Tokyo Three Generations

However, there was no response on the other end of the phone for a long time.

After a long while, a faint echo finally rang out. "I understand, Uncle."

110, seen again

Even long after the phone call ended, Mikasa Hatsuka remained standing there, looking completely lost.

After so much effort, she finally received the invitation she had been longing for, but little did she expect that this joyous news would be accompanied by such terrible bad news.

Xiangzi already has "close friends," so does she still need herself?

Or rather, is there still a place for me to stay by her side?

These two problems plunged her into despair, and she hasn't recovered even after all this time.

If... if that's really the case, then what's the point of her so-called idol career? In the end, she secretly ran back to Tokyo alone so that she could stay by Xiangzi's side openly and continue to be with her.

"Chuhua-chan? What's wrong?" Just then, a soft voice suddenly called out in her ear.

Misaki Hatsuka finally came to her senses. She turned her head and saw that her partner, Junda Mana, was looking at her with concern.

"Mana-chan..." she called out softly, but found herself at a loss for words.

"Sorry, I was waiting for you over there to come and have dinner together, but you didn't come, so I was a little worried about you..." Junda Mana explained softly, then asked her partner, "Hatsuka-chan, what happened? Why do you seem so distracted?"

Even if Mana Junda didn't say it, Hatsuka Mikami knew how frustrated she must be right now.

However, I can't confide these things to even my closest partner.

Therefore, Mikasa Hatsuka could only try to cover it up, "It's nothing, I just... I just received a call from Uncle Toyokawa."

"Uncle Toyokawa?" Junta Mana immediately became alert.

Could something have happened over there?

As a new idol heavily promoted by capital, Junta Mana certainly has her own backing, but compared to the Toyokawa family, her backing is far inferior.

So, all along, she's benefited from Hatsuka-chan's success, and the Toyokawa family has been carrying her along.

However, even as an idol, she is not someone "detached from the world." On the contrary, precisely because she is in this circle, news from within the circle often reaches her ears.

The changes in the Toyokawa family were hardly news, so Junda Mana knew that the Toyokawa patriarch who had taken care of Hatsuka had been ousted from the group's management, and many people were saying in private that Hatsuka's biggest "backer" was gone.

And now, Misaka Hatsuka's distraught appearance seems to further confirm the rumors she had heard.

Mana Junda knew that if her partner really lost the Toyokawa family as a "big tree," the future development prospects of the sumimi group, and even her own career, would be greatly affected.

However, even so, she was still his partner, and he could never abandon Hatsuka-chan at a time like this.

Or rather, precisely because they are partners, they should stand up at this time and give Chu Hua enough support and encouragement.

"Hatsuka-chan, is it that Toyokawa Group wants to terminate its cooperation with you? If so, it's certainly a pity, but even so, it's not a reason for us to give up. In the past few years, we've accumulated so many fans and received so much praise from the industry. We already have a solid foundation... Moreover, even if Toyokawa Group stops supporting us, I still have some resources... Although these resources aren't enough for us to continue to become hugely popular, they're enough to maintain basic operations."

At this point, she expressed both regret and determination in her unwavering support for her partner, saying, "Anyway, to me, you are the best partner. I will never abandon you and leave. The sumimi duo will go all the way together!"

Junda Mana's series of words of comfort and encouragement left Mika Sanka stunned.

She knew that her partner had misunderstood, thinking that the Fengchuan Group had already cut ties with her.

If that were all there was to it, things would be better... She smiled bitterly to herself.

However, although her partner's words of comfort were not very helpful, she did feel a little better after all.

In such a disheartening moment, to have someone willing to stand by your side unconditionally is truly a great encouragement.

So, she perked up a little, then gently shook her head. "You misunderstood... Uncle Toyokawa doesn't want to terminate our cooperation. On the contrary, he told me that because he's curious about our group, Miss Toyokawa wants to meet us..."

"Miss Toyokawa?" Junta Mana was taken aback. "She wants to see us?"

Faced with her partner's surprised and delighted gaze, Mikasa Hatsuka nodded slightly and confirmed it once again.

"That's great!" Junda Mana clapped her hands lightly and then let out a small cheer.

Because the Toyokawa family is the behind-the-scenes financial backer, she knows more or less about the Toyokawa Group. So she knows that the Toyokawa eldest daughter is the only daughter of the Toyokawa main family and the next head of the family and chairman.

