I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 212 Daily Life! Heading Back to Kumamoto Prefecture for Vacation! The Excited Koyama Family!
The Tokyo TV building, still brightly lit in the night, resembled a silent steel behemoth, swallowing the dreams and weariness of countless people. Hiroshi Nohara stepped out of the gleaming entrance, carrying a faint air of bustling activity, yet seemingly leaving all the superficiality behind.

A gentle evening breeze, carrying the chill of early winter, dispelled the weariness between his brows.

He whispered a few words of advice to Kitagawa Yao beside him, his voice gentle and clear, like a stream thawing in spring, making people unconsciously trust him.

"Yao-chan, I'm leaving the leave application to you. Please coordinate the follow-up procedures with the TV station."

Kitagawa Yao nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with admiration and trust: "Yes! Please rest assured, sir, everything will be handled properly."

He then turned to Hashimoto and the others, his gaze calm as still water, yet containing an undeniable power.

"Hashimoto-kun, Yamamoto-kun, Tanaka-kun, please take good care of the follow-up publicity for the award ceremony, as well as the preparations for the celebration banquets for 'Seven Samurai' and 'Hachiko: A Dog'."

"Please rest assured, Minister!" The three bowed in unison, their voices loud and clear, full of enthusiasm.

Hiroshi Nohara nodded slightly, said no more, and turned to walk towards the parking lot.

The black Toyota Crown was parked quietly under the lights, its body lines smooth and steady, like a silent knight.

He opened the car door, got in, and smoothly drove the car out of the TV station, merging into the ever-burning river of lights in Tokyo.

The world outside the car window is ablaze with color, neon lights outlining the city's illusory yet real silhouette. Behind each lit window, perhaps a story is unfolding, whether joyful or sorrowful, whether gathering or parting.

And he, Hiroshi Nohara, is navigating through this network of countless interwoven stories, heading towards the setting of another of his tales.

The lights of the Future Comics Club shone from a small building not far away, warm like a lighthouse.

Pushing open that familiar glass door, a warm current of scents mingled with the aromas of ink, paper, and coffee wafted out. Inside the office, Misae was smiling sweetly as she served hot tea to two guests; her profile looked especially gentle in the soft lighting.

The two guests, one of whom looked to be around forty years old, wearing black-rimmed glasses, with sharp and shrewd eyes, was none other than Kazuhiko Torishima, the legendary editor-in-chief of Shueisha, a name known to everyone in the Japanese manga industry.

The other one was younger, with a reserved expression mixed with barely concealed excitement; he was Nohara Hiroshi's personal editor, Tadokoro Masato.

"jingle--"

The wind chimes on the door rang out with a clear sound, and the three people looked over at the sound.

"Ah! Hiroshi!" Misae's eyes lit up instantly, as if stars had fallen into them, and she stood up in surprise.

Torishima Kazuhiko and Tadokoro Masato also stood up abruptly, their expressions quickly shifting from surprise to a mixture of admiration and eager joy.

"Nohara-sensei! What brings you here?" Tadokoro Masato almost blurted out, his voice trembling slightly.

Torishima Kazuhiko adjusted his glasses, scrutinizing Nohara Hiroshi behind the lenses, before revealing a genuine smile: "Nohara-sensei, what a coincidence! I was just talking about you with Misae-san, and here you are."

"Good evening, Chief Editor Torishima, Editor Tadokoro." Hiroshi Nohara walked up with a smile, naturally took off his coat and hung it on the hanger: "I just came from the TV station and thought I'd drop by on the way."

"A TV station?" Torishima Kazuhiko's smile deepened. "We just saw Nohara-sensei on TV. Congratulations on winning so many awards at the Japanese Drama Academy Awards for 'Yamishibai,' 'Tales of the Unusual,' and 'Super Transformation.' You truly deserve it!"

“Yes, yes!” Tadokoro Masato nodded repeatedly, excitedly adding, “And the movies! Seven Samurai has already surpassed eight billion yen at the box office! That’s a miracle for period dramas! And… and Hachiko Monogatari, I heard it’s about to hit the ten billion yen mark! Mr. Nohara, you are simply… a legend of this era!”

