After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Page 135

Not only did we agree on a weekend appointment, but the other party was even willing to try taking some close-up photos of me today.

I wonder if I'll be the first member of the band to release my own magazine.

Covering her slightly pounding chest with both hands, Yutenji Wakana seemed to already see the moment when she would be the center of attention, and couldn't help but chuckle foolishly.

She suddenly felt that being the first person in the entire band to take off their mask wasn't so unacceptable after all.

Perhaps being the first to try something new will yield better results?

"It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement. This company doesn't have much interaction with the Toyokawa Group. I just used some personal connections to make the cooperation go more smoothly."

Compared to Yutenji Wakana, who was already laughing so hard on the sofa that she wanted to roll around on the spot, Toyokawa Yuu's face didn't show much of a smile, and even looked a little worried.

He had also investigated this company.

They are a decent size and have always wanted to get a piece of the pie in the booming band scene of recent years.

However, such booming industries are inherently highly competitive, and those already in the industry don't want more people to grab a share, so there has been little progress.

Yuu Toyokawa estimates that the person who actually decided to cooperate with Ave Mujica probably didn't really expect any progress; they were just trying to give Toyokawa Kiyoko face.

Otherwise, the person you contacted and the person you met wouldn't have been the opposite of what you expected.

Ultimately, Ave Mujica is still a relatively new band. While they are certainly popular, their actual influence is questionable.

I'm afraid this can only be used to solve the immediate problem.

"Having personal connections is a skill in itself... I wish I had that kind of influence someday."

Most of his body was lying on the sofa, with only his legs diagonally placed on the ground.

Yutenji Wakana narrowed her eyes, a hint of envy showing in her purple pupils.

Sometimes, she would dream that her family was actually powerful and influential.

“It will happen. Even if you don’t believe in your own abilities, at least believe in the future that Xiangzi and I can bring to Ave Mujica.”

After casually reassuring Yutenji Wakana, who seemed lost in thought, Toyokawa Yuu pondered for a moment, then took out her phone and began contacting another band member.

This company may not be able to achieve long-term cooperation, so it's unlikely they'll consider long-term interests. We should make the most of them while the relationship is still relatively harmonious.

Let's call Hatsune Miku over too, and borrow Sumimi's fame.

In this situation, we cannot let go of any opportunity to exploit it.

Although it might make him look a little ugly, given Ave Mujica's current situation, he can't care about appearances anymore.

Toyokawa Yuu: [Doloris, I'll send you an address soon. Come here, and remember to bring your Ave Mujica uniform.]

As she tapped her fingertips on the screen, composing the text message she intended to send to Hatsune Miku, Toyokawa Yuu suddenly heard Yutenji Wakana's voice carrying a strange sense of emotion.

"Do you believe in the future that you and Xiangzi can bring...? The agent seems a bit different than before."

The girl's sentiments made Yuu Toyokawa pause as she was editing the message.

“The agent in the past would never have confused himself with Xiangzi.”

"...There's no difference, it's just a matter of being forced by circumstances."

Pressing the send button, Toyokawa Yuu dismissed Yutenji Wakana's sentiments.

He hasn't changed, his goal has never changed, and these superfluous things... are just a matter of being forced by circumstances.

"Speaking of which, who is the agent contacting this time, and is there any extra work to handle?"

Yuuto Toyokawa, watching her fingertips tapping lightly on the screen, looked puzzled.

In her memory, although Yuu Toyokawa was the kind of multitasking superwoman who could handle multiple tasks at the same time without making any mistakes, she wouldn't be so half-hearted when faced with work that was already on her face.

“Call Dolores over. You two can try filming an interaction scene. We might be able to use it later.”

"Didn't you say before that students should prioritize their studies? Why did you call someone else here?"

Upon hearing that his personal magazine might be featured alongside others, and that he might not even be able to compete in terms of popularity, Yutenji Wakami immediately sat up from the sofa.

"I can do it all by myself. I'm learning everything, from drumming to performing."

"You're mistaken. The person I was talking about before, who said not to let it interfere with their studies, was Hailing... And what we're filming isn't a performance, but rather some everyday backstage interactions. Are you planning to talk to yourself?"

He gently tapped Yutenji Wakana's head with his finger, easily suppressing the large cat that seemed to be planning to cause trouble.

Although the members of Ave Mujica are becoming increasingly disobedient these days, they still manage to easily subdue cats that always wear collars.

Ignoring Yutenji Wakana, who was pretending to be dead on the sofa, Toyokawa Yuu pressed the send button on her phone screen.

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

Good morning, Mr. Youyu, we meet again.

