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

"Toyokawa Shoko."

"Hmm, Miss Toyokawa, how old are you this year?"

"I am 15 years old this year."

"Could you please write down your home address?"

"..."

Just then, Chaoyang clearly felt Toyokawa Shoko's eyelids and hand twitch at the same time, and the aura emanating from the whole person made him feel cold. He instantly realized that something was wrong.

"Ah... actually, you don't need to write it down. Just tell me the nearest bus station to your home, and I'll calculate the transportation cost for you."

"Thank you... The nearest station to my home is Asukayama."

Chaoyang then took out his phone and checked.

"Hmm... The transportation cost here is 651 yen, so it's 1300 yen round trip. Can I pay you 1300 yen for the transportation?"

"..."

Xiangzi hesitated at this moment because her actual residence was in an area with a relatively large number of poor people in Chiba, which was very close to here, only 20 minutes away, and the transportation cost was not that expensive.

She was torn between not wanting to lie, but also not wanting to reveal where she actually lived.

Chaoyang didn't notice Xiangzi's pause; he just scratched his head with the end of his ballpoint pen and muttered to himself.

"Hmm, it seems it's not appropriate for me to round down the salary. Let's settle on 1350 for round-trip transportation. So, which days of the week can I work?"

Chaoyang simply moved on from the topic.

The effect was significant, with favorability increasing by 5 points immediately.

"...Anytime is fine, Monday to Friday."

"So you can start work today? There's one worker who didn't come, and it's not a difficult job. But since we haven't signed a contract yet, I'll give you your wages in cash today. I'll prepare the employment contract tomorrow."

"Hey...no problem."

In fact, it suits me perfectly; working here is much better than going back...

For Toyokawa Shoko, the thought of returning to the home she loathed and seeing her father, who had completely fallen into depravity, made staying here to work seem perfectly acceptable.

"By the way, Ms. Toyokawa, which high school did you attend?"

"Haigaoka Girls' School."

"Um…"

The rising sun seems to have a vague recollection of me.

In my past life, I remember there was a school in Bang Dream, one of the three major idol projects. So, is this girl one of the main characters? Oh well, whatever.

"Okay then, I'll find you a work uniform and apron."

Chaoyang nodded, turned around to get her work uniform and apron, and considered how to get along with this person who looked like a young lady from a wealthy family.

Just then, the shop door opened, and Fujita Kotone walked in with light steps, greeting everyone in a clear voice.

"Good morning! In Japan, no matter what time it is, people greet each other when they arrive at work. This is because it means that you have worked hard since early in the morning."

"Royal C dislikes it"

Toyokawa Shoko turned to Fujita Kotone and greeted her with a "young lady" greeting, while giving a slight bow.

This left Fujita Kotone completely stunned.

"YuCian... um, hello? And who is this, shop manager?"

Fujita Kotone quickly circled Toyokawa Shoko around her, then ran to Asahi's side and asked.

"Ah, this is a part-time student who just came to apply for the job today. He's a first-year high school student, just like you."

"Could she be some young lady?"

"I don't know either. If you want to know, ask her yourself. She'll be your companion from now on."

"Hmm, I feel like... she's not my type. Could she really be a rich girl here to experience life?"

"Whatever, she's quite pretty anyway, she should be popular with the guests."

After saying that, he continued to fetch clothes for Toyokawa Shoko.

Although Fujita Kotone is a senior, she seemed more nervous and like a newcomer at this moment.

She walked up to Toyokawa Shoko and extended her hand.

"Nice to meet you! My name is Fujita Kotone~~ I attend Hatsusei Academy High School~"

Xiangzi politely shook her hand and said.

"First Star Academy... Fujita Kotone...? Please take care of me from now on."

If I remember correctly, Hatsuhoshi Academy is the school that trains idols, but I have no recollection of the name Fujita Kotone. If someone is talented, their name will usually be revealed during high school or junior high school.

Toyokawa Shoko reviewed the information in her memory and indeed found no information about Fujita Kotone, so she stopped caring and simply gave a perfunctory greeting. She had no intention of revealing any further information about herself and turned to walk to Asahi's side to wait for her uniform.

