In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 175

Chu Chun smiled from the side, her tone carrying a hint of pride.

"Your childhood photos are super cute!"

"Eh? Really?"

Chun Shang Jinyi's eyes lit up instantly, filled with anticipation.

"I want to see it! I want to see it in early spring!"

Chu Chun glanced at Dong Ye mysteriously, and seeing his somewhat puzzled look, smiled smugly.

She took out her phone from her crossbody bag, skillfully swiped the screen, opened the photo album, browsed through it for a few moments, and then handed the screen to Chun Shang Jin Yi.

"look!"

Chun Shang Jinyi leaned closer to take a look and saw a somewhat dated photo on the phone screen. The photo showed a boy who looked to be about ten years old, with soft black hair, delicate features, and a touch of childishness, but whose outline already resembled his current one.

The boy, with a bright smile on his face, was embraced by a young couple with equally gentle smiles, and the whole scene was filled with a happy and warm atmosphere.

"Wow! So cute!"

Chun Shang Jinyi couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, pointing at the little boy on the screen.

"Little Higashino-senpai! So cute! Where was this filmed?"

"Right? It's cute, isn't it!"

Early spring echoed proudly, as if displaying some rare treasure.

Higashino also curiously leaned over for a look. When he saw the photo clearly, he was slightly taken aback.

This photo... was the last photo of him and his parents before they passed away. He had kept it in his bedroom and had never shown it to Chuchun.

He looked at Chuchun with a puzzled expression: "Chuchun, this photo..."

When Haru met his questioning gaze, her face immediately turned red, and she lowered her head shyly: "Um...senpai, I'm sorry...the day you came back from London last time, Ruiko and I helped you clean the house, right...and then...we accidentally saw this photo frame in the room...and thought...and thought the senpai in the photo was so cute...so...and I couldn't help but secretly take a picture of it..."

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

"I'm sorry, senior..."

As for the fact that they actually wanted to secretly look at the evidence against the young prince in the room, she would definitely not reveal that.

Looking at Chuchun's adorable appearance, which was both shy and showed a hint of "I know I was wrong, but I'll do it again next time," Higashino's little doubts instantly disappeared, leaving only warmth.

He reached out and gently patted Chu Chun's head, his tone gentle and indulgent: "It's alright, it's just a photo."

With his new 'family,' he is no longer troubled by the past.

Chapter 209 Please guide me, Shiri!

The park path meandered, lined with neatly trimmed shrubs and blooming summer flowers. The three continued their stroll, a relaxed atmosphere flowing in the sunshine and gentle breeze.

In early spring, my gaze was involuntarily drawn to an ice cream shop decorated with a colorful awning as I passed by, and my steps unconsciously slowed for a moment. Those bright eyes clearly reflected the colorful scoops of ice cream in the glass display case, filled with a hint of longing.

Higashino, of course, didn't miss her gaze. He knew Haru, this sweet tooth, all too well. For Haru, desserts were not only "fuel" to replenish energy but also a pure source of joy. She was the kind of person who couldn't resist trying any sweets she saw; she had absolutely no resistance.

"Wait a minute." Higashino stopped and smiled at the two girls. "Wait here for me."

He turned and walked towards the ice cream shop, returning shortly with three cones of ice cream. He handed one to Haruharu and the other to Haruka. Haruharu's was strawberry, sprinkled with colorful sugar granules, while Haruka's was vanilla, drizzled with chocolate sauce. He himself casually chose a matcha flavor.

"Thank you, senior!" Chu Chun took the ice cream, a satisfied and sweet smile immediately spreading across her face. Her boyfriend really knew her; he knew she was craving something sweet from such a small gesture.

"Thank you, Higashino-senpai!" Haruka Koi happily thanked her, and couldn't wait to stick out her little tongue and lick the top of the ice cream ball. The cool and sweet feeling made her squint her eyes happily.

The three of them found a bench by the roadside and sat down, enjoying the coolness of the summer day. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass.

As she ate, Haruka Ai seemed to remember something. She swallowed a mouthful of ice cream, tilted her head, looked at Higashino, and asked innocently, "Higashino-senpai, there's something I've always been curious about."

"Huh? What?" Dongye looked at her, somewhat puzzled. But this child really is a curious one; she's asked a lot of questions since they met.

“Well…” Haruka Koi’s gaze shifted between Haruharu and Higashino, “Senpai, you seem to always call Haruharu ‘Haruharu.’ Aren’t you two boyfriend and girlfriend? Your relationship should be very close, shouldn’t your names be more… more intimate? Like calling her by her name ‘Kari’?”