Faced with the generous praise from the two big names in the manga industry, Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly and sat down next to Misae.

"It's all the result of everyone's joint efforts."

Misae, however, could not contain her excitement. She grasped Hiroshi Nohara's hand, looking at him with sparkling eyes, like a child eager to share a treasure.

"Hiroshi, you don't know! The chief editor of Torishima and editor Tadokoro came today with incredibly good news!"

"Oh?" Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow.

"It's Yu Yu Hakusho!" Misae's voice was filled with pride. "Editor-in-Chief Torishima said that the cumulative sales of the collected volumes have already... have already exceeded 20 million copies!"

Even Hiroshi Nohara, who was prepared for this, couldn't help but feel a little touched by this number.

Twenty million copies is an astronomical figure in this era for a comic book that is still being serialized.

Torishima Kazuhiko picked up the conversation, his tone calm and powerful, carrying an air of complete control: "Nohara-sensei, your work is making history. Yu Yu Hakusho has ignited the passion of the entire youth community. They are crazy about Yusuke Urameshi's battles and captivated by the charm of Kurama and Hiei. It is no longer just a manga, but a social phenomenon."

Masato Tadokoro added, "And then there's Doraemon! Almost every family with children is talking about that blue cat-shaped robot that can pull all sorts of amazing gadgets out of its pocket. It brings endless joy and dreams to children. So, we've come here today to discuss with you the possibility of officially creating a separate volume for Doraemon!"

"Not only that." Kazuhiko Torishima's gaze fell on Hiroshi Nohara, with a hint of inquiry. "There's also that uniquely styled 'Midnight Diner.' It resonated deeply with young office workers. Many readers wrote in saying that they seemed to see themselves exhausted after get off work late at night in the manga, finding solace in that little diner. We also plan to release a standalone volume of this work."

"A film that ignites the passion of youth, a film that protects the dreams of children, and a film that comforts the hearts of urban dwellers." Kazuhiko Torishima concluded, his tone filled with emotion, "Mr. Nohara, you alone have captured the hearts of three generations of Japanese people."

Hiroshi Nohara picked up the hot tea that Misae had poured for him, took a small sip, and felt the warm liquid slide down his throat, dispelling the chill of the winter night.

“Of course I have no objection.” He put down his teacup and looked at the two editors. “It is my honor to receive Shueisha’s recognition. You can discuss the specifics with Editor Tadokoro. I have faith in his professional abilities.”

Upon hearing this, Tadokoro Masato blushed with excitement and quickly bowed, saying, "Yes! I will do my best to live up to Nohara-sama's trust!"

Torishima Kazuhiko nodded approvingly, but his purpose in coming today was clearly not limited to that. His gaze turned serious, and the imposing aura of a legendary editor-in-chief inadvertently surfaced.

"Mr. Nohara, besides sharing good news and discussing matters related to the collected volumes, we've come here today for another, and most important, issue."

"Please speak," Hiroshi Nohara replied calmly.

“It’s your time,” Torishima Kazuhiko said, enunciating each word clearly, his gaze fixed on him. “We all know that you are now a top director in the film and television industry, extremely busy. TV dramas, movies, publicity, announcements… all of these consume a lot of your energy. And manga creation, especially simultaneously serializing three high-quality weekly magazines, requires complete dedication and a massive amount of time.”

His voice was filled with worry, a worry that was not feigned but came from the heart of an editor who truly cherished his work.

“We are worried that your health will not be able to handle it, and we are even more worried that…the quality of these three great works will be affected by time constraints, or they may even be forced to stop publication.”

Masato Tadokoro nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, Mr. Nohara. The readers' enthusiasm is incredibly high, and if we suddenly stop publishing, the reaction will be huge. We... we just hope that you can have enough time to complete the illustrations."

Looking at Hiroshi Nohara's silent profile, Kazuhiko Torishima continued to offer his solution.

"So, we have a proposal. Of course, this is just a proposal, and the decision is entirely yours."

"You say."

