Full-time comic artist

"Anji's house, turn right after you go out..."

As the store manager was speaking, a short-haired girl ran in, and the doorbell rang just as she reached the front desk.

"Uncle Imaizumi, do you have any Jump left?!"

"Nanase, you're being too reckless. There are guests here."

"Oh dear," she then noticed the Higashino couple, put her hands together, and tilted her head, "I'm sorry, I didn't scare you, did I?"

“It’s nothing.” Akemi Akimiya shook her head kindly.

The girl in front of him had short hair, delicate features, and was lively and cheerful, which was quite different from the lifeless Manoyama.

Store manager Imaizumi brought over Jump and coaxed the girl Nanase, "This is Jump, you should go to the side."

"Yes," Nanase said loudly, raising her jump.

She walked to the side but didn't leave; she immediately began to watch with great eagerness.

Store manager Imaizumi said, "Let's continue our previous conversation. You're going to Anzai's house, right? After you go out, turn right and walk to the second intersection..."

"Hey! Slam Dunk is on hiatus! Damn Akino!"

Before Manager Imaizumi could finish speaking, the sound of clenched teeth could be heard again from the side.

"The match is at a crucial moment, how can Tori Akino Mirai take a break? Damn it! I've been waiting for a whole week!"

She was stomping her feet while holding a jumper, her hair fluttering in the wind.

"Nanase, you!" Imaizumi pointed at Nanase, his body trembling.

But Nanase ignored him, her attention was all on Jump.

"Ah, so Mr. Toriakino got married and is going on his honeymoon. The teacher is married! Congratulations on your marriage!" The girl smiled sweetly, her mouth agape.

Hibiki Higashino smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

"You are..." Nanase finally realized.

Hibiki Higashino introduced, "This is my wife. We went on our honeymoon snow trip to Manoyama."

Akemi Akemi responded with a smile.

With her back to the cashier, Nanase placed Jump on the counter with her hands behind her back, then nudged Imaizumi, the store manager, and said nonchalantly, "Just like Mr. Toriakino."

Hibiki Higashino replied, "Naturally the same."

Nanase didn't pay attention and slowly moved away from the cashier, feeling guilty. "Where are you going? I'll take you there."

"Nanase! Don't think I didn't see that!" Manager Imaizumi gave her a sharp rap on the head. "Jump items can't be returned after opening. Pay me back!"

"Hmph!" Nanase was furious. Despite all her scheming, she still ended up buying Jump.

……

After leaving the supermarket, the girl Nanase introduced herself, "My name is Nanase Yui. I'm a local. After graduating from university, I returned to my hometown."

"I am Hibiki Higashino, and she is my wife, Akemi Higashino."

"Hibiki Higashino, he looks familiar." Nanase covered her head, pondering in distress.

“Never mind if you can’t remember,” Higashino Hibiki said. “You’ve graduated from university? I thought you were still in high school.”

With a youthful face, he doesn't look like an adult at all.

"There's nothing I can do," Nanase complained. "That's just how I am, I have a baby face, it's hard to find a job, so I had to come back."

Chapter 236 Mini Kingdom

“You guys are from Tokyo, right? You have this feeling about you,” Nanase said.

“Yes.” Akemi Akemi nodded.

“Tokyo is so nice.” Nanase sighed. “I wanted to stay in Tokyo, but I couldn’t find a job and couldn’t make a living there, so I had to go back to the countryside.”

She said she only had 980 yen left before leaving Tokyo, and then shared her experience: "The bread crusts are really not good, they're dry and tough, but they're just right with mayonnaise."

Although it's experience that the Higashino couple can't use.

Nanase walked on tiptoe, her hands behind her back, leading the way with light steps. Higashino Hibiki said thoughtfully, "It seems that Ms. Nanase is more suited to life in the countryside."

"Perhaps." Nanase turned around and scratched her cheek.

With her leading the way, they soon arrived at Anji's inn.

"hello!"

Nanase pushed open the door and invited Hibiki and the other person inside.

This is a very ordinary wooden house inn, nothing special.

Although the house looks a bit old, the owner has maintained it very well; it doesn't smell rotten and is clean enough.

"I'm telling you, get out of here right now!"

As soon as they entered the hall, Higashino Hibiki and Akemi Akemi heard the fierce voice of the middle-aged woman.

"Hmm?" The two looked at each other, then asked, "What's wrong?"

The landlady then noticed the two of them and bowed apologetically, "Excuse me, I was referring to the people from the tourism association. You are very welcome to stay here."

