Chapter 199: The Real Late-night Diner! Hiroshi Nohara’s Layout! Live-action Drama Begins Filming!
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato instinctively lifted their heads.
At the end of the alley, an unassuming small restaurant without even a proper sign stood quietly in the night.
Dim yellow lighting filtered out from the wooden sliding door, dyeing the faded blue curtain at the doorway with a layer of warm color.
That appearance, that atmosphere, that feeling…
It was exactly like… exactly like in Hiroshi Nohara’s manga!
The two exchanged a glance and saw the same shock, the same ecstasy, and the same… incredulity in each other’s eyes!
“Late… Late-night Diner?” they murmured in unison.
Hiroshi Nohara did not answer, merely smiling as he took the lead in pulling open the creaking wooden sliding door.
“Ding bell—”
A crisp wind chime rang out, accompanied by a warm aroma mixing soy sauce, miso, and faint oil smoke, instantly enveloping the three.
The interior space was small, with only an L-shaped bar counter surrounding the open kitchen, enough to seat about ten people.
At the moment, the shop was empty, save for a middle-aged man in a deep blue kimono and white apron, facing away from them, meticulously wiping the bar counter.
Hearing the wind chime, the man slowly turned around.
“Welcome.” His voice was low and magnetic, carrying a steadiness forged by worldly experience.
However, when his gaze fell on Hiroshi Nohara, a smile like winter’s warm sun slowly bloomed on his usually somewhat stern face.
“Welcome back, Hiroshi-kun.”
“Boom—!”
This simple greeting exploded in Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato’s minds like a nuclear bomb!
Their bodies trembled violently, eyes bulging wide, faces filled with inconceivable horror!
He knows him?!
The boss actually knows Hiroshi Nohara?!
They stared blankly at the small tavern before them: the familiar wooden bar counter, the simple menu on the wall, the sake bottles in the corner… everything matched the scenes depicted in the manga perfectly!
The two exchanged another glance, seeing overwhelming astonishment in each other’s eyes.
This place… this is really the Late-night Diner?!
“I’m back, Boss Shuishang.” Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, as naturally as returning home.
He deftly removed his jacket, hung it on the rack by the wall, then led the two now completely petrified “wooden people” to sit at the bar counter.
“The usual.” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice carried a hint of relaxation: “One craft beer each. Then, small sausages cut into octopus shapes, thick rolled omelet, a salted grilled mackerel pike, and a bowl of white rice.”
“Got it.”
Boss Xiang Shuishang smiled and nodded, taking three chilled craft beer bottles from the cooler under the bar, popping them open with a “pop” from the opener, then skillfully filling the beer mugs for the three.
The foam was fine, the liquid golden yellow, exuding an enticing malt aroma.
After finishing this, he turned his mild yet probing gaze toward the two men who had been in “crash” mode since entering.
“What would you two like?” Xiang Shuishang’s voice remained as calm as ever: “The menu has only a few items, but anything I can make, you can order.”
Hearing this, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato jolted back to reality.
They looked at the boss before them; a scar from his left eyebrow extending to his cheek stood out under the dim yellow light, yet it didn’t make him look fierce—instead, it added a unique charm full of stories.
Isn’t this exactly the boss from the manga!?
Now, both Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato’s minds were somewhat crashed.
“Um… that…” The two stammered for a long time, minds blank, unsure how to order.
“If you don’t want to bother,” Xiang Shuishang saw their embarrassment and smiled understandingly: “I have homemade pork miso soup every day—fresh and sweet, delicious with rice.”
“Ah! That’s it! That’s it!” Their eyes lit up—this was the most common set meal in the Late-night Diner manga!
“Please!”
The two nodded repeatedly like grasping a lifeline, their flustered demeanor a stark contrast to their usual strategic planning posture at the production bureau.
“Alright, please wait.”
Xiang Shuishang smiled and nodded again, then turned and entered the compact yet worldly kitchen.
With a “sizzle,” the stove ignited; the clatter of pots and pans mixed with the hiss of ingredients hitting the pan, weaving the most captivating midnight symphony.
Only then did Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato finally exhale long breaths.
They raised their beer mugs, gulping down large mouthfuls; the cool liquid sliding down their throats slightly calmed their hearts, numbed by countless shocks.
“Mi… Minister…” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto’s voice trembled faintly as he looked at Hiroshi Nohara, eyes like beholding an omnipotent deity: “So… the bestselling heartwarming gourmet manga Late-night Diner in the manga world now… was really created based on this place?!”
