September 6, Friday, 8:05 p.m.
Old Man Ueno was nearly eighty, but just as Chitanda had said, he was hale and hearty, with a booming voice. He looked nothing like an old man.
"I've already heard about you from Shimizu."
Looking at Duanmu Huai, Ya Naijian, and Chitanda before him, Old Man Ueno laughed heartily.
"I just didn't expect you to come too, Eru. Haven't you always been helpless with this sort of thing?"
"Um... My father asked me to come and offer you his congratulations, Old Man Ueno."
Chitanda spoke to Old Man Ueno with a hint of awkwardness. It seemed their families were on fairly good terms. At the same time, Chitanda took out a gift box.
"It's just a small gift. Please accept it."
Incidentally, it was a good thing it wasn't food. Otherwise, it wouldn't have survived the trip here.
"The last time I saw you, Eru, you were still in elementary school, weren't you? I can't believe that after just a few years, you've grown into such a fine young lady."
Old Man Ueno accepted the gift from Chitanda and nodded, then turned to Duanmu Huai.
"Miss Duanmu, you may not know this, but I'm a fan of yours. I followed your movies for years."
"Thank you for your kind words."
"But I can't do that anymore. The doctor says I'm too old to withstand any excitement. Ah, what a shame. I still feel quite energetic, you know. If you don't mind, could I take a picture with you and get your autograph later?"
"Of course."
"Still, it's quite impressive that you thought of combining food with strange tales."
"..."
Hearing Old Man Ueno say that, Duanmu Huai and Chitanda immediately turned their eyes toward the culprit, while Old Man Ueno looked at Ya Naijian