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

Upon arriving at the company early in the morning, the staff managing ticket sales reported the good news to Chaoyang.

However, Chaoyang immediately thought of something else.

For the purpose of selling idol-related merchandise at the concert, in order to prevent an oversupply due to low attendance, the manufacturer was asked to produce a limited quantity.

"...Huh? Didn't you already tell us to place an additional order, President?"

"Hmm? Do I?"

Although Chaoyang spoke with a questioning tone, he clearly remembered that he had never given such an instruction.

"Just a few days ago, Ms. Toyokawa said that the president told her to ask us to increase the number of items on site."

"Ah, it seems there is such a thing. In that case, it's alright."

To avoid unnecessary gossip, Chaoyang immediately changed his story, claiming that it was his own doing.

However, I already had a little bit of a grudge in my heart.

That Xiangzi guy... Although I allowed her to act in my name, she should at least have informed me afterwards.

In fact, it wasn't just this one thing; to varying degrees, Chaoyang also noticed in other matters that Xiangzi often acted in his name and then didn't consult him afterwards.

However, since he was working for the firm, Chaoyang didn't say anything.

However, the employees below surprisingly obeyed the orders of Xiangzi, a high school girl, and never asked him to confirm whether he had really said it.

It must be said that Xiangzi has a very strong personality and can subtly get others to cooperate with her. She is also very decisive; although she may appear polite and use a consultative tone, the other party has virtually no choice. Basically, everything has to be done according to her ideas.

However, Chaoyang felt something was amiss when he thought about this.

Of course, the one who felt something was wrong wasn't Xiangzi, but himself.

He finally realized that he seemed to be suspicious and jealous of Xiangzi.

www.53dushu.com

Now I understand why ancient emperors persecuted capable ministers and generals. Knowing full well that I'm now in a dilapidated situation, I still worried about being sidelined by Xiangzi. I've become foolish from being a boss.

While Chaoyang was pondering these random thoughts, it was already afternoon, and Xiangzi came to work.

After quickly tidying up the documents on her desk, she went to Chaoyang's desk to compile a summary report.

"...President, if you're tired, why don't you go home and sleep? You're setting a bad example for the employees."

He quietly reminded Chaoyang, who seemed to be lost in thought.

Chaoyang finally came to his senses and found Xiangzi standing in front of him.

"Yes, I'm sorry, I was thinking about something and didn't notice. What's wrong?"

"...I was just telling you about the arrangements for the day of the performance. Didn't you hear a thing? On the morning of the actual performance, as the representative, you have a lot of work to do. First, you need to greet and meet with the person in charge of the venue, then the staff of the venue and related companies, and then the performers... However, it seems that the performers are all your close friends, so let's leave that aside. In addition, you also need to greet the sound and lighting staff. The performance depends on everyone's cooperation, so we can't favor one over the other. Please make sure that all staff members are taken care of properly."

"I know... Oh? You mean my job that day was just to say hello?"

Hmm? I have this feeling that I might really be Liu Shan, with a sense that the government is controlled by the Ge family, but I am the only one who performs sacrifices.

Chapter 88.5, You've gone too far!

Even when dealing with employees who were much older than himself, Xiangzi would still make various demands while adhering to social etiquette.

Before Xiangzi arrived, the employees would report to Chaoyang, but now they all go directly to Xiangzi. Of course, this is mainly because Chaoyang itself is condoning this situation.

Although Chaoyang was initially slightly averse to it due to the human instinctive desire for power, he quickly felt relieved when he thought that he would ultimately benefit from it anyway.

Moreover, Chaoyang was happy to have some free time. Since Xiangzi had taken over his work, he could leave early and go out and make a name for himself elsewhere... like his own izakaya downstairs.

The firm has now moved from a high-end office building to an old office building, with its own izakaya on the first floor.

However, before leaving, Chaoyang still made a request to Xiangzi: they should leave work on time, and this should be mandatory. Besides Chaoyang's kind heart and inability to bear seeing workers working overtime, he also didn't want to pay overtime wages.