“Yeah.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled calmly, sipping his beer gently; his composure and confidence made him shine: “I discovered this place by chance. After a few visits, I found Boss Shuishang’s skills excellent, and the atmosphere here inspired me.”
“Some inspiration?” Kenji Sato couldn’t help but smile bitterly, shaking his head with genuine admiration: “Minister, that’s not ‘some’ inspiration! You practically packed the whole world into this little shop!”
At that moment, the deep blue curtain in the kitchen was gently lifted a corner.
Xiang Shuishang’s scarred face peeked out, wearing a shy yet sincere smile.
“Hiroshi-kun is so talented.” He smiled, voice laced with appreciation for the young person: “Honestly, I read his manga and found it incredible. Those guests, those bizarre stories—I never hosted or encountered any. Yet he fused them perfectly with my shop and my dishes. Even I, the boss, enjoyed it thoroughly.”
“Oh—!”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato’s eyes widened again!
They stared at Xiang Shuishang’s face peeking from the curtain: the gentle eyes, shy smile, and story-filled scar…
This… is exactly like the protagonist “Boss” in the manga!
“It’s too similar!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto exclaimed: “Minister! Your manga protagonist… isn’t…”
“Indeed modeled after Boss Shuishang.” Hiroshi Nohara admitted with a smile.
“Oh, Hiroshi-kun’s teasing me again.” Xiang Shuishang scratched his head embarrassedly; a rare flush appeared on his stern face: “Actually, many readers have come specifically after reading the manga. They say I look just like the boss in it. Many also say this place is like the real-life Late-night Diner.”
“Then aren’t you famous now, Boss?” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto asked curiously.
In his view, this was great news! Fame brings customers, customers bring money!
Yet Xiang Shuishang just smiled and shook his head, eyes full of detached serenity.
“I’m just a cook, wanting only to quietly make food guests like.” He spoke softly, tone calm and firm: “Fame isn’t something I seek. I prefer this simple life.”
This indifference to fame earned heartfelt respect from Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato.
They exchanged a glance, seeing the same sentiment in each other’s eyes.
This Boss Shuishang matched the manga protagonist in appearance and personality—like twins!
“Yeah, Boss Shuishang has that personality.” Hiroshi Nohara sighed too, eyes full of appreciation: “I’ve invited him multiple times before to star as the lead in the live-action Late-night Diner. But he always declined.”
He paused, lips curving mysteriously, clear eyes gleaming with worldly insight.
“But this time, Boss Shuishang, you must help me.”
“Hm?” Xiang Shuishang blinked in confusion, eyes puzzled: “Hiroshi-kun, what’s wrong?”
Hiroshi Nohara set down his beer mug, his usually calm face now appropriately serious.
“It’s like this, Boss Shuishang.” He spoke softly, tone calm yet powerful: “My manga Late-night Diner is about to be adapted into a live-action drama. So, I formally invite you again to play the male lead.”
“Hiroshi-kun, I…” Xiang Shuishang started to refuse, his serene detachment instinctively shunning the spotlight.
But Hiroshi Nohara smiled, raising a hand to gently interrupt.
“Don’t refuse yet, Boss Shuishang.” He smiled, eyes shining with unwavering confidence: “I know you dislike publicity. But I heard your daughter is starting junior high this year?”
Xiang Shuishang’s face changed; his mild eyes widened, expression oddly strained.
He stared blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, mind blank—he’d never mentioned his daughter to anyone!
How… does he know?!
“You… you…” Xiang Shuishang stammered.
“Don’t be nervous, no ill intent.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled warmly, calming Xiang Shuishang’s racing heart: “I just think, with your daughter’s excellence, she deserves a better school and education.”
He paused, then tossed out the “bait” no father could refuse.
“Here’s the deal, Boss Shuishang. If you agree to star, I’ll immediately arrange for your daughter to transfer to one of Tokyo Metropolis’s top three private girls’ junior highs. All tuition and fees borne by Tokyo Television Station. How about it?”
Xiang Shuishang stood stunned, his weathered, still heart surging with massive waves.
Tokyo Metropolis’s top three private girls’ junior high!
A place unthinkable for an ordinary small restaurant owner like him!
He knew such a school would brighten her future.
He clenched his teeth tightly; his serene detachment clashed fiercely with profound paternal love.
