Tokyo Three Generations

So, Nagasaki Motoyo asked the maid for an apron, tied it around her neck, and then started humming a little tune as she busied herself in the kitchen.

She volunteered, not so much to "show off" in front of her grandfather, but because she genuinely enjoyed the feeling of everyone gathering together and her feeding them, just as she said.

Soon, with the help of the servants, dishes such as stir-fried winter bamboo shoots with pork, beef and asparagus rolls, grilled sea bream, monkfish liver, Ise lobster, matsutake mushroom soup, and mixed rice with shredded egg... were served on the table.

Looking at the table full of colorful, delicious, and beautifully presented dishes and desserts, Toyokawa Shoko was dazzled.

She wasn't struck by the food itself, but rather by Su Shi's skill.

After all the dishes were served, no one touched them, but waited for the old man to start eating first.

Takasaki Jun didn't delay, looking at the children with a smile.

"Everyone, start eating, don't go hungry."

After he finished speaking, as an example, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.

"I'm starting!" Seeing that her grandfather had already started eating, Toyokawa Shoko also picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.

With a touch of curiosity, Toyokawa Shoko picked up a piece of winter bamboo shoot and put it in her mouth.

Winter bamboo shoots are of high quality, so when you bite into them, they are sweet and juicy, and even have a natural mountain forest fragrance. The seasoning is also very good, with a salty and sweet flavor, making them very delicious.

Moreover, because it is stir-fried with thinly sliced ​​pork belly, it absorbs the aroma of the meat and the flavor of the sauce, making it refreshing and unforgettable.

Although it's still not quite on par with the dishes made by the famous chefs in her family, it's already quite impressive that she's achieved this level.

Especially since it was made by her friend, it added an extra touch of "friendship".

It's easy to imagine how much effort Su Shi put into preparing lunch for everyone.

That's why Shoko Toyokawa found a joy and emotion in the food that she didn't usually experience.

"It's really delicious!" She looked at Nagasaki Motoyo and then sincerely praised, "Motoyo, you're amazing."

"I told you she's really good at cooking..." Jun Takasaki interrupted, "Now you believe me, right?"

"Yes, I believe you! It would be even better if we could eat here more often in the future," Toyokawa Shoko replied with a smile.

Seeing the two of them praising her in unison, Nagasaki Motoyo blushed a little, but she was extremely happy inside.

"Don't say that, I'm not that good. Don't make me a laughing stock. I'm just good at some home-style cooking, I learned it all to take care of my mom. If you like it, please have some more..."

After saying that, she felt a sense of satisfaction and began to savor the dish she had carefully prepared.

Everyone was already a bit hungry, and the food was indeed very good, so they all had a great appetite and ate heartily.

However, the three girls were all slender and thin, and even if they ate freely, their appetites were small. Grandpa was old and could not eat much either, so the pressure soon fell on Takasaki Jun.

Faced with a table full of dishes, Takasaki Jun, unwilling to let Su Shi's efforts go to waste, rolled up his sleeves and went all out, devouring the food on the table.

In the end, everyone stopped and watched him eat alone.

"Hey, it's fine if you don't share the burden with me, but why are you all staring at me like that? It's putting pressure on me, and I can't eat anymore." Jun Takasaki stopped eating and protested in dissatisfaction.

"Although it's a bit rude, seeing Jun eating so heartily makes me feel quite accomplished..." Nagasaki Motoyo said with her hands supporting her chin and a big smile on her face. "But don't force yourself if you're full. I've already seen your efforts."

“No, I have to keep going.” Jun Takasaki shook his head. “I love your cooking; it’s much better than what I eat at home.”

Upon hearing this, the others were fine, but Nagasaki Motoyo was slightly taken aback.

Her thoughts drifted back to their first encounter not long ago.

It was at the dinner table in his hiding place that he ate the dinner he had prepared while deciding how to save himself.

Learning some skills is really useful... She couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

"If you like it, I can do it often in the future, so we can get together more often."

"Su Shi, you're being a bit biased." Seeing the two of them suddenly connect, Toyokawa Shoko abruptly interrupted, as if protesting or pouting, "We're the classmates who spend time together every day, aren't we? Even if it's about feeding each other, shouldn't it be me and Harmony who get priority?"

“Yes, yes, that’s fine…” Nagasaki Motoyo nodded with a smile, “As long as you don’t mind, I can prepare the food for our gatherings every time.”

“Alright, come to my house next time. I have all kinds of kitchen utensils and ingredients there, enough for you to show off your skills.” Toyokawa Shoko nodded.

Then, she immediately realized that she seemed to be treating her classmate like a servant—even though that was not her intention.

So she quickly tried to justify herself, saying, "Of course, I can do whatever you want with me. You can order me around however you like."

Even she herself covered her mouth and laughed at what she said.

