They all have hidden attributes!

Seeing Hanakawa Kaori nod, on the way back to Tsurumizawa, Takahashi Makoto told Uesugi Maya about the information and gossip he had learned.

Hanakawa Kaori would occasionally add a few words about what she knew and her opinions, but thankfully she didn't cry this time, otherwise it would have been very embarrassing on the train.

By the time Uesugi Maya learned about Hanakawa Kaori's entire ordeal of being abandoned by her mother, and her past confusion, passion, and despair, the three of them had already arrived at the gates of Tsurumizawa Academy.

The orange-red afterglow of the setting sun surged up like a tide, soaking the sky and every corner of the evening streets.

Maya Uesugi raised her hand to press down her long black hair, which was being tossed about by the evening breeze, narrowed her eyes, and released an invisible pressure on Hanakawa Kaori: "I suggest you immediately cut off contact with your so-called family. The income of the band's lead singer is enough for you to get rid of financial dependence."

Makoto Takahashi wasn't surprised at all by her saying such a thing, after all, she's Hell Girl.

Hanakawa Kaori, however, turned her head away, ignoring everything.

Seeing her reaction, Makoto Takahashi smiled knowingly and said, "You're being too extreme, Maya."

“Yes, yes, my grandparents are very good to me.” Hanakawa Kaori nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the two agreed, Uesugi Maya stiffened her face and gestured to Takahashi Makoto with her eyes to stop talking back, and continued, "I think so too. You need other people's attention too much, and you simply can't do it without relying on others."

"It's a blessing to have someone to rely on." Hanakawa Kaori said confidently, puffing out her flat chest.

What she said was true, and Uesugi Maya's eyes revealed her complex feelings; she couldn't deny it, nor could she refute it.

"Maya?" Takahashi Makoto cast a worried glance his way.

"fine."

Maya Uesugi shook her head at him, turned around cleanly and decisively, and strode towards the tram stop: "No matter what, I will find a way to sever ties with the Uesugi family. NiceFold will be your support, I promise."

Watching her tall, slender, and aloof figure in the sunset, Takahashi Makoto rubbed his temples with a headache and said goodbye to Hanakawa Kaori: "You'll understand later. I'm leaving now. See you tomorrow."

"Yes, goodbye, senior."

Hanakawa Kaori waved with a cheerful smile, her crystal-clear purple eyes reflecting the two figures walking away side by side.

I understand, Senior Cheng. A community of shared destiny and family means being someone you don't need to be afraid of causing trouble for others.

However, what will happen to Junko-senpai if Uesugi-senpai and Makoto-senpai start dating?

Thinking of this, Hanakawa Kaori pouted, revealing a troubled expression.

On August 11, Makoto Takahashi was woken up by the system for the third time.

[Assessment Ended]

[White Stone Award, Grand Gold Prize: Tokyo After the Rain]

[The ultimate romance and warm colors—just looking at your work makes one sincerely feel the overwhelming love and beauty.]

[You became Japan's youngest and most talented Impressionist painter, your unparalleled artistic skill captivating everyone; the former prodigy was merely a stepping stone for you.]

The media is focused on you; everyone is expecting you to make your mark on the international stage, to prove your strength, and to amaze the world.

[Reward: All attributes +30]

[Skill Upgrade Attempts +2]

Thanks to the hidden attribute [Unscrupulous] after Uesugi Maya's assistance card upgrade, she can specify the skill herself when upgrading the skill.

Makoto Takahashi decisively upgraded [Lv.2 Greed] to [Lv.4 Greed], helping to increase the card slots to 6.

He stretched lazily in a good mood, got up, washed up, changed his clothes, and was about to go to the Uesugi family next door when the doorbell rang.

"Uesugi Maya has a key, she definitely won't ring the doorbell," Takahashi Makoto thought to himself. He took out his phone and received the young lady's schedule as usual; there was no plan for a surprise attack.

Who could it be?

He arrived at the entrance with doubt, opened the door, and saw an old man with gray hair and a ruddy complexion standing in the hallway.

It looks familiar.

As he was recalling, the other party bowed politely and handed him an envelope with both hands: "Mr. Shinshin, on behalf of the Uesugi family, I would like to cordially invite you to the charity gala dinner tomorrow night."

I remember now, I've seen him twice.

The first time we met was on a rainy morning when I hitched a ride with Sugi Maya to school.

Chapter 95 Aegis

[Tokyo International Fantasy Charity Gala - Invitation]

[International Fantasy Artists Association]

[Dear Mr. Zhenxin,]

In the name of art and compassion, we cordially invite you to attend...

