Uneasy daily life

Yukino Yukinoshita's perspective: I've given myself another strange nickname.

Mai Sakurajima's perspective: The hater probably doesn't want to live anymore.

"..."

Rio Futaba glanced silently at Sakuta Azusagawa: What's going on?

Sakuta Azusagawa gave him a look: Don't look at me, I'm just doing this for nothing.

"Ahem..." Rio Futaba couldn't help but ask, "What did Mai Sakurajima say about Yukinoshita?"

Yukino Yukinoshita smoothed her hair and said calmly, "Haku-kun likes to give nicknames. Other nicknames are fine, but this one is a bit ambiguous... Shouldn't Haku-kun reflect on this and correct his bad habit?"

"You are mistaken, hero. People come into this world without names, just as when a story is first written, the names of the characters can be changed at will. What remains after the name is discarded is the true nature of a character."

Bai Ying said earnestly, "If you lose your name, you are nothing. So, are you you, or is your name you? I don't think this is a bad habit. For example, when I called you 'Hero,' you used to feel very unhappy and impolite, but later you didn't feel that it was malicious. The essence of the matter has not changed, so why do you have different understandings?"

"A glimpse of the leopard through a tube reveals only a part of its hue; the blind men and the elephant each hold their own opinions. Judging people by their evil, how can one expect them to be good? Therefore, evil is not something that comes from others, but rather arises from one's own heart. There is little conflict between evil and evil, but more often good leads to confusion between good and evil."

“You can be called Sakurajima Mai, I can be called Sakurajima Mai, he can be called Sakurajima Mai, she can be called Sakurajima Mai.”

The white figure raised its hand and drew a large circle, then pointed to the figure of Sakurajima Mai in the air: "She can also be called Sakurajima Mai. In that case, everyone would be Sakurajima Mai. When everyone is called Sakurajima Mai, the name Sakurajima Mai will no longer have any meaning..."

"Submit to Mai Sakurajima, Sakuramon!"

The white figure solemnly opened its arms.

Mai Sakurajima couldn't resist and tried to unleash a barrage of attacks on thin air, but because there was a non-observer present, it clipped through the screen quite a bit.

"Stop. I know that white fungus can reproduce and proliferate very quickly. If it keeps proliferating, we won't even recognize Mai Sakurajima's nickname anymore."

Yukino Yukinoshita rubbed her temples and quickly steered the conversation back on track: "Does Haku-kun intend to deny the outcome of this commission?"

"I think I'm right, you think you're right, and the referee can't decide, so let's play a little game. It can decide the winner, entertain us, and also help us develop our thinking skills."

Bai Ying pondered, "If you feel it's not exciting enough, you can add some interesting bets..."

game?

Yukino Yukinoshita paused for a moment, recalling the Dark Game that almost blew up her house during the school trip, and immediately wanted to refuse.

"I'll stake one day of my life on this, Mai Sakurajima, do you dare accept the challenge?"

"it is good."

Snow responded to the snow.

"Okay."

Mai Sakurajima was curious to see what kind of scheme this guy was up to this time.

Chapter 81 Mai Sakurajima's Life

"What have you prepared?"

Yukino Yukinoshita wanted to figure this out first. She carefully observed the white figure—it wasn't carrying a bag, and the pockets on its sportswear were small, so it didn't seem to be carrying much. Unlike the last time during the human dissection, the white figure was carrying a large backpack containing a Monopoly-like game that almost blew the house to pieces.

Bai Jun must have some kind of purpose in doing things, right? Most of the time, he has multiple purposes.

The sudden suggestion to play games suggests that the primary goal is simply to win the commission through victory or defeat. But what about the secondary goal? Himself? Sakuta Azusagawa? Rio Futaba?

Bai Ying spoke eloquently: "Preparation? Entertainment and games don't require preparation. It's human nature to relieve the pressure of survival and pursue happiness! From bungee jumping and wingsuit flying to underground exploration, there's quiet reading of novels and comics, and active activities like football and brawls..."

