Gravity Girl Shining

"Ms. Toyokawa, what do you mean by that?"

There was a hint of provocation in Miao Meng's tone.

Toyokawa Shoko folded her hands on the table, her eyes fixed on Miao Meng. Although she was obviously the shorter one, her aura was so high that Miao Meng could only look up to her.

"I just want to remind you, Miss Miaomeng. AveMujica does need a drummer, but it doesn't necessarily need you. What you desperately need is a platform that allows you to break through the status quo. It's you who need AveMujica, not AveMujica who needs you."

Miao Meng's smile froze. She hadn't expected Toyokawa Shoko to suddenly change his attitude after praising her and point directly at her sore spot. In the moment of silence, she had to admit that Toyokawa Shoko's words had hit a sore spot.

Although she was still on the rise as a beauty influencer, this path wasn't what she wanted. After failing numerous acting auditions, she managed to secure a spot on a variety show thanks to her connections with Uehara Hibiki, but it wasn't enough. Miao Meng longed for a bigger platform and more traffic.

And AveMujica may be her opportunity for transformation.

Unfortunately, Toyokawa Shoko isn't a pushover; her words aren't just sharp, they're also a warning. Just as Hachiman Kailing had warned Meow Meng before, Toyokawa Shoko isn't just a genius, she also possesses the arrogance and stubbornness of a genius. She's establishing her own authority, and without a doubt, she'll be a tyrant in the band.

But... this tyrant is a genius recognized by Uehara Hibiki. So perhaps AveMujica, this immature tree, can truly become a support for Meow Dream's future.

Thinking of this, Miao Meng's attitude softened a little. He leaned forward slightly, lowered his posture, and there was a hint of tentativeness in his tone.

"Ms. Toyokawa, you're really direct, but it's true. However, I'm a little curious about AveMujica's development plans. If it's just an ordinary band, I'm afraid it wouldn't be enough to excite me."

Seeing Miao Meng lower her head on her own initiative, Toyokawa Xiangzi nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. She leaned back in her chair and began to explain her vision.

"AveMujica's performance format will be a parallel evolution of music performance and stage play. Our music and scripts will be built around a complete world view to attract and build a core fan base. My short-term goal is to lead the band to the Budokan within a year. As for the longer-term future, I will make AveMujica a legend in the music industry."

At the mention of "stage play," Miao Meng's eyes lit up. Her true dream was to become an actor. Her plan was to use AveMujica as a springboard to become a versatile artist and pursue a career in acting. The stage play format perfectly suited her.

"Stage play..."

Miao Meng's tone was filled with excitement as she gently stirred the latte in front of her with a spoon. Just imagining herself on stage, shining under the spotlight, made her feel an unbearable itch in her heart.

"It's really interesting. I have to admit, I'm moved."

Seeing Meow Meng's reaction, Toyokawa Shoko continued to look forward to the future with satisfaction.

"That's right. AveMujica is not just a band, it will be a whole that integrates music, drama and visual arts. Every member will become a builder of this world, not just a performer. Everyone in the band will become a community with a shared destiny."

Miao Meng couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart when listening to Toyokawa Shoko's ambitious speech. From "delivering life" to "community of shared destiny", she saw a very bad trait in Toyokawa Shoko.

After hanging around in Tokyo for so many years, Miao Meng believed that he had developed a pair of eyes that could read people's hearts. Aristocratic ladies like Toyokawa Shoko, with their mixture of arrogance and naiveté, were the most troublesome kind of people.

However, Miao Meng was willing to take a gamble. She even dared to approach a harem scumbag like Uehara Hibiki, let alone Toyokawa Shoko.

"However, Ms. Toyokawa, your plan sounds grand, but achieving the goal of 'One Year Budokan' is not that easy. What is your confidence? Is it 'Toyokawa', 'Wakaba', or..."

Miao Meng paused deliberately, a cunning look flashing in her eyes. She hoped that Toyokawa Shoko could reveal a little bit about the power behind her, even if it was just a hint, so that she could figure out whether this was just a "playing house" that the eldest lady did on a whim, or a "career" that had the approval of the adults behind the scenes.

However, Xiangzi's reaction was beyond her expectations.

"During the initial period, all band members wore masks and used code names to hide their identities. Whether it was 'Toyokawa' or 'Rukaba', nothing had anything to do with AveMujica. All I had to do was start from scratch. As for my confidence..."

There was a hint of pride in Shoko Toyokawa's tone, even arrogance.

"Of course it's my talent. Besides me, the other two members of the band, Wakaba Mu and Yawata Kailing, also have professional-level performance skills. The strength of the band is as solid as a rock. So... Miss Meow Meng, you are the one who needs the most practice. Do you understand?"

Miao Meng was stunned. She looked at Toyokawa Shoko in front of her, feeling the powerful aura and confidence emanating from that petite body. Those golden eyes seemed to pierce through her defenses, forcing Miao Meng to lower her head.

Shoko Toyokawa, a person who is willing to conquer everything with his talent and determination.

"Either ascend to heaven or fall into hell...it's a gamble!"

