After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Page 12

"Grandpa Dingzhi, I've met Youyu-kun. He's a very reliable young man. With his help, Xiaoxiang's future will surely be smooth sailing..."

After a brief exchange, Minami hung up the phone, glanced one last time at the office door behind her, and gave a meaningful smile.

Chapter 22 Timoris, I trust you

Nine years and three hundred and sixty-three days before Toyokawa Shoko's death, early morning.

Looking at the rising sunlight outside the window, Toyokawa Yuu sat at her desk, pinching her brow wearily, her face radiating an ethereal beauty.

I habitually reached for the cup beside me and found that the coffee inside was long gone, and the empty container felt unusually light.

Letting out a long breath, Toyokawa Yuu looked at the project proposal for Ave Mujica that was in front of her, saved it, and made multiple backups.

Sometimes, Yuu Toyokawa really wondered if this was her destiny to suffer this ordeal.

When others transmigrate into this world, they all burn their youth and dedicate their passion, pursuing their careers and falling in love as they please.

On the other hand, he not only has to burn his youth and shed his passion in the literal sense, but he also became a widower as soon as he transmigrated, and now he has to stay up all night drinking coffee to promote these deadly girls who will most likely kill him in ten years.

All of this is so that I can survive ten years from now and not repeat this cycle of death.

But there are quite a few people who want to break up Ave Mujica right now.

Thinking of the several invitations she received from programs and orchestras last night, Toyokawa Yuu couldn't help but frown.

He didn't even need to guess; he knew who was behind it.

I hope Ave Mujica gets more exposure, or more accurately, I hope Wakaba Mutsu gets more exposure.

There is only one person who is forced into extroverted socializing and can no longer hide behind a mask to escape their performing talent.

—Mori Minami.

He truly lives up to his reputation as a senior figure in the industry. He can effortlessly pull out resources that would make most agencies ache, and even force me to revise the proposal overnight.

However, there's no reason not to eat meat that's offered to you, even if it's poisoned.

Although she was quite firm in rejecting Minami yesterday, it doesn't mean that Yuu Toyokawa doesn't want Metis to appear.

At least one thing Minami Mori said that Yuu Toyokawa thought was right.

Even if it's a monster, its talent is genuine.

Even if Metis killed her once, Toyokawa Yuu would have to acknowledge her talent and the value of the Wakaba family.

So in essence, he and Minami are not much different; they both want to be the monster's dragon tamer and turn Metis into their own monster.

They're all birds of a feather...

Straightening her tie, Toyokawa Yuu stood up from her office chair, stretched, and relaxed a little to relieve her fatigue.

The preparations are mostly complete; now it all depends on whether the program organizers are strong enough to overcome Toyokawa Shoko's protection of Wakaba Mutsuko.

As for now, let's eat first; he doesn't want to work himself to death.

Although the agency provides food, Yuu Toyokawa still chose to go downstairs.

Previously, due to the urgency of the mission, he always chose to go directly to the destination. Now that he finally had a moment of free time, Toyokawa Yuu decided to first get to know the surroundings.

Although she was reluctant to admit it, Toyokawa Yuu was well aware of her own limitations.

He wasn't a born strongman; he simply understood the principle of learning from one's mistakes. And the inability to truly face death gave him many opportunities to learn from his mistakes.

On this unpredictable stage of fate, he will likely have many more opportunities to return to this era.

"Mr. Youyu, did you not leave work yesterday?"

A voice, earnest yet not overly serious, with a touch of coolness mixed with a hint of heroism, rang in Toyokawa Yuu's ears, tinged with a hint of surprise.

Turning around, I saw Hachiman Kairin standing behind me, carrying a bass box, her green eyes filled with surprise.

"Miss Timoris?"

After taking a quick look at Hachiman Kairin in front of me, I noticed that the girl wasn't wearing Ave Mujica's performance costume. She was simply wearing a black leather jacket, which gave her a maturity beyond her years.

