Tokyo Three Generations

"Yes……"

"That's interesting." Nagasaki Motoyo smiled again, her eyebrows curving slightly. "A very interesting person... Akari, is she your classmate?"

"Yes, that's right." Takamatsu Akari nodded.

"Then... if you have time, could you take me to meet her?" Nagasaki Motoyo asked again.

"Huh?" Takamatsu Akari was puzzled. "It's possible, but... why?"

"Nothing... I just think this kid is... quite interesting. It would be good to get to know him, since we're all music lovers." Nagasaki Motoyo covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "By the way, don't tell Shoko yet, lest she... get too smug."

"proud?"

“What I mean is… she’ll be smug because she saw you reject someone else’s offer, hahaha…” Nagasaki Motoyo continued laughing, “Anyway, I’ll handle it.”

141, backfired

"Anyway, I'll handle it."

Gao Songdeng is not scheming and always believes what others say. Moreover, Su Shi is now a good friend in her heart, so there is even less reason to question her.

So even though she felt Su Shi's attitude was a bit strange, she didn't say anything more and simply agreed.

"Alright, if you have time, I'll take you to see her."

"Okay, thanks~" Nagasaki Motoyo ended their whispered conversation, and by then, they had arrived at the music classroom in Tsuki no Mori.

Since they formed the group, the music classroom here has become their usual gathering place, and today is no exception.

After opening the door, the three people's eyes naturally and simultaneously converged on a corner of the room.

In that corner, there was a piano, and at that moment, a person was already sitting in the chair next to the piano.

That person was none other than their captain, Toyokawa Shoko.

At this moment, Xiangzi had his hands on the piano keys, his eyes slightly closed, and was gently playing the piano in rhythm with the music.

The gentle and refreshing music flowed from the piano like water, slowly spreading and permeating the entire spacious music classroom, and finally flowing into the hearts of everyone present.

At this moment, Xiangzi was completely absorbed and engrossed, his expression gentle and serene, showing no trace of hostility.

Even though it wasn't dark yet, it seemed as if moonlight was pouring down from the window onto her face, making her appear radiant.

Even though she had spent a long time with her, Nagasaki Motoyo was still moved by this scene.

Ah, the "young lady" filter is really maxed out... she thought to herself, both making people want to touch her but not daring to get too close, like a flower on a high mountain that is unattainable.

If she was so swayed, then Gao Songdeng was naturally even more enamored, her eyes practically sparkling like a fan seeing their idol—for her, Xiangzi was probably the "idol" who had given her a completely new life.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xiang finished playing the piece before turning her attention back to the real world. She opened her eyes wide and looked around, finding that her teammates had all gathered.

"Deng, Lixi, you're already here." Xiangzi stood up from his seat and greeted his two teammates from other schools. "Sorry, I was so engrossed in playing that I didn't notice you guys, and I've kept you all waiting..."

“It’s alright!” Gao Songdeng immediately shook his head. “Xiangzi, you played very well. I like it very much.”

Gao Songdeng was not good with words, so her praise was not as flowery as others'. But it was this simplicity and honesty that made Xiangzi feel her sincerity, and so she was even happier.

"Yes, thank you for the compliment~ Deng, your skills have been improving lately."

After exchanging greetings, the five of them sat down together and began preparing for their performance.

In other places, when they gather together, they will prepare some snacks or drinks. However, eating and drinking are prohibited in the music room and music classroom to prevent drinks and food crumbs from damaging the pianos and instruments.

Although Xiangzi had privileges, she was unwilling to do such excessive things just because she had privileges.

So the five of them just sat together and chatted.

Girls tend to talk about the same things over and over again, mostly just chatting for the sake of chatting, trying to fit in with the "atmosphere" of their small group.

Out of an unspoken understanding, they rarely talked about their own families, so their topics were limited to what interesting things had happened in their respective classes recently, what good food and fun places to go, and so on.

After chatting for a while, Xiangzi's expression suddenly became serious.

She first cleared her throat, then looked at her four teammates.

"I have some news to share with everyone."

Her sudden seriousness made the others a little uncomfortable.

"What is it?" Shiina Tatsuki asked, somewhat puzzled.

I want to leave the group!

