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

"As expected of Qian Sheng, your considerations are indeed more comprehensive than mine."

"Hehe, the producer... that's the one. He could clearly consider these things, but he always spoils everyone."

Producers are truly terrifying... Back when I was an artist, I often heard people complaining about producers behind their backs... But in this agency, everyone has high praise for the producers... Even I was... It's too late to say all this now...

Qian Sheng gave a helpless smile.

“Everyone does get tired, but since we’ve chosen the path of idols, we have to keep going. And you, as our producer, should support us when we need it, instead of constantly reducing the pressure.”

Just as Qian Sheng and Chao Yang were about to finish their conversation, a polite greeting came from the doorway.

Good morning... Good morning... You've worked hard.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a certain authority and composure. Chaoyang and Qiansheng looked in the direction of the sound and saw Xiangzi slowly walking into the office. The employees along the way all stood up and bowed to her, their attitude exceptionally respectful. Although everyone was usually polite to Xiangzi, the atmosphere today was noticeably different. It seemed everyone was deliberately maintaining perfect etiquette, afraid of accidentally offending this "rumored heiress and wife of the company president."

As Chaoyang watched this scene, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.

"...What's going on? When did these guys become so particular?"

Xiangzi greeted them calmly, her expression unchanged, and walked to her workstation. After putting down her bag, she began to tidy her desk. A few minutes later, she suddenly looked up, her gaze falling on Qian Sheng, who had been staring at her. She frowned and asked...

"Is there a problem?"

Qian Sheng paused for a moment, a slightly embarrassed smile appearing on his face.

"...Oh, it's nothing. I've just heard a lot of rumors about Ms. Toyokawa lately...so I'm a little curious..."

After hearing this, Xiangzi closed his eyes slightly, sighed softly, then opened his laptop, his gaze returning to the screen, and replied in a calm tone: "...These are all things that have nothing to do with you, Miss Bailu, don't worry about them."

Upon hearing this cold response, a complex emotion flashed in Qian Sheng's eyes. After a slight hesitation, he spoke.

"Ah, indeed... I was a bit too curious, I'm sorry. But, Ms. Toyokawa... wasn't your tone a bit inappropriate? After all, in terms of class, age, and seniority in this agency, I'm considered a senior. Such a tone is fine in private, but in front of others, perhaps Ms. Toyokawa should adopt her usual attitude."

The moment those words were spoken, the air instantly became tense.

Chaoyang was a little stunned, and couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

"Qian Sheng, what's wrong with you?"

Qian Sheng snapped out of his daze, immediately put on his gentle smile, and said with a slight apology.

"...Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be preachy. It's just that, both in this industry and in society, the relationship between seniors and juniors is highly valued. Even if I personally don't care, many people do, and Ms. Toyokawa would suffer from it... That's why I couldn't help but speak up."

From the middle of the session, Xiangzi stopped looking at the computer screen and turned her gaze to Qiansheng, a hint of anger gradually appearing in her eyes. However, she seemed to quickly realize that it was not the right time to confront Qiansheng directly, after all, Qiansheng was the agency's current top idol, and the bet was not yet over. She calmed herself down slightly, her tone softening a little.

"...Sorry, I was thinking about something just now, and my tone was a bit off."

"Haha, how could it be?"

Chisato maintained her signature smile, her tone relaxed with a hint of teasing, "It was my fault for being too talkative; I unintentionally became a malicious senior. Please, Ms. Toyokawa, forget what you just said~"

On the surface, things seemed calm between the two, but undercurrents and tensions were already palpable.

Chaoyang sensed the subtle atmosphere.

This can't all be my fault, can it?

Just as he was thinking about how to ease the tension, Qian Sheng suddenly smiled slightly, his attitude as calm and composed as ever, and gave a slight bow.

"Well then, I won't bother you any longer, Ms. Toyokawa. Best wishes for your work."

After saying that, she turned and left the office with elegant steps, as if the confrontation had been nothing more than a casual greeting.

. .

The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated, but Chaoyang still felt uneasy. He looked at Xiangzi and tried to comfort him.

"...Uh, Xiangzi, don't talk to Qiansheng."

"I know, you don't need to tell me."

Xiangzi's tone was calm, but a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes. He then said, "However, this reminds me of something... It is indeed risky to let one person dominate. We need to appropriately distribute attention and resources. We should cultivate more new talents."

He glanced at the rising sun and continued speaking.

“I plan to start holding regular open recruitment events for idol trainees this month. This company has done similar projects before, for example, Ms. Maruyama was an idol trainee, so we don’t need to start from scratch. We also have quite a few experienced staff members, so with a few adjustments, we can get started quickly. I’ll take charge of this, you don’t have any objections, right?”

Chaoyang paused for a moment, then gave a helpless smile.

"...Whatever makes you happy. This was part of the plan anyway. Since you have your ideas, then I'll leave it to you to handle. Besides, at this stage, it seems the employees are more likely to listen to you than to me."

Upon hearing Chaoyang's reply, Xiangzi's tone became more serious.

"In that case, I will make the arrangements as soon as possible. For the agency to develop, it cannot rely solely on the existing idol groups. In the future, it must have more outstanding talents to truly solidify its position."

Chaoyang noticed Xiangzi's expression and offered a reminder.

"...However, what Chisato said earlier makes some sense...Work ability does include interpersonal communication...After all, we and our idols aren't in a superior-subordinate relationship, so Shoko, you should be more friendly in your tone. You should be able to do that. You weren't like this when you first started working at the izakaya...If you're tired, it's okay to rest for a few days."

"This is just unnecessary concern. I have no interest in learning your way, nor can I. You can interact with them as you see fit. You enjoy this kind of work, don't you?"

Chapter 183 The Popular Idol's Private Tutoring Session Begins! (Kotone, Nina, Hoshina)

"......Um?"

