A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

"I don't have many peers to begin with... and they're mostly young ladies from prominent families, so there's no one who's qualified to be my companion. At the same time, I admire your talents and personality. Compared to finding someone I don't know, you're clearly the most ideal companion."

"So, what do you think, Toyokawa Shoko?"

In the face of Toyokawa Shoko's hesitant expression, Sakurakoji Luna once again sincerely invited her.

"Would you like to be my companion student... and enroll with me in [Filia]?"

71

Chapter 71 Factors influencing the final decision.

When Shoko Toyokawa left Sakura Mansion, it was already seven o'clock in the evening.

In the end, she still couldn't give a definite answer, but just said that she would seriously consider it next time.

She didn't agree outright for two reasons. First, although Sakurakoji Luna had said she didn't really see her as a "servant," the feeling of being dependent on someone else still repelled her. Second, if she really enrolled in Filia with Sakurakoji Luna, her time with Chihaya Tetsuya would be significantly reduced. For her, who was already "behind," this would undoubtedly distance her from Chihaya Tetsuya.

However, the truth was just as Sakurakoji Luna had said. If she continued to stay in Haneda, it would be completely useless for her own development. Furthermore, with the establishment of Chihaya Tetsuya's personal brand, the help he received from Suyo and Hoshino Ai would surely far surpass her own slow pace. By then, no matter how much Chihaya Tetsuya valued her, it would not change the fate of the two of them drifting apart.

"No matter what I choose... I'm destined to be away from Chihaya-nii."

Shoko Toyokawa's expression was quite unwilling.

Just imagining the possibility of becoming distant from Chihaya Tetsuya in the future would make her feel anxious again.

Perhaps she could continue to rely unilaterally on Chihaya Tetsuya's preference for her, but such a future was definitely not something she, who was so proud and arrogant, could accept.

However, if she really makes this decision, will Chihaya Tetsu "let go" of his relationship with her?

"What should I do... Chihaya-nii..."

Shoko Toyokawa looked up at the sky and sighed in distress.

However, in the next second, as if her sigh had really reached the ears of the person she was thinking of, her phone suddenly vibrated slightly -

[Fengchuan, please help me see which of these two photos is better. ]

In the chat software, two photos were sent along with Chihaya Tetsuya's message.

The content of the two photos is basically the same. The mannequin wearing the Triangle Chuhua performance costume is placed in the center of the stage, presenting slightly different visual effects under different lighting.

So, both Chihaya Tetsuya and Sankaku Hatsuka had informed her in advance that they would be going to Yokohama together in the next few days to participate in the Live rehearsal, and now it seems that they have officially started work.

Thinking of this, Toyokawa Shoko quickly perked up and carefully looked at the two photos sent by Chihaya Tetsuya. However, because Chihaya Tetsuya's photography skills were so poor, the details in the pictures were completely blurred...

[Sorry, Chihaya-san, the photo is too blurry, I really can't see it clearly.]

Out of a responsible attitude, Shoko Toyokawa did not give a hasty answer, but replied very seriously.

[I can't give any advice at this level of clarity.]

After the message was sent, a "typing" prompt popped up in Chihaya Tetsuya's chat box.

However, Toyokawa Shoko waited there for a full minute, but Chihaya Tetsuya's reply still did not come.

Just when Toyokawa Shoko thought Chihaya Tetsu was not going to continue questioning her, the "input" prompt suddenly disappeared and immediately turned into a video call invitation -

"Hey!?"

When Shoko Toyokawa was suddenly called on video, she first subconsciously let out a cry of surprise, and then she immediately looked around to see if there was any quiet place where she could talk.

Fortunately, because Sakura Mansion is located far away from the city, Shoko Toyokawa immediately found an uninhabited open space where she could make a call.

Then, she hurriedly adjusted her bangs and neckline, and after confirming that there was nothing wrong with her appearance, she finally pressed the connect button.

【Ah, is it connected? 】

The next second, Chihaya Tetsuya's face immediately appeared in the center of Toyokawa Shoko's screen.

[Hello? Toyokawa? Can you hear me?]

"OK!"

Seeing this face that she hadn't seen for several days, Toyokawa Shoko's tone subconsciously became a few degrees higher.

"Good evening, Chihaya-nii."

[Well, good evening...By the way, is Toyokawa out now? Sorry, sorry, I called you without confirming whether it was convenient for you—]

"it does not matter!"

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko quickly shook her head and said:

"I've already finished the things on hand, so there's no inconvenience at all!"

[That's good... As for the reason I called you, it's still because of the two photos I just sent you.]

After saying that, Chihaya Tetsu also changed the camera to the rear camera, and then the picture that just appeared in the photo once again entered Toyokawa Shoko's eyes.

Because we were on a tight schedule during the day, the lighting designer and I had just come up with two lighting plans when we immediately started rehearsing for other performances. Since the other staff members were eating, I snuck over to get the mannequin up again so we could finalize the lighting plan as quickly as possible.

"Eh...isn't this a bit too chaotic?"

Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but ask with some worry:

“Will the stage manager get mad at you?”

[It doesn't matter if you lose your temper, I also have reasons that won't yield.]

Chihaya Tetsuya's answer showed no sign of retreat.

[First, let's consider this solution. This solution primarily uses cool, dark light to contrast the luminous effect. The advantage is, of course, that it makes the luminous effect more noticeable, but the disadvantage is also obvious. The effect I'm hoping for is...]

