Under the recommendation of an Uncle, the group found a small restaurant.
Its name was 'Suzune Diner'.
Looking from outside the door, the diner seemed a bit old, with no other decorations except for a hanging sign with the store's name directly above the entrance.
A 'Open' sign was hanging on the main door, so the diner should be in business.
Chisa stood in the aisle, scrutinizing the diner for a while, then asked, "Do we really have to eat here? It doesn't feel like there will be anything good to eat."
"Don't judge a book by its cover; maybe it's an old establishment. Since we're here, let's go in and take a look."
Liu Ming didn't agree with Chisa's idea. This store, despite being so old, still existed, so there must be a reason for it; it might be unexpectedly delicious.
At this moment, the shop door was suddenly pulled open, and a little girl around ten years old walked out from inside.
The little girl's clothes were a bit worn, with many patches sewn on.
It was hard to imagine that in this day and age, there were still children willing to wear such worn-out clothes.
Was she not afraid of being laughed at by classmates and friends?
But looking at the little girl's own expression, she seemed not to care at all, and even showed a pure smile on her face.
Suzune Rin opened the door and happened to see Liu Ming and the others, and was immediately surprised.
She smiled brightly and asked expectantly, "Welcome, esteemed guests, would you like to come in and eat?"
"This..." Chisa hesitated.
However, facing such a little girl, she couldn't bring herself to refuse and could only look at Liu Ming for help.
Liu Ming didn't think much of it, he sized up Suzune Rin, then nodded.
Suzune Rin's smile grew even wider, and she quickly pulled the door open further, saying happily, "Welcome~~~"
Liu Ming led Xiao Hina and Kanna into the diner together.
Chisa followed closely behind.
The diner was a bit small, probably only a little over ten square meters.
There was only one long counter, and opposite it was the chef's operating station, separated by a counter about twenty centimeters high.
Although the counter and chairs were a bit old, they were wiped very clean and not at all dirty.
Suzune Rin came behind the counter and asked with a smile, "What would you like to eat, esteemed guests?"
"Helping her family at such a young age, that's truly admirable," Chisa said.
"No, this is my own shop," Suzune Rin said with a smile.
"Eh?" Chisa opened her mouth, then asked curiously, "How old are you now?"
"My name is Suzune Rin, and I'm 10 years old this year," Suzune Rin didn't hide it and said it directly.
"Then where are your parents? Where are they now?" Chisa found it strange; they had been in for so long, and no one had come out yet.
"They're up there," Suzune Rin pointed upwards with her finger.
"Oh, so they're on the second floor. Well, quickly call them down. It's too dangerous for a little girl like you to be here alone."
"There's nothing I can do, because they're in heaven," Suzune Rin scratched her head and said.
"He-he-heaven?" Chisa was stunned and speechless.
"Yes, heaven." Suzune Rin's expression wasn't downcast; she even showed a smile.
"Then who else is in this shop?" Chisa couldn't help but ask again.
"No one else, it's just me," Suzune Rin found it strange; why did this beautiful older sister keep asking her questions?
Chisa couldn't describe her feelings at this moment; why could she still smile?
She was so young, and living such a hard life, yet she wasn't sad at all; in fact, her smile was so bright and warm.
"Make four portions of your best dishes," Liu Ming said at this moment, breaking the silent atmosphere.
"Okay, esteemed guests, please wait a moment." Suzune Rin also secretly breathed a sigh of relief; there weren't many ingredients left in the store right now.
If the guests ordered food she didn't have, she would have to give up this hard-won order.
She happily prepared the ingredients.
Thirty minutes later, four plates of colorful vegetable fried noodles were placed before everyone.
"Time to eat!" Xiao Hina clapped her hands happily, but after she took a bite, her mouth immediately drooped.
She put down her spoon and looked at Liu Ming pitifully.
Seeing this, Chisa couldn't help but take a bite herself; the taste of these vegetable fried noodles was really strange.
Suzune Rin had been watching everyone, but when she saw Xiao Hina, the adorable little girl, almost cry after eating her food, she suddenly became a little flustered.
Liu Ming soothingly ruffled Xiao Hina's hair, then he also took a bite himself.
The taste, how to describe it, was hard to put into words.
Sweet, bitter, greasy, astringent.
He looked at the bewildered Suzune Rin and asked strangely, "Why did you put chocolate in it?"
"Because it's delicious, I like it the most. Don't you like it? I'm really sorry, how about this meal is free?"
Suzune Rin said nervously, her eyes showing a bit of regret and heartache.
The regret was not being able to earn money, and the heartache was not only not earning money but also having to spend a lot on ingredients, knowing that her savings were not much.
What a sad story.
Liu Ming thought for a moment and went to the counter.
Suzune Rin thought Liu Ming was going to scold her and was a little nervous.
But she was overthinking it; Liu Ming took over Suzune Rin's position and began to examine the operating station.
He looked at the seasonings inside; although there were few types, they were enough for him.
He took back the four plates of vegetable fried noodles and began to re-cook them.
Ten minutes later, five plates of dishes modified by Liu Ming appeared before everyone.
Smelling the aroma emanating from them, Suzune Rin couldn't help but sniff, her throat constantly moving.
It smells so good.
Why does it smell so good?