I'm a thankful fox in Tokyo

Chapter 33: Foxes are born to be bad liars

"It's a poem. The original line is, Who knows that every grain of rice on the plate is the product of hard work?"

"From the poem "Song of Pity the Peasants" by Li Shen, a Tang Dynasty poet from China, it teaches us to cherish the fruits of others' labor and not to waste food."

Higashino Yu poured the rice from the discounted bento at home into a small porcelain bowl for his own use, and while explaining to Iori Miko with a smile, he showed off the fried tofu with rice, his voice a little unclear.

He is a bit of a know-it-all. When he was in the orphanage, he was the leader of the children, with a bunch of younger brothers and sisters following him.

Being regarded as an elder brother, he naturally fulfilled the responsibilities of an elder brother. Therefore, Dong Ye Yu often taught them some life lessons and supplemented them with appropriate Chinese poems.

Therefore, when he heard Yuko's question, he subconsciously explained.

Higashino Nissan is amazing, he even knows Chinese studies
Iori Miko nodded thoughtfully, leaning on the edge of the small square table, supporting her chin with her hands, her little feet in white lace socks swinging rhythmically, her glass-like amber eyes staring in a daze at the boy who was wolfing down the food in front of her.

The windows of the room were open. There were still a few lights on in the office buildings in the distance. Occasionally, the groans and shouts of drunks could be heard from the street downstairs. The night breeze with a moist scent blew into the room.

He sat with his back to the window. His handsome features appeared even more profound under the overhead light. His long hair swayed slightly in the night breeze, adding a touch of his unruly and playboy temperament. His eyes were clear and contained a vibrant glow.

As if he noticed her gaze, he was stunned for a second, then gave her a warm smile. His large and strong body blocked most of the night wind, making her feel safe and reliable.

Iori Miko was staring at him with clear eyes. Her face did not show the shy expression that most girls would show. It could even be said that she had no expression at all.

Her calm expression coupled with her unfocused eyes always gave people the feeling that although her eyes were looking at something, her mind was already flying somewhere else.

Just when Higashino Yu felt that this girl was a little strange, Iori Miko supported her body with her little hands, came closer, leaned close to his ear, and asked in a low voice.

"Tono Ni-san, have you found Shujizaemon?"

Her voice was soft and gentle, and it was like an invisible light feather massaging my ears, tickling my heart.

A scent that belonged to her uniquely began to linger in Dongye Yu's sensitive nose, a mixture of milk and the refreshing sweet and sour smell of oranges.

No, you stared at me for a long time, and it turns out you were just trying to beat around the bush?

Dong Ye Yu felt a little stunned and subconsciously wanted to make up a lie.

"Shh!" Iori Miko raised her slender white fingers and said seriously, "Please speak softly, it might hear you."

Dong Yeyu pursed his lips tightly, lowered his head seriously, moved closer, and made up a lie in a very low voice: "I didn't find it."

Gominase, Miko, foxes are born bad guys who lie.

Iori Miko pursed her lips and looked back and forth at Higashino Yu's face, "Can I still come to play with Higashino Nissan tomorrow?"

Want to play with me?
Dong Ye Yu glanced at her, saw through her plan, and was speechless. Xiuji's meeting you was probably his fate.

If I snatch your snack, you might be chased for eighteen years.

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but tomorrow isn't a good time, Miko."

"I found a part-time job at Dongye Nissan today. I will be home very late from Monday to Friday. But I am free on weekends. You are welcome to come and play on weekends."

"That's it, okay then"

Unfortunately, we didn’t find Shukichizaemon today.

Iori Miko pouted in disappointment, then yawned cutely, feeling very strange. She could clearly sense the presence of Shukichizaemon, but she just couldn't see him. Why was he hiding from me?

The sleepyhead must have sneaked in again. Chunyuan lied. She actually said that the sleepyhead had never come.

Children can be taught.

Dong Yeyu smiled with relief when he saw that she didn't insist on giving in like other children.

He finished the remaining tofu and rice in a few bites, put the chopsticks back in place, and closed the lid of the food box.

"The fried tofu is delicious. Thank you for the treat."

He smiled and nodded at Iori Miko, a little apologetically.

"Originally I should have kept you at my house for a while, but tonight is not the right time. Miko, I'll take you home first."

"Yeah." Iori Miko rubbed her eyes and nodded. She felt sleepy again.

Higashino Yu then slung the food box over his arm, carried Iori Miko on his back and went downstairs.

As soon as I walked out of the corridor, I saw Iori Tadamichi standing at the street corner wearing a black Gofu and wooden clogs.

Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around and saw Dong Yeyu and Yu Zi who was already asleep on his back. A smile appeared on his old face and he bowed slightly to express his gratitude.

"I've really troubled you these past two days, Higashino-kun. Miko is a stubborn girl. She insisted on waiting for Higashino-kun to come home and personally give you the fried tofu made by her grandmother."

As a clergyman, Iori Tadamichi has an appearance that can be described as an immortal.

He is not short, at least he is quite tall in the island country, estimated to be over 1.80 meters tall, with a solid build and wearing Wu clothing, he looks like the leader of a tribe.

His silver hair was neatly combed, with a well-trimmed white beard on his chin and lips. He wore tortoiseshell reading glasses, had a square face, regular features, kind eyes and eyebrows, and a ruddy complexion, giving people the impression of being serious but not old-fashioned.

There is a vertical wrinkle between his eyebrows that indicates frequent frowns. As a shrine chief, he has a lot of things to worry about. Maybe this is normal?

Dong Yeyu bowed in return, "It's no trouble. Thanks to Miko, I can eat the fried tofu made by Grandma Iori. Her cooking skills are really superb."

"Of course. The thing I regret least in my life is marrying Tomoko." Iori Tadamichi laughed, looking quite proud.

Most elderly people like to reminisce about the past and tell others about the things they are proud of over and over again, just like a child who has won an award and shows off everywhere.

Dong Ye Yu smiled and returned the food box to him first. He smelled a strong smell of alcohol on him and saw that his face was flushed, which made him feel strange.

"Have you been waiting here?"

Iori Tadamichi shook his head and pointed to a pub with a blue door curtain not far away: "I came to persuade Miko to go back first, but she refused, so I went to Saburo to have a drink or two."

Dong Yeyu was stunned.

what?
Your granddaughter has limited mobility and is just entering junior high school. She was waiting for someone alone at the apartment building, and you went out to have a drink?
Does Grandma Iori know about this?
Dong Ye Yu didn't know how to complain, but the person in front of him was not only a benefactor who had helped him a lot, but also an elder. What's more, it was not easy for him to say anything about other people's affairs.

After hesitating for a while, he just asked politely: "Since Yuzi is not able to move around easily, are you really comfortable with her being alone?"

(End of this chapter)