“If you don’t have enough time to draw the illustrations yourself, you can just provide the script and storyboard drafts.” Kazuhiko Torishima’s voice was low and enticing: “Shueisha can find a top-notch team of manga artists to handle the illustrations for you. You only need to be credited as the original author. This is a precedent in the industry and a very mature collaborative model.”

“That’s right, Mr. Nohara,” Masato Tadokoro immediately chimed in. “It’s an unspoken rule in the industry, and it’s the norm. Many famous manga artists choose this method after they become famous to ensure a stable update schedule for their works. It won’t affect your reputation; on the contrary, it can free you from the heavy workload of drawing.”

The air seemed to freeze at that moment.

Misae looked at Hiroshi Nohara with some concern. She knew how much he loved drawing, and the process of drawing a story from his mind was a joy for him.

Hiroshi Nohara laughed.

His smile was faint, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

“I understand your good intentions.” He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone’s ears: “However, it’s not necessary.”

"Nohara-sensei?" Tadokoro Masato asked, somewhat puzzled.

“My story is only complete when it is drawn by my own pen.” Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze swept over the two editors, his eyes showing no hesitation, only a confidence that came from the bottom of his bones: “You don’t need to worry about the time. I’m fine.”

no problem.

These three simple words, spoken by him, carried an indescribable persuasive power.

Torishima Kazuhiko and Tadokoro Masato exchanged a glance, both seeing deep amazement in each other's eyes.

They had seen countless manga artists—geniuses, diligent individuals, and madmen—but in Hiroshi Nohara, they saw something entirely different. It was a composure that transcended mere confidence, as if the limitations of time and energy simply did not exist before him.

A top genius who spans both film and comics, his confidence seems to have ample reason to be backed by it.

“Since you say so, Professor Nohara, we naturally believe you.” Kazuhiko Torishima took a deep breath, suppressing his shock. “However, please take good care of yourself.”

"I will." Hiroshi Nohara nodded, then changed the subject and dropped an even more unexpected bombshell.

"Perfect timing. I'll be going to Kumamoto Prefecture for the next two weeks, which will be a good time to give myself a break."

"Huh? On vacation?" Tadokoro Masato was taken aback, his heart pounding again. "Then...the manuscript..."

Hiroshi Nohara couldn't help but find his nervous expression somewhat amusing.

"Don't worry, I'll give you the manuscript when I get back from Kumamoto."

"A two-week vacation... then when you come back, won't you have to work through the night to finish your manuscript? That's too tiring!" Tadokoro Masato said with a worried expression.

“No.” Hiroshi Nohara shook his head, picked up his teacup, and said slowly, “When I come back, I will give you enough manuscripts for six months of serialization all at once.”

"boom!"

Tadokoro Masato's teacup wobbled, spilling tea, but he was completely unaware.

Torishima Kazuhiko's usually composed face completely lost its composure at this moment, and his glasses almost slipped off his nose.

"Half...half a year?!" Torishima Kazuhiko's voice changed: "Nohara-sensei, you mean...all three works have drafts prepared for the next six months of serialization?"

"Yes," Hiroshi Nohara replied casually.

"Good heavens!" Tadokoro Masato was speechless. He counted on his fingers, muttering to himself, "One chapter a week, that's twenty-six chapters in six months... three works... that's seventy-eight chapters of manuscript... and you're going to finish them all in a two-week vacation?!"

This...this is beyond human capability! Has the god of comics descended?!

Torishima Kazuhiko adjusted his glasses, forcing himself to calm down. He felt that he must have misunderstood.

"Mr. Nohara, you mean that each of the three manga series can guarantee a two-month supply of chapters, right? That's already amazing! We can totally accept it! Half a year's worth of work is just..."

He felt that two months' worth of manuscripts was the most optimistic promise Hiroshi Nohara could make under extreme circumstances.

However, Hiroshi Nohara's next words struck like a thunderbolt, directly hitting the two editors, who were used to all sorts of things, on the head.

He put down his teacup, looked at the two dumbfounded people, smiled, and corrected them clearly, word by word:
"No, Editor-in-Chief Bird Island, you've misunderstood."

