"Hmm, I'm glad to meet you too. I actually rented a tent at the campsite and was about to go buy some food. When I get back, I'll give you some as a gift."
Chen Yao smiled and said.
"Um, that's not necessary..."
"Then I'll stay and have lunch with Rin-chan as well. Would it be okay if I come over to your place to crash for a meal then, Senior?" Kagamihara Nadeshiko asked with a smile.
Shima Rin looked at Kagamihara Nadeshiko with a bit of embarrassment again and said, "Kagamihara-Classmate, it's better if you're a bit more polite."
"No problem, I'm very welcoming. I'll buy a bit more food then; make sure you remember to come over and eat."
Chen Yao readily agreed, looking at Kagamihara Nadeshiko and Shima Rin as he spoke.
Shima Rin and Kagamihara Nadeshiko headed to the campsite first. As Chen Yao watched them walk away, Horikita Suzune asked politely, "Senior, if you need to buy ingredients, my brother and I have already bought enough food for a picnic. If you don't mind, why don't you dine with us?"
Chen Yao said to Horikita Suzune, "No, I'll just buy it myself. I originally only planned to buy instant noodles, but since I expect to stay here for about three days, I need to buy some picnic equipment as well. Chinese tastes are different from yours."
"I see..."
Horikita Suzune was stunned for a moment and said nothing more.
"Are you going to camp here for three days?" Horikita Manabu asked in confusion.
For a typical camping trip, one would get bored after just two days. He didn't quite understand why Chen Yao wanted to stay for three.
"...Because I'm a foreigner, I need to look at Mount Fuji for a bit longer, and I might also go visit other places."
Chen Yao noticed that the Horikita siblings seemed curious about why he was camping for so long, so he made up a random excuse.
Horikita Manabu smiled, took out his own camping tools from the car, and said, "If you cook some Chinese cuisine, remember to share some with us. We'll make a delicious meal in return."
"Okay." Chen Yao watched the Horikita siblings enter the campsite as well, feeling that the Lake Motosu he had originally intended to enjoy alone was starting to get crowded.
After driving to a supermarket in the town at the foot of the mountain and buying enough food and supplies, Chen Yao drove back to Lake Motosu. When he parked, he noticed many more cars in the parking lot; it seemed more people had come to Lake Motosu to see Mount Fuji.
He didn't pay it much mind and walked toward the campsite carrying his tools. However, when he reached the lakeside, he saw that four or five tents had already been set up near his own. Among the people walking around, besides Shima Rin, Kagamihara Nadeshiko, and the Horikita siblings, there were Class D boys he had met on the deserted island: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Sudo Ken, Yamauchi Haruki, and Ike Kanji. Not only that, but even the racer Sudo Kyoichi, whom he had seen at the Test of Courage, was also present.
The bustling scene left him momentarily stunned, thinking he had walked into the wrong place.
"Senior Chen Yao is back!"
The rather flamboyant Yamauchi Haruki saw Chen Yao return and immediately announced it loudly.
Everyone present looked at the celebrity-like Chen Yao one after another. They were all acquaintances of his and greeted him one by one.
"Did you all come here to see Mount Fuji too?" Chen Yao asked in confusion.
"When Sudo asked Horikita where she was going to play, Horikita told him. He then called a few of us and came over in his cousin's car. We only later found out that Horikita came here after hearing you were vacationing here, Senior. Please don't mind."
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka began to explain the sequence of events.
Horikita Suzune remained silent but seemed a bit embarrassed, busy chopping vegetables.
So that was it. Chen Yao didn't mind; after all, this was a public space, and everyone had the right to vacation here. It was just that he still needed to do some manga location scouting later, and he hoped he wouldn't be discovered.
Furthermore, he was somewhat surprised that Sudo Kyoichi was the cousin of Class D's Sudo Ken, though the two did look somewhat alike.
"It's been a long time. I heard you looked after my cousin. black rain pirates... no, I should call you Chen Yao." Sudo Kyoichi, having roughly guessed Chen Yao's identity, stepped forward to greet him.
"Not really... I just participated in their class activities. I didn't expect you to come here to camp." Chen Yao, not being familiar with Sudo Kyoichi, gave a simple reply.