Of course, that's not it.

“I recently made a bet with a friend of a friend, a friend of a friend, to have a band duel.” Xiangzi frowned slightly, as if hesitating on how to describe Chihaya Aine, “…”

After making a duel promise with Chihaya Aine, Shoko initially only told Tsukimori's two teammates (because she felt that this matter was also related to them), but now she has decided to tell the whole band.

Upon hearing this, Wakaba Mutsu and Nagasaki Motoyo remained calm, but Takamatsu Akari and Shiina Tatsuki, who had just learned the news, were clearly surprised.

"What kind of showdown?" Shiina Tatsuki, always outspoken, asked first.

"Calling it a duel is really nothing big... it's just a normal exchange and sparring session," Xiangzi replied with a smile. "I don't want to put too much pressure on anyone, we just need to do our best and give it our all."

After a pause, she added, "Actually, I have a lot of confidence in us. I think with our abilities, as long as we perform normally, we can't possibly lose to our peers. So, everyone, relax and just play your best!"

This wasn't just empty talk on her part; she genuinely thought so.

She was already very confident in her musical skills, and with the assistance of two top-tier students, Tsukimori, and her opponent being a complete novice like Aine, she saw no possibility of failure.

Instead, she was thinking about how to end the matter gracefully without hurting the other party's feelings.

After hearing her explanation, Shiina Tatsuki stopped asking questions.

In her opinion, now that the band has been successfully formed, it is normal to compete with other bands. Everyone is usually a bit lax, so it's good to put some pressure on them now.

"Alright, when will the duel begin?" she asked again.

"They haven't set a time yet, let's wait for their news," Xiangzi replied. "I initiated the challenge, so we can leave the time and venue to them. Anyway... no matter what, I believe we can win, because you are all my teammates with whom I have placed my hopes and friendship!"

Hearing Xiangzi say this, Shiina Ritsuki's expression didn't change on the surface, but his heart was secretly burning with passion.

She didn't know there were so many twists and turns involved; she was just thinking about it out of instinctive competitiveness.

If you're going to fight, you have to win—that's the simplest and most straightforward logic.

"Alright, let's get ready then." Shiina Tatsuki nodded in agreement, then looked at her teammates. "Let's make it clear beforehand that I can accept either winning or losing, but I hope everyone can perform to their full potential, okay?"

“Sure~” Nagasaki Motoyo nodded.

Even Wakaba Mutsu, who had been silent until now, nodded, looking quite enthusiastic.

At this moment, Takamatsu Tō lowered his head.

It's not that she doesn't want to win, but that she lacks self-confidence.

Since joining the team, she has deeply felt the gap in skill level between herself and her teammates.

Although none of her teammates ever criticized her, she felt inferior and always felt that she was dragging everyone down.

If it were just a hobby club, it wouldn't matter if she lagged behind, but now that there are competitions with other bands, it would be too painful for her to let herself down. She would find it hard to forgive herself.

If her own situation led to failure, rendering her teammates' efforts futile, it would be like the sky falling down for her.

Just as she was struggling internally, Xiangzi suddenly reached out and gently placed his hand on Gao Songdeng's hand.

"Don't worry, Deng. You're our lead singer, an indispensable teammate," she said with a smile, trying to encourage Deng. "We believe in you, and you'll definitely deliver a performance that will amaze everyone! Also, no matter what, please believe that we're all standing with you. Don't have any worries, just give it your all!"

Xiangzi wasn't entirely convinced that Deng would definitely perform exceptionally well, but she was confident that even if Deng didn't perform well, she and her teammates would be there to support her. So, she took the initiative to comfort Deng and didn't want to put any pressure on her.

After all, when she "wins," she's the perfect, pampered princess with all the romantic illusions.

This calm and inclusive attitude naturally and easily moved Gao Songdeng to tears.

She had few friends growing up, and Xiangzi's tolerance, encouragement, and trust were experiences she had never had before.

"Yes, yes!" Tears welled up in her eyes, then she nodded emphatically. "We will win!"

In short, under Xiangzi's encouragement and inspiration, the band members' enthusiasm was ignited, and they all seemed eager to get started, just waiting for the next competition.

By the time everyone finished practicing, it was almost dark.