"What I mean is, for all three comics, I will have enough manuscript stock to last for six months of collected volumes."

The entire office fell into a deathly silence instantly.

All that remained was the ticking of the wall clock and the heavy, bellows-like breathing of the two editors.

Six months' worth of drafts for a standalone volume...

At this moment, Torishima Kazuhiko and Tadokoro Masato's brains completely shut down.

They quickly calculated in their minds what the number represented.

A single volume typically contains around ten chapters. At a rate of one volume every two months, that's three volumes in six months.

The three volumes total thirty chapters.

Three works, that's... ninety episodes!

High-quality original manuscript for chapter 90!
Completed in half a month?!
This isn't confidence, it's a miracle!

Torishima Kazuhiko opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He had been a prominent figure in the manga industry for decades, discovering countless geniuses and witnessing countless miracles, but nothing had ever overturned his understanding or shaken his soul as much as it did at this moment.

Masato Tadokoro seemed to have all his strength drained away, slumping into his chair and staring blankly at the man in front of him.

He felt that he might not be facing a human being at all.

Instead, it is a monster from a higher dimension, disguised in human form.

Hiroshi Nohara looked at their distraught appearance, smiled, and offered no further explanation.

Some secrets are destined to be enjoyed by him alone.

After all, other comic artists need to work hard to come up with the plot, figure out how to start drawing, and make the artwork concise yet coherent.

But for him, all he needed to do was constantly imitate, or rather, plagiarize, the memories in his mind, and that was it.

Outside the window, the Tokyo night deepened, and the ocean of lights continued to shine tirelessly, as if witnessing a unique legend rising in this room, in this era, in an incredible way.

……

The heavy wooden door of the office closed gently behind them as Chief Editor Kazuhiko Torishima and Editor Masato Tadokoro bid farewell and left 'Future Editorial Office'.

But the look in Misae's eyes, a mixture of shock, admiration, and a hint of instinctive fear when faced with the extraordinary, seemed to linger in her president's office.

Hiroshi Nohara smiled as he looked out the window at Tokyo, where the city lights were just coming on. The colorful neon lights were like the unburst bubbles of desire in this huge metropolis, shimmering with a hazy and unreal glow.

In a good mood.

After all, he had just pulled off a big stunt, which made him feel incredibly good.

Misae followed him like a light, nimble deer, her face beaming with barely suppressed joy. She hurried to catch up, tilting her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling.

"Hiroshi!" She couldn't help but tug at his sleeve, her voice clear and cheerful: "Did you see the expressions on Torishima-san and Tadokoro-san's faces just now? Their mouths were so wide open they could fit a white radish, a specialty of Oguri! 'An impossible task for humans'... One of them is a legendary editor-in-chief at Shueisha, and the other is an experienced exclusive editor, and they actually said that at the same time!"

She mimicked Masato Tadokoro's incredulous gesture of adjusting his glasses, and then giggled to herself.

Hiroshi Nohara turned his head to look at her, his eyes filled with doting affection. The night breeze, carrying a cool autumn feel, ruffled his neatly combed sideburns and stirred the stray hairs on Misae's forehead.

“I saw it.” His voice was calm, as if stating an objective fact: “They’re just used to the efficiency of ordinary people.” He paused, his tone devoid of arrogance, only a matter-of-fact certainty: “How many pages of color can the top colorists in the comic book club finish in a day working overtime? Even they would probably have to spend a long time drawing the original manuscript and storyboard drafts for ninety chapters.”

Misae nodded vigorously, deeply agreeing: "Yes, yes! Yamashita-san and the others color so fast, every time I see how fast you submit your work, I question my existence. Nohara-kun, you're like... well, like you were sent by the god of manga!" She was very satisfied with her analogy, and smiled even more happily, the adoration and love of an eighteen-year-old girl pure and without any impurities.

"The God of Manga?" Hiroshi Nohara repeated softly, his deep eyes gazing at the night sky dyed crimson by neon lights. The corners of his mouth seemed to curve upwards by a fraction of a second, carrying a subtle feeling that only he himself understood: "Perhaps."

