Will the plagiarism girl be a substitute for the preference for women?

This kind of straightforward compensation method is still too bad.

Perhaps we should switch to an indirect, gradual approach that can change Xiangzi's financial situation.

"Besides, you did those things because you have a mental illness, so you don't need to apologize to me at all."

"Hmm..." Xiangzi's words made Qianna raise her head and meet Xiangzi's gaze with a pleading look.

"Please don't... indulge in this feeling of self-reproach any longer."

A fleeting look of reluctance crossed Xiangzi's face. She took out a notebook with a rhinoceros beetle cover from the drawer, turned to the page with the sheet music she had transcribed from Wayhome, and placed it on Qiannai's desk.

"I also love music, let's chat."

Chapter 17 The Band

music……

When did you say you liked music?

Oh, it was during the self-introduction.

After realizing what was happening, China took a closer look at the sheet music in the notebook, which was covered with Xiangzi's analysis of the song.

The analysis is very professional, and the direction of the analysis is basically towards "why it tops the charts" and "why people want to listen to it on repeat".

After turning the page, you'll find some melodies that Xiangzi came up with based on this style of music, applying the same principles to other situations.

After humming a few lines, Qiannai immediately associated the definition of "genius" with Xiangzi, followed by a great sense of shame after comparing herself with Xiangzi.

The thought that the other person, after experiencing such a great blow as the decline of the aristocracy, was still able to maintain his rationality, concentrate on his studies, and maintain his love for music made China even more afraid to face Shoko directly.

It emerges from the mud unsullied, having seen the light and fallen into darkness, it transforms itself back into light.

That light was so dazzling...

In contrast, I am a damp, sour pill bug.

"Please don't space out."

Xiangzi woke up Qianna, who was sitting in Feibo, and then leaned down from beside Qianna's seat, placing one hand on the table.

"You said this song is amazing, have you ever done a similar song analysis? Let's exchange ideas."

Xiangzi, who had just learned that I had deceived him, did not ignore me but instead discussed our hobbies with me.

"No, I only bet that this song would be a hit." Qian Nai had no desire to show off her knowledge as a music student in front of Xiangzi, so she answered truthfully.

"Being able to bet correctly shows that you have a strong intuition for music."

Xiangzi turned to another page in his notebook. The word "Planning" was written in the upper left corner of the page, and below it were several sentences of discarded drafts that Xiangzi had crossed out.

"Come on, you said you wanted to shine in the band, think about your band plan."

"For example, costumes, stage design, band personas, etc..."

Xiangzi placed the ballpoint pen on the notebook, while Qiannai took out a pencil from her bag.

After hovering her pen over the notebook for about ten seconds, she felt a sudden lack of inspiration, then slumped back in her chair and sighed.

"Sis, let me send you some money to make it up to you."

Xiangzi looked straight at Qiannai and said:

"What compensation? You lied to me just now, but it didn't cause me any emotional distress. Besides, I still owe you a favor."

"If you really want to do something to help me alleviate my guilt, I hope it's in a mutually beneficial way, rather than you unilaterally giving me money."

"Are you rolling in money now? How much of it is actually earned by yourself? You're just a student, so be careful with your money."

Xiangzi was like an older sister educating Qianna.

This must be the time I've had the most conversations with others this semester, aside from when I was working as a customer service representative.

She could have easily ignored the person sitting behind her, whom she had only known for less than a day, and continued to focus on her studies, but she did it anyway.

If there's one reason that can convince me... it's probably to test Chika, who also loves music, and see if she's qualified to form a commercial band with me.

"Shouldn't we teach each other how to fish, instead of me unilaterally giving away fish...?"

Chika roughly understood Shoko's intention in coming to talk to her about music.

The discussion we just had about why a song can become popular, and how we planned the band's strategy from various aspects such as team uniforms, stage setup, and band personas, were all aimed at building a profitable band.

Xiangzi does need money, but accepting handouts is an insult to her dignity.

Only resources earned through one's own hard work can bring one recognition.

What noble qualities, what unwavering beliefs!

but……

"I feel that as long as the song is good enough, even if I go up and sing in a vest with a beer in my hand, the audience will still be packed, and no one will think I'm sloppy and refuse to come."

China revealed her true feelings again, instead of trying to rely on other people's opinions as before.

"That's true."

Xiangzi turned his eyes to the window and said.

"However, if everyone's songs are all very good, then we have to go in other directions... wearing gorgeous team uniforms, or creating a worldview that matches the band's musical style, playing a distinctive character, or other methods to attract people."

“Indeed, but I always feel that if the song is good enough, it can suppress all the fancy stuff,” China said, resting her chin on her hand.

She suddenly realized that her words had been too unrestrained, and completely abandoned the caution she had shown before.

No, I can't lose control of myself before even having a manic episode and speak without fully understanding the situation!

China immediately apologized profusely, saying, "I'm so sorry! I absolutely did not disagree with your project direction. If you feel offended, I can bow deeply to apologize!"

Seeing this, Xiangzi said with a hint of helplessness, "Please don't be so cautious."

