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

Is it school bullying...? But it seems like she's just being made to run errands and getting paid for it. Although Fujita Kotone is very tired, it's mainly because she's been working too much. To avoid the mission failing, she needs to get some rest first.

"...Huh? Manager? What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?"

Fujita Kotone saw that Asahi was staring at her, so she waved her hand in front of his eyes, but there was no reaction.

"...Oh, sorry, I was thinking about something. I didn't realize where we were."

Chaoyang's consciousness returned to reality at this moment, and seeing the little hand waving wildly in front of him, he immediately said.

"The person was clearly talking, but the store manager showed absolutely no interest. You were the one who asked me first, weren't you?"

Ugh, so sleepy... I'll just lie down on the table and take a nap for a bit.

And so, Fujita Kotone naturally fell asleep on the table.

Asahi immediately noticed Fujita Kotone's level of fatigue. Considering she might not take the initiative to rest, he secretly added a drug called chlorpheniramine to her oolong tea. This drug is commonly used for allergy treatment, usually causing mild drowsiness and is harmless to the body. The effects are mild and short-lived, generally only making people feel sleepy, and the effects naturally subside after a period of rest.

Actually, this wasn't the first time Chaoyang had used this method. Occasionally, when Chaoyang felt she was too tired, he would use this method to let her take a short nap before opening the store.

Fujita Kotone naturally didn't realize that Asahi would drug her, since her body was constantly in a state of fatigue, so it was normal for her to feel tired.

"...Excuse me, could you two take a taxi home after dinner? Could you arrange for her to sleep in...my room? Here's the key. We can't just book a hotel for her in this condition; the staff will definitely ask questions."

As he spoke, he handed the key to Tao Xiang, his expression showing a hint of apology.

"After she wakes up, don't let her leave yet. I still have things to ask her when I get back. Don't worry, I won't do anything to her. Anyway, you're all here and can be witnesses."

"You bastard... you'd better give us a proper explanation later."

Seeing Asahi's expression, Momoka knew that Asahi must have done something to Fujimoto Kotone. However, since she often worked part-time to support the band, she understood how bad Fujimoto Kotone was, so she was willing to believe that Asahi simply wanted her to rest.

"Huh? Explain what? Did something happen?"

Meanwhile, the innocent Rencai was still completely bewildered.

Chapter 19 Xiangzi earned extra money again!

"...Momoka-san, something feels off."

At this moment, Nina made an uneasy sound and asked a question.

After having dinner at an izakaya in the morning sun, Momoka carried Fujita Kotone on her back towards Nina's apartment, while Nina supported her from behind to prevent Fujita Kotone from falling because Momoka was not strong enough.

"Of course it's strange! That guy drugged me so casually. He's obviously a bad guy!"

Tao Xiang immediately replied irritably, as if to say, "You're the one who thinks that way!"

"To be honest, most people would have called the police in this situation."

Renna immediately went around to Momoka's side and hurriedly tried to stop her.

“Well, that kind of thing won’t do! Mr. Hiraishi is a good person! Although he acts a bit strangely, he’s just a good person who’s easily driven to extremes when he wants what’s best for others. For example, the first day we met, when he saw that I couldn’t get into his house, he risked getting hurt and jumped from his own house into mine.”

Upon hearing this, Tao Xiang seemed to understand something and burst into laughter.

"Hahaha... Now I know why you like him. You two are actually quite similar; once you get carried away, you don't care about anything else and just do it without thinking."

"Momoka-san, don't take this kind of joke seriously. Is that all there is to it? Are you saying that Mr. Hiraishi and I are the same type of person?"

"It's just that he looks similar. He's much more mature than you, but you're just a high school student at best, so it's normal."

........................

Although she was being stared at from time to time, fortunately, Momoka was a girl, so although it was a bit strange and suspicious for her to be carrying someone in broad daylight, no one came up to ask her anything or called the police.

After much effort, Momoka and Nina finally returned to the apartment.

"...Oh, Momoka-san, aren't you going to move her to the sunny room?"

Nina saw that Momoka simply walked past Asahi's house without any intention of going in.

"Idiot! How could we possibly put her in his room? I don't believe a man could resist such an adorable and defenseless child. Besides, even if he's a gentleman, he'll still have reservations when the child wakes up. It'll be awkward. Let's put her in your room for now. We've already eaten his meal for free, consider it payment. And didn't you say he took good care of you?"

