I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 132 Back to Our Hometown! The Nohara Family's First Meeting~
Omagari City, Akita Prefecture.

Compared to the ever-present hustle and bustle of Tokyo, time here seems to slow down.

The wind is slow, the clouds are slow, and even the aroma wafting from the roadside coffee shop carries a lazy and lingering scent.

A brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser, like a slumbering steel behemoth, was quietly parked on the roadside outside the coffee shop.

This car stands in stark contrast to the surrounding unassuming family cars. Its massive body and gleaming metallic paint silently proclaim the owner's extraordinary status and wealth.

Inside the car, Nohara Saji gripped the steering wheel, his large, calloused hands, usually so calloused from years of working with the land and farm tools, now looking somewhat lost.

He was wearing the Armani suit he bought in Ginza; the sharp lines perfectly accentuated his robust and muscular physique.

The man reflected in the mirror had a resolute face and simple eyes, yet his attire added a touch of urban elite air that even he himself found unfamiliar.

This outfit is more expensive than all the clothes he has worn in the past twenty-eight years combined.

Hiroshi, the younger brother, said that this was his "battle robe," the "face" of the future president of "Nohara Agriculture Co., Ltd."

But Nohara Saji always felt like a country boy who had stolen and put on the clothes of an important person, and he felt very uncomfortable.

The only thing that could give him peace of mind was the glass door of the coffee shop with the "OPEN" sign hanging at the end of his gaze.

He was waiting for Yu Cai to get off work.

This thought, like a piece of honey buried deep in his heart, brought a touch of sweetness to his heart, which was pounding with nervousness.

However, this sweetness was soon shattered by a discordant scene.

A young man wearing a stylish floral shirt and with slicked-back hair was blocking the entrance to the coffee shop, holding a bouquet of vibrant red roses.

Okano Junro.

The young master of the deer-shaped rice shop in town, who calls himself the "playboy" of Daqu City, has recently, no, ever since, launched a fierce offensive against Yu Cai.

Even though Yuka never liked him, he kept pestering her!
Nohara Sashi's brows furrowed unconsciously.

In those simple eyes, there flashed the wariness that comes with a male's territory being invaded.

Junro Kogane dramatically handed the bouquet of roses to Ikuna, a self-satisfied smile on his face: "Ikuna-chan! These are the freshest Carola roses I specially bought for you from the florist! Look, they're just like you—beautiful, passionate, and my muse!"

Wearing a waitress uniform at the coffee shop, Yu-na's delicate face showed no emotion, but rather undisguised annoyance.

She took a step back, distancing herself from the bouquet of roses, her voice clear and firm: "Mr. Deer, I've made myself perfectly clear. Please don't disturb my work anymore. I won't accept your flowers."

"Don't be like that, Yucai-chan." Kano Junrou, as if he hadn't understood, took another step forward, his voice becoming greasy: "I know you're testing me, right? It's okay, my heart, like this rose, can withstand any test! Be my girlfriend, and I promise, you'll never run out of rice in our family's lifetime!"

This cheesy pickup line caused Yu Cai's face to darken completely.

"Kano Junrou!" Her voice suddenly rose, filled with anger pushed to the limit: "I'll say it one last time, please leave immediately! Otherwise, I'm calling the police!"

After saying that, she turned to go back into the shop, but Xiao Luye blocked the glass door from the side and continued to pester her.
"Yucai Sauce, you..."

at this time.

"boom--"

A steady, powerful slam of the door shut, like the beating of a war drum, instantly drew everyone's attention.

Nohara Sashi stepped down from the imposing Land Cruiser.

He didn't speak, but walked over with steady steps. The afternoon sun cast a long shadow of him, and his expensive suit reflected a low-key yet luxurious sheen in the sunlight.

His physique, made exceptionally robust by years of hard work, now exuded a mountain-like sense of oppression.

"..." Junrou Koshino subconsciously let go of Ikuna's hand.

He looked at the man who had suddenly appeared in front of him, and then at the Toyota Land Cruiser, which was considered a luxury car in the entire Daqu City. His face, which had been full of confidence, suddenly turned pale.

It's this damn guy again!
My own love rival!
If it weren't for this damn guy, I think I would have already caught up with this cute and charming Ikuna!

"Yucai."

But Nohara Sasuke never once glanced at the man in the floral shirt.

He simply looked at Yu Cai, and a somewhat clumsy yet incredibly sincere smile appeared on his resolute face: "I've come to pick you up from get off work."

His voice was deep and resonant, like ripe rice in autumn, giving people a sense of security and comfort.

"Mr. Sasaki!"