The innocent and carefree voice, just hearing it makes you feel as if you are bathed in the morning sun.

The girl with long brown hair politely greeted Yuu Toyokawa, and stood beside Hatsune Miku without any awkwardness about being uninvited.

“Ms. Junda Mana... why are you here?”

(5)(2)(6)(6)(2)(2)(5)(1)

Looking at Hatsune Miku, who looked embarrassed and kept her eyes downcast, avoiding Toyokawa Yuu's gaze, and then at Junda Mana beside Hatsune Miku, who was all smiles as if it were just a simple gathering, Toyokawa Yuu felt that she might need to check the almanac next time she went out.

It's not that Toyokawa Yuu thinks Junta Mana is some kind of bad luck, but as things stand, this polite, well-mannered, and warm-hearted popular idol isn't quite on the same level as Nagasaki Sase.

But he probably didn't invite Mana Junda at all.

With his gaze fixed on Hatsune Miku, Yuu Toyokawa didn't ask any questions, but you could tell from his eyes that he needed an explanation.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Mr. Yuu, Mana said she didn't have much work today, so she was planning to take me out to play. After I was called over, she insisted on coming along."

Bathed in Yuu Toyokawa's questioning gaze, which seemed to ask, "Which side are you on?", Hatsune's eyes darted around, and she didn't dare to meet his gaze at all.

When she received the text message from Yuu Toyokawa, she wasn't actually at school at all. Instead, she had just finished a recording session at her agency and was about to be dragged out to play by Mana Junda.

Junda Mana's long-awaited trip to spend the whole day with her partner was disrupted, and she seemed to have her stubborn side ignited, insisting on coming along no matter what.

"After all, according to the previous contract, today's Xiao Chu should have belonged to Sumimi. I had even planned where to go to play."

When her partner pointed out her willful behavior in front of others, a fleeting hint of embarrassment crossed Junda Mana's face.

However, she was also aware that her actions had caused considerable trouble for Toyokawa Yuu, and after realizing that she could no longer use Hatsune Miku as a shield, she immediately slipped out from behind her.

With her hands clasped together, Junda Mana bowed deeply to Toyokawa Yuu, her words and attitude both quite sincere.

"Anyway, I'm really sorry, Mr. Yuu. But I had planned to spend the whole day with Xiao Chu today. Since Xiao Chu has work at Ave Mujica... how about I lend myself to you? I heard from Xiao Chu that you are planning to shoot some daily life videos. How about I participate as a crossover character?"

So you not only brought people here, but also revealed their job duties?

Looking at Hatsune Miku with even more dissatisfaction, Toyokawa Yuu suddenly felt that in terms of professional ethics, the entire Ave Mujica team probably needed extra training.

but......

Turning her attention to Mana Junda, Yuu Toyokawa had to admit that things would be much easier if this popular idol were willing to lend herself to Ave Mujica for a day.

Not only can she attract Sumimi's popularity, but Junda Mana is definitely more knowledgeable about the details of the filming than herself and the others in Ave Mujica.

After all, Sumimi has released many similar videos before as a promotional tool and to increase fan loyalty.

The premise is that Junda Mana can actually lend herself out.

"Is there no problem? I'm afraid Ms. Lena won't easily agree to such a hasty decision."

Toyokawa Yuu wasn't doubting that Junda Mana couldn't make the decision on this matter.

As a former five-time champion of a singing competition, and in less than a year, they transformed Sumimi into the most popular idol group and established themselves firmly.

While she undoubtedly has considerable resources supporting her, her ability to achieve such results is beyond doubt.

Every idol group has someone supporting them, but very few succeed, let alone maintain such a stable position.

Calling Mana Junta a legend in the industry wouldn't really elicit much disagreement.

Therefore, if Junda Mana wanted to, it wouldn't be difficult for her to interfere with her manager's decisions, or even make decisions directly without her manager's involvement.

“It’s perfectly fine. Ave Mujica and Sumimi have been working closely together lately, so Lena will definitely agree.”

With a bright smile on her face to reassure Yuu Toyokawa, Mana Junda seemed determined to stay with Hatsune Miku no matter what.

"Since things have come to this point, it would be inappropriate for me to continue refusing... So please take good care of me today, Ms. Junda Mana."

Seeing Yuu Toyokawa extend his hand to her, Mana Junda's smile became even brighter as she placed her fingers into the boy's palm.

"Then I really won't hold back and will give you lots of pointers, Mr. Yuu... And didn't we agree before that you'd call me Mana?"

The popular idol squinted his eyes, his smile looking as usual.

