, the transaction type was a deposit, and his available balance was 1,329,850 Yen.

His savings were the result of two years of part-time work, combined with his frugal lifestyle. He had long since checked that, due to the enrollment fee required in the first year of the University of Tokyo, the tuition alone would be nearly one million Yen. If he added his living expenses, food costs, and daily expenditures, it would not be strange for his annual expenses to exceed two million.

This was the reason he had specifically sought out part-time work—to avoid placing too much financial pressure on his parents.

"I'll resign today. From now on, I'll be a full-time rental boyfriend."

Having successfully exchanged 1 point of Heartthrob Value for money, Ryuichi made up his mind instantly. Years of diligent study had cultivated a decisive ability to act. Having decided on his next step, he walked into the bathroom and began his morning routine.

***

"Eh, Sugawara-kun, are you resigning? So suddenly?"

In the office of a small-to-medium-sized supermarket, the middle-aged man sitting behind the desk looked at the black-haired youth with astonishment.

"Yes."

Ryuichi Sugawara nodded slightly, his attitude firm.

"Did something happen? Can you tell me about it?"

Realizing he was not joking, the middle-aged man did not intend to blame him; instead, he asked patiently, hoping to persuade him to stay. Although Sugawara was only a high school student, his work attitude was meticulous, his actions were swift, and he was very clever. Even though his shifts were only half-days during the week, he still handled everything flawlessly. He was the manager's favorite employee.

"Since I am in my third year of high school this year and there are only six months left until the national college entrance exam, I intend to devote myself entirely to preparation."

Ryuichi had already thought of a reason for his resignation. Although it was not the truth, the supermarket owner had been very good to him, so he wanted to leave with a decent excuse.

"Is that so... I see. In that case, wait a moment, and I'll settle your wages."

Upon learning his reason, the owner felt his desire to keep him blocked. He looked at him with a sense of loss for a moment before nodding.

"Boss, thank you very much for your care over the past two years."

Ryuichi was not surprised by his attitude; he simply bowed and expressed his formal thanks. Having known each other for over two years, both parties were familiar with each other's characters and thoughts.

The owner did not respond, instead picking up a pen and writing something at his desk. After stamping the document and verifying the content, he stood up.

"Remember to find the finance department to cash this out before you go. Sugawara-kun, I wish you academic success and hope you get into Tokyo University!"

The owner walked up to Ryuichi, handed him the pay slip, and patted him on the shoulder encouragingly.

"Yes, and I wish you great prosperity and abundant wealth as well."

Ryuichi took the pay slip with both hands and responded to the owner's sincere well-wishes in kind.

"Hahaha, I really can't win against you young people. Come back to visit when you have time, even if it's just to say hello without buying anything."

Hearing the formal, slightly awkward phrasing, the owner paused for a moment to fully grasp the meaning before bursting into laughter.

"Of course."

Seeing the owner's bright and kind smile, Ryuichi responded with a laugh of his own.

"I don't care about other times, but if you get your acceptance letter from Tokyo University, remember to come by and share the good news with everyone."

"Yes."

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before the moment of parting arrived.

"Boss, I won't disturb your work any longer."

Ryuichi knew well that his sudden resignation had added a bit of chaotic trouble to the owner's steady routine, and he did not want to intrude further.

"Go on, go on. Remember to close the door on your way out. I've already lost one excellent employee; I can't let the air conditioning escape too."

Although the owner was still reluctant to let him go, he did not try to stop him further and instead waved his hand.

"Haha, goodbye."

Hearing the owner's feigned stinginess, Ryuichi smiled and turned to leave. Having worked there for two years, he was familiar with the layout and headed straight for the finance department.

"Did the boss give me a full month's salary? Such a good boss—he's bound to make a fortune sooner or later."

On the way, Ryuichi looked at the pay slip in his hand, feeling a warmth in his heart. It was only early June, and he had only worked for a week this month, mostly in half-day shifts, and he had even taken leave for his full-day shift yesterday. Yet, to take care of him, the boss had settled his salary in full.

Resigning was not just about handing in a notice; because he had worked there for two years, Ryuichi had good relationships with all the staff, so a round of goodbyes was inevitable. It took nearly two hours for him to greet and bid farewell to everyone before he finally walked out of the supermarket. It was fortunate that everyone was working; otherwise, it would have taken even longer.

"This is the first time my wallet has been this full..."

Walking down the street, Ryuichi held his wallet in his pocket and muttered to himself. In addition to this month's salary, his wallet contained the 45,000 Yen rental fee given by Tsuki Yamabuki yesterday, as well as the 10,000-plus cash he usually carried for emergencies.