A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

While the members of KaZoKu were discussing and analyzing the new summer special, Chihaya Tetsu had already shared a similar theory with everyone...

That was not luck, nor was it a coincidence.

Chihaya Tetsuya had predicted the future fashion trends half a year ago.

"Do you understand, Xiangzi? A teenager who hasn't even graduated from college yet not only possesses the hard skills to independently design and create samples, but also possesses a keen sense for predicting market trends... How do you think such a person would be viewed by his peers?"

"An unbeatable opponent..."

Toyokawa Shoko paused for a moment, then continued:

"At the same time... it is also the most annoying existence."

"That's exactly what happened. And because of that, even after this incident, even though Tetsuya-kun tried his best to explain his design philosophy and use his previous achievements to clear himself of suspicion, no one was willing to defend him. Some even took advantage of the situation and repeatedly submitted false reports to the school."

Hasegawa Shin shook his head.

"After that, the school spoke with Tetsuya-kun in private. Fortunately, there was no solid evidence of plagiarism, and anyone with a discerning eye could see the merits and demerits of the two designs. Therefore, under the school's control, the incident was ultimately dismissed as a simple creative conflict. However, for Tetsuya-kun, this incident left him completely disappointed with the environment at Yihua University. Ultimately, with the recommendation of the president of Yihua University, he went to EGAO, and ultimately ended up here."

"........."

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko felt indignant about the injustice suffered by Chihaya Tetsuya, but was also glad that the ending did not go to the worst.

"That's great. Chihaya-san wasn't wrongly accused of plagiarism in the end... and he's continuing his activities as a designer smoothly to this day."

"Logically, the story should have come to an end here, but... the summer special a while ago, and the brand that released a similar design, gave me a bad feeling."

Hasegawa Shin shook his head.

"[nozAK!i], a long-established fashion brand, saw its performance decline after the previous chief designer retired... until it was acquired by a prominent figure—"

"Di Yeming. A former board member of the established entertainment company [Pulchra]... I only heard it from hearsay, but it seems he decided to change career paths after suffering a major setback in the idol industry. After acquiring [nozAK!i], he officially entered the fashion industry. I don't know what he did after that, but under his leadership, [nozAK!i] has indeed expanded at a noticeable rate."

"Then, take another look at the signature on the plagiarized design."

"...Di Yeqing, eh? Di Ye?"

These two identical surnames made Shoko Toyokawa think of many possibilities in an instant.

Two identical designs, the same last name... and the same target of plagiarism.

"Although this is just unfounded speculation at the moment, I'm afraid they've already noticed Tetsuya-kun's talent. As for what they'll do next, no one can guarantee."

Hasegawa Shin shook his head and said:

"So, in order to gain influence that rivals theirs in the future, and also to prove to EGAO that Tetsuya-kun is a talent worthy of our protection, he needs more proven achievements. The approach I personally prefer... is to 'start his own business.'"

"Set up your own business..."

Toyokawa Shoko repeated the word blankly.

"So, Chihaya-san is leaving KaZoKu and setting up his own studio?"

"That's right. If he continues to achieve success after setting up his own studio, not only will he gain fame and influence in the fashion industry, but EGAO will also begin to value him and start collaborating with him. Furthermore, compared to KaZoKu, which is just a subsidiary studio, setting up his own studio will also expand his own development space. However..."

"Just what?"

"If you want to start your own business, there are several prerequisites. Besides the most basic designers and sample makers... First, there's the brand concept, or rather the design concept of the chief designer. Zheye-kun already possesses this."

"Secondly, and most importantly... that's the investor who can provide him with financial support. And this is exactly why I just made that call."

"There's a very generous young lady who's been investing a lot lately. Judging by her investment preferences, she seems to be quite passionate about the clothing and fashion industry. If we can win her favor, then Zheye-kun will have the basic support to start his own business."

Then, under Toyokawa Shoko's curious gaze, Hasegawa Kokoro said:

"That young lady's name is... Sakurakouji Luna."

