After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Page 139

"I... I have nothing to say to you about this kind of topic."

Hatsune instinctively gripped her left arm with her right hand and turned her purple eyes to the other side.

Not long ago, a pair of teammates and classmates who had just formed an alliance to "help Wakaba Mutsu cooperate" have suddenly become like this, with one side being aggressive and the other resisting communication.

But Hatsune's attitude itself is already a response.

"It seems that Xiao Xiang is not very clear about this kind of thing, and you don't want Hatsune to know either. If your true identity is exposed, it will have serious consequences... But [Hatsuka] wants to stay in Ave Mujica and stay by Xiangzi's side."

[Chuhua] classmate...

As if deliberately trying to disrupt the blonde girl's thoughts, Hachiman Kairin once again used this false name to refer to her teammate, causing Hatsune, who had already looked away, to catch her breath.

"What exactly... do you want to do?"

“I’ve said it before, I want to help you, to prevent Ave Mujica from disbanding, and to prevent all the emotions I’ve poured into this band from going to waste.”

He stepped forward and held Hatsune's shoulder, making her purple gaze meet his emerald green eyes.

In the reflection of her band's blonde lead singer's purple eyes, Hachiman Kairin saw her own smile, a smile that even she found somewhat disgusting.

"But I'm just a nobody, and I can't do anything on my own, so you have to help me too... Chu Hua."

Forced to stare at Hachiman Kairin in front of her, Hatsune's purple eyes widened slightly, as if she were seeing her teammate for the first time.

Although Hachiman Kairin had almost never actively integrated into the band before, aside from revolving around Toyokawa Yuu, she still didn't expect that the bassist, who was trying to emulate Toyokawa Yuu's concise and efficient style, would say such a thing.

"...I know, please don't tell Xiaoxiang this, please..."

“Of course, but you can’t tell Mr. Yu that others, including me, know about these things… This is what the person who gave me this information asked of me.”

In Hachiman Kairin's vision, her reflection in Hatsune's eyes was filled with disgusting ruthlessness.

But... all of this is for...

On the rooftop, where only the evening breeze could observe, the two chatted for a while until they both realized they had lingered there for quite some time, at which point Hatsune hurriedly left.

Watching the departing figure of her "partner," who had truly begun to become reliable and would not easily betray her, this time it was Hachiman Kairin's turn to lean weakly against the wall, barely managing to exhale a breath of stale air.

Despite her seemingly aggressive demeanor that put Hatsune under a lot of psychological pressure, only Hachiman Kairin knew that she herself was not having an easy time either.

To her shame, what she said to Hatsune Miku just now was almost the first time in her life that she had lied to someone.

Even Hachiman Kairin herself didn't understand why she was so skilled at something she had never done before.

That kind of confidence that allows one to appear adept at handling the situation even when they have no real cards to play, that composure that allows them to show a confident smile even when they are uneasy inside, and that smile that Hatsune Miku's pupils reflected in—a smile that even she herself found somewhat disgusting.

Before today, Hachiman Kairin never imagined that it would be her.

She gently covered her chest with her hand, and her heartbeat only began to accelerate after Hatsune Miku left.

The heart muscle beats exceptionally fast and powerfully, sending blood throughout the body at a speed that is normally impossible to achieve.

Her body temperature rose slightly, and a few beads of sweat even appeared on her forehead. Hachiman Kairin didn't know if her accelerated heartbeat was due to the shame of having just deceived her companions, or something else entirely.

But she knew that this would slightly increase her influence within Ave Mujica.

Yutenji Wakana is now somewhat dependent on him. He has a handle on Hatsune Miku, and his connection with these two is already quite close, even if the means of maintaining this connection are not honorable.

So, after gaining more influence within the band, will Mr. Youyu focus more on himself?

Am I now almost like Xiangzi, possessing the ability to break up a band at any time? Would Mr. Youyu value me more if that were the case?

Leaning against the wall, Hachiman Kairin looked up at the bright moon in the sky, her eyes filled with a sense of bewilderment.

She really couldn't understand where she fell short compared to Toyokawa Shoko, nor did she know how to divert Toyokawa Yuu's attention.

So... try every method you can think of.

Chapter 127 Metis: Rebellion Against Another Me (8k5)

In the rehearsal room of Ave Mujica, Shoko Toyokawa's fingertips lightly caressed the keys on the keyboard, and a series of notes flowed from her fingertips, lingering throughout the entire rehearsal room.

Although Ave Mujica may not have many opportunities to perform on stage recently, Shoko Toyokawa has not slacked off in her musical practice.

However, the rehearsal room was rather deserted today.

If Ye Mu was not there, Hatsune had just said that Sumimi had a small matter to attend to and would be out for a short while, and Hachiman Kairin didn't even come to the rehearsal room; she disappeared halfway out of the office.

