117. The Attitude of the Family

Ever since Taihei Doma began his career, Jiang Yu’s contact with him had gradually diminished. The last time they had met was at a family gathering during the Lunar New Year, back before Jiang Yu entered high school.

After clearing his thoughts, Jiang Yu felt rather curious as to why Taihei would suddenly call him. He pondered it carefully, yet he couldn’t think of any way he could possibly be of help to the man.

As he thought this, Taihei on the other end of the line loosened his necktie, took a sip of his warm coffee, and said, "Heh... I didn’t mean to blame you. I just heard from Father that Umaru has been staying with you recently? Has that girl been causing you any trouble?"

So, it was because of Umaru? Jiang Yu realized. When they were children, neither of them had been anything less than doting toward Umaru Doma. They would go to great lengths to fulfill not only her small requests but even her occasional, rather capricious whims.

However, Umaru seemed to be more attached to Jiang Yu, who was closer to her in age. Back then, it had even prompted Taihei to say, half-helplessly and half-jokingly, "I really don't know who her real brother is."

"…How could she be trouble? Umaru has always been quite sensible since she was little, hasn't she?"

Though, he couldn't help but secretly wonder why she had recently begun to show signs of evolving into a "dry-bore" girl.

"Ah, that’s good to hear. I was worried that since she started becoming an otaku, she might be bothering you over there. Oh—! I didn't mean anything derogatory by saying 'otaku', of course!"

It was truly unfortunate that the mere mention of "otaku" made people instinctively clarify that they meant no offense!

"…It’s nothing. So, Taihei-nii, is the reason you called this time just to check on how Umaru is doing?"

Suppressing the urge to retort, Jiang Yu glanced at Umaru, who was happily playing a game in the living room, and walked into his bedroom, sighing softly.

"That is only part of the reason... More importantly, it seems you’ve started to get serious about things lately, haven't you, Yu?"

Taihei stirred his coffee gently, seemingly indifferent to the fact that it was going cold.

Jiang Yu was stunned by the remark. While secretly wondering how the other man knew, he thought over the series of things he had been doing recently. They could... barely be considered "getting serious," at least if compared to the state of his predecessor's life in his first year of high school.

Although, in the words of Tomoya Aki and Utaha Kasumigaoka, these so-called serious pursuits were merely a transition from "consumer pig" to "creator."

"About that... I wouldn't call it 'serious'... Let's just say I’ve started wanting to do a few things I’m interested in..." Jiang Yu replied after a moment’s thought.

"Don't be stingy with the word 'dream.' It’s normal for young people to have ideas, you know? There’s no need to be so modest. Let me put it this way: I’m calling to tell you that the family has been keeping an eye on your current situation. In your grandfather’s words, 'Let the boy fumble around as he pleases!' However, your father is actually quite supportive of what you're doing."

"…Is that so? Please give my regards to the old man and my father."

"Eh... I actually expected you to be impatient or act all tsundere, saying things like, 'W-who asked them to care about me!' or something similar."

"Where on earth did people get this 'tsundere' label for me?!"

"Hahaha... Alright, that’s enough. I just wanted to tell you: don't worry about the consequences, just go do what you want to do!"

"Right. Thanks, Taihei-nii, and please pass on my thanks to the family as well! Goodbye."

"No problem. Goodbye."

Putting down the phone, Jiang Yu lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, his mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts.

Doing what he wants... huh?

...

On the other end, after hanging up, Taihei looked at the middle-aged man sitting opposite him and said helplessly, "So, Uncle, why didn't you just tell him these things yourself?"

The middle-aged man looked up, the bright light hitting his face to reveal features that bore a sixty or seventy percent resemblance to Jiang Yu. He smiled and said, "That boy hasn't been in touch with me much lately. For a moment, I really didn't know how to address the fact that he seems like a completely different person. So, I had to trouble you, Taihei."

So, just because I haven't seen him in two years, does that mean I’m the one who has to break the ice? Taihei complained inwardly, though his excellent composure kept him looking calm on the surface. "How do you and the family plan to help him, Uncle?"

Jiang He paused at the question, then countered, "Who said I was going to help him?"

Taihei looked at Jiang He in confusion, stunned. "Aren't you going to help him? At least with the marketing..."

Jiang He shook his head, interrupting Taihei. "That is entirely his own business. Whether he writes light novels, makes games, or even decides to draw doujinshi in the future, whether or not he can sell them at Comiket is all up to him. From planning to the final promotional stages, I have no intention of providing him with any assistance whatsoever."

What kind of parent would be so indifferent as to let their underage child draw adult doujinshi?!

"...But if that's the case, Yu..." Taihei hesitated at the end, unable to bring himself to say, "What if he crashes and burns?"

Jiang He said calmly, "That would also be his destiny."

Taihei: "..."

Noticing that Taihei still seemed to have something to say, Jiang He waved his hand, signaling that there was no need for further words. "Since he loves the 2D world, let him venture into the ACG circles on his own... I also want to see just how far that brat—who fell into despair after his mother passed away—can actually go now that he’s finally pulled himself together. Besides, he has companions, doesn't he? It’s a good chance to see his judgment in people. Going it alone can never compare to teamwork, especially in the gaming industry."

After a pause, Jiang He continued, "Moreover, once virtual reality technology matures, who can really say where the line between reality and illusion lies?"

Hearing this, Taihei’s eyes widened. Temporarily setting aside his worries for Jiang Yu, he asked in surprise, "Is virtual reality technology already nearing maturity?"

Jiang He nodded, then shook his head. "It is, after all, a technology being developed by the top companies in various fields. While it hasn't reached the stage of practical application yet, the speed of progress is truly startling. I suspect it will be a matter of just a few years..."

Taihei asked excitedly, "Then, once the technology is mature, what do you plan to do with it, Uncle?"

Jiang He looked at Taihei with a puzzled expression and said in a tone that implied it was obvious, "Make games, of course."

Taihei: "..."

I truly apologize for forgetting that you, Uncle, are also a hardcore gaming otaku!