Slightly tired, everyone said goodbye and then dispersed.

As usual, Su Shi left first with two teammates from other schools.

After packing his things, Xiangzi left the teaching building and walked towards the school gate. In the parking lot outside, there was a luxury car and driver waiting for him.

However, before she even reached the school gate, she ran into Nagasaki Motoyo.

"Xiangzi, can you wait for me?"

Su Shi asked with a smile.

Xiangzi was stunned for a moment. It was obvious that Su Shi had first sent the two teammates away and then returned.

"No problem, Su Shi." She nodded quickly, then slowed her pace. "Is there something you need?"

“It’s nothing serious…” Nagasaki Motoyo’s smile remained unchanged. “I just wanted to ask, Shoko, are you really that concerned about the outcome of the contest? You seem to care a lot about it.”

When Su Shi asked him this question, Xiangzi didn't know how to answer for a moment.

She really wanted to teach Chihaya Aine a lesson. After all, she had tried so hard to extend an olive branch when they met last time, but Chihaya didn't appreciate it and said so many things that made her unhappy.

She was offended.

Normally, given her temperament, she wouldn't have taken such a small offense to heart.

This time, however, she couldn't "magnanimously" forget it, and even repeatedly recalled that uncomfortable experience in her mind.

Although she didn't want to admit it, she was indeed a little jealous... She sighed inwardly.

"Whether I win or lose, I don't really care; I just don't want to lose to her—"

Although she had only been friends with Su Shi for a short time, she trusted Su Shi and told him the truth.

"So it's just a mutual grudge after all..." Nagasaki Motoyo's face showed a relieved expression after receiving the answer. "Although I don't know exactly what you two talked about last time you met, I can probably guess..."

Xiangzi felt a little embarrassed after Su Shi said that.

After all, she has always presented a serene and composed image to her friends, and has never been so obsessed with bickering.

"Sorry to show you such a childish side of me~" She laughed too.

“There’s nothing wrong with being childish. We’re still kids after all…” Nagasaki Motoyo gently shook her head. “I’m not against you competing with others. I just think that if you try too hard, you might end up going against your original goal.”

"What does this mean?" Xiangzi asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Isn't this obvious?" Su Shi shrugged. "Logically speaking, given Chihaya's background and experience, you have absolutely no reason to be angry with her. The reason things have escalated like this is definitely because of someone else..."

Xiangzi looked even more embarrassed, but fortunately Su Shi didn't provoke her further, after all, it was an unspoken understanding.

"So what if you win the argument? What if you bully someone badly and then complain about it? It will only make you look mean..." Su Shi reminded her.

Su Shi's words dimmed Xiangzi's gaze.

She had thought about this too, and that's why she was so troubled by it.

Chihaya Aine's "provocation" was something she couldn't swallow, so she was unwilling to back down. But if she actually won, it seemed like she wouldn't win anything, so she was in a bit of a dilemma.

That's why she felt there was nothing she could do but hope that the conflict wouldn't affect her relationship with Chun.

“I offered her a way out, but she wouldn’t accept it and kept nagging. What could I do? I can’t just keep indulging her…” After a moment of silence, Xiangzi complained softly, “If you’re going to spoil her, at least treat me like an older sister first.”

"Pfft..." Seeing her expression, Su Shi couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh again.

That's so interesting.

Xiangzi usually presents herself as a pristine, unattainable ideal to everyone, but now she truly seems like an ordinary person, a girl who worries and suffers.

This version of Xiangzi is more realistic, and also has a unique charm.

She carefully concealed the playful glint in her eyes, then continued, "Actually, I don't have a perfect solution right now, but I think sincerity is always the best remedy. Maybe the more I spend with her, the more problems will resolve themselves? I believe that someone who has been childhood sweethearts with Chun for so many years can't be a bad person. Maybe she's just feeling the same way you are, insecure and that's why she's sulking..."

Su Shi's words made Xiangzi's eyes light up, but he was soon disappointed again.

"Maybe so, but she's so resistant to me, and she won't listen to my attempts to make amends. What can I do?"

“Then let me go see her—” Su Shi finally said what was on her mind, “I really want to go see her.”

142, willful

"I really want to go and see it."