Crossover: Pen name: Dazai Osamu, Omega Kasumigaoka

"Welcome to 'Nanjing Flavors', what would you like to order?"

Zhao Yang looked up, surveyed the busy yet orderly scene inside the restaurant, and then said to the waiter:

"This is our first time here, and we'd like to try some authentic Nanjing breakfast. Could you recommend some?"

Upon hearing this, the waiter's face lit up with an even brighter smile, and he began to introduce the products with great familiarity:

"Of course, our duck blood and vermicelli soup is our signature dish, and the broth is delicious."

"Duck blood is tender and smooth; there are also Jinling xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), with thin skin, large filling, and rich soup; in addition, there are Jiming tangbao (soup dumplings), sweet lotus root porridge, etc., which are all frequent guests on the breakfast table of Nanjing people."

Listening to the waiter's introduction, the three of them had expectant looks in their eyes. Zhaoyang spoke first:

“Then let’s have a bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup, two baskets of Nanjing-style steamed buns, and…” He turned to Kitahara Shin and Haruko, asking for their opinions.

Kitahara Makoto thought for a moment and said:

(cecj)

"Let's add a chicken soup dumpling, I heard it's very special."

Haruko smiled and nodded, adding:

"I'd also like to try lotus root porridge with sweet filling; it sounds so sweet."

The waiter took down their orders one by one and said with a smile:

"Okay, please wait a moment, your food will be served shortly."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving the three of them chatting and waiting at the table.

Zhao Yang picked up the chrysanthemum tea on the table, took a small sip, and savored its delicate aroma, which was refreshing and soothing. He looked out the window and said with a sigh:

"Nanjing is a city that always surprises people. Whether it's the ancient streets and alleys or the modern buildings, it all has a unique charm."

Kitahara Makoto nodded in agreement:

"Yes, and the food here is absolutely amazing. Every time I come to Nanjing, I can't help but indulge in a feast."

He turned to look at Haruko and smiled:

"Haruko, you really have to try these delicious foods this time, don't miss out."

Haruko smiled and nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

She looked around and saw that the people in the restaurant were either enjoying their food or chatting quietly, and everyone's face was filled with satisfaction and happiness.

A warm feeling welled up inside her; she felt that being able to enjoy delicious food with her friends in such a place was truly one of life's greatest pleasures.

Chapter 539 Strolling through the Historic Streets

As time went on, the waiters brought the ordered dishes to the table one after another.

The duck blood and vermicelli soup is steaming hot and has a wonderful aroma; the Nanjing-style steamed buns are crystal clear and bursting with broth; the chicken soup dumplings have a unique shape and a delicious flavor; and the sweet lotus root porridge is soft, sticky, and sweet.

It melts in your mouth. The three of them couldn't wait to pick up their chopsticks and spoons and begin to enjoy this feast for their taste buds.

While enjoying the food, they continued to chat, sharing their lives and experiences.

The laughter and chatter inside the restaurant blended with the bustling city outside the window, creating a warm and harmonious scene.

As breakfast drew to a close, and the last bite of food was swallowed, satisfaction and contentment radiated from the faces of the three. Zhaoyang wiped his mouth, gently patted his stomach, and smiled:

"I really enjoyed this breakfast, and I feel much more energetic now."

Kitahara Makoto nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with anticipation for the upcoming trip.

"Yes, Nanjing's food is indeed as good as its reputation. But Zhaoyang, you just said you wanted to go back and catch up on your sleep, so we won't disturb you any longer."

Zhao Yang stood up, stretched, and looked somewhat languid.

"Yeah, I didn't sleep well last night. I'm thinking of going back to my room and getting some rest. What about you two? Any plans?"

Upon hearing this, Haruko's eyes lit up, and she turned to look at Kitahara Makoto:

"Beiyuan, I've heard that Nanjing has many interesting backstreets and alleys, hiding many old shops and stories. How about we go and explore them?"