Sudo Kyoichi looked back at the four students and said, "No, I'm just accompanying them. I have a job myself, but occasionally, besides work and racing, it's nice to relax."
Chen Yao looked at Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and the others, but then he saw Sudo Ken staring at him with a hostile gaze, which made him pause.
However, Sudo Ken didn't stare for too long and soon went back to preparing food. At the moment, Ayanokouji's group of five was making a hot pot, the Horikita siblings were making rice and grilled meat, Shima Rin's side seemed to be cooking some kind of noodles with milk, and Chen Yao chose an empty spot to begin his outdoor cooking.
He used a tripod specifically for stewing soup, adding coconut meat and chicken to simmer. He also set up an iron plate and used a medium-sized ceramic pot to make Claypot Rice with beef and preserved meat.
Soon, this unique fragrance attracted everyone. Not just Ayanokouji, Horikita Suzune, and the others, but even Shima Rin and her friend were drawn over by this cooking method.
"Senior, what are you cooking? It has a very special and pleasant smell..."
Horikita Suzune, with a questioning look, leaned down to look at the two dishes and asked curiously.
"A very fresh and sweet scent; I rarely smell this kind of fragrance. May I ask what ingredients you're using?" Shima Rin also showed interest and asked.
"This is a type of soup from Hainan, China, made by stewing coconut meat and chicken together. This other one is Claypot Rice, which is rice steamed in a high-temperature ceramic pot with meat and vegetables. It requires long-grain rice, which needs to be soaked in water for about an hour before steaming. To save time, I started soaking it on my way back. Paired with preserved meat exported from Hong Kong, it will taste delicious."
Chen Yao sat before the two pots, explaining this Chinese cooking method to them like a master chef.
"A very impressive idea. It's similar to the Kamameshi from Nara, and the savory flavor is like Unadon..."
Horikita Suzune seemed very eager to learn and couldn't help but praise him.
"I see, so it's coconut meat. Coconuts don't really grow in mainland Japan, so few people use them for stewing soup," Ayanokouji Kiyotaka remarked.
Shima Rin smiled and said, "A Chinese camping meal. Though I've made a few before, this seems quite good too."
Everyone also felt it was very creative, especially since it smelled so good, though it seemed like it might be very oily. To some extent, most Japanese people indeed cannot eat too much greasy food.
Once the Claypot Rice was ready, Chen Yao first gave some to the nearby Horikita Suzune to taste. This girl seemed to have a special fondness for this flavor and even asked Chen Yao for more detailed methods and specifics.
However, seeing Horikita Suzune so close to Chen Yao, with a hint of respect in her expression, was like a needle to the heart for the rather boorish Sudo Ken, making it hard to endure... Chapter 58: Two Ladies Arranged by Fate
Sudo Ken was already quite depressed upon learning that Horikita Suzune had come to Lake Motosu for vacation because of that Chinese international student. Now, seeing Horikita Suzune so close to that boy, he lost all interest.
"Hmph, so he just gave some suggestions during the island exam, what's the big deal."
Sudo Ken couldn't help but feel a great deal of resentment toward Chen Yao in his heart. This was a normal psychological reaction, as he had an indescribable feeling for Horikita, but unfortunately, Horikita felt indifferent toward him.
Horikita Suzune was a beautiful girl with a decent nature, but she only acknowledged the strong and those Classmates who followed her arrangements. He himself had very poor grades, though he was highly gifted in sports. After experiencing some class events, he had developed a certain level of affection for Horikita Suzune.
As for that Chinese international student, although his grades and sports were both good, he was shorter than him, couldn't swim, and his personality wasn't the type he got along with. He really didn't understand why Horikita Suzune appeared to be so close to him.
"..."
Sudo Ken remained silent for a long time before finally stepping forward and asking Chen Yao, "Senior Chen, if you don't mind, do you want to play a ball game this afternoon?"
Everyone around was stunned. Why did Sudo suddenly invite him to play a game?
"But this is a mountain; there are no courts around here."
Chen Yao replied.
Sudo Ken said, "We can borrow a court from a local school. Don't worry, I'll have my cousin take us down the mountain for a bit. Otherwise, staying here all day will be boring. Going to the town below for some recreation is part of the vacation, isn't it?"
"No, I don't suggest going down the mountain now. It's already four o'clock. Even if you want to play, it'll be dark by the time we get down."