. .

In front of the izakaya on the first floor.

Nina, who was moving the izakaya sign out, saw Asahi walking out of the stairwell entrance and heading straight into the store. After greeting him, she asked him curiously.

"Ah... Mr. Hiraishi, have you finished your work at the company today?"

"Rather than saying I finished my work... it's more accurate to say that Xiangzi was too capable and took all my work away from me, which is why I came here."

Because the door was open, Tao Xiang, who was sitting inside the shop taking a short break before opening for business, also heard what Chao Yang said.

As soon as Chaoyang walked in, he immediately said jokingly.

"Haha~ Be careful, she might usurp your power and overthrow you one day~~"

"That's great~ Let's use the company as a dowry~ and let Xiangzi be my wife."

"Wow... Manager, you're surprisingly shameless. But that girl seems completely unsuitable for romance... I can't tell she has any inclination towards it at all."

"I was just saying it casually, and you actually started analyzing it... Rencai? What's wrong?"

As Chaoyang and Taoxiang were joking around as usual, they noticed that Rencai was looking outside absentmindedly.

"Huh? There was a girl in a school uniform who was holding her phone and seemed to be looking inside the store. Did she look for someone? She made eye contact with me and even bowed to me very politely."

Looking for someone? A girl?

Chaoyang was curious and immediately went outside. However, he didn't see any high school girls (JKs), except for Rina, the former JK.

"The streets are full of middle-aged men and office workers; there are no girls in school uniforms here."

"Huh? They've already left? (**)/ Haha, looks like I was just mistaken~"

Chaoyang clapped his hands, not taking it seriously and immediately putting it out of his mind.

"Alright, alright, enough of that nonsense, let's get to work! If our turnover doesn't exceed 10 for three consecutive days, that won't do! Nina, you'd better do a good job promoting our wine today. As soon as a customer's glass is empty, go up to them and ask, 'Would you like a glass?'"

"Hey? They were having a nice chat, is it too much to go up and ask? I feel a little embarrassed..."

"You can't do business like that. That's how izakayas are; they mainly make money from drinks. With Kotone, you can basically approach customers as soon as they finish their drinks and ask if they'd like another one."

Upon hearing this, Rencai slightly pursed her lips, her eyes dimming.

“She’s different from Ms. Fujita. Ms. Fujita is so cute! Even if she makes someone angry, she can just pretend to be clueless and no one will say anything.”

Seeing her like this, Chaoyang couldn't help but reach out and gently pat the top of her head.

"Rencai, don't underestimate yourself, you're cute too."

Rencai's cheeks flushed slightly, and she muttered something under her breath.

"How does she compare to Ms. Fujita...?"

From the perspective of female charm, Chaoyang felt the difference was quite significant and didn't know how to proceed. He could only scratch his head, somewhat embarrassed, and say...

"...You have your strengths, and she has her weaknesses. At least I think even three of us playing the piano couldn't beat you in a fight."

Renna finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Tao Xiang started complaining.

"You're being too optimistic. You need to improve your skills at charming women. You can't even fool Nina like this."

"Alright, alright, I've already said enough chit-chat, let's get started! There are already customers waiting at the door."

Chaoyang had no choice but to forcibly change the subject.

. .

"Um...would you like another drink?"

"Oh, it's rare that Nina-chan would ask this today. Usually, only Kotone-chan asks this."

Most of the customers were regulars and they knew the names of the staff, but even so, Rencai was still a little nervous.

“Hmm…”

"Haha, then give me another one."

Upon hearing the guest say that, Rencai immediately spoke up.

"Thanks~ One lemon cocktail!"

Seeing the rising sun in the kitchen brought some relief.

Actually, Asahi was just saying it casually, but Nina was indeed trying her best to do as he said. Compared to the first day when Nina was completely unfamiliar with the place, in a short period of time, Nina was already able to support herself.

Thinking about this, Chaoyang couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Is this what it feels like to be a parent? ... Pshaw, I'm still young, at most I'm her older brother's age. What parents? Focus on work, focus on work.

