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

"The contract has been drafted; please take a look."

Xiangzi's maternal grandfather quickly flipped through the contract, and after confirming that it was correct, he placed it on the table and pushed it in front of Chaoyang and Xiangzi.

"In that case, let's sign it and the bet will officially take effect."

Chaoyang took the pen and signed his name on the contract without hesitation, his expression remaining calm, as if it were nothing more than a trivial matter.

Then, Xiangzi also picked up a pen, hesitated slightly, but quickly wrote his name on the contract without looking at Chaoyang or his grandfather.

Finally, Xiangzi's maternal grandfather also picked up a pen and wrote his name on the contract.

"All three parties have signed, and the performance-based agreement has officially come into effect."

The secretary respectfully put the contract away.

Xiangzi's maternal grandfather smiled slightly, his tone still carrying a hint of superior authority.

"Very good... Now that the contract has been signed, let's wait and see. Mr. Chaoyang, thank you very much for helping Xiangzi come back. The money will be transferred to your company's account. Consider this 100 million as a thank-you fee, hehe, no need to repay it. As for the photos, let's forget about them."

. .

"..."

Target Requirements: Party B must increase the revenue of its current company to over 168 billion yen before Party C graduates from high school (i.e., within three years), and must maintain profitability for at least one quarter.

Conditions for achievement: If Party B achieves its objective, Party A shall agree to allow Party C's father to return to the Toyokawa family and restore his reputation.

At the same time, Party A must formally acknowledge Party C's freedom to develop independently outside the home, and Party C may decide on its own whether to return to the Toyokawa family in the future.

Failure to Meet Conditions: If Party B fails to achieve the objectives within the stipulated timeframe, Party C must unconditionally return to the Toyokawa family and take over family affairs as arranged by Party A. ... The above is the content of the contract. ...

Ultimately, Xiangzi was still involved in the original bet. If the turnover target was not met after three years, Xiangzi would have to go back.

Furthermore, Xiangzi's father's reputation will not be restored.

As for what would happen to Chaoyang, Xiangzi's grandfather didn't really care. The idea of ​​a son-in-law was just talk, because there was no guarantee that Xiangzi would still be interested in Chaoyang at that time. Of course, he wouldn't mind if Chaoyang became his son-in-law. After all, Xiangzi's grandfather wasn't a completely heartless person.

He doesn't mind giving his children a certain degree of freedom as long as it doesn't affect the family's interests.

As the secretary finished reading, the bet at the Toyokawa residence came to an end. Shoko pushed open the study door and strode out without looking back, eager to escape this place. Along the way, she ignored the servants who greeted her, her expression cold.

Chaoyang helplessly followed behind, carrying the dizzy and disoriented Qin Yin, but Xiangzi clearly showed no sign of stopping. Before they knew it, they had already reached the street outside.

"Don't follow me! I don't want to see you again..."

Xiangzi heard footsteps behind him and spoke in a cold tone, but still did not turn around.

Just as Chaoyang was about to say something, Qin Yin spoke first, her tone revealing a hint of helplessness and dissatisfaction.

"Wait a minute, manager. It's a bit inappropriate for you to bring me along at a time like this... Although I'm a little annoyed, I'll only be causing trouble now. Put me down, I'll go back by myself."

"Huh? But..."

Chaoyang hesitated for a moment, clearly somewhat worried.

"It's nothing!"

Qin Yin immediately interrupted him and continued speaking.

"If I stay here at a time like this, it will only make the situation more awkward, and I'll feel terrible too. Give me some space! Although I really want to settle scores with you, now is not the time for that... Besides, those astronomical figures I heard today have made me dizzy, I need to go back and get some sleep to recover."

Chaoyang gave a wry smile, gently put down the zither, and tidied her slightly disheveled hair. "Alright... be careful on your way back, and call me if anything happens."

Qin Yin nodded and waved her hand, signaling him to hurry up and chase after Xiangzi.

"Okay! Go find that guy... Honestly, she's such a spoiled rich girl, she's just making a fuss over nothing!"

Qin Yin walked in the opposite direction, complaining as she went, her steps slightly agitated, muttering to herself.

