I became the emperor in the comic book series.

What if... but not like that?

If it really is about finding love on your own...

The moment that thought popped into her head, a vision of the future automatically appeared in Ichiri's mind: she sat alone in the closet, holding a guitar, while couples strolled by outside the window, and she would be accompanied by Erri until she was thirty, forty, fifty... and then be looked down upon by Erri's children as a useless adult.

No, children probably wouldn't want to get close to her.

I'll probably stay far away from her and ignore her like she's air.

After all, she always carried the musty smell of the closet.

"Ugh..."

Goto Ichiri let out a mournful cry like a small animal.

"Hey! What's wrong?!" Hongxia immediately abandoned Liang, who was still trying to explain herself, and rushed back to the cardboard box. "Boqi, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"N-no..." Ichiri shrank his neck.

I'll probably be alone for the rest of my life.

Goto Ichiri gradually turned grayish-white and lost its color.

Although she didn't know what had happened, Hongxia's mother quickly went over, patted her head, and hurriedly comforted her.

Not far away, the store manager watched this scene with his arms crossed, his lips twitching.

Who exactly is that little girl hiding in the cardboard box that makes Hongxia so concerned?

No, the key point is that kid clapping!

Ichiji Hoshika turned around to look for Higashino Akira, only to find that he had somehow gotten together with Ryo again. The two of them went to the beverage counter, each holding a drink, and chatted about some unknown topic in a harmonious atmosphere. For some reason, they seemed to get along too well.

Of course, it was Higashino Akira who paid the money.

Noticing the store manager's gaze, he smiled and waved in that direction.

This group of people is truly delightful. Even if it weren't for their high-class atmosphere, the fun they create is quite interesting.

Moreover, Akira Higashino actually knew a bit about the plot regarding them.

Even though more than 20 years have passed and he can't remember most of the anime, and even if he can still remember the anime he watched, he has forgotten most of the plot, he still has a good impression of that pink-haired girl!

That woman was so popular that she became the mascot of Shimokitazawa in real life.

Akira Higashino hadn't remembered this shop during his previous two visits, but seeing the little lonely creature hidden inside the mango box brought back a flood of memories.

Suddenly, I remembered!

Setting down his empty cup, Higashino Akira prepared to head back. After all, he had already witnessed the biggest surprise of the day. The remaining people were just a bunch of idiots. He had already decided on another location for a story he knew would take place, and he even added his friend, who was also looking for information, with a drink. Whatever he wanted to do, there would be plenty of opportunities later; there was no need to rush.

"I'm leaving now. Let me know when you have your next performance."

After saying that, he pushed open the door and left.

Ichiji Hoshika squinted, feeling that something was amiss.

"Ah! It's so late!"

Goto Ichiri glanced at his retreating figure, exclaimed in surprise, and then realized, "I have to go back too, or I'll miss the last train."

Yili finally jumped out of the cardboard box and hurriedly packed her things. If she didn't make it home in time, her parents would worry! Erli might think she had run away from home!

"Slow down, slow down, don't leave anything behind!"

Hongxia helped gather the plectrums on the ground into Ichiri's guitar case, while Liang calmly drank the milk she had gotten from their number one fan of the unnamed band. "There's no curfew at my house, and it's not far away."

I'm so envious!

Yili slung his guitar over his shoulder, stumbled out, passed through the still-performing venue, and pushed open the door to the Starry Night venue.

Then I crashed solidly into someone.

"Waaah!"

The impact caused her to fall backward, but the other person reacted quickly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back.

Yili looked up, still shaken. In the moonlight, the face of the person who had just been discussing with Senior Liang about buying her in the lounge was right in front of her.

It's him!

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!"

Goto Ichiri's mind went blank for a moment. Instinctively, she did a standard dogeza (kneeling) and began to apologize frantically. In her panic, she babbled incoherently, even saying things like she didn't want to go to jail and was willing to do anything.

Higashino Akira paused for a moment upon hearing this, glanced at the girl who seemed about to melt away, and then smiled.

I had originally thought there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Now… Higashino Akira squatted down and gently patted her head.

He couldn't afford to take it lightly.

He immediately took out his phone.

"Okay, then you can be my girlfriend for now."

"Come on, let's add each other as friends."

Goto Ichiri blankly followed his instructions. After everything was done, Higashino Akira stood up, put his hands in his pockets, left a message saying "Keep in touch," and turned to walk into the night.

Only Goto Ichiri remained standing there, completely petrified as if struck by lightning.

Only one thought was in my mind: I'm giving it away for free...

