Chapter 132: Back To The Hometown! The Nohara Family’s First Meeting
Akita Prefecture, Omagari City.
Compared to the never-ending prosperity of Tokyo, time here seemed to be half a beat slower.
The wind was slow, the clouds were slow, and even the aroma wafting from the roadside coffee shop carried a lazy, lingering scent.
A brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser, like a dormant steel behemoth, was parked quietly on the side of the road outside the coffee shop.
This car formed a stark contrast with the simple, ordinary family cars around it; its massive body and gleaming metallic paint silently proclaimed the owner’s unique identity and wealth.
Inside the car, Hiroshi Nohara gripped the steering wheel, his large hands, calloused from years of working the land and with farm tools, seemed somewhat out of place at this moment.
He was wearing the Armani suit he bought in Ginza, its sharp lines perfectly accentuating his broad, sturdy physique.
The man reflected in the mirror had a resolute face and simple eyes, but his attire added a touch of urban elite charisma that even he found unfamiliar.
These clothes were more expensive than all the clothes he had worn in his previous twenty-eight years combined.
His younger brother, Hiroshi, said these were his “battle robes,” the “facade” of the future president of “Nohara Agricultural Corporation.”
But Hiroshi Nohara always felt like a country boy who had stolen an important person’s clothes, completely uncomfortable.
The only thing that brought him a sense of relief was the coffee shop’s glass door with the “OPEN” sign at the end of his gaze.
He was waiting for Ikuna to finish work.
This thought, like honey buried in his heart, brought a faint sweetness to his chest, which was pounding with nervousness.
However, this sweetness was quickly shattered by a discordant scene.
A young man in a stylish floral shirt, with his hair slicked back with oil, was blocking the coffee shop’s doorway with a bouquet of vibrant, dewy red roses.
Kojino Junro.
The young master of the Kojino Rice Shop in town, he considered himself the “ladies’ man” of Omagari City. Recently, no, for a while now, he had been aggressively pursuing Ikuna, whom he intensely disliked.
Even though Ikuna had always disliked him, he was still relentlessly persistent!
Hiroshi Nohara’s eyebrows furrowed unconsciously.
A flicker of vigilance, belonging to a male whose territory was being invaded, flashed in his simple eyes.
Kojino Junro exaggeratedly presented the bouquet of roses to Ikuna, a smile he thought was debonair on his face: “Ikuna-chan! These are the freshest Corolla roses I specially bought for you from the flower shop! See, they’re just like you, beautiful and passionate; you are my muse!”
Ikuna, in her waiter’s uniform, showed no signs of being moved on her delicate face; instead, it was filled with undisguised annoyance.
She took a step back, creating distance from the bouquet, her voice cool and firm: “Mr. Kojino, I have made myself clear. Please stop disturbing my work. I will not accept your flowers.”
“Don’t be like that, Ikuna-chan.” Kojino Junro, as if he hadn’t understood a word, stepped closer again, his voice turning greasy: “I know you’re testing me, right? It’s okay, my heart, like these roses, can withstand any test! Be my girlfriend, and I promise you’ll never run out of rice from our family’s store for your entire life!”
This confession, arguably a “cheesy pickup line,” made Ikuna’s expression darken completely.
“Kojino Junro!” Her voice suddenly rose, filled with anger at being pushed to her limit: “I’ll say it one last time: please, leave immediately! Otherwise, I’m calling the police!”
With that, she turned to go back into the shop, but Kojino blocked the glass door by stepping to the side, still trying to cling to her:
“Ikuna-chan, you…”
Just then.
“Bang—”
A steady and powerful door slam, like the beat of a war drum, instantly drew everyone’s attention.
Hiroshi Nohara stepped out of the imposing Land Cruiser.
He said nothing, only walked with steady steps, one by one, towards them. The afternoon sun stretched his shadow long, and his expensive suit reflected a low-key yet luxurious sheen in the sunlight.
His physique, which was exceptionally robust due to years of labor, now exuded a mountain-like sense of pressure.
“…” Kojino Junro subconsciously released Ikuna’s hand.
He looked at the man who had suddenly appeared, then at the Toyota Land Cruiser, which was considered a luxury car in all of Omagari City. His face, which had been full of determination, suddenly turned somewhat pale.
It was this damned guy again!
Her love rival!
If it weren’t for this damned guy, he probably would have already won over the cute and charming Ikuna!
“Ikuna.”
But Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze never once fell on the man in the floral shirt.
He only looked at Ikuna, a somewhat clumsy but incredibly sincere smile appearing on his resolute face: “I’m here to pick you up from work.”