Her tone was innocent, purely out of curiosity. After all, in a place like Japan, people who are close usually call each other by their first names.

"Huh?!" Upon hearing this question, Haruhi's heart skipped a beat, her face instantly turning bright red, and she nearly dropped the ice cream she had just taken a small bite of. She never expected Haruhi to suddenly ask this question that had been on her mind for so long!

This question truly struck a chord with Haru. As the first person to become Higashino's girlfriend, she had always been somewhat bothered by this. Why did her senior always address the other girls he was close to, such as Saten Ruiko and Misaka Mikoto, by their surnames, but always call her "Haru"? Although she had never said it aloud, nor had she ever thought of questioning her senior's habit, this subtle difference was indeed like a small, unspoken knot hidden in her heart. She looked nervously at Higashino, her hand gripping the edge of the ice cream cone tightly.

Upon hearing this, Higashino paused slightly, remaining silent for a few seconds. He truly hadn't expected Haruka Emi, whom he'd only just met, to notice this detail, much less that Hatsuharu would care so much. Deep down, these names didn't carry any deliberate distinction of closeness. To a large extent, they were just habitual ways of addressing characters from anime he'd watched before his transmigration, and he just called them that naturally. "Raiko," "Mikoto," "Mugino," "Hatsuharu," "Kanzaki"... these names were deeply ingrained, slipping out without a second thought. He hadn't really considered how Hatsuharu might feel. Haruka Emi's mention of it made him suddenly realize that from Hatsuharu's perspective, it might make her feel that he wasn't "special" enough, or even a little "out of place." Of course, the real reason behind his own habits was something he absolutely couldn't reveal.

Looking at Haruharu's nervous yet expectant face, Higashino made a decision instantly. He gave Haruhi Emi a gentle, slightly apologetic smile and said to Haruhi, and then to Haruharu, "Well... actually, I've been waiting for Haruharu to tell me herself that she hopes I'll change how I address her. And..." He changed the subject, looking at Haruharu with a hint of mischief, "Haruharu doesn't seem too keen on calling me 'Yu' or 'Yu-kun,' does she? Always calling me 'senpai' sounds a bit distant."

"Eh? Ah! No, senpai... no, that's not right..." Haruharu was further flustered by Higashino's sudden reversal, stammering incoherently, "Senpai... no! Yu-Yu-kun! I... I didn't mean to refuse to call him..." Her voice trailed off, her cheeks flushed crimson, "I... I'm just... a little embarrassed..."

Seeing Haru's eager yet shy expression, Higashino felt a surge of tenderness in his heart. He reached out and gently stroked her small, adorable nose, his eyes sincere and gentle: "Alright, I was just teasing you. It was my oversight. Nice to meet you, Shiori."

The name "Shiori" was clearly uttered from his lips, carrying an unprecedented intimacy. Haru trembled, abruptly raising her head to meet Higashino's deep, smiling eyes. The certainty and tenderness in his gaze instantly shattered all her shyness and unease, leaving only overflowing joy and sweetness. Overwhelmed by happiness, she momentarily forgot to speak, simply nodding vigorously, a radiant smile spreading across her lips, sweeter than the strawberry ice cream in her hand.

"Mmm! Yu-kun!" She finally stopped hesitating and called out that name in a clear and dependent voice.

"Wow..." Haruka Kei watched the instantly warming atmosphere between the two, especially Haruharu's genuinely happy smile, feeling like she'd been force-fed a mouthful of "dog food" (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection). However, seeing her best friend and Higashino-senpai's relationship advance further because of her unintentional question, she wasn't disappointed at all; instead, she was genuinely happy. But... looking at Higashino's tender gaze at Haruharu, a vague sense of envy and longing quietly surfaced deep within Haruka Kei's heart. Such a gentle and handsome boyfriend... he's really amazing. She couldn't help but drift off slightly, imagining herself being treated so gently... she seemed to forget even the ice cream on her lips.

Just then, she felt a cool finger lightly touch the corner of her mouth. Haruka Koi snapped back to reality and saw that Higashino's finger had already left her lips, a playful smile on his face.

"What are you spacing out for?" Higashino laughed, his tone relaxed. "You even have ice cream on your lips."

Haruka Koi's cheeks instantly turned bright red. She hurriedly wiped them with the back of her hand, saying somewhat embarrassedly, "Ah! Th-thank you, Higashino-senpai... I'm so sorry..."