"I don't have the ability to order around Miss Toyokawa at will... Maybe others do." Nagasaki Motoyo covered her mouth and chuckled. "Alright, we'll see when the time comes."

============================

The visit was a great success, and the three girls reluctantly bid farewell to the old man in the afternoon.

Takasaki Jun also seemed extremely reluctant to part with them. He clearly liked these children very much, not only giving them all valuable gifts but also telling them that they could come again if they had the chance, and that he would definitely treat them warmly.

After they finished saying goodbye and left by car, the Takasaki residence fell into loneliness once more.

This time, Jun Takasaki didn't drive them back to the hotel. Instead, he stayed with his grandfather. He could clearly tell that his grandfather seemed to have something to tell him.

At this moment, Jun Takasaki was still standing under the porch, looking at the road in the distance—even though the carriage carrying the three girls had long since gone far away and disappeared beyond the horizon.

"Grandpa, is there something you want to tell me?" Jun Takasaki asked.

Takasaki Jun slowly turned his head and looked at his grandson.

He usually has a stern and straightforward demeanor, but now he seems to be hesitant to speak.

"Come in first," he said softly to his grandson after a moment's hesitation.

Then, the two of them walked back into the mansion together.

Once inside the zashiki (a traditional Japanese house), Takasaki Jun stopped in his tracks.

"Chun, what do you think of them?"

“They are all very cute, and I enjoy getting along with them. I like them very much,” Jun Takasaki replied.

“Yes, it’s obvious…” Takasaki Jun smiled slightly, then seemed to feel a little wistful, “Even an old man like me who is about to die feels like I’m bathed in a spring breeze when I stand next to them, let alone you… It would be strange if you didn’t like it.”

After a moment of reflection, he suddenly became serious again. "Then I'll ask you the same question: which one do you prefer?"

“It’s not time to think about that yet, we’re still this young! Besides, I approached them because of admiration and affection, I had no other intentions.” Jun Takasaki immediately became anxious, “Grandpa, this is my personal matter, please don’t interfere.”

The old man did not answer immediately, but instead looked at his grandson.

After a moment, he sighed softly, "You may not care, but they might. I can tell they do like you. Even if it's not to the point of fanatical infatuation, they at least have some aspirations... Otherwise, they wouldn't have come to visit today."

Jun Takasaki fell silent, as he seemed unable to deny it.

"Time will tell. Let nature take its course. Maybe they were just acting on youthful impulses."

"Perhaps that's true, but we also need to consider the consequences. Otherwise, it will be too late to regret it when everything is beyond repair." Takasaki Jun sighed softly again, and then looked at his grandson solemnly once more. "Jun, I advise you not to get too close to Miss Toyokawa, lest things become unmanageable... for both her and for you."

"Huh? What does this mean?" Jun Takasaki exclaimed in surprise. "You...you have a problem with her?"

Upon careful reflection, he couldn't find any problems with Toyokawa Shoko's visit to his home. No matter how he thought about it, he only felt that Shoko had handled things properly and was gentle and refined. Moreover, she had brought a generous gift upon arrival, so her performance seemed to be good enough.

I don't know what happened, but I touched a nerve with my grandfather.

Honestly, the old folks weren't this difficult to take care of before, were they?

Just as he was internally complaining, a look of helplessness and melancholy appeared on Takasaki Jun's face.

"Don't misunderstand, I have no problem with her at all. On the contrary, I think her demeanor, manners, and even appearance are impeccable. The Toyokawa family is truly fortunate to have such an heir. It's a pity..."

After praising her, he changed the subject, "It's fate, something human power can't change... Who knows how long she can stay this healthy?"

Grandpa's words stunned Takasaki Jun, and then a chill ran through him.

Because he suddenly understood his grandfather's true meaning.

Nobody's stupid; I'm not the only smart person in the world.

Since he himself could deduce from the fact that "the Toyokawa family has been headed by women for several generations and all of them had short lifespans" that Toyokawa Shoko might suffer from some kind of malignant hereditary disease, then others could certainly guess it as well.

This may even have become an unspoken assumption among the upper class.

Is this conjecture true? No one can be sure for sure.

However, as long as this speculation becomes a kind of consensus, it is enough to form a "prejudice".

After all, the undeniable facts are right in front of us, and no one can ignore them.

It was only then that he finally understood his grandfather's worries—he was also afraid that this seemingly cheerful, humble, and lovely Miss Toyokawa would pass away at the same age as her mother.

Upon thinking of this, he was speechless, overwhelmed by a strong sense of worry and desolation.

Seeing his grandson's silent and dejected expression, the old man shook his head and sighed softly.

Next, he walked to a Buddhist shrine where a memorial tablet was placed, with a portrait of the deceased on it.

That was the portrait of Jun Takasaki's grandmother.

