My Romance Simulation with Them

"Damn it! If I wasn't waiting to eat your cooking, I wouldn't have given in so easily!"

Watching Nanxiang's departing figure, Hu Tao, who had just been all 'obedient and well-behaved,' now let out a complaining sound.

"That's it."

Mizuki Nakahara chimed in, adding fuel to the fire: "So what if this guy is a little better looking, a little better at school, and a little better at cooking? What's so great about him?"

The two of them muttered complaints to each other.

But this also aroused Rio's curiosity.

"Is the food made by Nanxiang really that delicious?"

She clearly remembered how deserted and desolate 'RicoRico' used to be.

At that time, Nango brought her to 'RikoRiko'.

There were hardly any people in the entire coffee shop.

But all of this is desolate.

They all disappeared after cooking in the southern countryside.

Customers recklessly rushed into 'RicoRico'.

Even at the end, parasols, benches, and several tables were placed outside 'RicoRico'.

Is what he makes really that delicious?

"It seems that Miss Futaba has never tried Nango's cooking before?"

Just moments ago, Mizuki Nakahara was being squeezed dry by Nango Toki, but now, upon hearing Rio Futaba's question, she couldn't help but click her tongue and say, "You can recall the most delicious thing you've ever eaten, and then multiply that deliciousness by 2. That's roughly how good Nango's cooking is. It's only when it comes to cooking that I admire Nango."

Her expression was serious, not feigned.

This confident attitude made Rio Futaba take another look at her:

Is it really that exaggerated?

She couldn't quite understand it.

Rio Futaba is someone who can mingle in an upper-class circle with a rich girl like Ryo Yamada.

Naturally, he ate at many high-end restaurants.

So-called delicious food.

She has tasted quite a few.

Was the level of education in Nanxiang really that high?

On top of the deliciousness of these fine dishes, should we multiply it by 2?

"Of course there is, oh dear, you'll know once you've tried it. No matter what we say, it's no use."

Mizuki Nakahara waved her hand, and Kurumi next to her nodded confidently as well.

It's clear that no matter how many complaints he has about Nanxiang.

However, neither of them had any doubt about Nanxiang's craftsmanship.

Nanxiang...

So, you get this much recognition in the workplace too?

Rio Futaba took in the two people's attitudes and couldn't help but ponder them.

She was becoming increasingly curious about Nanxiang.

He was different from the person I saw at school.

She also wanted to know about the southern countryside outside the school.

As a friend.

It was precisely when she was thinking this way.

"Dinner's ready, everyone!"

A sound suddenly came.

On the other side, Chizuka Nishiki and Takina Inoue had already brought over the food platters and arranged them according to the number of people.

Naturally, a portion was also placed in front of Rio Futaba.

And it was only for that moment when the dark red food plate was placed in front of her.

She could already smell it.

That fragrance was extraordinary and incredibly refreshing.

Just for the moment I smelled that fragrance.

She seemed to understand.

Why did Mizuki Nakahara and Kurumi willingly allow Nango Toki to bully them like this instead of fighting back?

Because I only smelled it...

Perhaps it will subconsciously make people become prisoners of the delicious food in front of them.

Chapter 208. Your relationship with Rio Futaba has deepened (4200 words!)

A prisoner of gourmet food.

This was the only word that Rio Futaba could think of.

The dishes I made in Nanxiang were just very ordinary home-style dishes.

It's nothing more than five-mushroom soup, tempura, and saury that's been carefully pan-fried until its skin is golden brown and glistening.

These dishes are so easy that even a home cook like Rio Futaba could easily recreate them.

But these ordinary, everyday dishes have been transformed into completely different flavors.

Delicate and tender white fish meat.

A delicious soup made with five-eyed mushrooms, with no earthy taste whatsoever.

Crispy shrimp tail tempura.

Just take a bite and savor it.

Rio Futaba felt an indescribable warmth rising from her heart.

The gentle flavor envelops the tongue, while a sense of pleasure rises in the heart.

Rio Futaba finally understood why Ryo Yamada, who had ordered a lot of dishes at the restaurant that day, said "It's not as good as when it was made" before leaving.

The taste was no less than any of the high-end cuisine she had ever eaten before, and was even far superior.

Simply bite off the shrimp tail, then sip a mouthful of the flavorful mushroom soup along the rim of the bowl.

The umami flavor seemed to pour over her heart, making her squint her eyes and immerse herself in this comfortable state.

Delicious food can always make people unconsciously forget about stress.

The things made in Nango probably possess this kind of magic.

Previously, she had felt self-loathing and pressure, psychological burden, and adolescent troubles.

But after just one 'working meal,' it vanished without a trace, as if turning into bubbles.

No wonder customers flock to the restaurant, even with its high prices, willing to dine at a little-known establishment like 'Licori'.

Rio Futaba finally understood the reason.

Restaurants that can relieve stress and bring you small moments of happiness...

Who would be willing to give up just because of a slightly high price?

No wonder Mizuki Nakahara and Kurumi would rather be exploited and bullied by Toki Nanago than give up this seemingly simple 'working meal'.

Even she is the same.

In the face of delicious food.

All people are equal.

Thank you for your hospitality.

Satisfied, Rio Futaba finished all the food in front of her. She had never felt so full before. Her voice was steady and she politely put her hands together in prayer position.

Just as she finished eating, Nishiki Chizuka excitedly leaned over to her:

"How is it? Rio, how's the food Toki-kun made?"

"Huh...? That... is delicious."

When asked a question by Chizuka Nishiki, Rio Futaba, who was originally rather taciturn, hesitated before revealing her inner thoughts.

"Right? This is the strength of our 'Ricorico' Admiral!"

Nishiki Chizuku smiled broadly.

She looked so happy.

It's as if Rio Futaba wasn't praising Toki Nanago, but rather praising her.

Although she had already witnessed the enthusiasm of the blonde-haired girl in front of her, Rio Futaba was still a little unaccustomed to it.

She hurriedly stood up, intending to reach for the plates.

Then--

"Leave it to me."

Inoue Takina, who had been eating quietly, put down her chopsticks and began to speak.

"...Is everything alright?"

This is different from the relaxed attitude she had when facing Chizuka Nishiki.

Rio Futaba's emotions were noticeably tense around Takina Inoue.

The other person's eyes were as cold as wisteria vines.