My daily life is getting weird because I am caught between being in a band and being an idol.

"Rupa and I aren't here to play games with you!"

"Calm down, Tomo-chan. Just pretend you don't hear them arguing right now, and don't get involved. Just treat them like idiots!"

Subaru quickly stepped forward to comfort Ebi V.

Chaoyang, meanwhile, began to calculate in his mind how much it would cost if he covered the entire amount.

"I've had enough of your arguing. You've made a huge fuss over such a small thing. Peach Blossom, would it be enough if I just resolved your so-called worries? You two, whether you're thornless or thorny, can just sign a contract with me. I'll provide you with all the necessary living support, including food, lodging, and transportation expenses—all covered."

He raised a finger and shook it.

"But your salary will be paid entirely based on your performance. If you don't make any money, you won't get a penny. If you do make money, you'll get 3%. I won't interfere with your musical style, nor will I provide you with any creative guidance."

All the songs and performance content are entirely up to you. I'll only handle basic commercial collaborations and promotions. Resources are limited, so don't expect to be booked with endorsements like top idols. In short, I'll cover for you. I'll ensure you meet your minimum standards. I won't require you to take responsibility for anything, and you won't be held liable for any mistakes. Also, if you still don't achieve results and want more money, come work part-time at my izakaya... Is that satisfactory? As for Nina's additional condition for you, just focus on your studies and get into university. I'm not asking you to get into a top university...

"Why?????"

Chaoyang truly treated Rencai like family. Even after knowing her for so long, he couldn't bear to see her retire so abruptly. He calculated that he'd benefited considerably from them, so he figured he could simply forgo the money. He'd let them pursue their dreams to their heart's content while he supported them from below.

"..."

Tao Xiang couldn't find a reason to refute it; Chao Yang had essentially given them an unlimited chance to prolong their lives.

"You'll regret this..."

"If I really regret it, it's because I met you guys in the first place. But since I've met you, I'll just accept it. What can I do? I like Nina too."

"Huh? Um... that..."

Hearing this, Renai hadn't even reacted yet and was just about to say something.

"It's just something family members like."

"...Yes, yes, that's what my confession on stage meant too..."

"Because we're family, since you've decided to do this, we have no choice but to fully support you... You all have no objections, right?"

Chaoyang turned to ask the other three.

RUPA spoke first with a smile.

"Hehe, we've really met a benefactor this time."

"...I will read the contract carefully...You can increase your share a little, it's fine."

Ebi V's words to Asahi revealed that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime contract. Signing a contract wasn't difficult in itself, but signing one that was clearly unequal for the agency was problematic. Normally, agencies wouldn't cover such a large sum when signing a new artist. Therefore, to ensure his peace of mind, Ebi V wanted Asahi to increase the amount he might receive, even if there was only a small chance.

"Haha, rock and roll is really interesting. There are all sorts of weird people here. If you keep going like this, the agency will really go bankrupt. It's so interesting, how could I leave?"

Subaru, having attended a performing arts academy, naturally knew what a normal contract for a newcomer was like, and he also knew that those who had just signed contracts often had to work several part-time jobs to pay rent and eat.

At this moment, everyone's attention turned to Tao Xiang.

"......I understand, I understand! Then you'd better be prepared! Since that's the case, don't blame me for sucking your blood dry!"

A few soft laughs rang out in the carriage, and RUPA, who was driving, couldn't help but cover his mouth with his hand and chuckle to himself.

Chaoyang rolled his eyes and didn't say anything more, looking out the window.

And so, the RV drove along the highway at night, and the atmosphere inside finally returned to some calm. After this chaos, "No Thorns or Thorns" finally took a new step.

. .

"This...this work...is it...a bit too much?"

The day after his return, Asahi arrived at the office, exhausted.

But unexpectedly, my workstation was piled with many folders.

"Ah... those basically only require signatures and stamps... Ms. Toyokawa has already taken care of everything else."

An employee then interjected.

"I was so scared, I almost had a cardiac arrest."

Chaoyang thought that Xiangzi was angry and deliberately punishing himself.

Chapter 137 No! A sign that the worldview is about to collapse!

"The rental list is now finalized. Please sign."

Xiangzi unfolded the folder and placed it in front of Chaoyang with a blank expression.

"...Okay...Miss Xiangzi?"

"I don't want to talk about anything outside of work right now."

Xiangzi gave Chaoyang a warning look as he was about to speak, his tone sounding slightly sharp.

"No, you didn't even say hello to me after you arrived."

"good afternoon."

Xiangzi coldly added a sentence to Chaoyang.

At least they used to smile when they greeted each other.

"...So you're still angry after all?"

"The test was completed yesterday afternoon, and the sound system is working fine. We will bring the stage tomorrow, and I will conduct a final rehearsal with the performers."

Xiangzi ignored Chaoyang's words and began to report on his work.

Chaoyang had no choice but to nod.

"Okay, thank you."

Just then, Xiangzi sighed in distress, lowering his voice so that no one could hear him.

"...It's your freedom to do whatever you want, but I still hope you can understand priorities. You and I are carrying the weight of more than just our own lives."

"Of course I know. I'm sorry, I'll let you know in advance next time."

