In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 126

As for the relationship between Shokuhou and Higashino, she decided to let nature take its course.

Soon it was dessert time, and Higashino brought out a huge strawberry cake from the kitchen, decorated with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

This was specially made by Higashino. He even used his special ability to cheat in order to save time, otherwise there wouldn't have been enough time.

The younger sisters let out a small gasp of surprise.

"Misaka 9999 has confirmed that this is the long-awaited compensation cake, her excitement level has increased by 30%, and Misaka expresses her joy."

"According to hospital regulations, the portion size for each person should be controlled within..." Number 15025 had just started speaking when several of the younger girls simultaneously shushed him.

"Restrictions may be appropriately relaxed in special circumstances, and Misaka No. 10086 interprets the regulations flexibly."

Higashino smiled and began cutting the cake, giving everyone a large slice.

Mikoto noticed that he had deliberately added a few extra strawberries for Last Order and Index, and both of them were so happy that their eyes lit up.

When Mikoto took her first bite of the cake, the sweet cream and the refreshing aroma of strawberries blended in her mouth, making her involuntarily show a happy expression.

"Is it good?" Higashino asked softly.

Mikoto nodded, then suddenly realized that there might be cream on her lips, and subconsciously licked them.

Seeing Mikoto's adorable actions, Higashino felt a little helpless. He leaned forward and gently wiped the corner of her mouth: "There's still a little bit left."

Mikoto's face flushed instantly, and her heart raced. She hurriedly lowered her head, pretending to focus on the cake, but then heard her sisters giggling.

"Misaka Network detected that Onee-sama's heart rate has increased and facial capillaries have dilated significantly. Misaka 10032 Scientific Observation."

"Misaka 9999 thinks this is a romantic scene and suggests that Dr. Higashino continue," Misaka chimed in.

"Misaka 19090 reminds you to respect personal privacy and suggests you stop observing Onee-sama's physiological reactions. Misaka sternly prohibits this."

Mikoto wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground. When did these kids become so... so gossipy?

After dinner, the younger sisters volunteered to wash the dishes and clean up. Mikoto wanted to help, but Higashino pulled her to the French windows in the living room.

“Let them do it,” he said softly. “It’s a new experience for them.”

Mikoto looked into the kitchen and saw her sisters working together: some were washing dishes, some were wiping tables, and several were gathered around Shokuhou, seemingly learning how to properly wipe wine glasses. Although Shokuhou looked disgusted, she patiently demonstrated.

“They…are really happy,” Mikoto murmured.

Higashino nodded, looking in the direction of his younger sisters: "They are learning how to live, not just how to survive."

As night deepened, seeing Higashino intently gazing at the face on the other side, Mikoto suddenly realized that this was the warmest and most fulfilling night she had ever experienced.

With Higashino by her side, the laughter of her sisters coming from the kitchen, and even the presence of Shokuhou and Index, the family felt more complete.

“You…” she called softly.

"Ok?"

"Thank you." Mikoto looked up and stared directly into his eyes. "Thank you for everything you've done for them...for me."

Higashino smiled gently and reached out to pull her into his arms. Mikoto did not resist, leaning against his chest and listening to his strong heartbeat.

"You're welcome," his voice came from above. "Seeing you all smile together is my greatest happiness."

From the direction of the kitchen came the sound of bowls and plates clattering and the sisters' quiet exclamations, followed by Misaki's helpless sigh and Index's carefree laughter.

Mikoto closed her eyes, deeply engraving this moment of warmth in her heart.

She knew that no matter what the future held, the warmth she felt tonight would forever remain one of the most precious memories of her life.

Chapter 160 Arrangements Before the Midsummer Festival

The next day, at the sports field of the Higashino family villa.

At this moment, a scene of intense collision between one man and two women is unfolding.

The sounds of a girl's panting and bodies colliding could be heard intermittently in the arena, while Yu Ling Mingya watched everything happening inside intently from the outside, taking notes.

Such intense exercise, of course, is a three-on-three volleyball game.

After the dinner party last night, things returned to normal today.

At Index's strong suggestion, they played volleyball on the sports field early in the morning.

