Heavy girl? I feel worse than Black Hole Trigger!

Their past quarrels now seem trivial, but at that moment, they truly valued the days they spent together, which is why they took such trivial matters so seriously. It was precisely because they still had a place to stay that they were able to regain their footing when they almost lost everything, and gradually regain what they cherished.

So, even if she is no longer the "Toyokawa Shoko" she used to be.

"I will guard this place well."

The place where she was reborn. The place where she was "born" for the second time.

No matter how weak you are, there is a reason why you must try your best.

"Ha ha……"

The low whisper was so subtle that it was barely audible, but the store manager still turned his head and smiled at the girl.

"If it's still your turn to protect my store, then where will my dignity as the store manager be?"

"Hey——" Xiangzi quickly covered his mouth. How could he hear it like this?

Looking at Xiangzi's shy expression, Zheli, without any scruples, spread his hands with a very proud look, and hummed, "By the way, there's actually a follow-up to what happened just now. Miss Qianli promised us that she would personally go to the shrine to negotiate and try to reserve a time slot for us at the festival. What do you think? Is this more reliable than Miss Chinana's promise?"

The identity of "Hiiragi Chinana's teacher" was surprisingly useful. He simply said he was going to give Chinana a stage to showcase her teaching achievements, and Hiiragi Chinana hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

Of course, Zhe Li was not deceiving the other party.

He did hope to secure a performance opportunity for Chinana, who dreamed of becoming an idol. However, Inazuma didn't have any tapes or surround sound systems right now, so if she wanted to sing and dance, she would have to have a band accompany her on stage, right?

And since Chinana is still inexperienced and unable to carry herself on the stage, it's understandable for her to find someone to sing with her, right?

So this stage is actually a joint concert of China Hiiragi and CRYCHIC.

"Oh! It is indeed a feasible method." After hearing this, Xiangzi couldn't help but nodded approvingly.

Two days had passed since Shiina Riki's birthday party, and Toyokawa Shoko still hadn't received an official response from anyone.

Xiangzi was a little nervous about this: although she believed that Takamatsu Deng could perform the best songs no matter where she was, Deng had always been a girl lacking in confidence.

Tomorrow is CRYCHIC's regular group practice. We should have the results by then.

Originally, Xiangzi's plan was that if Deng really didn't want to show up in a strange place, she could design a few masks for Deng, or if Deng couldn't sing on stage no matter what, then Xiangzi could perform alone... But that wouldn't be "CRYCHIC", it could only be said to be a compromise.

After getting Chisato Hiiragi's assurance, Xiangzi will be more confident in convincing the hesitant Deng.

As long as Ms. China is the protagonist on the stage and the band's lead singer doesn't have to bear too much attention and just sings out loud, the lights won't cause too much psychological pressure.

Spread the name of Nascita in another world.

And, spread the music of Takamatsu Touma and CRYCHIC to the hearts of people with completely different cultural backgrounds.

The great ideal that surged in her heart has now finally taken the first step worthy of being engraved in history!

Chapter 43 of the Box: Autumn Frost and Falling Maple Leaves, Snow Clears and the Plum Blossoms Appear: Chapter Continued

The auspicious day has arrived.

Shoko Toyokawa stood up and saluted the girls sitting at the long table, lifting her skirt slightly.

The café echoed with subtle noises. Xiangzi looked up and saw the four girls staring at her quietly. This familiar scene made her feel nostalgic: she once had a great dream, inviting the four girls, and despite their own worries, they responded one by one...

The people are still the same, but her dreams are completely different from what they were then.

Toyokawa Shoko smiled and said, "I'll get straight to the point. What do you all think of the proposal I made the other day?"

"I agree," Nagasaki Suyo spoke first. She also smiled and waved her hand, saying softly, "It's a challenge to step onto a new stage, and it's also a great opportunity to promote Nascita. I don't think there's any reason to refuse."

"I'll join."

Surprisingly, the second person to speak was Wakaba Mutsu.

She glanced at Xiangzi and then seemed to look at the store manager at the counter. However, when the store manager Baodeng Zheli looked back curiously, he noticed that the girl was looking towards the store door instead.

