As Tetsuhiro closed in on Kogure, the customers grew tense.
"What are you going to do?" Intimidated by Tetsuhiro's presence, Kogure kept backing away.
Noriko stepped forward, shielding him behind her. "Big Brother Li, this is the last time I'll call you that. I'm warning you, don't try anything. This is a society governed by law. I, I'll... call the police!"
"Oh?" Tetsuhiro glanced at Noriko. "Go ahead. There are a few things that need sorting out anyway."
"Well..."
Tetsuhiro paid Noriko no further attention. He slipped past her and strode swiftly over to Hiroshi Kogure.
"Y-you..." With nowhere left to retreat, Kogure fell onto the tatami in a panic.
"Since you want to eat, have your fill!"
Tetsuhiro picked up the bowl of noodles from the table and slowly poured it over Kogure's head.
The scalding broth came first, followed by a clump of noodles mixed with seafood...
Everyone gasped. "Whoa! Brutal!"
"No! Stop!" Noriko rushed over furiously to intervene.
A broad, burly figure hurried over and blocked her path.
"Mr. Kawada? Move! He's breaking the law!"
Kawada folded his arms and said gravely, "Noriko, calm down. Don't let that man fool you!"
"Why are you saying that too? He's done nothing wrong. Why are you slandering him?"
"..." Kawada offered no explanation and simply met her eyes.
"Wait, there's a hidden subplot?" The customers had somehow found a bag of sunflower seeds and were now furiously cracking them at their tables.
Seeing Kogure screaming from the heat and tossing his flowers aside, Noriko grew frantic. "Say something! If you won't, let me through!"
"Exactly. You're being terribly rude." The shop manager walked over sternly and tried to push Kawada aside with his uninjured left hand.
"Please trust us." Kawada stood firm, his gaze resolute.
"Trust you about what?