Fujita Kotone already showed signs of exhaustion.

Wow, she really is the type who's extremely polite on the surface but keeps a huge distance from others. Oh well. After all, she's probably just a young lady who'll be here for a few days and then leave.

For someone like Fujita Kotone who works long hours, she prefers a better working atmosphere and closer relationships with her colleagues, so she can work without feeling constrained.

If it were someone like Toyokawa Shoko, Fujita Kotone wouldn't feel comfortable assigning her tasks as a senior colleague.

However, she later realized that she had worried too much. Toyokawa Shoko was much more capable than she had imagined and did not need her to give any instructions.

Chapter 11 Your Pikachu is a little unhappy.

"How many guests are there, sir?... Four, is that right? Are all the guests present? The other guests won't arrive for another 30 minutes, is that right? I understand. Today, if we are busy, we will operate on a two-hour dining schedule, is that alright? Please, have a seat here..."

Toyokawa Shoko had only watched Fujimoto Kotone's reception process once, yet she was already as skilled as a seasoned veteran. Of course, her overly elegant language made the guests feel a little uncomfortable, but combined with Toyokawa Shoko's appropriate use of language and demeanor, it had a unique charm.

"As expected, she must be a rich girl who came here to experience life."

Standing in front of the food delivery table next to the kebab grill, Fujita Kotomi felt a little uneasy and struck up a conversation with Asahiro, who was busy at work.

Because Toyokawa Shoko was so capable, and the shop itself wasn't big and wasn't full, she was able to handle things on her own for the time being. Some curious customers even wanted to chat with this waitress who seemed to be a rich young lady, so they ordered more grilled skewers and took the opportunity to talk to her.

Thanks to him, Chaoyang's grill is now full of skewers.

"I already said I don't know, there's no point in you asking me for confirmation."

Chaoyang, who was grilling skewers, was feeling uncomfortable from the heat of the fire, so he couldn't help but say something impatiently.

"Hmm... I feel that since Ms. Toyokawa came, your attitude towards me has subtly changed."

Pikachu pouted, looking somewhat unhappy.

Indeed, the new generation surpasses the old...

In fact, Asahi would occasionally say something rude when she was working in the kitchen, but at this moment, Fujimoto Kotone was extremely insecure. Although she appeared to be an energetic girl, she was actually very anxious and insecure.

Especially now that someone has suddenly appeared who may surpass her in both beauty and ability.

"Well."

Chaoyang immediately heard the thought, and even her goodwill towards him slightly decreased.

...This girl is actually quite sensitive. Even though I'm not any different from usual...it would be a little strange if I suddenly praised her.

Chaoyang quietly grilled the skewers.

"...I don't care what Ms. Toyokawa is like, after all, my relationship with her is at most just an employer-employee relationship."

Chaoyang said nonchalantly, his eyes still fixed on the oven.

Then, he paused slightly, turned to look at Fujita Kotone, and his tone softened a little.

"It would be best if she could stay, but if not, it doesn't really matter. After all, you are the most important person in this shop. Without you, my shop would have been in complete chaos long ago."

"Hey~~~ Manager, you're doing this again~~~ I'm not as amazing as you say~~~"

"No? Maybe I misjudged you because you're too cute. If you become an idol... I can't even imagine how many otaku's wallets you'll drain~~~"

Chaoyang grinned mischievously at this moment, but he wasn't flattering or exaggerating. He genuinely imagined the scene of people cheering at his future concerts.

"I hate it when people become idols, so I won't drain their wallets..."

"..."

Fujita Kotone blushed and her heart raced because of Asahi's few jokes. Her mood improved slightly, and she was about to continue chatting with him when suddenly, Toyokawa Shoko walked over from the direction of the customer area, her brows slightly furrowed, looking somewhat displeased.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Fujita, the guests have been waiting for a while..."

Although Toyokawa Shoko's tone was polite, the blame in it was self-evident.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry! I got carried away!"

