Chapter 673: EPITOME OF PERFECTION
When Emi returned from taking a shower, she was feeling refreshed. She had changed into a simple dress, and her hair was in a loose bun. Her footsteps were lively as she walked into the kitchen and looked at her brother putting chicken katsu in a lined basket.
“You look chipper and carefree! You are like a new person.” Inei said with a crooked smile.
“Nothing beats a good shower in the afternoon. You should try one to treat your sudden moodiness,” Emi answered cheerfully.
“Alright, I am not young enough to be that happy. Just set the table, and keep your cheer away from me.” Inei shooed her away with mock annoyance.
Emi laughed and went out of the kitchen to set the dining table. Inei looked at her walking away with complicated emotions, but he did not reveal his discovery. He was not sure what was going on, so it was better to get a handle on the situation first.
“You are too young to be grumpy,” Emi said loudly as she set the cutlery. “You need someone to mellow you out. Have you considered falling in love?”
Inei brought out the lined basket from the kitchen and placed it on the dining table. He looked at his sister, who was giggling mischievously as she placed water glasses beside the plates. It reminded him of the young and reckless little girl she used to be.
.....
“Are you in love?” Inei asked.
Emi opened and closed her mouth for a second before responding. “What, what are you talking about?”
The hesitation and nervousness exposed something to Inei. His worry for his sister soared when he remembered the address he discovered from her GPS. He hoped it was not what he was thinking because it meant trouble.
“I heard that people in love want everyone else to be in love. You have never talked about my forever single life.” Inei did not push on the topic because he knew Emi would get defensive and cautious if she was startled.
Emi was relieved at the minor shift in focus. “I just think it is time for you to open your heart. You are our eldest sibling. Both Sister Yasha and Brother Hiro are already married, and you are holding down the singledom fort.”
“I am a treasure for people to admire but never touch. I am a gift to the world. No mortal would dare covet me.” Inei declared with smug reassurance before he went to the kitchen and brought back two more dishes.
Emi pouted in annoyance as she sat down. She knew her brother was trying to make a joke, but it was also a little true. This brother was indeed cursed with beauty. It was the kind of beauty that inspired worship.
Unfortunately, being worshipped meant that people were too afraid to approach the throne.
On Martial Island, there were top three beauties envied and loved for their looks and strength. But if people were honest, the most attractive person on the land, objectively, was Shio Inei.
He was the epitome of perfection.
Unfortunately, it meant that most people did not dare approach him. Like any good-looking person, he had a lot of admirers. But the confessions he received were not exactly offers to date. They were just scripts of praise for his beauty.
And those who wanted him could not be normal around him. Some wanted to own him like a doll while others wished to destroy his perfection.
It was a little sad.
“Perhaps, you will find someone who is not attracted to your meat suit.” Emi encouraged him.
“So, a blind person. Are we talking literally or metaphorically?” Inei played along.
“Ugh, you suck! And that’s just wrong, man.” Emi rolled her eyes. “Maybe, people are not intimidated by your looks. They probably cannot stand your personality.”
“I am delightful. I will go as far as charming.”
“Let us just eat before I lose my mind and pour the soup on your head.” Emi huffed as she served the food.
As expected, the meal was delicious. The miso soup was savoury, the chicken was crispy, and the fruit salad was beautiful. It made Emi feel like a failure because she usually just cooked the easiest thing possible for herself.
Her brother was indeed the best. How could a gorgeous nerd who was rich and could cook single? Should she tell their mother to set up some blind dates? Or should she take matters into her own hands while he was in Tokyo?
A crafty smile appeared on her face.
“Why are you smiling like that evil plotting racoon meme?” Inei asked suspiciously.
“I am just happy you are here,” Emi answered innocently. “By the way, why are you here? I thought you were coming next week?”
“I wanted to do a little recon for the project. I do not want to be unprepared.” Inei said.
“I have never seen you worried about a project before.” Emi was surprised.
Her brother was, in a few words, a business consultant. But the job description was not so simple. His company was known for their ability to manage any problem, from public relations to war rescues. He liked to think of himself as a fixer.
His business was separate from the Shio family company, but it was still quite big. Therefore, it was rare for him to handle things personally or to worry about any project. She could not help but wonder if he was in trouble.
“Is there a problem?” She asked.
“No, business is great,” Inei said. “It is about the legacy of that man.”
Emi was enlightened and lowered her head. The feelings towards the unmentioned man were complicated. He was a hated man, but he supported their family, allowing them to prosper around the globe.
Unfortunately, he was also the reason the Shio family was not currently so popular with the other elite families from Martial Island. Some of these families wished they could torture and kill them, so they had to lay low.