At this moment, only Toyokawa Shoko and Yutenji Wakanagi are practicing in the rehearsal room.

Although commercial bands don't really have a rule that they can't rehearse if one or two people are missing, the atmosphere will still be affected no matter what.

even......

When the piece ended, Toyokawa Shoko slowly withdrew her fingers from the piano keys, her amber gaze turning to Yutenji Wakame, who was sitting on the other side of the rehearsal room, holding two drumsticks and looking somewhat absent-minded.

Looking closely at the somewhat absent-minded expression on Yutenji Wakana's face, which seemed to be worrying about something or simply not having slept well, Toyokawa Shoko knew that this drummer in her band, who, putting aside other aspects, was at least technically competent, was also not in the mood to work.

When they first rehearsed together, Yutenji Wakame's performance also encountered some problems.

Although the high-density drumbeats did not fall into rhythm, some of the notes lacked power.

"What's wrong, Amoris? You seem a little distracted."

Suddenly being pointed out by Toyokawa Shoko that he had something on his mind, Yutenji Wakame, who was already somewhat worried, was startled and quietly clenched his drumsticks. The drummer, who had dared to directly confront the captain at the celebration banquet not long ago, seemed to be on edge.

Although Hatsune Miku left under the pretext that "Sumimi had something urgent to attend to," Yutenji Wakana knew very well that it was Hachiman Kairin who had called her over, and that was the source of her anxiety.

Is it really necessary to be in such a hurry? I just told her about this this afternoon, and now Yawata Kairin is going to come to their door directly. Is this really reliable?

She was unaware of the intricate relationships and feuds within large families, but she was well aware that a spur-of-the-moment plan could easily backfire.

Rather, it would be more accurate to say that choosing to tell Hachiman Kairin about this and drag her into it was a spur-of-the-moment decision made when she was completely lost, and now Yutenji Wakana is already starting to regret it.

The bassist, who was usually known for his concise and efficient style and whose demeanor suggested reliability and trustworthiness, was unusually impulsive in this matter.

This style, so unlike Toyokawa Yuu's, and more like the old Toyokawa Shoko's—acting impulsively and recklessly once she had an idea—made Yutenji Wakame feel extremely insecure.

This unease seems to have been noticed by Toyokawa Shoko, who has become exceptionally sensitive as she has had some free time.

"Huh? Really? Maybe they felt the rehearsal room was too deserted today, with only the two of us left."

"After all, it has been decided that only the two of us will represent Ave Mujica. Timoris may go with us, but he will most likely only be backstage and... helping Yuu coordinate some work."

When Toyokawa Shoko mentioned that she and Yutenji Wakana would have to face Junda Mana, whose background they didn't know, on stage, and that Hatsuka, who was also a member of Ave Mujica but would be representing Sumimi, would be on stage facing the camera, and that the bassist, who almost had his ulterior motives written all over his face, would be able to stay with her fiancé behind the scenes, Toyokawa Shoko's voice couldn't help but pause.

She wasn't worried that Yuu Toyokawa would betray her, nor did she think that Urin Hachiman would succeed.

Just as confident as before, if her fiancé really had feelings for her colleague, then what she should be thinking about now is not stopping Hachiman Kairin, but going home and discussing with her grandfather whether Toyokawa Yuu could change her surname to Wakaba.

No matter how you look at it, Wakaba Mutsumi, who is already living with Toyokawa Yuu, is much more threatening than Hachiman Kairin.

But the reality is that her fiancé is upright and honest... or rather, completely uninterested in the band members.

Her upper body was completely pure and innocent, and she even took the initiative to inform him of the situation, so there was absolutely nothing to worry about.

Even if left to its own devices, things won't escalate to the point I fear.

However, no matter how unconcerned she was, what belonged to her was always coveted by others, and even Toyokawa Shoko was not so magnanimous as to turn a blind eye to such things.

Toyokawa Shoko doesn't hold much hope for her current level of tolerance.

If... we could get Timoris to behave better and understand how to be a competent colleague, that would be great.

However, at present, the most important thing to be concerned about is the condition of Yutenji Wakame.

Given Ave Mujica's recent situation, it's perfectly normal for her almost undisguised snobbish nature to make people uneasy.

"But don't worry, Ave Mujica will definitely be able to get through this situation. Even if you don't trust me, Amoris, you should at least trust Yuu. If things really don't work out, I..."

Subconsciously considering the worst-case scenario, Toyokawa Shoko's voice grew softer and softer.

It wasn't that she was truly helpless in that situation, but rather that she would have to give up some things she had always wanted to uphold.

In the past, even if faced with that situation, I probably would never have had such thoughts, but now...

