A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

Shoko Toyokawa, who had also seen the other party's design drawings, couldn't help but clench her fists slightly.

“Although it’s a gorgeous design that spared no expense, the overall coordination of all elements and the resulting aesthetic appeal are truly outstanding…”

No matter how unwilling she was to accept it, Shoko Toyokawa had to admit that this young lady, who was one year younger than her, was far more skilled in fashion design than she was.

"This is the design industry, Fengchuan."

Looking at Toyokawa Shoko's somewhat shocked expression, Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"In this industry, talent and ability are everything. As long as you have talent, even a middle school girl can draw a good enough design."

Having said that, he paused for a moment, and then couldn't help but smile.

"An apprentice who had just been employed for a month was able to use her designs to restore her friendship with her friends and help them overcome difficulties that they would otherwise have been unable to overcome."

"..."

After hearing this, how could Shoko Toyokawa not know who the "apprentice" that Chihaya Tetsuya was talking about.

Although the costume she designed for Nagasaki Motoyo did receive praise from many people, after seeing Sakurakoji Luna's design just now, the pride that had just risen in her heart immediately cooled down.

"The length of time I've been employed doesn't change the fact that I'm not as skilled as others."

Toyokawa Shoko shook her head.

"If I really want to become Chihaya-san's 'number one employee', my current level... is far from enough."

In order to keep up with Chihaya Tetsuya, and also to defeat that eccentric young lady.

She still needs more learning and training.

"No matter what, we have finally secured the sponsor this time."

Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"We already have the conditions to officially establish our own business, but before that... we still have more important work to do."

After saying that, he turned his head to look at Toyokawa Shoko and said to her:

"Xiangzi, can you help me contact Chuhua and ask her when she's free next?"

"For this costume... I want to adopt the same 'haute couture' production standards as last time."

Chapter 6: Remember to make a video call next time

“Haute couture?!”

When Sankaku Hatsuka received the contact from Toyokawa Shoko, she couldn't help but exclaim subconsciously.

"Eh? Is it really for me? Not for love?"

[Well...it's better to say that this time his design ideas for Hoshino Ai will tend to be simple and conservative.]

On the phone, Toyokawa Shoko said:

[However, according to him, this seems to be a concession he had to make in order to protect Hoshino Ai.]

“…I told my agent the same thing.”

Sanjiao Chuhua nodded.

"It seems that what happened that day had a great impact on Mr. Tetsuya."

[Who says it’s not…]

Shoko Toyokawa couldn't help but sigh.

He's now intentionally keeping his distance from me. This has never happened before.

"Compared to turning a blind eye, having this awareness is already a considerable improvement..."

Sanjiao Chuhua couldn't help but recall the experience of riding the same tram with him that night.

Although she could feel his respect and consideration for her, she always gave the impression of an older brother treating his younger sister. Even when the two of them were sitting side by side, there was no atmosphere at all between people of the opposite sex.

And judging from the experiences that Hoshino Ai had previously recounted, he seemed to have been like this since he was very young.

He wasn't the slow-witted type; rather, his keen observation and flexible thinking surpassed most people. Now it seemed that the reason he had never been in a relationship was probably because he simply didn't have the awareness.

His experience in the orphanage made him invest all his emotions in his desire for family affection. If it weren't for Hoshino Ai's strong intervention, he would probably never realize that he also had desires and needs in that regard.

"I really don't know whether to say he's an early bloomer or a late bloomer..."

Sanjiao Chuhua laughed and shook his head.

"Anyway, next you need me to find time to go to your studio, right?"

【Yes. 】

Toyokawa Shoko replied:

[In order to achieve a high-end design that is comparable to the last one, Chihaya-san needs to confirm a few things with you.]

(I see, body data alone isn't enough...)

For idols, their measurements are public, so she could confirm that Chihaya Tetsuya didn't ask her to go just to get her body data.

Moreover, as Xiangzi just said, "It's not inferior to the last design."

In other words, his work this time will also be a performance costume exclusively for her.