Finally, he exhaled long and deep, carrying helplessness, compromise, and longing for his daughter’s future.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, a complex bitter smile on his stern face: “Hiroshi-kun, you… really grabbed my weak spot.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s face broke into a brilliant smile.
He knew he had succeeded.
He turned to the two men dumbfounded by this “godly maneuver,” lips curving smugly.
“Alright, Section Chief Yamamoto, Director Sato.” He spoke softly, tone calm yet powerful: “Now the lead actor is here. The supporting roles are up to you two.”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato snapped back.
Looking at Boss Xiang Shuishang—perfectly matching the manga protagonist in look and aura—their shock-numbed hearts ignited with unprecedented fanaticism!
“Un… Understood! Minister!” they responded in unison, voices brimming with fighting spirit and passion.
They knew, under “culture monster” Hiroshi Nohara’s lead, they were creating not just a drama, but a legend to heal the era!
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly.
He was extremely satisfied inwardly.
Not just similar to the manga boss.
This Boss Xiang Shuishang resembled Koji Kobayashi, who portrayed the “Boss” role so convincingly in his previous life, in both appearance and aura—shockingly so!
As if born specifically for the live-action Late-night Diner!
“Alright, deal’s done—let’s eat.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled, patting their shoulders casually, as if the family-future “negotiation” was just a menu interlude.
“Yes!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato snapped awake, hunger erupting like a volcano.
“Gurgle—”
They exchanged glances, seeing mutual embarrassment, then chuckled heartily in unison.
Xiang Shuishang smiled and shook his head, returning to the kitchen to swiftly serve the prepared dishes.
First, Hiroshi Nohara’s order.
A plate of red small sausages, fried crispy outside and juicy inside, neatly cut into cute octopus shapes—mouthwatering just to look at.
Next, thick rolled omelet: substantial yet fluffy, golden layers exuding rich egg aroma and dashi sweetness.
A salted grilled mackerel pike, skin crisped; chopsticks gently parted to reveal snowy tender fish meat, oil aroma wafting instantly.
Finally, two steaming bowls of pork miso soup, rich broth packed with pork slices, daikon radish, carrot, and konjac threads, topped with green onions.
“This is extra tempura I made today, a meeting gift for Hiroshi-kun’s friends.” Xiang Shuishang brought a large plate of golden crispy tempura: fried shrimp, eggplant, pumpkin, green pepper—each thinly battered, irresistibly tempting.
“Mmm—!”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato’s eyes lit up at the table full of worldly dishes, hunger peaking.
“Then we won’t hold back!”
They shouted in unison, grabbing chopsticks and devouring like a storm.
“Mmm! Delicious!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto bit into thick rolled omelet; its fluffy texture and sweet savor made him squint happily: “This omelet is divine! Better than any high-end restaurant!”
“Yeah! Yeah!” Kenji Sato agreed, slurping pork miso soup; rich broth and ingredients relaxed every pore: “This soup… tastes like home! So warm!”
“Boss Shuishang, your skills are wasted not opening a big restaurant!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto praised sincerely.
Xiang Shuishang blushed shyly, scratching his head; the contrast with his story-filled scar felt endearingly unique.
“No, no, just simple home cooking.” He smiled humbly, leaving the two stunned.
So similar!
Exactly the manga “Boss”—quietly preparing heartwarming dishes, never boastful!
They exchanged glances, eyes burning with bone-deep fanaticism!
They knew: this drama was a hit!
Just then, the door slid open again.
“Ding bell—”
Wind chimes rang; several just-off-work guests with weary faces entered one after another.
“Boss, good evening.”
“Evening, beer and potato salad.”
“Boss, any tamagoyaki left? One please.”
“Cat food for me, extra bonito flakes.”
Guests sat familiarly at the bar, ordering favorites, as if it were their second home.
They barely noticed Hiroshi Nohara’s trio in the corner, chatting freely.
“Hey, heard? The Late-night Diner manga is really becoming a live-action drama!” A suited office worker whispered excitedly.
“For real?!” A stylish young woman beside him lit up: “I’m a die-hard fan! It’s my ‘mental sustenance’! After boss or client hassles, reading it fills me with power!”
“Yeah! Yeah!” A nerdy glasses man chimed in: “It’s not just food—it’s life! Everyday stories, so real and moving! The author must be a gentle soul with many tales.”
Hearing such heartfelt praise, nearby Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato beamed with proud smiles.