"Ah, I don't mind! Of course I have no problem with this level of relationship, I'm just asking! ... However, what exactly is the relationship between this young lady and the store manager? It doesn't seem like the relationship between an ordinary employee and the store manager."

"Why are you so bothered by her? Do you think she's your rival in love?"

"I told you! Don't joke like that, Momoka-san!"

"Hehe, alright, alright, enough joking around. Hurry up and open the door. To be honest, it's quite heavy, and I'm a little tired too."

Upon hearing this, Renna realized what was happening, hurriedly took out her keys, and went to the door.

"Sorry! I'll open the door right away."

"Thank you so much! Please put our princess on the bed."

Inside the izakaya in the morning sun

"Hmm? Manager, where is Ms. Fujita?"

As Xiangzi tightened her apron, she looked around. She had changed into an izakaya T-shirt and was standing in front of the bar. Today, she had a completely different look, with her hair tied in a single ponytail, making her appear exceptionally capable.

"Oh, her? She's sick today and resting at home. Sorry, the two of you might be a bit busy. Hang in there."

"No, I'm perfectly fine with it. It's just work, after all."

Xiangzi replied calmly and then turned around. The sun hadn't completely set yet, and it wasn't time for the office workers to come over, sit down, drink, and vent their frustrations from the day.

Therefore, the store is actually a rare opportunity for the two of them to spend time together.

But Xiangzi's aura seemed to be telling everyone around him not to talk to him.

"Since we're relatively free now, let's sign the employment contract first." Seeing that the kitchen preparations were complete, Chaoyang took a document from the drawer and gently pushed it in front of Xiangzi.

"Because the law requires me to inform you of the working conditions. Only after you sign the contract can it be proven that I have informed you. I'm sorry, although it's my personal shop, it will still take up some of your time."

Xiangzi glanced at the document without any change in expression, and then smiled faintly.

"You're joking. This is a necessary procedure; how could it be a waste of time?"

She took a black ballpoint pen from her breast pocket, gently picked up the document, and began to read it carefully.

Chaoyang stood to the side, watching as she intently read through every clause from beginning to end with a slight frown, before finally signing her name, "Toyokawa Shoko," at the end of the document.

"Thank you for your help, store manager."

Xiangzi turned the document upside down and presented it with both hands.

"It's no trouble at all. I'm the one who should be thanking Miss Toyokawa for being so capable as to come and help."

"..." "..."

After the pleasantries, silence fell again.

Chaoyang is really hoping for customers to come soon, otherwise it will be too difficult to stay. It's the first time he's felt so uncomfortable in his shop.

"Speaking of which, Miss Toyokawa didn't participate in any clubs at school?"

"No."

Xiangzi originally wanted to shut up, but she didn't want Chaoyang to think she was being rude.

So I added that.

"There's nothing I'm particularly interested in doing, so I didn't join any clubs. But just going home like this does feel like a waste of life, so I thought I'd do something of value."

To be honest, Xiangzi isn't actually that cold. She's quite different from those completely icy beauties like Yukino Yukinoshita in the early stages of Oregairu. You can clearly hear the emotion and warmth in her words, but... at the same time, it's also clear that it's just social politeness, and there's absolutely nothing more than that.

"As expected, Miss Toyokawa is also very outstanding at school, isn't she?"

Xiangzi remained facing the door, let out a soft sigh unnoticed, and then closed his eyes and returned.

"Hehe, you're too kind, manager. It's just the normal standard."

"..." "..."

Ugh, this is so tough! I've never thought about Pikachu like this before... I should have just let her sleep in the shop... When I'm rich, I'll buy the second floor and turn it into a lounge! ...Forget it, let's think about something else. Speaking of which, how do we deal with this bullying problem? ...The simplest thing to do is just kill those three, but it doesn't seem like they deserve to die. After all, they made her run errands and even paid her... Calling it bullying is too mild. Maybe they're considering that I'm an idol? So they're holding back? But it wouldn't be right to just let them off like that. So...

"...Store manager? Store manager...store manager!"

"what?!"

Just as Chaoyang was immersed in figuring out how to solve the problem Fujita Kotone was facing, Xiangzi's voice began to break through his thoughts and enter his mind.

