My second life is a bit strange?

"Because this song is my Christmas gift to Goto."

Kaede is really looking forward to seeing what kind of performance they will bring. Can Kita-chan really handle this song?

"Huh? You're really good to her." Xingge looked at Feng gazing at Goto on the stage with tenderness in his eyes and couldn't help but feel hopeful as well.

The intro was only two or three seconds long, but Kita's opening lines immediately amazed everyone.

"I've been numbing myself with alcohol for a long time, and when I tried to find the truth, I lost my way."

Kita used a cool voice, which revealed confusion and resentment, creating a strong contrast with her lovely face.

The rap-like performance was a pleasant surprise for the audience.

"What band is this? They're amazing."

"This is the first time I've heard it."

As a huge fan of Goto, he immediately started explaining things to others.

The flashing lights stimulated everyone's senses.

The performance then reached its climax.

Don't leave me all alone.

"I will not be someone who gets something for nothing until I grow up."

It's as if they're begging someone, which is heartbreaking.

Goto kept her head down the whole time, but her short bangs could no longer cover her eyes. Looking at the audience swaying to their music with their enthusiastic expressions, she seemed less afraid.

But everyone's attention was drawn to other people, and she wanted everyone to look at her.

Just then, someone recognized her.

"Isn't this the person who's all over the internet?"

"Now that you mention it, I remember that iconic pink tracksuit."

"He said he wanted to become the world's number one guitarist."

"So bold, you really dare to say that."

"But when you hear it that way, it doesn't seem like a big deal, does it?"

Feng ignored the voices of those around him and suddenly said, "It's coming."

"What?" Before Hoshika could react, Kita's last words faded away, and then all the other instrumental sounds disappeared, leaving only Goto's solo.

The brilliant tapping sent a jolt of electricity through the listener's brain, making their scalp tingle.

After a crisp strumming, the sounds of other instruments gradually joined in, and Kita sang with perfect timing and rhythm.

Don't leave me all alone.

With a final murmur, the performance came to an end.

The girls were panting heavily, and seeing no reaction from the audience, they were too nervous to know how to speak.

But then came enthusiastic applause that lasted for ten minutes straight.

"I know she can do it, she can definitely become the best."

Feng's eyes burned as he watched his treasure shine on the stage. Suddenly, he understood Garuda's thoughts: training someone to be the world's number one was really interesting.

Xingge couldn't help but complain, "They're really two little monsters."

Backstage, Goto looked at the string marks on her fingertips. She had just entered a mysterious state, as if the guitar was an extension of her body.

She truly achieved the feeling of being able to control things at will...

"What's wrong with Pochi-chan?"

Seeing her standing there blankly, staring at her hand, Hongxia assumed she had scratched it while playing the game.

"No, no."

"That's good. Hurry up and grab the food to eat something delicious. Your sister and Senior Shirogane are waiting at the door."

Upon hearing about the delicious food, Goto's eyes lit up, and he immediately sped up his preparations.

"Ms. Goto."

Four or five men in blue overalls walked up to her. Their tall shadows blocked the light. Goto trembled with fear as she clutched her guitar.

"W-what's wrong?"

She suddenly noticed these people; the hats they were wearing bore the Maple Group logo.

【maple?】

"Ms. Goto, you can leave the loudspeaker equipment to us for transportation. We will deliver it to the company safely."

"company!!"

Ryo reacted the most, grabbing Goto's arm with disbelief on her face: "Could it be that Pochi-chan has been signed by a rich company and can live a carefree life forever?"

"Well... it's probably unlikely that a salted fish would do that." Goto was actually a little afraid of Kaguya. Even though her smile was gentle, the way she looked at her always gave him the creeps and made him feel uneasy.

"These must be Ms. Goto's friends. We can help deliver them. Just tell us the address."

"Really? Thank you so much!"

Hongxia casually told them the address of Fanxing.

Goto, carrying his guitar, happened to meet Kaede's gaze, and his face flushed red as he lowered his head.

“A fantastic performance. I’m so glad to be able to give you this song.”

"Hmm..." Hearing Feng praise her like that, she felt an urge to cry.

"Alright, to celebrate, I'll treat you to dinner today."

Hongxia snuggled into her sister's arms, eager to claim credit.

When they arrived at the store, they happened to run into other bands. They had been talking to Goto and the others during rehearsals.

"Is he an acquaintance?"

"Hmm...I guess so."

"Let's go together then." Feng invited them into the private room. At the table, everyone raised their glasses: "Happy New Year! Cheers!"

Feng glanced around and realized that he was the only boy among the ten people, and Xingge was the only adult.

This table presents a stark contrast: on the left is the introverted group led by Goto, constantly radiating negativity, while on the right is the cheerful group led by Kita.

Goto quietly changed into his party outfit and ate skewers one after another.

Each skewer had beef, lamb, and pork on it, and every bite tasted different. I finished my food in no time and then stared longingly, waiting for others to turn the table.

Seeing her like this, Feng helped her get two skewers and handed them to her: "Try to eat whatever you want, don't be shy."

"Thank...thank you."

He overheard Kita chatting with the store manager, Hoshika.

"The store manager turns thirty today."

"Pfft!" Feng choked. Is this something that can be discussed so casually? But he doesn't seem any different from college students.

Xingge quickly gestured for her to stop and not say anything more.

Everyone presented their birthday gifts in turn: Kita's lipstick, and Ryo's snowman, which he had made from who-knows-where and was already showing signs of melting.

Goto stared at the ceiling, her face pale. She had completely forgotten about giving the store manager a gift.

Whenever she didn't know what to do, she would subconsciously look at Feng.

Forgetting birthday presents will definitely get you killed.

The 174th band signed

Seeing Goto's embarrassed expression, Kaede took out her gift, an exquisite gift box containing an expensive fragrance and a facial mist.

"This is a gift that Goto and I prepared together."

"Thank you for spending so much." Store manager Xingge happily accepted the money, and while looking at the instruction manual, she exclaimed in surprise, "Boqi-chan knows about such fashionable things."

"Um... well... this." Goto ate his food guiltily, not daring to reply.

Hongxia looked at her with a "you have a problem" expression, while Goto almost crawled under the table.

This amount of money meant nothing to Feng: "I'm happy as long as you like it."

Having narrowly escaped death, Goto slumped into a chair and silently ate a bite of food to calm his nerves.

"You two are giving each other the same gift, you're not in that kind of relationship, are you?"

Otsuki's words were startling, and Goto was so embarrassed that his face turned red, and he pounded his chest with his fist.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Feng quickly handed him a drink, which helped him swallow the contents of his throat.

“Ootsuki, you’ll get used to it. Those two…” Nijika’s voice trailed off.

After finishing their meal and saying goodbye to the SIDEROS band, Feng asked everyone to stay behind.

A knock sounded at the door, and Kaguya opened it and walked in: "Excuse me."

He sat down next to Feng.

"It's the young lady from last time."

They all knew about Boqi's guitar incident, so it left a deep impression on them.

"It must be cold outside, your hands are all red from the cold." Feng poured her a hot drink and warmed her hands. "Remember to wear gloves next time."

Kaguya stuck out her tongue and said cutely, "I was in a bit of a rush when I left, I forgot."

Watching their intimate interaction, Goto noticed the difference between Kaede's gentleness towards Kaguya and her own, and a strange emotion began to stir within him.

“Miss Ichichi, happy birthday. This is a gift I prepared for you.”

"Ah, thanks."