Even though his face was still expressionless as usual - for some reason, Zheli felt that Mu seemed to be full of interest in the world on the other side of the "door"?

Shiina Riki tilted his head to glance at Takamatsu Touma. Seeing that she still had her head bowed, deep in thought, he looked straight at Xiangzi and said calmly, "I agree too. ... Well, if Touma doesn't want to go, I won't go either. However, as a member of the band, I support them performing on a brand new stage."

Su Shiqi asked, "Is Li Xi trying to convince Xiao Deng?"

"Don't put any extra pressure on the light."

"Yes, yes. Oh, oh, little Li Xi doesn't mind putting pressure on me. I'm so frustrated~"

"You're such an annoying guy..."

The two of them were bickering as usual, something that would have quickly left Takamatsu Deng at a loss for words. But today, Deng seemed to lack the energy to pay attention to them. He kept his eyes downcast, quietly gazing at his folded fingertips.

"Deng." Xiangzi called her name softly.

Deng was slightly startled by the sudden call, and his shoulders trembled slightly. The next moment, he recognized Xiangzi's voice and slowly raised his head.

"...Xiao Xiang."

"How about it? Deng, do you still need some time to think about it? You can definitely take your time."

Toyokawa Shoko gave her a clear smile.

After so many experiences, Takamatsu Deng already knew what the girl in front of him had carried to get to this point. But at this moment, the smile on her face was just as elegant, beautiful, and powerful as when they first met, as if she never considered everything she had experienced to be suffering, and Deng seemed to think that the troubles in her heart at this moment were insignificant.

"Do not."

So, Gao Songdeng shook his head.

"I want to sing!"

Toyokawa Shoko was stunned for a moment.

"—In other words, it was passed unanimously."

Su Shi made a simple conclusion to the discussion.

She held her cheek lazily with a smile on her face, because everything was just as she expected.

Xiaoxiang has been away from CRYCHIC for too long after all. Even if he has regained his past attitude, he still neglects their growth: at least, Gao Songdeng is no longer the silly child who would run away in fear when encountering problems, hide in dark corners waiting for the wounds to scab, and long for the world to remain unchanged.

Even so, this girl still lacks confidence and is still afraid of separation...

“When I’m with everyone, I feel like I can do anything.”

Gao Songdeng's eyes were blazing with passion. She stared straight into Xiangzi's eyes, her stern face looking as if a new star was blooming.

——If only my feeble singing voice could achieve something.

"This time, I want to realize your dream myself."

"……Yeah."

Toyokawa Shoko blinked at first, then couldn't hide her smile that suddenly blossomed.

The puzzle pieces have finally come together. The five of them, now—

At the very beginning, we took the first step towards our new dream.

"Congratulations, Coca-Cola."

A certain smiling man clapped his hands lightly.

When Xiangzi turned around and saw that slightly frivolous smile, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, put on a serious face and snorted: "Mr. Zheli, don't look so indifferent. Our performance this time can't be done without your help."

"Hey, why are you flattering me again?" Zheli retreated tactically.

Xiangzi shook his head and didn't respond. He turned back to face the group, glanced at Su Shi, who narrowed her eyes, and said, "Since it's unanimously passed, I won't waste any more words. Let me get straight to the point: CRYCHIC has now confirmed that it will be able to hold a performance at Hanamizaka in the middle of this month."

"So fast?" Li Xi couldn't help but exclaimed, but then frowned and glared at Xiangzi. "Could it be that they were planning to force us onto the stage regardless of whether we agreed or not?"

"No, absolutely not. I was just making preparations."

Xiangzi retorted to Lixi seriously. Then, she turned to the light and lowered her voice:

"However, in exchange, CRYCHIC will perform with China-san. —Deng, if the situation allows, could you please edit the lyrics for China-san?"

"Is it just a chorus?" Li Xi hugged his chest and asked before the light came on.

Xiangzi glanced at Deng and saw her glance at Lixi, seemingly wondering the same thing. He nodded and replied, "That's right. The stage is secured by Miss China's family, so I think it's a pretty cheap option. Besides, I think the chorus format will also make Deng's singing less difficult."

Li Xi was originally looking very dissatisfied, but after hearing this, he became a little hesitant.

