People in Mygo are emotional firefighters.

The time indicated it was sent a dozen minutes ago, probably while he was taking a shower.

Zhenyu shook his head helplessly.

Given Mio's seemingly inexhaustible enthusiasm, it wasn't surprising that she would send a message after rehearsals. He opened the chat window.

[Mio: Mayu-senpai! Good evening! I'm sorry to bother you so late! (。>︿<)_]

[Mio: After I got back, I practiced the transition phrase from today's ensemble performance and recorded a short clip. I'm not sure if I did it right... Could you please listen to it for me when you have time? [Audio file]]

[Mio: Please tell me if anything is wrong! Please! (?o?o)??]

It was followed by a cat bowing emoji.

Ishikawa Mayu looked at the screen, scooped up a spoonful of pudding and put it in her mouth.

[Mayu: Just saw this. Wait a moment.]

The cool, sweet taste melts on the tongue, with just the right amount of milky aroma.

It's so good to have Su Shi around.

While enjoying this tranquil dessert time, Ishikawa Mayu opened the audio file sent by Mio and listened attentively.

I heard a clip of Mio practicing her keyboard in my headphones. She was much more stable than during the afternoon's practice session, and I could tell she had put in a lot of effort. However, there were still some slight awkwardness at a few complex rhythm transitions.

He picked up his phone and replied directly with a voice message, which was clearer and less strenuous than typing.

"Yeah, I listened. It's much better than before, the rhythm has improved significantly." His voice came through the microphone, carrying a slight sense of relaxation after washing up. "Also, be careful not to push the power too much, that will make the flow smoother."

He paused, then added, "The overall handling is fine; this direction is correct."

Not long after the message was sent, Mio's reply popped up excitedly.

[Mio: Really?! Thank you, senpai! Wow! It's a voice message! Senpai's voice sounds so much more relaxed than it did at night!]

[Mio: Ah! Did I talk too much? Did I disturb your rest, senpai?]

Being commented on by a junior of the opposite sex in this way still made Ishikawa Maho feel a little embarrassed. However, being "teased" by Aine in various ways every day had indeed built up some resistance, so she didn't blush because of it.

He coughed lightly, deciding to ignore the comments about his voice.

[Mayu: I'm fine. I just finished showering and am having some snacks.]

[Mio: Snacks?! Is it dessert?! (?ω?)]

[Mio: This is great... I haven't dared to eat desserts at night for so long... The agency is so strict about weight, they say it's to maintain the idol image... QAQ]

[Mio: Waaaaah, I'm so envious of my senior who can enjoy delicious food so freely...]

Looking at the almost tangible resentment on the screen and that teary-eyed expression, Ishikawa Mayu could almost picture the other person puffing out their cheeks and looking pitiful on the other side of the screen. This exaggerated attempt to play the victim didn't bother him at all; instead, he found it rather amusing.

A slight smile unconsciously curved his lips, and a mischievous thought quietly began to stir within him. He picked up his phone, snapped a picture of the bowl of richly creamy and tempting-looking pudding on the table, and sent it over.

[Mayu: [Image]]

[Mayu: Milk pudding. It tastes very good.]

[Mio: !!!]

[Mio: Senpai! This is blatant showing off! It's abuse! It's a mental attack on a poor rookie idol! (｀へ'*)ノ]

[Mio: This looks delicious... I'm even hungrier now... Senpai is so mean!]

Even through the screen, one could feel the sorrow in her voice. Ishikawa Mayu chuckled softly and typed quickly.

[Mayu: You asked that yourself.]

He replied with a smile, then scooped up the last bite of pudding and ate it with satisfaction.

He put down his spoon, his thoughts drifting to the "compensation package" he would soon have to fulfill. He had promised Ai Yin he would go out with her, and he would choose the location... but he didn't usually pay much attention to these things, and he didn't even know which dessert shop was worth visiting.

Perhaps... we could ask this junior who seems to have a strong passion for food?

[Mayu: Speaking of which, Serizawa.]

[Mayu: Do you know of any good dessert shops in this area, or even in Tokyo?]

This time, Mio's reply was a few seconds slower, before a long paragraph appeared:

[Mio: Of course I know! I know this place like the back of my hand! Senpai, do you want to go by yourself, or...? Ah, whatever! I know several places! There's a more traditional coffee shop with incredibly smooth pudding! There's also a newly opened trendy pancake shop with amazing airy textures! Oh, and there's a place that specializes in fruit tarts; their seasonal limited editions always sell out super fast!]