Watching this scene, Haruharu inwardly rolled her eyes. Her boyfriend was always like this, unintentionally teasing pretty girls, whether it was her or Ruiko. His casual displays of affection always made her heart race. But could Yu-kun... also have some "thoughts" about his new, innocent, and adorable roommate, Haruka Emi? If it was her senior, the possibility was very high! However, as soon as this thought popped into Haruharu's head, she felt no jealousy whatsoever. Instead, she thought... it didn't seem so bad! If Emi became Yu-kun's girlfriend, then her new best friend could stay together forever, right? After all, for Higashino Yu, the "legal harem man of Academy City," having another girlfriend was perfectly normal, wasn't it? She had already accepted and agreed with that! Thinking this, Haruharu Shiori looked at Haruka Emi's rosy cheeks, a hint of encouraging smile appearing in her eyes.

"Alright, let's continue shopping!" Higashino seemed completely unaware of the two girls' little schemes as they wandered around. He stood up and extended his hand to them.

The sun shone brightly, and the sweet aroma of ice cream lingered. Haruharu Kazari happily placed her hand in Higashino's palm, and Haruka Emi shyly reciprocated with Haruharu's outstretched hand. The three of them walked side-by-side again along the lush green park path, continuing their strange 'date'.

Chapter 210 Early Spring's Assistance?

After leaving the park, at Haruharu Kazari's suggestion, the three headed towards a well-known dessert shop in the Seventh School District.

"Hey, the strawberry parfait at that 'Sweet Workshop' up ahead is super famous!"

Chu Chun Shili pointed to a shop with a pink signboard not far away, her eyes sparkling, and the little flower ornament on her head seemed to tremble slightly with her excitement.

"I've been wanting to take you to try it for a long time!"

Of course, this doesn't rule out the possibility that she actually really wanted to eat dessert; a mere ice cream was simply not enough to satisfy her appetite.

Seeing Haru's excited expression, Higashino Yu couldn't help but tease, "Shiori, you still love sweets so much. Be careful not to eat too much and turn into a little fat pig."

He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, with a mischievous smile.

"No way!"

Chu Chun Shiri immediately puffed out her cheeks in rebuttal, her face slightly flushed.

"And...and the sweets are in a different stomach! Right, Haruka?"

She subconsciously sought the approval of her new friends.

"Uh-huh!"

Chun Shang Jinyi nodded vigorously, her dark short hair swaying gently with the movement, and a longing smile on her face.

"I also love sweets! The sweet taste makes me feel better."

Higashino Yu wasn't surprised to see Haruka Emi's longing for sweets; after all, most of the girls he knew liked sweets. Or perhaps, it's a universal truth that girls like sweets?

Seeing the expectant looks on the two girls beside him, he naturally wouldn't spoil the mood.

Pushing open the glass door of the dessert shop, a sweet aroma mixed with the scents of cream, fruit, and baking wafts out.

The air conditioning dispelled the summer heat, and a dazzling array of desserts came into view.

Colorful macarons, exquisitely crafted mousse cakes, muffins piled high with fruit, and various parfaits shimmering enticingly under the lights... it's like a dreamy candy kingdom.

Such shops are actually a specialty of Academy City. Higashino Yu has been to many of them, and they are all pretty much the same. The only difference is that each shop has its own signature dessert.

"Hehe, this is the place, it's really good, senior. But I want to eat all of it!"

Looking at the dazzling array of desserts, Haru Shiori was completely immersed in the immense happiness of having trouble making a choice.

She ran to the display case, gripped the glass with both hands, and scanned back and forth between the strawberry cream cake, the chocolate lava cake, and the newly launched seasonal mango passion fruit parfait, her little face full of struggle.

"The strawberry cake looks so tempting... and the chocolate mousse is so rich... Ah! That seasonal parfait! It has huge chunks of mango and passion fruit sauce on top!"

Haruharu Shiori couldn't help but pull Haruue Emi aside and begin sharing her "dessert creed".

"Chunshang, look! I think a parfait is only truly satisfying when it's generously portioned and beautifully decorated! But strawberry cake is also a classic..."

Chun Shang Jin Yi was also drawn to the scene before her. She stood next to Chu Chun Shi Li, staring intently at a vanilla cream cake decorated with fresh blueberries and mint leaves in the shop window. Her eyes revealed a pure longing, and her small nostrils twitched slightly, as if she were smelling the tempting aroma.

Higashino Yu watched the two girls' excitement with a doting smile. He walked over to them and teased Hatsuharu on purpose: "Shiori, seeing how conflicted you are, why don't you order the caramel pudding tart that looks the sweetest? It's covered in caramel sauce and chopped nuts."