His voice was deep and resonant, like ripe rice in autumn, giving a sense of grounded reassurance.
“Mr. Hiroshi!”
The moment Ikuna saw Hiroshi Nohara, her bright eyes instantly bloomed with a brilliance as dazzling as the stars.
All her previous anger and irritation vanished at that moment.
Like a small bird that had found a safe haven, she quickly ran to Hiroshi Nohara’s side, a bashful blush appearing on her delicate face.
“You… why are you here?” Ikuna asked playfully.
“Afraid you’d be tired, I drove to take you home,” Hiroshi Nohara’s answer was simple and direct.
“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” Kojino Junro stood to the side, watching the intimate scene unfold, feeling like a clown.
The bouquet of roses in his hand seemed utterly ironic at that moment.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s attire, which clearly cost a fortune, and then at his own gaudy floral shirt; he looked at the Land Cruiser, capable of plowing through country roads, and then at his own beat-up Honda parked at the corner…
The self-pity washed over him like a tide.
In the past, he was the one who made others feel inferior; he never expected to feel inferior himself now!
“Uh… I… I suddenly remembered I have something to do at the store. I’ll be going now!”
He fled almost in a panic, forgetting even the expensive bouquet of roses, and disappeared in a disheveled state around the corner.
Ikuna watched his comical retreat and couldn’t help but chuckle.
She turned her head, her crescent-shaped eyes gazing intently at the man beside her who had come to her rescue.
At twenty-eight, Hiroshi Nohara might have been just an ordinary older brother from the countryside in a big city like Tokyo.
But in the eyes of the twenty-year-old Ikuna, the blend of rustic simplicity and mature composure he possessed had a fatal attraction.
He wasn’t glib like Kojino Junro; he always spoke directly, even a bit awkwardly.
But everything he said felt incredibly reliable.
“Mr. Hiroshi, wait for me for a moment!” Ikuna said, turning and running back into the shop.
After a short while, she ran out with a glass of chilled lemon soda, carefully handing it to Hiroshi Nohara.
“It’s hot, drink this to cool down,” her small face showed a mix of anticipation and shyness, “This is… I made it myself.”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at the sparkling drink in the sunlight, then at the girl’s bright eyes, and felt his honest heart being gently tickled by a kitten’s paw.
It was itchy, numb, and sweet.
He took the glass and took a large gulp. The cool, sweet liquid slid down his throat, instantly dispelling the summer heat and calming his internal nervousness.
“It’s delicious,” he praised sincerely.
Ikuna’s smile became even brighter.
“Oh, right,” Hiroshi Nohara remembered the main purpose, “My parents said they’d like you to come over this afternoon for a casual meal.”
“Huh? Go… go to Uncle and Aunt’s house?” Ikuna’s small face turned red as she nervously twisted her skirt hem, “Isn’t this… a little too soon?”
“It’s not too soon. They… they like you very much.” Hiroshi Nohara looked at her shy demeanor, his heart also burning with warmth.
Ikuna bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, then finally gathered her courage and nodded firmly: “Okay! I’ll go!”
As if she had made up her mind, she added, “Then… I should go buy some sweets to bring. It’s my first visit, I can’t go empty-handed.”
“No, no, we have everything at home. Don’t waste money,” Hiroshi Nohara, out of habit, revealed his frugal nature again.
“No!” Ikuna pouted, saying in a very serious tone, “It’s polite! You must buy something! This is a gesture of goodwill for Uncle and Aunt!”
Looking at the girl’s earnest expression, Hiroshi Nohara felt his heart filled with something warm.
He no longer insisted, just grinned and showed a simple, honest smile.
“Okay, I’ll do whatever you say.”
…
In the evening, the setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red.
The Land Cruiser drove smoothly along the country road, outside the car windows were vast expanses of lush green rice fields, rippling like golden waves in the evening breeze.
Ikuna sat in the passenger seat, holding a beautifully packaged box of Japanese sweets, her small face filled with the nervousness and anticipation of meeting her partner’s parents.
As the car slowly approached the Nohara family’s traditional farmhouse, Ikuna’s eyes were drawn to another car parked at the entrance.
It was a car painted entirely black, with smooth, elegant lines, shimmering with a subtle yet noble glow in the lingering rays of the setting sun.
“Wow…” Ikuna couldn’t help but exclaim, “Mr. Hiroshi, why is there such a beautiful luxury car in front of your house? I don’t think I’ve ever seen this emblem before.”
As a girl who grew up in the countryside, the most beautiful car she knew was Hiroshi Nohara’s Land Cruiser.
But this car before her, both in design and aura, was clearly a notch above.