They straightened, producer pride making them feel part of the legend.
“But honestly,” the stylish girl frowned worriedly: “Manga-to-live-action is risky! I’m most worried about casting! The Boss is the soul—if wrong, the whole drama’s ruined!”
“Yeah! Yeah!” Glasses man agreed: “Boss seems simple, hardest to act! Not too handsome or ugly—stern yet gentle, mysterious yet approachable aura! Where to find that actor?”
“Don’t worry.” Suited man smiled confidently, sipping beer: “The producer is Hiroshi Nohara, the ‘culture monster’ who turns trash to treasure! He’ll find the perfect Boss actor!”
“Right! I trust Minister Nohara!” The girl gushed, eyes fanatic: “Neon’s pride! His dramas are never bad!”
Then, Xiang Shuishang emerged from the kitchen with steaming pork miso soup.
He set it gently before the suited man, smiling mildly.
Wordlessly, he winked subtly toward Hiroshi Nohara.
Eyes full of good-natured teasing.
Hiroshi Nohara shook his head amusedly.
He picked up chopsticks, bit into tempura—crisp texture and fresh taste satisfying him.
“Hey! TV! Look at the TV!”
Suddenly, glasses man pointed at the corner television excitedly: “An Shizhi Season 6! Premiering today! It’s starting! Starting!”
“Oh oh oh! Really?! Waited forever!”
“Awesome! Perfect dinner drama!”
“Boss! Volume up please!”
The shop filled with excited voices.
All eyes locked on the small television.
The familiar eerie opening animation played.
The Kamishibai Uncle in yellow mask on bicycle reappeared on screen.
“This animated film is killer!” Suited man ate potato salad, marveling: “Minutes per episode, scares me half to death! What’s in Hiroshi Nohara’s brain?!”
“Yeah! Yeah!” Stylish girl peeked through fingers despite fear: “Heard it’s huge online! Young people say it’s the scariest, most addictive animation!”
“More than animation!” Glasses man adjusted glasses, eyes worshipful: “Hiroshi Nohara’s a genius! Animation, drama, variety shows, movies, manga—he excels at all! He’s the one to take Neon culture global, conquer the world!”
Hearing such fervent praise, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato exchanged glances again.
Watching the young man quietly eating rice, their shock-numbed hearts filled with bone-deep awe.
They knew they followed not just a producer, but a god ushering a new era!
“Even gods eat.” Hiroshi Nohara’s calm voice pulled them from near-religious worship.
He pointed chopsticks at steaming dishes, posture matter-of-fact—as if the strategic “god” was an illusion.
“Eat up. Bedtime after; tons of work tomorrow. Can’t let Tokyo City Television think Tokyo Television folk work by being ‘deities’?”
“Pfft—”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto nearly spat his beer, seeing Hiroshi Nohara’s deadpan face and Kenji Sato’s flushed stifled laughter, then burst out laughing.
“Yes! Yes! Minister’s right!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto laughed, grabbing crispy fried shrimp tempura and biting hard: “Can’t lose on stamina! Eat more to fight them!”
“Right! Let’s do it!” Kenji Sato shed restraint, clinking mugs with Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, downing the golden liquid boldly—swallowing all prior anxiety.
“Mmm—! Refreshing!” He exhaled, grabbing chopsticks to join the feast.
“These red small sausages! Minister, how’d you think of octopus cuts? Pure childhood taste!”
“This thick rolled omelet! Perfect sweetness! Fluffy as clouds! Boss Shuishang, secret ingredient?”
“This pork miso soup is peak! Ingredients galore—pork, radish, konjac… I could down three bowls!”
They ate and praised nonstop; heartfelt satisfaction and happiness filled the small Late-night Diner with “joy.”
Other guests focused on An Shizhi Season 6 on TV, gasping and shrieking.
“God! Too scary!” Stylish girl clutched suited man’s arm, face terrified: “That woman… has no shadow!”
“Shh… quiet!” Suited man said, eyes betraying tension: “Climax coming! Kamishibai Uncle’s dropping another chilling twist!”
“I… can’t watch!” Girl buried in his chest, voice teary.
Then, screen shifted; eerie end credits played.
“…Over?” Girl peeked up, eyes relieved.
“Over.” Suited man sighed, back sweat-soaked.
“Sigh… scared silly every time, but can’t wait for next.” Girl pouted sweetly: “All Hiroshi Nohara’s fault! He’s a devil!”
