If I don't capture the girl, I will die

If there is a good reason, then yes.

Speaking of reasons, Ji Qi actually thought of a good one!

Just like Tomoya Aki introduced him to the editor, he can now also bring Shiyu along.

Although the acceptance of a manuscript depends entirely on the quality of the novel, new authors generally do not have the opportunity to meet the editor directly.

Just like Ji Qi did before, if there was no introduction from Aki Tomoya, he could only submit his work to the email and wait anxiously for a reply.

Thoughts popped up one after another in Ji Qi's mind.

Thinking of the last one, Ji Qi slapped his thigh, thinking that it was reasonable in every aspect. He might be able to use this excuse to go shopping with Shiyu and develop their relationship!

As a single guy who had never been in a relationship in his previous life, it was really hard for him...

……

PS: These two chapters have been revised, so some of the comments may not be correct, sorry sorry~

Chapter 34 The so-called protagonist...

The sky was dyed red by the afterglow of the setting sun.

Ji Qi was sitting in front of a grand piano in the cafe, playing the piano attentively.

He has already negotiated the publication of Sword Art Online, and the editor said it will be officially published in the next week or so.

As for how much publicity resources Kadokawa Bunko will invest in this pure newcomer, Ji Qi has no expectations.

Anyway, he still has more than a month left.

As for the strategy, there was no change in Kasumigaoka Utaha's favorability today, and daily feeding did not increase her favorability.

Sure enough, this is the only convenience that his familiarity with the original plot brings him.

From now on you can only rely on yourself to figure it out!

This gave Ji Qi a headache, and the melody of the piano he was playing also subtly changed.

The coffee shop where I work part-time doesn’t have any hard and fast rules about what songs to play, as long as the customers are satisfied that’s enough.

Therefore, Ji Qi was not limited to ordinary piano music, he could also play some suitable light-hearted anime songs.

The guests looked very satisfied.

Not everyone understands music. For most people, why bother? As long as it sounds good, isn’t it enough?

At this time, a girl with red hair and a shawl walked into the door of the cafe.

The girl was a little surprised when she opened the door and heard the melody and rhythm of the piano.

A song I haven't heard before.

But the melody and rhythm are very pleasant.

She would come to this high-end cafe occasionally, but when did it change to a pianist who seemed to be very good?

She found a seat by the window and skillfully flipped through the menu with her slender fingers. She ordered a small snack and a cup of coffee. It was obvious that she was a regular customer.

There were not many people in the cafe. Apart from the girl, they were all men in their thirties. They were not dressed as casually as the girl. In fact, the cost of such a high-end restaurant was a bit too much for ordinary students. However, these people did not look down on the girl who exuded confidence and nobility.

In Japan, coffee shops that hire professional pianists are very high-end, and high-end means the consumption is very high, but the girl, who is still a high school student, ordered expensive food without even blinking an eye.

It was dusk now. The girl played with the ends of her red hair and focused her attention on the figure playing the piano in the corner.

Hmm...what does this person say...

He plays the piano so well, but he feels like an average person!

The girl complained.

It’s not because of his appearance, but his temperament and characteristics give people the feeling that others can’t remember his face and subconsciously ignore him.

What impressed the girl most was the thin and slender hands of the boy playing the piano.

As a piano lover, she was slightly envious of these hands, which was rare.

As time went by, the eyes of the girl, who was quietly listening to music and sipping coffee from time to time, looked more and more bright.

This person is very powerful.

Whether it's the basics of piano or songs I've never heard before.

After two consecutive songs were played, the cafe seemed very quiet.

Then, applause broke out continuously.

Even the girl clapped sincerely.

Ji Qi bowed slightly and smiled politely to the guests.

This kind of performance that I put my heart into received applause and praise from others. I have to say, it feels great.

He is a musical genius that is recognized even by the system!

Not only that, Ji Qi also discovered that [Music], which is considered an innate attribute talent, can also be improved through practice and the proficiency continues to rise.

Thinking of this, Ji Qi stood up and glanced at the coffee shop customers who were applauding him.

Just when Ji Qi was about to look away, he saw a girl who was also applauding him...

Eyes widened slightly.

How could she appear in a place like this?!

——"The main quest has been triggered!"——

Current mission: "Help the campus idol μs successfully hold his first concert!"

Time limit: three months.

Rewards for successful mission: Presence +10; Pseudo-protagonist halo, unlocking subsequent developments!

Mission failed: A precious day of futanari experience.

Note: Pseudo-protagonist halo - lasts for one day, with a cooldown period of one week.

Note: When activated, your presence will be +30 (up to 90), and you will be treated like a protagonist! As a protagonist, you must have a mocking face, and be targeted wherever you go! So when activated, people around you who treat you normally will become unable to help but mock you in every way, even if their IQ drops!

The moment he saw the red-haired girl, so much information emerged in Ji Qi's mind.

Sitting back in front of the piano, Ji Qi rubbed his temples and sorted out the information.