Higashino then noticed that two people were sitting in the lobby of the hotel. The one in the lead was a thin old man with his eyes closed, who looked fierce.

Beside him was a busty girl with long hair pulled back, her expression apologetic.

"If it's a misunderstanding, then it's alright." Akemi Akimiya waved her hand.

She checked in together with the landlady.

The old man opened his eyes, his mouth was crooked, and looked at Higashino Hibiki, then walked over to Higashino Hibiki's side.

"Hey, can we chat, sir/madam, you who's come from afar?"

Higashino Hibiki had thought his attitude would be terrible, but he turned out to be quite friendly.

“Of course.” Higashino Hibiki nodded.

"My name is Hiroshi Kadona, and I am the president of the tourism association. Welcome to Mount Mano."

A busty woman with a wife-like demeanor walked over and introduced herself, "My name is Shiori Shinomiya, and I work at the tourism association. Hello."

“I am Hibiki Higashino,” Higashino Higashino pointed to Akemi Akemi, “and that is my wife, Akemi Higashino.”

Akemi Akemi turned around, smiled, and waved to greet them.

Hirokazu Kadota nodded to Akemi Akimiya, then guided Hibiki Higashino to sit down on the tatami mat.

He said, "I'll just say what's on my mind."

“Please,” Higashino Hibiki nodded, and Shiori Shinomiya handed him two cups of tea. Higashino Hibiki looked up and took them with both hands. “Thank you.”

"You're welcome, guest." Shiori, carrying the tray, walked quietly behind Hiroshi Kadada.

"Ahem," Hiroshi Kadota moved his lips, trying to make a friendly expression, "Excuse me, how did you find out about Mount Mano, Mr. Higashino?"

Hibiki Higashino replied, "After I got married, my mother introduced me to Mount Mano, which I heard was a great place for a short trip."

"I see," Chairman Kadota sighed. "Just as I thought."

Seeing Higashino Hibiki's puzzled look, Shiori Shinomiya gently explained the situation.

Fewer and fewer tourists are visiting Manoyama. The once-popular tourist town has become a standout destination with unfamiliar faces.

The value of tourism associations is rapidly disappearing.

“The tourists who come every time are mostly middle-aged people, and the young people are people we only know from our parents’ generation,” Shiori said with a worry. “Our Jianye Mountain has declined.”

Higashino understood immediately. He took a sip of tea and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Mom is really unreliable."

What good places could a housewife like her, who stays at home all day, possibly know?

However, popular tourist attractions are crowded, while remote areas offer a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

“Um, Mr. Higashino,” Shiori said cautiously, “do you have any suggestions… or complaints about Manoyama?”

Chairman Kadota quickly added, "That's right, don't be shy, feel free to speak up."

"I'm sorry, I can't do that." Under the two people's surprised gazes, Higashino Hibiki explained, "Because I haven't been to Mount Mano yet."

Shiori blushed. "...I'm so sorry, I forgot."

"Then that's settled." Despite his thick skin, Chairman Kadota said calmly without the slightest embarrassment, "There's a theatrical performance at Nooh Palace today, or rather, tomorrow at noon. Please be sure to come and watch."

He took into account the long journey the Higashino couple had endured and thoughtfully allowed them time to rest.

Higashino raised an eyebrow. "The royal palace?"

“This is to attract tourists,” Shiori explained, bending down, her chest heaving heavily. “We established ‘mini independent kingdoms’ to showcase our uniqueness. Our Manoyama region attracted many tourists in the 80s because of this kingdom concept.”

She carried memories with her.

Higashino Hibiki was surprised. "Is it okay to just say it directly?"

“No tourists care about that anymore,” Shiori said.

Chairman Kadota snorted in dissatisfaction, but did not object.

“I find this very interesting,” Higashino nodded. “We’ll definitely be there on time.”

“Thank you very much,” Chairman Kadota bowed, then pointed behind Hibiki Higashino after a moment of contemplation. “Nanase’s daughter, you will be the tour guide for the guests for the next few days, introducing them to the scenery and history of Mount Mano.”

Higashino Hibiki turned around abruptly and found that Nanase Yui was still there, sitting prettily behind him.

"Me?" Nanase pointed to herself, opening her mouth in embarrassment, "Why me?"

“You usually only do housework at home, so you have plenty of time. We’ve decided on you,” Chairman Kadota said in an unquestionable and assertive tone.

Nanase shook her head. "I don't want to."

Chairman Kadota continued, "I will give you a salary of 5000 yen per day."

"I accept!" Nanase patted the platform's chest to assure him.

"Pfft~" Shiori couldn't help but laugh.