When Deng heard the word "chorus", his face was tense and solemn as if he was a serious criminal about to be executed. The next moment, he looked at ease in a slightly absurd way, as if he had suddenly discovered that the blade of the guillotine was made of balloons.

When Lixi noticed the change in Deng's expression again, the hesitation on her face became even more pronounced.

"In that case, I think it's great." Deng said softly.

Singing with someone else... Ever since Crychic went to karaoke, Takamatsu Deng had been haunted by the thought of not being able to sing out loud. Although she knew she wouldn't dare take the microphone if she went again, the longing still swelled in her heart.

If it was someone else, especially that impressive Miss China who was even more lively and cheerful than Xiaoxiang in the past, with a smile as bright as a small, warm sun circling around him...

“It seems that it can be done.”

She murmured softly, clinging to the spark of inspiration that had burst forth from her mind.

That is--

About a cloudless sunny day and the cool breeze that accompanies the height of summer.

Chapter 44 of the Box: Autumn Frost and Falling Maple Leaves, Snow Clears and the Plum Blossoms Appear: Chapter : Time

Time flows.

After a few peaceful days, the excited sound of a door opening interrupted the quiet tea party.

The person who appeared behind the door was Hiiragi China.

"Everyone, announce it!"

The girl hurried into the cafe, took a few steps in, then turned back and closed the door in panic, "Ah wow wow".

When she turned back to the people gathered around the table, she was met with countless curious glances. For a moment, Chinae was stunned, then scratched her face, slightly subdued her initial excitement, lowered her head, and watched her steps as she slowly approached.

"Ms. China, good afternoon." Toyokawa Shoko stood up first and bowed to China.

Nagasaki Suyo followed silently, and immediately continued Xiangzi's speech: "Xiao Qianna, what's wrong? You look so flustered."

"I have an announcement for everyone!" When asked about this, Chinanai couldn't hide her excitement. She clenched her fists, her wide eyes darting around the band members present before she solemnly announced, "Ms. Linghua has agreed to meet with everyone."

Xiangzi thought for a moment and showed a look of surprise: "Ms. Linghua, could it be that 'She Buxing'...?"

"That's right!" China nodded vigorously.

"I see." Su Shi thought for a moment and then understood. She tried to explain Chinana's words: "So, the company magistrate is planning to interview us?"

"Yes. That's what the envoy of the Society Bugyo means."

"But we're just planning to perform at the festival. Do we really need such a big shot to interview us personally?"

During these few days, in order to prevent everyone in CRYCHIC from making a fool of themselves because they were unfamiliar with the place, Zheli, Sushi and Xiangzi would tell them some common sense about Inazuma from time to time.

The short time was naturally not enough for him to know everything about the other world, but at least he knew a little about the "Three Bugyo" who were in charge of Inazuma.

Having the second daughter of the company interview me in person... I always feel a little nervous.

"Well, I think so too." After hearing her say that, China also felt it was a little strange.

Kamisato Ayaka is a person who understands the sense of "marginality" very well.

Even if Hiiragi Chinana personally asked her for something, no matter how positively she responded, it would only be for the sake of "Ayaka" herself. Once she used the name of the "Kamizato" family, or even the title of "Shrine Bugyo", it proved that what she did was not just out of personal preference, but was truly beneficial to the family and the Shrine Bugyo.

Of course, this characteristic is not unique to Kamisato Ayaka.

For example, Chinana Hiiragi herself is described by her sister as a mischievous and lawless girl, but in reality, she is very aware of the weight and value attached to her surname. As "Chinana", she can be free, but as "Chinana Hiiragi", she has obligations that must be fulfilled.

Compared to Kamisato Ayaka, she has far fewer responsibilities to shoulder.

"But there's no point in worrying." China shook her head and said, "Even if I want to know Miss Linghua's true intentions, I still have to meet her."

Xiangzi didn't hesitate for long and nodded quickly, "I understand. Could you tell me the time and place for the meeting?"

"The afternoon of the day after tomorrow. The Hiiragi family will escort us to Kamisato House..."

●

"Hey, is Lord Fengxing going out of the city again?"

"Hmm. It seems like he has important business to attend to this time."

"That's strange. Usually, as summer approaches, the officials' duties decrease..."

……