After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Page 32

Yuu Toyokawa is Ave Mujica's manager and also Shoko Toyokawa's sworn brother.

Given this connection, it's not hard to understand why Shoko Toyokawa would work as a keyboardist at Ave Mujica.

Her piano skills were evident to everyone present, except for Yoro Nai, who was on par with Shoko.

"Tch, they disbanded without a word of explanation back then, so they were just in a hurry to make money?"

Shiina Tatsuki crossed her arms and turned her head away unhappily.

Although he has always shown an almost indifferent attitude towards that band, claiming that he only chose to remain silent because he didn't want Gao Songdeng to recall painful memories.

But in her heart, the band that only existed for about half a month and held only one live performance still held considerable weight.

Because of that sudden and unpleasant parting, she has always been less than friendly when mentioning the name Toyokawa Shoko.

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered the green-haired, gold-eyed guitarist from Ave Mujica.

They were about the same height, both seemed introverted, and they were always hanging out with Toyokawa Shoko.

"So, that Mortis, could it be Mu?"

This commercial band called Ave Mujica seems to have a lot of familiar faces.

Oh, Amoris aside, so who exactly is Miaomengqin? Could she be someone I know?

"Xiangzi...Xiao Mu...has formed a new band..."

Takamatsu Akari's expression was somewhat unpleasant as she gently pinched her collar with her fingertips.

The sentimental girl's eyes gradually became hazy and dazed. Memories from a year ago surged in her mind like a tide, mixed with nostalgia and sweetness, and a bittersweet feeling that was hard to describe.

The image of the girl in my memory, always smiling and as gentle as the morning sun, gradually overlapped with the image of Oblivionis on the poster, wearing a mask and exuding a dignified aura, as aloof as the moon in an attic.

However, it feels so out of place and hard to accept.

She once said that lyrics are the cry of the soul, but why... Ave Mujica's cry is completely different from CRYCHIC's.

Why did Xiangzi become like that, and perhaps even drag Xiao Mu down with him...?

"Is there something... wrong with us?"

"Lights...tsk, I knew getting involved with that guy would never end well."

Seeing Takamatsu Akari's expression, as if she was about to fall into a state of self-isolation again, Shiina Tatsuki felt a headache coming on.

I should have known better than to agree to Soyo's suggestion to join everyone for the team building activity. What was Ai-yin trying to do by bringing everyone together with that crazy idea...?

Wait, was it Soyo who facilitated this?

Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Shiina Tatsuki looked at Nagasaki Sawa, who had made the conjecture, with her purple eyes, and a bad feeling crept into her heart.

She must have guessed it all along, which is why she supported Aine's idea to come to the concert with everyone, and even contacted Yuu Toyokawa to get tickets.

To be fair, she was reluctant to speculate about her teammates in this way, but unfortunately, Nagasaki Sase had a history of such behavior.

"Well... there's no need to be so nervous. It's just a guess. Oblivionis might not be Xiao Xiang. Maybe he just looks a bit like him."

Chihaya Aine awkwardly tugged at the ends of her pink hair, trying to ease the somewhat somber atmosphere.

She originally just wanted to share her pride in confirming her identity as Amoris, but who could have imagined it would involve so many things?

However, Xiangzi has become so capable, and he even works with Mr. Youyu.

"There's no point in just guessing. Maybe we should ask Xiangzi when we go to school tomorrow, or ask her out if we have the chance."

Although she knew that given Toyokawa Shoko's personality, no amount of pressing her would work if she didn't want to talk, Chihaya Aine still chose this somewhat forceful way to change the subject.

After all, seeing Takamatsu Akari almost burying her face in her chest, Chihaya Aine had no doubt that if there were a crack in the rock, she would immediately hide in it and become withdrawn.

Moreover, having no idea what they were talking about, Yoro Nai had already started looking around boredly. Without matcha parfaits to feed her, she seemed ready to turn into a wild cat and start looking for food at any moment.

"As for Hachiman, we can ask her later if she's Timoris... The concert is about to start, so let's focus on that for now."

"There's no need for that, I'll just ask directly."

Shiina Riki took out her phone. She was always an efficiency person, and in her opinion, there was no need to go through so many roundabout ways to confirm some of her guesses.

Are you Timoris?

