After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Unlike me, Minami will never be satisfied with my refusal to act, and I have never let the guitar sing.

I learned to play the guitar simply because... at the time, it was all I had.

Everything that Toyokawa Shoko possessed had made her feel envious...or perhaps jealous.

Whether it's her social skills, her cheerful personality, her passion for music, or... Yu Yu.

"What are you thinking about? You are so lost in thought."

A warm hand suddenly rested on Wakaba Mutsu's head, dispelling her uncontrollable wild thoughts during her leisure time.

The girl with golden eyes looked up and realized that the boy she had been waiting for had already come to her side while she was lost in thought.

Seeing the girl look up and discover his arrival, and the genuine joy and tenderness in her eyes, Toyokawa Yuu's fingertips trembled, and the wariness she had been prepared to face a stranger quietly vanished.

The personality I don't know at all would never show that kind of look, not even Metis. That rather childlike girl would be overjoyed and rush over to me.

Only when Wakaba Mutsuko returned home from get off work and found him standing by the "dangerous" window waiting for her to come home, and she forcibly dragged him away, would he show this look that was almost like "It's so good to have you here."

The initial wary tone gradually relaxed without them realizing it.

"Nagasaki Sase doesn't welcome you? Why are you making me wait here... Let's go home. Take a shower when we get home. It's still easy to sweat at night in this season."

"......Um."

Faced with Toyokawa Yuu's series of seemingly disjointed but clearly clumsy expressions of concern, Wakaba Mutsu didn't offer a single superfluous response.

She neither defended Nagasaki Sase, who was misunderstood, nor objected to Toyokawa Yuu's arrangements.

The golden-eyed girl simply nodded obediently, released the guitar from her arms, grasped the wrists of Yuu Toyokawa that were resting on her head, pulled her into her embrace, and revealed a reassuring smile.

He did not break free from the girl's hand, even though such behavior was indeed somewhat ambiguous between men and women of the same age.

Yuu Toyokawa picked up the guitar case that Mutsumi Wakaba had opened, slung the strap over her sword, and then pulled up the girl who was sitting by the flowerbed. Despite her rather cute face, she was as inconspicuous as a green leaf when she was silent.

She didn't question what the unfamiliar personality had done with Wakaba Mutsu's body, nor did she question why Wakaba Mutsu had ignored her coming to see Nagasaki Sase. When the girl looked up and revealed that kind of look, those questions that had been bothersome on the way here were now considered inappropriate.

This girl had just been given a hard time by her mother this morning, and Toyokawa Yuu didn't want her to face two despicable people in one day.

"Then let's go home."

With Wakaba Mutsu holding her wrist, Toyokawa Yuu led her toward the station.

"Speaking of which, we haven't had dinner yet. What would you like to eat? Let's eat together later before going back."

Upon hearing Toyokawa Yuu's question, Wakaba Mutsu, who had been holding the other's wrist, trembled slightly.

Even though she doesn't mind eating with him now, Toyokawa Yuu rarely makes such an invitation.

"The breakfast shop we went to together last time is also open in the evening."

There was no "I'll do whatever you say" kind of talk. Since Yuu Toyokawa had given him the choice, Mutsuka Wakaba felt that he shouldn't make her face the dilemma of having to make a second choice.

However, she did have some things on her mind and couldn't help but worry.

"Tomorrow is Ave Mujica and Sumimi's show... I can't go live, right?"

"...If you want to go, I can think of a way; Mana seems to have a lot of experience in this area."

After a moment of silence, Toyokawa Yuu swallowed the "that's right" that she was about to blurt out.

He didn't want to take any risks regarding Wakaba Mutsu's personal freedom, but Junda Mana's actions today have truly set an exception.

Perhaps that popular idol really does have a solution.

"No need, I'll watch the live broadcast on your computer at home. You can focus on your work."

The hands that held Yuu Toyokawa's wrists slid down little by little, and the two fair palms gently enveloped the boy's fingers.

The tiny pinky finger quietly sank into the boy's fingers.

Chapter 186 Mr. Youyu, There's a Ghost Tonight (5k)

Nine years and three hundred and fifty days before Toyokawa Shoko's death, at dusk.

.................................................. ................

In a Tokyo building that primarily provides venues for various entertainment and variety shows, the staff, already familiar with their work, are as busy as ever today.

Every now and then, popular celebrities who are highly praised by the outside world walk past them, but having seen all kinds of celebrities, they are no longer easily moved by such chance encounters.