When Liang sold her, she was worth three million.

The girl, feeling dizzy and disoriented, boarded the tram home and pushed open her front door.

"I...I'm back..."

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

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

P.S.: 20.5 chapters still owed.

Chapter Sixty-Six: Bitter Luxi

Goto Ichiri drifted into the entrance hall, still in a daze.

"Sister! You're back!"

Erli skipped over, then tilted her head to look at her older sister's unsteady steps and flushed cheeks. "Sister, what's wrong?"

"N-nothing..."

After changing into slippers, Yili mechanically walked up the stairs, preparing to return to her bedroom, but was stopped by her mother as she passed the living room.

"Yili, dinner will be ready soon. Remember to come down and eat later."

"Ah."

Seeing her sister's strange behavior, Goto Jiri followed her quietly, watching her sister drift into the room and close the door.

Then... he eavesdropped by pressing his face against the door.

Inside the house, Goto Ichiri sat on the tatami mat, hugging her knees, looking at the new friend she had added to her social media account on her phone. She felt a mix of joy and sorrow and began to mutter to herself.

"What do I do? What do I do? We've really become lovers..."

"But was he serious...?"

"But he's quite good-looking. Being noticed by such a handsome guy might just be the beginning of my transformation into a super popular person..."

"No, no, my personality is so dark, and I might even smell of mold from the closet. He'll definitely regret it once he finds out..."

"They might send a message saying they're breaking up tomorrow..."

"Ah ah ah ah ah--"

The girl went from initial unease to secret delight, but finally her anxiety turned into panic. She started clutching her head and whimpering as she rolled around on the blanket.

Outside the door, Erli, who had peeked through a crack in the door, widened his eyes and turned to run away.

"Daddy! Mommy!"

She yelled at the top of her lungs, "My sister's gone crazy! She's holding her phone and fantasizing that she has a boyfriend!"

"Ee ee ee ee—?!"

The room door was suddenly flung open, and Yili rushed out at top speed, yelling, "Erli! Don't talk nonsense!"

The two sisters chased each other into the living room.

"But you were just talking about lovers or something!"

"That, that is—"

Goto Ichiri stammered, unable to speak, and simply turned around, trying to escape the scene.

"One li."

The father's voice rang out, gentle but serious, "Come here for a moment, your father and mother have something to ask you."

Yili's steps froze.

A minute later, in the living room of the Goto family, Ichiri sat upright, facing his parents with serious expressions, while next to him was Jiri, who was holding Jimi and watching the excitement with great enthusiasm.

"Yili," Mom spoke first, her tone gentle, "Can you tell Mom what kind of person that boy is?"

"He...he is..."

Yili opened her mouth, then her expression gradually stiffened.

Who is he again?

This...that...

Seeing this, Dad changed the subject, "So, what's your name?"

What was his name again?

It seems I didn't have a chance to ask, and when Liang and he chatted before, they didn't introduce themselves to each other.

Goto Ichiri's expression gradually became panicked, and her mind went completely blank.

"His name is...that...is..."

"What's your name?" Dad pressed.

"..."

Yili's forehead began to sweat.

Mom and Dad exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with worry.

"How did you two meet in that area?"

This question can be answered here!

"Yes, it was at a livehouse! I was dragged there today to temporarily join the band and perform on stage, and then he watched the show, and then..."

"You already know each other?" Dad raised an eyebrow.

"So...so I took the initiative to come and get to know them..." Yili's voice grew softer and softer.

Another silence fell.

Has this child's condition become this serious?

It's one thing to fantasize about having a boyfriend, but she also fantasizes about joining a band and performing on stage. As a father, he knows all too well how socially awkward his daughter is and that it's impossible for her to be in a crowded place like a live house. It's such a clumsy lie, but Ichiri still told it.

The two elders, who were parents themselves, exchanged a glance, a hint of sympathy and pity flashing in their eyes.

At least for now, it's best not to expose her. Let her be happy for a while longer.

Dad sighed, and Mom gently held Yili's hand.

“Yili, Mom doesn’t object to you making friends, and she certainly doesn’t object to you dating in the future. But,” she said seriously, “you need to understand what kind of person the other person is, understand?”

"If you think they're a good person and get along well, and you decide to be together in the future," Dad chimed in, "you can bring them home to meet Mom and Dad."

Yili stared blankly at her parents, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Hmm...I understand..."

"And one more thing!" Mom held up one finger. "Next time, remember to ask what people's names are first! Otherwise, Mom and Dad won't know what to call them!"