She sent a message to a contact whose profile picture was a bass guitar; it was concise and to the point, as if she didn't care at all whether it would be impolite.

I cannot answer that question.

A moment later, a similarly brief reply appeared on Shiina Tatsuki's phone, causing her to frown deeply and a complex look to flash in her purple eyes.

Turning off her phone screen to block Chihaya Aine's peering gaze, Shiina Tatsuki changed the subject with an even more forceful attitude than the pink-haired girl.

"We won't get any information out of you, let's go to the concert."

However, this attempt to cover up the truth is, in a sense, already an answer.

Nagasaki Sase lowered her head slightly, her azure eyes seemingly veiled by a layer of mist, making it impossible to discern her thoughts.

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

The lights were on, the audience entered, and the huge performance hall was gradually filled with the influx of people.

"What a grand scene! As their second concert since their debut, Ave Mujica is truly at the peak of their career."

On the top floor of the performance hall, a green-haired, golden-eyed figure gazed at the crowd gathered below and the stage, which remained unlit and shrouded in darkness, and uttered a sigh that was hard to tell whether it was praise or something else entirely.

This area is not open to the public; not only are there no seats, but even the viewing angle for the stage is not very good.

You can't really enjoy the performance on stage from here; all you can see is the sea of ​​heads bobbing like waves.

Unless it's to satisfy their own interest in overlooking the entire venue, even the staff are reluctant to set foot here much.

But now, there is more than one person appearing here.

"Unfortunately, there will always be some shadows under the sun. Fortunately, the puppets dancing on the stage do not need the sun. All they need is the moonlight that gives them life."

The boy's voice reached the ears of the green-haired woman, but unlike her, he didn't lean on the railing and look down at the performance hall. Instead, he crossed his arms and leaned against the more solid wall.

“Someone told me you were coming, but I couldn’t find you anywhere. I didn’t expect you to choose such a special viewing spot, Ms. Naomi Mori.”

Yuu Toyokawa greeted the superstar actress in front of her with familiarity.

Although the two are absolutely irreconcilable rivals when it comes to the issue of Wakaba Mutsu, they have met several times and have become somewhat familiar with each other over time.

Given their recent collusion at Starlight Plaza, the two are more in tacitly understanding than hostile.

Even if you were to stab someone in the back of the heart one day, you'd probably still have a fake smile on your face.

"Oh, it's Yuu-kun. As the manager and the person in charge of setting up the venue, instead of cheering on the singers who are about to go on stage backstage, you're just chatting with me here?"

Upon hearing Yuu Toyokawa's voice, Minami Mori immediately turned around, a bright smile spreading across her face.

As a top actress, her acting skills are truly impeccable. Even though she didn't really want to see this boy who was clearly going to compete with her for the monster at this moment, she could still put on a familiar smile.

Unlike her daughter, who is talented but unwilling to use her skills, Minami Mori's acting skills largely come from years of practice, so she doesn't need to force herself.

After wearing the mask for so long, it would have rotted away on my face.

"Is that necessary? With Ms. Minami here, the concert definitely can't start smoothly. After all, the professional organization arranged by the management company has some connection with you, right?"

Yuu Toyokawa shrugged and revealed some of the deals hidden behind the scenes.

The organization responsible for setting up the performance venue for Ave Mujica has collaborated with Minami Mori many times, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they are one of the superstar's personal teams.

When Sammi recommended them, the management company was probably flattered, thinking they could establish a significant connection with the superstar through Ave Mujica.

Although this agency has the background of the Toyokawa family, who would complain about having too many connections when they've reached this level?

"Don't worry, it's just a minor mistake in the power operation, such as overloading the equipment or incorrect wiring... After all, Ave Mujica's wild music style requires a lot of lighting, so some oversights are inevitable."

Minami Mori slowly walked up to Yuu Toyokawa, a hint of amusement in her smile.

"Don't worry, my team is very skilled. We can fix any power outage, even if it's only for half an hour. I just don't know if it will wear down the patience of our guests."

Half an hour—the timing was very precise.

It might make the audience impatient, but given Ave Mujica's unique style and current popularity, there won't be a large-scale outcry or ticket refunds.

If the situation can be salvaged in time, it will be a well-planned pre-show program and an ingenious performance method.