Miao Meng recalled her own experience, from her hometown in Kumamoto to Tokyo, from a country girl who didn't know how to put on makeup to a beauty anchor at the front row of fashion trends. Miao Meng has always relied on an unyielding spirit and worked hard to achieve what she has today.

If even a seemingly delicate young lady like Toyokawa Shoko is willing to give up her status to fight, what reason does she have to retreat?

"Ms. Toyokawa, you are really confident."

Miao Meng said with a smile, a glint of determination in her eyes. At this moment, Miao Meng was no longer interested in AveMujica simply because of Uehara Hibiki's recommendation, but was truly moved by Toyokawa Shoko's confidence and was willing to take a gamble on her.

"Yutenji, Yutenji Wakamugi, this is my real name."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Toyokawa Shoko's eyes. She stretched out one of her hands and spoke in a solemn and serious tone.

"Then, Miss Yutenji, are you willing to entrust your life to me?"

Miao Meng was stunned for a moment, then she laughed. She held Xiangzi's hand with a hint of teasing in her tone.

"Ms. Toyokawa, this sounds really heavy, like a marriage proposal. But I agree."

Outside the café window, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the street, illuminating the figures of the two. The two, each with their own different dreams, found a common goal at this moment, temporarily.

Shoko Toyokawa picked up the coffee, took a sip, and there was a hint of relaxation in her tone.

"Well then, Ms. Yutenji, welcome to AveMujica."

"Understood, Captain, what should we do next?"

Meow Dream asked, a hint of excitement in her tone.

Shoko Toyokawa loosened her hand, took out a stack of papers from her bag and handed it to Miao Meng.

"Here's the drum sheet for the band's first song, along with the basic worldview script. You can take a look at it first. We'll start preparing for practice in a week. Your drumming skills are good, but they need further improvement. I'll develop a special training plan for you."

Miao Meng took the document, flipped through a few pages, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Wow, you're worthy of being the captain, you're well prepared. I'm Amoris (Love), Haizi is Timoris (Fear)... Ah, we're still missing one person, why isn't our lead singer Doloris (Sadness) here? The lead singer is the face of the band."

Shoko Toyokawa picked up the black tea, took a sip, and there was a hint of confidence in her tone.

"This week, I'll find a suitable lead singer so that it won't affect next week's practice. This week is also your chance."

Miao Meng nodded, looking at the terrifying drum score, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.

"I understand. I'll give it my all."

……

The setting sun shines on the cafe on the street in Ikebukuro and also on another apartment in Tokyo.

Sanjiao Chuhua, the perfect idol in the eyes of the public, was now pale and curled up on the bed.

"what should I do?"

"I want to see Xiangzi! I want to see Xiangzi!"

"But no! I'll only bring misfortune to Xiangzi!"

Sanjiao Hatsuka... no, now I should say Sanjiao Hatsune, was lying helplessly on the bed, tossing and turning.

After making the excuse of being unwell, she took leave for the first time in a year.

After all, after learning at school that Toyokawa Shoko was forming a new band, Miku no longer had any extra energy to think.

Originally, when she first arrived in Tokyo, she learned that Xiangzi was forming a band. The hateful Crychic took Xiangzi away and crushed him.

Miku just shed tears silently and secretly observed Xiangzi's hard work this year.

How... sad.

Now, Crychic has finally come to an end, and Shoko Toyokawa has started to form a new band. This is Miku's last chance.

And this is also the beginning of sadness.

Chapter 132: Stalker.

The summer night breeze was slightly cool. Uehara Hibiki was carrying supermarket shopping bags and walking side by side with Xiangzi on the way home. There was no doubt that today was another resounding victory.

"But Hai Ling has recovered today. She's not as confused as before. Her feet still hurt."

Rubbing his shoulders, Uehara Hibiki began to act coquettishly to the girl next to him. Unfortunately, Toyokawa Shoko, who had grown up because of something, became suspicious of Uehara Hibiki's actions.

"Does it hurt? But I remember someone particularly likes feet. Why do I feel like you get excited when Hailing kicks you?"

"Ah? Xiangzi, you're jealous of this?"

Uehara Hibiki was at a loss for words. Apart from anything else, the metal heels on the bottom of Hailing's boots felt like war hammers when kicked. How could they be the same as Xiangzi's soft feet in white socks?

Upon hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko snorted coldly and hugged Uehara Hibiki's arm.

"I'm not jealous, what do you think?"

I think you have.

But Uehara Hibiki didn't dare say this, because if he did, he would not be able to enjoy Xiangzi's white silk maid outfit tonight.

"Okay, okay, you're not jealous, I'm just being overly concerned."

Uehara Hibiki raised her hands in surrender, but took the opportunity to attack Xiangzi and pecked her lightly on the lips.

"ring!"

While enjoying Xiangzi's soft fist, Uehara Hibiki suddenly froze. With the help of his intuitive skills, he sensed a strong gaze.

Someone was watching them secretly.

And they are not those men in black from the Toyokawa family.

