Today, everyone in the restaurant felt a bit down, because Tadokoro Megumi was leaving soon.
Although there were still two days until school started, she had to go back early to make some preparations.
"Sister Megumi, I won't have a chance to eat your cooking anymore," Miyu hugged Tadokoro Megumi, her voice full of reluctance.
"With Master here, are you afraid you won't have good things to eat?" Tadokoro Megumi rolled her eyes at her, annoyed. Was this girl Miyu reluctant to part with her, or with the delicious food?
"Xiao Ming is so lazy, I'm afraid he won't make us anything good to eat besides regular meals," Miyu said, dissatisfied.
"I'm still here, you know. Saying that about me to my face, aren't you afraid I'll make things difficult for you?
You know, after today, Megumi won't be here, and no one will be cooking special meals for you." Liu Ming crossed his arms, looking at her playfully.
Miyu blinked. She realized she had made a huge mistake. She immediately hid behind Sora, not daring to speak carelessly anymore.
"Master." Tadokoro Megumi came before Liu Ming, with faint dark circles under her eyes, suggesting she hadn't slept well last night.
"You are definitely ready now. Believe in yourself." Liu Ming didn't say too much, but this single sentence contained his absolute trust in Tadokoro Megumi.
"Yes, I will definitely get into the Elite Ten," Tadokoro Megumi's usual gentle demeanor changed, and her eyes shot out a blazing fighting spirit.
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, whose aura had changed dramatically, Sora and the others were secretly startled. Was this still the gentle Sister Megumi they knew?
These days, Liu Ming's care and guidance for her were all deeply etched in Tadokoro Megumi's heart.
But she wanted to repay him, yet didn't know how.
Fame? Liu Ming was a world-renowned writer.
Profit? Liu Ming never seemed to lack money.
Power? She really had no way to help with that.
Last night, she thought all night.
The only thing she could think of was to repay Liu Ming with the title of an Elite Ten Master.
To let the world know that her master—Liu Ming—besides being an excellent writer, was also a world-class chef.
"I'll await your good news." Liu Ming approvingly ruffled her head.
Tadokoro Megumi bowed deeply to Liu Ming.
"Sister Toru, thank you for taking care of me during this time." Tadokoro Megumi went in front of Toru and gently hugged her.
Toru was the second person Tadokoro Megumi met at the restaurant. Although she sometimes seemed a bit unreliable, Tadokoro Megumi felt her concern for her.
And she had also heard Liu Ming say that two of the herbs for the Appetizer Soup were found by Toru, otherwise it wouldn't have been so smooth.
"If anything happens, call me back. I'll help you get even." Toru raised her fist, looking like she had her back.
"Yes, I will."
Next, Tadokoro Megumi bid farewell to everyone one by one.
What Liu Ming didn't expect was that among so many people present, the one most reluctant to part with Tadokoro Megumi was Elma.
However, thinking about it carefully, it was quite normal, after all, she was a true foodie dragon.
Tadokoro Megumi was the one with the highest culinary skills in the restaurant, besides Liu Ming. Moreover, Tadokoro Megumi was kind-hearted; as long as a friend asked her, she would basically not refuse.
It seemed that quite a few people in the restaurant had asked Tadokoro Megumi for special meals.
...
Even though the restaurant was without Tadokoro Megumi, it still needed to operate.
At 11 o'clock, Sora hung the "Open" sign on the door.
Xiao Lingyin had already changed into Miyu's spare uniform.
At this moment, she had completely transformed. With two bun hairstyles on her head and a brand new qipao, she looked like a little mountain elf.
Soon, customers started to arrive.
"Welcome!" Xiao Lingyin greeted them with a beaming smile. After all, she had run a cafeteria herself, so her service attitude was quite professional.
The person who came was clearly stunned. Looking at the adorable Xiao Lingyin, his body involuntarily followed her. By the time he came back to his senses, he was already sitting in an empty seat.
This restaurant is poisonous.
Before, the dishes were poisonous, and now even the people are poisonous.
.....
"You're finally back." Natsuno Kirihime arrived at the restaurant on time. She didn't know how she knew the restaurant had opened, but she went straight to Liu Ming after entering the shop.
"Yo, long time no see," Liu Ming greeted softly.
"Why did you suddenly take a break? Was it for store renovations?" Natsuno Kirihime asked curiously.
"That's part of the reason. More importantly, I took them to the beach while there was still some Summer Vacation left, otherwise there wouldn't be time once school starts."
Natsuno Kirihime nodded.
Seeing the atmosphere becoming a bit awkward, Liu Ming had no choice but to ask, "What are you eating today?"
"Are there any new dishes?" Natsuno Kirihime's eyes lit up, and she licked her lips.
"You must be referring to the special menu, right? There are two new ones." Liu Ming also knew that the other party definitely wouldn't be talking about dishes from the regular menu.
After hearing this, Natsuno Kirihime immediately reserved those two dishes and also ordered her lunch.
....
At two in the afternoon, the restaurant closed on time.
After everyone had tidied up, Liu Ming told them they would go shopping at the mall together.
Miyu immediately cheered.
Sora, however, was a little worried. "Uncle, we still have to open tonight."
"Don't we have over two hours? The mall is nearby, and we can get back quickly.
Xiao Lingyin's clothes are too old, and she can't keep wearing yours, so I plan to buy her some new ones.
Xiao Hina and Kanna are new students and need a lot of school supplies. You all should check yourselves too, and if you're missing anything, we'll buy it together."
Sora thought about it and felt it made sense, so she no longer objected.
And so, a group of ten people, mighty and grand, headed to the mall.
Liu Ming, worried that Xiao Lingyin might not be used to it, held her hand and walked with her, leaving Xiao Hina to Sora.
Upon arriving at the mall, Toru's figure clearly paused.
Presumably, she still had lingering trauma from human architecture.
"It's okay." Liu Ming extended his free hand, took Toru's small hand, and led her into the mall.
Tohru's earlier reaction was just instinct; she wasn't truly afraid. However, seeing Liu Ming take her hand, she wouldn't miss such a good opportunity. She gripped his hand tightly, not giving Liu Ming any chance to let go.
Liu Ming felt the strength in her palm and couldn't help but smile helplessly.
As a new family member, everyone was very concerned about Xiao Lingyin.
After entering the mall, they headed straight for the clothing floor.
Looking at the various beautiful clothes before her, Xiao Lingyin found her eyes weren't enough to take it all in.
"Xiao Lingyin, come over here quickly and see how this dress looks. I think it suits you very well," Sora said, picking out a white lace dress from among many.
Xiao Lingyin looked up at Liu Ming, her eyes showing a hint of eagerness but also a touch of shyness.
Liu Ming smiled gently, released Xiao Lingyin's hand, and then lightly pushed her back.
"Go on, I'll be watching from the side."
"En," Xiao Lingyin gave a happy smile and trotted towards Sora.