After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Page 173

Chapter 159 Nagasaki Sase is about to arrive at the scene.

RING is more lively on weekend mornings than at other times.

Forming a band has been a popular trend among high school girls in recent years, and students undoubtedly have more time on weekends than on weekdays, making it easier for them to get together.

In a rehearsal room at this LiveHouse, a dark-haired drummer strikes the drumhead with her drumsticks, the slightly forceful emphasis suggesting that her emotions are not as calm as her expression.

With her brows furrowed and a small knot formed between them, Shiina Ritsuki waited until everyone had stopped before striking the drumsticks together, producing a sound that was not harsh but crisp enough to be heard throughout the entire rehearsal room.

Seeing Riki's expression, the white-haired, heterochromatic-eyed Persian girl blinked, placed her rather old-looking guitar against the wall, and quietly moved toward the door of the rehearsal room.

Based on Rakuna's understanding of Shiina Ritsuki, whenever Shiina Ritsuki makes this expression, it means that someone's rehearsal is not going very well, and it's time to start scolding or pressuring that person.

But what does it have to do with her? Her guitar won't malfunction. She might as well take advantage of Shiina Ritsuki's pressure to sneak some food from the front desk.

As for that person who kept making mistakes during the rehearsal...

The Persian cat girl's gaze lingered on someone in the rehearsal room for a moment. Although there wasn't much dissatisfaction in her heterochromatic eyes, this cat-like girl, who was driven by interest in many things, still showed a hint of... boredom.

Shiina Riki did not stop or question Rakuna's departure midway.

Since she left her guitar here, it means she'll be back soon.

Moreover, what I said next really had nothing to do with her.

"What's wrong, Li Xi? Why are you making that face again?"

As she watched the expression on her band's drummer's face gradually darken, Chihaya Aine instinctively wanted to shrink her neck.

Since the last live performance, this drummer, who is theoretically doing what a leader should do but is actually more like the band's housekeeper, hasn't made this expression in a long time.

However, based on Chihaya Aine's experience, every time Shiina Tatsuki makes that expression, it's her turn to be unlucky.

With her grey eyes casting a pleading glance at Takamatsu Akari beside her, Chihaya Aine knew very well that if there was anyone who could make Shiina Tatsuki in this state back down, it was only her.

"The rehearsal was so bad, how can we hold the next live performance if this continues?"

The purple gaze swept over the other people in the room one by one, finally omitting Chihaya Aine, whose expression was somewhat uneasy, and landing on Nagasaki Sase.

"Soyo, you're playing worse than before. Have you really been practicing properly?"

Chihaya Aine breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Shiina Tatsuki's intended target for pressure was not herself.

The other members of the band were all fine, but Shiina Ritsuki was the type she just couldn't handle.

Her overly serious and responsible personality always makes her subconsciously demand a lot from everyone, which brings a considerable amount of pressure.

But ironically, the pressure that comes with good intentions and responsibility leaves one speechless, and in the end, one can only obediently accept it.

Strange, now that you mention it, Yu Yu seems to have the same personality. Why don't I feel any pressure when I'm with Yu Yu? Is it because he can't control me?

As Chihaya Aine relaxed a little, her mind began to wander. She couldn't get a word in edgewise about such stressful things, and at most she could only wait for Shiina Tatsuki to get agitated before bringing Takamatsu Akari out to smooth things over.

Even that idea seems a bit far off. Maybe after Tanuki finishes dealing with Soyorin, it'll be my turn.

You must save me then, tomorrow...

"Huh? Of course I have it?"

Unlike Chihaya Aine, who only started to drift off after relaxing, Nagasaki Sōse, who had been lost in thought, only managed to focus her unfocused gaze when she heard Shiina Tatsuki's voice.

With his azure eyes narrowed, Nagasaki Sose put on his usual smile as he faced the band drummer who was attacking him.

Looking at Nagasaki Sōse's act, Shiina Tatsuki gently bit her silver teeth.

She is no longer the naive girl who only spent half a month in a band with this deep-thinking girl in front of her, and whose impression of her was based solely on those two weeks and her imagination over the following year.

The arguments that needed to be argued had already been argued, and the honest words that needed to be said had already been said. Shiina Riki could easily see that the bassist in front of him was simply being perfunctory.

Even Shiina Riki could guess what Nagasaki Sase was thinking about when he kept spacing out during practice this morning.

If nothing unexpected happens, it's definitely related to that man named Toyokawa Yuu.

Shiina Ritsuki gently bit her inner lip, knowing the personality of the person in front of her, and softened her tone.