For ordinary people, calling them "people from heaven" seems quite fitting.

People like this come specifically to meet their group...

"Hatsuka-chan, we've really made a name for ourselves!" Junda Mana shouted to Misumi Hatsuka with a smile.

Then, she asked, somewhat puzzled, "If that's the case, why do you seem so frustrated?"

This question made it difficult for Misaka Chuka to face, and she could only turn her head away and avoid it. "I'm feeling down because something happened at home..."

Strictly speaking, Xiangzi was also considered "family," so she wasn't exactly lying.

A hint of worry appeared on Junda Mana's face. "Did something happen at home? Hatsuka-chan, why don't you take some time off and go back? We can adjust our schedules here. I can attend the less important events by myself."

"No, no need. Just let me rest for a bit, I'll be fine in a little while." Sanjiao Chuhua quickly shook her head.

Now even Mana Junda was at a loss.

Although the two have been partners for several years, Misaka Chuka has always been very secretive about her family situation and has basically never mentioned it.

Junda Mana expressed her understanding, saying that after all, everyone has secrets.

Moreover, since Chu Hua-chan is involved with the Fengchuan Group, it means there might be some shady dealings behind her. The more I know, the more dangerous it might be, so it's better to keep avoiding this topic.

"Then, Hatsuka-chan, take good care of yourself. Everything will be alright, and I'll do my best to help you." She then changed the subject, "So, when are we going to see Miss Toyokawa?"

"Well, it should be quick. Anyway, I told them I'm ready anytime," Misaka Hatsuka replied.

“Hmm…then we should make some preparations for this…” Junda Mana nodded. “I hope the young lady is an easy person to get along with.”

Since the beginning of the entertainment industry, countless idols have become famous, but how many can become friends or even best friends with heiresses of wealthy families? I've never even heard of one.

Of course, Mana Junda wouldn't be so naive as to think she could become that precedent.

However, even if they can't become friends, getting along well with the young lady would definitely be a major benefit to the idol career of the sumimi group.

It's at least worth the effort.

For fans, idols may be unattainable figures in their fantasies, but for the idols themselves, they have to maintain and appease relationships with their management companies, clients, advertising agencies, sponsors, and so on.

Compared to trying to act cute in front of those balding middle-aged executives, pleasing a rich young lady is an easy task.

Faced with Junda Mana's sigh, Mikami Hatsuka could only respond with a wry smile, "Well... she was a very sunny, very cute, and very easy-going person... at least she used to be."

============================

Two days later, at the invitation of the Toyokawa family, the two members of the sumimi group traveled from downtown Tokyo to the Toyokawa family's residence in a company car.

The car drove through the gate into the garage, and then the two idols walked out of the garage and into the front garden.

Looking at the blooming flowers in the flowerbed and then at the magnificent Western-style mansion not far away, Junda Mana couldn't help but gasp.

"It's just like an idol drama..." Mana Junta whispered to her partner beside her, "I'm so envious~"

However, Mitsuba Hatsuka's expression was much more complicated.

This wasn't her first time here.

When she first arrived in Tokyo, her "father" secretly brought her here to meet him, and it was here that she embarked on a life path she had never imagined before.

Not much time has passed, but everything seems to have changed.

Her feelings toward Toyokawa Sadaharu were very complicated. To say she hated him was an understatement. Although he had made her an illegitimate child who couldn't be seen in public and forced her to flee to a remote island, her life wasn't particularly difficult. She always had family members who cared about her.

After arriving in Tokyo, he took great care of me, offering almost every possible help except for refusing to publicly acknowledge our kinship, which can be considered his way of making amends.

Therefore, when she heard that he had been dismissed from his position by the board of directors of the Fengchuan Group, she felt a bit of sympathy for him.

But what can you do even if you sympathize with the infighting within a wealthy family? In the end, you're just an outsider.

So she suppressed her surging emotions and followed the servant indifferently along the path through the garden, all the way to the Toyokawa residence.

Then, the two walked into the living room, where Miss Toyokawa was already waiting.

As usual, since she was at home, Xiangzi was wearing a haute couture dress, but she didn't wear any extra accessories, making her look poised and unpretentious.

Upon seeing the two people, Xiangzi immediately went to greet them and bowed slightly in greeting.