He pointed to a dessert that looked incredibly calorie-laden.

Haru Kazari immediately shook her head: "No way! That's too cloying! Senpai is so mean!"

She gave Dongye a reproachful glare before finally making up her mind.

"I've decided! I want the limited-season mango passion fruit parfait!"

"Then...then I'd like that vanilla cream cake."

Chun Shang Jinyi also made her choice, her voice tinged with shyness.

"it is good."

Higashino Yu nodded and naturally walked to the counter to order for the three of them.

"A mango passion fruit parfait, a vanilla cream cake, and an iced Americano, please."

He needed some coffee to "cut through the richness" and, incidentally, to admire the two girls' adorable expressions as they enjoyed their desserts.

Soon, the exquisite desserts were served.

The parfait, a spring-themed treat, is served in a slender stemmed glass with distinct layers. It is topped with fresh mango chunks and passion fruit jam, and adorned with cute chocolate chips and little flags.

Spring on the Robe Vanilla Cream Cake is small and exquisite, with blueberries dotting the white cream and exuding a faint vanilla aroma.

Haru Shiori eagerly picked up the long spoon, scooped up a large spoonful of parfait with mango and ice cream, and put it in her mouth, squinting her eyes in satisfaction: "Mmm~ So delicious!"

She was eating with great concentration, and soon a small dot of white cream ended up on the corner of her mouth.

Chun Shang Jinyi savored her cake in small, delicate bites, her movements refined yet equally focused, as if the entire world had shrunk to the delicious treat before her. She was so engrossed in eating that she didn't even notice a small piece of cream sticking to the tip of her nose.

Higashino Yu, holding his coffee, glanced at the two of them, his smile deepening. He reached out and first wiped the cream off Haruue Kazari's lips, then very naturally used his thumb to gently wipe Haruue Emi's nose, his movements soft and practiced, just like in the park earlier.

"what!"

Haruka Koi was startled by the sudden touch and gasped softly, her body trembling slightly. Feeling the cream on her nose being wiped away, her cheeks instantly flushed red, like a ripe apple. She quickly lowered her head, her heart racing uncontrollably, almost unable to look Higashino Yu in the eye.

Haru Shiori took in the whole scene, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

As expected! Haruka really does have feelings for her senior! Otherwise, most people would be angry if a guy they don't know did that to them, right?

As Chun Shang Jinyi ate her cake, the urban legend of the "legal harem man" involuntarily surfaced in her mind again, along with the sweet couples she had just seen in the store.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't resist leaning closer to Haruharu Kazari and whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear, with curiosity and a hint of confusion, "Haruharu... um... you and Saten-san... and the others... really don't argue? Higashino-senpai... how does he manage to keep everyone... so happy?"

She asked cautiously, her eyes filled with innocent curiosity. She was genuinely curious about how Higashino-senpai managed to get over ten thousand girls to get along harmoniously.

Uiharu Kazari's cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes were earnest. She put down her spoon and answered softly, "Um... actually, I was a little shy and uncomfortable at first. But, senpai is very kind and gentle to everyone, and he values ​​everyone's feelings. And..."

She paused, glancing at Higashino Yu, who was leisurely sipping his coffee.

"Raiko and I have always been good friends! We have a great relationship! When we're together, it feels... natural and fun."

She tried her best to describe the harmonious atmosphere. Especially when everyone gathered at the senior's house before, although a few people were a little confrontational, the overall atmosphere was still good.

Higashino Yu's ears were incredibly sharp, so he naturally overheard their conversation.

He put down his coffee cup, turned his head, a half-joking, half-serious smile playing on his lips, and looked at Haruka Koi: "The secret... is probably 'fairness' and 'sincerity,' Haruka-kun."

His eyes were deep, as if they could see through people's hearts, causing Chun Shang Jin Yi's heart to skip a beat.

Of course, he couldn't possibly reveal that the real "secret" was his illogical ability to "reconstruct cognition."

Last time at the villa's swimsuit party, if he hadn't been constantly using his abilities to prevent things from escalating into a chaotic mess, things would definitely have gone wrong. Leaving aside the others, Mikoto and Mugino might have ended up in a battle between espers, and that Shokuhou guy might have caused trouble too.

Haru Shiori's eyes lit up, and she decided to add fuel to the fire. She scooped out the biggest piece of mango from her parfait and held it to Higashino Yu's lips with a sweet smile: "Senpai, try this mango, it's super sweet!"