Chapter 57: Exceptional Value

Not long after, a waiter brought over the ingredients and set up the charcoal grill for them.

Perhaps due to the knife skills, the high quality of the ingredients, or simply the artful presentation, the meat looked exceptionally appetizing.

The waiter initially wanted to provide full-service grilling for them throughout the meal, but Ryuuichi Sugawara wasn't used to that kind of over-the-top, high-intensity service—even more intense than Haidilao—and politely declined right away.

He already felt it was quite awkward having a waiter watch him eat at Haidilao; if someone were to wait on him hand and foot the entire time, he simply couldn't handle it.

While he hadn't mastered any professional-grade grilling techniques, he had gone camping and done outdoor barbecues with friends in his past life, so he still had a bit of experience.

"Pass me a plate."

Picking up four slices of meat, he placed them one by one onto the charcoal grill in the center of the table. After flipping them multiple times to ensure even cooking, Ryuuichi spoke up.

"Okay."

Hearing his request, Yuki Takanashi held out a plate with both hands.

"They look about done, but I rarely eat yakiniku, so I might not have the timing quite right. Let's try these first."

He placed two pieces on her plate, and as he transferred two pieces to his own, he added these words.

"I'm digging in."

It was Yuki's first time eating something so extravagant. Looking at the two slices of meat on her plate, she said earnestly with a heart full of gratitude.

Instead of touching the dipping sauce, she picked up a piece and popped it straight into her mouth, wanting to savor the original, unadulterated flavor.

"Mmm, delicious!"

After chewing gently a few times, a look of delightful surprise instantly bloomed across Yuki's face.

Seeing her expression of pure enjoyment, Ryuuichi immediately felt relieved. He picked up a piece for himself, popped it into his mouth, and his eyes lit up as well.

The flavor of the meat was remarkably pure: tender, juicy, melting on the tongue, rich in flavor, and complex in texture.

"Right?"

As soon as he finished chewing and swallowing, Yuki asked impatiently, eager for validation.

"Right."

Meeting her expectant gaze, Ryuuichi nodded.

Next, they tried the dipping sauces, which made the flavors even richer.

After trying a few more combinations, Ryuuichi went back to grilling.

Having tasted how good it was, Yuki eagerly anticipated more while watching him grill.

[Yuki Takanashi's heart beats faster, Heart-Flutter Value +1]

As he tended to the grill, Ryuuichi caught the system notification out of the corner of his eye and glanced across the table at Yuki.

Already pretty, she looked even more attractive now that a look of utter contentment was spread across her face.

What made Ryuuichi glance at her a few more times was the adorable expression she wore while waiting for him to feed her—it truly brought a sense of joy to both body and mind.

For the remainder of the time, both of them were completely immersed in the satisfaction and bliss of devouring delicious meat.

Yuki's appetite wasn't particularly large, and by the latter half of the meal, Ryuuichi was doing most of the eating.

Since she was full, she volunteered herself and took over the banner of grilling master.

"How is it?"

Carefully and meticulously grilling two slices of meat before placing them on Ryuuichi's plate, Yuki asked impatiently as soon as he took a bite.

"Delicious. I had no idea you were so good at grilling."

After tasting it, Ryuuichi gave her maximum emotional validation.

[Yuki Takanashi's heart beats faster, Heart-Flutter Value +1]

"Heehee, even though I've never been to a place this expensive, I've had yakiniku with everyone a few times."

Having successfully fed him, Yuki was overjoyed to see the smile on his face.

Encouraged by his approval, she continued to grill meat for Ryuuichi throughout the rest of the meal.

"I'm full..."

Having grilled and consumed every last ingredient, a thoroughly satisfied Ryuuichi leaned back against the tatami mat.

Now this was proper food. What kind of life had he been living before? It wasn't even on the same level.

"Thank you for the treat."

As he leaned back, Yuki expressed her gratitude with a full heart.

---

They paid the bill and left, the total for the meal coming to 43,000 yen.

Even though spending over 40,000 yen for two people was absurdly expensive, Ryuuichi felt the meal was well worth it.

Not only had he earned more than ten times that amount from the meal, but the food had been fantastic, and on top of that, he had a gyaru JK keeping him company. In every sense, it was an absolute bargain.

After filling their stomachs, the two strolled leisurely through the streets of Shibuya.

"Sugawara-san, here is my share..."

Along the way, after hesitating repeatedly, Yuki finally reached into her wallet, pulled out two ten-thousand-yen bills, and handed them to him.

Because she had been toying with the idea of renting Ryuuichi since last night, she had brought quite a bit of cash today just to make sure she wouldn't come up short.

"No need, didn't I say this treat was on me?"

Seeing her proactive attempt to go Dutch, coupled with a pained expression as if parting with her flesh and blood, Ryuuichi shook his head with an amused smile.

Setting aside the heart-flutter values he had earned, just the fact that Yuki was willing to proactively split the bill made him feel quite pleased.

"But this meal cost you way too much."

Even though he acted indifferent about it, Yuki still felt guilty.

That was 40,000 yen! She and her friends would spend about that much in an entire month... Of course, that didn't include buying clothes and things like that.

If she factored in clothes, bags, shoes, socks, and lingerie, her expenses would definitely come out to much more than that.

"Put it back."

Whether out of a desire to save face or a strategy to play the long game, Ryuuichi had no reason to accept the money.

"Fine, then I'll treat you next time."

Realizing he was sticking to his guns, Yuki hesitated before putting the money back into her wallet, already formulating a new plan.

"Treating me to a meal is quite expensive, you know. You'll have to rent me first."

Though he had successfully planted that thought in her mind, Ryuuichi still reminded her.

"Can't it be like tonight? Just setting work aside and going out to eat like friends?"

Discovering that she would still need to rent him just to treat him to a meal, Yuki immediately looked troubled.

In truth, before she made up her mind to rent Ryuuichi, she had already decided: this would be a one-time thing.

No matter how great the rental experience was, she would never rent him a second time.

After all, going on a date with someone meant having to pay a rental fee beforehand; she always felt that was rather foolish.

She knew she was quite popular both inside and outside of school—the number of boys who wanted to date her was countless. In her position, having to pay money to have a boy accompany her on a date was simply too silly.

"Nope, my schedule is completely packed."

Though her troubled expression was endearing, Ryuuichi wasn't going to let her off the hook over a single meal.

"Eh..."

Realizing how heartless he was, Yuki found herself caught in a dilemma, not knowing what to do for a moment.

If she wanted to compensate him, she had to rent him again, breaking her own principle.

If she didn't compensate him, the meal tonight had been so expensive that she felt terribly guilty if she didn't return the favor.

"Let's go."

Noticing she was lost in thought and frustration, Ryuuichi didn't waver or try to comfort her; he simply reminded her to keep moving.

"Are we just heading back like this?"

Following in his footsteps, Yuki noticed they were heading toward Shibuya Station, and coming out of her daze, she couldn't help asking.

If they were heading to the station, her date with Ryuuichi would officially be over.

"We're heading back just like this. We played, we ate, what else is there to do if not go home? Or do you want to hang out until we miss the last train and spend the night with me in Shibuya?"

Ryuuichi nodded affirmatively.

"Who wants to spend the night with you in Shibuya, you narcissist!"

Yuki, who had still been feeling a bit reluctant to part ways, snapped at him with a blushing flush of embarrassment and rolled her eyes repeatedly.

"I was just joking, don't take it seriously."

Faced with her embarrassed and exasperated retort, Ryuuichi innocent defended himself.