Tokyo Three Generations

Idols have a short career span, and nobody knows if the audience will still accept them in a few years. Sooner or later, they'll have to consider transitioning to other professions. Taking advantage of her current fame, she's cultivating relationships with TV stations and expanding her network within the industry, hoping for future opportunities to transition into a mainstream entertainer—this is Mana Junda's career plan.

Ideally, you and your partner could start as idols and then transition into well-known actors, supporting each other in the entertainment industry.

The young lady Toyokawa in front of them might be a crucial asset for their future livelihood, so they must cherish their relationship.

At this moment, Jun Takasaki, who had been listening nearby, also became interested and couldn't help but chime in.

"I think the two members of Sumimi are youthful and energetic, can sing and dance, and have such good voices. They are much better than any big stars. It's just a pity that the TV station is clinging to the old ways and still using those outdated management methods to produce some dramas with declining ratings year after year. That's how they can continue to stay on the screen by relying on connections. Otherwise, you should have replaced them long ago."

"Haha, Jun-san, I like hearing what you said, but it's still a bit biased..." Junda Mana shook her head with a smile, "Those seniors are really amazing. Whether it's acting skills or the ability to deliver lines, they are far beyond our reach now. After all, we are just idols and haven't undergone rigorous acting training, so we still lack a lot in this area..."

Although Jun Takasaki did not refute it again, he still disagreed in his heart.

There are plenty of incompetent actresses in the entertainment industry, yet many of them still manage to thrive.

For example, some celebrity offspring, despite having mediocre looks and average acting skills, are able to obtain a large number of top-tier resources.

It's less a difference in ability and more a difference in resources, or even a difference in class.

In today's internet age, because everyone has a mobile phone and can take it out anytime, anywhere, an idol's popularity and exposure may be higher than that of the stars of the past.

However, in the general public's perception, idols are still considered to be of a lower "class" than television stars, who are seen as more respectable and glamorous.

Therefore, many idols who want to transition into the entertainment industry after graduation often face more stringent scrutiny and find it difficult to succeed.

Insufficient ability is one aspect, but social psychology is perhaps an obstacle even more difficult to overcome than "ability" itself...

Just then, Xiangzi turned around and teased him with a smile.

"Chun, you're being a bit prejudiced. Actually, she's not that bad... There's no need to make such a strong statement."

Even so, she quite agreed with it in her heart.

After all, she also had a lot of complaints about Mori Minami who repeatedly bullied Mutsu. So even though she knew that Takasaki Jun was secretly mentioning that aunt, Shoko had no interest in defending her. Instead, she used it as a topic of teasing.

"Was my word too harsh? Then, are you still watching the TV dramas she's in?" Jun Takasaki retorted.

"I...I haven't watched it in a long time." Xiangzi shook his head awkwardly.

“See? You’re pretty much like me.” Jun Takasaki shrugged. “The era of Showa-era old ladies is long over. Now it’s the era of internet celebrities and idols! Sumimi is going to be on the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but old ladies can only stick together with a bunch of old men and women for warmth. Nobody cares about them anymore.”

"Pfft..." Xiangzi laughed out loud, then glared at him, "You're just too harsh with your words, and you like to exaggerate!"

As they talked, the two couldn't help but smile at each other, both feeling a sense of unspoken unease.

Just then, Jun Takasaki felt a chill on his shoulder.

He was initially confused, but then his gaze shifted slightly, and he realized something was wrong.

This cold gaze came from diagonally opposite him, right where Triangle Chuhua was located.

This idol hasn't said a word since entering the dressing room, as if he's sitting alone and sulking.

Jun Takasaki didn't know what was wrong with her, and just assumed she wasn't feeling well, so he didn't pay any attention to her.

However, she is now staring at him menacingly.

She tried to lower her head to hide, but he still keenly noticed her gaze.

Although she was a very pretty young woman, that expression and that gaze still gave people a bit of a creepy feeling.

Looking back, she was also very cold towards me when I entered the company.

Why is this guy hostile towards me from the very beginning? I don't even know her... He couldn't help but complain in his mind.

However, he seemed to sense something.

Twice, she showed obvious hostility towards her, both times when she was interacting and laughing with Xiangzi.

In other words, her hostility towards herself stemmed from the kindness that Xiangzi showed her.