The image of Yuu Toyokawa's deathly pale face flashed through Shoko Toyokawa's mind, and her heart tightened instinctively.

"Of course I trust my agent's abilities, but I'm worried about other things."

Seeing that Toyokawa Shoko, unusually, did not continue to release pressure but instead encouraged him, Yutenji Wakanagi was moved that his captain had actually begun to change, but also felt even more worried.

Toyokawa Shoko's attitude clearly indicates that, in a last resort, she can still utilize some hidden backup resources to protect the entire band.

The problem is that the kind of thing Hatsune Miku discussed with her manager was something that even Toyokawa Shoko couldn't cover up.

Even in the band, I'm at the mercy of others, and yet I've learned something I should never have known...

Yutenji Wakame has no other choice but to place his hopes on Hachiman Kairin.

In the worst-case scenario, having someone else suffer with you will at least make you feel a little better.

"Amoris, are you afraid?"

Looking into Yutenji Wakana's complex eyes, Toyokawa Shoko keenly discerned a trace of fear within them.

There seems to be something strange about everyone today.

Hachiman Kairin is like this, Hatsuka is like this, and even Yutenji Wakana, who in theory can hold onto his secure job as long as he doesn't cause too much trouble, is like this.

There's always this feeling that everyone else seems to have suddenly realized something, but they're the only ones keeping it from you.

Just as Toyokawa Shoko was pondering how to comfort the drummer who was clearly out of sorts, she heard the door to the rehearsal room next door being gently opened.

A few strands of golden hair squeezed through the crack in the door first, and then the blonde girl cautiously peeked out.

Hatsune seemed visibly relieved to see that Toyokawa Shoko and Yutenji Wakana were still in the rehearsal room and hadn't left early despite the large number of members missing.

Using Sumimi as an excuse to leave temporarily is indeed an irrefutable reason, but being irrefutable does not mean that people will be happy to accept it.

On the contrary, this, in a sense, is a manifestation of her fickleness and disloyalty to the band.

Hatsune was genuinely worried that Toyokawa Shoko would be angry with her because of this.

Especially after peeking in and finding the atmosphere in the rehearsal room was indeed somewhat heavy, she, who was already feeling depressed because of Hachiman Kairin's behavior, became even more uneasy.

"Chuhua, has the matter with Sumimi been resolved?"

Seeing the guitarist and lead singer peeking around, Toyokawa Shoko immediately frowned.

Although Ave Mujica and Sumimi belong to the same agency, and their offices are only a few floors apart.

But no matter what, this is too fast. It's like Sumimi specifically asked Chu Hua to come back, but as soon as she entered the door, she couldn't wait to send her away.

If it were such a trivial matter that could be explained in a few words, there would be absolutely no need to call Chu Hua back at this particular time.

The two teams have been working together for so long, and Sumimi isn't the kind of group that calls people back to pick fights all the time.

Unless, Hatsuka never went to Sumimi's place at all...

Even Toyokawa Shoko herself was startled when such a thought came to mind.

She's been a friend of mine for so many years, there's absolutely no reason for her to lie to me. Even if she really had to leave for a short while, I wouldn't make things difficult for her even if she didn't say why. Why would she specifically tell me this lie?

However, recalling the various unusual behaviors of the band members today, and the fact that Hachiman Kairin had not returned yet, Toyokawa Shoko still tentatively asked a question.

"Has Timoris not returned yet?"

"Ah... not yet, I didn't see her when I came back."

Hatsune was taken aback when Toyokawa Shoko suddenly asked her a question, then shook her head casually.

"...Is that so? Let's not wait for her and continue rehearsing."

As she placed her fingertips back on the piano keys, Toyokawa Shoko's amber gaze turned somber.

Chu Hua just went to find Hai Ling...

Otherwise, she shouldn't have denied it; she should have asked herself the same question.

After all, their absence should have been unrelated; it was only because I linked the two events together as a premise that that problem arose.

If there really was no contact, this wouldn't be the reaction.

With her fingertips pressing the piano keys somewhat mechanically, Toyokawa Shoko also fell into a state of absentmindedness similar to that of Yutenji Wakame earlier.

His amber gaze subtly fell upon the lead singer, who had already slung his guitar over his shoulder and begun to gently strum the strings, and his brows gradually furrowed.

Chu Hua, what are you hiding from me?

.................................................. ................

"Youyu, these tasks are mine..."

Compared to the tense atmosphere in the rehearsal room, Ave Mujica's office was much more harmonious, with only some trivial arguments.

Sitting at the computer desk in Yuu Toyokawa's house, remotely connected to the computer in Ave Mujica's office, Mukaru Wakaba was prepared to continue copying Yuu's homework today, but found that her work seemed to have been taken over by a certain manager who finally had some free time.