The moment Ikuna saw Nohara Sashi, her bright eyes instantly shone with a light as dazzling as the stars.

All the anger and frustration from before vanished in that instant.

Like a little bird that has found shelter, she ran quickly to Nohara Saji's side, a shy blush appearing on her delicate face.

"You... how did you get here?" Yu Cai asked sweetly.

"I was worried you'd get tired, so I drove you home." Nohara Sashi's answer was simple and direct.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Standing to the side, watching this intimate scene, Koshino Junrou felt like a clown.

The bouquet of roses in his hand now seemed incredibly ironic.

He glanced at Nohara Sashi's obviously expensive outfit, then at his own gaudy shirt; then at the other's Land Cruiser, capable of recklessly speeding along country dirt roads, and then at his own beat-up Honda parked on the street corner...

His own emotions overwhelmed him like a tidal wave.

In the past, he was the one who made others feel inferior, but now he never expected to feel inferior himself!

"Um... I... I suddenly remembered I have something to do at the shop, I have to go now!"

He practically fled in panic, forgetting even to take the expensive bouquet of roses, and his figure disappeared in a disheveled state around the street corner.

Yu-na couldn't help but burst out laughing as she watched his comical back.

She turned her head, her eyes, curved into crescent moons, staring unblinkingly at the man beside her who had come to her rescue.

Twenty-eight-year-old Nohara Saji might just be an ordinary country bumpkin in a metropolis like Tokyo.

But in the eyes of twenty-year-old Yu Cai, his temperament, which combined the simplicity of a farmer with the steadiness of a mature man, had a fatal attraction.

Unlike Junro Okano, he wasn't glib; he always spoke directly, even somewhat clumsily.

But every word he said made him seem incredibly reliable.

"Mr. Sashi, wait for me!" Ikuna said, turning around and running back into the shop.

A moment later, she came running out with a glass of slightly chilled lemon soda and carefully handed it to Nohara Sashi.

"It's hot, have some of this to cool down." Her little face showed a mixture of expectation and shyness: "This is... something I made myself."

Nohara Saji looked at the crystal-clear drink in the sunlight, then at the girl's bright eyes, and felt as if his honest heart had been gently scratched by a kitten's paw.

It felt itchy, numb, and sweet all at once.

He took the cup, tilted his head back, and gulped down a large mouthful. The cool, sweet liquid slid down his throat, instantly dispelling the summer heat and calming the tension in his heart.

"It's delicious," he exclaimed sincerely.

Yu Cai's smile grew even brighter.

“Oh, right,” Nohara Sashi remembered the important matter: “My parents said they would like to invite you to their house this afternoon for a casual meal.”

"Eh? Going...going to Uncle and Aunt's house?" Upon hearing this, Yu Cai's little face flushed red instantly, and she nervously twisted the hem of her clothes. "Isn't this...isn't this a bit too fast?"

"No. They...they like you a lot." Nohara Saji looked at her shy appearance, and his heart also burned with desire.

Yu Cai bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, and finally mustered up her courage, nodding heavily: "Okay! I'll go!"

As if she had made up her mind, she added, "Then...then I have to go buy some snacks to take with me. It's my first visit, I can't go empty-handed."

"No need, no need, we have everything at home, don't waste that money." Nohara Saji unconsciously revealed his frugal nature again.

"No!" Yu Cai pouted and said in a very serious tone, "It's a matter of manners! We have to buy it! It's a token of our appreciation for your aunt and uncle!"

Looking at the girl's earnest expression, Nohara Saji's heart felt as if it were filled with something warm.

He stopped insisting and just grinned, revealing a simple and honest smile.

"Okay, it's all up to you."

……

As evening approached, the setting sun painted the sky a warm orange-red.

The Land Cruiser cruised smoothly along the country road, and outside the window were vast expanses of lush green rice paddies, rippling with golden waves in the evening breeze.

Yu Cai sat in the passenger seat, holding a beautifully packaged box of wagashi (Japanese sweets) in her arms. Her little face was filled with nervousness and anticipation as she was about to meet the other party's parents.

As the car slowly approached the Nohara family's traditional farmhouse, Yuka's eyes were drawn to another car parked at the entrance.

It was a completely black sedan with sleek and elegant lines, gleaming with a restrained yet dignified light in the afterglow of the setting sun.

"Wow..." Yuka couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Sasuke, how come there's such a beautiful luxury car in front of your house? I don't think I've ever seen that logo before."

As a girl who also grew up in the countryside, the best-looking car she knew was Nohara Sashi's Land Cruiser.

But the car in front of me is clearly a level above in terms of both design and presence.