Before me was a look of worry on her face.

"Hmm? W-what happened?"

"What's wrong?... The manager has a customer who has already placed an order. I've prepared the wine and brought it over."

As if a brief moment had passed, the morning sun seemed to have pierced through the darkness, and before anyone knew it, two tables of guests had been seated.

"General! Where's my snack with my wine? It's usually so quick!"

A group of regular customers were already jokingly urging them to hurry up.

"Oh, sorry! Coming right away... Oh... seaweed, cheese, wasabi leaves, chilled tofu, chilled tomato..."

Fortunately, these are all dishes that can be prepared in less than a few minutes; all you need to do is chop and plate them.

Chaoyang quickly finished cooking, and Xiangzi immediately served it up.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, the skewers will take a little longer to cook, please wait a moment."

The middle-aged office worker, who had already had a few drinks, saw that Xiangzi was very young. He glanced at the name tag hanging around her neck, learned her surname, and started a conversation with her.

"Ms. Toyokawa looks so young, is she a high school student?"

"um, yes."

Xiangzi stopped walking. Although she didn't like too much small talk, as a waitress at an izakaya, it was necessary to chat with the customers for a bit.

"Wow, she's really capable! Unlike my daughter, who just keeps saying all day, 'Old Deng, give me some gold coins!' and 'I want to go on a date with my boyfriend.' Sigh..."

The guest sighed.

"Heh, maybe it's just a rebellious phase, I..." Xiangzi started to say, but then her mind conjured up her father's current appearance. He was no longer the once powerful tycoon he used to be. He now lay listlessly on the tatami mats all day, staring blankly at the television, a beer bottle always in his hand. His listless state filled Xiangzi with immense disappointment. She remembered how, whenever she tried to lecture him, he would casually toss an empty beer bottle at her, muttering incoherent words.

Thinking of this, Xiangzi felt a pang of sadness and bit her lip.

However, she quickly realized she was still at work, and reason swiftly pulled her back to reality. She took a deep breath, suppressed her emotions, and put on a gentle smile again.

“I often do things that anger my parents, but after seeing my father’s hard-working back, I gradually came to understand how hard my parents work.”

She continued speaking to the overworked office workers in a gentle tone.

"So... as long as you show your daughter how hard you're working, she will also re-evaluate her behavior."

"Waaaaah... If only she were as understanding as you, Miss Toyokawa... I really wish you were my daughter..."

Having already drunk quite a bit, the overworked office worker started grabbing Toyokawa Shoko's hand.

Just as Xiangzi frowned, considering whether to lash out, Chaoyang came over and gently tapped him on the head with an empty plate.

The slight pain instantly brought this middle-aged office worker back to his senses.

Chaoyang immediately spoke without any politeness.

"You're causing trouble again while drunk. She's a minor. If she calls the police and arrests you, I won't be responsible. You'll be fired from your company, divorced by your wife... You think you're something just because you've had a few drinks."

"Ah...yes, I'm sorry. I drank too much. Um...ah...um, by the way, here's a tip for you. I'm really sorry, I'm just used to talking to people when I'm drunk."

"If you really want to talk to girls and maybe even touch their hands, go to the nightclub next door. You can settle your bill here today."

Chaoyang immediately ordered the guest to leave, and the drunkard dared not say anything more. After all, if he took it seriously, he would really be in deep trouble.

He quickly threw 5 yen at the checkout counter, said "Keep the change," and left in a hurry.

This happens occasionally, since most of the customers are middle-aged men who often forget their own surname after drinking too much horse urine.

After settling the bill, there was still more than 2 yuan left. Chaoyang kept half of it and put the rest into an envelope.

"Ms. Toyokawa."

He called out softly to Xiangzi, who had returned to the bar.

At this moment, Xiangzi returned to his original state and walked over in an orderly manner.

First, express your gratitude directly.

"Manager, thank you for helping me out of that situation earlier."

"No need to thank me. This was originally my responsibility as the store manager. In fact, I was afraid you would blame me for not calling the police to arrest that person."

Xiangzi shook his head.

"These kinds of things happen in izakayas. That customer just grabbed me; he didn't really do anything. Calling it sexual harassment is a stretch. If I called the police for things like this, none of those customers would ever come back. I'm not that old-fashioned. By the way, what did the manager want to talk to me about?"