How to raise a random guy's wife

Chapter 357 Voting Results

While looking at Kobayashi Sora's reply to Heian Nami, Kato Megumi replied to Shibuya Kaon with the same words he typed out, "You've seen the content of the project as well. There are countless similar voting activities, or it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it's the core of the entire project."

"Yes, basically all the important events and announcements are decided by voting."

"The essence of such projects is to increase audience participation, making them feel like part of the project rather than just bystanders, and letting them feel that they are genuinely influencing the project and making important decisions for the star cluster," Kato Megumi explained in detail, then posed the question, "So, what is the biggest taboo in such projects?"

"Hmm... the result isn't accurate?"

“That’s right. Once the audience discovers that the voting results have been manipulated, their previous sense of participation becomes a self-righteous joke, and their emotional investment turns into anger.” Kato Megumi explained earnestly, “Most importantly, the audience will not think that this is the only time we have manipulated the results, but that we have manipulated the results many times, and this time we have been discovered—that is, the so-called crisis of trust.”

Shibuya Kanon realized the seriousness of the problem. "I'm sorry, I underestimated the situation."

After all, before Shibuya Kanon, she had only participated in club-based school idol activities, and did not yet have a clear understanding of commercial matters.

"Don't worry about it. Actually, before you contacted me, I also had the idea of ​​manipulating the outcome."

"Huh? You have one too?"

“After all, this is the first project I’ve participated in since becoming the president’s secretary. Just like you’re worried about the star cluster, I’m also worried about how this project will go.” Kato Megumi chuckled. “But it’s because you came to me that I’m not so worried anymore, and I’ve given up on the idea of ​​manipulating the outcome.”

"Huh? Why...?"

“I share your concerns, fearing that those who don’t do well will feel disappointed or even develop more serious psychological problems after the results come out. But after you came to me, I knew that with a team leader like you, there’s no need to worry about such issues.”

"It's not as good as you say..."

Kobayashi Sora was concisely explaining the pros and cons, but after hearing what Kato Megumi said, she changed some of her points.

“Although manipulating the outcome is risky, I would still choose to do so if necessary. After all, I would rather have someone leave the cluster than be discovered. But your coming directly to me has dispelled that idea. Someone like you would never be defeated by a single vote; my worries were unnecessary.”

“Of course!” Ping An Ming Jin replied, “I want to become a shining presence like the Milky Way. This little setback in my hobby is nothing.”

After finishing their conversation with the two, Kato Megumi and Kobayashi Sora resumed enjoying their time alone together.

"Did you massage the wrong spot?"

"Really? Then I'll change seats."

"This isn't right either—uh!"

Kato Megumi blinked, then closed her eyes.

So, kissing in order to avoid making a sound is just too Eri Kashiwagi-esque.

-

"Now it's time to reveal the results." Kato Megumi paused. "Which place should we start with?"

“Let’s start with the last place.” Heian Nasu took a deep breath. “Let’s get this over with.”

"Wait!" Tang Keke raised her hand. "I suggest we start with the first one!"

"Why?" Shibuya Kanon asked, puzzled.

Tang Keke answered seriously, "Because if we know who's in last place first, then the first place winner can't celebrate without any restraint!"

“It seems so…” Lan Qiansha nodded.

"Let's start with the first place then," Ye Yuelian agreed with Tang Keke's idea.

"So, the first place goes to... Shibuya Kanon." Kato Megumi smiled. "Congratulations!"

"Yeah!" Tang Keke was prepared. With a pop, the flameless firework tube burst out, sending colorful fragments flying everywhere.

Shibuya Kanon covered her mouth in disbelief, thanking everyone for their congratulations in a flustered manner.

"The first one is Kanon..." Mayu Sagara recalled the sketch, and thus, the order in which she would complete the sketch was also determined.

This result was not unexpected. Shibuya Kanon's singing ability is undeniable, and she was one of the earliest members to be active.

"Second place goes to Hazuki Ren, congratulations."

"Huh?" Hazuki Ren was clearly not prepared for this outcome. "It was me?"

Although it was unexpected, it was also reasonable.

Of the five, Hazuki Ren is the tallest, which makes her stand out.

In addition to swimming, skating, ballet, and horseback riding, she has excellent posture.

She has a really great first impression.

"Third place is Tang Keke."

"Oh~!!!" Tang Keke cheered happily.

Although she has never been in the center position, Tang Keke was one of the first to start activities.

"The fourth place is Arashi Chisato."

Arashi Chisara responded with a smile.

She is the dance lead in the group, but she often hides her spotlight behind Shibuya Kanon. She also sells takoyaki and is not very active on social media.

"Fifth place is Heian Meijin."