With the foundation of the previous world, his impact on this world is nothing short of divine.
He turned to Misae and said casually, "Let's not talk about these things. Tonight, let's not think about the script or those troublesome things at the TV station." He gently patted the back of Misae's hand. "It's rare that we have a day off tomorrow. Tonight, let's go to Ginza, have some good food, and pick out some gifts for Uncle and Aunt, as well as Sister Masae and Mengya to take back with us."

"Are you sure you want to go to Kumamoto?!" Misae's eyes widened instantly, like two black grapes gleaming in the night. "Really...really? Okay, okay!" The surprise came so suddenly that she even stammered a little, and the smile on her face was brighter than any neon light.

"Okay, it's settled." Hiroshi Nohara led Misae to the parking lot, opened the car door, and gestured for her to get in: "Sit tight."

With a deep roar from the engine, the black Crown sedan merged into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

The car interior was isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city, with only the low hum of the heater and Misae's excited, soft humming.

Hiroshi Nohara's long, slender fingers gripped the steering wheel firmly, his gaze calmly fixed on the dazzling lights ahead.

The car window reflected his calm and deep profile, as well as the bouncy figure of the girl in the passenger seat.

Tokyo's Ginza, a symbol of luxury and consumerism in this era, bursts forth with its iconic golden splendor upon their arrival.

The huge shop windows display luxury goods from all over the world, and the well-dressed people walk with elegance.

The air here seems to exude a unique aroma that blends the scents of expensive perfumes, gourmet food, and money.

The two did not choose the high-end restaurants that required reservations.

Hiroshi Nohara led Misae into a well-known teppanyaki restaurant called "Homura".

It wasn't a top-tier private room, but it had a lively atmosphere.

Moreover, having a simple meal makes it easier to buy souvenirs and gifts for Kumamoto Prefecture in Ginza afterwards.

"Sizzle—" The tender snowflake beef leaps lightly on the scalding hot iron plate, the oil is brought out by the flames and releases an enticing aroma, the chef's spatula flies like a dance.

Misae's eyes lit up as she looked at the sizzling, delicious food.

"Hiroshi, this smells so good!" she exclaimed softly, watching the chef precisely place a piece of grilled premium Wagyu beef onto her plate.

Hiroshi Nohara took a sip of his drink, watching Misae take a small bite of the Wagyu beef, her eyes crinkling with satisfaction. The faint smile on his lips deepened slightly: "Eat more if you like. The Hokkaido scallops here are also very fresh."

The portion he ordered was just right, neither too stingy nor too extravagant to attract attention.

Misae felt that every bite was the taste of happiness, and occasionally she would look up at the composed Hiroshi across from her, her heart filled with joy.

The soft light in the shop shone on his well-defined face, and his composure beyond his years made him appear exceptionally harmonious and natural in this luxurious place, as if he were born to be here, yet seemed capable of leaving at any moment.

After a hearty meal, the shopping spree officially began.

In the tall shop window, mannequins are wearing the latest ready-to-wear designs from French designer brands.

Hiroshi Nohara's vision is accurate and efficient.

He chose a classic black cashmere cardigan and matching trousers for his future father-in-law, Yoshiharu Koyama, from an established British brand; for his mother-in-law, Takaya Koyama, he chose a thick, soft-colored silk kimono jacket, along with a matching silk scarf dyed in Kyoto Yuzen.

His movements were swift and decisive, showing none of the hesitation that ordinary men have when shopping.

"Isn't this too expensive for Mom and Dad?" Misae touched the silky scarf, a little worried that they wouldn't accept it.

"Uncle and Aunt deserve it." Hiroshi Nohara immediately had the shop assistant wrap it up. This was a gift for his parents-in-law!
Next, there were gifts for the sisters.

Hiroshi Nohara seemed to be very aware of the interests of the two Misae sisters.

The gift for the gentle and kind eldest sister, Masaya Koyama, was a complete set of classic Shiseido skincare products; while the gift for the youngest and most lively sister, Yumeko Koyama, was a small and exquisite Casio women's digital watch and a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, a favorite among young people today.