Watching Xiangzi's retreating figure, Chaoyang sighed. Without further hesitation, he chased after her at full speed, grabbed her hand, forcibly turned her around, pressed his hands on her shoulders, and spoke with a hint of annoyance.

"That's enough, stop throwing a tantrum! I have no other choice!"

Xiangzi paused for a moment, then a look of anger appeared on his face, and he retorted without any politeness.

"It's all because you meddlesome! That's why things have turned out this way! And how many times have I told you not to develop any unnecessary feelings for your idols! I was just worried that this would happen! But you never listened! Now look what's happened, you've dragged me into this too!"

Chaoyang was speechless. After all, the problem did originate with him; if it weren't for those photos, he wouldn't have been forced into this situation. He knew in his heart that he couldn't refute it.

"...I'm sorry, but I will try my best."

"effort?"

Xiangzi sneered, his eyes filled with anger and dissatisfaction. "You make it sound so easy! Do you even know what 168 billion means? This is an absurd bet, and you dare to talk about working hard! You have no idea how arrogant you are!"

Chaoyang was also feeling a bit irritated, but he knew he couldn't continue arguing at this moment. So, he didn't say anything more, but responded directly with his actions.

He suddenly lowered his head and, seemingly irrationally, kissed Xiangzi directly, silencing him.

Xiangzi's pupils contracted sharply, and she froze. Her hands instinctively gripped Chaoyang's clothes, but she didn't push him away.

After a while, Chaoyang finally let go of her, and the two were now very close.

"Finally, some peace and quiet..."

Chaoyang took a soft breath, her tone softening slightly, but still firm, "I told you, I will win... I've always wanted to see Xiangzi's smile from back then. I've always heard Deng and other old companions talk about how warm Xiangzi was back then, and I'm so jealous... Because I've never seen it, I want to find that Xiangzi from back then. The Xiangzi I don't know."

Xiangzi's face remained indifferent.

She stared at the rising sun, then without hesitation, took out her phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, is this the police? I just..."

"Etc., etc!"

Chaoyang was startled and quickly snatched the phone, hurriedly hanging up the call.

Chapter 179 Following (Xiangzi)

"...I'm home."

Chaoyang stood in front of a familiar door; this was where Xiangzi was currently living.

In the end, Xiangzi didn't pursue Chaoyang's rash actions, and Chaoyang, seemingly unfazed, continued to chat and follow behind. Xiangzi, however, paid no heed.

Seeing that Chaoyang looked like he was about to follow them inside.

"I have no intention of entertaining you; you can go back now."

After opening the door, Xiangzi, with a cold face, didn't even bother to greet anyone. He went in and quickly pushed the door open with both hands, trying to keep Chaoyang out.

"Hey! At least buy me a cup of tea!"

Chaoyang casually complained and raised his hand to block the door.

"no!"

Xiangzi gritted her teeth, desperately trying to close the door. However, she was no match for Chaoyang's strength. Even if five of them tried to push together, they might not be able to get through. Chaoyang, afraid of hurting her by using too much force, simply held the door shut, and the stalemate continued.

Just then, footsteps came from the stairs, accompanied by the faint sound of conversation. Xiangzi gritted his teeth, a hint of reluctance flashing across his face, but clearly not wanting to embarrass himself in front of outsiders, he finally had no choice but to give up resisting.

"...Come in."

She said coldly, then turned and went inside.

Chaoyang smiled and followed him into the room, glancing around. The room was clean and tidy, with almost no unnecessary items. It was clear that although Xiangzi lived here, he didn't truly consider it his home.

Xiangzi had already walked to the kitchen sink, opened the cabinet above, and started taking out the tea set. Her tone remained indifferent.

"...Would black tea be alright? If not, then tap water will do."

Chaoyang gave a helpless, bitter smile.

"You didn't give me a choice, did you?"

"Humph."

Xiangzi snorted coldly, took out a cup, and started boiling water.

Just then, Chaoyang's phone rang. He glanced down and saw that the caller ID showed it was from the finance department. He hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Xiangzi, who was busy in the kitchen, before answering the call.

