Because of Nanako's words, the atmosphere in the car suddenly became somewhat heavy.
Liu Ming wanted to break the silence, but he couldn't think of how to answer Nanako's questions.
In his helplessness, he could only change the subject: "At least they're still here, aren't they? As long as people are alive, there's always a way, isn't there?"
"And some people aren't as lucky as you; no matter how much they want to see their parents, they no longer have the chance."
"But they still live on strongly. So, don't be too sad. If you really have any thoughts, don't hide them in your heart; speak them out frankly to the other person."
Nanako first wiped away the tears on her face, then turned her head. She looked at Liu Ming seriously and said, "Are you talking about those children in the restaurant?"
Liu Ming looked at her in surprise and said, "I didn't expect you to notice them."
"Their parents..." Nanako hesitated, not knowing how to speak.
"They're no longer here. If you happen to meet them, please don't bring it up; I don't want them to remember those sad things again," Liu Ming instructed solemnly.
"I'm not that bad!" Nanako said, dissatisfied. Although she often played tricks on her teacher, she had never bullied her classmates, let alone children younger than her.
"How come I feel like you're more of a teacher than Onizuka-sensei?" Nanako suddenly blurted out.
"Cough, cough," Onizuka quickly spoke up to make his presence known. He felt as if his own student was being 'stolen'; he knew that in his class, Nanako was the only normal one.
"Hehe~~" Nanako finally laughed, a very bright and charming laugh.
Liu Ming's lips curved slightly.
The atmosphere changed once again.
Before long, the car finally arrived at Nanako's doorstep.
Looking at the three-story Western-style house in front of them, it seemed Nanako wasn't wrong; her family was indeed quite wealthy now.
Nanako got out of the car reluctantly. Just a moment ago, it had only been about ten minutes, but she had been very happy.
She turned her head, bent down, leaned on the car window, looked at Liu Ming, and said, "Although it's a bit annoying that you brought me home, I still want to thank you for giving me a happy evening."
Liu Ming didn't speak, but instead gestured with his eyes for the other party to look behind him.
Nanako turned around curiously and found that Onizuka had also gotten out of the car. More importantly, he was holding a large iron hammer over a meter long.
"Onizuka-sensei, what are you planning to do?" Nanako looked at Onizuka, who resembled a delinquent, in shock.
"Didn't you say there's a cold wall in your house? Take me to it."
Onizuka looked at Nanako seriously. After listening to such upsetting words, he urgently needed to prove his ability as a teacher to his student.
Nanako seemed to guess Onizuka's intention, feeling both touched and a little worried. She weakly said, "Damaging other people's property is illegal."
Onizuka was stunned. He seemed to have completely overlooked that aspect. But in front of his student, and with that scoundrel Liu Ming here, how could he possibly lose his momentum?
He hung the large iron hammer over his shoulder and said, forcing himself to be calm, "I'm just here for a home visit; it's not illegal. Stop talking and lead the way."
Onizuka planned to do the deed while he still had the enthusiasm. As for what happened later, he would deal with it then.
Nanako looked at Liu Ming for help.
Liu Ming shrugged, indicating he was powerless.
Finally, Nanako could only helplessly lead Onizuka into the house.
Nanako's parents, whether they were waiting for Nanako or not, were both in the living room on the first floor.
When they saw Nanako, her mother went up to her and said, "Nanako, where have you been? Why are you home so late?"
"Honestly, you're so grown up now, can't you be a little less trouble?" These were her father's words.
However, before Nanako could reply, Onizuka, who was following behind her, also walked in.
Wearing slippers, shirtless, with earrings, a cigarette in his mouth, and a large iron hammer in his hand, he looked like a dangerous person no matter how you saw him.
"Who are you? What do you want to do by coming in? Nanako, come here quickly, it's too dangerous where you are." Nanako's parents' expressions changed repeatedly.
"My name is Onizuka Eikichi, 22 years old. I'm here tonight as a teacher for a home visit. Please treat me well," Onizuka said calmly.
"Don't joke around. With your appearance, how can you be a teacher? Wife, quickly call the police." Nanako's father didn't believe Onizuka's words at all.
"No, don't! Onizuka-sensei really is my teacher!" Nanako quickly stopped her mother and explained aloud.
Onizuka had been there once before, so he quickly found his way to the second floor and located the corresponding room. He looked at the wall in front of him and said, "Nanako, this is the cold wall you were talking about, right?"
"Mm," Nanako watched Onizuka's actions steadily, feeling both anxious and expectant.
Having received confirmation, Onizuka ignored Nanako's parents' obstructions, raised the large iron hammer high, and frantically struck the wall.
"Bang~"
Several minutes later, he had knocked a large hole in the wall.
"I've broken this wall for you; as for the one in your heart, that's up to you," Onizuka lightly patted Nanako's shoulder, then walked out.
Outside the door, Liu Ming had also gotten out of the car, holding a large clay pot with insulated gloves.
Seeing Onizuka come out, he asked with a smile, "Is everything done?"
"Mm," Onizuka came in front of Liu Ming, put down the large iron hammer, which hit the ground with a dull thud.
"Nanako just said this kind of behavior is illegal. Is that true?" Onizuka also started to consider the consequences of his actions.
"That's right; depending on the severity of the situation, there are different penalties. Minor cases result in small fines, while serious ones can mean several years in prison," Liu Ming said some very frightening words with a straight face.
Onizuka's face immediately turned very ugly. He really couldn't tell if his actions were minor or serious.
"Alright, don't worry too much. With Nanako speaking up for you, nothing should happen," Liu Ming said comfortingly.
"Should?" Onizuka was not satisfied with that answer.
"That's why I'm here, isn't it? Plus this, and there should be no problem," Liu Ming waved the still-hot large clay pot in his hand.
Because the backpack space was static, even after a long time, the food inside was still like it had just come out of the pot.
"sukiyaki?" Onizuka's eyebrows furrowed. What did this have to do with sukiyaki?
Liu Ming gave him a mysterious smile, then walked towards the house.