Kitahara Shinichi immediately became interested upon hearing this:

“Great idea! I’ve always had a soft spot for places full of history. Let’s go, let’s set off now.”

Zhao Yang smiled and patted Kitahara Makoto on the shoulder:

"Then you two enjoy yourselves, but be careful. I'm leaving now."

After saying that, he picked up his backpack and walked towards the restaurant entrance, not forgetting to turn back and give a final word before leaving:

"Don't forget to bring me back some souvenirs!"

After watching Zhaoyang leave, Kitahara Mako and Haruko paid their bill and also left the "Nanjing Flavor" restaurant.

Outside, the sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze blew. The two strolled slowly along the old street, feeling exceptionally relaxed.

As they ventured deeper into the city's fabric, the surrounding scenery gradually shifted from bustling activity to tranquility.

Narrow and winding backstreets and alleys come into view, with mottled old walls and staggered wooden doors on both sides of the stone-paved roads.

·····Requesting flowers··········

Every corner bears the marks of time and the vicissitudes of history.

Kitahara Makoto and Haruko walked side by side through the alley, stopping from time to time to carefully observe the surrounding buildings and details.

They discovered that these alleyways concealed many little-known shops and artisans, some of whom were focused on making traditional handicrafts.

..................

Some vendors enthusiastically greeted passersby from their stalls.

"Look over there, the wind chimes hanging in front of that shop are really pretty."

Haruko pointed to a small shop not far away, her eyes sparkling with surprise.

Kitahara Makoto followed Haruko's finger and saw that the entrance of the small shop was covered with all kinds of wind chimes, swaying gently in the wind and making a crisp and melodious sound.

He smiled slightly, took Haruko's hand, and walked towards the shop.

Stepping into the shop, a faint scent of wood fills the air. Inside, various handicrafts are displayed, each one exquisite and unique.

The shop owner was a kind and amiable old man who warmly greeted the two as they entered.

"Welcome! Are you two here to choose wind chimes?" Tu.

Chapter 540 Childhood Memories and Reality

Haruko nodded, her gaze wandering among the wind chimes in the shop, and finally she chose a small and exquisite copper wind chime.

She gently shook the wind chimes, and they rang with a clear, melodious sound that seemed to cleanse the dust from one's soul.

Seeing this, Kitahara Makoto also chose a wooden wind chime as a souvenir.

After the two paid, the shop owner specially tied red blessing ribbons on their clothes, wishing them a safe and smooth journey.

"707" left the small shop, and the two continued to wander through the back streets and alleys.

They would sometimes stop to talk to the artisans; sometimes they would go into a teahouse.

Savor authentic Nanjing tea snacks; sometimes stand on an ancient bridge and gaze at the distant water town scenery. Every moment is full of novelty and surprise.

As time passed, the sun gradually slanted westward, bathing the alley in a golden glow.

Kitahara Makoto and Haruko exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with gratitude and reluctance to part from this journey.

They know that these beautiful memories from the backstreets and alleys will become one of their most precious treasures.

After wandering through the winding backstreets and alleys, Kitahara Makoto and Haruko's steps gradually became a little heavy, but their joy and satisfaction remained undiminished.

They smiled at each other and, as if on cue, decided to find a milk tea shop to take a short break and enjoy this rare moment of peace and leisure.

Turning the corner, a cozy milk tea shop comes into view, with soft light shining through the half-open wooden window onto the stone pavement, making it look particularly inviting.

As they pushed open the door, a rich aroma of milk and tea wafted out, instantly dispelling their fatigue.

The store is decorated in a retro yet modern style, with several hand-painted landscape paintings of Nanjing hanging on the walls, making you feel as if you are in a series of vivid paintings.

Kitahara Shin walked to the counter and quietly ordered two cups of signature milk tea from the clerk, specifically asking for one with less sugar for Haruko, because he remembered that she preferred a lighter taste.

Soon, two steaming cups of milk tea were placed in front of them, with a few grains of cocoa powder sprinkled on top of the pale yellow milk foam, looking both tempting and heartwarming.