Hearing the “love-hate” reviews, Hiroshi Nohara smiled calmly, finishing his rice and setting down chopsticks.
“Let’s go.” He stood, telling Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato.
“Eh? Already?” They were still savoring.
“Deal done, bellies full—not staying for fan mobbing?” Hiroshi Nohara joked, pulling Fukuzawa Yukichi bills from wallet for Xiang Shuishang.
Xiang Shuishang smiled, pushing money back: “Hiroshi-kun, you helped me hugely today—this meal’s on me.”
“Business is business.” Hiroshi Nohara insisted, stuffing into apron pocket: “To thank me, save ‘godfather’ spot for my daughter’s future.”
“Hahaha! You rascal!” Xiang Shuishang laughed heartily, eyes fond like elder to junior.
Hiroshi Nohara said no more, turning with a meaningful glance at Xiang Shuishang.
“Boss Shuishang, don’t forget our deal.” He smiled affirmatively.
Xiang Shuishang’s smile turned solemn; he nodded firmly.
“Yes, Hiroshi-kun, I won’t.”
But as Hiroshi Nohara led his two stuffed “sots” to leave, an uncertain voice called from behind.
“Um… p-please… wait!”
It was the suited man discussing An Shizhi with the stylish girl.
He stood stunned, eyes bulging with inconceivable horror!
Finger trembling at Hiroshi Nohara’s back, voice stuttering excitedly.
“You… aren’t you…”
Hiroshi Nohara paused, turning slowly, face helplessly amused.
“Ah, caught.” He said lightly, as if merely stepping on neighbor’s cat tail.
“Boom—!”
This casual admission was a depth charge in the small Late-night Diner!
“Nani?!”
“What?! He’s… Hiroshi Nohara?!”
“God! Real Minister Nohara! Live! Alive!”
“Wah—! Handsomer than on TV!”
After stunned silence, the shop erupted in earth-shaking screams!
Stylish girl bounced up first, hand over mouth, eyes teary with excitement!
Then nerdy glasses man and other guests surged like activated robots toward Hiroshi Nohara!
“Minister Nohara! Really you?!”
“Minister! I’m your die-hard fan! Love World of the Strange! Mind-blowing every episode!”
“Minister! Sign my shirt please!”
“Minister! Handshake? Dreamed of shaking yours!”
The small Late-night Diner turned instant fan meetup.
All babbled excitedly, eyes fanatic with worship.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Kenji Sato gaped at the frenzy.
Instinctively flanking Hiroshi Nohara like loyal bodyguards.
“Wait! Wait!” Quickest suited man pointed at shop, eyes dawning shrewdly: “This decor… this boss… isn’t this the Late-night Diner from the manga?!”
All eyes snapped to helpless Xiang Shuishang at kitchen door.
“Totally!”
“God! Even the scar matches!”
“Live-action airing?! Boss played by this boss?!”
Faces lit with uncontainable ecstasy and expectation.
They knew: today they met an idol… and witnessed a legend’s dawn!
Seeing these flushed, starry-eyed “ordinary people,” Hiroshi Nohara’s calm heart rippled warmly.
He smiled, raising hand gently downward.
His poise hushed the noisy space.
“Everyone, calm down.” His soft voice like spring breeze soothed all: “I’m just an office worker today, hungry for a bowl of rice. No need to get so excited.”
His breezy demeanor contrasted hilariously with the fanaticism.
“But… Minister!” Stylish girl mustered courage, eyes expectant: “The… live-action thing…”
Hiroshi Nohara smiled mysteriously.
He pressed finger to lips in a “shh” gesture.
“Some things need secrecy.” He whispered cunningly.
He leaned in, tone solemnly conspiratorial:
“I absolutely won’t tell you the live-action starts shooting next month, with Boss Shuishang as the Boss! Don’t spill either!”
“Pfft—”
Silence, then thunderous laughter!
“Hahahahaha!”
“Minister, too funny!”
“We won’t tell! Promise!”
“Our lips are sealed, Minister!”
All cracked up at his “no silver here 300 taels” quip.
Heartfelt joy filled the small Late-night Diner with “happiness.”
They knew Hiroshi Nohara, “culture monster,” had talent, charm, warmth.
Xiang Shuishang stood back arms akimbo, watching the frenzy, face nostalgic.
Like his youth, so popular!
PS: Keep voting~
Recommending a new book from a mega-subscribed friend! Super good read!