Hiroshi Nohara followed her gaze, his eyes widening slightly at first, then, a burst of ecstatic light erupted in his eyes, which were usually as calm as an ancient well!
A Toyota Crown!
And the top-of-the-line Majesta!
He wouldn’t mistake it! He had seen this car in Tokyo!
“It’s Hiroshi! Hiroshi is back!”
Hiroshi Nohara’s voice was filled with irrepressible excitement.
He parked the car almost clumsily, a smile spreading across his resolute face.
His younger brother, who had made a name for himself in Tokyo, the pillar of the “Nohara family’s” future, had actually… returned!
The immense surprise overwhelmed him. He unbuckled his seatbelt, turned around, and without thinking, grabbed Ikuna’s soft hand beside him.
“Let’s go, Ikuna! I’ll take you to meet my brother! Let me tell you, my brother… he’s amazing!”
Like a child eager to show off his beloved toy, he pulled Ikuna’s hand and rushed into the house.
Ikuna was startled by his sudden action, and the rough, warm touch of his hand made her small face blush as if it were about to bleed.
She wanted to pull her hand away but couldn’t bear to let go of the warmth.
In the end, she just shyly lowered her head, and with her other hand, gently but firmly, clasped Hiroshi Nohara’s large hand.
…
Time returned to a little past one in the afternoon.
“Creak—”
The wooden door of the old house, polished smooth by time, was slowly pushed open from the outside.
A scent, a mixture of urban air and travel dust, along with two young figures, flowed into the tranquil Japanese-style room filled with rural charm.
“Mom, we’re back.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s voice carried a hint of fatigue, but more so, a sense of complete relaxation after returning to a safe harbor.
Especially looking at the familiar old house before him, his eyes showed nostalgia.
Although he was a transmigrator.
But he had transmigrated from a young age, and from the moment he opened his eyes, his childhood and junior high years, over a decade, had all been spent here.
“Oh! Hiroshi! Misae-chan!”
Tsuru Nohara almost immediately came out from the kitchen. Seeing the dust-covered pair, especially her son’s slightly tired face, her face was instantly filled with concern.
She quickly walked forward, taking Misae’s delicate hand with one hand and gently stroking Hiroshi Nohara’s cheek with the other, her gaze filled with a tenderness so deep it could melt.
“What’s wrong with you, child? Didn’t I tell you to take the Shinkansen back? Driving from Tokyo to here takes five or six hours! It’s so tiring! Look at you, your face has gotten thinner!” As she spoke, she pulled them into the house, her posture like a mother hen protecting her chicks, “You’re not allowed to do this next time! If you want to come back, call ahead, and have your elder brother pick you up at the station. It’s much more convenient!”
“Mom, it’s okay. Driving is convenient, and we can bring more things back,” Hiroshi Nohara explained with a smile, the warmth of a traveler making all his fatigue disappear.
“Exactly!”
Ginnosuke Nohara, who had been sitting beside them pretending to be profound, finally found an opportunity to interject. He puffed out his chest and put on a stern expression, nodding with an air of seasoned experience, “What do you know, Tsuru? This is called returning home in glory! Our Nohara men, when they go out, must make something of themselves! And when they’ve made something of themselves, they must drive good cars, bring beautiful wives, and return in grand style! Otherwise, why would I spend so much money to send him to university in Tokyo? Was it so he could take that slow, broken train?!”
As he spoke, his thick eyebrows, identical to his younger son’s, twitched up and down proudly, his gaze not forgetting to glance out the window at the black behemoth that was considered an “alien visitor” in all of Omagari City.
The implication was clear – see? This is my son’s ride! So impressive!
“…” A few clearly visible black lines appeared on Hiroshi Nohara’s forehead.
Although he had indeed driven back to show off a bit.
But hearing it from his father like this.
It was a bit embarrassing.
He helplessly supported his forehead, the warmth he had just felt instantly scattered by his father’s logic, which was full of Versailles-like flair.
As expected of his own father, his thought process was always uniquely clear and unapologetic.
And the car he drove back to flaunt Versailles…
Was probably going to be used by his father to flaunt again!
That was infuriating!
“Pfft—”
Misae, standing beside them, could no longer hold back and covered her mouth, letting out a clear, bell-like laugh.
She leaned close to her future mother-in-law, Tsuru Nohara, and whispered in a volume only they could hear, “Auntie, look, Uncle and Hiroshi-kun are quite alike in some ways.”
This remark, like a needle and thread, precisely pierced the already fragile nerves of the father and son, who were communicating through their eyes.
Ginnosuke Nohara and Hiroshi Nohara’s faces, at a visible rate, turned red all the way to their ears.
“Ahem!”
“Cough, cough!”