Jun Takasaki found this conclusion somewhat unbelievable.

Why? I can't imagine what reason she would have for doing this.

However, even without a reason, the facts are still the facts.

Although he wasn't the arrogant type, he still had a princely temperament and would never compromise himself.

Therefore, seeing how rude Mitsumaki was to him, he wouldn't tolerate it.

In his view, he had no relation to her and had never offended her before, yet she immediately put on such a high-handed attitude towards him, which he found unbearable.

To confirm his theory, he deliberately turned slightly to get closer to Xiangzi and whispered, "Xiangzi, I actually think you have the potential to become an idol... both in terms of looks and talent. Why don't you give it a try?"

Xiangzi was flustered by the sudden praise, but also felt a little proud.

"Me? I... I can't. I can't just show my face in public like that. Besides, I don't have the ability..."

“Of course I have!” Jun Takasaki interrupted her. “I’ve personally witnessed your talent show, and it was absolutely amazing! I dare say, if you were to deliver a performance like that on stage, you would definitely make the entire audience go wild! Really.”

Actually, he didn't really want Xiangzi to do any idol performances. He just said that to create an atmosphere and test the waters.

But Xiangzi didn't know his true intentions; she took his words seriously. "Chun...Does Chun want me to perform on stage?"

Her face flushed slightly, and she looked a little hesitant. "If you really want to see it, I'm not saying I can't give it a try..."

The moment she shyly responded, Jun Takasaki felt the gaze directed at him grow even colder—if that gaze could materialize, it would probably have pierced through his shoulders and cheeks.

The case is solved. Chu Hua in this triangle is really jealous of Xiangzi, and even hates herself.

What is the reason?

An idol getting jealous over Miss Toyokawa... It's kind of funny to think about it; he's completely oblivious to his own limitations.

Moreover, getting jealous of oneself is truly an undeserved misfortune.

What I do with her is none of your business.

His spoiled nature was aroused, but his rebellious spirit actually fueled his interest.

"Xiangzi, I don't really care whether you go on stage or not." He deliberately put on a stern face and looked at Xiangzi with a serious expression.

Then, he reached out and gently ran his fingertips across Xiangzi's forehead, smoothing her bangs.

"I just want to see you shine more... I want the whole world to cheer for you."

Such blunt words made Xiangzi's cheeks flush red.

The touch on his forehead felt incredibly real, making his words all the more devastating.

Why say something like that in front of others? Aren't you ashamed? You could have said it in private...

She glanced around nervously, her heart pounding.

But I'm really happy.

How wonderful it would be to hear words like this every day... It feels like my heart is melting.

Aunt Bai Ze, thank you! You really came to the right place today.

As the person involved who was kept in the dark, Xiangzi had no idea about so many twists and turns. She only saw one fact—after Chun came with her, his attitude towards her became much closer.

In other words, Aunt Bai Ze's idea was indeed effective.

Auntie, thank you so much!

She silently thanked her most trusted advisor, and then a smile spread across her face.

"Even if it's a joke, don't say such embarrassing things..." she said, feigning a scolding, but she couldn't hide the amusement in her eyes. "You're making a fool of yourself!"

Junda Mana was also stunned for a moment. She didn't expect the two of them to be showing off their affection in front of her.

However, she was a worldly person with a strong mentality. She knew that Miss Toyokawa was not someone she could tease casually. So she pretended not to see anything, picked up the donut, took a bite with relish, and then looked at Xiangzi with a smile, "Want some more, Xiangzi?"

However, her partner's reaction was much more intense than hers.

Misaka Hatsuka took a deep breath and then suddenly spoke. "If Shoko wants to become an idol, I can help. Our group can add more members, or I can join Shoko's group..."

Xiangzi was taken aback by this statement and quickly declined politely.

"Hatsuka-chan, thank you for your kindness, but no need. Your priority right now is to prepare for the opening ceremony performance. I don't want to be blamed for ruining your group's reputation... Jun was just joking earlier. I don't have any such plans. Don't take it seriously."

The light in Misaka Hatsuka's eyes suddenly disappeared, and she slumped down, but she still glared at Takasaki Jun indignantly, as if condemning his "rude" behavior just now.

Xiangzi was unaware of this, but Junda Mana did.