Nohara Sashi followed her gaze, and was slightly taken aback at first. Then, his eyes, which were always as calm as an ancient well, suddenly burst forth with a light of wild joy!

Toyota Crown!

It's still the top-of-the-line Majesta!
He can't be mistaken! He's seen this car in Tokyo!
"It's Hiroshi! Hiroshi is back!"

Nohara Sashi's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

He parked the car in a flurry of activity, a smile spreading across his resolute face.

The younger brother who made a name for himself in Tokyo, the pillar who single-handedly planned the future of the "Nohara family," has actually... returned!

Overwhelmed with joy, he unbuckled his seatbelt, turned around, and without thinking, grabbed Yu Cai's soft little hand beside him.

"Come on! Yuka! I'll take you to see my brother! Let me tell you, my brother... he's amazing!"

Like a child eager to show off his favorite toy, he grabbed Yu Cai's hand and rushed into the house.

Yu-Cai was taken aback by his sudden action. The rough and warm touch from his palm made her face turn bright red, almost as if it were about to bleed.

She wanted to pull her hand back, but she couldn't bear to give up that warmth.

In the end, she simply lowered her head shyly, and with a gentle yet incredibly firm hand, she grasped the large hand that belonged to Nohara Sashi.

……

Let's go back to a little after 1 p.m.

"Squeak—" The old house's wooden door, polished smooth by the years, was slowly pushed open from the outside.

A scent, a blend of urban atmosphere and the weariness of travel, accompanied two young figures as they entered this tranquil Japanese-style room filled with rustic charm.

"Mom, we are back."

Hiroshi Nohara's voice carried a hint of weariness, but more than that, it conveyed a sense of complete relaxation, as if he had returned to a safe haven.

Especially when looking at the familiar old house in front of him, a look of nostalgia appeared in his eyes.

Although he was a time traveler.

But I also transmigrated here when I was a child. When I opened my eyes, I had spent my entire childhood and junior high school years here.

"Oh my! Hiroshi! Misae-chan!"

Nohara Tsuru came out of the kitchen almost immediately to greet them. When she saw the two of them looking travel-worn, and especially when she saw her son's slightly tired face, her face was instantly filled with heartache.

She strode forward, grabbed Misae's soft, boneless hand, and tenderly stroked Hiroshi Nohara's cheek with her other hand, her eyes filled with a gentle, reproachful look.

"What's wrong with you, child? Didn't I tell you to take the Shinkansen back? It takes five or six hours to drive here from Tokyo! It's so tiring! Look at you, your face has gotten so thin!" She said, pulling the two of them into the house, her posture like a mother hen protecting her chicks. "Don't do this next time! If you want to come back, just call ahead and have your older brother pick you up at the station. It's so convenient!"

"Mom, it's okay. It's convenient to drive back, and I brought a lot of things with me." Hiroshi Nohara explained with a smile. That warmth that belongs to a traveler far from home swept away all the weariness in his heart.

"that is!"

Nohara Ginnosuke, who had been sitting to the side pretending to be deep in thought, finally found a chance to interject. He puffed out his chest, adopted a haughty tone, and nodded seriously: "What do you know, Tsuru? This is called returning home in glory! The men of the Nohara family, when they go out, they have to make something of themselves! And when they make something of themselves, they have to drive back in a nice car, with a beautiful wife, in all their glory! Otherwise, what's the point of me spending so much money to send him to university in Tokyo? Is it so he can ride those slow, broken-down trains?!"

As he spoke, his thick eyebrows, just like his youngest son's, twitched up and down proudly, while his eyes kept glancing out the window at the black behemoth that could be described as an "alien visitor" in the entire Daqu City.

The meaning is self-evident—see that? This is my son's car! How impressive!

"..." Several clearly visible black lines instantly appeared on Hiroshi Nohara's forehead.

Although he did drive it back to put it on display.

But after my dad said that...

This is a little awkward.

He helplessly rubbed his forehead, the warmth that had just risen in his heart instantly shattered by his father's logic, which was full of Versailles-like rhetoric.

No wonder he's his father; his way of thinking is always so uniquely quirky and so self-righteous.

And he drove the car back himself to load up the Versailles...

I guess Dad will use it to store things again!

This is infuriating!

"Pfft-"

Misae, standing to the side, could no longer contain herself and covered her mouth, letting out a silvery laugh.

She leaned close to her future mother-in-law, Nohara Tsuru's, ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Auntie, you see, Uncle and Hiroshi are quite alike in some ways."

These words were like a needle, precisely piercing the already fragile nerves of the father and son who were exchanging glances as "men communicate."

