"Mizuo, it's Ziongzong."

Standing outside Mizuo's house, Ziongzong lightly rang the doorbell and identified himself over the intercom.

After waiting silently for five or six minutes, the door clicked open and Mizuo stood behind it, only opening it slightly to confirm that it was only Ziongzong before removing the chain lock.

"Come in."

Mizuo's voice lacked energy. She had been in this state for the past month with no signs of improvement.

Ziongzong, who was already in a tense mood, felt even heavier as he entered the house. The stagnant air, musty smell, and dim lighting made it difficult for him to move.

Although he had been gentle and not forced Mizuo, was it really okay to let her continue to spiral into despair like this?

Ziongzong contemplated these thoughts and followed Mizuo into the living room.

The trash can was filled with instant noodles and various fast food. The room, which had been cleaned by Yuki just yesterday, was messy again today.

Ziongzong had always been tolerant and understanding of this situation.

But day after day, until now, it had been a month already.

Ziongzong knew very well that his patience was reaching its limit.

It wasn't about how to comfort and soothe Mizuo's grief over her mother's death, but how to guide and help her so that she could return to a normal life, the life Koga Shii had hoped for.

At the same time, expectations imposed by others could easily cause harm.

Especially for Mizuo, a child going through a special period.

Ziongzong sat on the floor in the living room, watching Mizuo eat Yukino's food expressionlessly, watching Mizuo stare at the TV, watching some meaningless variety show...

He began to realize that he couldn't let her continue like this, even if it might hurt her.

Whether she studies or not, her education or future job doesn't matter, in the life of a little girl, without a healthy body and a happy smile, it's truly pitiful.

Thinking of this, Ziongzong clenched his fist, wanting to say something to this lifeless Mizuo, but hesitated. He really didn't know how to start or have a mature and convincing speech.

--- This matter needs to be handled precisely. If I fail by forcing it, Mizuo will lose trust in me as well, and that would be a reversal of priorities.

Considering the seriousness of failure, Ziongzong let go of his clenched fist and took a deep breath.

--- Let's plan for the long term. In order for Mizuo to recover faster, we can't be impatient here. Haste makes waste, yes, haste makes waste.

Ziongzong stood up and started to tidy up Mizuo's house. After packing up the trash and bringing it to the door, he noticed that Mizuo had finished dinner as well. Ziongzong took the lunchbox to the kitchen to wash it and checked if there was enough food in the refrigerator.

After making sure everything was fine, Ziongzong said goodbye to Mizuo and left her house, carrying the trash along with the lunchbox.

And Mizuo's indifferent nod to Ziongzong's departure was just as cold. She followed him to the entrance and immediately heard the sound of Mizuo locking the door from the inside with iron chains after Ziongzong went out.

Although she didn't like outsiders touching her, at least Mizuo now made it possible for Ziongzong and the others to leave her alone in the house without worrying too much about her safety.

After going downstairs, Usuki Yui was already waiting for Ziongzong at the agreed place.

Looking at Usuki Yui's meaningful expression, Ziongzong finally understood that the so-called "going to buy something on the way" was a lie. The real reason was probably because she anticipated that his patience was running out and was afraid that something might happen, so she came along on purpose.

Ziongzong forced a smile at Usuki Yui and they went home together.

-Tonight, we need to have a meeting to discuss and support Mizuo!