Loneliness and Rock and Roll with Band Observer

Although creation is also a form of self-expression, I am also happy to be able to get rewards in this way...

…But since it’s “work”, I’m bound to feel tired.

Qiu Hui shook her head and answered the question she had just asked with a wry smile.

I'd better continue to stay alone like this.

After all, in order to work better, a necessary degree of leisure is indispensable.

Qiu Hui chewed some ice cubes, enjoying the time she had alone.

……

When Akie came out of the bar, the sky was lit up by street lights.

That drink had eaten up nearly half of her dinner budget, so she decided to go for something cheap.

Qiu Hui randomly found a beef bowl restaurant on the street and walked in in her school uniform.

It seemed that it was because it was rare to see a high school girl eating beef rice alone on the roadside, and everyone from customers to store clerks looked at Akiie in surprise.

She found a seat and sat down without any concern, ordered a simple small portion of classic drink, then took a bag of free matcha powder and brewed it using the tap at the table.

While waiting for the food to be served, the cell phone rang.

Qiu Hui answered the phone and the caller was Kasumi Shiko.

"We've read the first draft, and it's generally fine. The main plot is relatively clear, and the character design is prominent and well done. If we continue writing with this feeling, I think it shouldn't be a big problem to sell it."

"I see. Thank you very much." Akie said politely as usual.

"By the way, there is one thing you can pay attention to when you are polishing." Kasumi Shiko added, "Although I can feel that you intend to create a heavy atmosphere, as the first volume, it is better to write it in a lighter way."

"I understand. After all, we also need to consider the need to attract casual users." Qiu Hui agreed. "Then, what should I do specifically?"

"You can decide for yourself. For example, you can use more popular memes, mix more light novel-style metaphors into your inner monologue... In short, arrange some funny scenes, but don't try too hard, just be moderate. It's best to make people feel that you are serious and humorous, rather than just being funny."

"Indeed." Qiu Hui nodded. Although it was a bit profound, she could understand it to some extent.

Soon after, the beef bowl was served, but she continued to chat with the editor about work. Talking about work while eating was too rude no matter how you thought about it.

"...In short, the things you should pay attention to when editing are basically what I just told you. It's up to you to decide the specific guidelines. If you don't understand anything, just ask me."

"Yeah, I understand." Qiu Hui nodded.

The so-called creation is the creator's own business.

Others can only offer advice but can't really help.

"Oh, by the way, is the deadline for polishing set before summer vacation?" Qiu Hui asked.

"That was originally my plan, but after discussing it with the library, I think it's better to postpone it a little bit." Kasumi Shiko said on the other end of the phone, "It would be good if you can submit the manuscript before August, after all, you still have to prepare for the final exam."

"Ah... indeed." Akie smiled, "It's only now that I remember that I'm a high school student."

"It's really not easy for you." Kasumi Shiko on the other end of the phone also sighed.

Chapter 24 Pay attention to the dress code

The telephone conversation between the two continued.

"Oh, by the way, I almost forgot... You need to come to the library building on the day off next week. There are some follow-up matters that need to be discussed in person. I called here to inform you of this. If you are not free at that time, we can still discuss changing the time now; but you must attend once it is decided."

"Talk face to face?" Qiu Hui was a little surprised.

"Yes. Although electronic remote work is advocated now, some things still need to be discussed around the table." Kasumi Shiko said, "Mainly the signing of the contract for the new work, and some miscellaneous matters... Oh, by the way, there is one more important thing."

"What's up?"

"It's about ending the band."

"End the band?"

"Yes. The library has almost finished the discussion with the agency, and it's almost time to sign the contract."

Kasumi Shiko announced the breaking news in a calm tone.

"…It's that time now." Akie responded nervously.

Sign a contract...contract...

The many stereotypes of "evil entrepreneurs" in her memory became vivid and active like museum exhibits on a wonderful night, emitting nervous screams in her mind.

The negative consequences that commercialization might bring to the band began to pop up in her mind one after another.

"Don't be too nervous." Kasumi Shiko, who seemed to have noticed something, comforted her, "We at the library will also help review the contents of the contract. If you have any questions, you can ask us. Of course, if you have any opinions, we can also convey them on your behalf."

"Thank you very much, but I also think it's necessary to say something to the other members of the band..."

"That's natural," Kasumi Shiko agreed. "In fact, I think it's okay for you to bring them along to the meeting. After all, it's the 'Ending Band' that's going to be signed, not just you."

"Indeed." Qiu Hui nodded, "This is very important. I will tell them."

The sense of responsibility as a member of the band swelled up in her again.

"I'll send you the specific arrangements as an attachment later, so remember to check it. That's about it..."

Kasumi Shiko seemed ready to end the call when she said this, but she suddenly remembered something.

"Ah, there's one more thing I forgot to tell you... The illustrator for your previous book wasn't a very good choice, and the feedback from readers was pretty average. So after discussing it with me, the library decided to change to a new one."

"I see. But I don't really understand the situation in that regard..." Akihime replied.