A slightly flustered voice came from the other end of the phone.

"President!? Toyokawa Bussan Co., Ltd. suddenly transferred a huge sum of money! I didn't receive any notification! What is this payment for?"

"...Just treat it as a company loan. The contract is in my hands, so don't worry, there won't be any legal issues. Sorry, I forgot to notify you in advance."

Chaoyang explained calmly, clearly indicating that the huge sum of money was not unexpected.

The people in the finance department were clearly a little nervous, but their voices betrayed a hint of relief.

"Well, that's good..."

Just then, Xiangzi walked over carrying a tray with cheap Western tea sets on it. She said coldly.

"Your tea is here. Once you've finished it, please leave my house quickly..."

As she was speaking, she suddenly heard Chaoyang making a phone call, and his voice accidentally got through the phone.

An awkward silence fell over the other end of the phone, followed by a flustered voice from the finance staff.

"Ah! The president is at Ms. Toyokawa's house! Yes, I'm sorry to interrupt your good time! Goodbye!"

After saying that, the other end of the phone hung up quickly. Hearing the word "good thing," Chaoyang's lips twitched slightly, but he had no intention of explaining. After all... he had already kissed him, and Xiangzi was now firmly on his list of targets; explaining would only make him feel guilty.

"Hmm? Who are you talking to on the phone?"

"My college friend asked me to lend him money to buy a house."

"...Huh? So it seems like people with abnormal minds tend to cluster together."

Xiangzi gave a dismissive sneer.

Chaoyang nodded with a shameless smile.

"That's what I think too. But don't be like that. You should know I didn't have a choice. At least we can fight side-by-side, right? With you here..."

"Do you think I'm the kind of person who would fall for such cheap talk? Let's just pretend what happened never occurred. I'm just tired and don't want to pursue it further; it doesn't mean anything else. I hope you don't misunderstand."

In terms of positive feelings, I don't think there's any misunderstanding.

I glanced at Xiangzi and saw that his favorability rating had reached 60.

Although it grows very slowly, it has not fallen. Just from Yin Xiangzi alone, the monthly income is now 100 million.

"...In short, if we both attack together, we're no match for each other!"

"Go back to your own home and say those stupid things."

After speaking, Xiangzi took a small sip of tea. Even in his angry state, his every move was still elegant, a stark contrast to the rising sun.

After taking a sip, she put down the teacup, crossed her arms, and initially seemed to be resting with her eyes closed. However, as time passed, her brows began to furrow tightly, clearly indicating that she had reached her limit.

Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke, her tone carrying a hint of suppressed anger:

"...I really don't know why you can still laugh it off like this. Do you know what 168 billion means?"

Chaoyang shrugged casually, pretending nothing was wrong, and said in a relaxed manner.

"...Not enough for Bilibili to lose money for a whole quarter?"

"?! Bilibili? Which company is that?"

Xiangzi was taken aback by this inexplicable remark, his tone full of doubt and confusion.

"Oh, it's a Chinese video website that probably loses billions of RMB every year."

Chaoyang explained in a very serious tone.

Xiangzi immediately became impatient and raised his hand to interrupt him.

"So why did you bring it up? There are companies that lose money everywhere! Did someone teach you not to say these meaningless things?"

"......Um......"

Chaoyang awkwardly touched his nose. He was just making a joke out of habit, but he didn't expect Xiangzi to retort so directly. However, her retort gave him a flash of inspiration, and he suddenly thought of a new direction.

Xiangzi, oblivious to the change in his expression, continued speaking.

"Do you know how many entertainment agencies in the entire Japanese industry have annual revenue exceeding 168 billion yen? Excluding those that are not publicly disclosed, there are only a handful of four! And our main business is still in the niche market of idols, which is only a little over 1000 billion yen in size, and that's with no room for growth! Right now, everyone can only fight each other and take food from other people's bowls..."

As Chaoyang listened to her complaints, a flash of understanding crossed his eyes, followed by a confident smile: "I know that, which is why I just thought of a way to open up a new market!"

Xiangzi frowned upon hearing this, clearly puzzled.

"New market? What do you mean?"