First of all, the system didn't seem to be what he thought it was, a galgame system that only issued missions to capture girls.

There seemed to be missions like simply helping μs.

Then, there are rewards and punishments.

This punishment was much better than the previous ones, but it was still very cruel.

Ji Qi is not a pervert!

Ji Qi doesn't want to have the experience of supporting her for even a second, let alone a whole day!

As for rewards...

In addition to the familiar presence, the subsequent development of this mission is also easy to explain. As for this pseudo-protagonist halo...

Ji Qi's mouth twitched. No matter how you look at it, this is just a side effect of being the protagonist!

He would rather not have such treatment as the protagonist!

It only has the side effects of being a protagonist but not the benefits of being a protagonist. Anyone who uses it is a fool!

This is the real world, not a novel. He doesn't have the ability to solve problems...

Well, it’s enough to seal this protagonist’s halo deep in the memory.

Ji Qi felt that this was just a malicious trick played by the system, and the real reward was the subsequent development and the very important sense of existence.

Then again, as long as there were no major accidents, wouldn't μs' first concert be a foregone conclusion? He didn't need to force himself to get involved.

Ji Qi was a little confused about this task.

However, in line with the principle that the system will not act without a purpose, Ji Qi combined the circumstances and calculated what might happen.

This quest was not triggered when I first met Minami Qinli.

But this time, meeting Nishikino Maki in the coffee shop where he worked triggered it!

That’s right, that elegant red-haired girl is Maki, nicknamed “Withdrawal Girl” and “Tsundere Girl”!

In other words, the problem might be with Maki?

Ji Qi recalled the plot of LoveLive. If μs wanted to successfully hold its first concert, the contribution of the tsundere Maki could be said to be indispensable.

Without her composition, the Sonoda Umi trio, who knew nothing about playing any musical instruments, would have had no way of turning the lyrics into music.

Maybe something happened without his knowledge that caused Maki not to compose music for them as she originally intended?

Or is it because of tsundere and face-saving?

Ji Qi frowned. There were too many possible situations and it was useless for him to guess blindly. Only by asking the parties involved could he find out what happened.

……

It takes me three hours to write and revise one chapter... I think everyone is ready to vote... (>▽<) It is said that those who vote will be possessed by the halo of the true protagonist!

Chapter 35 Long live loving you!

They said they were asking the person involved, but this was the first time that Ji Qi and Nishikino Maki met each other, and they couldn't even find a reason to strike up a conversation, not to mention that this was a private matter in the school!

Although Ji Qi was not very eye-catching, he had just made a stunning impression on others and could still be remembered in these two short minutes. Seeing Ji Qi sitting in front of the piano again, a girl who was quite close to him asked with expectation in the eyes of a parent: "Another song, little brother?"

"It's really beautiful, how about playing another song~"

"I agree. I haven't heard such a relaxing song in a long time."

Most of the customers at this time are aware of the rules of performance.

It is normal for a pianist to take a break, but those who came to enjoy the quiet time obviously like Ji Qi's piano very much.

Ji Qi hesitated for a moment and set his gaze on Nishikino Maki not far away.

Seeing Zhenji looking at him from time to time, she seemed to be looking forward to it, so Ji Qi smiled and said, "Thank you for your support, I will play another song."

The piano is a great opportunity to connect with Maki, isn't it?

After thinking about it, he chose the piano piece "Long Live Loving You!" that Maki and Honoka played when they first met.

Ji Qi made a quick decision and put his fingers back on the piano.

When the pleasant piano prelude sounded, the listeners could not help but indulge in it and savor it carefully.

Maki, who was also listening quietly, widened her upturned almond-shaped eyes slightly.

Does he like this song too?

It’s obviously a niche song…

The feeling of having found a confidant made Maki have a better impression of this boy.

"Long live loving you, the courage to never give up, we are enjoying the present moment..."

As the song progressed, Maki, who was listening to the music nearby, began to sing along with the piano in an inaudible voice.

Ji Qi, who had been keeping an eye on Zhenji, felt that this was a good start!

It’s a much better start than Shiyu and Yukino had.

Should I ask Aunt Kobayakawa what the names of these songs are?

Playing with her hair ends out of habit, Maki thought of the two piano pieces whose names she didn't know but were very nice to listen to, in addition to "Long Live Love You". She felt a little moved.

If Maki were to ask this boy who seemed to be of the same age directly, she would definitely not be able to do it given her tsundere and shy personality.

But if you ask your parents' friend Haruko Kobayakawa, there won't be any problem.

Thinking of this, Maki took a sip of the remaining coffee, which was still bitter despite the addition of sugar, and quietly walked towards Haruko Kobayakawa's office.

It was getting late, so she wanted to go home after asking about this matter.

Ji Qi, who had been thinking about how to strike up a conversation with Maki, saw Maki leave his seat. His fingers, which were playing the piano, trembled and he played a wrong note.