Just then, Horikita Suzune, who was sitting nearby reading a book, spoke up.
"Tch..."
Sudo Ken seemed somewhat unwilling, but he didn't say anything more.
However, his strange behavior had already allowed his cousin, Sudo Kyoichi, and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka to see through him. Sudo Ken seemed dissatisfied with Horikita Suzune's close contact with Chen Yao and wanted to show off in basketball; any boy could see through such intentions.
Sudo Kyoichi said with a smile, "Since it's too late to play today, let's just do it tomorrow. A three-on-three match tomorrow would be no problem."
He loved competition the most. He was just worried about his spirit being numb for too long, and seeing his cousin seemingly jealous of that international student, he decided they might as well have a good match. Winning would boost confidence, and losing would mean giving up on fantasies—this was his consistent style.
Sudo Ken thought his cousin had finally come around and hurriedly said, "That works too. We can go down the mountain together tomorrow to play, and by the way, explore the local sights. Is that okay?"
"I don't mind, but I haven't played basketball much. Please bear with me if I don't play well," Chen Yao said.
Chen Yao had basically finished his manga sketches of Mount Fuji. Coincidentally, he needed to go down tomorrow to sketch local food and temple architecture. Since they were all going down the mountain, he might as well join them for some fun.
Sudo Ken suddenly felt full of confidence. He couldn't wait to crush Chen Yao's prestige on the court until nothing was left. He nodded with a relaxed mood and said, "Since the senior has agreed, who else wants to participate in tomorrow's game?"
As it turned out, his good buddy Ike Kanji disappointingly held up a finger and said, "Sorry, I'll pass this time. I cut my finger at noon."
Horikita Manabu, who always disliked having too much contact with first-year students, also said, "Don't mind me. I have no interest in this."
Originally, there were seven males in the group, but with Ike Kanji injured and Horikita Manabu refusing to participate, it became five. Sudo Ken, who was naturally impatient, began to feel uneasy again. Just as his chance to show off his abilities was about to fall through, he suddenly heard Horikita Suzune's voice: "Then I'll join too."
Horikita Suzune, who had been reading all along, put down her book and looked at them.
"But basketball is a very intense..." Sudo Ken really wanted to say that girls shouldn't play basketball with boys, as it was a high-impact sport where injuries were common.
"It's fine. We're all familiar with each other anyway. As long as there's no excessive collision, it'll be okay. There's also a mixed-gender style of play abroad, so I'll go down the mountain tomorrow as well."
Horikita Suzune said to Sudo Ken, then continued reading her book.
Sudo Ken was a bit conflicted, but thinking that Horikita Suzune would also be going down to watch the game, it wasn't a problem. Then he quickly thought of Shima Rin and Kagamihara Nadeshiko, whom he had met earlier and who attended Motosu Middle School. He went over to ask if their school's court was open. Upon hearing they wanted to borrow the school court, Kagamihara Nadeshiko said happily, "That's no problem! Although school is on break, I heard some students with sports competitions are back for training, so the gates are open. You can play anytime during opening hours."
"Great, then tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll use basketball to reclaim my confidence."
Sudo Ken thought firmly. Japanese basketball boys trusted the ball in their hands most. For the person he liked, he had to show his best form tomorrow.
Shima Rin was somewhat surprised. She looked at Chen Yao curiously. From their previous interactions, she thought he was the type who liked to be alone like her, but he was actually participating in a ball game. It seemed people who were willing to quietly experience the serenity of camping were becoming fewer and fewer... ~·~·~·~·~·~·~
The next day, a black sedan was driving on the highway in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Sakayanagi Arisu was riding in her family's car, heading towards Motosu High School. She seemed to be in a very good mood, looking out the window as if anticipating something.
"Why are you in such a good mood? Is there something worth being happy about?"
Her father, Sakayanagi Narimasa, asked with a smile.
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled and said, "You're just overthinking, Father."
Indeed, her good mood was because an interesting fellow was in this area. Even if meeting him only meant some teasing, it would make this short summer break less monotonous.
At ten o'clock in the morning, the vehicle arrived at Yamanashi Prefectural Motosu High School. Upon entering, Sakayanagi Arisu saw that even during summer break, some students were still undergoing special training; they were likely student-athletes.
