Chapter 479: Thumb

A taxi is a convenient form of transportation. It functions similarly to a private car service—once you pay, the taxi becomes your personal vehicle, taking you wherever you want. The only limit is your money. 

Almost every country has this industry, as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are unavoidable human needs. Not every family owns a car. 

However, Japanese people rarely take taxis. The reason is simple: they're expensive. 

As the saying goes, 99% of the things you can't do are because you lack money. Japanese people prefer the subway because taxis are simply too costly. 

In fact, Japan's taxi industry is among the most expensive in the world. 

Given this, a reasonable person wouldn't even consider a taxi, especially when traveling from Chiba to Tokyo. There are plenty of cheaper, faster alternatives. 

So why choose a taxi? 

This question puzzled everyone except Li Mo. Since he was paying and seemed so enthusiastic, they didn't ask while the driver was present. But once they got out, Yukinoshita Yukino was the first to question him: 

"Li Jun, why did you choose a taxi?" 

"I've always heard Japanese taxis are expensive, but I've never experienced it myself. I wanted to see just how costly they really are," Li Mo replied. 

Silence fell over the group. Should they call him a fool with too much money? Or just eccentric? 

Yukinoshita Yukino rubbed her temples, exasperated by his stupidity. "You constantly redefine my understanding of human idiocy." 

"What? You think this is the limit of human idiocy? President, you clearly haven't heard of the 'stellar' geniuses in Africa," Li Mo shot back. 

Yukinoshita dismissed it as nonsense. Who in Japan would care about Africa, anyway? 

Since it was still early for lunch, the two girls headed toward the shopping mall. Well, "eagerly" mostly described Yuigahama Yui—Yukinoshita's expression barely changed. 

Hikigaya Hachiman, meanwhile, looked like a dead fish. 

For a shut-in, shopping was pure torture. What was so fun about wandering aimlessly through a crowded mall? Even his mother dragging him along was unbearable. Why did he have to suffer through this with his club members? 

And this wasn't even the first time. 

Hachiman's eyes were lifeless, as if he were already gazing at the river of the afterlife. 

Then he glanced at the other male club member, who seemed oddly excited. Did any guy actually enjoy shopping? 

"Hikigaya, what's wrong? You're staring at me like I'm a prehistoric monster. Did I do something weird?" 

"Why are you so happy? Do you actually like shopping?" 

Li Mo blinked. "A place selling clothes? Why would I like that? Hachiman, are you misunderstanding something? Look, look over there." 

He turned Hachiman's head toward a shop filled with arcade machines. 

While arcades might be niche in other countries, in Japan, they're still thriving, much like pachinko parlors. 

"You mean we should play arcade games? But what about Yuigahama and the president?" Hachiman hesitated. 

Li Mo looked surprised. "I only said I'd treat everyone to lunch. I never promised to follow them around the mall. Why would I torture myself? Everyone knows how terrifying women can be when they enter shopping mode." 

Hachiman wanted to say more, but Li Mo patted his shoulder. "I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, I'll handle Yuigahama and Yukinoshita." 

Actually, Hachiman was more concerned about Li Mo's inconsistent way of addressing people—sometimes "Hikigaya," sometimes "Hachiman." 

But considering Li Mo wasn't Japanese and had a habit of erratic behavior, Hachiman decided not to bother. If anything, Yukinoshita had it worse—Li Mo's nicknames for her were even more random. 

The thought made Hachiman feel slightly better. 

"What are you two talking about back there?" Yuigahama called out. 

"Ah, Yui! Hachiman and I were just discussing that arcade over there," Li Mo said. "Honestly, it's been ages since I've played arcade games." 

Yuigahama followed his gaze, her expression turning complicated. 

Yukinoshita spoke coldly, "Weren't you the one who offered to treat us?" 

"Lunchtime isn't for a while yet, right?" 

"Have you even decided where we're eating? I doubt it." Yukinoshita knew Li Mo too well. 

Sure enough, Li Mo blinked. "Well, that's what you two are for! With you and Yui here, I trust your tastes, President!" 

"Li-san, that's so mean!" Yuigahama protested. "I might not be a great cook, but at least I know what tastes good..." 

Her voice trailed off as she realized how unconvincing she sounded. 

Under everyone's gaze, she lowered her head. 

Yukinoshita said, "I believe in you, Yui." 

"What the president means is, even if your cooking is terrible, your sense of taste is at least normal," Li Mo added. 

"Li Jun, if you have nothing useful to say, then don't speak." 

In the end, they split into two groups—the boys heading to the arcade, and the girls continuing their shopping—with plans to meet up later via phone. 

Inside the arcade, Hachiman watched as Li Mo focused entirely on the game, his hands moving at an inhuman speed. 

He was playing a fighting game, a genre that relied entirely on reflexes and precision. Someone like Hachiman, who sucked at them, would get crushed instantly—even in something casual like Smash Bros. 

But Li Mo... 

His hands were practically a blur. Was that even possible? 

Hachiman rubbed his eyes, stunned. 

"Something on your mind, Hachiman? Ask away. I can multitask," Li Mo said. 

"You're... unusually energetic today." 

Energetic like some kind of extrovert. Weren't you supposed to be a fellow shut-in? 

Li Mo paused. "Hypothetically, if you became a corporate slave, worked overtime for months, and finally got a day off... wouldn't you go all out?" 

"So this dream was about being a salaryman?" 

"Exactly. I knew you'd understand, Hachiman. As someone aiming to be a househusband, you get it, right?" 

Li Mo gave a thumbs-up.