But if it's rotten... rotten is rotten, there's nothing more to say.

That being said, Senmina is certain that this concert won't just be a disaster.

It's not about acknowledging the young man's abilities, nor is it about believing in the audience's tolerance for the up-and-coming band Ave Mujica.

It's simply because she has the means to handle unexpected situations of this magnitude.

Since he could do it, then his daughter, that "multi-headed monster" who could easily overshadow him, certainly couldn't be unable to do it either.

The prerequisite is that his daughter is willing to rediscover the talent that he has long loathed and buried.

Given Minami's understanding of her daughter and her relationship with Toyokawa Shoko, whom she grew up with, she would definitely do it.

But this young man in front of me...

"This is the first concert that Yu-kun has organized since becoming Ave Mujica's manager, and this kind of accident has happened. You can't shirk your responsibility, can you? If we go for emergency repairs now, it might still be in time."

"There's no need for that. Since Ms. Minami is advising me like this, it means it's definitely too late."

Looking at the audience who had been waiting for a long time in the performance hall, Toyokawa Yuu shrugged, seemingly not taking Mori Minami's teasing to heart at all.

"Besides, why should I stop this performance accident from happening? You're not the only one who wants Mortis, Ms. Minami."

The cooperation agreement with the venue setup team was signed by Toyokawa Yuu. How could he not know that this team was related to Mori Minami? He was also certain that this old woman would definitely interfere.

But Toyokawa Yuu chose to let it all happen, after all, as he said, Mori Minami wasn't the only one who wanted Metis.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have said those seemingly encouraging, yet actually hurtful, words to Ruoye Mu in the lounge earlier.

He knew everything, but had no intention of stopping it; he simply watched quietly.

He's happy to have someone help him create an accident so he doesn't have to do it himself.

"The negligence was caused by the team, and you were the one who instructed them. Timoris conducted the acceptance inspection. Everything was normal when I handed over the acceptance authority to her. Even if I am the person responsible, how could the biggest blame be placed on me?"

Looking at Minami Mori's amused smile, Yuu Toyokawa stared directly into her eyes, a bright smile mirroring her own.

This old woman is not the only one wearing a mask.

"Of course, I will definitely take the initiative to take responsibility. After all, the unity of the band is more important than anything else. Only a small storm can make the crew more united... around me."

"I just didn't expect you to be so polite. I thought you would go even further. If it were me, I would definitely consider sabotaging the concert to put pressure on you."

Looking into Minami Mori's golden eyes, which were exactly the same as those of Mutsuka Wakaba, Yuu Toyokawa tried to read some emotions from them.

What I just said wasn't just polite talk; it's because Toyokawa Yuu genuinely couldn't understand some of Mori Minami's behaviors.

Since you chose to disrupt the concert, why did you politely stop?

Is it out of nostalgia, or is there some ulterior motive?

If it's the former, then there's an advantage that can be taken advantage of.

If it's the latter, then we need to be even more careful.

“I’m not planning to destroy this band right now, otherwise what if my daughter can’t take the blow and hides back in her little room and becomes completely withdrawn?”

Looking down at the stage that was not yet illuminated by the lights, Minami's expression became much more profound, and the emotions in her golden eyes became increasingly complex.

“Ave Mujica must be a band that she feels nostalgic for, so much so that when the others could no longer move forward, she had to retreat into the world of theater to find traces of the past... How can you become like brothers without going through enough hardships together?”

So that's why. It's that same old emotional bond stuff that Toyokawa Sadaharu was promoting.

But if this method really worked, would you, as a mother, still do such a thing?

Yuu Toyokawa rolled her eyes at Minami, who had her back to her, but didn't seem to care.

"That's why I said, Ms. Minami, you're holding back. The Ave Mujica are gathered together not because of this kind of illusion created by the suspension bridge effect."

"It's a quagmire where everyone is stuck and no one can get out."

As soon as the boy finished speaking, the lights in the performance hall suddenly went out, plunging the world into darkness.

Only a sliver of moonlight from the horizon shone into the doll's windowpane.

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

"what happened?"

Backstage at the performance hall, Shoko Toyokawa, illuminated by the light from her phone, coldly stared at the staff member standing in front of her.

Beneath the mask, his brows furrowed deeply, and his voice carried a stern questioning tone.