"It's okay. The candidate this time is an acquaintance of mine. She's also a bit famous in the industry. She's planning to change her style recently, so I'm recommending her to come over to your place and give it a try."

"I see... Thank you so much, editor."

Qiu Hui's words were not just polite words. She was thanking Kasumi Shiko from the bottom of her heart.

You know, there is a saying in the industry that "buy an illustration and get something for free". Good illustrations can greatly increase the popularity of a novel.

This good news made her originally heavy mood suddenly lighten up.

"Her previous works may be a little... well, to be honest, since we are going to change our style, there is no need to use previous works as a reference. When you come to the meeting, I will arrange for you to meet by the way. The details will be clear then."

"I see. Thanks, editor."

After talking about this, the call was finally over.

Qiu Hui looked at the beef bowl that was no longer steaming and began to eat slowly.

If you eat slowly, you seem to feel fuller more.

Guided by this principle, Akiie savored the 400 yen worth of food slowly.

After finishing her meal, she continued to walk aimlessly on the street for a while, until the soreness in her calves overwhelmed her desire to continue, and she decided to go to the tram station to go home.

I don’t know why, but the fatigue I felt on the return journey was much stronger than when I set out.

When Qiu Hui pushed open the door of her residence, she didn't even bother to change her clothes and just fell headfirst onto the bed.

It’s so troublesome to go to a public bath... Let’s just forget it.

Changing into pajamas is so troublesome... Let's just forget it.

The weather seems to be quite hot today, but it doesn’t seem to be that hot. Why not just turn off the air conditioner?

Since she was too lazy to change into her pajamas from the closet, Qiu Hui simply took off her school uniform and piled it casually beside the bed. She fell on the bed in her underwear and covered her abdomen, which was easily affected by cold, with a thin quilt.

If I just fall asleep like this, it seems fine...

Since there was nothing planned to do tonight, Qiu Hui decided to just let sleepiness take over her mind.

……

The sudden ringing of the cell phone woke Qiu Hui up from her sleep.

"…Who is it at this late hour?" Akie muttered to herself as her sleep was interrupted.

Picking up her phone and checking the time, she realized the crux of the problem.

No. It's not that it's too late, it's just that I went to bed too early today, right?

“Let me see…it’s Aine…”

After pressing the on button, the screen showed Aine wearing glasses.

Since it was a video call, I could see the screen from the other end. This was a given.

"Good evening, senpai... why is the screen so dark?"

"Dark? Ah, because the lights were not on..."

Qiu Hui, with sleepy eyes, fumbled and found the light switch at the bedside.

"...Can you see now?" she asked dazedly.

Until now, she hadn't noticed anything was wrong.

"Why do you look like you just woke up, Senior? Did I wake you up?"

Noticing that Akie looked like she had just woken up, Aine realized this and quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, I woke you up for some unknown reason..."

“…It’s not Aine’s fault.” Akie shook her head, “After all, you didn’t know I would go to bed so early today.”

She rubbed her eyes gently, trying to make herself more awake.

"...So, what's going on?"

Ai Yi smiled with some guilt, "Ahaha, it's nothing actually. I just didn't make any progress when practicing guitar, and I felt annoyed, so I wanted to chat with you... But since you're ready to go to bed, I won't disturb you. After all, it's nothing serious!"

"Well, there's nothing wrong with chatting." Akie said, "I'm almost sober now anyway."

“Is that so? Hehe, then thank you very much, senior!” Aine smiled.

At this moment, Akie finally saw the scene on Aine's side. She seemed to be sitting on the sofa in her room, wearing loose home clothes and glasses...

...Wait a minute, the picture over there from Aine's side?

In other words, Aine and I are actually on a video call right now?

After waking up, Qiu Hui finally realized this most basic fact.

If I can see the scene on Aine's side, then can't Aine also see the scene on my side?

So, my current situation...

"By the way, Senior, there is something that has been bothering me since a while ago."

Aine suddenly said.

"Hmm... Well, I feel like your underwear doesn't fit you well, senpai?"

Chapter 25: They are all girls, so it's normal

Chihaya Aine suddenly wondered if she had asked a question that she shouldn't have asked.

In her opinion, since they are both girls, it is natural to talk about clothes.

But the senior’s reaction seemed a little... too intense?

From the speaker of the cell phone came Togawa Akie's panicked scream and incoherent voice that sounded a bit like an apology.

The picture on Aiyin's screen suddenly tumbled violently and froze on a scene that looked like the ceiling of the room. This seemed to be because Akie, in a panic, accidentally dropped her phone on the bed.

Ai Ne listened to Akie's intermittent voice coming from the speaker in confusion.

My senior seems to be very flustered now, saying things like "sorry", "excuse me", and "I'll put it on right away".

Is the topic of underwear inappropriate? Is there some serious reason behind the senior wearing ill-fitting underwear that I don't know about? Or is it...

...Never mind, let me find a way to comfort my senior first.

"Um, senior, are you okay?"

When the screen returned to normal, Aine asked with a hint of worry and a bit of laughter.

“…It’s alright.”

In the picture, Qiu Hui was wearing pajamas, her eyes were evasive and her face was flushed.