Index and Himegami Akisa were paired together, while Higashino stood on the other side of the net alone, facing both of them.

He just ended the set with a clean smash.

"Phew... Yu is so cunning! She always catches us off guard!"

Index puffed out her cheeks and protested with her hands on her hips. Her panting appearance, combined with her flushed cheeks from vigorous exercise, would likely lead an unsuspecting person to make unfounded assumptions.

Himegami Akisa, on the other hand, was in slightly better physical condition. She was only slightly out of breath, nodded, and calmly concluded: "Even without using his abilities... Yu's physical abilities are probably no worse than those of a typical physical enhancement user."

Even when she and Index teamed up, they were no match for each other. However, this was also due to their lack of coordination. This casual combination did not achieve the effect of 1+1 being greater than 2, and there were even frequent accidents where the two collided while trying to return the ball.

Higashino's physical abilities are, of course, influenced by his powers. Once he was able to use his powers to influence his perception of his own body, he immediately adjusted all aspects of his physical condition to the limit that his powers could achieve.

Of course, this refers to normal circumstances. If he were to temporarily enhance his physical attributes during a battle, Higashino could enhance them to an extremely exaggerated degree.

The spirit Yu Ling Mingya, who was floating aside acting as the referee, nodded gently and said in a clear voice, "In this round, Dongye wins. The score is 21:7."

Higashino smiled and wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead. This amount of exercise was hardly even a warm-up for him; it was purely for the girls' entertainment.

"It's because your teamwork is getting better and better."

一开始两人的配合大抵是1+1小于1的水平，随着逐渐默契的配合，勉强做到了1+1等于2的地步。

He was just about to suggest another round when his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.

He took out his phone, and the screen displayed a message from Tokiwadai. Quickly scanning the message, Higashino sighed helplessly, "Sorry, it seems that's all for today."

"Eh? Why?"

Index immediately came over.

"The annual Midsummer Festival will be held at Tokiwadai the day after tomorrow."

Higashino waved his phone and explained.

"I was assigned to be the doctor on duty that day, and I needed to go and tidy up the clinic in advance and prepare some supplies that might be needed."

He couldn't help but mutter a complaint under his breath.

"Although I don't think anyone would actually go to the infirmary that day... but work is work."

Although he could refuse such an arrangement, he was still being paid, and under normal circumstances, he wouldn't refuse when his efforts were needed.

He did choose the medical profession, so he should have a basic sense of responsibility. Otherwise, if a doctor lacks even this basic sense of responsibility, patients won't trust him.

Index and Himegami Akisa exchanged a glance, nodding understandingly though they were still somewhat unsatisfied. Index muttered, "The Summer Festival... it sounds like so much fun... can we go and participate?"

"It should be no problem."

The Midsummer Festival is a large-scale event held annually in Tokiwadai, and it's also a rare open day for the public. Even male students from other schools can go in to visit. Of course, girls' dormitories and toilets are strictly prohibited from entering, and the consequences of being caught are severe.

Actually, he had such concerns before going to work, since a girls' school doesn't seem like the kind of place that would have a men's restroom.

However, he was relieved when he saw that there was a private bathroom in the infirmary. Otherwise, even if he was allowed to use the toilet, he would have been too embarrassed to go in; it would have been too embarrassing.

"Then you'll all come with me then..."

Just then, the sound of a car engine shutting off came from outside the villa gate, interrupting Dongye's words.

Immediately afterwards, a cheerful female voice, sounding like that of a little girl, gradually approached.

"Higashino-kun~ Are you home? Little Moe-sensei is here!"

Tsukuyomi Komoe's petite figure nimbly jumped off a vehicle that was a stark contrast to her size.

That car was a specially made one that Xiaomeng usually used for transportation; otherwise, with her short legs, it would be a big problem for her to even step on the gas pedal.

Today she was wearing an adorable pink dress, and she didn't look like a teacher at all. Instead, she looked like an oversized doll, which was very cute.

"Xiao Meng?"

Higashino was somewhat surprised as he went to greet him.

"How did you come?"

He had not received any prior notice from Xiaomeng that she was coming to his house.

"Qiang Qiang!"

Tsukuyomi Komoe proudly pulled out a beautifully packaged paper bag from behind her back, emanating an enticing sweet fragrance.