Nohara Ginnosuke and Nohara Hiroshi's faces turned bright red, almost to the roots of their ears, at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Cough cough!"

"Cough cough!"

The two women simultaneously looked away, one pretending to look at the ceiling and the other pretending to study the pattern of the tatami mat. Their embarrassed and clumsy appearance only made the two women laugh even harder.

"Alright, alright, stop standing at the door, come in and sit down."

After the laughter subsided, Nohara Tsuru remembered and hurriedly invited the two to sit down. However, when her gaze fell on Misae's pretty face, which looked slightly thinner due to the fatigue of the journey, a deep sense of shame and regret appeared on that gentle face.

"Oh dear, look at my memory!" She slapped her forehead, her voice filled with self-reproach. "You came back so suddenly, and I... I didn't prepare anything for Misae-chan! This... this is our first formal visit, and I didn't even have a decent gift. It's so rude of me!"

"Auntie, please don't say that." Misae quickly waved her hand, her delicate little face full of sincerity: "It was Hiroshi-kun who made the decision suddenly. I'm already very happy that you let us come back. Besides, I also prepared gifts for you and Uncle!"

As she spoke, like a little girl showing off a treasure, she placed the heavy shopping bag, printed with the logo of a luxury brand, on the low table, and then opened the several red velvet boxes that shone with a golden light one by one.

The dazzling, shimmering light instantly dazzled Nohara Tsuru and Nohara Ginnosuke.

“This…this is…” Nohara Tsuru stared at the exquisitely crafted, heavy pure gold necklace and the pair of gold bracelets engraved with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns. His usually gentle eyes were filled with disbelief and horror.

She instinctively tried to refuse, her voice trembling slightly: "No, no, no! Misae-chan! This...this is too precious! We can't accept it!"

The key issue is that I received a lot of gifts last time, but this time I didn't prepare a gift for my future daughter-in-law.

She felt a little guilty!
"Auntie, please accept this." Without waiting for a reply, Misae placed the necklace around her neck herself, her large, obsidian-like eyes filled with the affection of a junior for an elder: "This is a token of Hiroshi's affection, and also a small token of my filial piety as a junior. If you like it, I'll buy it for you every day from now on!"

These words made Hiroshi Nohara, who was standing next to him, laugh.

My little money-grubber really has a natural talent for making his elders happy.

Nohara Tsuru's eyes reddened as she was moved by her sincere and filial "sweet offensive." Touching the cool yet heavy touch on her neck, her motherly heart was completely filled with immense happiness and satisfaction.

Looking at her future daughter-in-law, who was beautiful, had a good personality, and was so caring, she became more and more satisfied and fond of her.

She thought for a moment, as if she had made up her mind, then suddenly stood up and smiled gently at Misae.

"Misa-chan, wait for me a minute."

With that, he turned and went into the inner room.

After a while, she carefully came out, carrying a carved wooden box made of fine paulownia wood that looked quite old.

"A-Tsuru, why did you take this out?" Nohara Ginnosuke's small eyes showed undisguised surprise when he saw the box.

But he quickly curled his lip and, in a tone full of experience, whispered to Hiroshi Nohara beside him, "Kid, see this? This is your mother's precious darling. But let me tell you, the old stuff in here isn't as valuable as the gold your wife bought. It's all worthless junk."

"You old lecher! What nonsense are you spouting!" Nohara Tsuru glared at him, both amused and annoyed.

She placed the wooden box on the table and gently wiped away the thin layer of dust with a soft silk cloth, her movements as tender as if she were caressing a rare treasure.

"Misa-chan." She looked up at Misae, whose eyes, though etched with fine lines by time, remained clear and bright, filled with solemnity and a sense of heritage.

“This was given to me by my mother-in-law, Hiroshi’s grandmother, when I married into the Nohara family. She said it was a family heirloom of the Nohara family and should be passed down from generation to generation.”

As she spoke, she slowly opened the wooden box.

Inside the box, there was a layer of red silk that had already turned slightly yellow. On the silk lay two simple and elegant pure gold bracelets that still radiated a warm luster.

"Although, as his father said, this thing is indeed not worth much money according to the current gold price. However, it represents a sentiment and a sense of recognition."

Nohara Tsuru picked up one of the bracelets and gently placed it on Misae's fair wrist. The size was just right, not too big or too small.

“Originally, there were two here. I thought it would be perfect, you and Iku, who is Hiroshi’s older brother and Sakashi’s wife, each get one, so you won’t have to fight over them.”