The air fell silent in an instant.

Even with her blonde hair, Heian Sumire failed to attract most of the attention.

While it has no obvious flaws, it also lacks any outstanding strengths.

The rap in the previous performance was a pleasant surprise, but only a little.

This is a somewhat awkward situation.

She's neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin. Her singing isn't particularly good, but it's not bad either. Her dancing isn't particularly bad, but it's not as good as Arashi Chisato or Hazuki Ren.

She lacks Hazuki Ren's poise and elegance, Shibuya Kanon's singing voice, Arashi Chisara's dancing skills, and Tang Keke's hands-on ability in clothing design and extraordinary enthusiasm.

Even though Heian Sumire is the strongest among the five, her abilities are too evenly distributed, making her almost invisible.

Just like that classmate in the class who has average grades, average interpersonal relationships, and no hobbies or special talents.

I know this person exists, but I don't know who they are.

The result was... Heian Meijin came in last place in the first round of voting.

"..." Ping An Ming Jin clenched her fist and then relaxed it, looking at her companions around her, "What's with that expression?"

“Sumire,” Shibuya Kanon began, somewhat worried, but unsure what to say next.

“I understand.” Ping An Ming Jin smiled. “Are you worried that I’ll surpass you next time? You’d better watch out. In every vote after this, no matter the result, I haven’t fallen behind. In comparison, some people might drop one or two places!”

Chapter 358 Group Stay Trip

The somewhat awkward atmosphere finally eased.

As Heian Meijin herself said, she will not be defeated by a single vote.

Essentially, this is just a vote.

Moreover, the project has just begun, and no one can say for sure what will happen next.

“That’s the kind of momentum we’re looking for.” Kobayashi Sora clapped his hands. “The official account will announce the results next, and everyone can share them. Once Makoto’s side finalizes the draft, they will be released one after another.”

“Mayu,” Kato Megumi asked, “how long will it take?”

"The preliminary preparations are almost complete. If we finish the manuscript, it will take two weeks... no, one week."

“That’s perfect,” Kobayashi Sora nodded. “I’ve booked a hot spring hotel very close to the beach as a celebration of the project’s progress. I’ll cover the expenses, so you don’t need to worry.”

"Yay!" Tang Keke cheered. "Sunshine! Beach! Cactus!"

There was also an old captain~

Kobayashi Sora hummed softly to herself.

"That's great?" Mayu Sagara exclaimed in surprise. "I wish I had started my business sooner."

“This is my personal decision,” Kobayashi Sora reminded him, “not every business partner is like this.”

"Um, isn't this too much trouble?" Shibuya Kanon asked worriedly. "It doesn't seem like a good idea, does it?"

“It’s alright, this is also a very important research trip.” Kobayashi Sora took out the script prepared by SST screenwriter Sakurako. “I also have the task of reviewing scripts. It feels more like a business trip than a gathering.”

"A business trip... a hotel..." Hazuki Ren looked a little troubled. "Um, what should I bring?"

"Hasn't Ren ever participated?" Lan Qiansha tilted her head.

"Yes, because I rarely participated in club activities before."

"I'll help you," Lan Qiansha chuckled. "We'll all prepare together then."

“This is where the experience of professionals comes in.” Ping An Mingjin tossed her long hair. “Celebrities are very particular about what they bring when they go out.”

"A star isopod?" Tang Keke poked her head over.

"Don't mention it!"

-

Tokyo Station, boarding area for the Tokaido Shinkansen.

The group of eight attracted a lot of attention, and the group grew even larger after Eriri, who was clearly of mixed race, and the senior with long black hair joined them.

Fumio Sagara originally wanted to participate, but then he was beaten up by Mayu Sagara.

Kato Megumi looked at Eriri, who was holding her arm, and said, "I didn't expect you two to actually be able to make time for this. I was quite worried."

"I've completed all the required progress for this month, and I've finished drawing all the line art for the upper body character design." Eriri said with a proud expression.

"Well... all the scripts for the storylines are done." Kasumigaoka Utaha yawned. "I've been staying up for several nights in order to get some rest these few days."

"If you want to rest, don't stay up late..." Kobayashi Sora said helplessly.

“Staying up all night in fear is different from staying up all night in complete relaxation.” Kasumigaoka Utaha was more tired than usual.

"Senior, it's been a long time!" Tang Keke greeted cheerfully. "It feels like ages since we last met."

"Hmm... Ah... Yes." Kasumigaoka Utaha was a little overwhelmed by this kind of enthusiastic type, especially one that wasn't malicious.

"I've read the newly released volume many times, and the ending is truly unexpected..." Upon meeting the original author, Tang Keke couldn't contain her joy and began chatting away.