C10 The Malice of Society

Cello Everett's decision to leave Kyoka Suzuki in charge was abrupt, to say the least.

But what preoccupied Melinde wasn't that...

She was still reeling from the encounter in the sales area.

Now, though, it clicked.

Cello Everett had to be a superpowered individual!

And not just any superpowered – a rare space-type one at that!

This revelation put Melinde on high alert.

He was carrying billions of yuan.

A rare space-type superpowered.

Could it really be mere coincidence?

That he just happened to save her on the electric car earlier?

And then, he ran into her again at Melinde Properties in the afternoon.

It was clear he was trying to get close to her.

He was definitely up to something!

Maybe those thugs were actors hired by Cello Everett.

Trying to play the hero in a damsel-in-distress scenario!

Yes, that had to be it!

Melinde nodded to herself, convinced she had unraveled the truth.

She was known for her directness and wasted no time in confronting him.

"Cello Everett, just who are you? What are you after with me?"

"Hmm?"

Cello Everett raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Melinde's outburst.

"Master, I'll start on dinner now."

Kyoka Suzuki, quick to read the room, made her escape to the kitchen.

As a maid, there were some conversations she knew better than to eavesdrop on.

Cello Everett couldn't help but smile, appreciating his maid's discretion.

But then...

"What am I after?"

Cello Everett's brow furrowed. "This is clearly my home. Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?"

"Uh."

Melinde was at a loss for words.

Saitama, scratching his head, let out a sheepish laugh. "Teacher, dinner's almost ready!"

"Seems like Miss Melinde is here for a free meal, huh?"

"I..."

Melinde was seething.

Did the heiress of Melinde Real Estate need to scrounge for meals?

If she put the word out...

There'd be a line of people wanting to dine with her stretching from Z City to A City.

The nerve!

Melinde took a couple of deep breaths to settle her nerves.

Maintaining a stern expression, she said,

"Cello Everett, I'd suggest you drop the act."

"I've seen my fair share of opportunists over the years."

"What haven't I come across?"

"I'm not so easily deceived," Melinde declared with confidence.

Silence hung in the air for a moment.

"Teacher," Saitama broke the quiet, "she claims you're fond of her."

Cello Everett simply nodded in response.

The two of them then doubled over in laughter, clutching their bellies.

Melinde's cheeks burned with embarrassment. "What's so hilarious?" she demanded, a wave of shame washing over her.

With a slight smile, Cello Everett replied, "Miss Melinde, you certainly have an inflated opinion of yourself."

Saitama, wiping away laughter-induced tears, added, "Though I'm not sure who Teacher fancies, it's clearly not you."

"Why not?" Melinde challenged, her pride wounded.

She had it all: beauty, a shapely figure, and a prestigious family. How could Cello Everett resist her charms?

"Because Teacher has never given you a second glance," Saitama said with a laugh that was both light and revealing. It was obvious to anyone paying attention that Saitama had no interest in Melinde. In fact, amidst all the beauties they'd encountered, Saitama had remained utterly indifferent.

Melinde was livid, unaccustomed to such blunt criticism. "Enough, Saitama," Cello Everett interjected, his tone laced with annoyance.

Melinde's heart leaped. Surely, Cello Everett had feelings for her. He was defending her honor, wasn't he? But then, he shifted gears abruptly.

"If we keep this up, dinner time will be upon us," Cello Everett said, then turned to Melinde with a wry smile. "Considering your noble upbringing and the simple fare at your home, I won't impose our meal on you."

With that settled, he turned to Saitama, "What are you waiting for?"

"Show our guest out, please."

Saitama ushered a stunned Melinde to the door, which then closed with a resounding "Bam!" right in her face.

It took a moment for the reality to sink in. Had she, the heiress of the Chuanmei Group, just been unceremoniously shown the door over a mere meal?

Melinde took deep breaths, struggling to contain her fury. "This has to be some sort of reverse psychology," she reasoned to herself.

"Yes, that's it. I won't be fooled. If I barge in now, I'll be playing right into Cello Everett's hands!"

"Hmph, trying to play games with me?" Melinde mused, convinced that a touch of restraint on her part would be enough.

Just give it a few days, and Cello Everett would surely come knocking!

Behind the door.

"In all fairness, Miss Melinde isn't a bad person," Saitama remarked, scratching his head. "Are we going too far with this?"

Cello Everett smiled and shook his head. "Melinde may be a wealthy heiress, but at her core, she's not malicious. It's just that her self-esteem is a bit inflated."

"She believes the entire world orbits around her, and that every man harbors feelings for her."

"She needs to face the harsh realities of society to truly mature!"

"What we're doing is ultimately for her own good!"

Saitama nodded vigorously. "You're truly a master, teacher. Every move you make is laden with profound insight."

He acknowledged there was still so much more for him to learn!