They both averted their gazes simultaneously, one pretending to look at the ceiling, the other pretending to examine the tatami mat’s pattern, their awkward and flustered appearance, as if trying to hide something, made the two women laugh uncontrollably.
“Alright, alright, don’t just stand at the door, come in and sit,”
After the laughter subsided, Tsuru Nohara remembered, and quickly beckoned them to sit. But when her gaze fell on Misae’s slightly gaunt face due to travel fatigue, a deep sense of shame and annoyance reappeared on her gentle face.
“Oh, look at my memory!” She slapped her forehead, her voice full of self-reproach, “You suddenly came back, I… I didn’t prepare anything for Misae-chan! This… this is the first time for a formal visit, and I don’t even have a decent meeting gift. How rude!”
“Auntie, please don’t say that,” Misae quickly waved her hands, her delicate face filled with sincerity, “It was Hiroshi-kun’s sudden decision. I’m already very happy that you let us come back. Besides, I also prepared gifts for you and Uncle!”
As she spoke, like a little girl showing off treasures, she placed the heavy shopping bag with the luxury brand logo on the low table, and then, one by one, opened the red velvet boxes emitting a golden glow.
The dazzling, golden light instantly blinded Tsuru Nohara and Ginnosuke Nohara.
“This… this is…” Tsuru Nohara looked at the exquisitely crafted, substantial pure gold necklace and the gold bracelets carved with dragon and phoenix motifs. Her eyes, usually as gentle as water, were filled with disbelief and shock.
She instinctively tried to refuse, her voice even stuttering, “No, no, no! Misae-chan! This… this is too valuable! We can’t accept it!”
The crucial point was that they had already received many gifts last time, and this time she hadn’t prepared a gift for her prospective daughter-in-law.
She felt a bit guilty!
“Aunt, please accept it.” Misae, without waiting for a reply, personally placed the necklace around her neck. Her obsidian-like eyes were filled with the affection a junior has for an elder. “This is Hiroshi-kun’s kind thought, and also a small token of my filial piety as a junior. If you like it, I’ll buy you one every day from now on!”
Hiroshi Nohara couldn’t help but laugh at her words.
His little money-grubber of a wife truly had a gift for making elders happy.
Tsuru Nohara’s eyes welled up a little from Misae’s “sweet offensive” filled with sincerity and filial piety. She touched the cool, heavy sensation on her neck, and her mother’s heart was completely filled with a great sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Looking at the beautiful, kind-hearted, and caring future daughter-in-law before her, she found herself more satisfied and fond of her the more she looked.
She thought for a moment, as if making a decision, and then suddenly stood up, smiling gently at Misae.
“Misae-chan, wait for me a moment.”
With that, she turned and walked into the inner room.
After a while, she carefully emerged, holding a rather old-fashioned, elaborately carved wooden box made of fine paulownia wood.
“Tsuru, why are you bringing that out?” Ginnosuke Nohara’s small eyes showed undisguised surprise upon seeing the box.
But he quickly pouted and whispered to Hiroshi Nohara beside him in a tone full of the experience of an elder, “Kid, see? That’s your mom’s prized possession. But let me tell you, the old stuff inside isn’t worth as much as the gold your wife bought. It’s all worthless junk.”
“You incorrigible old man! What nonsense are you spouting!” Tsuru Nohara glared at him, amused and exasperated.
She placed the wooden box on the table and gently wiped away a thin layer of dust with a soft silk cloth. Her movements were as tender as if she were caressing a rare treasure.
“Misae-chan.” She looked up at Misae, her eyes, etched with fine lines by the years but still clear and bright, filled with solemnity and a sense of inheritance.
“This was given to me by my mother-in-law, Hiroshi’s grandmother, when I married into the Nohara family. She said it was the Nohara family’s heirloom, to be passed down from generation to generation.”
As she spoke, she slowly opened the wooden box.
Inside the box, a layer of slightly yellowed red silk was spread out. Upon the silk lay two pure gold bracelets, their style ancient but still exuding a gentle luster.
“Although, as his father said, this item isn’t worth much in terms of today’s gold price. However, what it represents is a sentiment, a recognition.”
Tsuru Nohara picked up one of the bracelets and gently placed it on Misae’s fair wrist. The size was perfect, neither too big nor too small.
“Originally, there were two. I figured it would be convenient for you and Ikuna, Hiroshi’s elder brother, Hiroshi’s wife, to each have one, so you wouldn’t have to scramble for them.”
“I would never fight with my sister-in-law!” Misae’s cheeks flushed at the words, and she instinctively retorted. Her charming, girlish demeanor made Tsuru Nohara laugh heartily.
