radicalducati 58. Obik: This is the taste of the old village.
58. Obik: This is the taste of the old village.
On a shopping street in Tokyo, as the sun sets, the sunlight casts long shadows of people across the street.
It's been quite some time since the last monster incident, and smiles have returned to everyone's faces.
These rare days of peace are truly delightful.
Beneath a tall building, Jiang Yu, dressed casually, was still carrying his camera.
However, this time was different from the past; Jiang Yu was not alone.
"Hey, Obik, what are you dawdling for? It's not like I'm going to kill you!"
After Jiang Yu took a picture of a family of three passing by and handed it to them, he noticed that Obik had fallen far behind, so he frowned and called out to him.
This Obik is really something. He just invited me over for a meal, why is he so reluctant?
"Sir...I really can't adapt to this place. Why don't you let me go back to selling ramen? I have to set up a stall soon."
Obik was still wearing the clothes he wore when he was setting up his stall, with a shiny bald head, and he walked towards Jiang Yu somewhat timidly.
The person before them was not only a powerful giant of light, but also had a connection with the great swordsman who once slew demons and monsters everywhere.
That day I was just going back to pay back the money, but now it seems like I've willingly been controlled by someone else.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Who else has eaten at your stall this year besides me?"
Jiang Yu looked at the aggrieved Obik and was speechless.
If Obik hadn't been a monster and not a stall owner who relied on others for a living, he would have starved to death many years ago if he had set up a stall in that kind of place.
It's so strange that he always finishes a bowl of ramen by himself and then closes up shop, even though the ramen is so delicious.
"That Kirielold didn't even eat a single bowl that day. Have you reflected on your actions?"
"I don't need those kinds of guys eating my ramen; they don't listen to stories anyway..."
Obik remained silent, having only uttered a few words before he could no longer find a reason to convince himself.
It seems like it really is my problem?
But all he wanted was to avoid being forgotten, and what's wrong with that?
"So stop doing that kind of thing. Listen to me, open a noodle shop in downtown Tokyo called Obik Noodle Shop, and make a poster with a related story. That way, more people will know about you, right?"
Jiang Yu and Obik walked arm in arm, and Jiang Yu repeated his suggestion once again.
These older monsters seem to be a bit stubborn, always insisting on selling ramen alone in the wilderness.
They say they don't want to be forgotten, but doing things this way, they hardly ever see anyone.
"Okay... alright, I'll give it a try."
"Sir, this card of yours..."
Obik took out Jiang Yu's specially made bank card and carefully handed it to Jiang Yu.
Even if he really opened a noodle shop, he didn't want Jiang Yu's money.
A great demon who has lived for so many years must have some savings; surely he can afford to open a noodle shop.
Jiang Yu did not accept it, but simply pointed to the closed shop next to him.
Something must have happened suddenly, because even the shops in Tokyo's shopping district have chosen to be transferred.
Because of the monster disaster, housing prices have already dropped by more than 10%, but they are still so high that Obik's eyes twitched and he gasped.
"This...this...this, sir, this is a shady merchant! How can it be so expensive?"
Obik pointed at the store, his face full of disbelief.
Although he disliked those who came to the village to demolish and replan, they were genuinely wealthy enough to provide enough for every household whose property was demolished to live a comfortable life.
But even if you bring it to Tokyo, you still can't buy a small shop?
"See? Don't refuse anymore, just consider it my investment."
I feel really bad about it. Just leave me a share of the profits from now on. I have high hopes for your ramen; I'm sure it will be a huge hit.
Jiang Yu patted Obik on the shoulder and casually noted down the phone number on the shop.
The location here is great, and there aren't many competitors around. I'll have Obik contact them later.
As for now, let's go eat first; I'm sure Grandma is already waiting.
"Bang bang bang".
"Grandma, are you there?"
Jiang Yu led Obik to a small house that seemed out of place amidst the bustling streets around them and called out through the door.
In the past few days, Jiang Yu has come to realize that the old lady was the kind old lady who took in Redell in the episode with the red and blue aliens. No wonder she looked so familiar back then.
"Hey, you're here, young man. What are you doing? Why did you bring anything to eat here? I'm just an old woman, I can't eat that much."
The old woman opened the door, still wearing her apron, and looked at the milk and fruit that Jiang Yu and Obik were carrying, and said somewhat reproachfully.
Deep down, she was happy; no one had visited her in a long time, let alone been a guest.
The last people who came were the same people from the demolition company, who kept trying to persuade her to move away.
"Grandma, this is what we should do. We shouldn't eat for free."
"Obik, this is the old lady I told you about."
Jiang Yu hung his camera around his neck, carrying two boxes of milk suitable for the elderly in his hands, and responded with a smile.
Obik was carrying two bags of various kinds of fruit, and he was feeling conflicted.
He's so much older, why should I call him "Grandma" too?
"Obik? That sounds like the same name as a great monster that my mother told me about when I was a child."
"Alright, alright, stop standing outside, come in quickly."
The old woman made way for Jiang Yu and Obik to go in one after the other.
As they went in, Obik smiled and called out, "Grandma!"
It's rare to encounter a human who knows him without needing a story; what's a little humiliation in terms of seniority?
The furniture and decorations in the room were very simple, but there was a table full of hot food, which looked very appetizing.
"Thanks to you all for coming today, otherwise this place would still be deserted."
Stop standing there, hurry up and make it, and see how my cooking is.
It's been a long time since anyone has eaten my cooking, I wonder if it's any good.
The old woman took off her apron and greeted everyone warmly at the table.
Jiang Yu and Obik didn't stand on ceremony either; their mouths were already watering.
"Yes, Grandma, your cooking skills are absolutely amazing. It's such a waste that you're not opening a restaurant."
Jiang Yu took a bite of the dish, which was somewhat similar to Mapo Tofu, and his eyes lit up. He praised it from the bottom of his heart.
"No way, young man, don't flatter me like that. I'm an old man, how could I possibly run a restaurant?"
The old woman responded with a smile, clearly quite pleased.
"Hey, Obik, why are you crying? Is it because you're not used to the taste?"
As the old woman's surprised and doubtful voice rang out, Jiang Yu turned his head to look at Obik.
Obik's chopsticks hovered near his mouth; he had forgotten to chew, and tears were indeed sliding down his cheeks.
"No, Grandma, it tastes just as good."
When someone asked, Obik immediately realized what was going on and hurriedly explained to the old woman, though his voice was still choked with emotion.
"Yes, it reminds me of my old village. The food the villagers used to cook tasted just like this. It was so delicious."
After saying that, Obik started eating his food in a very uncouth manner, as if he was afraid someone would take it from him.
However, no one blamed him. The old woman was more than happy for Jiang Yu to do the same, as it would give her a sense of satisfaction.
Jiang Yu ate his meal silently, understanding why Obik was acting this way.
The village of the past can never be returned to.
P.S.: I woke up late today, around 11 am. Since I write in advance every day, it's bound to be slow. There will be two more updates this afternoon.