A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

Chihaya Tetsuya is absolutely worthy of the title of genius designer.

"Really...that's amazing, Chihaya-nii."

Toyokawa Shoko squeezed out a sigh that was almost like a delirium from her throat.

She had always been praised for her giftedness and talent by those around her, but now she felt a rather frustrating sense of powerlessness towards the person in front of her whom she was desperately trying to catch up with.

Even though he had affirmed his talent countless times, the gap between the two of them would not be truly narrowed by just a few words of praise.

If I want to truly become his helper, I still have a long way to go.

And now, with the help of Sakurakoji Luna and Nagasaki Motoyo, Chihaya Tetsuya's personal brand is about to be established.

He will officially step out of this studio and enter the fashion world as an individual. By then, he will surely come into contact with more geniuses and noble people than he does now.

By then, will I really still be valued by Chihaya Tetsuya like I am now?

Or, will she have to be taken care of by Chihaya Tetsuya forever, and the relationship between them will always remain unequal?

……

"This outfit will definitely cause a sensation on the internet just like the one with Hoshino Ai..."

Toyokawa Shoko sighed sincerely:

“Even a complete layman who knows nothing about clothing will be deeply attracted by its exquisite design and gorgeousness.”

"Other people's opinions are fine, but I'd rather hear Chuhua's and your thoughts as her childhood sweetheart."

Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"But judging from your comments, it seems that there is no problem."

"More than no problem, I'm already looking forward to seeing Chuhua wearing this costume."

Toyokawa Shoko shook her head gently, removing the dull look and slightly dimmed gaze from her face.

"Chuhua will definitely like this design!"

"I hope so. If she likes this design, then we can start making it. However..."

Suddenly, Chihaya Tetsuya changed the subject, and his tone became slightly hesitant:

"I want to achieve the visual effect I want through hollowing out, but my current proof-making ability alone is not enough to quickly finalize the design. So, just like last time, I need the wearer to cooperate with me in making adjustments to the garment this time."

"If nothing unexpected happens, I might have to trouble Chuhua to come to our studio a few more times during the next period of time... Fengchuan, could you please convey this to her for me?"

“…Yeah, I understand.”

Toyokawa Shoko nodded.

"I'm going to tell her about this tonight."

"Well, I'll leave it to you then."

After saying that, Chihaya Tetsu returned to his seat, picked up the bundle of luminous fibers, and prepared to experiment with its actual effect.

On the other side, looking at Chihaya Tetsuya's focused profile, Toyokawa Shoko's eyes were flickering with ripples that made it difficult to discern the true meaning.

Chapter 26: Opportunity at the center of contradiction.

Since both Xiaoxiang and Tetsuya liked the design, we decided to go with it!

Although he didn't know what kind of clothing it was, out of trust in the two of them, Sanjiao Chuhua agreed without any hesitation.

[By the way, Xiaoxiang, will this costume be made by both of you, just like Nagasaki-san's?]

“…Not really.”

Toyokawa Shoko pursed her lips slightly.

"The technology used in this costume... I don't have it yet."

"I see... then it looks like it must be a costume of a very high level of professionalism."

Hearing this, Sanjiao Chuhua on the other end of the phone sighed as if he understood something, then continued to ask:

So, besides the announcement of the general design, is there anything else?

"Also, in order to maximize the presentation of this costume, you may need to come to the studio to help adjust it."

Toyokawa Shoko said:

"And because the design is a little complicated, you might have to come more than once."

[I see. I understand.]

Sanjiao Chuhua expressed his understanding.

[Just let me know in advance when adjustments are needed, and I'll arrange the schedule with my agent in advance.]

"Well, I'll leave it to you then."

Shoko Toyokawa nodded and prepared to hang up the phone.

However, at the moment when her finger was about to press the hang-up button, Sanjiao Chuhua suddenly spoke:

【Xiangzi...are you okay? 】

"..."

Toyokawa Shoko paused for a moment before saying:

"what do you mean?"

[Well, I just think your state today is a little strange compared to a while ago.]