"What are you doing here? Ave Mujica asked us to meet at the agency in the evening, right?"

"I'm just passing by. I was invited by a few bands to attend today as a support bassist... Don't worry, this won't interfere with Ave Mujica's activities."

Lifting the bass box in her hand, Hachiman Kairin looked at Toyokawa Yuu, who, despite trying to stay awake, still couldn't hide her weariness, and a hint of worry appeared in her eyes.

"Have you not rested at all?"

"After all, in the early stages of a project, a good night's sleep is a rather luxurious experience."

Now that she's been seen through, Toyokawa Yuu has no need to put on a brave face in front of Hachiman Kairin.

"Not only me, but in the coming period, many shows and bands will be inviting Ave Mujica. Get ready, Timoris, you'll be very busy."

"I see……"

She subtly gritted her teeth, a hint of inner conflict flashing in Hachiman Kairin's eyes.

But in the end, she inexplicably spoke up.

“Mr. Youyu, judging from the way you looked around just now, you seem to be unfamiliar with the area... I know a place where both breakfast and coffee are pretty good.”

Somewhat surprised, Yuu Toyokawa glanced at Hachiman Kairin, who had suddenly spoken, not expecting her to extend an invitation.

Even if she really likes the power to command others, given her personality, she shouldn't be able to resist it so quickly.

I haven't even started corrupting her yet.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I was a bit abrupt."

Seemingly realizing that her remarks were somewhat inappropriate, Hachiman Kairin squeezed the handle of her bass case, intending to leave awkwardly.

“It’s alright, I trust Miss Timoris’ taste. Lead the way.”

Chapter 23 Can I Trust You?

"Two breakfasts, one coffee and one juice."

Standing in front of the bar, Hachiman Kairin looked at the familiar face across from her, dressed in work clothes with dark brown hair and purple eyes, and succinctly stated her request.

After a brief pause, Hachiman Kairin looked down at the bass box she was carrying and gently leaned it against the bar.

"Please keep this safe for me as well."

"what!?"

Watching Hachiman Kairin leave with two breakfasts on her own, Shiina Tatsuki blinked and took a long time to utter a single syllable.

This was the first time she had ever seen her friend and classmate entrust her with the safekeeping of their musical instrument, especially since it was to accompany someone else.

What is this guy doing?

"Matcha Parfait..."

Before Shiina Riki could figure out what was going on, a clear and lovely voice reached her ears.

A girl as cute as a Persian cat was pulling a somewhat dilapidated little trailer. Her heterochromatic eyes, one gold and one blue, seemed to possess a touch of intelligence as she pointed to the matcha parfait on the signboard.

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll get it ready for you right away. The others should be here soon too..."

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

"I'm sorry, Mr. Yuyu, for keeping you waiting."

One person carried two breakfasts and even paid for them.

From an outsider's perspective, one might think that Yawata Kairin was being bullied in the workplace.

But only Hachiman Kairin herself knew that she really enjoyed the feeling of being in charge of everything.

Although it may sound a bit excessive and has indeed caused some unpleasant past events, Hachiman Kairin has no intention of changing it.

He simply stopped openly expressing this desire and maintained a distant and aloof demeanor towards everyone.

They neither intervene nor take responsibility.

It's been a long time since I've proactively invited others like I did today.

“It didn’t take long, so there’s no need to be so formal, Miss Timoris.”

Opening his eyes after resting, Toyokawa Yuu picked up his coffee and took a sip. The rich aroma made his expression relax slightly.

Aside from eating, Toyokawa Yuu did not initiate any conversation, but silently waited for Hachiman Kairin to speak.

He knew exactly what Hachiman Kairin desired. For this legendary mercenary who had moved between more than thirty bands, what she wanted most was trust.

Digging deeper into this desire for trust reveals a desire to command and control others.

After all, only those who trust her would accept Hachiman Kairin's arrangements and commands without hesitation, rather than protesting on the spot or outwardly complying but inwardly resisting.

