Red-Blooded Idealism

Fujiwara Yuzu has never believed in so-called true love. When it comes to getting through life, having enough money is all that matters. So in a world where everyone champions women's independence and fiercely rejects male chauvinism and authoritarianism, she's an out-and-out traditionalist who wants to live off a man. What's so bad about male chauvinism? The man can work hard out in the world while she stays home and lives off his income!

As long as he pays her on time, she doesn't even mind if he cheats. Still, wouldn't it be better to find a good man with principles and standards?

With this hope in mind, Fujiwara Yuzu spent her childhood picking and choosing among the people around her, until she finally took a liking to the handsome mixed-race guy next door, who was also of Japanese descent.

Handsome: check.

Talented: check.

High standards: check.

Good family background: check.

Male chauvinist: check.

It's settled. You're the one!

A beautiful bond needs to be nurtured from childhood, and Fujiwara Yuzu knew this well. After setting her sights on him, she followed him around every day, going to great lengths until she finally made it into the protective circle of this cold-faced, cold-hearted guy.

She thought her wonderful life was about to begin, but it turned out to be the start of hell.

Sleep in until late morning?

No. Get up and exercise. A healthy body is the foundation of everything. You can't be lazy. Laziness leads to all kinds of common ailments.

Skip your homework and just bluff your way through?

No. Let's study hard together. The more you know, the less likely you are to be deceived. A broader outlook and a better understanding of the world give you room to choose your own future.

Eat in the cafeteria every day and mooch off other people?

No. Come learn to cook. If your parents aren't reliable, you have to learn to be independent. Relying on yourself is the only way. Cooking is a life skill, too.

Fujiwara Yuzu finally got it.

She hadn't found herself a male chauvinist boyfriend. She'd found herself a male chauvinist dad!

Being dad-coded was one thing, but she had followed him from Britain to Japan, then gone to the US for school. She'd even considered joining the FBI because of him. And then this guy suddenly dumped her! He even disappeared! What happened to being her meal ticket for life?

Fujiwara Yuzu was so angry she quit her graduate program and ran back from the US to Japan, ready to experience the island nation's distinctive host-club scene and soothe her wounded heart. For instance, this new, melancholy-eyed guy seemed pretty good. He was tactful, polite, and charming. Everything was great except that she spent a fortune ordering a champagne tower. He even advised her not to drink too much when she was out alone.

Hmm, she really should drink less. She was already drunk.

Otherwise, why would she be seeing that damned ex-boyfriend of hers staring at her from the corner?

Theme: It's better to rely on yourself than on a man