Chapter 74

"That's right," Ishikawa Hayato solemnly instructed, raising his index finger.

"Remember, Bocchi, it's a gift that includes not only food and bass, but also luxury items."

Liang's gaze quickly shifted to Ishikawa Hayato, a hint of sharpness appearing in his eyes, along with a trace of doubt: 'What happened to the accomplice?'

Ishikawa Hayato remained unfazed, meeting her gaze head-on with composure.

Seeing this, Nijika put aside her concerns and invited the three of them to come to STARRY's birthday party in two days.

The five of them stopped practicing for the time being and sat in the hall chatting about birthday party topics.

"At this point, the cream had splattered all over the ceiling..."

As Kita recounted the amusing incidents that occurred during his previous birthday celebrations, a person walked down from the shop entrance.

Apart from Ishikawa Hayato, the others, engrossed in their conversation, didn't notice anything amiss.

Ishikawa Hayato stole glances at the blonde, tsundere, sister-obsessed girl over there.

She made no attempt to conceal her footsteps as she descended the stairs from the doorway. She glanced over a few times, seemingly unable to find an opportunity to interject, but then touched the envelope she had taken out of her purse, exuding an air of authority.

"Well, everyone, this is the salary you've been waiting for."

She unfolded the envelope in her hand and said with great enthusiasm.

The girls turned around in surprise at the sudden sound, quickly realized what was happening, and exclaimed.

"Very good!"

Ishikawa Hayato stared intently at the blonde, arrogant face.

Seika noticed Ishikawa Hayato's gaze, and her expression fell.

After the girls politely accepted the money and expressed their gratitude, it was finally Ishikawa Hayato's turn.

He stood in front of Seika.

Seika appeared to be smiling as she handed over the money, but behind her, a hideous Asura with three heads and six arms materialized.

It's as if they already know how to deal with this guy.

But only for a moment.

The money in her hand ended up in Ishikawa Hayato's hands. Ishikawa Hayato politely thanked her, turned around and left gracefully, leaving Seika looking utterly defeated.

She couldn't even force this person to reveal their true nature!

On the other side, amidst jubilation.

Nijika's apologetic voice rang out.

"I'm a little embarrassed to say this now, but I need to collect the performance fee."

At that moment, Ishikawa Hayato turned around and saw that Bocchi's face was full of excitement and tears welled up in his eyes.

She pulled out a guitar from somewhere and suddenly started playing and singing.

Please listen to my new song, "Goodbye, Yukichi".

"I'm so sorry, I'm heartbroken too!"

Nijika clasped her hands together and apologized to her pitifully.

However, just as Bocchi was about to hand over the envelope, Ishikawa Hayato smiled and stopped him.

"This is the first money Bocchi has earned from working. There must be something she wants to do, so I'll pay for it for her this time."

As he spoke, he took out money from his wallet and handed it to Nijika, along with his own share.

Upon hearing this, Bocchi was startled and hurriedly waved his hand in refusal.

"Um, no, it's okay!"

Ishikawa Hayato said firmly.

"Consider it a loan from me; you can pay me back tomorrow."

Nijika, standing to the side, watched the two of them being so polite and courteous, and her eyes remained blank.

"I feel like I've become a really bad person..."

Just as she was considering whether to refuse the money, