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The progress bar quickly provided Renz with a clear framework: his connection with Erina must have started with cooking. During his tough times, he encountered Jouchiro Yukihira, originally a renowned chef, Saiba Jouchiro. Under his guidance, Renz gradually entered the culinary world, starting as an apprentice in various restaurants to hone his cooking skills. But that alone wasn't enough. In the process of learning to cook, given his nature, he likely made it a point to upload routine dishes online, not only to reinforce his memory but also, perhaps, with the intention of making money through video views during his difficult days. However, the fact that the progress bar had only increased by 1% indicated that this wasn't the central aspect. Renz still hadn't grasped the breakthrough moments from his previous life with Erina.
Wait! Renz suddenly recalled Erina's recent phone call about the significant changes at Totsuki Academy. Could this be the key breakthrough event? It all started when he solved a problem, had their initial meeting, and gradually developed affection, ultimately leading to the relationship he now recognized as a reality.
While Renz was lost in thought, Mashiro Shiina had already finished the dish he made. She stood there, motionless, as if in a daze. "The food was delicious, thank you," she said slowly, waiting for Renz to look at her.
Mashiro Shiina's lack of self-care stemmed from her upbringing. Due to her exceptional talent and family background, no one ever properly guided her, as others always took care of her. This neglect was a result of her parents' inaction. Despite her naivety and innocence, she wasn't completely oblivious to others' words. Each understanding required time, but she was gradually absorbing Renz's lessons.
Mashiro Shiina paused for a moment, thinking. She had eaten the dish made by her brother-in-law, and, in line with what he had said, she offered her most basic gratitude. "Then help me wash the dishes!" Renz said, pointing to the plates on the table.
Mashiro Shiina picked up a bowl and, without gauging its weight, threw it into the sink with a loud clink. Renz was stunned. Alright, he admitted he had overestimated her parents' sense of responsibility. They must have completely immersed her in the world of painting, never addressing her basic needs. Having such parents, this child was truly pitiful.
"Never mind, I'll wash the dishes," Renz said impatiently. "Next time, be gentler and don't use so much force." After glancing at the shattered plate in the sink, Renz pretended to wash dishes, but once Mashiro Shiina left the kitchen, he quickly cleaned up the mess. As he disposed of the broken shards, he accidentally cut his finger. A small amount of blood began to trickle from the wound.
Frowning slightly, Renz wrapped the broken pieces in a black plastic bag and planned to dispose of them secretly later.
When he emerged from the kitchen, he found Mashiro Shiina standing by the door. "Brother-in-law, are you angry?" she asked, her tone devoid of any emotional fluctuation. If anyone else had asked that, Renz might have interpreted it as sarcasm.
"No," Renz answered, treating Mashiro Shiina entirely as a child—his daughter, even. He couldn't get angry at a child, and this wasn't Mashiro Shiina's intention. Her actions were a step in the right direction. Had she taken the meal for granted and not even considered washing the dishes, he might have been annoyed.
"Why are you bleeding?" Mashiro Shiina's gaze fixed on Renz's index finger, and she pointed to it.
"I accidentally cut myself," Renz replied.
Without hesitation, Mashiro Shiina took Renz's hand with both of hers, placed his injured finger in her mouth, and gently sucked on it as if licking his wound. Renz's eyes widened.
Mashiro Shiina released Renz's hand and said calmly, "Rita said that if you get hurt, just lick it and it'll be fine. The wound will heal."
Something's going to happen! Renz's instincts kicked in as he instinctively glanced at the [Simulator] interface. Mashiro Shiina's name still hadn't appeared. Thank goodness! She likely didn't understand the concept of 'liking.' This action must have been completely unconscious. However, if Erina had seen this… Renz would be dead!
"Do you understand what 'brother-in-law' means?" Renz said seriously, his survival instincts taking over. He absolutely needed to clarify the concept of 'brother-in-law' with Mashiro Shiina.
"Brother-in-law? Sister's husband," Mashiro Shiina thought for a moment and gave the correct answer.
"Yes, I am your sister's husband, and our actions right now are too intimate. They've crossed the line between a brother-in-law and a cousin," Renz continued, trying to impart the right values. "I take care of you because you're my wife's cousin. Cooking for you and picking you up from school are things I should do."
"You only need to thank me. There's no need for you to take care of me. Taking care of me is something your sister should do. Do you understand?" Renz asked, taking a deep breath.
Mashiro Shiina nodded, seeming to understand but not fully.
If Erina and Renz lived together later, Renz would need to figure out a way for Erina and Mashiro Shiina to sleep together so that Erina could take care of her. He definitely didn't want any more strange antics from her.
"Get some rest, don't stay up late," Renz admonished before hurrying back to his bedroom. Tomorrow was the weekend, and he had to clean up the rented restaurant space in the morning. He needed to prepare for the God's Tongue evaluation.
The God's Tongue evaluation was not just a personal assessment from Erina. Along with Erina, three other judges would be present, and a team of photographers and a documentary crew would record the entire process. While Erina's evaluation was the core, at least two of the other three judges needed to give positive reviews for the God's Tongue evaluation to yield a high score and be recorded in the archives.
Under normal circumstances, once the God's Tongue gave a positive review, the three accompanying judges would also give their approval, ensuring the evaluation was unbiased. This meant that dishes rated highly by the God's Tongue often became short-term hot topics in the culinary world, attracting a continuous stream of foodies to the establishment. Renz's first stepping stone to fame since his return to this era was right here.
In the living room, watching Renz hurry away, Mashiro Shiina was somewhat perplexed. But her confusion didn't last long. She soon turned on the TV, waiting for today's program.
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