But then, Misae seemed to remember something. She looked at the bracelet on her wrist, filled with the meaning of inheritance. A maturity and seriousness beyond her years appeared on her delicate little face.
“Aunt.” She carefully took the bracelet off and placed it back in the box. She then bowed deeply to Tsuru Nohara. “I accept your kind intentions, but this bracelet is too precious. I think… it would be more appropriate for you to personally give it to me when Hiroshi-kun and I are officially engaged.”
Her words were flawless, expressing respect for her elder’s intentions while perfectly showcasing her refinement and good upbringing.
Tsuru Nohara was completely stunned.
Looking at the girl before her, who was not only beautiful and sensible but also so thoughtful, the heart of the future mother-in-law was completely filled with immense surprise and satisfaction.
“Good… good child!” She said “good” twice, her eyes moistening.
She knew that her youngest son, who appeared omnipotent in the outside world but was a complete “idiot” in daily life, had truly found a good girl he could entrust his life to.
Contentedly, she put the wooden box away back in the inner room. When she returned, her face was adorned with a gentle, loving smile. She took Misae’s hand and enthusiastically began to examine the clothes she had bought, which were full of “Tokyo’s fashionable vibe.”
“Oh my, isn’t this outfit too flashy? How old is your uncle? Isn’t he afraid of being laughed at if he wears this out?”
“Who said I’m afraid?!” Ginnosuke Nohara, who had been ignored, immediately perked up. He snatched the Burberry casual jacket with its exaggerated print, held it up against himself, and his old face was filled with the excitement of finding his tribe. “This is called trendy! Do you know what trendy is? It’s much more stylish than my old man’s shirt that I’ve been wearing for ten years!”
His incorrigible, smug expression once again drew peals of laughter from everyone in the room.
Amidst this warm and joyful laughter, a steady car engine sound was heard again from the yard, and then the front door of the house was politely opened.
“Dad, Mom, I’m home.”
It was Hiroshi Nohara’s voice.
His robust figure appeared at the doorway, dressed in a sharp Armani suit that accentuated his sturdy physique, honed by years of labor.
Standing gracefully beside him was a girl.
It was Ikuna Sakuruda.
Seeing the lively scene inside the house, especially the exquisitely beautiful girl sitting next to Tsuru Nohara, who looked like a doll, a touch of shyness and nervousness involuntarily appeared on her usually gentle, smiling face.
“Hiroshi, Misae, welcome back.” Hiroshi Nohara saw his younger brother and sister-in-law, and a simple, heartfelt smile appeared on his dark face.
“Elder brother, sister-in-law.” Hiroshi Nohara stood up with a smile and introduced them, “This is Misae. Misae, this is Elder Brother, and… your future sister-in-law, Miss Ikuna.”
“Hello, Sister-in-law.”
Misae’s reaction was faster than everyone else’s.
Almost without hesitation, she stood up and sweetly called out to the girl, who was still a bit flustered.
Her voice was clear and pleasant, filled with undeniable familiarity.
Ikuna Sakuruda’s face turned crimson instantly, like a red-hot branding iron. She glanced at Hiroshi Nohara beside her, who was also taken aback by the sudden address, feeling a bit at a loss. The young girl’s heart was completely filled with immense shyness and sweetness.
She did not deny it.
She just lowered her head and softly replied in a voice as faint as a mosquito’s hum, “Hello… hello.”
Looking at this dramatic scene, Ginnosuke Nohara and Tsuru Nohara exchanged glances, seeing in each other’s eyes an immense, heartfelt sense of happiness.
They knew that from this day forward, this old house, filled with the traces of time, would no longer be home to just two lonely old people.
This home was finally going to be lively again~
“Right! I’ll go prepare dinner!” Tsuru Nohara wanted to go straight to the kitchen.
However, she was stopped by Hiroshi Nohara. “Mom, my younger brother and sister-in-law are back, and Ikuna is here too. In that case, I’ll call for bento delivery to the house. Besides, there’s a new izakaya in town, and it’s quite good.”
These words were indeed different from the stingy personality of the previously stingy Hiroshi Nohara.
“Hmm, then we should definitely get a lot of beer and lots of good food!” Ginnosuke Nohara nodded with satisfaction, crossing his arms and praising, “As expected of the Nohara family’s eldest son; this is your time to shine!”
“Of course, now that Hiroshi is back, it would be too much for me, as the elder brother, to be stingy!” Hiroshi Nohara sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
Immediately, the room was filled with warm laughter again.
PS: I’ll try my best to keep writing tonight. I know everyone likes to read about daily life, so I’ll write more! But I’ll shamelessly ask for votes again~
