Eishin Flash quickly finished washing the dishes, while Nu Tao on the other side was still slowly dawdling, even humming a tune.

"Mr. Lu Jue, is there anything else you need me to do?" Eishin Flash asked again.

"No, that's all."

"Then I'll be leaving now."

"Alright, be careful on your way."

After speaking with Lu Jue, Eishin Flash briefly bid farewell to Nu Tao, then hurried away.

Lu Jue moved a stool and sat down next to Nu Tao. "Nu Tao, is washing dishes very enjoyable?"

"It's alright~ I was thinking of washing them for a bit longer, so they can be a little cleaner."

"Are you very familiar with Eishin Flash?" Since he couldn't ask the person directly, Lu Jue went straight to Nu Tao to understand the situation.

"Ah, Eishin Flash-senpai, due to her family's financial situation, she often works part-time outside to supplement their income."

"So that's how it is... No wonder she looks so capable." Lu Jue nodded.

Nu Tao felt like she was being unfairly targeted, pouting her cat-like mouth and muttering, "Mr. Lu Jue, am I not capable?"

"You work hard, and practice slowly, alright." Lu Jue looked at the antenna-like cowlick on Nu Tao's head and suddenly had the idea of cutting it off.

Shaking this strange thought out of his head, Lu Jue continued to ask about Eishin Flash. "That's not right, how does she usually have so much time for part-time jobs?"

"Hmm... It should be said that Senpai takes on part-time jobs whenever she has time." Nu Tao thought for a moment and continued, "Senpai is very amazing; she won the Derby a long time ago, but for some unknown reason, she gradually faded out of the Flash Series races later on."

"Could it still be due to family financial reasons?" If so, Lu Jue felt it would be a bit of a pity.

How long can an Uma Musume's peak last? If she fades out of competition during her peak, how could it not be a pity?

But Nu Tao shook her head. "I don't think so. Senpai often says, 'Eat well, run well,' which means running is still much more important than part-time work."

"Alright~" Although Lu Jue had some money, it was impossible for him to just give it to Eishin Flash for no reason.

Moreover, what he saw in the girl was diligence and optimism; such charity would be disrespectful to her.

Besides, they were just passing acquaintances; perhaps after this stop, there might not be any further contact... unless it was fated.

"Nu Tao, how much longer are you going to wash?" Lu Jue wasn't rushing her, but he simply couldn't stand it anymore, so he rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning too.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm just too clumsy!"

"Hey, hey, hey..." Her apology was so exaggerated that the water in the basin splashed onto Lu Jue's clothes and face. "Are you doing this on purpose, or by accident?"

Nu Tao clearly stifled a laugh, then immediately apologized to Lu Jue again. "Ah, I'm sorry!! I'll help you wipe it."

"Hey, hey!? Don't use a wet cloth!"

......

Nu Tao really was a scatterbrain; after washing the dishes and going to pour out the water, she didn't hold the basin properly and spilled it all over the floor.

This time she was truly embarrassed, with tears welling up in the corners of her eyes as she apologized.

"It's alright, it's alright. Since it's already happened, just try to make up for it." Although Lu Jue had a mischievous pleasure in seeing Nu Tao cry, he certainly wouldn't blame her for this matter.

"Waaah— Mr. Lu Jue, you're too kind." Nu Tao rubbed her eyes.

Lu Jue picked up the mop and started mopping the floor. "Nu Tao, you haven't joined any other team yet, have you? Do you have any intentions now?"

"'Rigil'......"

"You're not going to think about it again?" Lu Jue stopped working and extended the mop handle towards Nu Tao.

Nu Tao was amused by Lu Jue's actions, and more tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

Although she really wanted to follow Agnes Digital's footsteps and join "Rigil."

But if she could meet a gentle and capable Trainer...

"And 'Dream'......"

"Good eye! Good courage!" Lu Jue smiled and gave a thumbs-up, then bent down to mop the floor again. "Alright, just kidding, but if you really intend to join my team, you can notify me anytime."

"Oh— Okay~"

......

After locking the restaurant door, Lu Jue and Nu Tao left together.

Upon returning home, Lu Jue created a group chat on his messaging app to collect the sizes of the four Uma Musume under the guise of ordering custom work uniforms.

He kept them guessing, yet no one even asked what the work uniforms would look like.

Eishin Flash stated that as long as the salary was in place, everything was OK.

Taiki Shuttle stated that as long as there was good food to eat, everything was OK.

The author stated that as long as the gifts were in place, even a maid outfit wouldn't be not OK.

As for Rice Shower and Nu Tao, they didn't even have the slightest inclination to inquire.

Since everyone was like this, Lu Jue simply didn't say anything, figuring that when the clothes arrived, they wouldn't have a choice anyway.

......

The next day, Lu Jue continued to go to the restaurant to improve the menu.

The restaurant didn't need to be cleaned every day, so before official opening, Taiki Shuttle and the others didn't have to come daily. Only Rice Shower, who was learning to cook, was an exception.

However, today, before he even reached the restaurant entrance, he was stopped halfway by a row of Uma Musume with displeased expressions.

Being subjected to so many resentful gazes, Lu Jue, knowing he was in the wrong, couldn't remain calm—he hadn't gone to see the young Uma Musume practice these past few days.

So, feeling guilty, he averted his gaze, turned around in one fluid motion, and loudly muttered, "Oh my, oh my, I'm so tired today~ Maybe I should rest~" for fear they wouldn't hear him.

Lu Jue had already taken a step back, but he was abruptly stopped by a voice from behind him.

"Lu Jue-jun, do you really not want to see us?" Silent Suzuka spoke indifferently.

Seiun Sky, with her hands on her hips, echoed, "As expected, with new Uma Musume, you forget your own Uma Musume~ Oh, it seems 'Dream' has no place for me~"

Special Week shouted, "Trainer-san, please don't run away!"

Nimble Beret had appeared at some point and blocked Lu Jue's retreat.

She made a mistake and needed Lu Jue to punish her. Since Lu Jue angered the crowd, shouldn't he also be punished?

Rice Shower silently retreated to the corner, wondering if she had said something wrong by sharing what happened yesterday with them... Trainer shouldn't blame her and then not give her good food, right?

Tokai Teio, who had just joined, watched the commotion from the side.

Lu Jue knew the tide had turned, and slowly turned around, saying, "Listen to my explanation..."

No sooner had he spoken than a small, pink figure suddenly rushed into his embrace.

Lu Jue took a step back, bracing himself against Uralala's impact.

He thought Uralala was angry too and was struggling with how to comfort her.

Unexpectedly, she hugged his waist, looked up, and in her pair of lively big eyes, water rippled, reflecting Lu Jue's helpless expression.

Uralala's voice was soft, as if she was about to cry, making one feel extremely wronged just by listening. "Trainer... Uralala missed you so much."

......