Chapter 29: Recognition from the “First Employee”

"Set up your own business?"

The next day, when Chihaya Tetsuya heard the news conveyed by Toyokawa Shoko, he couldn't help but show a hesitant expression.

"Based solely on my current qualifications and abilities, am I truly qualified?"

"I think since Director Hasegawa came up with this plan, it means she recognizes that Chihaya-san has the ability."

On the other hand, Shoko Toyokawa also has unlimited trust and recognition for Chihayatetsu.

"And regarding the similar designs these two times... I also think it's not just a coincidence. That guy named Di Ye must have noticed Chihaya-san back when we were at Yihua University and wanted to nip you, his competitor, in the bud. So, in order to quickly gain the power to compete with them, establishing your own company is indeed the most effective method."

"..."

Of course, Chihaya Tetsuya also understood what Toyokawa Shoko said.

However, this minor, who is only 19 years old this year, still feels a little hesitant when faced with such a major decision.

"...Aren't you and the Director's evaluations of me a bit too high?"

"Not really! Both I and the director believe Chihaya-san is already qualified to be the chief designer!"

Toyokawa Shoko said seriously:

"Whether it's that best-selling item from last year or the performance costume you designed for Hoshino Ai this year that's been the talk of the town, it's enough to prove your strength! Besides... Chihaya-kun probably doesn't want to remain in hiding under the coercion of that guy named Di Ye! If that's the case, why don't we take the initiative and let them see the talent in you that they've always wanted to stifle!"

"We...?"

Seeing Toyokawa Shoko's confident look, Chihaya Tetsuya laughed and said:

"Okay, I get it. If the director can really help me get that sponsor, I'll consider starting my own business—"

"kindness!"

"Then, I will hire you, Fengchuan, as my first employee."

Having said that, Chihaya Tetsuya looked at Toyokawa Shoko with a slightly teasing look.

"You should be expecting me to say this, right?"

"I-I don't have one!"

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko subconsciously retorted:

"I just sincerely think the director's plan is very reasonable!"

"Eh? Really?"

Chihaya Tetsuya sighed in mock disappointment.

"So Fengchuan isn't really interested in starting his own business with me... But come to think of it, it makes sense. Compared to a personal studio with an uncertain future, I should definitely choose a more stable work environment—"

"Okay, I take it back. I'm looking forward to starting my own business with Chihaya-san, and I'm also very proud to be Chihaya-san's first employee... Is that enough for you?"

After being "forced" to say these true words, Toyokawa Shoko immediately looked at Chihaya Tetsuya with some dissatisfaction.

"What's going on? I feel like Chihaya-san has suddenly become a bit mean after meeting Suyo."

"Ahem, sorry, that kid's reactions were so funny that I accidentally developed a habit..."

After realizing that his behavior was indeed a little immature, Chihaya Tetsu coughed twice in embarrassment.

"Speaking of Nagasaki-san, how's your paper pattern design coming along?"

"Most of it is finished, but regarding the deformation part... I'm a little unsure how to proceed."

As Shoko Toyokawa spoke, she took out the unfinished paper pattern.

"My original idea was to achieve this effect through laces or nylon buckles, but after actual testing, I found that the effect of laces was not ideal, and nylon buckles would cause flaws in the appearance..."

"In that case...how about using a zipper?"

Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"Put two transparent zippers on each side. This not only keeps the first shape stable when zipped up, but also allows you to smoothly achieve the desired deformation effect after zipping it open."

"Hmm, but in this case, to achieve this effect on stage, the performer would need to pull both zippers separately by hand, right?"

Shoko Toyokawa expressed her concerns.

"If that happens, won't the audience feel... a little inferior?"

And considering that Nagasaki Suyo's instrument is the bass, for this important instrument that needs to be carried through the entire song, it would probably be difficult for her to find a moment to calmly unzip it.

"That's okay. We can use the stretchability of the outer fabric to keep the zipper in a critical state."

