NOVEL NEXT Chapter 212: Sakuragi Family Interlude 3
On the left stood a man in an elegant white kimono, his black hair and handsome face showing a calm expression.
That was Sakuragi Hitomi's eldest brother, Sakuragi Ran.
On the right was a man wearing a casually styled white shirt and black trousers, with some of the buttons of the white shirt undone, revealing his collarbone.
His hair was a black-to-pink gradient similar to Sakuragi Hitomi's, styled into a casual middle-parted wolf tail, but the gradient direction was opposite, transitioning from pink to black at the tips.
He had a bit of unshaven stubble on his face, making him appear older, like the elder brother of Sakuragi Ran on the left.
In reality, he was Ran's younger brother, Sakuragi Hi.
With an affable yet roguish smile, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted,
"Sister!! Welcome home!! Your brother missed you so much!!"
"..."
As the car door barely opened, under the gaze of everyone inside, Sakuragi Hitomi was so embarrassed she couldn't even lift her head.
She awkwardly got out of the car and quietly called out, "Brother."
"Ah, why so softly? It really breaks my heart, considering it's been so long since you came back~"
"Hi, enough."
"Hey, brother, don't you miss your sister? It's been such a long time~"
Sakuragi Ran looked at their petite sister standing before them, and even his usually cold expression softened, with a slight smile as he said,
"Hitomi."
"Brother."
Sakuragi Hitomi scratched her cheek and turned back to introduce her companions.
But actually, there was no need for introduction.
Because in the next second, Yan Huan and a year-long arrogant Sakuragi Kagami got out of the car.
Upon seeing Yan Huan, Sakuragi Ran's already barely noticeable smile slipped a bit, while Sakuragi Hi's grew wider,
"Hello, President Yan, long time no see!"
"Sakuragi Ran-san, Sakuragi Hi-san, long time no see."
Seeing the two of them, Yan Huan smiled slightly and greeted them.
Upon hearing this, Sakuragi Kagami, standing behind, pursed his lips and complained,
"Why is the address for my brother so formal, but for me, it's so casual?"
Sakuragi Ran glanced at the female classmates who got out of the car one after another behind Yan Huan, squinted his eyes, and then fixed his gaze back on Yan Huan, saying lightly,
"Mother already told me about the study group. I'll first take everyone to the rooms at home; the house is ready.
"President Yan, you'll have to endure a bit; you'll be sharing a room with Kagami for the next few days. The other girls will share rooms in pairs, except for one person who can have a room to themselves."
Upon hearing this, before Yan Huan could react, Sakuragi Kagami had a big reaction,
"What? I don't want to live with him!"
"I'm already sharing with Hi; why don't you switch with us?"
"... Then I'll just stay with him."
Sakuragi Kagami was rather afraid of his two older brothers.
The Sakuragi family had a complex network, with everyone living separately. Only the Sakuragi Family Head, who was Sakuragi Hitomi's grandfather, lived in the main house.
So, Sakuragi Hitomi's room was at her father's house, and here, like Yan Huan and the others, she needed to stay in the guest rooms provided.
After finishing speaking, the smiling Sakuragi Hi noticed Sakuragi Hitomi's lingering hesitation and said,
"Grandfather won't have dinner with us; he's eating with Lucianna. We won't see him today, maybe tomorrow or the day after."
"... Okay."
Listening to Sakuragi Hi's words, Yan Huan gained additional insight, casting a glance at him.
Their granddaughter had come back from afar, yet her grandfather not only didn't meet her but chose to dine with an outsider instead.
Considering this way of handling things, Yan Huan could only think of one possibility:
He harbored negative feelings towards Sakuragi Hitomi.
Either he was angry, or he was disappointed...
Yan Huan grew increasingly curious about what Lucianna had said to Sakuragi Hitomi's grandfather.
Seeing Yan Huan's pensive expression, the smile on Sakuragi Hi's lips grew more pronounced,
"Alright, girls, how are you planning on pairing up for rooms? One of you will have a single room."
Hearing this, Bai Yi immediately glanced at her companions, signaling Ye Shiyu and Sakuragi Hitomi with her eyes.
The implication was clear: one of them should share a room with Spencer, so An Le could have a single room to ensure safety.
Spencer, unable to read their silent exchange, instinctively looked at An Le.
But An Le turned her head away, indicating: I'll choose after you all decide.
This way, Bai Yi's plan could feasibly work.
However, feeling Bai Yi's gaze, Sakuragi Hitomi showed a contemplative expression.
"Um, I..."
In the next second, just as Bai Yi was about to announce the arrangements, Sakuragi Hitomi suddenly lifted her eyes and said,
"I'll share a room with An Le."
"??"
"!!"
As soon as these words were out, everyone except the three Sakuragi brothers looked at Sakuragi Hitomi in shock.
Not to mention Yan Huan, even An Le hadn't expected this.
Bai Yi practically screamed,
"Are you out of your mind because of your family issues? You're voluntarily sharing a room with this Demon King?! Aren't you afraid she'll sneak attack you at night?!"
However, under the puzzled gazes of everyone, Sakuragi Hitomi frowned in thought for a long time, then firmly looked at An Le and said,
"What do you think, An Le, do you agree?"
"..."
Under Sakuragi Hitomi's gaze, An Le first blinked in surprise, then gave a shy smile,
"Alright."