[This dinner was hosted by the Fantasy Artists Association and aimed to...]

[To help you plan your schedule in advance, please find the following details regarding the dinner:]

[Subject: Aegis]

[Date: August 12]

[Time: 6 PM, Guest Reception - 7 PM, Dinner and Performance Begin]

[Location: Fairmont Tokyo]

[Event Flow:]

......

[President of the International Fantasy Artists Association]

[Saionji Aya]

[Respectfully yours]

The corridor was quiet in the early morning. On the snow-white letter paper, the gilded characters shone slightly, and the wording was formal and polite.

Putting the invitation away and stuffing it back into the envelope, Makoto Takahashi still felt it was somewhat unrealistic.

Why would someone invite me to a charity gala, something that sounds like something for high society?

He had only seen it in TV dramas and movies before, where the participants were all social celebrities, diplomats, or business tycoons.

However, upon closer reflection, it's not surprising. He is now a top artist in Japan, and the organizer is the Artists Association. Moreover, he has an ambiguous relationship with Miss Uesugi Maya.

It's just that I haven't adapted to the identity of an artist yet.

The invitation sent by the Uesugi family felt somewhat ambiguous.

The driver who delivered the invitations had already left. Makoto Takahashi yawned as he arrived at the apartment next door, knocked on the door, and a few minutes later, with a "click," Maya Uesugi appeared from behind the door.

She wore a white long T-shirt and light green work pants. The body-hugging T-shirt outlined her slender and curvaceous figure. Her long black hair was tied into a bun at the back of her head, revealing her snow-white neck.

Makoto Takahashi was already used to Maya Uesugi's author-like demeanor, so seeing her dressed like this felt quite refreshing.

However, she looked tired, and the light dark circles around her caramel-colored eyes were somewhat worrying.

"Not asleep?" Takahashi Makoto asked.

"Four hours is enough."

Maya Uesugi turned and walked into the apartment, yawning softly as she said, "All 200 tickets are sold out, and we have over 5 YouTube subscribers."

200 tickets, totaling 40 yen.

However, after deducting the 16 yen advanced by Makoto Takahashi and the recording and filming costs, the net profit of 14 yen is still a very good start for a new band.

Most independent bands need members to work to earn money for activities for the first two or three years after their debut.

Makoto Takahashi followed her into the restaurant, pulled out a chair and sat down. Before he could even mention the charity gala, Maya Uesugi picked up a can of coffee from the table, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Breakfast will be ready soon." She stepped into the kitchen.

It must have been tough. It would be better to schedule a rest day for the band today, or just let Haki rest.

As Makoto Takahashi was thinking this, he took out his phone, intending to announce the good news in the band's group chat, when Yuki Tachimi sent him a morning greeting.

[Tatsumi: Good morning, Makoto-kun]

[Tatsumi: (Photo)]

[Tatsumi: I'm on my way to yoga practice. The weather forecast says there will be thunderstorms this afternoon, remember to bring an umbrella.]

[Takahashi: (Photo)]

[Takahashi: An invitation from the Uesugi family, saying it's for a charity dinner]

[Takahashi: You should know more about this, right?]

After the message was marked as "read," several minutes passed before I received a reply, waiting for Uesugi Maya to bring me breakfast.

[Tatsumi: Hmm~ Makoto-kun, do you want to go?]

[Tatsumi: It seems Mom is planning to go on a trip. I heard the participants are all old guys like diplomats and ministers. It's so boring.]

[Tatsumi: The atmosphere would definitely be too somber, it's better to decline]

[Tatsumi: If you really want to go, I can come with you.]

[Takahashi: I sense there's something hidden in your words]

[Tatsumi: Of course I don't want you to have anything to do with the Uesugi family!]

[Takahashi: That's all?]

[Tatsumi: I suddenly feel like seeing you]

[Tatsumi: Makoto, do you have time to come see me? Or tomorrow?]

[Takahashi: Tomorrow]

[Tatsumi: Okay~]

Takahashi Makoto sensed something was off about the charity gala because of Tachimi Yuki's attitude, but he didn't know much about high society and couldn't quite put his finger on what was strange about it.

Is it necessary to meet in person to say something?

Just as I was wondering, Uesugi Maya's cold voice came from beside me: "What's that in your hand? A cursed letter?"

Invitation.

Makoto Takahashi held up the envelope to her and said casually, "It was delivered this morning by the driver of the car you rode in for the charity gala tomorrow night."