Just like that, Chihaya Tetsuya began to carefully and earnestly introduce the ideas and mental journey of how he and the lighting engineer formulated these plans. As Toyokawa Shoko listened carefully to these contents, she immediately felt an incomparable warmth and fulfillment in her heart.

(Chihaya-nii...you really trust me.)

Whether it was the first time she offered suggestions for his design or the many times they collaborated later, Chihaya Tetsuya always treated her with patience and trust. Even though his own level of skill was completely incomparable to hers, he would still take the trouble to ask for her opinions and seriously incorporate them into his own designs.

This sincere respect and trust deeply touched Toyokawa Shoko, and once again reaffirmed her desire to become a helper of Chihaya Tetsuya.

Although she can only offer some insignificant insights at the moment, as long as Chihaya Tetsuya still needs her, then no matter when... she will definitely try her best to respond to his expectations!

……

……

[I see, I understand what you're thinking!]

After listening to Toyokawa Shoko's opinion, Chihaya Tetsuya nodded vigorously.

I'll discuss this plan with the lighting technician later. Thank you, Fengchuan.

"...I'm the one who should be thanking you, Chihaya-nii."

Toyokawa Shoko smiled and shook her head.

"Thanks to you, I already know what I should do next."

[Eh? Well...that's really...great?]

Chihaya Tetsu had no idea what Toyokawa Shoko was talking about, so he could only offer his congratulations in a confused manner.

But besides this, Chihaya Tetsu also has something else to say——

[Is Fengchuan planning to go home next? ]

"Yes."

[Then, before you go home, you should really not hang up the phone.]

Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"Even though it seems quiet over there, it's still easy for a girl to be noticed walking alone at night. Let's just chat while we walk. I'll hang up after you get home."

"……kindness."

At this point, Toyokawa Shoko is no longer too surprised by Chihaya Tetsuya's thoughtfulness.

After all, this person has always been like this. He does things that will make girls fall in love with him as if nothing has happened, while unconsciously narrowing the distance between himself and others.

Alas...what can she say now?

"Chihaya-nii, you are truly a man with a deep and sinful nature."

【ah? Why do you say that? 】

"You'll know later."

Until she can hold her head high and express her feelings.

She decided to put aside this urge that was making her feel itchy for the time being.

Just like that, she chatted with Chihaya Tetsuya while setting out on her journey home with unprecedented peace of mind.

72

Chapter 72: "Punishment" for Workaholics

When Chihaya Tetsuya and the lighting designer finished all the experiments on the combination of costumes and lighting, it was already 11 o'clock in the evening.

Although it was two hours later than the original working time, fortunately the lighting engineer did not seem to have any objections to it.

"The entertainment industry is always full of people like you who are serious and meticulous. To ensure the perfection of their work, these people often stay up until late at night, not to mention 11 o'clock."

The lighting engineer uncle said:

"But people in the design industry really have all sorts of personalities. Some don't care about details at all and would even let me decide the entire plan. Some are nitpicky and would unreasonably reject any plan. And then there are people like you, who may seem easygoing, but are actually completely ruthless when giving orders to others."

"Fei, I'm so sorry..."

Chihaya Tetsuya bowed and apologized to the elderly lighting technician with some embarrassment.

"Because this live performance is really important to me and those two idols, so..."

"Don't get me wrong, I wasn't complaining to you. On the contrary, I personally prefer dealing with designers like you."

The lighting engineer patted Chihaya Tetsuya on the shoulder:

"Compared to aimlessly adjusting things randomly, people like you who work towards a clear goal are more likely to see hope for success. Anyway, thanks to you, I'm also looking forward to the results of the live show."

“…That’s great.”

After hearing the lighting engineer's words, a smile suddenly appeared on Chihaya Tetsuya's face.

"Thank you so much for today... I hope we can have the opportunity to continue working together in the future."

……

Because it was very late, Chihaya Tetsu had no choice but to return to the hotel on his own.

As he walked into the hotel, he suddenly felt a strange rumble in his stomach, reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything except breakfast all day.

But there's nothing that can be done about it. After all, I have to decide on the lighting plans for all the costumes during the day, and at night I have to take Fengchuan home while talking on the phone... I don't have any time to eat at all.

"The hotel has stopped serving food at this time. Going out to find a place to eat will delay my rest time..."

There was only a moment of hesitation in Chihaya Tetsuya's mind, and then he immediately made a decision.

"Forget it, that's it."

For Chihaya Tetsuya, who has been accustomed to hunger since childhood, not eating for just one day is really not a big deal for him.

With such indifferent thoughts, Chihaya Tetsu walked into the elevator and returned to his room.

But when he opened the door and walked in, the scene before him made him freeze in his tracks—

"Eh?!"

Looking at the two people sitting on his bed, Chihaya Tetsuya asked blankly:

"Why are you two in my room—"

"stop!"

Before Chihaya Tetsuya could finish asking the question, Sankaku Hatsuka immediately interrupted him.

"Before I answer your question, I would like to ask, where did Mr. Tetsuya have lunch and dinner today?"

"Uh……"

Faced with Sanjiao Chuhua's "interrogation", the guilty Chihaya Tetsuya suddenly fell into an awkward situation where he was speechless.

And the next second, when his stomach growled again, the two people sitting on the bed came to a conclusion.