This building has been around for decades, and many of the staff have worked here for several years or even more than a decade. No matter how excited they were when they first joined, they have now become desensitized to it.

After all, once anything turns from a hobby into a job, it's inevitable that you'll gradually lose your passion.

Moreover, most of these celebrities who occasionally visit this building don't even spend as long as they work in this building, from their rise to fame to their fall from grace.

Rather than asking everyone they meet for autographs, these staff members actually have some harmless little hobbies... or rather, traditions.

Guess which of these currently popular artists will become true evergreen stars, and which will be like fireworks in the night sky, shining brightly for a while before disappearing without a trace.

for example......

"Good evening everyone! Mana and Xiao Chu are back to see you all again."

The lively voice was full of enthusiasm, and just hearing it made you want to respond with a smile. The familiar tone in her words made it seem like she had visited this place many times before.

The brown-haired girl wore a black and white patchwork dress. The neat cut accentuated her slender waist, and the small tie at the neckline added a touch of playfulness and sassiness.

Wearing black lace-up ankle boots, she stood steadily under the light, and when she raised her hand and waved lightly, it was as if all the vigor of youth was infused into her figure.

The golden chain around her waist swayed gently, making a soft tinkling sound with each step... It was the only color on her that could be considered dazzling.

Compared to the past in the industry, this is actually quite rare. As the most popular idol at the moment, Junda Mana's performance outfit is really too simple.

However, given her and her partner's looks and the speed of their progress, it is indeed believable that they could attract attention even without deliberately dressing up in a flamboyant manner.

Mana Junda, carrying Hatsune Miku in her long-awaited Sumimi performance outfit, walked through the building's corridor, warmly greeting every group of staff she encountered.

Even Hatsune Miku, who was holding a guitar and seemed a bit aloof, politely nodded to everyone.

This building was not unfamiliar to the two Sumimi members. In the year that Sumimi rose to fame, they had recorded no fewer than ten different variety shows here.

"Oh, Ms. Mana and Ms. Hatsuka, it has indeed been a while since I've seen them."

A senior, somewhat casual behind-the-scenes staff member responded to Mana Junda's greeting, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Having worked here for a long time, she has witnessed how this group rose to prominence within a year at a speed that can be described as legendary in the industry. In the discussions among company members about "who is most likely to become a long-lasting star," she is quite optimistic about Sumimi.

With strong abilities, a good personality, a willingness to improve, and the resources she has backing her... she really couldn't think of any reason for Sumimi to become a firework. Even if she were to change her career path in the future, she would definitely remain an evergreen tree.

In her opinion, they might have a chance to become the next Minami Mori.

only......

Those staff members who knew certain inside information felt a pang of sadness, and a hint of regret flashed in their eyes.

"After all, Mana has been busy with other things lately, but what those things are must be kept secret."

In response to the staff's reply, Junda Mana enthusiastically stepped forward and waved to them, using half of her body to slightly block Hatsune Miku standing behind her.

She could sense that her partner seemed a little upset because of what the other person had said.

After all, Sumimi's recent decline in activity is largely due to her joining Ave Mujica, which has left her with insufficient time to maintain her previous activity level.

"Then I'll have to look forward to Sumimi's long-awaited performance on stage together... But be careful, the producers on this show love to make things difficult for people."

"Don't worry, don't worry, Mana is very familiar with this kind of situation, there won't be any problems."

The staff member's words made Mana Junda's eyes flicker slightly.

She actually knew this staff member; she had worked in this building for many years, held a good position, and was well-informed about internal matters.

It's no secret that the show featuring Sumimi and Ave Mujica is known for its penchant for digging up gossip and creating sensationalism, but when it reaches a point that warrants a special mention...

"Mana, time is almost up. We need to go to the dressing room for one last check of the makeup."

Hatsune's somewhat urging voice quietly reached Junda Mana's ears, slightly interrupting her thoughts.

Although there is still enough time, as a program that has been promoted for a long time, the fans' expectations are certainly quite high, so it is not too much to prepare.

"Oh, right... Sorry, Mana has to take Xiaochu with her now."

With a slightly apologetic wave to the others, Junta Mana quickly led Hatsune Miku to the backstage of the corresponding program's studio, where Sumimi's manager was already waiting at the entrance of the dressing room.

It's not hard to detect a hint of anxiety in those frameless glasses.

Clearly, the agent had been waiting here for some time.