"Oh! Hiroshi, how did you know that Yumeya always wanted sunglasses?" Misae asked in surprise.

"Last time you called, she and Masaya were fighting over a pair of plastic sunglasses, didn't they almost get into a fight?" Hiroshi Nohara asked calmly, taking the bag from the shop assistant.

Misae stuck out her tongue, recalling that chaotic yet amusing phone call scene.

After leaving Mitsukoshi, Hiroshi Nohara went into a long-established gold shop called "Kincho".

Without much selection, he had several simple and elegant gold ornaments brought out: a delicate gold collarbone chain for his mother-in-law and Koyama Masaya, with a very auspicious meaning; and a small, exquisite gold coin pendant for Koyama Yumeya.

He himself chose a pair of pure gold cufflinks, polished to a matte, understated finish.

Next up was a special session on souvenirs.

The expensive, exquisite fruit basket from the long-established Ginza food store "Senbikiya"—featuring netted melons from Shizuoka and strawberries from Fukuoka—is meticulously packaged like a work of art.

Next up are limited-edition yokan and chestnut yokan from the upscale Japanese confectionery shop "Toraya," presented in gift boxes adorned with exquisite ukiyo-e patterns.

Finally, he went into a liquor store and picked up two bottles of top-quality 25-year-old whisky from the Yamazaki Distillery and two bottles of Château Latour's second label red wine from Bordeaux, France—although not as good as the main label, they were absolute luxury items in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Seeing that several large shopping bags almost filled the spacious trunk of the Crown, Misae finally couldn't help but tug at Hiroshi Nohara's trench coat sleeve and whispered, "Hiroshi...you bought too much, didn't you? These...are very expensive."

Looking at the exquisitely packaged bags and thinking about their prices, she felt a little uneasy. All these items combined were more than enough to cover the living expenses of an average farming family for a year.

Hiroshi Nohara had just put down the last box of sweets when he smelled a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth.

“Silly girl,” he reached out and casually flicked Misae’s pert nose with the back of his finger, a sweet gesture that made Misae’s cheeks blush slightly. “With Nohara’s current net worth, this expense is nothing.”

His tone was so calm that it didn't sound like he was showing off his wealth; it sounded more like he was stating a very simple fact.

That was a powerful foundation built by the consistently high viewership revenue sharing from "Yamishibai" and "Tales of the Unusual", the huge influence and licensing fees from "Super Transformation", the substantial box office revenue from "Seven Samurai", and the huge royalties from the manga "Yu Yu Hakusho", "Doraemon", and "Midnight Diner".

More importantly, the treasure trove within his mind is a truly inexhaustible source of wealth.

The phrase "rich and powerful" is so apt and not an exaggeration when applied to him.

The black Crown started up again, carrying a car full of heartfelt wishes as it drove away from the dazzling Ginza district.

Back in my upscale apartment in the heart of Tokyo, the warm yellow lights inside dispelled the chill of the autumn night.

It's not too late yet.

Misae couldn't contain her excitement and anticipation before her departure. She ran over, picked up the elegant landline phone, and skillfully dialed the number of the Koyama family in Kumamoto Prefecture.

"Beep...beep...click." The phone was quickly answered, and Koyama Takasaya's sleepy voice with a Kumamoto accent came through: "Hello? Moshi Moshi?"

"Mom! It's me, Misae!" Misae's voice was clear and cheerful.

"Miya? Is something wrong that you're calling so late?" Koyama Takaya's drowsiness was instantly dispelled by her daughter's voice, and her tone became concerned.

"Mom! I have something to tell you!" Misae took a deep breath, her voice filled with barely suppressed joy: "Hiroshi and I... have decided to go back to see you tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow...tomorrow?!" On the other end of the phone, Koyama Takaya's voice suddenly rose several octaves, stammering with unbelievable surprise: "Huh?! What did you say? Hiroshi and you...are coming back tomorrow?!"

"Yes! Tomorrow!" Misae nodded vigorously, even though the person on the other end of the phone couldn't hear her.

