Chapter 477: Treat

Li Mo lounged leisurely on his bed, his mind blissfully empty. Concepts like "Spiritual Binding" and "Impact Staff" might as well not exist. His current state resembled that of a college student during summer break—concerned only with eating and lazing about. 

*Strange how post-graduation, one's IQ seems to keep rising...* 

How had he ended up like this? 

Memories of his corporate slave days in Inazuma surfaced. When had he become that diligent, hardworking person? 

He couldn't figure it out. 

Having entered full slacker mode, he attempted some introspection—only to give up halfway. 

Suddenly, returning felt like the right choice. Had he stayed, he'd probably still be buried in work. 

He couldn't help but wonder if Inazuma was on the right path. After all, those sweeping reforms were his brainchild—even introducing concepts like modern banking. 

The Kanjou Commission had established Inazuma's first official bank, with Kujou Kamaji's daughter, Kujou Sara, serving as its inaugural president. Talent was scarce, so she'd have to multitask until the first batch of finance students returned from studying abroad. 

*Wait, why am I thinking about work again?* 

He forcibly cleared his mind. He'd already done everything necessary—contingency plans, risk assessments—if they still couldn't manage, that wasn't his problem. 

Understanding the dangers of finance, he'd personally drilled the Kanjou Commission's leadership on economic theory—knowledge acquired during his time as a board member at a certain academy. Money mattered in any society. 

While the Kanjou Commission lacked formal training, their practical experience proved invaluable. Together, they'd crash-coursed their way to competence—at least enough to avoid being swindled. 

Determined to stop ruminating, Li Mo grabbed a controller and booted up *Genshin Impact* on his console. 

He realized that trying too hard to empty his mind only made him obsess over Inazuma. Gaming was the solution. As for his choice of game... 

The irony of exploring virtual Teyvat immediately after leaving the real one wasn't lost on him—a private joke that amused him to no end. 

The current version was still in its early days, with Inazuma nowhere in sight, let alone later regions like Sumeru. After playing awhile, he switched to other titles—having already experienced the story once, replaying it felt tedious. Boredom inevitably led his thoughts astray. 

Thus began an all-night gaming marathon. Unlike ordinary people who'd be dead on their feet afterward, Li Mo remained fresh as a daisy—one perk of being supernatural. Endurance streaming? Child's play compared to his current stamina. 

Post-gaming came culinary indulgence. It being the weekend, Tokyo's food scene beckoned. While Chiba wasn't part of the metropolitan area, a quick train ride fixed that. 

Stepping out, he didn't encounter his desk neighbor/club president/actual neighbor Yukinoshita Yukino. Probably holed up with some literary work—that was her style. The socially isolated second daughter of the Yukinoshita family lived among books. 

Yukinoshita Yukino truly loved reading. Her other hobby was horseback riding—typical rich girl pursuits. 

Li Mo's knowledge of Japanese horse racing was superficial at best. You couldn't expect a Chinese guy to care about actual racing—only anthropomorphized horse girls held any appeal. Non-girlified racehorses? Couldn't name one. The entire racing and equestrian industry might as well not exist. 

Standing at her door, he knocked firmly without calling out, waiting until slippered footsteps approached before stopping. 

The door opened to reveal Yukino in casual wear, yet still radiating her signature refined elegance. 

"I half-expected Yukinoshita to answer in panda pajamas," Li Mo mused, stroking his chin. 

"Dear Li-kun, has sleep deprivation atrophied your cerebellum?" Yukino retorted icily. 

"Nah, I just think that look would suit the second daughter." 

"If you have no business here, please leave." 

"Wait, Club President! I do have business!" 

"Then speak plainly." 

*Well-named indeed.* The "Ice Queen of Soubu High" lived up to her title—her beauty most striking when emotionless. 

After a pause, Li Mo stated his purpose: "Want to grab food?" 

"...Why? Just the two of us?" 

"Consider it repayment for all those meals at your place." 

"Hello, police? There's a suspicious—" 

"Whoa whoa, don't actually call!" 

What followed was an excruciatingly long explanation hampered by verbal stumbling. 

Yukinoshita summarized mercilessly: "What required one sentence took you ten minutes. Since when did Li-kun become like politicians, adept at wasting time with meaningless drivel?" 

"You're the one who threatened to call the cops!" 

"A man inviting me out alone isn't inherently suspicious?" 

"Second Daughter, since when is that suspicious?" 

"Isn't it?" 

Under Yukinoshita's glacial stare, Li Mo swiftly revised his plan: "Fine, how about inviting Hachiman and Yuigahama tonight?" 

"Acceptable." 

Thus began Li Mo's recruitment efforts. Yuigahama Yui was easy—happily free that weekend. Hikigaya Hachiman, however... 

"You're not coming?" 

Hachiman's refusal stunned Li Mo: "My dear Hikigaya-kun, I rarely treat people, and you're turning me down?" 

The phone remained firm in its rejection. 

Clearly, Hachiman had chosen to hibernate. Maybe some new game held him captive—Li Mo could hear controller inputs through the receiver. 

Under Yukinoshita's watchful eye, Li Mo didn't hang up. Instead, he played his trump card: 

"Hikigaya... I happen to have Komachi's number." 

"...What?" 

"I'm sure dear little Komachi would love her moldy NEET brother to get some sunlight. Wonder how much your brother-points will drop?" 

"Damn you, Li Mo. Blackmail now?" 

"Keh keh keh keh!" 

Cackling villainously, Li Mo hung up and immediately texted the meetup location. 

With Komachi as leverage, Hachiman had no choice but to comply. 

"Li-kun, this makes me want to call the police again." 

"But did I or did I not successfully gather the entire Service Club?" Li Mo countered smugly. 

Earlier, Yukinoshita had only pretended to dial the police—something Li Mo knew full well. 

But inviting one person or three made little difference. Sometimes, it paid to go with the flow.