“Chun, if you were a ruthless person who would turn your back on family and be blinded by greed, then I would actually support you getting close to Xiangzi, because for someone like you, her early death would even be a good thing, so you could take over the Fengchuan family as soon as possible as an emperor emeritus. But I know you are not that kind of person…” The old man sighed softly, “I am over eighty years old and lost my wife a few years ago. I have been living a somewhat meaningless life these past few years. And you, if you were to face the blow of losing your spouse in middle age, how painful would that be? You cannot bear it! Nor do you need to bear it.”

After saying that, he spoke again as if encouraging his grandson, "Admittedly, we are far inferior to the Toyokawa family in terms of wealth and status, but we still have a foundation and a family business. You can live well with my legacy, and I don't need you to take this risk and suffer for the sake of bringing glory to the family... I just hope that you can live your life smoothly, that's enough... So, I think you don't need to bring this kind of risk upon yourself."

As for the other two children, I like them very much, and I'll accept whoever they are... I'm not interfering with you; I'm just thinking of your best interests, and please consider my words carefully.

To be fair, the grandfather's words were very heartwarming, full of the old man's deep love for his grandson, and it was impossible for Jun Takasaki not to be moved.

But beyond being moved, he also felt an uncontrollable anger.

It wasn't anger at my grandfather, but anger at the so-called "fate".

Why is it that so many wicked and evil people can live comfortably and have long lifespans, while the lovely and humble Miss Toyokawa has to face the possibility of an early death?

He could not accept this fate.

Even if it exists, he will change it.

He couldn't accept losing a hand he had won in a game for no apparent reason, nor could he accept the premature and permanent departure of a friend he had considered a friend.

That cheerful and optimistic young lady, Toyokawa, should continue to live.

"No! That won't happen! Modern science is so advanced, and it's improving every day. There'll always be a way. Even if there isn't, I'll make it happen!" So he shouted back to his grandfather, "I'll make sure she lives a good life, a life better than all those who are laughing at her. I've protected her once, and I can protect her a second and a third time. I won't lose!"

After a brief outburst of emotion, he realized he had been rude.

So he quickly bowed his head and apologized to his grandfather, then softened his tone.

“Grandpa, I know you mean well and are trying to remind me. But I’m an adult now and I have my own way of life, so please don’t worry about me. I will handle it myself… just like I always have.”

All that could be answered by the old man was a helpless sigh.

"Alright, I was just giving you a heads-up. How you choose to proceed is up to you. I can only sincerely wish you all the best."

After saying that, the old man waved his hand gently, "I'm going to rest now. You should go back too. Have fun and be happy."

56. Fireworks fade quickly.

After the home visits concluded, the Akita Cherry Blossom Festival commenced amidst much anticipation, following the pre-arranged schedule of the event.

The weather has been perfect these past few days, with warm and pleasant temperatures, and the cherry blossoms have bloomed as scheduled. In addition, the event's promotional efforts have been very effective, which has greatly boosted people's enthusiasm.

On the evening of the day the event began, the usually deserted streets suddenly became crowded. Many people appeared to be out with their whole families, with parents carrying or holding their children's hands, and the elderly walking with their spouses. Everywhere was filled with the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

To seamlessly blend into the atmosphere, the three students from Moon Forest even changed into appropriate outfits.

Toyokawa Shoko wore a light-colored yukata embroidered with cherry blossom patterns, and a hairpin with a cherry blossom emblem on her head; Wakaba Mutsumi wore a light blue one, while Nagasaki Motoyo wore a beige one.

Although the colors are different, they are all matched very well, looking both classically elegant and full of girlish charm.

Jun Takasaki had also changed into a light blue yukata and was walking alongside the three of them in wooden clogs.

They usually wear modern clothes or school uniforms, but today they are all wearing yukatas, which is quite a contrast and novelty, so much so that he couldn't help but feel secretly glad that he had the opportunity to see such a scene.

The cherry blossom festival is held on the riverbank, where a large number of cherry trees are planted along both sides of the river. At this time, the cherry trees on both sides of the long embankment are in full bloom, and from a distance, the sea of ​​flowers looks like a pink mist stretching into the distance, with a clear and bright jade ribbon in the middle, appearing and disappearing among the flowers.

The cherry blossoms fall softly, landing on the ground and in the middle of the river, silently weaving the tenderness and melancholy of spring.

Even if it's just a fleeting moment, it's enough to leave a lasting impression.

They strolled together along the long embankment, under the cherry blossom trees, chatting about various topics, watching the performances by the artists along the way, and occasionally sampling some local snacks, having a great time.

Even as night fell, the streets remained bustling with people, all beaming with smiles, as if trying to shake off the fatigue accumulated over the past year.

Although Toyokawa Shoko does seem very approachable, a young lady is still a young lady, and in her life so far, she has not had many opportunities to participate in "common people's entertainment".

Not to mention having so many friends by my side.

So she was actually the happiest and most engaged of all.