Awakening

After Kazumi and Take Asasei boarded the plane, Lei Yin, as planned, together with Naoko and Amy, along with Takeda and Yoshikawa went to board on another plane on a flight to Takeda’s home.

Takeda and Yoshikawa’s homes were located in South of Kyoto, Japan.

Kyoto is about 500 kilometers Southwest of Tokyo, and 41 kilometers East of Osaka. Better known as “Japan’s Millennium Ancient Capital.”

The total population is about 1.47 million. Kyoto was constructed according to the ancient Tang Dynasty Capital City, Chang’an. It became the capital of Japan from AD 794 to 1868. It still holds many shrines, temples, palaces, as well as elaborate gardens. Because of its long history, nowadays, it retained its traditional culture of the ancient capital of Japan.

Takeda’s Family, for generations, ran the Sado (Japanese tea ceremony) business throughout the Kyoto area. They also have several branches in Kobe, Nara, and other places. But Yoshikawa’s Family also ran the tea business, so naturally, the relationship between his family and Takeda’s Family was not shallow. Plus, their two homes were not too far apart, therefore it can be said that Takeda and Yoshikawa grew up together.

Takeda walked to the front of the vermilion gate and pressed the bell several times.

After a while, an old man in a black kimono and wooden clogs under the feet opened the door.

Seeing Takeda, the old man seemed very happy, “Young master Hidetoshi, you are back.” (The character Hidetoshi in Chinese means Handsome)

Seeing that the corner of Lei Yin and Naoko’s mouths gently twitched, Takeda dryly coughed and said: “Uncle Iketani, later on, just call me second young master, ok. These are my friends, and they will stay in here to play.”

The old butler named Iketani immediately bowed toward Lei Yin and Naoko: “Thank you for taking care of the second young master Hidetoshi.”

“You are too kind.” Naoko immediately bowed back ritually.

“Very well, enough with the introduction, just take us in. By the way, is my sister here?”

“Young miss Nadeshiko has come back from the vacation and is now reading in the study room. Moreover, young master Kuraya has also come.”

“Even my big brother is also here, that’s great.” Takeda led Lei Yin and the others to come in.

When they went into the house, Lei Yin sized up the surrounding environment as they walked.

This was a typical 300 pings (1 ping ~ 3.3 square meters, this measurement typically used in Japan and Taiwan) area residence. Besides the main building, there was also a courtyard on it. Not only there was a huge Koi fish pond, there was also a large area full of bamboo and an open area with a variety of flowers and plants.

The house at the center area was also very huge, and the exteriors were all in the traditional wooden corridor and paper door design. Now Lei Yin started to believe Takeda’s previous claim that his house can fit in the Edo period drama production.

Takeda said to Lei Yin: “Now you know why I want to go to College outside of Kyoto. How could this kind of ancient house be suitable for a person like me to live in? That is why, since high school, I did not dare to bring my classmates to play here.”

After leading Lei Yin and the others to a spacious guest room to put down their luggage, Takeda said to him: “Do you want to meet with my old man?”

Lei Yin nodded his head, “Since we’ve come to someone’s house, it is polite to meet with the master of the house.”

Takeda patted his shoulder and said: “My old man is a stubborn old man. When you see him, no matter what he says, just consider it as farts.”

Listening to their conversation from nearby, Naoko could not help but smile.

When they came to the corridor, Lei Yin saw three kids playing with Amy near the fish pond. One of them was holding a GameBoy.

“Are they your brother’s children?” Lei Yin asked.

“No, they are the children of my two uncles. I don’t know if this is a house rule or not, but starting from my grandfather’s generation, we got used to living with our immediate family together. Especially after having a kid. They always quarreled here, which is another reason why I am anxious to move out. Can you imagine that someday when you are in your room watching adult videos and suddenly your cousin run in and ask what are you doing? How are you going to explain that?”

Lei Yin snappily said: “I don’t know whether to pity or despise you.”

At this time, the three children happened to see Takeda. With shouts they ran over to him immediately.”

“Brother Hidetoshi, when did you come?”

“It’s good that you’re back. You said you want to take me for a ride when you come back.”

“Me too.” A child sucking his finger said.

Being mobbed in the middle by the three kids, the rebellious youth exclaimed: “I know, but now I am still busy. When I am free, I will take you out to play.” With that, he took that opportunity to run away.

Lei Yin said with a smile: “It seems like you should be a nanny, it’s like a second nature to you.”

“Do not joke, if I stay with them for an hour, I would go crazy. If only they are so well-behaved and quiet like Amy, that would be nice.” Takeda looked down at the little girl who was holding Lei Yin’s right hand, only to see her looking at his three younger cousins.”

When they went inside the house, Takeda suddenly stopped, combed his slightly upturned hair with his hand and then carefully examined his clothes. After he completed all of these, the then knocked on the door.

After the knock, there was a slightly hoarse male voice, “Please come in.”

Takeda blinked his eyes at Lei Yin like he was doing a prank and opened the door.

“Father, I am back. Big brother, so you’re here, I was just about to go look for you.” Takeda kneeled toward the two men sitting inside the hall.

The two men that were in the hall, one was a senior wearing a gray-black high-quality kimono, with not too neatly combed hair. Although his age was already over fifty years old, his spirit was still very much in shape. He slightly looked up and cast Takeda a glance, and then said: “When did you get back.”

“Just now,” Takeda answered.

Takeda’s father looked at his youngest son from top to bottom for a while before he said: “In Tokyo, you did not provoke any disaster, right?”

“Of course not, you can ask sister if you want.”

“Humph. In high school, you always said that. But in the end, didn’t you still stir up a lot of things? I don’t expect you to do something good for the family in the future. I would content as long as you don’t give me any trouble.”

Takeda disapprovingly curled his lips.