After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Yuu Toyokawa had no doubts about Wakaba Mutsu's explanation.

It's true that Metis would be eager to go out and play.

However, compared to all of this, there is something that is even more troubling for Toyokawa Yuu now—how she should treat Toyokawa Shoko later.

I have no way out now.

If we can't bring Toyokawa Shoko back to life the next ten years, then...

So, in order to get her to cooperate as much as possible, or at least to make her more reluctant to hurt me, should I... be a little gentler with her?

Chapter 158 It's good that it's not Chihaya Aine.

The weather was sunny and the sun was shining brightly.

Shoko Toyokawa stood downstairs at her apartment building, her long blue hair tied into twin ponytails on either side. Her eyelids were slightly lowered as if she were standing still, but her amber eyes would occasionally peek out from her lowered eyelids and look at the intersection leading to the station.

Two weeks ago, she couldn't have imagined that she would be waiting anxiously for Toyokawa Yuu like she is now.

How exactly did their relationship develop to this point...?

Just less than two weeks ago, our relationship was one where we could argue at any moment.

...No, even now, we'd still argue over the slightest disagreement, but the band's current situation isn't good, and we really don't have the energy to mess around anymore.

Shoko Toyokawa was unsure how to correct her abnormal relationship with her fiancé, or rather... she didn't want to correct it.

A loving and devoted engaged couple, inseparable through life and death... that kind of beautiful and dreamlike relationship was something Toyokawa Shoko naturally longed for, and it was also her mother's long-held wish.

But to be honest, even Toyokawa Shoko herself couldn't imagine what Toyokawa Yuu would be like if he did something that was like risking his life for her.

The Yuu Toyokawa he knew didn't value relationships that much; more often than not, she seemed to be bound by the responsibilities she imposed on herself.

Reluctantly, yet compelled to complete tasks diligently, whether it was for the band's work or for personal preference.

What if one day I...

The thought involuntarily popped into her mind, startling even Toyokawa Shoko herself. But before she could think about it further, her gaze fell upon the boy who was gradually appearing at the street corner.

Lifting her eyes, Toyokawa Shoko unconsciously smiled slightly.

The speed at which Toyokawa Yuu arrived was beyond her expectations; the distance between her rented apartment and Toyokawa Yuu's place was at least half an hour.

And now, he has only been downstairs for five minutes.

Clearly, Toyokawa Yuu was already on his way, and even if I didn't mention it, I would probably see him soon.

Toyokawa Shoko was naturally delighted that her fiancé had taken such initiative.

However, upon seeing the quiet, light green figure beside Toyokawa Yuu, the smile that had just appeared on Toyokawa Shoko's lips unconsciously faded slightly.

This should be a perfectly normal thing.

She was living at her fiancé's house, and today was not a leisurely weekend. On the contrary, the whole band had work, so it was expected that Yuyu would take Mu out with her.

But for some reason, seeing her half-body gently clutching the corner of her fiancé's sleeve, following him obediently step by step, Toyokawa Shoko still subconsciously felt a little uncomfortable.

She was living half her life at her fiancé's house...

Taking a deep breath, Toyokawa Shoko suppressed the strange feelings in her heart.

She knew she shouldn't be jealous of anything. Her current situation was caused by her family's reluctance to let her form a band again, which led them to instruct Mori Nami to make things difficult for her.

Essentially, Xiao Mu was implicated because of her own actions.

If I were to become jealous that she gets to live with her fiancé...

"Xiang, good morning."

Just as her thoughts were wandering, a gentle and obedient voice brought Toyokawa Shoko back to her senses.

Just as Toyokawa Shoko was lost in thought, Toyokawa Yuu had already brought Wakaba Mutsu to her.

There were no sweet greetings typical of engaged couples, not even a single word. Toyokawa Yuu simply stood quietly in front of Toyokawa Shoko and nodded as a greeting.

If no one mentions it, outsiders might not see the two as a couple destined to be together, but rather as ordinary friends who aren't very close.

On the contrary, it was Wakaba Mutsu who greeted Toyokawa Shoko with some enthusiasm, and a slight smile appeared on her otherwise calm expression.

It's clear that although she's not as lively as Metis and doesn't mind staying at Toyokawa Yuu's house, she's actually quite happy to have regained some freedom.

