After a five-day holiday, Liu's Restaurant finally reopened.
In just five days, the restaurant had undergone a complete transformation.
Smooth, gleaming floors, antique dining tables, and even a new long counter.
Last time, after learning that Sora and the others planned to live here, Liu Ming hired a professional construction team.
They not only built new houses in the courtyard but also rearranged the layout inside the restaurant.
Liu Ming was willing to spend money, and the project was completed in just one week. The other party even helped him with the cleaning.
Because the restaurant's current setup was so beautiful, Xiao Hina happily ran around the restaurant hall.
Sora and Miyu also couldn't help but look around.
Liu Ming led the nervous Xiao Lingyin inside.
"This is my restaurant, and it's also where you'll live from now on. Miyu, please show Xiao Lingyin around."
"Okay! Xiao Lingyin, let's go see the new house together." Miyu scurried back, took Xiao Lingyin's small hand, and ran towards the courtyard.
Elma also couldn't contain her joy and followed them.
After all, she had always lived in the small attic on the third floor and had long wanted a small room of her own.
"What's wrong?" Liu Ming slowly approached Tadokoro Megumi and gently placed his hand on her head.
After returning, Tadokoro Megumi had been in low spirits.
"I... Master, maybe I shouldn't go to Tootsuki Academy anymore." Tadokoro Megumi's tone was full of reluctance.
She was a boarding student at Totsuki Academy, and once school started, she would have to return to school life, and it would probably be a long time before she had a chance to come back.
"Silly girl, have you forgotten the purpose of becoming my disciple? Wasn't it to stay at Totsuki Academy and continue your studies? What you're saying now is completely putting the cart before the horse." Liu Ming couldn't help but chuckle; he had thought something big had happened.
"But I don't want to leave everyone." Tadokoro Megumi's eyes were red. She had been very happy during this time, and suddenly having to part was truly difficult.
"It's not like it's a life-or-death separation. You can come back to visit anytime. If you're busy, we can also visit you. What's there to worry about?"
Liu Ming gently patted her head, offering comfort.
"Really? Master, you'll really come to see me?" Tadokoro Megumi looked directly at Liu Ming.
"Of course. You're my disciple. You must remember that you have everyone behind you. No matter what happens, I will help you. After returning to Tootsuki, remember to snatch a spot in the Elite Ten. I'll be here waiting for your good news."
"Yes, I'll work hard." Tadokoro Megumi nodded seriously.
"Xiao Ming-ge, I've come for my souvenir!" Tamako quickly ran in, extending her hand towards Liu Ming, with her younger sister Anko following behind her.
Liu Ming playfully slapped her hand away. "I just got back, and you already know?"
"Of course! I'm the know-it-all of the shopping street; nothing can be hidden from me." Tamako smiled triumphantly, then quickly realized.
"Don't think praising me will work! Hand over the souvenir!"
Liu Ming rolled his eyes at Tamako. He hadn't praised her at all, had he?
"Look at Anko. She's younger than you, yet much more sensible. The things are in that box; go find them yourself." Liu Ming ruffled Anko's hair.
"I told you not to call me Anko!" Anko grumbled, pulling away from Liu Ming's hand, then jogged a couple of steps to Tamako's side, looking at the box with anticipation.
Anko is a bit introverted, and her silence doesn't mean she doesn't want to receive souvenirs.
"Wow, what beautiful seashells! Xiao Ming, can I really pick whatever I want?" Tamako asked excitedly.
"You can, but don't take them all, or I won't have anything left for the others when they arrive," Liu Ming replied.
"Then I won't be polite! Anko, do you like any? I'll let you choose first." Tamako looked at Anko, who was equally happy. As an older sister, she was still very concerned about her younger sister.
"I'll choose this spotted seashell bracelet, and this milky white scallop," Anko searched for a while and picked out two items she liked.
"Is that so? Then I'll choose two as well. This one is nice, hmm, that one seems even prettier, wow, this one is so cool!"
Tamako spent a full ten minutes picking and finally found her favorites: a rainbow seashell necklace and a large conch shell.
She stood up, took a deep breath, and then blew into the conch.
A deep, powerful roar echoed through the restaurant.
Xiao Hina stopped playing and scurried over to Tamako, her eyes shining as she looked at the conch in Tamako's hand.
Anko tugged on Tamako's sleeve.
Tamako looked at her sister in confusion, following her gaze, and also saw Xiao Hina.
Looking at the adorable Xiao Hina in front of her, she couldn't help but squat down and pinch Xiao Hina's soft cheeks.
"Xiao Hina wants to try too." Xiao Hina wasn't angry; she curiously pointed at the conch in Tamako's hand.
Tamako handed the conch to Xiao Hina. The two sisters looked at Xiao Hina curiously, wondering if she could blow it.
Xiao Hina held the conch with both hands and blew hard, but besides some air leaking out, there was no other sound.
Xiao Hina immediately pouted. She went to Liu Ming's side and handed him the conch. "Uncle, teach me."
Liu Ming looked at the conch in his hand, then at Xiao Hina's expectant eyes.
He first ruffled Xiao Hina's head, then led her to the box.
After searching for a while, he finally found a small conch suitable for Xiao Hina, only one-third the size of his palm.
"Xiao Hina, try this."
Xiao Hina took it suspiciously, then blew into it again.
This time, she was able to blow it normally.
The sound was different from before; it was a bit crisp and pleasant.
Listening to the crisp and pleasant sound, Xiao Hina was very happy; she had finally learned.
Seeing Xiao Hina having so much fun playing by herself, Liu Ming didn't disturb her.
"Xiao Ming, we're eating here today." Tamako had already put on the seashell necklace and was holding the large conch in her hand.
"Oh~~, last time when I said I'd treat you to a meal, you ran away pretty fast. What's wrong this time that you're so proactive? Are you up to something?" Liu Ming asked curiously.
"Hehe," Tamako scratched her head, a little embarrassed.
"Sister heard from others that Uncle Xiao Ming's cooking is very delicious now, and she wants to try it," Anko explained.
"I told you to call me Older Brother, not Uncle," Liu Ming said, displeased, pinching Anko's cheek.
"No way! Who told you to keep calling me Anko?" Anko had no intention of giving in.