Sanjiao Chuhua's tone was slightly worried.

What happened?

"……not at all."

Toyokawa Shoko shook her head and then continued:

"I'm just a little tired. I'll be fine after a good sleep."

Ah, I see!

After hearing this, Sanjiao Chuhua suddenly made a sound of sudden enlightenment.

[That's good. I won't disturb your rest then. Good night, Xiaoxiang!]

"You too, good night, Chuhua."

……

After hanging up the phone, Toyokawa Shoko put down her phone. After hesitating for a long time, she finally dialed the number.

【I didn't expect you to contact me at this time. 】

Sakurakouji Luna's voice came from the other side of the microphone.

What's up, Ms. Toyokawa Shoko?

"I'm so sorry to bother you at this hour—"

[Forget the polite words. I'm not like your average rich girl. You don't need to be so respectful to me.]

Sakurakoji Luna said:

【If you have anything to say, just say it directly. 】

"Please tell me Ms. Yamabuki's contact information."

After hearing this, Shoko Toyokawa no longer hesitated and directly stated the purpose of her call.

"I have a few questions for her."

【Hey? I see.】

Sakurakoji Luna first made a sound of surprise, and then her voice suddenly moved away from the microphone -

[Yachiyo, Ms. Toyokawa Shoko seems to have something to talk to you about.]

【Got it. Then, I’ll cover the rest of the course later.】

Hearing the conversation not far away on the microphone, Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but feel a little surprised:

"……course?"

[Well, I’m in class.]

"At this time?!"

[After all, I had just been "taught a lesson" by a fledgling apprentice not long ago. In order to avoid making the same mistake again, I must find a way to make up for it.]

Sakurakouji Luna said this in a slightly teasing tone.

And then, accompanied by a slight noise, Yamabuki Yachiyo's voice was heard.

Good evening, Ms. Toyokawa. What questions would you like to ask?

"It's about Chihaya... Chihaya Tetsuya setting up his own company."

Toyokawa Shoko straightened her seat and asked:

"I heard from a friend that... building a personal brand seems to be quite difficult these days."

[Yes, that is indeed the case.]

Yamabuki Yachiyo gave an affirmative answer.

With the backing of capital, NozAK!'s expansion momentum has been so aggressive this year that nearly every fashion brand has been making concessions to them to avoid conflict, and even other related industries are gradually leaning towards them.

“…Will this trend continue?”

[At least judging by their momentum, this will continue for at least the next six months. If their results this year are good enough, this period may be extended even further.]

Yamabuki Yachiyo analyzed:

[During this period, the living space of small and medium-sized enterprises and personal brands will be continuously compressed until they completely give up or are swallowed up by them.]

"Then... can Chihaya-san really withstand such great pressure alone?"

Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but ask:

"Or rather, in this environment... how can we achieve results in a short period of time under the intense pressure of [NozAK!]?"

[It’s a short time…]

This restriction made Yamabuki Yachiyo fall into deep thought.

[The easiest way... is still a fashion show.]

The first answer that came to her mind was naturally this answer, which was almost common sense in the industry.

Holding a fashion show recognized by the fashion industry is the first step towards a successful personal brand. However, the connections and fame required to hold a fashion show are not something that ordinary designers possess, let alone Chihaya-san, a 19-year-old emerging designer. With his current influence, it's probably unrealistic for him to hold a large-scale fashion show.

"…Even with your help?"

[I'm sorry, Ms. Toyokawa, but regarding connections... I'm afraid we can't be of any help.]

Head Maid Yamabuki's tone was a little complicated.

【And considering Chihaya-san's current situation as a target of "NozAK!", others' introductions alone wouldn't be enough to convince anyone to take such a huge risk and support Chihaya-san.】

"Besides fashion shows...are there any other methods?"

Toyokawa Shoko asked hurriedly.

After thinking for a moment, Yamabuki Yachiyo slowly spoke again:

[Yes, there is, but... it might be a little difficult.]

"Eh? Really?!"

After hearing this, Shoko Toyokawa immediately showed an expression of great surprise.