In the evening, Mochizuki was brought back to the restaurant by Mr. C.B.
Just like yesterday, Mochizuki put down her schoolbag, immediately found a seat, and swiftly began working on today's homework.
Seeing how well-behaved Mochizuki was, Yayoi Natural glanced briefly at the curry simmering in the pot before turning away.
Mr. C.B. and Maruzensky, as always, sat together.
Chiyono O sat next to Mochizuki, quietly watching her do homework.
Although...
Yayoi Natural still wasn't sure who exactly was teaching whom.
As Natural looked again at the curry, considering whether she should add something more, her phone rang.
Picking it up, she glanced at the name displayed.
Mejiro Ardan.
"..."
Yayoi Natural hesitated briefly, looking at the name.
The last time she'd gotten a call from Ardan was quite a long time ago, and even then, most calls from Mejiro Ardan were simple check-ins about her health.
But this time…
After a few seconds of thought, Yayoi Natural finally picked up.
"Is this Natural-san?"
"Ah, yes."
"How is your health now?"
The routine inquiry came again, yet unlike usual, Ardan's voice carried a note of urgency this time.
Clearly, there was something important Ardan needed to discuss with her.
"The treatment has reached a stable phase. From here, I just need to maintain my medication. Ardan-san, is there something you need from me?"
As Yayoi Natural asked this, she glanced over at Maruzensky and Mr. C.B., who seemed completely absorbed in their own conversation.
After Natural turned her gaze back, Mejiro Ardan explained why she'd reached out.
"Actually, Natural-san, the Mejiro Family will soon host a guest from China. Could you come and assist us?"
"China? As far as I remember, the Uma Musume industry hasn't developed there yet, right?"
"That's true, but the visitor this time appears to be from the Chinese branch of Tracen Academy. They're hoping the Mejiro Family could send a few Uma Musume over there for an exchange."
Listening to Ardan's words, Yayoi Natural quickly understood the situation.
Thus, she simply replied, "That shouldn't be a problem, but regarding taste preferences…"
"The Mejiro Family will provide all the ingredients; we just need the finished dishes to meet expectations."
From those words alone, Natural could gauge the Mejiro Family's attitude toward this event.
And that was completely normal.
After all, if they could establish a foothold in China's Tracen Academy, the Mejiro Family could ensure stability even without producing new talent domestically.
Aware of this, Yayoi Natural replied, "If that's the case, I'll start preparing tomorrow. Ardan-san, could you come over to test the dishes?"
"Of course, no problem."
After that short confirmation, the call ended.
Looking at her phone screen after the call, Yayoi Natural's expression noticeably relaxed. The reason was quite simple.
The money issue had finally been resolved.
The costs of Mochizuki's schooling and opening the restaurant had been steadily draining the money she'd saved. If the restaurant didn't turn a profit soon, she would have to cut expenses.
The call from the Mejiro Family could be seen as a timely lifeline.
After all, the Mejiro Family was extremely wealthy.
If this collaboration with China went smoothly, the fee alone would solve her immediate financial concerns.
Thus, it was understandable that Yayoi Natural's expression eased.
"Natural, what's up?"
"It's about something with the Mejiro Family."
Hearing Natural's reply, Maruzensky's brow slightly furrowed.
Recently, rumors had spread at the central level about China's Tracen Academy wanting to develop their own Uma Musume industry.
To be honest, anyone with even a bit of influence wanted to grab this opportunity.
The growth potential was vastly different between the two regions.
But in Japan…
One could only say the decision-makers' heads weren't screwed on quite right. So far, the Chinese officials hadn't found a suitable Uma Musume family to collaborate with.
Of course, the biggest obstacle was Japan's inherent insularity.
But from the Mejiro Family's recent contact…
It seemed the Chinese side had finally found a suitable partner.
Thinking this, Maruzensky fell silent for a few seconds before shifting her gaze. "Oh, that sounds good."
As she spoke, Maruzensky took a sip from the tea placed on the table. "In any case, it's good news."
"But speaking of the Mejiro Family…"
After a brief pause, Maruzensky continued, "Their younger generation has become quite capable lately. If nothing goes wrong, they'll probably..."
She turned to look directly at Yayoi Natural. "If they invite you to cook for them, keep in mind dishes geared toward younger tastes might work better."
Maruzensky's suggestion was very practical. After all, if Natural planned on bringing Teio back, establishing early connections would be beneficial.
"I see. I'll consider that, but first, let's see if I can prepare dishes that meet their expectations. If I can't…"
From her words alone, Yayoi Natural sounded somewhat uncertain, but both Mr. C.B. and Maruzensky knew very well that Yayoi Natural's skills were never the issue.
At worst, she might struggle slightly with adapting to new cuisine styles. Anything beyond that…
"Are we having curry tonight?"
Maruzensky was clearly far more interested in tonight's dinner.
"Yes, it's European-style curry. Not sure if you'll like it."
As Yayoi Natural said this, she glanced toward Mochizuki. Perhaps it was her imagination, but Mochizuki had seemed a bit strange these past couple of days.
But seeing her now, Natural couldn't pinpoint anything unusual at all.
So, eventually, she turned her focus back to the curry in front of her.
"I wonder if tomorrow's opening will go smoothly. If not, I'll have to fully focus on the Mejiro Family's request."
Seeing Natural's conflicted expression, Mr. C.B. turned to her. "If you don't want to do it, you can always refuse, right?"
"It's not really that… I've just never tried cooking Chinese dishes before. I wonder how much prep time I'll need."
"I can volunteer to taste-test!" Mr. C.B. raised her hand without hesitation, a greedy look in her eyes.
Seeing Mr. C.B.'s eager expression, Yayoi Natural just smiled. "Sure, I'll let you taste-test whatever Ardan-san approves tomorrow. How's that?"
"Hell yeah!"
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