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Renz hadn't paid close attention to Erina's initial declarations because he understood that her words were primarily directed at his mother-in-law, Mana Nakiri. It was a statement of position, and such a roaring declaration, used as a confession, was simply too raw and intense. Perhaps the words contained Erina's true feelings that she wanted to express.

However, they were more focused on expressing emotion and releasing frustration rather than a true confession.

It wasn't until Erina leaned close to his ear, quietly speaking, that Renz felt no hesitation. He wrapped his outstretched arms tightly around her.

The real confession was that last sentence; her whispered words were so faint that Mana Nakiri couldn't hear them, but they resonated deeply in Renz's heart. All his efforts were worth it. Extracting a heartfelt confession from Erina was incredibly difficult, and getting her to express her love was even harder.

Sometimes, Renz understood that Erina loved him, but the initiative of a tsundere was an unpredictable variable. Therefore, most of the time, Renz was the one who took the initiative.

However, Renz never imagined that Erina would ambush him with a confession here. Renz couldn't describe how he felt right now. A surprise from the ultimate tsundere—it was quite unexpected. And this frank and bold Erina, Renz was seeing for the first time.

"I'm not here to listen to you two talk like that," Mana Nakiri said, her expression unchanging, still maintaining that calm and indifferent demeanor. "Since you won't come with me, I'll sleep here tonight."

"There aren't enough spare blankets," Erina still tried to resist. "And how can we sleep on just one bed? Are you suggesting you'll squeeze onto the bed with us?" These were incredibly challenging words. Renz felt terrified. If his mother-in-law truly slept on their bed, Renz would rather spend the night "standing guard" in the hallway.

"I'll have a staff member bring a set over," Mana Nakiri remained unyielding. "As for how we'll sleep, do I even need to say? Young people have better bodies, so you two can sleep on the floor."

"Aren't you afraid of gossip if you sleep here with us?" Erina wanted to dissuade Mana Nakiri from her unrealistic idea. However, in Japan, generational authority was a very real thing.

"Gossip? Although your grandfather has always taken care of you, and he is your de facto guardian, as your mother, I am also one of your guardians. Is there anything wrong with me, as a guardian, staying one night when my daughter is dating at such a young age?" Mana Nakiri said, speaking calmly and logically.

"Furthermore, even if I wanted to commit favoritism for that brat, my other culinary partners wouldn't agree."

Mana Nakiri continued, "Cooking competitions are about skill, not popularity. People won't give you a pass just because you're popular. If you're not good enough, you're eliminated. The cameras won't give you any chance to sneak through." Mana Nakiri's aura was still very strong, with a captivating suppressive force.

Unfortunately, Renz wasn't some inexperienced young man. Most people might have felt a bit timid, but Renz looked indifferent. He came to this competition aiming for the championship. And he had the skill to challenge for it.

Erina saw this and knew that with her mother's stubbornness, there was no turning back. "Whatever you want."

Mana Nakiri picked up her phone and made a call. Her gaze never left Renz's face. Although her expression was calm, her heart was still startled by her daughter's bold confession.

Five minutes later, a woman dressed in a silver-white office worker suit, resembling a secretary, rushed in after knocking. She was clearly the one who had just received the call, and she was extremely shocked by its content.

"Ms. Mana, aren't you considering another solution?" She was Mana Nakiri's agent, Akemi Tenzaki. From her age, she appeared to be in her mid-thirties, around 170cm tall, a rare height for a Japanese woman. Her facial features were refined, and her makeup was impeccable, suggesting she was well-educated. As she spoke, she was filled with doubt.

Mana Nakiri and a male, even if not alone, sleeping in the same room would definitely damage her reputation. Even if it was to look after her daughter, she should consider avoiding suspicion, especially given her sensitive role as a judge.

"Is there any other solution?" Mana Nakiri felt that she had made things very clear on the phone. If Erina was willing to go with her and sleep in her room, then all problems would be resolved.

But the problem was, Erina was unwilling. So, she had to stay here. As for sending Renz to sleep in her room while Erina stayed here, that would only lead to more gossip. A male emerging alone from a female judge's room would be huge news for the paparazzi.

"Uh, how about having your daughter go with you?" Akemi Tenzaki blurted out a foolish suggestion. This was indeed the optimal solution, but Erina was unwilling, so what was there to say? If Erina were willing, this whole situation wouldn't have arisen. Akemi Tenzaki hadn't thought of that.

Renz's mouth twitched slightly. What was supposed to be a perfectly good evening had been completely ruined by his mother-in-law's sudden visit. However, fortunately, it wasn't as bad as he had imagined in the end. His hand, hidden behind his back, was playing with Erina's hand.

'Childish,' Renz thought.

"I'm tired, I want to rest. You two can do whatever you want," Erina rolled over and lay on the bed, pulling the covers over herself. Renz was also feeling sleepy. But his mother-in-law's judgment wasn't over, which was a headache.

"How about this?" Renz suggested. "This lady, she must be Mother-in-law's secretary, right?"

"Since Mother-in-law is worried about us, then Secretary-san, you can stay here to look after us." Renz openly proposed this.

His plan would resolve the awkwardness of the situation, reassure his mother-in-law, and allow him to go to bed earlier. This Secretary-sister could act as an "eye" for his mother-in-law.

But what good would that do? Renz still felt it wouldn't be very useful. He might even get a free servant and secretary out of it.

"This idea sounds pretty good, actually?" Akemi Tenzaki, upon hearing this, even nodded. Mana Nakiri's status made it awkward for her to stay here. Having Akemi act as a temporary guardian was a good solution, and she could relay information to Mana Nakiri twenty-four hours a day. This way, Mana Nakiri could also feel at ease, right?

After a few seconds of silence, Mana Nakiri no longer insisted on staying. Her goal, despite the roundabout way, was achieved.

She preserved her own public image and had someone to relay the situation. She whispered a few words into Akemi Tenzaki's ear, giving her some instructions. After speaking to her secretary, Mana Nakiri turned and said, "You two, don't mess around too much. Now that Akemi can stay here to look after you, I can relax." She walked towards the door.

"Brat, if you don't make a dish that truly impresses me in this cooking competition, don't even think about you and Erina's future." Mana Nakiri finished speaking. She clicked her high heels and slowly departed.

Seeing Mana Nakiri leave, Erina emerged from under the covers. "Deadbeat, did you hear that? Make a dish that impresses my mom." She gently kicked Renz's waist with her foot.

Akemi Tenzaki, remaining in the room, showed a thoughtful expression. Things, it seemed, were not as simple as she had imagined.

"Secretary-san, please get me a set of bedding. Tonight, you and Erina can share the bed, and I'll sleep on the floor," Renz greeted Akemi Tenzaki, having poured a cup of tea from the kitchen and placed it on the table. Akemi Tenzaki took the perfectly warm teacup and nodded, indicating she understood.

"No, you sleep on the bed. My mom's secretary can just sleep on the floor," Erina declared, causing Akemi Tenzaki's head to spin. Akemi Tenzaki's raised teacup trembled slightly.

That statement, isn't it wrong?

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