"Greetings, Mu."

Shoko Toyokawa bowed gently to Mutsuka Wakaba; her manners were impeccable.

Compared to Mutsumi Wakaba, who is still studying at Tsukinomori, she has a more aristocratic air about her.

"You too, Youyu."

With her golden gaze turning to her fiancé, Toyokawa Shoko revealed a smile that was flawless.

"There's no need to go downstairs to wait; it's a waste of time."

Since Toyokawa Shoko took the initiative to greet her, Toyokawa Yuu couldn't just nod and let it go like before, but she also couldn't be as indifferent as Wakaba Mutsu.

It seemed as if he was being bossed around by his fiancée again, still harboring a sense of resentment yet helplessly yielding...

If Toyokawa Shoko hadn't deduced that he had already set off before she sent the text message...

Therefore, in response to her fiancé's indifference, Toyokawa Shoko simply smiled quietly, without even changing the curve of her lips.

Although she didn't understand why her fiancé was being so "considerate" today, Toyokawa Shoko didn't dislike the feeling.

Rather, if Yuu Toyokawa could maintain this attitude, it would actually be quite good in his opinion. There wouldn't be an atmosphere so cheesy that it would leave both of them feeling awkward, and he could genuinely feel the care from his fiancé.

Most importantly, in this cold, almost docile relationship, both parties can feel at ease whether they are giving or receiving.

"Let's go have breakfast, then it's time to get to work. I have a lot to do this morning, and I also have a promise to Aine this afternoon. I don't want to break my promise."

Bathed in Toyokawa Shoko's smile, Toyokawa Yuu was the first to break down, silently turning away and changing the subject.

I have a feeling that my fiancée, who used to make unreasonable demands with a stern face but would be speechless if I contradicted her, has recently become more confident in front of me.

Overconfident and carried away, that's how Toyokawa Yuu sees his fiancée these days.

She simply did things that were more suitable and easier for her to do given her position...

"It's really rare that Yuu would offer to treat someone to something to eat."

With Yuu Toyokawa on one side and Mutsu Wakaba on the other, Shoko Toyokawa had completely let go of the awkwardness she felt earlier, and even had the leisure to tease her fiancé.

“I’m just worried about Xiao Mu’s health. If you’re not hungry, you can watch over her from the side.”

Yuu Toyokawa glanced at his smiling fiancée and felt that Shoko Toyokawa was a bit annoying today.

Even though she no longer made unreasonable demands with a stern face like before, this smile that seemed to indicate she knew everything and was just going along with it only made Toyokawa Yuu more irritable.

He felt he couldn't be too gentle with this guy who had recently become more confident, but thinking that he had to keep Toyokawa Shoko alive this time, Toyokawa Yuu hesitated again about whether he should be more enthusiastic towards his fiancée.

The thought, like a battle between two opposing forces, lingered in Yuu Toyokawa's mind, leaving her momentarily unsure how to react to Shoko Toyokawa. She could only force a stern expression and urge them to have breakfast.

“Youyu left very early. He said Xiang was also short of money, so he just picked him up along the way.”

Seeing his own half, he was unusually in a good mood, while Toyokawa Yuu was indifferent. After thinking for a while, Wakaba Mutsu finally spoke up and took the initiative to ease the atmosphere between the two.

Seeing that Toyokawa Shoko's smile seemed to have become even more pronounced, Wakaba Mutsu's anxious heart gradually relaxed.

That's great. This time, it didn't turn out badly because I spoke up.

"We don't need to be so polite between us, and besides, isn't Yuyu in the same boat when it comes to not being well-off?"

When this rather practical issue was brought up, Toyokawa Shoko's smile faded considerably.

The three people present seemed to be short of money at the moment.

Youyu, needless to say, has personally experienced his predicament. And now it's not time for the band to settle their profits yet, so he can't get any money. Mu has no source of income since running away from home.

If all else fails, should we ask Chu Hua for help?

Recalling her friend's unusual behavior, Toyokawa Shoko felt a growing sense of unease.

She could tell that her childhood friend was hiding something from her, and she wondered if it would be a waste to cause her trouble at a time like this...

However, there doesn't seem to be a better way. We can't let Youyu bear the burden of taking care of Mu alone.