Junda Mana also found it somewhat difficult to understand her partner's words and actions.

After all, although Xiangzi didn't say it outright, it was obvious that this young man was someone she valued highly, and perhaps even the next head of the Toyokawa Group (according to the Toyokawa family's tradition). Even if she didn't want to curry favor with him, there was no need to put on such a high-handed attitude, right?

The Toyokawa family's sponsorship is Sumi's long-term meal ticket, and we can't just throw it away like this.

The thought of such consequences filled her with worry.

Jun Takasaki's idea was much simpler.

Mitsumaki's impotent rage had no destructive power in his eyes; on the contrary, it only increased his interest.

The saying goes, "If someone treats me with respect, I'll treat them with even more respect." Since she's not polite to me, I don't need to be polite to her either.

Now that he had her weakness, he was happy to continue provoking her.

You hate me? Hmph, then I'll show you what's what.

120, a young girl's sentiment

Seeing that the atmosphere had suddenly become a bit awkward, Junda Mana had no choice but to try to smooth things over again.

"Of course Xiangzi doesn't need to be an idol. If outsiders saw the eldest daughter of the Fengchuan family twisting and turning on stage with us, it would really damage the image of the Fengchuan Group..." she joked with a smile. "However, if you're interested, it wouldn't hurt to make a guest appearance on our show, right? Xiangzi, don't you have a band? We can organize a joint performance in the future and invite you to perform as special guests. Wouldn't that be great?"

Huh? Is that even possible? Xiangzi was somewhat surprised.

But thinking about it carefully, it doesn't seem like there's anything wrong with it.

Guest appearances mean not having to reveal one's identity and simply performing under the band's name, thus avoiding the most troublesome issues.

When she created the band, she never thought about going down a formal or commercial path; she simply treated it as an interest group.

Even now, her original intention remains unchanged.

However, if we could ride on sumimi's popularity and perform on a stage in front of everyone... why not?

Ultimately, she also had a bit of girlish vanity, hoping to stand on a stage where she could be cheered on and showcase her talents.

"Won't this be too much trouble for you?" she asked hesitantly.

Her question showed she was interested, so Mana Junda immediately offered her a generous offer, "Absolutely no problem! If you want it, we can arrange it for you~"

Seeing her say that, Xiangzi stopped refusing. She was already thinking about how to explain this to her teammates and get everyone to work together to get on stage.

After appeasing the young lady, Junta Mana turned her gaze to Takasaki Jun, still sporting her signature sweet smile.

"Chun-san, since you've come all this way today, would you like to leave some souvenirs?"

Junya Takasaki could tell that the other party was clearly there to smooth things over and ease the tension.

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. He had a problem with Mika Mika, but not with Mana Junda, so he wouldn't deliberately make things difficult for her.

"Yes, of course I want to! In fact, not only me, but my friends also asked me to bring them some souvenirs after they found out I could come to visit."

"That makes things so easy!" Mana Junta clapped her hands. "Since we're both here today, we can have unlimited autographed merchandise!"

Then, she left her seat and went to a corner of the lounge, where she found some limited-edition Sumimi merchandise, such as special posters and commemorative photos.

She presented the document to the two visitors and then signed her name and nickname in cursive script.

Then, she pushed all the materials in front of Mikasa, saying, "Hatsuka-chan, it's your turn! Don't neglect the guests~~"

This was both an urging and a piece of advice. Under her partner's watchful gaze, Mitsumi Hatsuka, who had been absent-minded, seemed to finally come back to her senses.

Although she was reluctant, she still picked up the pen and signed her name on each of the merchandise items.

After she signed her name, Junda Mana secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Then she took it back and drew several cartoon images of herself and Hatsuka on it, and decorated it with red hearts, ribbons and other decorations.

Finally, let me add, "Dedicated to sumimi's best fan!"

Then, she solemnly presented it to Takasaki Jun. "Jun-san, this is for you!"

Seeing how hard Mana Junta was working, Jun Takasaki felt a little embarrassed.

He thought to himself, "These things would definitely fetch a high price if they were auctioned online."

However, since it was a token of someone's goodwill, he certainly wouldn't actually resell it.

"Thank you, Mana-chan, you're the best idol too!" He gave her a thumbs up and sincerely praised her, "There's definitely a reason why Sumimi has achieved such success today."