Aspiring to be a girl in a band

"Let's have a competition. Whoever catches the fewest goldfish will have to pay for the next event."

Xiangzi said excitedly.

Although Aine really wasn't interested, seeing Akari and Shoko's eager expressions, she could only reluctantly squat down.

But at that moment, Aine was also thinking about something.

The rule that Xiangzi set was extremely advantageous to him.

I've been playing this game since I was a kid, and you two are like two vegetables in front of me, Ai Yin.

In ancient times, people would practice knife-wielding behind closed doors; today, people love to fish!

Although Aine doesn't care about paying money at all—after all, browsing these stalls doesn't cost much—once a game involves a wager, it easily triggers a person's competitive spirit.

The result of the competition was quickly revealed.

With one person having five wastebaskets.

As a beginner, Deng caught one, while beginner number two Xiangzi caught two.

As for Aine, she ended up being left out of the party.

"Wait...wait a minute, there's definitely something wrong here."

Ai Yin blushed and defended herself.

"Oh right... that's it, the newbie bonus period, that's why you guys were able to catch fish."

But Xiangzi couldn't help but show a mocking expression in response to Aine's words. His sarcastic face really resembled someone else.

"Is that so... Even if I and Akari are in the 'newbie bonus period' and can only catch fish, that doesn't explain why you, Aine, can't catch a single one... It's better to just admit defeat."

"Um……"

Aiyin looked at the lamp with a pitiful expression.

The lamp smiled gently at Aine.

"It's alright... I'll give it to Aine."

As Deng spoke, he handed the goldfish he had caught to Ai Yin. [Phosphorus] Dream Wu Yi - Wife》Pull (Eight) Slip Fin Six> & One

But Aine wasn't happy at all...

Rather than losing in a field you thought you were good at...

The fact that Aine was comforted by the lamp only made her feel more frustrated.

Volume 1: Chapter 149 Outrageous Combinations

"Well……"

Seeing that Aine did not accept it, Tatsumi took back the small paper bag containing the goldfish, looking a little disappointed.

Gazing at the small creature swimming freely, the lamp gradually fell into thought.

"Hmm? Light, what's wrong?"

Seeing that Akari had lowered her head, Aine thought she had disappointed Akari, so she quickly asked her with concern.

Xiangzi, naturally, also looked at Deng with concern. Although they had been separated for so long, Xiangzi still understood Deng very well. She knew that Deng's reaction meant that Deng had something on her mind.

"It's nothing, don't worry about me."

The lamp smiled at the two people in front of it.

"I was just wondering... will these goldfish be treated well after the holidays?"

"In the festive atmosphere, everyone participated in the games with great enthusiasm and caught them."

"But what happens after that? Will they really be taken home and properly cared for... or will they be abandoned in some corner to fend for themselves after the holidays?"

"I'm a little worried."

"I see," Ai Yin nodded.

It certainly has a very lantern-like style; only a lantern festival, in such a lively atmosphere, could evoke such an inappropriate association.

But... that's kind of cute too.

So Aine comforted her.

"Hmm... Deng's concerns are indeed possible. If they encounter an irresponsible owner, these little guys could indeed be abandoned..."

Seeing that the lamp's head drooped even lower, Ai-yin quickly continued.

"But we can neither confirm nor change other people's thoughts, can we? Always having such thoughts will only add pressure to ourselves, and besides..."

"and?"

The lamp looked at Aine's profile and then blinked.

"Hmm... as long as we don't become the kind of irresponsible owners, that's fine."

The lamp looked thoughtful as it listened to Aion's words, then nodded.

"Um... thank you, Aine."

Lamp knew that Aine's words were just to comfort herself.

So once again, the lamp handed the small bag containing the goldfish to Aine.

"Huh?"

Ai Yin seemed a little surprised.

"If it's Aine, she definitely won't become a bad master, right?"

Deng tilted his head slightly, his face full of smiles.

what……

A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Ai Yin's mouth.

She actually doesn't like goldfish.

But... looking at the lantern's sweet smile, Aine couldn't bring herself to say no.

Even when she came to her senses, Aine realized that she had taken the small bag without even noticing.

Xiangzi, who was watching this scene, had a rather complicated feeling.

She was initially relieved that after she left, Deng was able to meet someone as wonderful as Aine. With Aine by Deng's side, Deng was sure to find happiness.

But... Xiangzi still felt a little resentful that his former position and the role he once played had been perfectly replaced by Aine.

So Xiangzi followed suit and shared one of his goldfish with the lamp.

In this way, each of them finally had one.

"Let's have another match then. After all, Aine seems to have a hard time accepting the outcome of the previous match?"

Xiangzi still covered his mouth with his folding fan, his tone gentle yet sly.

It seems that the saying "one is influenced by one's company" is indeed an eternal truth. After spending too much time with that scumbag, Xiangzi seems to have picked up some bad habits as well.

"Re-match?"

Ai Yin's eyes lit up, and she immediately perked up her ears with curiosity.

"Ah."

Xiangzi nodded.

"Now we both have a goldfish... Let's have a competition. In a month, we'll see whose goldfish is better cared for, okay?"

"Great!"

Aine, of course, wouldn't let this opportunity to turn the tide pass her by.

The light's reaction was even more interesting.

After Xiangzi finished explaining his proposal, Deng naturally thought about what would happen a month later.

One month later...

Deng didn't care about winning or losing the game; what she was focused on was...

Since we need to confirm our respective results in a month.

This means that... they can get together like this again.

so good.

Deng had always wanted to increase her chances of meeting Xiangzi, but at school, Xiangzi would only occasionally appear in the brass band to practice, and most of the time she would leave school immediately, which always troubled Deng.

She had waited a long time for this opportunity at the fireworks festival before finally mustering the courage to invite Xiangzi.

After Xiangzi accepted the invitation, Deng was happy, but she also had some thoughts...

I wonder when I'll be able to go out with Xiangzi again.

Fortunately, it's finally confirmed now.

The lamp seemed very excited and immediately stretched out its hand, making a pinky promise.

"...Then it's settled."

A hopeful light shone in the lamp's eyes, clearly indicating that it valued this agreement very much.

Seeing the lamp's solemn posture made Xiangzi feel a little shy.

"Um...it's a date."

Xiangzi used his folding fan to cover his flushed face, then extended his little finger to complete the pinky promise with the lamp.

"If you lie... you'll have to swallow a thousand needles."

……

Eh?

What about me?

Aine looked at the two people in front of her and immediately pouted in dissatisfaction.

Have I been left out?