"Have you been having some troubles lately? You seemed a bit distracted during rehearsal today."

Shiina Tatsuki's statement caused Nagasaki Sosei's expression to stiffen slightly, and even Chihaya Aine and Takamatsu Akari, who had not yet joined the conversation, were drawn to it.

Nagasaki Sase has been increasingly distracted by the band lately, a fact that is extremely obvious but rarely brought up by anyone.

Just a few days ago, because Nagasaki Sosei and Shiina Tatsuki were both absent, even the rehearsal couldn't be held, so Chihaya Aine simply called over Toyokawa Yuu and Toyokawa Shoko.

"There is a little bit, but don't worry, that kind of thing won't bother you, Lixi."

Even the curve of his lips didn't change at all, as if he was saying something to reassure everyone. However, Nagasaki Sosei's words made Shiina Tatsuki frown deeply.

She could hear the unspoken meaning in Nagasaki Sase's words.

Since you've clearly stated that you won't help me, then naturally I have no need to continue sharing this kind of thing... or something like that.

Ignoring Shiina Ritsuki's temporarily halted voice, since the other party had interrupted rehearsal to start the conversation, she also had some things to say.

"Speaking of which, Lixi, can I leave rehearsal a little earlier today? I made plans with my mom to prepare lunch and visit her at her workplace today."

"Okay, in that case, let's finish the rehearsal as soon as possible."

Nagasaki Sase brought his mother out, and Shiina Tatsuki had no reason to refuse, as the band members were somewhat aware of Nagasaki Sase's family background.

For example, although her family's living environment is quite luxurious, her mother is often away from home because she is busy with work.

As daughters planning to visit their mothers, it's none of their business to comment.

Turning her gaze to Chihaya Aine beside her, Shiina Tatsuki had just opened her mouth, and before she could even utter a sound, the pink-haired girl felt a familiar pressure.

"And you, Aine, you..."

I originally intended to be frank and say that although the other person had made progress, they still needed to practice more.

But halfway through her sentence, Shiina Ritsuki suddenly remembered what Toyokawa Yuu had said to her that night on the train when they were the only two people traveling together.

The most boisterous people get the most attention, while the quiet ones are always overlooked... In short, pay more attention to your teammates...

The words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat, and when he finally spoke them, Shiina Tatsuki had already changed them in a completely different way.

"...You've made great progress recently, but it's not enough. You're still far from meeting the requirements for a truly perfect live performance."

Chihaya Aine, who had been instinctively trying to shrink her neck, suddenly brightened up when she heard the drummer's words.

"What? Tanuki is actually praising me? Oh no, Tomorin, what am I going to do if I get arrogant?"

Holding her cheeks in her hands, Chihaya Aine's expression and voice sounded somewhat exaggerated.

However, this cannot be blamed on her. After all, her band's drummer is too strict. Even someone as technically skilled as Yao Lena rarely receives praise from her. She simply indulges his behavior to a large extent.

Even if Shiina Tatsuki only praised her halfway before switching back to his stern tone, it would still make Chihaya Aine happy.

Looking at the pink-haired girl who seemed to brighten up at the slightest bit of sunshine, Shiina Ritsuki raised an eyebrow and began to reflect on whether it was inappropriate for her to have given Chihaya Aine too many nice looks a few seconds earlier.

“I only said you’ve improved, not that you’ve passed. If you want to put on a perfect live performance, you need to practice even more.”

"Ultimately, what exactly do you mean by a perfect live performance?"

Chihaya Aine muttered a couple of things about Shiina Tatsuki's behavior of immediately putting on a stern face after saying a few nice words.

She could tell that Nagasaki Sase hadn't been in a good mood lately, but she didn't pay much attention to it.

Their band isn't the kind of thing that necessarily has to be put on a big stage to compete. As long as they're having fun, it's okay to dawdle occasionally.

Ultimately, to make a live performance perfect is something that a student club band can't achieve.

"this......"

Shiina Tatsuki paused, unsure how to answer the question.

She was equally unsure about the future of the band.

But... if the live shows can continue, this band that I've rebuilt won't disband like CRYCHIC did back then, just because of some inexplicable reason.

"A perfect live performance... it has to be the kind of performance you'll never forget for the rest of your life."

Finally, it was Nagasaki Sase who spoke softly.

However, her gaze did not fall on Shiina Riki or Chihaya Aine, but on Takamatsu Akari, who had not spoken a word.

She knew that the other person would understand what she meant.

"I...I don't know either."

Under Nagasaki Sase's gaze, Takamatsu Akari silently lowered her head.

She understood what Nagasaki Sase meant, but she didn't know how to evaluate this idea.