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

The video shoot went very smoothly. The woman from Nagasaki seemed very interested in the business and was very cooperative with the requests we made.

At least Yuu Toyokawa could sense that this Ms. Nagasaki seemed to genuinely intend to see this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than simply going through the motions out of personal favor.

In particular, after seeing that she had actually managed to get Sumimi to come, she seemed to take her work even more seriously.

Ms. Nagasaki even asked three of the girls present for their autographs, saying she wanted to take them back to give to her daughter.

"We will be responsible for the editing and production of the video, and it will be delivered to Mr. Toyokawa as soon as it is finished. It shouldn't take long. If you are not satisfied with anything, you can ask for a rework at any time."

After carefully putting away the autographed postcards, Ms. Nagasaki's smile was even brighter than when she greeted Yuu Toyokawa in the office earlier.

"Of course, we welcome any feedback or guidance you may have along the way."

"If you need it released in advance, I can help you with Sumimi's official account."

When Junda Mana, who was sitting next to them, heard the two discussing the video, she immediately raised her hand enthusiastically, indicating that she was willing to help at any time.

"Of course, I'll have to trouble Mana then... I wish us a pleasant collaboration, Ms. Nagasaki. If all goes well, I think our collaboration will continue for quite some time."

Yuu Toyokawa politely shook hands with the woman in the suit, her voice carrying a hint of seriousness amidst the politeness.

He had already grasped the seriousness with which Ms. Nagasaki was taking this work, and if possible, Yuu Toyokawa did indeed intend to maintain a long-term cooperative relationship as an alternative to the Toyokawa family's support.

But before that...

"Speaking of which, I've heard Ms. Nagasaki mention her daughter before. I imagine you must dote on that child quite a bit."

Yuu Toyokawa subtly steered the conversation toward more private matters, her eyes darting around.

Although Ms. Nagasaki's excellent professionalism made their collaboration very pleasant, the face that Toyokawa Yuu felt vaguely familiar still made him feel a sense of unease.

If I don't figure it out, I always feel like something bad might happen at any time.

"That child... Actually, my daughter is about the same age as you, Mr. Youyu. She just started high school and is far less mature than you, Mr. Youyu."

Although they had just formed a partnership, Ms. Nagasaki did not seem to be completely unguarded. Apart from revealing her approximate age, she did not reveal anything and even steered the conversation toward Yuu Toyokawa.

However, the mere fact that she's of different ages is enough to make Toyokawa Yuu overthink things, especially since she was just pestered by Shiina Tatsuki last night.

That troublesome Sasuke Nagasaki shouldn't be able to interfere with my work, right? But if my guess is right...

Toyokawa Yuu lowered her eyes slightly, concealing the calculating look in them.

His mind was filled with thoughts, but he knew it wasn't appropriate to continue pursuing this topic, and besides...

Yuu Toyokawa glanced at Yutenji Wakana, who was leaning back on the sofa and looked like she was about to collapse from exhaustion, and then at Junta Mana, who was still calm and seemed to be just playing around. Finally, Yuu Toyokawa turned her gaze to Hatsune Miku, who was sitting properly to the side.

"Doloris, come out with me for a moment, I have something to discuss with you... Ms. Nagasaki, would it be convenient for you to provide us with a relatively quiet room?"

"Of course, no problem. I'll arrange the car to take you back. I'll have Miss Yutenji call you when the time comes."

Ms. Nagasaki readily agreed to Toyokawa Yuu's not unreasonable request and quickly led the two to a quiet office.

With the sound of the door latch gently closing, only Toyokawa Yuu and Hatsune remained in the quiet room.

“Mr. Youyu... I’m sorry to have troubled you today.”

Hatsune was a little confused when she was suddenly called out. She thought that Yuu Toyokawa had called her out specifically to interrogate her.

It seems that Mr. Yuu is really angry about Mana coming along, and he couldn't even wait back in his office at Ave Mujica.

"No need. I've never expected you to be reliable. I'm not here to interrogate you, I just want to ask you about something else."

Looking at the closed door of the empty office, Toyokawa Yuu thought that the soundproofing of the door here couldn't be as weak as that of her own office.

Turning her gaze to Hatsune Miku in front of her, Toyokawa Yuu's expression became somewhat serious.

"Let me be frank, how much do you know about Ms. Junda Mana?"

In a private conversation not in front of Junta Mana, Toyokawa Yuu ultimately did not use the nickname she had promised to use, but instead addressed her by her first name while adding the honorific "Madam".

"Regarding Mana... Mr. Yuu, are you angry with her?"