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

"Yes~~"

Although I really want to see everyone, everyone is working hard to do their jobs, and I need to work hard too!

"Alright, Maruyama-kun, let's begin."

At the same time, on the other side.

Inside a private room at an internet cafe not far from the practice room.

A faint, sweet scent seemed to permeate the air. On the sofa against the wall, Chaoyang gently embraced Qiansheng's waist; the two were so close it was almost suffocating.

"Um......"

Qian Sheng slightly raised his head, looking at the rising sun with somewhat unfocused eyes, and then slowly closed his eyes.

The next instant, a warm touch quietly descended, and the sound of lips touching lips was soft and delicate.

"Boom"

As the morning sun deepened, the kiss gradually took on a more hurried tone:

"Mwah... Chu..."

Qian Shengshou unconsciously climbed onto Chaoyang's shoulder, his fingertips exerting a slight force, as if trying to suppress the surging emotions within him.

This secret intimacy brought an undeniable blush to her cheeks, but her eyes revealed an unspeakable struggle.

"Hmm... Chaoyang..."

The kiss finally ended slowly, and Qian Sheng gently rested her forehead against Chao Yang's chest, her breathing rising and falling slightly.

"That's about it..."

Her voice held a hint of shyness, yet also a subtle, enigmatic excitement. Her hand remained on Chaoyang's shoulder, as if savoring the forbidden warmth.

Qian Sheng slightly opened her eyes, biting her lower lip, unable to extricate herself from the immoral pleasure she felt.

Why... why do I find this feeling so irresistible... even though it's wrong...?

She gently pushed the rising sun aside, straightened her clothes, and tried to calm her somewhat disordered breathing.

"...Producer, don't go too far. You've been going too far lately... deliberately bringing everyone to a place like this before we're all gathered."

"Really? I think I've been quite restrained. I've been keeping such a cute little Chisato by my side and haven't even gone to a hotel yet."

"Please don't think of me as that kind of girl. Even if you wanted to, I wouldn't agree."

Qian Sheng pretended to be angry.

Seeing that it was almost time, Chaoyang handed Qiansheng the sunglasses and hat that were next to the computer.

"Oh, right, I have something to say about work. Would you like to hear it beforehand, later, or with everyone else?"

"I'd rather listen with everyone... I don't really want to gain anything more than others through this relationship..."

Although Qian Sheng knew this was self-deception, it was also a requirement of her self-respect. She could accept the benefits and conveniences brought by her connections with a clear conscience, but she didn't want to actually gain even a little bit of benefit from this relationship that was almost like a business transaction. Only in this way could she convince herself to accept this relationship.

. .

practice room.

"Sorry I'm late, good morning everyone!"

As soon as Yamato Maya entered, before she could even stand still, she was suddenly embraced by a figure that rushed over.

"Maya-chan, I missed you so much!"

"Whoa! What's going on all of a sudden?"

Maya was somewhat taken aback by Maruyama Aya's enthusiastic hug.

"Because I haven't been able to practice with everyone lately..."

Maruyama Aya pouted, her face full of a little girl's coquettishness.

Maya smiled helplessly: "Indeed, recently not only has the band's workload increased, but my solo work has also increased. Even someone like me has a lot of assigned tasks..."

"What do you mean I'm that kind of person! You're so cute, Maya-chan!"

Maruyama Aya retorted.

Soon, Eve Wakamiya and Hina Hikawa also arrived. Eve was even more enthusiastic than Aya Maruyama, giving everyone a big hug.

"Haha, Eve-chan gave me a huge hug right off the bat~ Good morning everyone!"

Hina responded with a smile, but then glanced around and tilted her head. "Hmm? Is Chisato the only one who hasn't arrived yet? She's definitely the busiest..."

Just then, the practice room door was pushed open again.

"Sorry I'm late! Something came up..."

Qian Sheng rushed in, panting, and before she could even stand properly, Eve gave her a bear hug.

"Wow, it's Eve-chan!"

Qian Sheng was startled, but quickly recognized the figure hugging her. She gently hugged him back and said with a smile, "It's only been a few days, but it feels like we've been apart for a long time."

Hina stared at Chisato, who had just entered, and stroked her chin thoughtfully.

"Hmm? Is it just my imagination, Chisato-chan...? I feel like you've gotten prettier? No... how should I put it... I just feel..."

Qian Sheng's expression changed slightly.

Hina-chan is very perceptive; we can't let her get caught up in this topic.

"Seriously... Has Hina-chan started to flatter too? I'm doing the same thing now... Oh right, I got a call that the producer will be coming over soon to talk to us about something... Maybe it's a new group project."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chaoyang pushed open the door and entered.

After meeting, they subconsciously exchanged a glance and then immediately looked away from each other.

Meanwhile, the Japanese woman seemed to be still pondering "...".

After entering the room, Chaoyang glanced around and gave the training instructor a meaningful look. She then understood that there were operational matters to discuss and left the room temporarily.

After the person left, Chaoyang coughed a few times and then spoke.

"Since everyone's here, I'll tell you about my new job... Details... well, I'll show you."

