After Xiangzi died, I inherited her harem.

Somewhat nervously placing her palm on her heart, Hatsune was caught in a dilemma.

Out of personal feelings, she wanted to help Toyokawa Shoko, but Hachiman Kairin held the most fatal weakness in her hands.

Xiao Xiang, I'm sorry, please don't hate me...

"...I agree with Oblivionis's view. I subconsciously excluded Mr. Yuyu when considering this part, which was indeed an oversight on my part."

Just as Hatsune was biting her lip, preparing to agree to Hachiman Kairin's decision under Toyokawa Shoko's disappointed gaze, Hachiman Kairin uttered an answer she had never expected.

With a hint of reluctance, Hachiman Kairin lowered her eyes and nodded in agreement with Toyokawa Shoko's suggestion.

This isn't the Ave Mujica office where nothing goes wrong no matter what disputes arise. Besides Ms. Nagasaki, who is a partner, there's also a hired filming crew.

Is this what you were thinking when you so easily agreed to make your decision under the public eye, putting yourself and Mr. Youyu's decision on the spot?

Hachiman Kairin knew that even if it was a performance, she had to portray a quiet and peaceful atmosphere within the band... It was as if she was saying that the band she had poured her heart and soul into and was determined to keep going was on the verge of falling apart.

Therefore, she couldn't afford to clash with Toyokawa Shoko in public, especially when she couldn't think of a very clear reason to refute him, and the more she argued, the more she would appear to be a selfish person.

Moreover, Mr. Youyu's consideration for the band's worldview is essentially because he does not want any more turmoil to occur within the band.

He certainly didn't want to be so inconsiderate as to let rumors of discord within the band spread, which would be a far more serious consequence than a slight disruption to his worldview.

The band's situation is not optimistic right now; this is not the time to be petty and lose one's temper.

Even if Mr. Yuyu wants to protect his own plan under the pretext of upholding his worldview, I... should not use this protection casually.

Such a thought lingered in my mind.

Yawata Kairin was well aware of Toyokawa Yuu's attitude towards this so-called band worldview. He was only concerned with the development of the band and probably never cared about this complicated setting that was added because of his fiancée's interest.

This was evident even in the early days of his joining the band.

Adding authenticity to behind-the-scenes footage is beneficial to the band's development, and Mr. Youyu probably didn't want to refuse, but because he supported his proposal before, he is now in a difficult position.

Right now, he's probably just compromising, and I... can't let him feel even more wronged.

With this thought in mind, Hachiman Kairin lowered her eyes, hiding her dissatisfaction, and bowed her head to Toyokawa Shoko.

Under the almost distorted gaze of Toyokawa Yuu, he nodded in agreement to the plan.

She even dragged Hatsune Miku and Yutenji Wakana into it.

"I don't think Amoris and Dolores would object to this suggestion. An agent's occasional cameo appearance can indeed increase the authenticity of the content."

“Eh? Of course, I think Xiao Xiang... I think Oblivionis and Timoris's suggestions are both very reasonable, and Mr. Youyu doesn't have to be so shy.”

Hatsune Miku was overjoyed and readily agreed, her voice even becoming much lighter.

She had thought she would have to make a difficult choice between Hachiman Kairin and Toyokawa Shoko's decisions.

Now that Yawata Kairin is willing to compromise, she certainly won't object.

"I've done behind-the-scenes footage like this where the agent gets involved before, with Mana and Lena-nee. I can help out."

"As long as my agent doesn't object, I don't mind working a little overtime."

Yutenji Wakana, who had sunk into the sofa, simply waved his hand, clearly expressing his easygoing attitude.

As a result, all eyes turned back to Yuu Toyokawa, and the final decision was handed over to this manager who had never let the band down.

"...Do as you please, I have no objection."

If there weren't other outsiders present, Toyokawa Yuu felt she would probably have turned pale at that moment.

Hachiman Kairin, open your eyes! Can't you read my eye signals?

I've held my nose and sided with you so many times, and this is how you repay me for the only time I genuinely wanted to speak up for you?

Even if she was somewhat unwilling, everyone else had already agreed, so how could Toyokawa Yuu possibly object now?

Having been Ave Mujica's manager for so long, Toyokawa Yuu has finally experienced what it feels like to be put on the hot seat.

Even more so, the people who have elevated him are the two he currently favors the most.

"However, I still think I should minimize my screen time as much as possible, and let the sound come in off-camera most of the time... In any case, the focus of the band is on the musicians, not on me, the manager who does odd jobs behind the scenes."

Yuu Toyokawa subtly emphasized the word "odd jobs" and smiled slightly, as if pleased with the unity within his band.