However, in response to Toyokawa Shoko's question, Chihaya Tetsuya expressed a very bold idea:

"As soon as the zipper pull is loosened, the outer fabric will be pulled open directly due to its own tension, allowing the garment to automatically complete its deformation. In this way, all the performer needs to do is to pull the zipper pull slightly, without having to slowly open it bit by bit."

"……Eh?"

Hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko was stunned at first, and then subconsciously said what she had read in the relevant reference book:

"But if that's the case, wouldn't it be very troublesome to restore this costume?"

If you want the fabric on both sides of the zipper to be at a critical point, then when you pull the zipper back, you also need to stretch it a certain amount to restore it to its original position.

This would go against the precautions she had read in the reference book regarding sewing zippers.

only--

"Fengchuan, think about it again. Is recovery really something we need to consider?"

In response to Toyokawa Shoko's concerns, Chihaya Tetsuya shook his head.

"You're making a costume for a performance. The stage effect is your primary consideration. As for the restoration requirements you mentioned... after the performance, you can spend however many minutes you want to zip up that zipper backstage, right?"

In Toyokawa Shoko's increasingly bright eyes, Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"However, the choice of fabric is very particular here... Come with me to the warehouse. I have a general idea about the choice of inner and outer fabrics..."

"…………"

After saying that, Chihaya Tetsuya took Toyokawa Shoko's paper pattern and walked towards the warehouse where the fabric was stored.

Looking at that figure from behind, Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but clarify her thoughts once again -

(Until recently, Chihaya-san knew nothing about stage costume design, but after just one experience designing stage costumes, his ideas have become so flexible that he can completely distinguish between stage costumes and daily clothes... No, it's not just a simple distinction, he can even abandon the constraints of daily clothes and conceive such interesting stage effects!)

(Chihaya-san, you're truly a genius... Even if you start your own business, you'll definitely be able to achieve remarkable results!)

(In order to become worthy of his title of "First Employee", I must work harder.)

As the future first employee, Shoko Toyokawa is full of fighting spirit at this moment.

Chapter 30: Discussions on responsibility always need context

Although the idea of ​​starting his own business had a slight impact on Chihaya Tetsuya's thoughts, it did not affect what he was going to do now.

Rather than the undetermined plan, Chihaya Tetsuya prefers to focus on the task at hand.

In addition to the two performance costumes that will be delivered to [Summer Zodiac] in a month, Aine's band is also waiting for his design.

"The designs for Takamatsu-san and Nagasaki-san are almost done. Aine hasn't decided yet whether to go with the visual style or stay consistent with the other members. So, the only ones left are for Shiina-san and the stray cat."

After that meeting with Nagasaki Suyo, Chihaya Tetsuya became more serious about the band than before. Especially after that negotiation, Chihaya Tetsuya even developed the habit of visiting the RiNG cafe before going to work in the studio.

On the one hand, it is to find more inspiration for performance costumes from different band members who come and go, and on the other hand, it is to increase the opportunities to interact with Aine's bandmates.

After all, in a sense, this band carries both Toyokawa's past and Aine's future. As someone who has close ties with both of them, he naturally forged a special connection with this band.

"So, who should draw the next design?"

Chihaya Tetsuya picked up the latte he had just ordered and fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

However, not long after, a burst of noise coming from the direction of the recording studio gradually disrupted his thoughts.

"So there's nothing wrong with it, right? Li Xi, why don't you give it a try!"

"No means no. Sushi, you've reconnected with Toyokawa Shoko, right? In that case, why not ask her to compose the music?"

"Xiangzi has her own work and doesn't have time to compose music for us."

"Tsk... Hey, Lenai, can you compose music?"

"Hmm? Can we improvise the whole song?"

"Forget it, just pretend I didn't ask."

The voices of the crowd continued to approach from the direction of the recording studio. When Chihaya Tetsuya looked up, the five girls in the band had already sat down at the same table with him very naturally.

"Huh? Is it break time already?"

"No, I just wanted to get some fresh air and discuss the new song."