"What kind of entertainment is fighting?"

Mai Sakurajima retorted.

Bai Ying replied, "At the beginning, you are full of enthusiasm; during the process, you are immersed in it; and afterwards, you feel regretful. I think this is a classic example of the emotional changes in entertainment behavior."

"So, Bai Jun didn't prepare any props this time?"

Yukino Yukinoshita thought she could finally relax, but then realized she couldn't.

"No props are needed. It's like a story relay or a story duel. It's a game, so as long as you have fun, you win."

The white figure revealed a bright, harmless smile.

Yukino Yukinoshita felt that this guy was trying to tease her, but then she calmed down. What did she have to be afraid of? No, right?

"Hey, little elementary school kids and little girls over there, want to play some games too? If you don't, I'll just take Azusagawa away!"

Bai Ying waved and called out, then used the taunt skill on Azusa Kaede.

Outstanding effect!

"Don't even think about it! Nasuno, go!"

Azusagawa Kaede angrily released the cat, which resulted in several barks from the dogs echoing through the living room. Startled, Makinohara Shoko instinctively let go, and the little white cat charged out after the big tabby cat. The barking intensified until Shiroki seized the opportunity to put both cats into a garbage bag, bringing the conflict between humans and cats to an end.

……

……

"Blah blah blah, in short, this is what happened: we decided to resolve the dispute over who should complete the task amicably through a game."

Bai Ying briefly explained the cause and effect to Azusagawa Kaede and Makinohara Shoko.

“Then I think she’s right.” Kaede Azusagawa, holding the tabby cat, sat next to Sakuta Azusagawa, verbally taking sides, but she didn’t dare to look at Yukino Yukinoshita. Hmm, the two beautiful girls who came to visit her home made her feel so pressured. Their expressions were so calm, it was making her nervous.

Kaede Azusagawa turned to invite her fellow traveler, "Don't you agree, Shoko?"

"Um……"

Shoko Makinohara, holding the little white cat, sat obediently beside him and thought for a moment before saying, "I'm more inclined to support Shirakage's opinion."

"A traitor!" Azusagawa Kaede's eyes widened slightly. Had their newly established friendship capsized just like that? Had she been careless? Were all those who came to her house really intruders?

"What's your basis, Shoko?" Sakuta Azusagawa suddenly asked.

Shoko Makinohara stroked the little white cat and laughed sheepishly, "Hehe, since it's something uncertain, I prefer a more fantastical conclusion."

Is it a sign of chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) brewing as the transition to junior high school approaches, or is it something special about Makinohara Shoko?

Sakuta Azusagawa couldn't quite understand. Shiro's insistence on playing games, so forceful and strange, must have its reasons and thoughts. He only needed to observe, understand, and feel… If the scar on his chest was indeed caused by the forensic pathologist, then it must mean death, right? Forensic pathologists only dissect corpses, not living people. He had at least survived in the past, meaning he would die in the future?

This question seems to follow the nonsensical logic of 'if a person is killed, they will die,' but no one can clearly explain the logic of adolescent syndrome.

"Then I will announce the rules of the game!"

Bai Ying was clearly confident and said, "The rules of the game are very simple. I will first create a fictional character, and then everyone will take turns to create a story for this character according to the order of the draw. This can be to add to the character's background, to overturn the character's background, or to add backgrounds for the next person. The game will continue for two rounds and then everyone will vote for their favorite story. The person with the most votes will win."

"Bai Jun really wants to win."

Yukino Yukinoshita pondered for a moment. When it came to making up stories and spouting nonsense, Shiro was the best she'd ever seen. In the one or two hours allotted for an exam, he could whip up a mountain of random tales on the test paper. Giving up before the battle was not her style. Whether she won or lost, she had to try to find out, especially since the outcome of the commission…

She glanced at Rio Futaba and Sakuta Azusagawa, feeling a strange unease. Logically speaking, her own investigation was undoubtedly more accurate, wasn't it? With the forensic report as evidence, it was well-reasoned and supported by facts, yet she still felt that the judge and the client were more inclined to accept Bai Jun's outrageous and absurd conclusion.

