Next, Konoe Ryoka explained the concept of "big stomach king".

It’s not as exaggerated as those food broadcasters or UP hosts on the Internet in 2020, but compared to ordinary people, her appetite is still quite amazing.

Not only did he finish the grilled mackerel set meal that made Higashinoji feel full just by looking at it, but he also ordered a few side dishes and two bowls of rice...

Higashinoji still remembers how she carefully turned her head, looked at him with big watery eyes and asked, "Higashino-san, can you have another bowl?"

It’s no wonder that Yumi Takahashi said that she has all the right nutrients... She shouldn’t eat this way to avoid gaining weight!

Higashinoji was not that stingy, he nodded with a smile, and was also curious about how much she could eat.

After all, the food at this Japanese restaurant is actually pretty cheap.

Even though the amount Konoe Ryoka ordered seemed a bit large, it was actually not that expensive. She probably ate one or two thousand yen by herself.

Of course, Higashinoji didn't come here to watch Konoe Ryoka's performance this time.

He exchanged the salt-grilled mackerel in the bowl for some Fujiwara Aoi's grilled meat, and then some cod chunks from Takahashi Yumi's boiled fish set.

After all, these girls knew that Higashinoji was here to collect information, so no one said anything.

“It’s delicious...”

After taking a sip of the rich and fragrant mushroom miso soup, Yumi Takahashi had a comfortable expression on her face.

It's really delicious.

Even Higashinoji, who has always been picky about taste, nodded secretly.

The heat of the salt-grilled mackerel is well controlled. The outside of the fish is browned and crispy, but the inside is very tender. When you eat it, you can feel the light saltiness of the sea salt in your mouth.

Then squeeze in lime juice and wrap it with some mashed radish... The combination of the spicy sweetness of white radish and the sourness of lime juice makes the fish in your mouth full of texture.

The most important thing is that the food cooked here does not have the unique fireworks of a big hotel, it is just very ordinary and has a family feel close to people.

This is probably what the so-called ‘taste of home’ is.

Higashikata couldn't help but feel a little satisfied.

Does Inokashira Goro in "The Lonely Gourmet" feel the same way every time he enjoys delicious food at such a street shop?

Because the food here is really good, both the food and the chatty chef give people a pleasant feeling.

I am quite grateful to Konoe Ryoka. Higashinoji feels that he has captured the creative inspiration for "The Lonely Gourmet".

Just as Higashinoji was still using his chopsticks on the grilled mackerel on the plate, Konoe Ryoka's cell phone suddenly rang next to him.

She glanced at the phone screen, and then the expression on her face suddenly changed.

Some are panicked, some are stunned.

Dongnoji noticed the change in her expression and couldn't help but glance at her sideways, and then saw her stand up in a panic:

"Sorry, I'm going out to take a call."

She moved very quickly, as if someone was chasing her with a knife from behind.

"Ah... no, sorry, I'm going out to take a call."

With these words behind her, Konoe Ryoka trotted out of the Japanese restaurant with her cell phone in hand.

"It was Lianghua's brother who called her again, right? That bastard!"

Higashinoji didn't ask, but Takahashi Yumi on the other side had already put down her chopsticks angrily.

"..." Fujiwara Aoi, who has always been calm, did not speak, but remained silent, obviously thinking of something unpleasant.

Higashikata still didn't speak.

Just like Fujiwara Aoi and Takahashi Yumi respected their family situation and didn't talk too much, Higashinoji didn't suddenly ask about Konoe Ryoka.

After all, every family has sutras that are difficult to recite.

After a while, Konoe Ryoka walked in from the outside, her expression obviously much more reluctant.

"Are you okay? Lianghua?" Yumi Takahashi asked with concern.

"Ah...it's okay." Konoe Ryoka waved her hands in confusion, and then managed to smile: "Well, I'm sorry...I guess I have to go home early. Higashino-san...otherwise

Just let me treat you?"

She looked at Higashinoji and hesitated: "I eat more..."

"It's okay, I agreed to treat you, and I'm especially grateful to Konoe-san." Higashinoji smiled and waved his hands: "My new comic has a rough outline of the creation. If you insist on speaking, I still have the advantage."

After saying this, Higashinoji added: "If Konoe-san needs my help in the future, I will never refuse."

"..." Seeing Higashinoji's attitude, Konoe Ryoka opened her mouth and felt inexplicably moved.

But she didn't say anything in the end, bowed to Higashinoji and Fujiwara Aoi, apologized, and then left.

The next thing becomes simple.

The only sound in the small shop was the sound of Higashinoji smiling and chatting with the chef of the small shop, mainly discussing how to make these delicious dishes.

After a while, Higashinoji and the other three finished eating and left the Japanese restaurant.

Before taking two steps, Takahashi Yumi, who had been holding back, finally couldn't help it anymore: "Teacher Higashino, why didn't you ask anything just now?"

Yes... In the situation just now, everyone should be able to see clearly that something is wrong.

If the boys and girls in the class would have been asking questions, they would have been asking questions.

But Higashinoji kept smiling and talking to the store manager without mentioning Konoe Ryoka.

"...It's not that I don't ask anything." Higashinoji waved his hand and asked Takahashi Yumi: "But in that situation, if I asked more questions, the only person who would feel uncomfortable would be Konoe-san."

He breathed out and smiled calmly: "No one likes to be asked about their shortcomings, nor does anyone like to have their shortcomings exposed, right?"

"If Konoe-san wants to say something to me, then I will listen. I will not force her to say anything she doesn't want to say. This is the most basic respect."

"Well..."

Takahashi Yumi and Fujiwara Aoi looked at each other, and for a moment they didn't know what to say.

Indeed, as Higashinoji said, even if Konoe Ryoka's difficulties were revealed at the time, it would only be Konoe Ryoka who would suffer in the end.

So he didn't ask, and there was no need to ask.

When Konoe Ryoka wants to say something, she will always say it.

"It's quite late today, do you need me to send you off?" Higashino asked.

"No need, the Takahashi family and I are neighbors. She is next door to me. It will be fine if I go home with her."

"That's good."

Since this was the case, Higashinoji didn't hesitate. After nodding in response, he turned around and left.

But the sound still came from behind.

It's Aoi Fujiwara's voice.

"Although it's a bit late to tell now...but I still want to thank you, Higashino-kun, for your hospitality today."

In response, Higashinoji just laughed twice, waved to them, and left quickly.

Looking at Higashinoji's leaving figure, Takahashi Yumi, who was carrying a sword bag, murmured to herself: "He actually didn't ask anything... and the stinky dwarf, don't you usually call him Higashino?"

Really? Why did you suddenly change your title?"

She turned her head and looked at Fujiwara Aoi.

Hearing what her best friend said, Fujiwara Aoi's face turned red, and then she muttered unhappily: "It's just polite! Polite! And..."

She turned back in a daze, looked at the flow of people coming and going, and murmured softly: "It's true... He gives people a very different feeling, and they are quite comfortable to get along with."
Chapter completed!