In the following days, Bai Mo found himself caught up in a whirlwind of activity.
Although obtaining a motorcycle license in Japan could theoretically be done in just a few days, it still required considerable effort. Fortunately, as his relationship with Kasugano Sora grew closer, she became more independent and no longer needed Bai Mo to fuss over her constantly.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. After successfully obtaining his motorcycle license, Bai Mo could finally take his new toy out for a proper spin.
Moreover, today was the opening ceremony of Totsuki Culinary Academy, which Bai Mo had no choice but to attend. After preparing lunch for Sora and leaving her enough money, he hopped onto his beloved motorcycle and headed toward Nerima Ward.
As a sprawling culinary institute, Totsuki Group, despite its wealth, couldn't afford to establish its campus in Tokyo's most bustling districts. Thus, Nerima Ward—close to mountainous areas yet still part of Tokyo's 23 wards—was the ideal choice.
Nerima Ward was highly livable, and Totsuki Culinary Academy, nestled amidst mountains and rivers, boasted far better air quality than the heart of Tokyo. After parking his motorcycle, Bai Mo even felt the urge to move his home here.
But today's main agenda wasn't relocation. Watching the uniformed students of Totsuki Culinary Academy gathering in the venue, Bai Mo tossed aside the empty coffee can he'd been holding and joined the crowd.
However, just as he was about to enter the venue, he was stopped: "Excuse me, uh… classmate? Why aren't you wearing your uniform for today's opening ceremony? There's still time to change!"
Bai Mo tilted his head at the man who'd stopped him. "Sorry, I don't have a uniform."
"You're not a Totsuki student?"
"Well, I suppose I am," Bai Mo mused. "I'm a commuting student—a transfer student, you could say."
"A transfer student?" The man looked surprised. "Then please come with me. Transfer students are supposed to give a speech on stage!"
"No need. I'll take care of this one."
A deep voice cut in, and a burly old man in a black kimono approached.
"Dir—Director?!"
"Mhm. Isshiki, go handle other matters. I'll take over here."
"Understood, Director!" Isshiki Megumi glanced curiously at Bai Mo before leaving, clearly wondering why the director of Totsuki Culinary Academy would personally attend to him.
Once Isshiki was gone, Nakiri Senzaemon studied Bai Mo carefully before saying, "Ah, it slipped my mind. I'll have someone deliver a Totsuki uniform to you later. Whether you wear it or not is up to you."
"You're quite easygoing, old man."
"Hahaha! Well, I don't want to drive you away over something as trivial as clothing after finally convincing you to come."
"Tch. No subtlety at all, using the word 'convincing' outright."
"What does it matter? Even if I didn't say it, that old Kobayashi wouldn't have anything nice to say about me either."
"True enough. Otherwise, Grandpa Kobayashi wouldn't have encouraged me to accept your invitation."
As they spoke, the two arrived at the backstage area of the venue. Nakiri Senzaemon took a seat and began preparing tea.
"Old man, don't use your tea leaves. Try mine instead."
With that, Bai Mo pulled out a small wooden box from his pocket.
The antique-looking box piqued Nakiri Senzaemon's interest. But when the lid was lifted, an ethereal fragrance wafted out.
The aroma of the tea was like an immortal's brew—profound and refreshing, as if transporting one to a misty, celestial realm. Each whiff was a masterpiece of nature, carrying the elegance of mountains and rivers and the tempering of time.
Just the scent alone nearly triggered Nakiri Senzaemon's signature "clothes explosion" reaction.
"Incredible tea! How could such tea exist in this world?"
Of course it was incredible.
After all, not just any tea from Chenyu Vale could be called Chenyu Immortal Tea.
"Consider this one tael of tea a gift for you, Director."
"Wonderful! If it were anything else, I might have declined, but this tea… I truly adore it." Nakiri Senzaemon pondered for a moment before adding, "If you have more, I'd be willing to buy it at a high price."
"You'll be disappointed, then. I only got five taels of this tea. One for you, one for Grandpa Kobayashi, two mailed back home, and the last one is for myself. I really don't have any to spare."
"Ah… what a shame. But fine tea is indeed rare. In that case, let me savor this Chenyu Immortal Tea today. Are there any special brewing methods?"
"Not really. Just brew it like regular green tea, though good water is a must."
"Naturally. Coincidentally, I have some Kagoshima hot spring water that was airlifted in just yesterday. It should be perfect for this."
With a quick phone call, Nakiri Senzaemon had a kettle of pristine hot spring water delivered to the backstage.
Then, he began demonstrating his tea ceremony skills.
Since Bai Mo had specified that Chenyu Immortal Tea was a green tea, Nakiri Senzaemon opted to brew it at around 80 degrees Celsius.
As the hot water met the leaves, they unfurled gracefully, releasing an intoxicating fragrance that soon permeated the entire backstage area.
The aroma then drifted outward, enchanting everyone in its path.
"So fragrant… Is this the scent of tea?"
"Ah… It's like catching a mountain breeze."
"What kind of tea leaves could produce such a smell?"
Amidst the murmurs from the venue, the two men responsible for the commotion were already holding their cups, savoring the divine brew.
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T/N:
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