Did Bai Jun set a trap?

"Sigh...making up stories?" Azusagawa Kaede was a little confused. "What's so fun about that?"

“Superficial. Making up stories is a lot of fun.” Bai Ying gave a simple example. “For example, imagine this: your brother suddenly catches a cold and has a fever, and he’s bedridden. You take care of everything at home and look after him—for example, getting hot water to wipe his back, making sure the blankets are made up properly, reminding him to take his medicine, and transforming yourself from a clingy sister into a capable and loving sister!”

Azusagawa Kaede imagined it for a moment: "Hmm...hehe..."

Bai Ying said, "You see, making up stories is quite interesting, isn't it?"

Zi Chuanfeng nodded.

"Is it really that interesting that I'm sick?" Sakuta Azusagawa chuckled, crumpling the piece of paper with numbers written on it into a small ball. "Should we find a chance to fulfill Kaede's heartfelt wish?"

"Then forget it, being sick isn't comfortable..." Azusagawa Kaede hesitated for a moment and said, "If you're going to get sick, let's make it an illness that won't be painful and that will allow me to use my sister's power!"

"Then the only option is to fake being sick."

Sakuta Azusagawa shuffled a handful of crumpled paper and scattered them on the table: "Bai is the one who started it, the rest will draw lots."

"Huh? Why are there six crumpled pieces of paper?" Azusagawa Kaede scratched her head and asked in surprise.

"Since the white shadow is the starting point for the story relay, there's no need to draw lots. Aren't there six left?"

Shoko Makinohara offered a casual explanation, seemingly quite interested in the game, and urged, "Kaede, shall we draw lots first?"

Rio Futaba and Sakuta Azusagawa couldn't help but glance at Shoko Makinohara.

Kaede Azusagawa can no longer observe Mai Sakurajima, but Shoko Makinohara seems to still be able to observe her. Is it because there is something peculiar about it, or is it simply that God didn't throw the dice at Shoko Makinohara?

While pondering, each of them picked up a crumpled piece of paper. Mai Sakurajima tried to reach for the paper, but perhaps because there were people around who couldn't see her, or perhaps because her puberty syndrome was acting up, she was just trying to grab air. She could only give up and helplessly watch the others play the game with her arms crossed.

Aside from haters, other people's perception of "clipping" seems to be naturally altered or simply ignored.

Such a strange and indescribable situation, unable to suppress the worry in one's heart, one can't help but want to rely on and ask for help... In psychological terms, that's the suspension bridge effect, right? When in a dangerous situation like a suspension bridge, the survival instinct becomes obvious, which evolves into a dependence on the other person's goodwill.

The hater clearly had no interest in this, using various hints and demonstrations to get himself to cross the suspension bridge. Even though he was indeed helping, he was indifferent to the gratitude of those he helped, freely making the relationship a tangled mess—like Yukinoshita now.

Those who want to keep their distance will always feel that the hater is too overly familiar, while those who want to get closer will probably feel that the hater is too unserious and therefore indifferent.

Unable to play the game, Mai Sakurajima started daydreaming aimlessly.

Hot on the outside, cold on the inside? Hot on the outside, hot on the inside? Crazy on the outside, hot on the inside? Neither hot nor cold? It seems there's no accurate adjective.

"Then the game begins—the life of Mai Sakurajima."

Mai Sakurajima: "?"

"Sakurajima Mai, female."

Bai Ying coughed, then switched to a clear, articulate voice—the kind that could make someone cringe in everyday conversation—and slowly read, "Around the time of her birth, her parents divorced, and she lived with her mother from a young age. The family was struggling financially, and at six years old, she followed her mother into the entertainment industry. With a combination of luck and hard work, she rose to fame, becoming a rising child star and gradually alleviating the family's financial difficulties..."

