They all have hidden attributes!

After a moment's hesitation, she brushed aside the ends of her hair that fell over her shoulder and nodded in agreement: "What would you like to eat?"

The two had agreed to "add money" as needed in case of unexpected events. Besides, Makoto Takahashi's bass learning progress far exceeded expectations, so a lunchbox was hardly a loss for Maya Uesugi.

For skilled cooks, there isn't much difference between servings for one person and servings for two.

After a moment's thought, Makoto Takahashi replied, "Croquettes, and beef."

"it is good."

Maya Uesugi nodded almost imperceptibly, crossed her arms, and asked in her usual cold and indifferent tone, "Takahashi-kun, what do you think is the most important thing in being a person?"

"Cooking time and spices."

Upon hearing Makoto Takahashi's immediate reply, the words she had prepared stuck in her throat, unable to be uttered.

An incurable silence enveloped the Light Music Club's office, while outside the window, the lush green leaves shimmered in the summer sunlight.

Seeing Uesugi Maya slowly tilt her head, revealing a puzzled expression, Takahashi Makoto coughed lightly, breaking the awkward silence:

"You really don't understand humor at all, that's what I learned from watching Hannibal movies."

"Your humor is too dark. What I'm trying to tell you is that mindset is very important in everything you do."

Uesugi Maya's unpleasant expression softened slightly. She stood up and walked to the bookshelf that occupied the wall of the "L"-shaped classroom, pulled out a copy of "The Power of Art," and handed it to him.

"Great art originates from resistance. This book focuses on the darkest moments of eight artists, which may be helpful to you."

"Help me with what?" Takahashi Makoto asked, looking puzzled as he took the brand-new, unopened book.

Chapter 45 Welcome to the Angel's Offensive Round!

Makoto Takahashi and Maya Uesugi looked at each other in bewilderment. Their conversation wasn't exactly on completely different wavelengths, but rather completely nonsensical.

Upon hearing the keyword "[glass heart]", Uesugi Maya immediately triggered memories of "[Takahashi Makoto's heavy personality]".

Moreover, she anticipated the various troubles that Makoto Takahashi's future artistic career might encounter, and in order to ensure that the bassist, who was not mentally strong enough, would not go to extremes because of various criticisms, she specially bought this book when she got home last night.

Meanwhile, Makoto Takahashi's mind is currently filled with "delicious lunch" and "humor." He is unaware that he has painted a masterpiece in the eyes of Maya Uesugi, and he knows nothing about the Japanese art world.

Amidst the hum of the air conditioner blowing out cool air, he took the book from Uesugi Maya's hand, placed it on the table beside him, and politely thanked her.

"I'll watch it when I have time, but I don't know much about art."

Makoto Takahashi certainly didn't think he understood art, but to Maya Uesugi, it sounded like he was holding a grudge against her for mocking him at the talent show, and her eyes suddenly turned cold.

Seeing a shadow fall over her delicate face, Makoto Takahashi put down his bass, puzzled, tore open the plastic wrap of the book, and tentatively asked:

"Shall I watch it now?"

"Please do as you wish." Uesugi Maya sat back in her chair and continued reading "The Case of Dr. Kukotsky," but she exuded a cold and aloof aura.

So Makoto Takahashi temporarily abandoned his bass practice for the day and opened a hardcover book.

After completing his new painting early yesterday morning, his artistic talent seems to have grown significantly.

From the oil painting illustrations in the book, Makoto Takahashi saw Van Gogh's anxieties and pain, noticed Caravaggio and Rembrandt's exquisite use of light and shadow, and clearly recognized the differences between the two.

The former captures dynamic moments, while the latter uses light to depict a person's spirit.

After looking at all the illustrations, he closed the book, a thought popping into his mind: to travel all over the world and see all those world-famous paintings.

"Uesugi-kun, do you think it's possible that I really am an artistic genius?"

“Excessive humility is also a form of arrogance,” Uesugi Maya replied without looking up, her voice icy cold.

"I think I've suddenly developed a sense of beauty." Makoto Takahashi rubbed his temples, looking at the scenery outside the glass window, bathed in the slanting sunlight of summer.

The clear blue sky, the swarms of crows over Tokyo, the shadows cast by the cedar forest... all the scenery is veiled in a hazy, blurred filter of beauty.

He turned to look at Uesugi Maya across the desk, his gaze lingering on her fair skin and delicate features.

Makoto Takahashi had long known that she was a beautiful girl with an irresistible charm, but after her beauty was enhanced, the image of the girl quietly reading a book became even more captivating.

"Uesugi-kun, if one day I become a world-renowned artist, I will definitely paint a portrait of you, and I'll call it 'The Girl Who Can't Smile'."

"You're planning to abandon the pure love route and switch to being a scumbag..."

Uesugi Maya raised her face and glanced sideways. When she saw that his eyes didn't seem to be joking or teasing her, she was speechless for a moment.

She immediately averted her gaze, flicked her long black hair to cover her reddened ears, and said in a cold tone with a lowered mouth:

"Since you've already fallen in love with me, you should keep your distance from Tatsumi from now on. It would be best to announce it to all of Tokyo now and prove my victory."

"You're overthinking it." Makoto Takahashi glanced at Maya Uesugi speechlessly, picked up his bass again, and began his daily calligraphy practice.