The two found a seat by the window and sipped their milk tea gently. The warmth spread from their tongues to their hearts, dispelling all the chill and fatigue.

Night had quietly fallen outside the window, and the streetlights along the streets lit up one by one, casting a soft glow over the ancient city...

Just then, Kitahara Makoto's gaze was drawn to a scene outside the window.

Not far away, two children were squatting by the roadside, intently controlling their remote-controlled race cars in a fierce competition.

Their faces beamed with innocent smiles, and their eyes sparkled with a desire for victory and a love for the game.

As the race car accelerated and turned, they occasionally let out excited cheers, attracting smiling glances from passersby.

This heartwarming and beautiful scene reminded Kitahara Makoto of his childhood, those carefree and fun-filled days seemed to be right before his eyes. 2.9.

He turned to look at Haruko and found her gazing quietly out the window, a gentle smile on her face and a tender light in her eyes.

He knew that at this moment, their hearts were connected, and they were both enjoying this simple and pure happiness.

"Haruko, look at those two children, how happy they are."

Kitahara Makoto said softly, his tone filled with emotion.

Chapter 541 Even Young Master Zhaoyang Has Sleepless Nights

Haruko smiled slightly and nodded:

"Yes, looking at them makes me feel happy too. Sometimes, happiness is that simple; it doesn't need too many reasons or conditions."

The two smiled at each other and continued to savor their milk tea, enjoying this rare moment of peace and tranquility.

As the morning light outside the window gradually softened and warmed, the time Kitahara Makoto and Haruko spent in the bubble tea shop seemed to stretch out, flowing quietly by.

They sometimes whispered to each other, sharing their thoughts and dreams; other times they remained silent, simply enjoying this rare tranquility and companionship.

The soft, melodious music inside the store, like the gentle murmur of a stream, added a touch of warmth and comfort to this tranquil morning.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows on the two of them.

Haruko gently stirred the milk tea in her cup, her gaze sometimes falling on the scenery outside the window, and sometimes turning to Kitahara Makoto, her eyes sparkling with tenderness and dependence.

Kitahara Shinichi tilted his head slightly, gazing at Haruko with a faint smile on his lips, as if the tranquility and beauty of this moment were all he sought.

However, this tranquility did not last long. A sudden cell phone ring broke the silence in the room.

Kitahara Shin took his phone out of his pocket, glanced at the screen, and saw it was a call from Zhaoyang. He was somewhat surprised, his brow furrowed slightly, and then he answered the call.

"Hey, Zhaoyang? Didn't you go back to catch up on your sleep? Why are you calling all of a sudden?"

Kitahara Makoto's voice carried a hint of doubt.

On the other end of the phone, Zhaoyang's voice sounded both excited and helpless:

"Yes, I originally wanted to go back and catch up on my sleep, but I just couldn't fall asleep no matter what I did in bed. Maybe it was because I ate too much for breakfast."

"I feel even more energetic now. Where are you now? I'll come find you."

Upon hearing this, Kitahara Makoto's lips curled into a smile. He turned to look at Haruko, a playful glint in his eyes:

"Looks like even our young master Zhaoyang has sleepless nights. We're currently in a milk tea shop in a back alley, do you want to come?"

“Okay, I’ll be right there.” Zhao Yang’s answer was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

After hanging up the phone, Kitahara Makoto turned to Haruko and smiled:

"Looks like we'll have one more person for lunch."

Haruko smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation:

"That's great! With Zhaoyang here, we can share even more interesting things together."

The two continued to wait for Zhaoyang's arrival, with Kitahara Makoto frequently glancing out the window, seemingly searching for Zhaoyang's figure.

Haruko, meanwhile, was busy organizing her backpack, preparing for the rest of the trip.

Soon after, a series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the milk tea shop.

Zhao Yang appeared at the door of room 707, panting, his face beaming with excitement and anticipation, as if he had found some treasure.

"Hey, you two, I've finally found you!"