059. Akihabara Journey (Part Five)

Sitting in the lounge area, quietly watching Eran Aki and Umei Tsuchima wander back and forth, Jiang Yu could only sigh at the beauty of youth.

In his previous life, when he finally had the financial means to purchase figurines, most were bought online; rarely did he ever visit a store in person. And living in the southwestern region of his homeland, Jiang Yu had few opportunities to browse large-scale model shops. The few figurines he had acquired were always purchased online, and he never truly knew whether they were genuine or knockoffs.

Before long, Eran Aki had bought the figurine he’d long coveted and walked over to Jiang Yu, who had been waiting. Sitting down beside him, Eran said, “We can head to the next shop now. Where’s Little Umei?”

At that, Jiang Yu stood up, scanning the surroundings as he walked, searching for the trace of Umei Tsuchima.

Soon, he found her, eyes sparkling, in front of an unfamiliar figurine.

Walking over, Jiang Yu tapped Umei’s head gently. “Time to go, Little Umei.”

Umei turned around, her eyes full of anticipation as she smiled sweetly. “Big brother, I want this one.”

Jiang Yu was about to refuse, but suddenly remembered the scene when Umei wanted to buy those two hamsters. He sighed softly, a bitter smile on his lips. “Alright... Take it, come with me to pay.”

Without waiting for the delighted smile to bloom on Umei’s face, he went straight to the cashier. Umei hurriedly grabbed the figurine box and followed Jiang Yu.

After paying, Jiang Yu felt the importance of earning money even more keenly. Although part-time work could support him for now, it was hardly a long-term solution.

But then again, if he asked his family for money because of this, setting aside whether he could overcome his own psychological barrier... It seemed his family would probably give it to him, wouldn't they?

For a moment, Jiang Yu found himself shamefully tempted.

Does poverty make me meek?

Shaking off the seductive thought, Jiang Yu decided to rely on himself for the time being. After all, he still couldn’t feel much attachment toward his predecessor’s family.

If he were to ask them for money now, not only would it go against his predecessor’s character, but Jiang Yu himself couldn’t bring himself to do it, not to mention it didn’t fit his own principles.

After that, Jiang Yu and Umei followed Eran Aki around to various places, mostly shops selling games and Blu-ray DVDs.

There were only two or three figurine stores, and Eran’s purchases weren’t particularly numerous, but if he bought a few every time...

Jiang Yu couldn’t help but wonder what kind of life Eran Aki’s family led.

Following Eran’s planned route, the three had traversed most of Akihabara, stopping at nearly all the famous shops.

It was worth noting that, while Eran enthusiastically selected mainly galgames and occasionally other genres at the game store, Jiang Yu only glanced around before settling wearily in the lounge area.

Umei looked around briefly before joining Jiang Yu as well.

For the two who often played games, the offerings here didn’t seem all that enticing. After all, Jiang Yu’s father, Jiang He, had recently sent them the latest release, which neither of them had finished playing yet.

Admittedly, it was mostly Umei who played, while Jiang Yu hadn’t even touched it.

Still, Jiang Yu’s reluctance to browse was simply due to the hassle. In his previous life, he often browsed Steam; physical stores felt strange and intriguing.

But, accustomed to searching by tags or checking the discount section on Steam, Jiang Yu found physical game shops much too troublesome. Even with some curiosity, he preferred to sit motionless in a corner rather than wander about like Eran Aki, examining games that piqued his interest.

Hmm... In that sense, Jiang Yu was perhaps the true image of an otaku, while Eran Aki was decidedly more proactive.

...

By the time they’d finished visiting all the planned stops, it was about five in the afternoon.

Jiang Yu hadn’t kept track of Eran’s spending, fearing he’d be shocked. Umei had bought just one figurine and two galgames recommended by Eran.

Both galgames were secondhand and quite cheap. As a result, there were no special editions or collectible extras.

Curiously, Umei didn’t seem to care much about special figurines or extras—at least not for series she wasn’t particularly fond of.

Jiang Yu watched as Eran Aki’s large backpack went from empty to bulging, with two bags also in hand, feeling a kind of awe.

Eran, you really are the model consumer pig.

Noticing Jiang Yu’s inexplicable gaze, Eran Aki looked back in confusion. “What is it, Yu?”

Jiang Yu withdrew his gaze, laughing awkwardly. “Nothing, just thinking I’m a bit hungry…”

Am I supposed to tell you I was just marveling at how qualified you are as a consumer pig?

Hmm... Now that I think of it, lunch was rather skimpy; I really am getting hungry.

Jiang Yu rubbed his stomach, thinking to himself.

Hearing this, Eran Aki smiled mysteriously. “No worries, there’s a dinner spot in today’s itinerary—just follow me!”

With that, Eran checked his bearings and strode off in his chosen direction. Jiang Yu and Umei exchanged a glance, then hurried after him.

Honestly, Eran, carrying such a huge backpack and two heavy bags, yet still striding briskly—isn’t that impressive?

As he followed Eran’s quick pace, Jiang Yu quietly grumbled to himself.

Soon, Eran stopped in front of a tall building, waiting for Jiang Yu and Umei to catch up.

Slightly out of breath, Jiang Yu swallowed and asked, “Eran, what are we doing here?”

He looked up at the building—it was a typical office tower, lacking the otaku vibe of most Akihabara structures.

Eran smiled. “Dinner, of course! Hmm... It should be on the fourth floor. I haven’t been here in a while—shall we head up?”

“Uh... sure. Little Umei, are you hungry?” Jiang Yu replied, still a bit thrown by Eran’s normal answer, then turned to Umei.

“I wasn’t feeling hungry, but now that you mention it, I suddenly am!” Umei gave a subtle smile.

“…Though I forgot to ask at lunch, you didn’t skip it, did you, Umei?” Jiang Yu, sensing something amiss, grabbed her shoulders and asked seriously.

Seeing Umei’s evasive gaze, Jiang Yu realized he understood everything.