[Mio: If you're interested, senpai, and don't mind me being noisy, I can take you to check out some restaurants this weekend! After all, it's hard to know exactly which flavors you like just by talking about it!]

"—?!"

Upon seeing this message, Ishikawa Mayu's fingers holding the phone stiffened slightly, and she almost dropped it.

and many more?

Let's go together this weekend?

Isn't this a bit too much of a development?

His mind was momentarily thrown into disarray by this sudden suggestion.

Although Mio is cheerful, takes music lessons very seriously, and occasionally makes harmless jokes... she suddenly asked to go out alone with someone on the weekend...

He could almost foresee the awkward situation of having only the two of them and having to constantly find topics to talk about; just imagining it made him restless.

[Mayu: No, no need! I was just asking casually to get some information.]

Seemingly realizing that his refusal was too direct and might seem impolite, he quickly added:

[Mayu: I...I already have other plans for the weekend, so it's not convenient. Anyway, thank you so much for Mio's kindness!!!]

Seeing the rejection sent almost immediately by Shinba-senpai, filled with obvious panic and a string of exclamation marks, Serizawa Mio on the other end of the screen did not feel frustrated at all; instead, she burst out laughing.

Oh my, Shinba-senpai's reaction... is just too cute!

[Mio: Pfft—! Senpai, you're overreacting! Are you shy? Don't worry, I was just kidding! (*￣︶￣)]

Her straightforward yet understanding words made Zhenyu feel a little embarrassed, realizing that her reaction just now had indeed been a bit excessive.

[Mio: But! Since you've asked so sincerely, senpai! I'll be merciful and share my secret treasure list with you! Here you go!]

Immediately afterwards, the screen began to be flooded with a series of carefully edited messages:

[Mio: Luna Cafe - The pudding and cheesecake are classic! The atmosphere is quiet! Suitable for those who like traditional flavors and a peaceful environment!]

[Mio: [Cafe & Pancake Map] - The soufflé pancakes are their signature dish! They're incredibly light and airy! However, there's often a queue, so I recommend avoiding peak hours!]

[Mio: 【Fruitier Tarte】—So many kinds of fruit tarts! The visual effect is amazing! Perfect for taking photos! Girls will definitely love it!]

Mio: ...

She posted detailed information and simple flavor characteristics of seven or eight shops in a row, and even thoughtfully included addresses and some tips, showing the demeanor of a seasoned dessert shop review blogger.

[Mio: That's about it! Hope it helps, senpai! I'm going to wash up now! Get some rest too, senpai! Goodnight!]

Upon seeing this, Ishikawa Masahiro's fingertips paused slightly, and a thought suddenly popped into his head. He recalled Mio's pitiful appearance as she wailed over the pudding photo, and the strict weight management she had mentioned.

After a slight hesitation, Zhenyu typed out the question.

[Maha: Speaking of which, Mio, among these shops, is there any flavor you particularly prefer, or any you've always wanted to try but haven't had the chance to?]

Mio, who was about to put down her phone, paused when she saw the message, a hint of confusion flashing across her face. "Senpai Mayu...why are you suddenly asking about my preferences?"

She blinked and replied tentatively.

[Mio: Huh? Me? Hmm... I really like rich and delicate textures, like semi-baked cheesecake! And lately I've been obsessed with Basque cake, the slightly caramelized outside and the soft, moist inside is just amazing! Senpai asked about this...?]

Upon seeing Mio's reply, Ishikawa Mayu's lips unconsciously curved into a smile again. Half-baked cheesecake and Basque cake? That did coincide with his own taste preferences.

[Mayu: Half-baked cheese and Basque... a very tasteful choice.]

He paused, recalling his "underground work experience" accumulated in order to feed Junda Mana, who often needed to control her weight, and then tapped lightly on the screen with his fingertips.

[Mayu: Perfect, I like both of these too.]

[Mayu: I'll bring you some next time we rehearse. I'll be careful to avoid the producer and manager. I'm quite experienced in this area.]

On the other end of the screen, Mio's eyes widened instantly at the unexpected reply. She had initially thought her senior was just asking out of curiosity, but she hadn't expected this...

Shinba-senpai... actually said he'd bring it for her?!

Or secretly?!

A surge of surprise, emotion, and a secret delight, like finding an accomplice, instantly welled up inside her. She immediately pressed the voice call button, brought the phone to her lips, and spoke in a deliberately low, soft, and slightly excited voice:

"Really?! Senpai, you're so amazing! Waaaaah... You're a savior! I declare that from today onwards, Senpai Mayu is the person I admire most in the agency!"

