abcnovels
Chapter 142: [Double Taxation]
Chapter 142: [Double Taxation]
Chapter 142: [Double Taxation]
"This is a chance, Iroha-chan!"
"Ah-nee, even if you say that…"
The gap between reality and ideals is an emotional issue.
Even if you understand it logically, it's not something you can easily control.
"First of all, your premise is wrong! It's not that your image has crumbled; you've just noticed a new charm in your favorite!"
"Huh!?"
"That's right, Iroha! And recently, I've been using new outfits more often than worn-out clothes!"
While Angu Ogu's slightly off-the-mark explanation is off-kilter.
Ah-nee's words make sense.
Certainly, she hasn't been lying all along.
I've heard that after leaving her parents' house, she lived a life as impoverished as her public profile, "Angu Ogu," suggests.
Right, that's how it was.
What audacious thoughts I had.
Trying to impose my own "interpretation" on my oshi!?
"I was the wrong one. Thank you, Ah-nee! Thanks to you, I've come to love ogu even more! Oh, I love Ogu so much! Ogu, love! I adore ogu, ogu!"
"?!?!?! Are you able to say that in front of the person herself!?"
"Well, yeah, Iroha-chan! Because saying things like that leads to misunderstandings, you know!?"
Angu Ogu's face turns bright red.
Mai also panics and tries to cover my mouth.
"What are you saying? — When expressing love for ‘oshi', time and place don't matter!"
"…Sigh," "Sigh"
Angug Ou and Mai both heave a sigh simultaneously.
They seem somewhat exasperated.
"This guy is so straightforward to me as a VTuber. Haah, I feel like I might get jealous of myself. Back when we met, she was so attached to me."
"In a way, it's just the usual Iroha-chan."
"No, no, it's all because of your behavior, you two!"
She seems to imply that I'm the one at fault, but it's quite disheartening.
Observing our back-and-forth, Sister wipes her sweat with a "phew".
"That settles it! So, Iroha-chan, how about it? Don't you think I'm learning as a VTuber fan too?"
"Indeed. I never thought Ah-nee would teach me about being a VTuber fan. It's hard to believe this is the same Ah-nee who has far surpassed her ‘fan boundary'."
"Hehe, I guess it shows I'm growing too! That's why I've been studying so I can come up with excuses even if I cross that boundary!"
"Well, how about putting effort into not crossing the boundary in the first place? But I guess that works for you, sister."
I chuckled wryly.
Ah-nee always manages to shatter my conventional wisdom positively.
"By the way! The new outfit Ogu was talking about is the one that matches Iroha-chan's, right? The somewhat Lolita-ish poncho design? They even contacted me about the design!"
"Huh? Was that a matching outfit!?"
I did think, "They look pretty similar.".
It became a topic in the comments, with people saying, "They must be intentionally aiming for this.".
"Nah, that's not true!? I-I mean, it just happened to end up looking similar!"
"Is that so? Then why did they inform me about it?"
"Ugh!? That's, well, the colors are different!"
"Jeez…"
As I direct my gaze, Angu Ogu avoids my eyes.
It's almost like a confession.
"Speaking of which, Mai also saw something about a ‘young couple'. What does that even mean!?"
"Ugh, th-that's something I don't know! After all, Iroha's a little girl. I'm a mature lady!"
"Hahaha! Your height doesn't make a compelling argument, Ogu!"
"Anego, you said it, didn't you!?"
Oops, this could become troublesome.
It looks like it's heading into an awkward topic. I interjected before it could escalate.
"More importantly, Ogu. If you're living in the White House, we can't live together, right?"
"No problem at all. I'll rent another house or something."
"Well, what I mean is, Ogu. You personally, in Japan. Wait, huh? You can live somewhere other than the White House?"
"It's not a traditional practice, but if it's for streaming, it should be fine."
"Using being a VTuber as an excuse sounds a bit too convenient, doesn't it?"
"Well, I'm a hero who saved the world. If this were 2 years ago, it probably wouldn't have been accepted."
"I see…"
It's surprisingly flexible.
If I had thought about it, it makes sense.
Even Ogu's mom didn't have a good impression of VTubing at the time. Times have changed.
"So, if I were to move, would you recommend Washington State? Since it would be easier for us to live together when Ogu moves to Japan or during visits?"
"Hold on a second! Washington D.C. and Washington State are completely different places!"
"Huh? Oh, was it like the story with the country of mice?"
"Is that analogy even appropriate!? And besides, Washington D.C. is accessible by train, but Washington State isn't something that we can easily manage!"
Saying that Ogu shows a map on her smartphone.
Oh my, seriously!?
Isn't this like the farthest east and west parts of the U.S.?
"W-Wow, they're that far apart?"
"Be careful with your words, idiot. The tax rates differ by state in the U.S., have you understood that aspect?"
"I know that. And actually… despite this conversation, I've already made progress with school and finding a place to live. I've even consulted with a tax accountant."
"Why bother asking for my recommendation if you already have everything planned!?"
In the U.S., there are mainly two types of taxes. Those are federal and state taxes.
Additionally, some states don't have an income tax, while others do.
For high-income earners like us, we need to choose carefully, or we'll face a financial nightmare.
"But, Ogu, have you resolved the tax issue for moving to Japan? This isn't the time for jokes about ‘living together in America,' you know?"
"No, it's not a joke, I'm serious."
"Huh?"
"Well, not just… Ugh…"
"To solve the issue of double taxation, living together with Iroha is necessary!"
Whaaat!?