Gao Songdeng even had a vague feeling that his band wasn't as harmonious as it seemed.

"However, I think it would be good if everyone could continue like this... accumulating each moment little by little..."

"Don't worry, Deng, this time, our band will stay together."

Seeing that Takamatsu Akari seemed to be getting serious again, Shiina Tatsuki couldn't help but offer words of comfort, and Chihaya Aine echoed her sentiments.

Only Nagasaki Sosei's deep blue eyes held a hint of complexity.

"That's right, we will be together for a lifetime, and we will be together without any regrets."

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

“It’s nice to meet you again, Ms. Nagasaki. I’m so sorry to have troubled you to come down and wait for me. It seems I should leave earlier next time.”

After a quick breakfast, Toyokawa Yuu led Toyokawa Shoko and Wakaba Mutsu to the agreed-upon location.

Seeing Ms. Nagasaki waiting in the lobby on the first floor despite having her own office, the young man in the suit gave her a kind smile mixed with a hint of apology.

They were certainly not late. The apology, though not strong, was clearly perceptible and was merely a pretense by Toyokawa Yuu to win the favor of her business partners.

In that brief period of cooperation, Ms. Nagasaki's efficiency and her current attitude have demonstrated that she is indeed quite sincere in her cooperation.

With the band being targeted, Yuu Toyokawa, as their manager, naturally has an obligation to find any way out.

It's just about selling a few smiles; if you can secure a reasonably reliable partner, it's just a tiny, negligible cost.

On the contrary, Toyokawa Shoko was slightly taken aback when she heard Toyokawa Yuu address the woman in the suit whose temperament was somewhere between mature and lively.

Nagasaki...

"You're too kind, Mr. Toyokawa. It's just some of my professional habits... Please, the venue and equipment are all ready, and Ms. Hachiman and the others are already waiting for you."

Ms. Nagasaki did not neglect Toyokawa Yuu's kindness; after exchanging a few pleasantries, they immediately got down to business.

She understood Toyokawa Yuu's needs for the day, and if possible, it would be best to finish the filming in one morning.

Therefore, rather than supporting each other here, getting straight to the point would be a more satisfactory approach for both parties.

Perfect timing! My daughter is also planning to visit me on set today, which is a rare occurrence. I can finish my work in the morning and then have a nice lunch with Soyo. Perfect!

Maybe it can even introduce Soyo and the people from Ave Mujica to each other. That kid has recently started playing in a band again, and he's the same age as these people. They might become good friends.

Mr. Toyokawa's polite and modest personality might be able to correct the child's habit of subconsciously trying to please others.

Ms. Nagasaki silently encouraged herself, and her anticipation for today grew stronger.

Chapter 160 Toyokawa Shoko's Suppressive Power (7k5)

At the filming location that Ms. Nagasaki had prepared long ago, Yawata Kairin, Yutenji Wakana, and Hatsune Miku were already waiting there.

More accurately, she brought the two of them here long ago.

Watching Hachiman Kairin pacing back and forth in the room, occasionally taking out her phone to check the time, Yutenji Wakame leaned back on the sofa and yawned slightly, a hint of resentment showing in her purple eyes.

After all, anyone who is still sound asleep in the morning and is suddenly woken up by a phone call, hastily eats breakfast together, and then rushes here would probably not be in a very good mood.

This is the greatest resentment of working people, and it's not like they don't set alarms.

However, Hachiman Kairin's actions forced her to wake up half an hour earlier.

It's not that losing half an hour of sleep will kill you, but being disturbed from your sweet dreams is always unpleasant.

I have a feeling that Hai Zi has become increasingly domineering these past few days, even though his agent and Xiang Zi haven't said anything yet.

Yutenji Wakame recalled the uneasy look on the black-haired girl Hachiman Kairin's face when Toyokawa Yuu transferred her position to Wakaba Mutsumi. She felt that Hachiman Kairin was cuter if she kept that look.

But there was nothing he could do; she was one of his few remaining hopes, and it seemed he had successfully reached an agreement with Hatsuko.

Seeing Hatsune Miku, who had been woken up early by Hachiman Kairin and rushed here just like him, and who had been ravaged even earlier than him, Yutenji Wakame couldn't help but admire Hachiman Kairin's strong sense of action.

She didn't even know what methods she used to make her agent completely obedient to her, and she began to directly intervene in many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that originally belonged to the agent.

Compared to his recent dejected state, where even his primary job as a deputy was taken away by Wakaba Mutsumi, the difference was so obvious that Yutenji Wakane had the illusion that he was witnessing a new star rising.