Thinking of this, Sanjiao Chuhua's heart was suddenly filled with anticipation and joy.

"I see. Then... let's set the date for the day after tomorrow! I'm still filming outside right now. I can't go back until the day after tomorrow."

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko asked curiously:

Did you go out for a photoshoot? Where did you go?

"Okinawa, we're going to be taking summer photos after all."

[Eh? Could it be a swimsuit?]

"No, because of love, I'm afraid our group will never have the chance to take swimsuit photos again."

Sanjiao Chuhua shrugged helplessly.

"But it's okay this way, I just don't want to take photos that are too revealing."

【………………Wait.】

On the other hand, after hearing these words, Toyokawa Shoko suddenly realized something.

[Did you and Hoshino Ai... participate in this outdoor photo shoot together? ]

"? Isn't that natural?"

Sankaku Hatsuka said in a matter-of-fact tone:

"After all, this is a summer photoshoot for Summer Zodiac. If it were my personal work, I would have postponed it and rushed to the studio immediately."

[That means... Hoshino Ai is with you now? ]

"Well, that's right."

As Sanjiao Chuhua spoke, he looked at the purple-haired girl who had been staring at him from the bed next to him since the beginning.

"And we two live in the same room."

【What I just said...】

"Well, she pretty much heard it all."

【………………】

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko was silent for a moment, then sighed deeply:

[I should have confirmed the situation with you before calling...]

"It's nothing."

Sankaku Hatsuka first glanced at Hoshino Ai's gaze that was almost piercing through him, then said calmly:

"Even if we don't tell her, she'll definitely follow Mr. Tetsuya and find out."

[Mmmm…]

When Shoko Toyokawa heard this, she suddenly felt as if something was choking her throat.

Even though he knew that this lawless mad woman had done a lot of unacceptable things to Chihaya Tetsuya, he had no intention of blaming her at all and even allowed her to continue doing it...

So, did Chihaya-san reject her properly? What's the current relationship between them?

While Toyokawa Shoko was still hesitating, Sankaku Hatsuka asked:

"Is there anything else you would like to ask, Xiaoxiang?"

【……there is none left.】

Compared to the emotionally stable Sankaku Hatsuka, Toyokawa Shoko said in a rather tired tone:

[It’s getting late, you should go to bed early...]

"Do you want me to bring you any souvenirs?"

[No need... I hope you can come the day after tomorrow...]

"Okay, I see! Good night then, Xiaoxiang."

“………………Alas, good night.”

........................

Sanjiao Chuhua hung up the phone with a smile on his face.

And the next second, a fresh scent of shampoo came from beside me——

"...The day after tomorrow, I want to go too."

Hoshino Ai said expressionlessly:

"I can't leave you alone with Zhe."

"It's not like I'm alone..."

Sanjiao Chuhua explained helplessly:

"Shoko will be in the studio by then, and nothing will happen between me and Mr. Tetsuya."

"Does it really make a difference whether she's there or not?"

Hoshino Ai tilted her head.

"Rather, her presence would actually make you more motivated, right?"

"Ahahaha... As long as it's about Mr. Tetsuya, you really won't back down at all."

Facing the constant approach of Hoshino Ai, Sanjiao Chuhua could only spread his hands with a look of resignation and said:

"I understand. I'll ask you to go with me then..."

Having said this, she paused for a moment, then continued:

"But even if you go with me, Mr. Tetsuya won't design you the same outfit as last time."

Sankaku Hatsuka looked back at Hoshino Ai's sharp gaze.

"And all this is because you acted too hastily."

"Hmph...whatever you say."

Hoshino Ai left Mikado Hatsuka's bed.

"Anyway, I've already received enough 'payment' that day, and the reason he changed the design was for my own good, so I don't care at all."

"...I see. Then I'll just leave it at that."

After saying that, Sanjiao Chuhua also stood up from the bed and took the hair dryer from the bedside table.

"Come here, your hair isn't dry yet, you can't go to bed like this."

"……Why?"

“It’s bad for your hair.”

"I never had a blow-dry when I was in the orphanage."