Starting a New Life in Tokyo by Inheriting a Shopping Street [74]

Ogawa Fumika had never realized changing clothes could be such a lengthy ordeal—so exhausting that her limbs went soft, making it impossible to stand steadily.

“Chi…Chiba-kun…is it enough?”

“Sorry, I got a little carried away, took too long,” Chiba Shuuichi finally relented after checking repeatedly.

“It...it's fine…as long as Chiba-kun is happy…” Ogawa Fumika hugged his shirt, shaking her head shyly. “Um…let me scrub your back, Chiba-kun.”

“Then I’ll trouble Madame. As thanks for helping me become an adult, shall I lather Madame up as well?” Chiba Shuuichi held her hand warmly, expression earnest.

“Mm…” Ogawa Fumika shyly nodded.

...

After inspecting the beauty salon one last time and confirming everything was in order, Ogawa Sayuki wiped fine beads of sweat from her forehead, gently fanning herself as she stepped out onto the street.

Looking up at the second-floor window of the Management Office, she bit her lip in irritation. “Those two…”

Grumbling inwardly for a moment, she checked the time—it was nearly six. She felt tired today, stomach growling loudly.

Too lazy to wait for her sister now. Given her late visit today, they'd probably finish late as well. Waiting to have dinner together meant starving indefinitely.

Besides, with the heavy rain, it was inconvenient to go home.

Her gaze fell on Akiyama Ramen. Due to the downpour, fewer customers occupied the shop today, meaning no wait time.

After brief consideration, she headed inside.

Upon entering, she immediately heard Akiyama-san’s cheerful greeting:

“Welcome! Please have a seat—Ah, Ogawa-san?” Akiyama-san paused mid-greeting, looking up and recognizing her visitor after a moment’s thought.

Since arriving, they’d naturally exchanged greetings, neighbors getting acquainted.

“Excuse me, Akiyama-san, I’ll have the signature tonkotsu ramen, please.” Ogawa Sayuki took a seat at the counter.

“Coming right up,” Akiyama-san immediately got busy, placing a hair tie and paper apron before her, then preparing the noodles.

Ogawa Sayuki swiftly tied up her hair, carefully smoothed the apron, and scanned the restaurant.

Since there’d been no renovation, signs of age were visible everywhere. She couldn’t help but wonder quietly...

That brat didn’t even renovate the ramen shop. Was he really only interested in peaches? Absolutely no appetite for green apples?

Today, her sweet, juicy-peach sister would definitely be eaten thoroughly. Buying new lingerie secretly—did she really think I wouldn’t notice?

Lost in thought, Ogawa Sayuki barely noticed the ramen placed before her. She thanked politely, then sipped the broth—after sweating so much, she urgently needed salt and water replenishment.

“Hm? This taste…” After just one sip, she felt stunned.

Seeing her expression, Akiyama-san couldn’t hide her pride: “Is it to your liking, Ogawa-san?”

Ogawa Sayuki looked up, savoring carefully, then replied honestly, “Frankly, tasting something like this in a shopping street exceeded my expectations. Akiyama-san’s skill is incredible—you could easily open a shop in Ginza.”

Clearly delighted by this praise, Akiyama-san held back from boasting openly. If it were in front of her daughters, she’d surely brag, but in front of customers, Tsuki-chan had instructed her to remain dignified.

“I'm glad you like it, Ogawa-san.”

The rain intensified, heavy drops pounding on the canopy like dense drumbeats.

Customers who finished eating lingered, browsing phones or whispering softly, reluctant to brave the weather.

Ogawa Sayuki glanced at the time again—6:30 already. Putting on earphones, she dialed her sister’s number once more. Unsurprisingly, it rang repeatedly, unanswered.

“Ah! Did Tsuki-chan and An-chan forget their umbrellas?” Having a free moment, Akiyama-san suddenly slapped her forehead, recalling this issue. Ignoring etiquette, she quickly called to check.

“Tsuki-chan, did you girls forget umbrellas? Do you need Mom to pick you up?”

“No need, Chiba-kun left us his umbrella. But the rain’s heavy, so we’ll wait a bit—the Student Council still has work anyway.”

“Oh, good, good—Chiba-kun is really thoughtful…”

“Yes, unlike you, Mom—careless as always.”

“I’m hurt! Tsuki-chan, you make Mom feel so sad saying that…”

“Did Chiba-kun…get back safely?” Ignoring her mother's dramatics, Akiyama Tsuki asked, her voice faintly awkward.

“I’m not sure…” Akiyama-san had been busy in the shop, completely unaware.

But Ogawa Sayuki overheard their conversation and couldn’t help interjecting: “Um…I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, Akiyama-san, but Chiba-kun returned quite some time ago.”

In fact, he’s probably enjoying himself immensely right now.

“Oh! You heard that, Tsuki-chan? Chiba-kun’s been back a while,” Akiyama-san replied without the slightest discomfort.

“Really? That’s good.” Akiyama Tsuki paused slightly, faintly catching the sound of a woman’s voice, but quickly responded as if nothing were amiss.

She wondered about the woman…

Hiss—seems like the day to properly serve young master and mistress isn’t too far away.

Hmm…

Akiyama-san hung up, resuming her bustling work.

Ogawa Sayuki rested her chin thoughtfully. That brat had claimed to be unpopular at school, but his relationship with the two Akiyama girls clearly wasn't simple.

Giving them umbrellas, showing concern here and there—tsk, tsk. Youthful ambiguity at its finest.

Heh…what a fickle brat.

Bored again, she dialed her sister’s number, fully expecting no response, just another means to hurry things along.

Otherwise, she'd never do something as rude as calling from a restaurant.

Yet unexpectedly, the call connected!

“Sa…Sayuki?” The voice on the other end sounded oddly strained.

Startled, Ogawa Sayuki quickly turned down the volume, rushing to the restroom.

“Sis, are you okay?” Sitting down in the stall, heart pounding faster, she cautiously asked.

“I’m…fine…just climbing the stairs…”

---

This is a fan translation of 从继承商店街开始东京生活 by 净消尘土 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!