"I would never compete with my sister-in-law!" Misae blushed upon hearing this and retorted instinctively. Her charming and innocent demeanor made Nohara Tsuru grin from ear to ear.

But soon, Misae seemed to remember something. She looked at the bracelet on her wrist, which was full of heritage significance, and a maturity and seriousness that did not match her age appeared on her delicate face.

“Auntie.” She carefully took off the bracelet and put it back in the box. She bowed deeply to Nohara Tsuru. “I appreciate your kindness, but this bracelet is too precious. I think… it would be more appropriate for you to put it on me personally when Hiroshi and I are officially engaged.”

These words were perfectly worded, expressing respect for the elders' wishes while also demonstrating the speaker's knowledge and good manners.

Nohara Tsuru was completely stunned.

Looking at the beautiful, sensible, and knowledgeable girl in front of her, her future mother-in-law's heart was already filled with immense surprise and satisfaction.

"Good...good child!" She said "good" twice, her eyes welling up with tears.

She knew that her youngest son, who seemed omnipotent to outsiders but was actually a complete "life idiot" in daily life, had truly found a good girl he could entrust his life to.

She put the wooden box away with satisfaction and returned it to the inner room. When she came out, her face was already adorned with that gentle and loving smile. She took Misae's hand and began to study with great interest the clothes she had bought, which were full of "Tokyo fashion."

"Oh dear, isn't this outfit too flashy? Your uncle is so old, isn't he afraid of being laughed at for wearing this out?"

"Who said I'm scared?!" Nohara Ginnosuke, who had been left out in the cold, suddenly perked up. He snatched the Burberry casual jacket with its exaggerated print, held it up against himself, and his old face beamed with the excitement of someone who had found their tribe: "This is called trendy! You know what trendy is? It's way more fashionable than my old man's shirt that I've worn for ten years!"

His smug, irreverent look once again drew laughter from everyone in the room.

Amidst the warm and joyful laughter, the steady sound of a car engine echoed from the courtyard once more, followed by the polite opening of the front door.

"Dad, Mom, I'm back."

It was Nohara Sashi's voice.

His imposing figure appeared at the doorway, his sharp Armani suit accentuating his robust physique honed through years of hard work.

Beside him stood a pretty girl.

It was Ikuna Sakurada.

When she saw the lively scene in the room, especially when she saw the girl sitting next to Nohara Tsuru, who looked as delicate and beautiful as a porcelain doll, a hint of shyness and nervousness unconsciously appeared on her pretty face, which always had a gentle smile.

"Hiroshi, Misae, you're back." When Nohara Sashi saw his younger brother and sister-in-law, a kind and heartfelt smile appeared on his dark face.

"Big brother, sister-in-law." Hiroshi Nohara stood up with a smile and introduced them: "This is Misae. Misae, this is my big brother, and... my future sister-in-law, Ms. Ikuna."

"Hello, sister-in-law."

Misae reacted faster than anyone else.

Without much hesitation, she stood up and sweetly called out to the still somewhat uneasy girl.

The voice was clear and melodious, filled with undeniable intimacy.

Sakurada Ikuna's face flushed red instantly, like a branding iron that had been heated to a red-hot color. She glanced helplessly at Nohara Saji, who was also bewildered by the sudden address. Her girlish heart was already completely filled with immense shyness and sweetness.

She didn't deny it.

She simply lowered her head and responded softly, in a voice barely audible, "Hello... hello."

Watching this dramatic scene unfold, Ginnosuke Nohara and Tsuru Nohara exchanged a glance, both seeing a deep and profound sense of happiness in each other's eyes.

They knew that from this day forward, this old house, filled with the marks of time, would no longer house only the two of them, lonely elderly people.

This house is finally going to be lively again!
"Oh right! I'll go prepare dinner!" Nohara Tsuru also wanted to go straight into the kitchen.

However, Nohara Sashi stopped him: "Mom, my brother and sister-in-law are back together, and they also brought some yakitori. In that case, I'll order a bento delivery to our house. After all, there's a newly opened izakaya in town, and the food is quite good."

This statement is indeed different from the stingy personality of Nohara Saji in the past.

"Well, then bring on more beer and more good food!" Nohara Ginnosuke nodded with satisfaction, crossing his arms and praising, "As expected of the eldest son of the Nohara family, this is truly your time to shine!"

"Of course, since Hiroshi is back, it would be too much for me, as the older brother, to be stingy!" Nohara Saji scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

The room was instantly filled with warm laughter again.

P.S.: I'll try to keep writing tonight. I know you all like slice-of-life stories, so I'll write more~ But I'm still shamelessly asking for votes~
(End of this chapter)