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

Yoshida Ginjiro frowned slightly.

"Are we really going to do that? If something goes wrong, the whole show will be ruined."

Chaoyang nodded slightly, his gaze firm.

"I believe in them. This move will completely dispel the previous doubts about lip-syncing."

The staff operated discreetly.

Does taste become tinged with the color of happiness?

Makes you smile?

Suddenly, the sound system stopped working. A moment of complete silence ensued; all electronic devices ceased operation.

The audience was stunned at first, and whispers of doubt and confusion filled the air.

Like an ice diamond gently swaying?

Small (Fufu)?

Foam (Fufu)?

However, the five girls on stage remained unmoved, and the sound of the instruments continued to emanate from the stage.

Although there was no amplification, the real guitar sound, drumbeats, and vocals were exceptionally clear in the quiet space, continuing to play continuously.

Chaoyang didn't tell them about it, but they didn't seem to waver for even a second.

In particular, Aya Maruyama's voice, though not amplified by a sound system, still resonated emotionally on the stage.

"That was... this time it was a real performance!"

Shock and surprise gradually appeared on the faces of the audience.

"That's really bold, actually trying to prove yourself this way. Aren't you afraid of messing with your own mentality?"

About thirty seconds later, the sound equipment suddenly returned to normal, and the amplification effect filled the entire venue once again. The sound instantly became louder, and the music filled the entire space again.

The audience recovered from their initial shock, their doubts vanishing. Despite the brief chaos caused by the sound system malfunction, this performance without electronic amplification definitively proved Pastel's capabilities. The five girls on stage showed no panic; they continued playing the unfinished melody as if the malfunction was simply part of the performance.

As the song ended.

A burst of applause gradually erupted from the audience.

Although many people weren't particularly interested in the cute and ethereal musical style, the high quality of the performance itself was undeniable. Even the most discerning hardcore audience had to admit that the level of the performance was above that of typical girl bands.

Maruyama Aya, holding the microphone, began to breathe heavily.

As the lead singer, she also has to jump around a lot due to her idol status, which adds to the pressure and makes her quite tired.

"Phew... This time... we finally got to hear our live performance... We're so happy to have this opportunity again! Thank you all so much! And... please continue to support Pastel* in the future!"

We will support you!!!

"Xiao Cai, you're great! I've liked you since you were a trainee! Although you sang a little off-key just now."

Aya Maruyama never expected to have fans during her trainee days, but she was now at a loss for words.

"Ah~ It's all thanks to Xiao Cai's singing that we were able to feel like we were there!"

Chisato spoke up, giving Maruyama Aya a way out, and the audience laughed.

At this moment, Hina also spoke into the microphone next to her.

"Everyone~ Pastel* still has a long way to go. Keep following us and let's see how Xiao Cai improves together~~"

"Hehe, should I be happy about this...? Well then, there are two more songs! Although it may not be enough right now... but we will definitely become a shining presence! Please listen to 'One More Glorious Moment'."

. .

"That's outrageous! The producer should at least have given us a heads-up!"

After the performance, everyone in the dressing room came offstage to wipe their sweat and said goodbye to each other for their hard work. As soon as Ai Yin saw Chao Yang arrive, she immediately went up to him angrily and started complaining.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I did consider whether to tell you or not, but after thinking about it, I felt that if I told you, it would seem like I was acting again, and it wouldn't feel perfect, so I chose to keep this decision from you."

I'll wait for you outside. Hurry up and change your clothes; it's a rare opportunity to see Ms. Hiroi's performance.

After leaving the lounge, Chaoyang leaned against the door, letting out a sigh of relief. Just as he was waiting for the girls to change, he caught a glimpse of Da Chan-pu Pu-yin standing at the corner of the corridor.

On a whim, Chaoyang decided to go up and say hello.

"Oh, is the Great Cripple here to see us?"

Chaoyang asked with a smile, a hint of ease in his eyes.

When Yuyuko saw the sun approaching, she panicked and wanted to run away, but...

I can't leave, or he'll think I'm afraid of him. I have to pretend nothing's wrong and look away as if nothing's happening.

I thought so.

Unfortunately, she didn't have a talent for acting.

"Who, who's looking for you? I, I was just passing by and looking for a restroom..."

"I heard you're a resident band here. Do you need to look for a restroom?"

“Hmm…”

Yuyuko's mind immediately went blank.

However, Chaoyang didn't continue to embarrass her, but instead changed the subject and asked other questions.

"How's my band's skill level? Are we good enough to perform at FOLT?"

"...Hmph, so-so... It's definitely not as good as my band, and it can't compare to my sister's at all... But it does have its own unique flavor, so it's not bad as a way to relax."

Upon hearing this, Chaoyang raised his head, closed one eye, and gave Youyou a mischievous smirk.

"Oh~ that tone is a bit sarcastic~ is it beyond your expectations~~"

"No way! That level is everywhere! They're only slightly better than the average amateur band! If we performed on stage, you'd see which side had the louder cheers!!!"

"Then I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the future."

Chaoyang smiled and extended a hand, wanting to shake hands with Youyouzi, a teasing glint in his eyes. Youyouzi, annoyed, reached out and gave Chaoyang a hard slap on the hand, saying angrily.

"I understand! I accept your invitation! I'll go and challenge your idol venues!"

After saying that, she immediately turned her head away and let out a soft hum.

