Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

They bring their equipment (bass) to the designated band, help them complete their performances, and then collect their money and leave after the show.

This carefree, mercenary-like work experience, while not bringing her friendships or bonds, at least allowed her to live a free and easy life.

Hachiman Kairin doesn't often venture into the world of mercenaries, yet her legend lives on everywhere. As her mercenary life becomes increasingly successful, many people come seeking her exceptional skills, booking her weekly performances on social media.

Of course, there will be some guys who aren't so knowledgeable.

Yawata Kairin's previously uneventful life as a mercenary has recently undergone some slight changes.

It wasn't for any other reason than that one or two unexpected guests kept disturbing her peaceful daily life.

"Hachiman-kun, you've worked hard today too! Ah, someone's waiting for you outside today, but it doesn't seem to be that handsome guy from before..."

It was the same band that had hired her before, and there was still a handsome and dignified man silently waiting for her after the performance.

This time, however, it wasn't that boy.

“My name is Toyokawa Shoko—nice to meet you, Hachiman Kairin.”

The girl with long silver-blue hair introduced herself with confidence, her amber eyes radiating undisguised self-assurance.

I have a feeling that I've met someone similar to her before, but that person wasn't as sharp and direct as her.

Yawata Kairin nodded and, just as she had done every time she discussed cooperation, took out her business card from her jacket pocket.

"If you want to discuss hiring, my contact information is above."

"No, I didn't come here for something like that!"

"If it's not about that, then what is it?"

Hachiman tilted his head, thinking of the boy who had also found him unexpectedly before.

"Could it be that Toyokawa-kun also came here just to sit down and have a chat with me?"

She was a little puzzled, as her mercenary business did not offer these services.

"Wait, no! Wait, why would Hachiman-kun say 'also'..."

Shoko Toyokawa looked troubled, but Kairin Hachiman didn't seem to care.

She wouldn't easily expose the privacy of potential clients, so even if the boy's behavior seemed abnormal to her, she wouldn't suddenly bring up something like, "Oh, that's because there was a guy who looked exactly like him trying to poach my clients before."

However, there is one point that Hachiman Kairin still needs to clarify.

"I'd be happy to work with you on a short-term basis. The fees are listed on my business card. But if it's for a long-term collaboration, please at least give me a reason to be interested."

In this line of work, the biggest taboo is falling in love with your teammates—cough, I mean, developing a bond with them.

“I understand. If you are a profit-driven person, then I will show you how much benefit you can gain by cooperating with me.”

Shoko Toyokawa smiled calmly, as if she had been prepared for this.

What she proposed next was the same project proposal that she had previously put forward to Mu and Chu Hua.

ave mujica.

This planning concept had been brewing in her mind for a long time, but it only recently took shape.

The band she wanted to form had to be more commercial and mature than CRYCHIC; its unconventional pop-metal rock style would surely stand out among the fiercely competitive group of girl bands.

She invited mostly well-known and influential figures in the industry, and coupled with Xiangzi's long-planned concept of masked puppets, she built up enough mystery to maximize audience anticipation. When they finally removed their masks, it was sure to attract a huge audience.

"I see."

Yawata Kairin nodded; she gradually understood everything.

"Toyokawa-kun, how many people have you successfully invited so far?"

"what……"

However, such a simple question instantly shattered Xiangzi's confidence.

"If you agree, Hachiman-kun, then there are two more people we're discussing, so it should be the four of us..."

What is the art of language?

Hachiman Kailing nodded.

"It's actually 0."

That's absolutely humiliating!

"They'll agree sooner or later! It just takes a little time..."

“I see. Then let’s wait until they agree before asking me again. The proposal is very interesting, and I look forward to your success.”

Yawata Kairin placed the business card in Xiangzi's palm, then waved goodbye to her.

"Recently, quite a few people have tried to poach my talent, so I need to carefully consider everyone's suggestions. But I really like this project, Toyokawa-kun. See you again sometime."

After saying this, she turned and left, leaving Xiangzi completely bewildered and at a loss.

Well, actually she could have guessed this outcome.

Shoko's visit to Hachiman Kairin was merely a trial balloon; if Mutsu and Hatsuka both accepted her invitation, then Kairin's joining should be a done deal.

However, Chu Hua's attitude was still unclear; she had previously hung up on him over something else. As for Mu… Xiangzi didn't have the courage to probe her thoughts yet.

Furthermore, according to Hachiman Kairin, there must have been another person who approached Hachiman before Toyokawa Shoko and made a long-term cooperation offer that was exactly the same as hers.

Who is this guy?

Actually, there was not much need for imagination; Toyokawa Shoko already had a rough idea in his mind.

only……

"...It's best if it's not you again, Kazama-kun."

The debt of gratitude owed and the previous unpleasantness had left Xiangzi unsure how to face Kazama. Not to mention that both Muku, Niru, Yueyi, and Chuhua were subtly being drawn away from their own paths because of him—

Su Shi and Li Xi are both standing by his side, isn't that enough? How much more does he want to take from him...?

