Chapter 58: Expectations for Quillan

Takeo Kobayashi spoke in an extremely unpleasant tone, which was obvious to everyone present.

Furthermore, it was plain to see from Takeo’s expression that he clearly held a deep dislike for Quillan.

The way he glared at Quillan was somewhat threatening—the type of look from someone who might resort to fists over a single disagreement. Fortunately, two elders were present on the scene, and Norika Harada was no fool. Seeing Takeo acting like this, she immediately stepped right beside Quillan, deliberately introducing him: "Quillan, this is my father, Gyosuke Harada, and this is my mother, Kaori Harada!"

To a certain extent, Norika’s introduction temporarily succeeded in defusing the awkward tension between Takeo and Quillan.

Quillan bowed once more toward Mr. and Mrs. Harada, greeting each of them politely.

Kaori Harada maintained her gentle smile, looking very amiable. Gyosuke Harada, however, was frowning deeply. He looked at Quillan and asked, "Hey, kid from America, are you really not even sixteen yet? Could what... Takeo said actually be true?"

"Of course not!" Norika quickly stepped in to cover for Quillan. In truth, lying in front of her parents made her extremely nervous, but she had no choice. She could only brace herself and shield Quillan, saying, "Father, please take a look at Quillan-kun. Does he look like someone who hasn’t even reached sixteen?"

Kaori Harada chuckled gently and said, "Indeed, Norika is right. To me, Quillan-kun doesn’t look like a child under sixteen at all. He’s so tall—only half a head shorter than Takeo!"

"He’s still just a gigolo!" Bringing the topic back onto himself, Takeo began sneering sarcastically. Pointing at Quillan, who was currently partially shielded behind Norika, Takeo looked at Gyosuke Harada with utter disdain and said, "Uncle, please look at him! A man who can only hide behind a woman when facing trouble—can a man like that actually protect Cousin? Furthermore, I’ve seen plenty of gigolos like him. Even if he’s not under sixteen, he’s definitely not twenty yet! Why would a guy who hasn’t even turned twenty fall in love with a woman several years older than him?"

Takeo actually called Quillan a gigolo—a man who could only hide behind a woman when facing a problem!

Fairly speaking, who would like a man like that? Not to mention that Gyosuke Harada was the father of the woman in question. Even though this meeting was merely meant for Gyosuke and his wife to meet their daughter’s boyfriend, not to inspect a future son-in-law!

Of course, if Gyosuke felt satisfied with the boyfriend Norika brought, then meeting her boyfriend today might very well turn into inspecting a son-in-law!

That was why Takeo was getting anxious, directing his words harshly against Quillan and picking fault at every turn.

A man hiding behind a woman?

Hearing such harsh and piercing words, Quillan couldn’t help but knit his brows slightly. He then observed Gyosuke Harada’s reaction.

Gyosuke’s expression didn’t look good at all. His sharp, bright eyes remained fixed on Norika and Quillan, and his chest heaved as his breathing grew heavy! It was clear that Gyosuke was striving to suppress something, waiting for an explanation.

Thus, Gyosuke kept staring at Quillan standing behind Norika, waiting to see how Quillan would respond to Takeo’s words.

Would he continue to hide behind Norika as a weak little man, or step out like a real man?

Without a doubt, Quillan chose the latter.

He was no weak man. Although he was still quite young right now, Quillan had never imagined himself hiding behind a woman, nor had he ever thought of relying on others for anything in his entire life.

Quillan was Quillan—he didn’t need to rely on anyone!

So, just as Norika was about to speak up on Quillan’s behalf once more, Quillan took a step forward and stood right by her side.

From Quillan’s face, one couldn’t tell what was going on in his inner world at all. Sporting a faint, composed smile, Quillan—who stood no shorter than Norika even while she wore high heels—exuded a strong sense of confidence.

This was the very first time Quillan revealed his extraordinary side here in Japan. Ordinarily, he gave off the impression of just a slightly sunny and handsome youth, but right now, he gave off an unfathomable and inscrutable aura.

A touch of mystery, combined with the composure and confidence on Quillan’s face, easily made others view him in a whole new light—naturally including Gyosuke Harada, who had just met him!

Quillan specifically wanted Gyosuke to view him in a new light. Otherwise, no matter how silver-tongued Quillan might be, it would be difficult to change Gyosuke’s first impression of him. Not to mention Takeo Kobayashi standing right beside them, fanning the flames and fanning Gyosuke’s dissatisfaction toward Quillan!

Gyosuke already held a preconceived, unfavorable impression of Quillan, proving that Takeo’s remarks had been highly effective. Looking at the situation from the perspective of rival suitors, Takeo clearly held an advantage with Norika’s parents.

And that advantage was by no means small. First of all, Takeo was Japanese and Kaori Harada’s nephew. They were essentially family and relatives, whereas Quillan was merely an outsider!

Therefore, Quillan had no innate advantage to speak of. Japanese parents were traditionally strict regarding their children’s marriage prospects. Even with Norika’s support, Quillan wouldn’t be able to gain much of an upper hand against Takeo.

This was also the reason why Takeo had come to Tokyo despite knowing Norika had a boyfriend. He was likely fearless because he felt confident in securing the support of Mr. and Mrs. Harada!

Furthermore, Quillan was just a very young kid. In Takeo’s eyes, this young guy should be easy to handle.

Was that truly the case, though?

Quillan’s sudden display of utter confidence caused Takeo to knit his brows, while simultaneously diminishing Gyosuke’s dissatisfaction with Quillan by quite a few degrees!

Everyone’s attention was almost entirely focused on Quillan, waiting to hear what he had to say.

Faced with Takeo’s barbed questions, how would this young man perform?