Running a Business in Tokyo's Chinatown in the Millennium Year

Lin Yao transmigrates to Tokyo at the turn of the millennium, becoming an ordinary high school girl.

Her family barely scrapes by running an old Chinese restaurant in a shopping district.

The neighborhood is full of warmth, but the economy is sluggish, and the rise of big shopping malls and convenience stores is driving the shopping district into decline. The Lin family is on the verge of having nothing to eat.

At the time, Japanese people saw Chinese food as cheap, greasy, and tacky. Most Chinese restaurants had dated signs and sticky tables, serving filling meals at low prices. Their staple menu was a carb-heavy combination of ramen, pan-fried dumplings, and fried rice.

Lin Yao, a food blogger with ten million followers across the internet, says: This isn't Chinese food as I know it!

Starting with a stall at the school festival, Lin Yao vows to change these stereotypes and revive Chinese cuisine.

Mango pomelo sago, bubble tea, fresh fruit ice jelly, spicy dry pot, Cantonese soups, clay pot rice... Every dish introduced at the Lin family restaurant is a huge hit!

Diners stare wide-eyed: These are all Chinese food?

The other shopkeepers in the district join in, helping sell desserts, boxed meals, and frozen food.

Before they know it, the place has become a famous Chinatown, drawing food lovers from far and wide.

When Lin Yao sees a heartthrob at the peak of his looks arrive to film a show, she's stunned. Running a restaurant has perks like this too? You should've told me sooner!

Her life begins to change in subtle ways, too.

The rosy youth of an anime seems to be coming her way.

[Reader's Guide]

Keywords: high school girl, turn of the millennium, life in Tokyo, food and business. Expect plenty of everyday details and school life.

I studied Japanese for a few years out of personal interest, but aside from traveling, I've never lived there long-term. Most of what I know about Japan comes from Japanese dramas, anime, variety shows, and research, so please go easy on me if I get anything wrong.

I'm in poor health and have limited energy, so I rarely read the comments. I'll focus on writing, and hope everyone can discuss things kindly.

Theme: Starting from scratch and promoting Chinese food culture.