Just then, a deliberately stern but barely concealed excited and nervous male voice came from the phone, accompanied by some background noise, as if someone had been startled and stood up: "Whose call is that? What's going on tomorrow? Is Misae coming back?" It was Yoshiharu Koyama.

"It's Misae! She said... Hiroshi and she will be home tomorrow!" Koyama Takaya's voice was filled with surprise and joy as she relayed this explosive news.

"What?! So soon! Is Hiroshi coming too?!" Yoshiharu Koyama's voice couldn't hold back any longer, and his dignified and serious demeanor immediately crumbled.

His slightly hurried breathing and pacing footsteps could be clearly heard through the phone receiver. "Quick...quick! Takaya! Um...um tomorrow! Book a hotel! And go to the market first thing tomorrow morning! Buy the best Wagyu beef! No, no, the most famous Kumamoto black Wagyu beef! Also, do you still have the matsutake mushrooms Mr. Ito sent last time? Bring them out! Buy new rice too! Oh, and the house, clean it thoroughly one last time! This is Hiroshi's first official visit! We can't afford to be careless!"

His voice was loud and clear, and he issued a series of orders quickly and urgently, completely different from his usual taciturn and patriarchal demeanor. His words revealed a flustered tension and a deep sense of importance.

Then, the background noise from the phone became even louder, clearly disturbing even Masaya and Yumeya Koyama in the next room.

"Miya and her brother-in-law are coming back?! Wow! Really?!" This was Koyama Yumeya's voice, almost screaming with excitement.

"Hiroshi and Misae are coming back?" The eldest sister, Masae Koyama, asked with a hint of joy.

The telephone became a temporary family meeting channel for Xiaoshan's family.

As Misae listened to the sounds of her family's excitement at her return home on the other end of the phone—her father's seemingly flustered but actually extremely attentive arrangements, her mother's excited responses, and her sisters' surprised inquiries—a warm current welled up in her chest, and an incredibly radiant and happy smile bloomed on her face.

Hiroshi Nohara leaned against the sofa not far away, holding a glass of water in his hand, quietly watching Misae's back as she made a phone call.

The soft lighting in the living room outlined the girl's graceful figure and illuminated the happy expression of her longing for her family that naturally flowed from her phone call.

Hearing Yoshiji Koyama's voice on the other end of the phone, which was trying to maintain his dignity but was also full of tension and surprise, even with his composure in the face of a collapsing mountain, a gentle smile couldn't help but flash across his eyes.

Misae chattered on for a few more minutes before speaking into the microphone with a hint of pride and anticipation: "Hiroshi said we're going to stay in Kumamoto for two weeks to relax! Mom, Dad, Sister, Misae, see you at Kumamoto Airport tomorrow!"

There was naturally another burst of cheerful responses on the other end of the phone.

"Click." Misae hung up the phone, turned around, and flew towards Hiroshi Nohara like a happy little bird, her eyes filled with starlight: "Hiroshi! Mom and Dad are so happy! My sister and Yumeya are too! I want to fly back right now!"

Hiroshi Nohara caught the girl who rushed towards him steadily, gently put his arm around her waist, and looked down at her excited, flushed face.

"Hmm," he responded in a low voice, a gentle tone rarely seen in his daily life.

He looked up at the deep Tokyo night outside the window, then looked down at the girl nestled in his arms.

The autumn night's temperature and the joy of the person in his arms stirred a subtle ripple of emotion for Kumamoto Prefecture deep within his otherwise unwavering heart.

However, by this time, it was already late at night.

Looking at Misae, who was still chattering away in his arms about interesting stories from her hometown of Kumamoto Prefecture, Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled into a faint, subtle smile.

“Misa,” Hiroshi Nohara interrupted her.

"Huh?" Misae was slightly taken aback.

"How are you going to thank your destined husband, Hiroshi Nohara?" Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled up slightly, and then he looked at Misae, whose cheeks were flushed in his arms, and placed her on the tatami.

P.S.: Please give me some recommendation votes, my daily routine begins!

(End of this chapter)