Yukino Yukinoshita was slightly speechless. Was Haku-kun having a grudge against Mai Sakurajima? But her parents weren't divorced—given her mother's temper, if her father dared to divorce, she would probably see her father buried in the backyard with only his head sticking out... Hmm? Was Haku-kun talking about her?

"However, her mother placed all her hopes for success on her, which gradually became unbearable for her. Her difficult family circumstances and experiences made Mai Sakurajima exceptionally mature at a young age, deeply understanding the hardships of life and her mother's sacrifices in raising her. Yet, she still felt pain and repression from her mother's expectations, especially after several instances where her mother, seemingly oblivious, inflicted psychological trauma upon her..."

"On one hand, there is her mother's love, and on the other hand, there is her own pain. When she desperately wants to repay the debt of raising her, the debt of raising her has become a debt in her heart, forcing her to move towards a vague goal of success, as if reaching that point would mean repaying the debt, being able to openly hate and question, and having the right to face her mother directly."

Is it talking about me...?

Yukino thought to herself.

"Forced progress is accompanied by confusion. Her heart is leaking emotions, beginning to dry up and wither, making her steps forward gradually weak and feeble. At the same time, the golden age of child stars is about to end, and Mai Sakurajima has to face the challenges of her career—at this point in time when she needs to seek a transformation, she loses her motivation, questions the meaning of her efforts, and confusion arises in her heart..."

"Next person."

The white shadow gestured for Rio Futaba to continue writing.

"Ahem..." Rio Futaba thought for a moment, then extracted a few key words, "Sakurajima Mai, is 17 years old this year, and is a second-year student at Minegahara High School... studying..."

The others were waiting for her to share the story she had just made up, but she couldn't come up with one.

The more intense the gazes that converge upon you, the harder it is to fabricate a story!

That's all for now!

"Next person."

With a few simple settings added to the character, Rio Futaba immediately passed on the story. The important thing was to test whether indirect information transmission could make people who had forgotten Mai Sakurajima remember her again. In other words, it was normal that she couldn't come up with a story.

Chapter 82 What if life was only three days long?

"Hmm—let me think about it...let me think about it, I'll be right there..."

Having drawn number two, Azusagawa Kaede started racking her brains. First, she'd create a story written by Futaba Rio. It wasn't really a story; it was just adding some character settings, even raising the age to seventeen! She skipped a lot of the opening that could have been expanded into a story…

Where should I begin making up the story?

What's the problem between Mai Sakurajima and her mother? Being expected of something by one's parents is a good thing, right? Why does Mai Sakurajima feel pain and repression? I don't quite understand.

I understand what it means to be a celebrity—a celebrity who frequently appears on television, changing roles every now and then. But what does "career transition period" mean? What does "child star boom period" mean? Don't celebrities just naturally appear on television? I still don't quite understand.

Azusagawa Kaede fell into troubled thought; making up a story didn't seem so easy after all.

"Hurry up! I'm getting impatient waiting."

Bai Ying urged, "Are you worried that the story you make up won't be good enough? Don't worry, there's already someone ahead of you who's all pretense and no story. What are you afraid of? There's no room for you to fall any further, unless you can't even come up with a simple story like 'Sakurajima Mai ate a bowl of rice noodles'."

"oh oh……"

Azusagawa Kaede felt a little relieved and nodded repeatedly in response. Realizing what she meant, she immediately hugged the cat and hummed, "I-of course I know—"

"When Sakurajima Mai was feeling very distressed, her brother... her older sister comforted her and encouraged her to be strong, to be herself, and to become a great person. Sakurajima Mai gained courage from her sister's comfort, easily solved the problem, and then lived happily with her sister."

With a halting effort, Azusagawa Kaede managed to coax a story of sisterly affection through sewing and knitting. She breathed a sigh of relief, as if granted a pardon, and quickly changed the subject: "Alright! Next up, Yukinoshita!"

The older sister... is Azusagawa Kaede a fictional older sister based on Azusagawa Sakuta? Maybe the story she created even includes a small part about her own experiences?