"...You are the president, so it's up to you to decide whether or not to notify them. I'm not trying to blame you. There are some pieces of information that are better left unsaid. I just hope that your actions are made in the best interests of everyone."

Xiangzi stared straight at the rising sun.

I wanted to confirm his level of seriousness once again through him.

Chaoyang said in a calm tone.

"I understand. Thank you for your advice. Perhaps it is because of your presence, Xiangzi, that I can leave with peace of mind."

"...Also, please don't use such sweet talk; it will only cause misunderstandings and affect my work."

"I know... I'll stop here for today."

Halfway through his conversation, Chaoyang noticed the time and realized he needed to go downstairs to open his shop. If the izakaya stayed closed for too long, it would affect the number of regular customers.

"Well, hard work."

Xiangzi nodded and watched Chaoyang pack his things and leave.

She then went back to her work.

. .

4 pm.

Inside the Asahi Izakaya.

While making preparations for opening the shop, Chaoyang inquired about the seasonings that were being arranged on the side.

"Is it okay if I don't go to practice today?"

"~~I've been practicing really hard these past few days~"

At this point, Fujita Kotone put her hands on her hips and pretended to be angry as she spoke to Asahi.

"Compared to practicing, my income this month is very tight because you're slacking off and not opening the store!"

Chaoyang said with a forced smile.

"Excuse me, excuse me, are you short of money? Would you like me to lend you some?"

Upon hearing Chaoyang's words, Qinyin frantically waved her hands from side to side, expressing her strong resistance.

"This won't do! I'm a staunch non-lending advocate! I don't want to see any more letters demanding repayment... even though I still owe 3 million..."

Only three million... Oh no, I guess there's something wrong with my money sense. I've always been in debt in the hundreds of millions, so now even a few million seems like small change.

Chaoyang instinctively clutched his head with both hands, banging them in the hope that his common sense would return to normal.

"What's wrong, store manager? Does your head hurt? Do you want to rest?"

Qin Yin looked at Chao Yang covering his head and asked him with concern.

"It's nothing, I just feel like my common sense is getting weirder and weirder..."

"Manager, is it just the two of us on duty today?"

"Well, Nina and the others had some trouble, so they need to rest today. After that, they can be considered your colleagues, albeit in a somewhat respectable way."

"Huh? Manager, did you sign them up too?"

"Hmm, their music is pretty good. Right now, we're either signed idols or idol bands. Let's add some pure rock bands to create a different kind of sound. We'll cover all aspects. Who knows, maybe we can also get into voice acting in the future."

"So, the store manager's next goal is to become the number one agency in Japan~"

"That goal is too far ahead. Let's at least pay off the firm's debts first."

Just then, the two heard the door being pushed open.

"Ah... Producer~ Thank you for your hard work, I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy... Ms. Fujita, thank you for your hard work too."

The visitor was Shirahiro Chisato, the top star of Chaoyang Agency.

However, she was followed by a girl with long blue hair, who was slightly taller than Chisato. She had her hair tied in a side ponytail and was petite. Compared to Chisato's confident and assertive image, this blue-haired girl appeared very weak and delicate.

"Who is this lady?"

Considering that Qian Sheng probably came specifically because of this girl, Chao Yang went straight to the point and asked her questions.

Qian Sheng put his hands together and said with a hint of apology on his face.

"She's my classmate, her name is Matsubara Kanon. Um... she's a bit introverted and timid, and she wants to improve. I thought about it and decided to let her try a customer service job. So I brought her here after school. Of course, if it's inconvenient for the manager, I'll help her find another part-time job."

Although Qian Sheng said this, she already knew that Chao Yang wouldn't refuse her, especially since she brought people with her. Chao Yang didn't want Qian Sheng to lose face in front of others.

"How could that be? I happen to need someone here~ And Kanon is so cute~~"

"stare......"

When Chaoyang praised another girl for being cute, Qinyin immediately glared at him, and Chaoyang could only pretend not to see her.

"Kanon, you can't start anything if you keep hiding behind me. Go up and say hello to the producer."

Chisato turned around and walked over to the girl called Kanon.

"Um... Hello... I, I'm Matsubara Kanon... a second-year student at Hanakawa Girls' Academy... Um, yes, I'm sorry..."

Halfway through my self-introduction, I immediately looked like I was about to cry and subconsciously started apologizing.

Chaoyang, being very friendly, started calling him by his first name.

"Are you nervous, Kanon? It's normal to be nervous. When I first started working, I wasn't even as good as you... I was thinking of giving up before I even left. It's already amazing that you came with Chisato~~"

"..."

Now Qian Sheng and Qin Yin fell silent, their eyes half-open, silently watching the rising sun.

The producer calling a girl by her name so directly... I don't know whether to call him incredibly approachable or just shameless. It seems like he's really mastered the art of charming women... It reminds me of that guy...

Qian Sheng suddenly regretted bringing Hua Yin over.

. .

Name: Matsubara Kanon.

Charisma: 71.

Monthly revenue growth: 3.

Favorability: 20/100.

. .

20 points of favorability upon first meeting? Seems like a gentle and kind girl. The fact that she can develop feelings for a stranger so quickly is probably thanks to Qian Sheng, who spoke well of me.