Just after Xiangzi left, a voice came from Chaoyang's mind.

. .

System task release.

Mission Name: The Big Band Era!

Mission objective: Sign 6 girl bands for the agency within the specified timeframe.

2/6.

Mission reward: 1 million yen.

The firm's operating system has been further opened up.

Currently at agency level 2: Initial fame (at this stage, there is already a certain fan base, and the agency's signed artists are gradually becoming known to the public).

(Current stage) Total annual income: 120 million yen.

Total annual expenditure: 95 million yen.

Annual net profit: 25 million yen.

Net profit margin: 20%

Current strategy recommendation:

Sign a new band to increase performance and endorsement revenue.

Control advertising and distribution costs to optimize profits.

Accelerate the development of online programs and related products to expand profit sources.

. .

Chaoyang stared at the system interface that appeared before his eyes, and couldn't help but marvel.

"They even have such detailed information on income and expenses. It's like they're running a financial manager."

He casually opened the financial details interface and found that he could view every item in detail, including venue rental fees, endorsement revenue sharing and employee salaries. All the information was clear at a glance.

Just as Chaoyang was meticulously examining every detail of the system interface as if he had found a new toy, his phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated, pulling him back to reality. He looked down and saw a familiar name on the screen: Rencai.

"...She's been back for a day. Is she calling because things are settled, or has she run into trouble?"

Asahi muttered to himself, recalling Renai's father in his mind. Although he had only met him a few times, he was impressed by him as a very understanding person.

"It shouldn't be any trouble, right..."

With that thought in mind, he answered the phone.

"...Ugh... Mr. Hiraishi... I'm so sorry..."

Rencai's voice came through the phone, choked with sobs.

Upon hearing this sob, Chaoyang's heart tightened and his brows furrowed slightly.

"What's wrong? Was your father forcing you to stay in Kumamoto?"

As he spoke, he said he was already preparing to ask his employees to book him a plane ticket to Kumamoto.

"No, it's not..."

Renna's voice trailed off on the other end of the phone, "Yes... Although I've always thought he was a busybody and a nag, often making me so angry... But, I really do love my family the most!"

As soon as he finished speaking, another faint sob came from the other end.

Hearing this, Chaoyang breathed a sigh of relief, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"Looks like a lot has happened... But, wouldn't it be more appropriate to tell your family this confession directly to you instead of me? As expected, Nina, you're still not mature enough. It seems you need to grow more."

His tone was slightly teasing, but mostly gentle and caring. "Anyway, welcome back in advance. I'll pick you up at the station. Have a good rest on the Shinkansen."

"Um... thank you..."

Renna answered softly. The person on the other end of the phone seemed to have calmed down a lot, and then there was a "beep" sound, and the call ended.

Asahi could tell that Nina was quite excited and couldn't help but share her confession to her family with him, in order to satisfy his own urge to confide in her.

The image of Rina, her face covered in snot and tears, flashed through my mind.

"I'm touched, but you still have unfinished obligations..."

"What a troublesome child... It seems I need to discipline Rencai's father properly."

Chaoyang muttered to himself, then opened his contacts and found the person he had never contacted.

His fingertip hovered lightly over the name, he hesitated slightly, and then dialed the number.

. .

Bathed in moonlight, Nina braved the night wind and returned to Tokyo. She didn't linger, afraid that if she stayed any longer, she might truly not want to leave. Before, she always felt oppressed and sad at home, but after returning this time, she realized how many changes and compromises her parents had made for her, and how their nagging was all filled with silent love.

Sitting on the speeding Shinkansen, Nina fell asleep again. Unlike her first trip to Tokyo, this time she slept peacefully, without a trace of confusion or unease. Perhaps it was because she had finally found her place. Little did she know, however, that a similar arrangement, akin to being "taken to jail," awaited her.

"Oh dear, it's you again, little girl. What a coincidence... Did you sleep well this time?"

The cleaning staff's voice woke Nina from her deep sleep; it was the same staff member who had woken her up before. Nina rubbed her eyes and gave a bright, energetic smile.

"Yes~!"

She then slung her bag over her shoulder and ran towards the exit of the carriage. Her light footsteps echoed in the almost empty carriage.

As she stepped off the platform, a cold wind gently brushed her cheeks, but this time, she was no longer alone.

Nina!

"I've been waiting for you for so long."

A familiar voice rang in her ears. Renna looked up and saw Asahi standing not far away outside the ticket gate, with his usual gentle smile on his face.

"Hehehe~ Good evening, Mr. Hiraishi."

Rencai slightly raised the corners of her mouth and quickly walked over.

Seeing this, Asahi smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair. This long-unheard gesture did not elicit any resistance from Nina; instead, it made her squint slightly, a strange thought arising in her mind.

Haven't seen you for a day... Mr. Hiraishi's head pats always feel so comfortable!

"It looks like a lot has happened."

Chaoyang withdrew his hand, turned to the side and made a "let's go" gesture, his tone relaxed and natural, "Tell me slowly on the way."

"Ok!"

Rencai nodded, a warmth gradually spreading through her heart.

. .

"Um... Mr. Hiraishi... this is... where are you taking me next?"

As Nina walked along the empty streets at night, she couldn't help but voice the question that had been bothering her. Although she had obediently followed Asahi the whole way, the increasingly off-track route was making her a little uneasy.

Chaoyang glanced at her, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

"Of course, you should go where you're supposed to go."

"That's hardly an answer!!"

Rencai immediately bristled, complaining with a dissatisfied expression, but she didn't stop walking.

Asahi didn't explain much, but continued walking forward. The place he was taking Nina to was, naturally, Hatsuhoshi Academy, or more precisely, the room of Juouhoshi Minami.