Moreover, it is indeed necessary to discuss Chu Hua's matter with You Yu.

I can now deduce that what Hatsuka encountered is related to Hachiman Kairin.

If it were Youyu, I'm sure I could have a good conversation with her.

"Yuyu, if there's really no other way, I can..."

After thinking it over, Toyokawa Shoko decided to take the initiative to shoulder the financial burden for the three of them.

If she were willing to ask for help, even just to borrow, she could borrow enough funds to ensure the three of them could live comfortably for at least a month.

Although her current place is indeed shabby, her social circle actually includes many wealthy young ladies. Even if she doesn't contact Hatsuka, there's still Nagasaki... no, as for this one, she should probably avoid contacting her unless absolutely necessary.

Her gaze became somewhat unfocused, and Toyokawa Shoko paused, about to continue her sentence, when she was interrupted by Toyokawa Yuu.

"No need. I've already taken care of the money issue."

Leading the two girls to a random shop, Toyokawa Yuu firmly rejected Toyokawa Shoko's suggestion.

I already owe Hachiman Kairin a favor in this regard, and I have no intention of owing Toyokawa Shoko any more.

Even if there was no favor owed between them.

"What...Mu?"

Upon hearing that Yuu Toyokawa had already resolved her financial problems, Shoko Toyokawa's gaze sharpened, and she turned to look at Mutsuki Wakaba, who was already sitting down beside her, her eyes full of questions.

"is this real?"

It's not that I don't believe in Toyokawa Yuu's abilities, nor do I think my fiancé would lie about something like this.

But to be fair, when it comes to connections, if we exclude the Toyokawa family, Toyokawa Yuu's social network is quite small.

Aside from other colleagues at the agency with whom I have work-related contact, there's probably only the band, and... Chihaya Aine.

The name popped into her mind, and Toyokawa Shoko quietly bit her lip.

If we were to ask who the strong-willed Yuu Toyokawa would accept help from, or who she would actively seek help from, there would probably only be this one answer.

"Don't look at Xiaomu like that. It was money I borrowed from Hailing. I can certainly not starve on my own, but there's no need to drag Xiaomu down with me."

Although the wallet was forced upon her by Yawata Kairin, in Toyokawa Yuu's words, it completely became her responsibility.

Toyokawa Shoko's gaze was drawn to Ruoye Muku, and Toyokawa Yuu took the initiative to defend the golden-eyed girl who was feeling a little uncomfortable under that gaze.

"Hailin...this is really..."

Toyokawa Shoko lowered her gaze, and she finally understood why Yahata Kairin had been wearing a smile so often these past few days.

"Auspicious..."

Seeing Toyokawa Shoko's increasingly somber expression, Wakaba Mutsuki suddenly became nervous again.

She sensed that Toyokawa Shoko seemed a little angry, but she couldn't understand where that anger came from.

The band members were no longer like strangers, only united within their own small groups, but began to help each other.

Even Yuu, who has always been strong-willed, has gradually begun to accept other people's kindness. This should be a good thing...

"...That's great."

When she looked up, the slight gloom on Toyokawa Shoko's face disappeared, replaced by a smile almost identical to the one she had when she left the house.

This time, it was Toyokawa Yuu who was puzzled.

He wasn't the kind of person who felt uneasy if no one bothered him, but based on his understanding of Toyokawa Shoko, he knew she wouldn't be indifferent to such a thing, let alone show that slightly relieved smile.

Along with that confusion gradually arose a faint unease.

He realized that he no longer seemed to fully understand Toyokawa Shoko's thoughts, just as he would never have believed that Toyokawa Shoko would make a deal with Mori Minami for the sake of Wakaba Mutsu, if he hadn't learned the information ten years later.

This young lady, whose mind is always preoccupied with herself, seems to have undergone some kind of change in her mindset that she is unaware of.

“It’s a good thing that Youyu is willing to rely more on the band members. Even a manager would be exhausted if they tried to take on everything themselves.”

Toyokawa Shoko nodded, seemingly unconcerned that her fiancé wouldn't come to her even after borrowing money from Hachiman Kairin.

After all, it's better than going to find Chihaya Aine, right?

Although we're all friends, that girl always makes me feel uneasy.

In comparison, at least Hachiman Kairin is one of our own.