Only Wakaba Mutsu, who had been enjoying Toyokawa Yuu's hair-styling service with her eyes closed, opened her golden eyes a crack.

After living together for a while, she, who was already sensitive to emotions, could sense that there seemed to be something... like gritted teeth in Toyokawa Yuu's voice.

Gently taking the hand of Yuu Toyokawa, who was fixing his hair, Mukaru Wakaba pressed his cheek against the back of the boy's hand, using the warmth of his cheek to soothe the barely visible irritation in the boy's heart.

As for Ms. Nagasaki, she maintained a faint smile as she observed everything, adhering to the principle of not interfering in the other team's interactions as a collaborator.

However, these kids... are really quite interesting.

With such a warm atmosphere, and that manager who's similar to Soyo and always accommodating others, Soyo might unexpectedly get along with them.

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

Although I was dragged around and messed around by Toyokawa Shoko... no, I should say by this band that has no respect for their superiors, the filming was still successfully completed in one morning.

Even the part that Toyokawa Shoko dragged me to reshoot at the end was done as respectfully as possible, with almost no actual screen time; in most cases, it was just sound coming from off-camera.

The only time it appeared on screen was when an arm was handing a comb to Toyokawa Shoko... Toyokawa Yuu felt that she might not be able to keep this arm.

In any case, as long as it can be completed smoothly within the scheduled time, that's fine. Anyway, it's up to me to decide which segments to use for promotion. At worst, I can just hide all the parts related to myself.

Slumped onto the sofa in Ms. Nagasaki's office, Yuu Toyokawa looked up at the somewhat unfamiliar office ceiling, her mind lingering on the idea of ​​abusing her power for personal gain.

"It seems that Mr. Toyokawa is not suited for that kind of work that requires him to be in the public eye."

Ms. Nagasaki held two cups of tea in her hands. She placed one of them on the coffee table in front of Yuu Toyokawa. Instead of returning to the desk at the far end, she sat down across the coffee table from the somewhat tired-looking young man in front of her.

This morning's filming went smoothly, except for a brief hiccup with Yuu Toyokawa at the last minute, and the collaboration between the two parties was a natural outcome.

At least in terms of cooperative trust, the two sides have initially established one.

Otherwise, Ms. Nagasaki would not have thought she would have the honor of seeing this boy, who always put on a mature demeanor, with such a sullen expression.

"I've never thought that showing your face in public is a good thing; it's easy to cause trouble... although it seems that no matter what, it will cause some trouble."

He didn't straighten up from where he was sunk into the sofa, nor did he take the cup of tea that Ms. Nagasaki had placed in front of him.

Yuu Toyokawa felt that the well-mannered lady in front of her, who appeared lively yet composed, would not mind this behavior.

In a sense, this is a signal that the two people are getting to know each other and trust each other. In short, it means that they are starting to treat each other as one of their own, so there is no need to be polite in everything.

"I think it's quite brave for a child of this age to be willing to show their face and attract attention. Although it can be worrying at times, I sometimes wish my daughter could be a little more willful."

Not paying much attention to Toyokawa Yuu's seemingly complaining attitude, Ms. Nagasaki had indeed received the other party's overtures, and the correct response was not to show excessive concern at this time.

On the contrary, in such situations, it's fine to just chat casually with each other.

The already fragile cooperative relationship doesn't need excessive flattery; treating it like casual conversation between business partners is the best approach.

"Speaking of which, those kids from Ave Mujica should be having lunch next door right now, Mr. Toyokawa, why don't you go join them?"

"No need. It would be troublesome for me to go there now. I have other things to do this afternoon. Let me catch my breath... Speaking of which, can you finish the editing work before the end of this weekend? At least finish part of it so I can use it directly."

Shaking her head, Toyokawa Yuu rejected Nagasaki's suggestion and unconsciously steered the conversation back to work.

There were some things he was in a hurry to use, and he also needed to generate buzz for his band before the joint program with Sumimi was released.

Yuu Toyokawa certainly didn't expect to finish all that material this weekend, but she hoped to at least produce two usable videos.

"Two finished copies? Of course, no problem. We can finish this amount of work in time. However, I also hope that we can sponsor the venue for Ave Mujica's next concert... Of course, the share of the profits will be there. I think Mr. Toyokawa has already felt my sincerity."

When Yuu Toyokawa wanted to discuss work, Ms. Nagasaki naturally followed suit, even planning to finalize the next collaboration.

Yuu Toyokawa had no reason or thought to object to this plan, which was also beneficial to Ave Mujica in its current state, and immediately nodded in agreement, thus finalizing the matter.

With the future cooperation settled, Ms. Nagasaki was in a better mood. She glanced at the time and smiled.