"I baked some super delicious cookies! I'd like to invite Higashino-kun, Index-chan, and Himekami-chan to try them! By the way..."

Her big eyes blinked, full of anticipation.

"I have some really great news for you!"

She handed the cookies to Index, who had gathered around curiously, and then excitedly announced, "Starting tomorrow, our school is having a 15-day summer camp! It's at the beach! Sunshine! Sand! Bonfire party! Just thinking about it makes me so excited I can't sleep!"

She clenched her little fist and bounced on the spot. She was really looking forward to this event that the school had generously organized, as even she rarely had the opportunity to travel outside of Academy City.

This event will last until a few days before school starts, so you can have plenty of fun before school begins.

"Beach? Summer camp?"

Index blinked, as if she had thought of something, her face beaming with anticipation and excitement.

"That sounds amazing!"

A hint of longing also appeared in Himegami Akisa's eyes; it had been a very, very long time since she had been to the outside world of Academy City.

Xiaomeng nodded vigorously: "Right, right! This is a rare opportunity to leave Academy City and go out to play! But..."

Her face suddenly fell a little, and she looked somewhat distressed.

"Many kids in our class thought it was too much trouble or had other plans, so not many people signed up. Xiaomeng thinks these kinds of activities are more fun and lively with more people! So..."

She looked up at Higashino with hopeful eyes.

"Higashino-kun, Index-chan, Himegami-chan, do you want to come along? Don't worry about the cost, Xiaomeng can apply for extra spots!"

And that way I can go out and play with Higashino-kun for half a month! Although he has several girlfriends... he's the first guy who didn't mind that Xiaomeng is short, and... he even kissed Xiaomeng on the forehead! Xiaomeng should seize this opportunity to get closer to him!

Xiaomeng's previous expectations of getting married had basically disappeared. After all, no one would like a petite woman like her who likes to drink and smoke and is about to turn thirty.

However, until Higashino appeared, he not only didn't mind these things, but she also didn't dislike him. In fact, he even kissed her in that strange space last time...

Thinking about this, Xiaomeng's face turned a little red. She didn't mind dating Dongye at all.

Seeing Xiaomeng's expectant eyes, and then glancing at the two equally eager girls beside him, Dongye, though also wanting to go, could only regretfully shrug: "Xiaomeng, I'm truly sorry, and thank you very much for your invitation. But,"

He pointed to his phone.

"Look at this, I just got the assignment to be on duty at the Midsummer Festival the day after tomorrow, and I really can't leave."

"what……"

Disappointment instantly filled Tsukuyomi Komoe's face, and her shoulders slumped like a little animal soaked by the rain. Her carefully prepared invitation and inner anticipation seemed to have been punctured like a balloon.

As a teacher, she could understand Higashino's actions. If she encountered a conflict between school assignments and personal entertainment plans, she would also choose to complete the work.

Index and Himegami Akisa also showed expressions of disappointment.

"but..."

Higashino Yu changed the subject and looked at Index and Himegami Akisa.

"Although I can't go, the three of them seem really eager to go. Ms. Xiaomeng, if it's not too much trouble, could you please take care of them and bring them to the summer camp with you?"

Tsukuyomi's eyes lit up again instantly. Although it was a pity that Higashino couldn't go, it was good that he could bring his family! Getting closer to his family would also make it easier to build relationships in the future!

She immediately puffed out her little chest and patted it loudly: "No problem! Leave it to me! I'll take good care of them! I promise they'll have a great time!"

She blinked in confusion, noticing the error in Higashino's words.

"Huh? Three people? Index-chan and Himegami-chan, aren't there two?"

Higashino smiled slightly, his gaze shifting to the spirit Yu Ling Mingya, who had been quietly floating to the side. A thought flickered in his mind, a barely perceptible silver light flashing in his eyes, as he activated his ability: "Little Moe-sensei, there's actually another one here."

To Tsukuyomi Komoe's astonishment, the originally transparent figure of the spirit Miya quickly became solid and clear.

"ah--!"

Xiao Meng was startled by the ghost that appeared out of nowhere, and instinctively took a step back, almost falling over.