Hearing Mio's soft, cheerful, and dependent voice coming from the speaker, Ishikawa Mayu was slightly taken aback, then shook her head helplessly.

Isn't this girl a little too excited?

He picked up his phone and switched to voice message, replying with a smile:

"Okay, I understand. Don't think too much about it, just practice well. It's getting late, go and get some rest."

[Mio: Yes! Senpai! Goodnight, senpai! Sweet dreams! (?'ω`?)]

Chapter 137 Mio: Senpai Mayu is not a womanizer

Putting down her phone, Mio Serizawa curled up on the sofa, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the screen, as if she could still feel the warmth lingering from their conversation.

Shinba-senpai... actually agreed to secretly bring her some half-baked cheesecake and Basque cake.

A subtle, sweet ripple spread gently across the depths of her heart. It was like a glimpse of a faint ray of sunlight on a cloudy day—not scorching, yet inexplicably softening her heart.

Mio Serizawa shook her head slightly, as if trying to shake off this untimely touch.

"Senpai Mayu is such a kind person," she thought to herself, "taking such good care of her juniors..."

No no no!

She shook her head violently, burying her face in the soft pillow, trying to dispel the unwanted flutter in her heart.

Mio Serizawa, wake up! Your mission is to ship couples! To be the best wingman!

"Senpai Mayu specifically came to ask about the dessert shop...who else could it be for? It must be to prepare for her date with Aine!"

This realization instantly brought her back to the familiar "CP fan" channel, and the subtle personal emotions she had just felt were quickly overwhelmed by the excitement of "I've actually shipped them!"

"Senpai Mayu is so thoughtful! She even came to ask me... Does this mean the 'ammunition' I provided will soon come in handy? In a way, I'm part of their love story now!"

She excitedly kicked her legs on the sofa.

"And what's more! Faced with a weekend invitation from a lively and cute girl like me, Senpai Mayu refused so decisively, even a little flustered... What does that mean? It means that Senpai Mayu only has Aine in his heart! He was subconsciously avoiding suspicion!"

"As expected, Senpai Mayu is a very devoted person." She murmured softly, her exclamation containing a hint of envy that she herself could not clearly discern, like a pebble thrown into a lake, sinking gently and disappearing without a trace.

However, she couldn't just keep struggling here by herself. Her "catalyst" plan had to move forward!

Thinking of this, Mio immediately picked up her phone again and quickly found Kana in her LINE list.

[Mio: Kana! Are you there? I have a major update to report! (★ω★)]

[Kana: ? What's the progress? You didn't go bother Mayu-san again, did you?]

[Mio: What do you mean by harassment! It was a proper music discussion! And...we even had a friendly exchange!]

Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she sent over the content of her chat with Zhenyu that evening, after some careful "artistic processing."

[Mio: I practiced really hard after I got back, and I even recorded an audio message to ask my senior for advice! My senior not only listened patiently, but also sent me a voice message with guidance! His voice was so much gentler and more relaxed than during rehearsals!]

[Mio: And what's more! Senpai was eating super-tempting milk pudding! She even sent me a picture of it! Isn't that a kind of...unusual interaction?]

[Mio: The most important thing is! I struck while the iron was hot and invited my senior to go restaurant-hunting with me this weekend! Although my senior refused super fast and seemed super flustered, but! My senior didn't seem to mind at all.]

After sending the message, Mio looked at the text she had edited and could almost see Kana's speechless expression on the other side of the screen, as well as the subtle sense of crisis that Aine might feel after finding out.

She smiled smugly, but then a more complex emotion welled up inside her. She didn't want things to become too complicated, or rather, deep down she didn't want Shinba-senpai to be misunderstood.

After hesitating for a moment, she added another sentence, her tone becoming much more serious.

[Mio: But Kana, when you talk to Aine, you need to be careful about how you phrase it.]

[Mio: The key is to emphasize how aggressively I pursued Mayu-senpai! Make him panic! But, whatever you do, don't let Aine think Mayu-senpai is a womanizer or someone who accepts anyone.]

[Mio: The key is to convey the feeling that 'Mahane-senpai is only dealing with me out of politeness and a sense of responsibility as a senior, but he only has eyes for Aine-kun'!]

She sent it out and let out a soft sigh of relief.

That's good. It both advanced the plan and preserved the image of the gentle and devoted Shinba-senpai in her heart.

But why did a very subtle bitterness pass through my heart when I typed the sentence "He only has Aine in his heart"?