Over the past month or so, Uehara Hibiki and the men in black had almost reached a tacit understanding: Uehara Hibiki would not interfere with their work protecting Xiangzi, and they would not disturb his and Xiangzi's normal lives at close range. But this time was different. The sight was more subtle, more persistent, and... it came from a completely different direction from the men in black.

Uehara Hibiki turned his head calmly, and his eyes swept across the shadows at the corner of the street, where a figure seemed to flash by.

"what happened?"

Noticing Uehara Hibiki's silence, Toyokawa Shoko looked up in confusion.

Uehara Hibiki smiled, took out his cell phone from his pocket, lit up the screen, and pretended to be checking it.

"Ah, sorry, there's new news."

After closing the phone, Uehara Hibiki said to Toyokawa Shoko with a slightly apologetic tone: "Sorry, something urgent happened and I have to go take care of it. You go back first. I estimate I will be back in about half an hour."

Shoko Toyokawa frowned slightly, but did not ask any more questions. She just nodded and took the piano case and shopping bag from Hibiki Uehara.

"Okay, just don't be so anxious. If you have something to do, just take your time and don't rush for me."

"Yeah, I should be able to fix it soon."

Uehara Hibiki watched Toyokawa Shoko leave until she disappeared around the corner. The men in black who had been protecting her followed her out of the area. And that sight also shifted. The smile on Uehara Hibiki's face vanished instantly, either directed at himself or at Shoko. He turned and walked across the street, nimbly slipping into an alley.

In the darkness, Uehara Hibiki's pupils constricted slightly. His Level 4 Perception allowed him to clearly perceive everything even in the dim environment. Sure enough, he caught a glimpse of a figure swiftly dodging—a peaked cap, mask, and sunglasses, fully armed, as if intent on concealing his identity. Upon sensing Uehara Hibiki's presence, the stalker suddenly accelerated, diving into a narrow alley. Uehara Hibiki followed closely behind, and the two of them weaved through the pitch-black alley.

Looking at the stalker from behind, Uehara Hibiki's memory suddenly opened wide. He remembered this figure!

At the end of April, he had briefly chased this man out of the supermarket. At the time, Uehara Hibiki simply thought he was a pervert filming a hidden camera. Although he escaped after a chase, the man never appeared again. But now it seems that the guy wasn't targeting the camera at all, but Xiangzi.

"How dare you come?"

Uehara Hibiki muttered to himself, his body accelerating once more. He had seen clearly the last time, and the person filming was a yellow-haired man. It was simply outrageous that a yellow-haired man was spying on him, the harem king.

Today I will teach you how to be a good person!

Uehara Hibiki fought back. Compared to a month and a half ago, he is now a completely different person. His physical fitness, coordination and perception have greatly improved. He will definitely not lose the opponent again.

The pursuer ahead seemed to sense his approach and quickened his pace. The alleys crisscrossed like a maze, and the sound of their footsteps echoed in the narrow space. Uehara Hibiki's breathing was steady, his steps powerful, and he kept close to the pursuer. However, to his surprise, the pursuer's speed was equally astonishing. After nearly ten minutes of continuous pursuit, the distance between them had only narrowed slightly.

What’s even stranger is that the other person’s back… is strangely familiar.

Uehara Hibiki narrowed his eyes. The last time he chased her, he had undoubtedly blond hair. This time, though his hair was black beneath the cap, dyeing his hair wasn't unusual. Furthermore, the silhouette and running form were practically identical. Uehara Hibiki was certain the stalker was the same person both times.

But the problem was that the back figure was too familiar. Uehara Hibiki's intuition told him that he must know this stalker, which was why he felt so familiar.

Someone he knew would follow Xiangzi...

Honestly, it wasn't that hard to guess. A bold guess came to mind.

Uehara Hibiki suddenly slowed down, took out his cell phone from his pocket, and quickly dialed a number.

"Jingle Bell--"

The next second, a clear cell phone ringtone rang out from the running figure ahead, especially piercing in the quiet alley. The figure ahead froze suddenly, then, as if losing all strength, slowly stopped and slumped down in the shadows of the alley.

Uehara's heart sank as he stepped closer to the stalker. This woman, dressed in work clothes and with long black hair, looked nothing like the person he remembered. But at this distance, Uehara wouldn't be fooled by such a disguise. He reached out and removed the woman's hat, wig, sunglasses, and mask.

Beneath all the disguises is Sanjiao Chuhua’s pale face.

"It's you, Chuhua."

Sankaku Hatsuhua did not argue, but just raised his head and stared at Uehara Hibiki blankly, his purple eyes filled with sadness, his lips trembling, but no sound came out.

Uehara Hibiki sighed. It was indeed impossible to solve the problem within half an hour. He reached out to help Chuhua, who was slumped on the ground.

"We need to talk. Somewhere quiet."

Sankaku Hatsuka's apartment is a studio on the fifth floor of Nakano Ward. Although both have one bedroom and one living room, the living space is nearly double that of Uehara Hibiki's old apartment. The interior is simply furnished, with a few Sumimi posters hanging on the wall and idol magazines and CDs lining the bookshelves.