"Since Mr. Youyu doesn't want to eat with those young girls, would you do me the honor of joining me? My daughter said she's planning to visit me on set today and has prepared lunch for me. How about we share a bite together?"

It doesn't even count as inviting the other person to a proper meal; theoretically, it's actually a rather frivolous gesture.

However, Ms. Nagasaki felt that, given Toyokawa Yuu's current personality, this approach seemed more appropriate.

Perfect timing, it would also allow my daughter to get to know this young man who is the same age but already so accomplished.

If she has any plans to enter the music industry in the future, perhaps I can be her mentor?

"Wait, what did you say?"

Ms. Nagasaki's words made Yuu Toyokawa's eyes widen instantly, and she sat up straight on the sofa.

Ms. Nagasaki's daughter is coming. Nagasaki?

Before I could even gather my thoughts, a crisp knock sounded outside the office door.

Chapter 162 Would you like to try the dishes I brought? (8k)

The midday sun shines through the towering glass curtain wall, casting cold, regular patches of light on the mirror-like marble floor.

Nagasaki Sase stood in front of the entrance to the impressive office building, holding a freshly prepared insulated lunchbox. Sunlight reflected off the glass into his deep blue eyes, and his fingertips were slightly white from the effort he was putting into them.

Looking up, the top of the building almost disappeared into the city's gray-blue skyline, and a sense of oppression, completely different from the relaxing LiveHouse atmosphere of [RING], poured down as if it were a tangible force.

This is where her mother fights every day—a world completely different from her familiar home, from [RiNG], and even from the Moon Forest Girls' Academy.

A fortress built on efficiency, rules, and the interests of adults.

"Go in, soyo..."

The girl with long brown hair took a deep breath and whispered to herself, trying to suppress the inexplicable fear in her heart.

Today, she specially wore a light-colored dress that looked most appropriate and befitting of her status as "the daughter of the Nagasaki family," and her hair was also meticulously combed, so that she would definitely not give people any bad impression.

Even so, standing in front of the revolving door, she still felt like a child who had wandered into forbidden territory, completely out of place.

When the security guard's sharp gaze swept over her, her back straightened instinctively, and a gentle, polite smile, practiced countless times, quickly appeared on her face.

Passing the security guard's scrutinizing gaze, Nagasaki Sase walked with somewhat uneasy steps, each stride as precise as if it had been measured in advance.

But only Nagasaki Sase knows that every time her toes touch the ground, her heart trembles involuntarily.

As she walked through the spacious yet somewhat cold and empty lobby, the crisp echo of her high heels striking the floor was swallowed up by the vast space, making her heartbeat all the more distinct—thump, thump, thump, drumming in her chest.

"Hello, I'm looking for Ms. Nagasaki. I'm her daughter, and she should have already made an appointment for me."

After explaining his purpose to the receptionist at the front desk, Nagasaki Sase handed over the business card that his mother had given him before.

Nagasaki Sase felt a little uneasy, even breathing, as he cautiously observed the receptionist's expression as she carefully examined the business card.

This is really... strange. Even though I subconsciously try to please my classmates when I'm at school, I don't feel this kind of anxiety, as if I'm afraid of being discovered by adults that I have bad intentions.

However, Nagasaki Sase knew what was going on.

No matter how much you try to imitate adults, in the end, you're just pretending to be a student who tolerates and indulges children like an adult.

This concept was already etched into the mind of that girl, whom she still can't let go of, back in Asukayama.

Gentleness, indulgence... these are just some aspects that adults show to children at home.

That face is called life.

However, life needs something to sustain it, and the aspect that truly belongs to adults—the work aspect—is something that Nagasaki Sase has never really experienced.

That was a completely unfamiliar territory for Nagasaki Sase, and she was both curious and afraid of it. However, because her mother almost never brought work home, and would occasionally go out to answer work calls when she received them at home.

Even now, Nagasaki Saseya has never actually seen his mother at work.

Perhaps that's why I'm so... jealous of Mr. Yu.

With her wrists gently pressed against her chest, Nagasaki Sase waited for the receptionist's reply while her mind wandered.

That boy was the same age as me.

But without a doubt, he is a working, mature adult.

And I am nothing more than...

Before his thoughts could fully wander, Nagasaki Sase heard the receptionist's voice reply to him.

"Miss Nagasaki, Ms. Nagasaki's office is upstairs. Would you like me to escort you up?"

He handed the business card back to Nagasaki Sase. The receptionist wore a polite yet businesslike smile, even more enthusiastic than she would have been with a regular visitor.

It was as if... certain emotions had been added specifically to appease the child.

"No need, thank you. I've been here a few times before and know where Ms. Nagasaki's office is."

Politely and obediently declining the receptionist's offer, Nagasaki Sase took back the few work-related items her mother had given her.