After a short while, Xiangzi calmly admitted it.

"At least, in my mind, this is the kind of band that combines singing and performance effects."

……

Last night, when China was composing music and listening to songs, she came across them; they are a band composed of students from Tsukimori.

Among them, the band's lead singer, Kurata Mashiro, had some recollection of Chinatsu's past life.

Her friend who plays BanG Dream! sent her a meme of Mashiro holding a sparkler, captioned "Holy crap, this is hallucination."

...A fellow patient?

In short, don't make a first impression or jump to conclusions about someone based on memes before you meet them in person.

"So, the band you're planning is your target?" China asked.

"...I've always admired them. But if I were to form a band now, my precise goal would be to achieve high popularity and rapid commercialization."

But for Xiangzi at present, these are just ideas that don't take up too much space.

Raising a large amount of resources to start a commercial band is very risky; if it fails, it will all be destroyed. It is currently an alternative plan.

As for assessing Chika's abilities and considering whether to include her in the band, it's just a way to slightly refine the alternative.

Studying hard now and getting a high-paying job is still a relatively safe way to turn your life around.

It could also be because... Xiangzi currently lacks a driving force, an indomitable spirit against fate, and the drive to shine in the band, which would make her willing to take enormous risks.

She doesn't know if such a situation will motivate her to do this in the future.

While Xiangzi remained silent for a moment, Qiannai suddenly realized something.

I told Deng during the break last time that I'd look for them this class! Now class is about to start again!

China quickly opened her phone and sent Aine a series of explanations and apologies, hoping that Aine would tell Akari that she would definitely go to see them after the next get out of class.

"Are you chatting with Deng and the others?"

Xiangzi didn't look at Qiannai's phone; she just looked out the window, but she guessed right.

"Hmm..." China whispered.

"Then... if you absolutely must do something to ease your guilt..."

What Xiangzi was about to say made her look slightly strained and hesitant, but she finally spoke decisively.

"Help me get rid of the past and form a band with Deng."

Chapter 18 Okay, Big Sister

"You want me to join the Lights Band?"

China said in a slightly teasing tone.

"You really don't have any deep-seated grudge against Deng, do you? Asking someone with a mental illness to join Deng's band, aren't you afraid I'll hurt her?"

She remembered the rest of her original plan: to tell Akari and Aine the truth and apologize, then leave the school and stop harming them.

However, the first step of this plan was not executed properly.

In other words, the apologies and compensation offered to Xiangzi were basically returned by Xiangzi.

Then Xiangzi led the conversation to music and planning, as if he were treating himself as a normal person and never mentioning his decision to "leave school".

But when talking about forming a band with others, the reason for this "decision" still can't be avoided: what to do when the symptoms flare up?

However, Xiangzi simply avoided eye contact and said, "I haven't thought about these things. I'm just offering some suggestions since you've been trying to give me some compensation."

"If you don't want to do it, you can still think about forming a commercial band with me. Of course, my requirements will be very high."

"If you're interested, go to the band section during your lunch break, and I'll assess your abilities further."

Just then, the school bell rang.

"In short, I don't really want you to isolate yourself from society and shut yourself in a room. You'll eventually have to fend for yourself, and no one will keep bringing you food to your room."

After speaking, Xiangzi sat back down in his seat and then let out a sigh of relief.

Even though they themselves are overwhelmed by life's pressures, they still find time to patiently educate others.

Am I still too indecisive and hesitant to talk?

Is it really because she looks similar, or because of a possible blood relationship, that she deserves my care?

Having never played together since childhood, suddenly being given the identity of an "older sister" has brought me back to the mindset I had when I was playing house with dolls.

Don't get too caught up in it.

Furthermore, your understanding of mental illness is insufficient, and some of your actions may not have a positive effect on her.

Xiangzi reminded himself of this, and also reminded Qiannai in the back row.

"What I just said was a bit presumptuous and self-assured, so please don't take it to heart. What you do is up to you."

Then, Xiangzi turned around and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the lesson.

At this moment, China leaned forward quietly and whispered, "It's nothing. I'm already very content to have you care about me."

Snap??

Xiangzi accidentally wrote a word incorrectly.

She rarely makes corrections, especially since she finds it unsightly to make mistakes when taking notes in textbooks, so she is even more careful when doing so.

It's just that she ran into a jerk who distracted her.

That wasn't enough; she then felt something sharp poking her back.

Goodness, the moment I hoped you wouldn't isolate yourself from society, you started interacting with people non-stop. Is your manic episode acting up again?

In that case, you are indeed right. You should stick to your plan and leave school as soon as possible.

Xiangzi turned around, a little annoyed, only to see that what was poking her was correction tape.

"……Thanks"

Xiangzi glanced at Qianna, who was leaning on the table with her hand outstretched and a hint of ulterior motive in her eyes, and then snatched the correction tape away.

When returning it to Chizuru after use, she reminded her, "Don't rely too much on correction tape."

After saying this, Xiangzi felt increasingly conflicted and finally came up with a compromise to convince himself: if his younger sister was not up to par, he should just leave her alone.

……

get out of class time.