That's why Toyokawa Yuu didn't refuse Yawata Kairin's suggestion downstairs at the agency, and even took the initiative to say the word "trust".

He wanted to test what this legendary mercenary was really thinking at this moment.

The scene fell silent for a moment; in fact, even Hachiman Kairin herself hadn't quite found the words to say.

The suggestion I made just now wasn't based on reason; it was just that seeing Yuu Toyokawa working tirelessly for the whole band reminded me of my past self.

Now, she has to make amends for her momentary irrationality, but what extra topics can two people who have only known each other for a day possibly have?

It was nothing more than a discussion about the band's current situation.

"Mr. Yuu and Ms. Toyokawa seem to have a good relationship. Ms. Yutenji seems quite interested in this kind of gossip, and she plans to do so after the Ave Mujica fire..."

“Let’s try to talk about work, Miss Timoris.”

She gently interrupted Hachiman Kairin's words, as if the topics she had just discussed were not matters that needed to be discussed within the band, but merely jokes among the members.

When interrupted, Hachiman Kairin's expression froze. These topics weren't really serious enough to warrant a special discussion.

Seemingly sensing Hachiman Kairin's embarrassment, Toyokawa Yuu didn't stop talking, but changed the subject.

"Thanks to Ms. Minami's sponsorship, Ave Mujica will be able to attend many TV programs and events. According to yesterday's division of responsibilities, you will be in charge of the band members' schedules."

With the awkwardness eased, Hachiman Kairin nodded solemnly; this was, after all, her job.

She didn't dislike talking about work with Yuu Toyokawa; the businesslike style was in line with her usual approach of neither overly interfering nor taking initiative.

However, what she truly wanted was not just to handle business as a formality.

trust……

"Besides that, there is one more thing I hope you can take care of."

Looking at Hachiman Kairin, who was embarrassed and a little disappointed but still tried her best to maintain her composure, Toyokawa Yuu had already made a general judgment in her mind.

It may not be obvious yet, but Ave Mujica's delegation of authority to Yawata Kairin has indeed brought back her old habits.

Although with a little attention, or by leaving the Ave Mujica environment, it should be possible to change it again.

But how could Toyokawa Yuu possibly let her correct these points that he could use?

“Miss Amoris, her… ambition is the strongest among all the members. With so many activities, she might be temporarily overwhelmed. I may not be able to keep an eye on her behavior all the time. Could you help me… keep an eye on her?”

Since Senmina has already decided to accept the candy with poisoned bait after receiving so many resources, she naturally has to consider whether she will suffer from indigestion.

The weakest link in the entire Ave Mujica is naturally the profit-driven Yutenji Wakamu.

So, Hachiman Kairin, focus your attention on Yutenji Wakame and ignore Wakaba Mutsumi.

The hatching of a monster requires a suitable breeding ground.

Setting down her cutlery, Toyokawa Yuu looked into Hachiman Kairin's eyes, a hint of earnestness in her gaze.

"Timoris, Ave Mujica is the most important thing to Xiangzi right now. I don't want any accidents to happen from within, so... can I trust you?"

"Mr. Youyu..."

Seeing Toyokawa Yuu suddenly become serious, Hachiman Kairin was slightly taken aback, and finally revealed a smile.

"This is not the company. For confidentiality reasons, please call me Hachiman or Kairin, Mr. Yuu."

"And... don't worry, you just need to trust me."

Chapter 24 The Pink Sun

"Please look after him for me. Mr. Youyu worked all night and is really exhausted."

Placed a stack of banknotes on the table, Hachiman Kairin turned to look at Toyokawa Yuu, who was so exhausted that she had slumped over the table without her noticing, and made a request to her friend.

Looking at Yawata Kairin, who was acting out of character and even started taking care of people after they lost consciousness, Shiina Tatsuki narrowed his eyes and frowned without any attempt to hide it.

Very strange, very strange.