Chaoyang realized that his idea was a bit outrageous, so he immediately shook his head and focused his attention back on his work in the store.

Before we knew it, the restaurant was packed. Customers raised their glasses and chatted about all sorts of things that had happened at their companies. Laughter and shouts filled the air, creating a pleasant and warm atmosphere. The tables were laden with various snacks to go with the drinks, including pickled vegetables and, occasionally, grilled skewers. The staff served drinks and snacks.

The entire store was filled with a peaceful atmosphere.

However, at that moment, a sudden, urgent push came from the doorway, drawing everyone's attention.

Qinyin rushed in anxiously and ran straight to the kitchen without any hesitation. She didn't greet or explain her sudden appearance at all, and her tense expression was impossible to ignore.

She rushed into the kitchen, panting, and spoke urgently to the rising sun.

"Please, when President Shi Wang comes over later, just say you've never seen me before!"

After saying that, he immediately squatted down behind the dish table, using the table to hide himself, afraid of being discovered by people outside.

Completely baffled, Chaoyang was about to press for more details about what had happened when the shop doorbell rang, and a graceful girl in the uniform of Chuxing Academy walked in.

Chaoyang instantly recognized her as Wang Xingnan, the student council president of Chuxing Academy. They had met a few times before... Of course, their conversations mostly revolved around music.

She smiled calmly and asked politely.

"Excuse me, have you ever seen Qin Yin before?"

Standing to the side, Renna was a little confused and didn't know how to answer. Her gaze couldn't help but turn to the rising sun.

Seeing this, Chaoyang walked out with a smile.

"Isn't this President Shi Wang? It's been a long time."

"Oh, Mr. Hiraishi, it's been a long time. I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy at the shop."

Xingnan responded with a smile, her gentle tone like a spring breeze.

As the undisputed number one idol of Chuxing Academy, Xingnan enjoys immense popularity both on and off campus. Although many companies have invited her to debut, she has always politely declined these offers, as she clearly has other plans.

"As for Qinyin, she didn't come to work at the store today. She wasn't scheduled for a shift."

Chaoyang answered with a natural smile, pretending to be relaxed.

However, Xingnan slightly raised her head, gently sniffed the air twice, and closed her eyes to savor the moment. While Chaoyang was still wondering what she was going to do, Xingnan spoke with certainty.

"However, I seem to sense the presence of the zither's sound..."

Her gaze slowly shifted toward the kitchen, landing precisely on the worktable.

"She's right behind the kitchen counter."

The hidden piano music finally broke down completely, and she stood up, holding the back of her head with both hands, and started yelling and complaining.

"No way!? How can it sense this?"

Xingnan immediately broke into a happy smile.

"Qinyin, you really are here! I knew I was right... What a coincidence to meet you in a place like this! Don't you think this is a fateful encounter?"

This time, it was Chaoyang's turn to complain.

"What kind of fateful encounter is this? You're obviously here for the music, aren't you?"

Although I could do similar things too...

At this moment, Chaoyang already knew the general outline of the matter through the sound of the zither.

Qin Yin originally wanted to practice diligently in the school's dance studio, but she ran into Shi Wang Xing Nan on the way. It was probably similar to what happened now. He said it was a fateful encounter and then pestered her, hoping that Qin Yin would team up with him.

Qin Yin immediately became frightened and refused, making an excuse that she had to leave first because she had to work that day.

However, Shi Wang Xingnan wasn't giving up. He somehow found out where Qin Yin worked and even ambushed her at her dormitory. Qin Yin couldn't admit she was lying, so she had no choice but to come. She initially planned to shake him off, but Xingnan was practically an all-rounder, faster and stronger than her. In the end, she had no choice but to give up and try to hide inside the shop. Although the details didn't quite match up, Qin Yin didn't reveal much more about the situation.

Chaoyang recalled what Rencai had said before opening the shop.

Could it be that the girl in the school uniform with the phone that Nina mentioned earlier was actually Juuhou Hoshina? And the person she was looking for was Kotone? That seems to make sense.