The lively musical notes dispelled the unpleasant atmosphere, and the air in the office became harmonious once again.

Just as Makoto Takahashi began practicing a popular song, there was a sudden knock on the office door. His fingers froze in mid-air, and the music stopped abruptly.

Maya Uesugi, snapping out of her reverie, looked up and met Makoto Takahashi's gaze. Both of them saw confusion in each other's eyes.

The Light Music Club is an obscure club located in a remote corner on the 5th floor of the Special Events Building. Because its members include the student council president, no one bothers them, and there is no such thing as an advisor.

Who would come knocking on the door for no reason?

"A prank?" Makoto Takahashi asked instinctively.

"Go open the door," Uesugi Maya commanded.

"why me?"

"This is the minister's order."

"I'm practicing bass."

"..."

"..."

The two looked at each other, neither willing to make the first move.

dong dong——

The knocking sounded again, and finally, Makoto Takahashi reluctantly put down his bass, got up from his chair, and walked towards the office door.

As soon as the door opened, a cheerful greeting rang out.

"Hello, nice to meet you, I am... Takahashi-senpai?" Hanakawa Kaori stood in the corridor, raised her face, and looked over with her bright purple eyes.

After a brief moment of surprise, she immediately greeted him with practiced social etiquette.

"It's nice to meet you again, Takahashi-senpai. Good afternoon."

Good afternoon, is there anything I can help you with?

Makoto Takahashi lowered his head slightly to meet her gaze. With both of them standing, Hanakawa Kaori's figure appeared particularly petite, and his gaze inevitably fell on the chest area of ​​her sailor uniform.

"I'm visiting various clubs, considering cultivating new hobbies. Is it convenient to visit the Light Music Club now?" Hanakawa Kaori asked politely.

Makoto Takahashi turned to look at Maya Uesugi, who was sitting by the window, and asked her, "Department Head, is it convenient for you to take a look around?"

"The Light Music Club has no plans to recruit any new members."

A voice, colder than usual, drifted over, its refusal leaving no room for negotiation. Hanakawa Kaori wisely retreated, saying, "Sorry to bother you. Goodbye, senpai."

After bowing politely, she turned and walked slowly down the corridor.

Makoto Takahashi closed the door, just then a voice behind him asked a question.

"Your friend?"

"We just met at noon today, don't worry about it."

He turned to face Uesugi Maya, shook his head, and returned to his seat to continue practicing.

As the bass solo played, the hazy sunset disappeared behind the skyscrapers of Tokyo, the sky eagerly turning purple, and the summer heat still lingered in the cedar grove in the courtyard.

After club activities ended, Makoto Takahashi got up to say goodbye to Maya Uesugi, took "The Power of Art" and left the Light Music Club, heading to find Yuki Tachimi.

He walked through the elevated corridor and downstairs to the first floor of the teaching building, where he saw Kashima Reiko standing in front of her shoe locker, waiting quietly and patiently.

The bright light from the incandescent bulbs cut distinct layers between her unique short hair and low ponytail, highlighting the clean curve of her jawline.

Makoto Takahashi walked over and raised his hand in greeting: "Kashima-senpai, were you waiting for me?"

"The young lady sent me to pick you up."

Kashima Reiko stepped aside to make room for him, and after he changed his shoes, she gestured with her hand: "The car is waiting for you."

"Besides archery practice, is there anything else planned for tonight?" Makoto Takahashi asked cautiously, half a step behind her.

"The young lady said she would respect your opinion."

Does Senior Lijian really understand what respect means?

Kashima Reiko did not answer immediately.

After he walked out of the teaching building, got into the back seat of the black sedan, closed the door, and sat in the passenger seat, he turned around and asked:

Do you want to hear the truth, or do you need psychological comfort?

Looking into her calm, emerald eyes, Takahashi Makoto's lips twitched slightly: "Can I listen to both?"

“In the young lady’s view, everyone is equal except for herself, but I think we can exclude you and the head of the family for the time being.”

"Is this the truth?"

"Psychological comfort."

Kashima Reiko said expressionlessly and in a flat tone, "To be honest, I have never seen the young lady respect anyone. It's very strange between mother and daughter."

He had only asked a casual question, but to receive a serious answer from her was beyond Takahashi Makoto's expectations.

He didn't ask any more questions and started reading the book that Uesugi Maya had given him.

The black sedan sped along the elevated highway against the backdrop of Tokyo's bustling night. As the car slowed down, Makoto Takahashi looked out the window and saw a red warning sign for "[Private Property]".

After smoothly driving along a quiet tree-lined road, the vehicle drove straight through a heavy black wrought iron gate, passed a villa with an unidentified flower garden in front, and finally stopped in front of an old wooden house.

Makoto Takahashi took out his phone, opened the map, and saw that he was located in Chiyoda Ward—no wonder it was a zaibatsu that controlled the economic lifeline of Japan.

After getting out of the car, Kashima Reiko respectfully bowed, opened the car door, and gestured, "We've arrived."

"Senior, I'm not used to you suddenly acting like this."

“Now that we’re at the Tachimi main family’s residence, I have to follow the rules.” After Takahashi Makoto got out of the car, she continued to lead the way.