"My two idol ladies from Sumi, I have long admired your names. It is truly an honor for me to have you here today... My name is Toyokawa Shoko, and it is a pleasure to meet you."

After greeting them, she smiled and apologized to the two of them, "I'm so sorry that my impulsive decision has forced you two to take time out of your busy schedules to come over..."

Xiangzi's demeanor was very natural and composed, and his tone was humble yet reserved, making him appear very elegant.

Although Junda Mana had attended many social events, this was the first time she had met such a young lady up close, so she was a little nervous and uneasy.

Fortunately, she was used to performing on stage regularly, so her mental fortitude was very strong, and she quickly recovered.

"What are you saying? It is our honor to be invited to visit by the Toyokawa family... I am Junda Mana, young lady, it is a pleasure to meet you."

After she finished speaking, she waited for her partner's polite words.

However, after waiting for a while, she received nothing.

Huh? What's going on?

Junda Mana felt a little nervous, and her eyes darted slightly to her partner beside her.

Then she realized that Mitsumi Hatsuka was staring blankly at Toyokawa-sama, as if she were completely mesmerized.

Hey... lady, are you sure you're not that naive?

She thought that Mitsukasa was so intimidated by the grandeur of this wealthy family that she was completely distracted, so she quickly gave her partner a wink.

But a moment later she felt something was wrong—the Toyokawa family was behind Misaka Hatsuka, how could she really be so naive?

Therefore, there must be another reason for her behavior.

She couldn't think of a reason for it at first, but it was clear that this awkward situation couldn't continue.

At this moment, Xiangzi also realized that something was wrong.

Although she had doubts in her heart, she still looked at Mitsuba Hatsuka with a humble and proper smile.

"You must be Miss Triangle, right? You were already very beautiful in the video, but I didn't expect you to be even more beautiful in person... No wonder you became popular so quickly, you truly deserve it."

After being greeted so directly by Xiangzi, Sanjiao Chuhua finally seemed to wake up from a dream.

“Xiangzi…” she blurted out first.

The other two people's expressions changed slightly.

According to general social etiquette, only close friends or elders would address a younger person by their first name. This is the "first meeting," and the relationship is not familiar at all, so addressing someone by their first name is quite impolite.

"Do you know me?" Xiangzi had a good temper, so she wasn't angry. She was just puzzled, after all, the other person's behavior was too strange.

She doesn't remember me...not at all.

This obvious fact plunged Sanjiao Chuhua into a deep, icy abyss.

That's true. For her, it was just a one- or two-day encounter on the island. In the grand scheme of her rich and colorful life, it was really just a trivial embellishment...

Sanjiao Chuhua said to herself.

Although she wasn't surprised by it, she still felt an urge to cry after confirming it.

However, this is a good thing, isn't it? The shadows of the past have been buried in the past. Now, there is a brand new "Triangle Hatsuka". She is getting to know Toyokawa Shoko again and no longer has to care about those secrets that can't be brought to light. Now, she can walk in the light of day in Tokyo... walking beside her.

With a sense of relief and liberation, Mikasa Hatsuka rallied her spirits, and then, as if waking from a dream, she bowed deeply to Lady Toyokawa.

“Miss Xiangzi, it’s a pleasure to meet you. From the first moment I saw you, I was captivated by your charm, which is why I’ve lost my composure. Please forgive me! I am Sanjiao Chuhua, and I am willing to do everything I can to serve you, no matter how big or small the matter may be… Please feel free to use me.”

Hey, you bastard... Junda Mana barely managed to stop herself from putting her hands to her forehead.

You were too out of line just now, and now you're being too enthusiastic. Either way, it's embarrassing. Why can't you learn to be moderate?

She couldn't understand what was wrong with her partner today, behaving so erratically, when there had never been any problems in similar situations before.

Not only was Junda Mana embarrassed, but Xiangzi's face almost showed a black line as well, but he didn't show it because he was too well-mannered.

"Someone who's not easy to get along with..." Xiangzi silently labeled him in his mind.

“Miss Triangle, what are you talking about… I’m not the kind of person who orders people around.” She forced a smile and quickly ended the small talk. “Please, both of you, have a seat.”

111, all that happened in the past

"Please have a seat, both of you."

At Xiangzi's invitation, the two members of sumimi sat on the sofa, while Xiangzi sat opposite them.