Chaoyang handed the document to Qiansheng, who was closest to him.

Everyone immediately crowded around.

About 10 more minutes passed.

Everyone basically understood what was going on.

"Do you understand everything now?"

After handing the documents back to Chaoyang, Qiansheng asked a question.

Qian Sheng handed the document back to Chao Yang and asked a question.

"What does the firm mean?"

"The agency's opinion is yours to decide. While exposure is important, this is a competitive program, and they haven't specified the idol group you'll be working with, nor have they mentioned whether there's a script. If it's a live broadcast..."

Upon hearing this, everyone instinctively looked at Hina.

"Nani?"

Hina tilted her head blankly, revealing an innocent smile.

Qian Sheng sighed and rubbed his temples: "There are indeed risks... However, I believe everyone will be fine. Everyone has performed exceptionally well in recent work, and this is a great opportunity to showcase our teamwork. Fans on social media are also looking forward to our performance together."

"Yes! I feel very lonely when I can't see everyone. I feel like I'm back to the time when I was a model all by myself."

Eve Wakamiya clenched her fists, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Maya Yamato nodded in agreement: "Moreover, I always feel uneasy when I work alone, and I doubt whether I have truly fulfilled my responsibilities as an idol. When I'm with everyone, that feeling disappears."

Hearing everyone's thoughts, Qian Sheng frowned slightly.

I never expected that my suggestion would have such an effect... We're not at the point where we can choose jobs based on personal preference yet... There's no other way; we have to put an end to this trend.

Thinking of this, she spoke up.

"Even so, there are some things you can only discover by working alone, and while that might cause some unease, I believe it will become an opportunity for growth... However, if we continue like this, we'll get sidetracked. Anyway, I hope everyone is okay with accepting this invitation?"

The other four answered in unison.

No!"

Chaoyang nodded.

"Okay, I'll contact them and finalize this opportunity. I'll let you know with any new information later. Alright, you guys continue practicing."

After saying that, Chaoyang turned and left the practice room, and called his instructor back as well.

. .

A few days later, one morning, Chaoyang was sitting at his desk as usual, handling his work, when the email notification sounded softly on his computer screen.

He opened an email titled "Confirmation of Cooperation with the Program Team" and quickly browsed its contents.

Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a spot, a look of surprise on his face.

"Hmm? Diamond dust..."

He uttered the name, leaned back in his chair, tapped the table lightly, and fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

Tokyo is really small... Indeed, Diamond Dust has been rising really fast lately, standing out among new idols... But going up against PasPale will inevitably create some sparks. But are they really new idols? There are three veterans among them... But if we're being strict, Chisato isn't exactly a newcomer either... Speaking of which... Should I tell Nina and the others? I feel like things might get complicated... Oh well, I'll tell them anyway. After all, they're former teammates...

Chaoyang took out his phone and sent a message to Rencai on LINE to inform her.

"Hmm~ Speaking of which, I need to complete the mission for Shoulun, and I also need to consider the accommodation issue."

. .

Before we knew it, the day of our performance on the show arrived.

With glamorous sets and dazzling lights, the recording venue is ready.

The program director, dressed casually, walked to the front of the stage with a walkie-talkie and gave final instructions to the idol groups on both sides.

The two groups of idols sat on tiered seats on either side of the stage.

On Pastel*'s side, everyone except Chisato and Hinata seemed a little nervous.

Meanwhile, the four members of "Diamond Dust" maintained professional smiles throughout. It was P, on the other hand, who appeared somewhat nervous, with cold sweat beading on her forehead.

That's right, both sides' producers will also be on stage to answer some interview questions this time.

Chaoyang sat at the very front of Pastel*.

At the same time, he waved and greeted Hina, who was from the opposing team.

Hmm... She definitely looks cuter than Nina.

At that moment, the director tapped his palm lightly with his walkie-talkie, drawing everyone's attention.

"Okay, everyone, please pay attention! After the recording of the program begins, there will be an opening greeting session where both groups will introduce themselves, followed by some interactive games and a Q&A session."

"Remember, the focus of this program is to showcase your individual characteristics and team atmosphere. Don't be too reserved, but don't be too casual either. Maintain the politeness and demeanor expected of idols. There will be a Q&A session with audience members calling in. The host will also ask some provocative questions; it's all for the sake of the show, so please be mindful."

"The last thing,"

The director paused, his tone becoming more relaxed. "Audience votes are just a reference, don't worry about them too much. The main thing is to make the show entertaining. Do your best! Okay, are you ready?"

"Yes!"

The two groups of idols answered in unison, instantly creating a tense yet expectant atmosphere.

Meanwhile, at An and Subaru's home, the atmosphere was completely different.

Everyone is watching this online program.

"Hurry, hurry, it's starting!"

Subaru was holding a bucket of popcorn, his eyes glued to the television screen.

Renna knelt in front of everyone, her face flushed with anger.

She gripped the remote tightly in one hand, while her other hand seemed to want to reach for the screen.

"Ugh! I'm so angry! Go! Defeat them! Go Pastel*!"

Tao Xiang took a sip of her beer and couldn't help but complain.