"Welcome to Yamanashi Prefectural Motosu High School. I am Principal Sada Akidaho. It's very kind of you to show concern for our school."
A grey-haired old principal led three directors to greet Sakayanagi Narimasa at the entrance of the teaching building. This Chairman of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School also had great connections and influence in the Ministry of Education and was always concerned about the future of Japanese education.
"Principal Sada, you didn't need to come out to greet us personally."
Sakayanagi Narimasa extended his hand and spoke politely while shaking hands with the principal.
"Oh, and this must be your..."
The principal noticed the short-haired girl beside Sakayanagi Morishige and asked.
"This is my daughter, Arisu. She currently attends the school I manage and has come to Yamanashi Prefecture to relax a bit."
Sakayanagi Narimasa introduced.
Sakayanagi Arisu gave a small smile and said, "Hello, Principal Sada."
"How impressive. I remember your daughter has had excellent grades since she was a child, and she's grown up to be so beautiful. As expected of Chairman Sakayanagi's daughter."
The principal of Yamanashi Prefectural Motosu High School praised Sakayanagi Arisu, while she wore a smile, appearing both well-behaved and mature.
As the group entered the school to discuss issues such as the shortage of students and lack of educational resources in Yamanashi Prefecture, Sakayanagi Arisu glanced back at the school. She wasn't sure how long she would have to follow her father in this meeting before she could go to Lake Motosu alone to see if that person was still there.
Just as she reached the second floor, she looked through the window and unexpectedly saw several people she hadn't anticipated on the basketball court below.
"Hmm?"
Sakayanagi Arisu was slightly stunned to see several first-year students. Among them were Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Horikita Suzune, and most importantly, the person she was looking for was also there.
"Ara ara, it seems I really made the right choice coming here this time."
Sakayanagi Arisu stood by the window, watching the situation on the basketball court, thinking with a smile.
She simply made an excuse to her father and then quietly stood on the second floor to watch the match between Class D and Chen Yao.
In the team assignments, Sudo Ken, Sudo Kyoichi, and Yamauchi Haruki were one team, while Chen Yao, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, and Horikita Suzune were the other.
On the wide basketball court, the three-on-three formation was officially set. Sudo Ken was a sports specialist, and Sudo Kyoichi's basketball skills were also very good. The three of them began to organize an attack. In the first wave, Sudo Ken quickly passed the ball through the middle to Sudo Kyoichi. Sudo Kyoichi dribbled twice and quickly broke through the defense, bypassing Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who was responsible for guarding him, and went straight for a jump shot. The ball went in with a swish.
"So fast..."
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka thought silently. With that kind of movement, it was indeed difficult for someone of his height and build to defend against him.
"As expected of my cousin. His skill level could have gotten him on the school team, but he's obsessed with racing. Chen Yao, I will completely defeat you here!"
Sudo Ken's eyes were fixed on Chen Yao, he thought.
It was Horikita Suzune's turn to launch an attack. Wearing sportswear, she dribbled to the half-court when Yamauchi Haruki came to steal the ball. She immediately passed it to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Just as Ayanokouji Kiyotaka received the ball, he was faced with the 1.88-meter Sudo Kyoichi. He paused for a moment, then suddenly jumped, tricking Sudo Kyoichi into raising his hands before passing the ball back to Chen Yao, who had already moved behind him. Chen Yao's sprint was frighteningly fast, startling both Sudo Ken and Sakayanagi Arisu, who was watching the game. Before Sudo Ken could react, he caught the ball and quickly shot a three-pointer.
"A three-pointer? But the shooting form is a bit non-standard. However, this trajectory..."
Sudo Ken, who didn't have time to defend, looked at this scene in shock. Although Chen Yao's jumping and dribbling proficiency weren't great, his shooting accuracy was excellent. Amidst the stunned expressions of Sudo Kyoichi and Yamauchi Haruki, Chen Yao's three-pointer went through the hoop like a stone falling into water.
Both the spectators and the participants were surprised; it was clear that Chen Yao's shooting accuracy was very high.
After all, he had started throwing daggers and Sunlight Spears from a distance in the Dark Souls world, and had also served as a pitcher on a baseball team. His muscles and nerves were completely familiar with throwing techniques, so this kind of shot was naturally a piece of cake.