Everyone listened to the old man's explanation and was already discussing it animatedly.
Their hearts were filled with even more admiration.
Shaolin Kung Fu is great!
The old man surveyed the surroundings; there had just been a fight.
Although Sakura and Ayaka had no intention of causing damage, some tables and chairs were still scattered, a complete mess.
The old man narrowed his eyes.
Just as Hayato was wondering if he should stay and wash dishes or sell himself, the old man stroked his long, straight mustache: "Since there's good karma, I won't ask for compensation from you for now. Don't let it happen again."
It seemed the old man was not only a chef but also the owner of this shop.
He clasped his hands behind his back and turned, calling for a waiter to clean up.
Hayato called out to the old man's not-so-tall back: "Thank you!"
It was authentic Chinese, and the old man looked back in surprise, asking in the same language:
"You, Chinese?"
"Maybe, maybe not," Hayato smiled.
The old man thought for a moment but didn't ask further; he bent down to pick up the pot and then walked into the back kitchen.
Sakura had long heard her grandfather speak of China's mystery; even the origin of the Kendo she admired came from China, so she had always yearned for that country.
Hearing Hayato mention it today, she found it even more incredible.
No wonder Hayato-kun's Kendo was so extraordinary; it turned out to be influenced by the Hawaii Branch of the Shaolin Temple in China.
She must ask Hayato-kun for more guidance in the future!
As for Ayaka's impression of China, it all came from the internet.
She heard that the people of China were exceptionally strong and fierce.
It was said that every year in early autumn, in September, special military units would gather on every college campus in China for training, and after September, these units would hide among the populace!
One could imagine how terrifying the combat power of the Chinese people was!
Not only that, she also heard that not only high schools but even children who had just started elementary school had to practice martial arts techniques such as 'The Rising Sun,' 'Fledgling Eagle Takes Flight,' and 'The Call of the Times.'
She never expected this kid to have received such a legacy.
It seemed that her previous loss to him was not shameful after all!
"Ren, —"
On the other end, the child who Hayato had kicked away was still bewildered, not having recovered yet.
The young woman repeatedly shook his small shoulders before he finally came back to his senses.
Even though he was young, he could sense the danger that had brushed past him—he had almost lost his life!
"Ren, are you alright?" the young woman asked.
Ren shook his head blankly, then reached out to cover his heart on his left chest, which was thumping rapidly.
The young woman noticed Ren-kun's state and quickly asked, "Ren, is your chest uncomfortable?"
"He landed on his butt, so his butt should hurt, not his chest," Hayato walked over, pouting. "Such a brat, still pretending."
Hayato bent down and picked up the book that had fallen on the ground.
This pocket-sized "alpaca princess" book was originally in his shirt pocket, but the pocket was a bit shallow, and he had run too fast just now, causing it to slip out.
Ren-kun stared at the book Hayato picked up.
Hayato's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly hid the book at triple speed, fearing that this brat might try to snatch his book!
He never assumed good intentions when it came to brats.
The young woman, who had been squatting in front of Ren-kun, quickly stood up when she saw Hayato approaching.
The young woman smoothed her slightly disheveled short hair and bowed, saying, "Thank you, sir, for your help."
She was very polite and knew that when expressing gratitude, one should reveal a certain depth.
Deep, quite deep indeed.
"It's nothing," Hayato shifted his gaze and waved his hand.
Although the young woman looked young, she was at least ten years older than Hayato, and coupled with the brat she brought, it could be inferred that she was already married.
How could Hayato be compared to a 'Cao thief' (a historical figure associated with taking others' wives)!?
"Lian Jun, quickly come and say thank you!" the young woman gently called Ren-kun.
Ren-kun stood up stiffly, then stood stiffly in front of the young woman.
The brat, not very old, only reached the young woman's chest in height, and he still stiffly bowed, muttering numbly:
"Tha-thank you…"
Hayato had no interest in saying more to the brat, only giving a perfunctory grunt.
Then, he took the wooden sword back from Ayaka, let the hilt spin once around his wrist, and rewrapped it in white cloth.
The brat's eyes immediately lit up, and he swallowed several times as he looked at Hayato's wooden sword.
Just as Hayato and the others were about to leave, Ren-kun finally couldn't help but step forward and ask loudly:
"B-big brother!!"
"—Huh?"
Hayato turned back impatiently.
"Excuse me, how can I become as strong as you!?" Ren-kun asked.
Hayato scratched his face. He didn't want to answer, but Ayaka and Sakura were both looking at him because of it, so he couldn't ignore them.
"Eat more vegetables, exercise regularly, go to bed early and wake up early tomorrow, maintain physical health, and psychological well-being."
"…Okay!" Ren-kun answered loudly.
They walked out of the restaurant.
"That child," Sakura said softly, "The first time I saw him, he gave off a very annoying feeling… but just now, he seemed much better."
"Really?" Ayaka hadn't paid much attention.
And Hayato didn't even hear Sakura speaking. He shivered, the feeling of being completely drenched was really uncomfortable.
[Hmph hmph~~ Now you know how amazing Ai-chan is, right? This was all part of Ai-chan's plan, Host!! Beep, Ai-chan makes a JoJo-esque sound.]
'If you were really that amazing, you wouldn't have been like a defeated dog, not daring to let out a single fart when you first got drawn. A blind squirrel finds a nut.'
[Bu-but! Even if everything you say is true, doesn't Ai-chan deserve even one percent of the credit! Beep, Ai-chan stomps her feet in exasperation, then is disappointed to realize Ai-chan doesn't have feet.]
'Ah, well, yes, you do. Thank you.'
[Host is bullying Ai-chan again and again… Eh… Eh!? This time it's thanks!? Eh!! Ai-chan suspects either Ai-chan has a bug or Host has a bug.]
'…'
[Ai-Ai-chan won't be happy just because of one thank you! Beep, at least three more, no, five! Five times! Beep, Ai-chan says more, more.]
"…"
[Ah, not good, important business is coming.]
As he spoke, the Ai-chan in Hayato's mind switched to a professional tone.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission "Best Friends Can't Always Be Trusted," you have received one lottery chance.]
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission "Healthy Family Ethics," you have received one lottery chance.]
[Would Host like to start the lottery draw immediately?]
'…Have you finally broken down?'
Hayato was perplexed.
Disrupting Yui and Mikami Kensuke's plan certainly counted as completing the first mission and should earn a reward.
But, the second one…
Where did that even come from?
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