Upon hearing this, Fujita Kotone quickly turned around and saw that the ticketing machine in the beverage area was piled high with unprocessed beverage orders, which made her panic.

www.53dushu.com

While apologizing, she ran to the drinks area, skillfully using both hands to pour draft beer with one hand while pouring shochu (the base spirit) into other glasses with the other, then grabbing a handful of each and adding carbonated water, and quickly mixing various fruit juices and concentrates to create a variety of cocktails.

Although her movements were quick, they were perfectly composed, demonstrating the professionalism of a seasoned waitress.

"I'm so sorry!"

While busy, Fujita Kotone apologized to Toyokawa Shoko and Asahi, feeling extremely annoyed at her oversight.

Just then, Chaoyang stood by the barbecue grill, laughing and saying loudly...

"It's okay! Idols can be forgiven for anything they do!"

However, Toyokawa Shoko immediately turned to look at the shop manager.

"Manager, you too... The customers at table number 13 just said they wanted their skewers cooked a little longer because they felt they were a bit undercooked."

"Uh, sorry."

Chaoyang quickly took out a pen from his chest and wrote down the order for table number 13: "Cook it a little longer."

"...Although I don't know what your relationship with Ms. Fujita is, considering the long-term operation of the store, I personally think it's better to separate business and personal time."

Although it was Xiangzi's first day at work, she was already showing her assertive side. However, she seemed to remember something and realized that her attitude might have been a bit too harsh, so she bowed slightly and said with a hint of apology.

"I'm sorry, manager. I didn't mean to blame you or Ms. Fujita. I just hope that the work can proceed more smoothly."

"Well, no need to apologize. This is the right place. It's true that we delayed our work and gave our customers a bad experience. But this is an izakaya, not an office building. If possible, I would prefer everyone to work in a relaxed mood. But I think you're right. So please keep it that way, Ms. Toyokawa. After all, Ms. Fujita Kotone and I are both people who are easily carried away. It's so good to have someone as calm as Ms. Toyokawa around."

"I will do my best within the scope of my duties."

After listening to Asahi's words, Toyokawa Shoko maintained her usual calm and polite expression. She nodded slightly and said in a calm voice...

"I will do my best within the scope of my duties."

Her tone remained largely emotionless, as if stating a fact rather than expressing gratitude or humility.

Xiangzi bowed politely to Chaoyang, then turned around and continued with his work.

Name: Toyokawa Shoko

Charisma: 93

Monthly income increase: 5 yen

Favorability: 5/100

Evaluation: Give up, this person is not someone you can win over.

Chaoyang completely dispelled the notion that Xiangzi was cold on the outside but warm on the inside. His words just now did not increase his favorability at all, even with the high treatment he received.

The fact that she was able to find her shop amidst the chaotic online information proves she's short of money. Even if she were truly a rich young lady, it wouldn't be relevant to her current situation. A reasonable guess would be either that she ran away from home or that her family has fallen on hard times; it's definitely not like Fujita Kotone said, that she came here to experience life. But the fact that she still insists on using that rich young lady's language after starting work at least proves that she has no intention of integrating into the environment, regardless of her circumstances.

From a purely personal perspective, Chaoyang didn't like Xiangzi that much, nor did he want to raise her affection to the point where she could be his woman.

It's just because she has a high charm value, and we want her to get a lot of system coins.

Hmm, even a little bit of growth is good, but there's no increase at all? But can a favorability rating of 5 really give a monthly income of 5? It seems the fixed base provided by Charm is quite high. Although the system doesn't explicitly state that the impact of favorability on income growth is significant, not linear. If I could raise it to Pikachu's level, maybe I could get hundreds of thousands?

Chapter 12 Pikachu? What's wrong, Pikachu! ...You are...Charmander?

It was already 10 p.m., closing time. The store had finished its closing preparations. After changing his clothes, Asahi carried the kitchen waste out of the store and pulled down the roller shutter. Seeing that Fujita Kotone was still there, he said goodbye first.

"Be careful on your way back~~ Go home and get some sleep early, a healthy body is very important if you want to become an idol."

Chaoyang, as always, told her to take care of her health, knowing full well that she wouldn't listen.