Chaoyang grinned mischievously.

"Hehe, I'll definitely be looking forward to your arrival... Ah, let's exchange LINE IDs then, it'll be easier to keep in touch later."

Yuyuko seemed happy for a moment, but she quickly showed a disdainful expression.

"Seriously, I can't do anything with you. You went to so much trouble to get my LINE contact~ I'll give it to you out of pity~"

As she spoke, she quickly pulled out her phone, and even the rising sun could see the corners of her mouth unconsciously turning up.

Because she actually doesn't have many friends, her only LINE contacts besides her parents, teammates, and Hiroi Kikuri are her parents. Yuyuko's aggressive personality has prevented her from making friends for many years, and most people just think of her as a troublesome, arrogant, and conceited girl. In her spare time, she can only go to karaoke alone to pass the time.

At this moment, Chaoyang had another flirtatious thought.

"Since you put it that way, then let's just forget about it."

"Hey?!"

Yuyuko was somewhat disappointed, and her voice rose eight octaves.

"Just kidding, please be sure to exchange contact information with me."

Realizing that they had been tricked by Chaoyang.

"I'll definitely go see them all then, and I'll snatch all your idol's fans away!"

"Yes, don't be shy. If you can do it, feel free to give it a try!"

Chaoyang continued to respond to Youyouzi with a faint smile, but inwardly he was complaining.

That's ridiculous. There's no rule saying you can only nominate one person... What's this talk of competing or not competing? But if her band really becomes popular, I'll consider signing her band.

Yuyuko glanced at her phone, then tilted her cute face and spoke with a proud expression.

"...Alright, it's almost time for my performance...This is a rare learning opportunity to see what real rock and roll is all about..."

After saying that, he looked away coolly.

"I'm just waiting for them to change their clothes. I'll go there later."

As Chaoyang answered, the door to the lounge over there was already opened.

The sharp-eyed Hina immediately pointed at the rising sun and said with a grin.

"Ah, the producer's chatting with a girl again~ He really does have to flirt with girls every day... Oh wait, it's that girl from before~"

"Is this another instance of them picking a fight with me?"

Ai Yin became somewhat worried.

Just as they approached, Yuyuko became shy due to the large crowd and immediately ran away.

"Producer, what were you and that kid talking about just now?"

Qian Sheng left the others who were still chatting and stepped forward to ask the question.

"Oh, she was just asking if she was satisfied with your performance. She's basically giving you her approval."

"We don't need her approval, do we...?"

Aine, who had rushed over, also heard what Asahi said and expressed her dissatisfaction.

She didn't really like the type of person like Yuyuko who was unfriendly from the start.

"Don't say that. She's quite outstanding too. I checked and she has over 1 followers on social media. She definitely has a level of talent that she can be proud of."

At that moment, a huge cheer erupted from the performance hall.

"Oh? That cheering... It must be Ms. Hiroi and the others coming on stage. Let's go, we can save the chit-chat for later."

. .

Backstage, all the performances had ended. Asahi and the Pastel* group were waiting for Hiroi Kikuri and the others to come out so they could say hello and leave.

"I've learned something new. This is the first time I've seen a performance like this. The lead singer even took a break to drink during the intermission MC... He even threw the bottle of alcohol directly at the drummer's head. Although it was probably just random throwing, the drummer seemed completely unfazed... But what's even more terrifying is that the audience seems to have taken it all in stride."

Chisato, who frequently appeared on stage, was shocked, as if her entire worldview had been shaken. She felt that if she learned even one of Hiroi's behaviors, she would be ruined and forced to retire on the spot.

Hina didn't have any particular feelings about those behaviors, after all, she herself was a freak genius.

"Wow, she's amazing from the very first song! That older sister isn't just a drunkard, is she? I don't know anyone who plays bass that well. Speaking of bassists, I've rarely seen anyone who's a lead bassist... Hmm? How about we switch lead singers every now and then? It sounds kind of fun. Next time, let Chisato try it, and the time after that, Maya~"

Yamato Maya immediately waved her hands repeatedly in refusal.

"No, no, wearing that light and airy outfit is already the limit. The lead singer simply can't do it."

Chisato was somewhat tempted, but since the person who made the suggestion was Japanese, it had no practical effect and she just treated it as a joke.

"Seriously, what would Xiao Cai be doing if that were the case?"

"Sigh...maybe I should let her learn to use the keyboard."

"Hina-chan, please spare me!"

Maruyama Aya begged for mercy with a wry smile.

Chaoyang glanced at the time and frowned.

"We've been talking for so long... why hasn't Ms. Hiroi come out yet?"

Qian Sheng also sensed that something was wrong.

"Yeah... it feels like it's been at least 20 minutes, right? Haha, the car's still waiting for us in the parking lot."

Chaoyang had just called his employees to drive over and pick them up. In addition to taking Qian Sheng and Ai Yin home, they also had to pack up their instruments and performance costumes, all of which were now packed up and hanging on Chaoyang.

"I'll ask!"

Ai Yin immediately volunteered, raised her hand, said something, and ran out. A few minutes later, she rushed back, laughing and crying as she told everyone the reason.

"After Ms. Hiroi finished her round, she passed out drunk in the garbage dump. We can't wake her up no matter how we call her. It will probably take a while to get her back."

"Let's go back."

Chaoyang gave up, and the entire Pastel* team nodded in agreement.