Izakaya!
Unlike ordinary pubs that focus primarily on serving alcohol, Izakayas also offer quality meals!
Yet, different from typical snack bars, at night you can even see people in an Izakaya with flushed faces, chatting lively, having had a bit too much to drink.
It's possible you might not understand what this group of people is talking about.
But you can deeply feel the ease and exhilaration of shedding one's mask, fueled by alcohol!
At the same time.
Sosuke's Izakaya.
The food, though not as refined and exquisite as in high-end restaurants, is full of sincerity!
Firstly, the ingredients are very fresh.
And Sosuke's own cooking skills are also very impressive; from seasoning, cooking methods, to knife skills, and heat control, he has won the shock and approval of his diners!
Most of the dishes he makes look very ordinary.
But like home cooking, they give diners a simple joy and satisfaction!
Finally.
This is a very important point.
No matter what kind of dishes, even various and diverse ones, they are all very inexpensive!
Because of this, the Izakaya gradually became a place for people to gather and chat freely with friends; nearby students, office workers, or friends often hold "simple banquets" at the Izakaya.
Therefore, it's no exaggeration to say that only by sitting inside an Izakaya, ordering a few small dishes, and warming a bottle of sake to sip, does one truly make the trip worthwhile!
...
"Shopkeeper."
"One egg roll!"
"Okay!"
"Please wait!"
When the signboard light outside the door instantly lit up red, it meant the Izakaya was finally open for business!
And the first customer to come in was a teacher from the neighborhood.
Unlike others who often come in groups of two or three, he often comes alone. He never drinks alcohol, and each time he only orders one or two small dishes, then leaves in a hurry after eating!
egg roll.
The so-called egg, in fact, means "egg"!
As a common side dish in Izakayas, it is obviously very popular.
At this time, Sosuke first prepared some necessary ingredients:
egg!
Special mirin!
Japan sauce!
High Soup!
Salt!
Sugar!
"Do you need to add some cheese, like before?"
"No!"
"Okay!"
"Then how about adding some chopped green onions?"
"Sure!"
After a simple conversation, Sosuke then cracked the egg into a large bowl.
He added High Soup, mirin, Japan sauce, chopped green onions, salt, and sugar, and stirred evenly.
Next.
He poured the egg mixture into a non-stick pan.
He heated it over medium heat, and once the egg mixture solidified, he used a spatula to roll the egg roll from one side, continuing to heat it until it was fully cooked.
Finally, the simple egg roll was completed!
From its appearance, the egg roll made by Sosuke had a more golden color, looking even more vibrant under the soft lighting, instantly increasing one's appetite!
When cut open, the cross-section of the egg roll revealed a delicate texture!
The reason was that the protein inside the egg roll changed during heating, forming this unique texture and pattern!
Taking a bite.
The entire egg roll had a very soft texture.
Because of the whipping of the egg and the heat treatment, during this slow preparation process, adding an appropriate amount of water, High Soup, and other seasonings, would inevitably make the egg roll softer and more delicate.
In short, this egg roll, whether as a main meal or a late-night snack, left a lasting impression.
"Shopkeeper!"
"I've put the money for the egg roll on the table!"
"OK"
"Take care!"
After finishing the egg roll, the teacher took out money from his pocket to pay, then left in a hurry.
Sosuke was naturally used to such situations.
He first collected the money from the table, then wiped the table with a rag.
After he finished, he sat by the counter, continuing to drink flower tea alone, appearing quite content!
"How interesting!"
"That tsundere God Tongue girl would appear in such a way!"
Swallowing a sip of flower tea, the image of Erina, who had just gotten out of the black car, suddenly appeared in his mind.
Sosuke couldn't help but be stunned, then sighed.
...
In fact.
Ever since he transmigrated to this world, many butterfly effects had already occurred.
For example:
His encounter with Rindo.
It made her instantly infatuated with him, almost every night she had to run to the Izakaya, to the point where she neglected the affairs of the Totsuki Elite Ten even more.
And Sosuke also believed that under his influence, her future life would definitely change!
Then.
There was Sonoka's Spring Fruit Pavilion.
It was quite a coincidence; when he was choosing a location to open his Izakaya.
Next to this Spring Fruit Pavilion, there was originally a Japan cuisine restaurant, but due to poor management, it was reluctantly transferred to Sosuke!
So.
It was this kind of unexpected coincidence.
That made him neighbors with Sonoka, the former Second Seat of the Ten Elites!
And now, Erina also made an unexpected appearance.
Vaguely, Sosuke felt that her arrival would cause more butterfly effects.
It might even change his Izakaya, have a more profound impact on her own future life, and on the entire Totsuki Culinary Academy!
"God Tongue?"
"I wonder what kind of reaction she'll have when she encounters the dishes I make?"
Finally, taking another sip of flower tea, Sosuke couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth curl slightly, chuckling softly!
...
At the same time.
The Spring Fruit Pavilion next door.
This Western-style restaurant, overall, had a magnificent beauty in its environment!
In the spacious dining area, every dining table was rectangular, and while the table settings were fewer than in Chinese restaurants, they were adorned with beautiful fresh flowers and exquisite candle holders, embellishing the tabletop!
Then.
Unlike the softly lit Izakaya.
All the lights here were bright white in color!
Moreover.
White tablecloths!
Luxurious trim!
Bright floors!
Exquisite tableware!
Plus a peaceful atmosphere.
These elements collectively formed the unique characteristics of this Spring Fruit Pavilion!
"Young Lady."
"The dining environment at this Spring Fruit Pavilion is very pleasant!"
As soon as she entered, Hisako carefully observed the surroundings, and was deeply impressed by every exquisite detail there!
"So."
"Don't you find it even stranger?"
"How could a restaurant like this fall into a state of poor management?"
Withdrawing her gaze, Erina said with a puzzled expression.
"Erina!"
"Hisako!"
"It's been a long time, both of you!"
Just then, Sonoka finally came out from the back kitchen.
When she saw Erina and Hisako both appearing at Spring Fruit Pavilion as scheduled, she couldn't help but seem a bit excited.
Finally, she happily took a few steps forward and greeted them both.