The thin business card gradually twisted and deformed as she clutched it in her hand, but Toyokawa Shoko quickly pulled herself out of this brief moment of negative emotion.

"call……"

A chill ran down my spine, and I broke out in a cold sweat.

Shoko Toyokawa slapped her cheeks with both hands, refusing to allow herself to succumb to such despicable thoughts.

"Very well, Kazama-kun... if you're going to try and take it, then show me what you've got!"

If a fight is to be fought, then let the two of them fight for the custody of the other people in a fair, just, and just manner!

Toyokawa Shoko's competitive spirit continued to rise, while only the band members who quietly passed by her whispered among themselves.

"What's going on here? Is this a battleground where handsome men and beautiful women are vying for Hachiman's attention?"

I'm betting on that handsome guy to win!

"Actually, you just want to see handsome men and beautiful women perform on the same stage, right?"

"Hey hehe~"

Chapter Twenty-Five: Ah Xiao, Stay Tonight

In his home, which wasn't spacious but had all the essentials despite its small size, Kazama lay on the bed fiddling with his phone.

Outside, the scorching sun beats down, making one sweat profusely, while inside, the air conditioning keeps one feeling refreshed.

The horizontal scroll reads: "I can't live without air conditioning."

It's been a while since he was discharged from the hospital, and the aftermath of that incident has finally come to a temporary end. Xiangzi is busy recruiting people and shouldn't be making any major moves, so he can finally slow down and relax a bit.

New chat content has appeared in the "We are a loving family" group chat.

"Hey, I'm telling you, why don't we just form a band? We practice together almost every week anyway, and we'll probably perform together after that, right?"

Ai Yin seemed to casually bring up the topic, but who knew that she had actually wanted to form a band for a long time?

"The last performance was super-charged, wasn't it! Wasn't it, soyorin!"

"Hmm... I guess you could say that."

Su Shi's response was lukewarm, but at least she no longer deliberately used a polite yet distant tone to maintain the distance between them as she had in the past.

In Kazama's memory, when he was a child, he also watched Aunt Aine and Aunt Suze teasing each other in this casual way—of course, the main point of interest was that Aunt Suze's seemingly indifferent response to Aunt Aine's goodwill was actually taken to heart.

He felt that his fascination with the subtle and ambiguous feelings between girls in movies and TV shows after he grew up was thanks to these two aunts.

However, such thoughts only exist in one's mind; watching movies and TV shows can provide some light entertainment.

Although Su Shi hasn't fully opened up yet, this can be considered a good start. Improving their relationship and even advancing to a close friendship where they can raise Xiao Shi together in the future is still a long way off, Miss Aine.

"Even if you want to form a band, you'd better improve your basic skills first, right?"

Lixi appeared just in time and poked Aiyin.

"However, I think Aine's performance that day was already very good..."

It hadn't joined the conversation—it might just be that the light from the diving device suddenly appeared.

"Really?! Thank you, tomorin!!"

"Hmm, if that's what the lamp says..."

I feel like I've witnessed the rise of the new recruits and the decline of the veterans in the Light Guard.

It's good. Although he has been silently watching the chat history in the group without ever saying a word, this detached, outsider attitude has inexplicably given him a very strong sense of security and ease.

He had originally tried his best to help them because he was afraid of being abandoned by Li Xi and Su Shi in this world.

It turns out that they were completely different from the aunties she originally knew.

Their joys and sorrows diverged in completely different directions over time, and he could no longer find the reflection of his former aunts in these girls.

But perhaps, the best arrangement is to stop dwelling on such things.

They can form a band without needing to repay a debt of gratitude, and Kazama can find meaning in continuing to live in this world without constantly being tied to them.

He is now embarking on a journey to find this meaning.

Just as Kazama and his long-held principles reached a reconciliation, another message flashed through the group chat.

"What about Kazama? You should join too, right?"

Riki's sudden remarks abruptly pulled Kazama Anne from her outsider seat.

"?"

He typed a question mark in the group chat.

Why is there still something to do with him?

"Shouldn't Lena be playing guitar?"

"Oh, you mean stray cat... She's always been pretty unpredictable. We did mention wanting her to join us, but right now I have to teach her how to even communicate via text message?"

"Yes. So I agree with Taki-chan... We also need a versatile person to act as a safety net for the whole band."

Su Shi immediately understood and accepted Li Xi's words.

Kazama had a feeling that these two were working together way too well...maybe they had discussed this in private.

"We wouldn't have been able to perform on stage without Xiaojun's help, and I'll never forget that."

The meaning of "素世" is quite clear.

"Yes, yes, Kazama-sensei has helped us so much! My guitar skills have improved to this point entirely thanks to his teaching!"

Aine is equally impressive.

"Hmph... Although I don't want to admit it, I have corrected the things you pointed out earlier. If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't have been able to spot those minor flaws."

Li Xi also affirmed his value with a touch of pride.

"Me too... If it weren't for Kazama-kun, I probably would have given up before even getting on stage."

The lamp also spoke its mind directly.

These people...

In the past, Kazama would have been overjoyed and immediately agreed.