However, this is nothing to worry about. In the minds of Junda Mana and Hatsune Miku, their manager has always been this kind of worrier. She would arrive first for almost every recording to do some routine checks and preparations.

What caught the attention of Junda Mana and Hatsune was a man and a woman standing at the entrance of the dressing room, talking to their manager.

Yuu Toyokawa and... Umiyu Hachiman.

"Sorry, Sister Lena, Xiao Chu and I are late... Good evening, You Yu, and Miss Timoris."

After greeting the people standing at the entrance of the dressing room, Junda Mana originally wanted to ask her manager if the production team was planning something strange this time.

But since there are outsiders present, this topic seems somewhat inappropriate.

If it were just Yuu Toyokawa present, it wouldn't be a problem. After all, Ave Mujica would also be sending someone, and since this matter concerns his band, there's no need to deliberately hide it.

But if Hachiman Kairin were also present, the situation would be different.

According to the regulations of the two groups' management companies, artists have neither the obligation nor the authority to care about things outside of their assigned duties. Whether or not band members should know should be decided by Yuu Toyokawa, not by her own mouth.

"It's okay, it's not too late. The makeup artist is already inside and ready. There's time to check your clothes and makeup. If there's still time left, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself not to be nervous."

Seeing that his team members had finally arrived, Sumimi's manager's eyes softened, and his expression and tone became much gentler, no longer as serious and businesslike as when he was facing Toyokawa Yuu and Hachiman Kairin.

"Speaking of which, what were Yuu and Lena talking about just now? Miss Timoris was there too."

Looking at Yuu Toyokawa with some doubt, it seemed that this manager, who was always so concerned about the band, hadn't patiently reminded the performers of the important points before the show started. Was he really that trusting of his people?

People from Ave Mujica shouldn't have that much on-the-spot experience.

"Xiangzi and Amoris are changing clothes. Although there are changing rooms inside to provide privacy, I'll leave out of courtesy for now. It'll be a good opportunity to let Timoris get more familiar with the behind-the-scenes work of an agent. She seems to be interested in this area lately and is planning to switch careers."

Faced with Junda Mana's confusion, Toyokawa Yuu shrugged, his words seemingly tinged with helplessness.

From an agent's perspective, it's quite distressing when someone under their management suddenly decides to change careers, seemingly trying to take their job.

However, even in situations where work code names should be used formally, Toyokawa Yuu still used a nickname that felt more natural to her when referring to Toyokawa Shoko.

"Huh? Is Timoris planning to switch careers and become a talent agent?"

The one who said this was not Junda Mana, who had just raised the question, but Hatsune Miku, who was standing next to her.

As a theoretical ally, she really didn't know that Yawata Kairin had such a plan.

"I just want to help Mr. Yu Yu more; I have no intention of leaving Ave Mujica."

Noticing that everyone's eyes were on her, Hachiman Kairin's eyes showed some displeasure, but the lower half of her face, covered by a mask, made it impossible to tell whether her expression had changed.

She hasn't told anyone else about her plans yet.

She was worried that Toyokawa Yuu might misunderstand her interpretation of the situation.

"Alright, this has nothing to do with you. Go inside and get ready."

Sumimi's manager's somewhat urging voice interrupted their casual conversation.

She shares the same attitude as Mana Junda regarding the division of labor between managers and artists.

Artists should not interfere with their agents' work at will. This is not only a matter of the agent's prestige and power, but also a matter of unclear authority, which could lead to chaos in the operation of the team.

Especially for large teams like Ave Mujica.

However, Ms. Lena also knew that she shouldn't meddle in things that weren't her business, and Ave Mujica's situation was indeed special.

Therefore, although she disliked this girl whose views did not align with her own, Ms. Lena still shared her experience within the limits of what she could say, as a way to please Toyokawa Yuu, the eldest son of the Toyokawa family.

But despite trying to please her, Sumimi's manager doesn't forget her primary responsibility.

Ms. Lena opened the door to the dressing room and gestured with her chin to her two artists, indicating that they should go in and prepare.

"Go for it, Chuhua."

Just before stepping into the dressing room, an encouraging voice reached Hatsune Miku's ears.

Turning my head, I saw a pair of emerald green eyes looking at me. The lower half of my face was covered by a mask, and only my eyes were clearly visible.

As a member who was coerced into joining, Hatsune easily discerned something beyond encouragement in his words.

Yawata Kairin was reminding herself not to forget what she had promised last night.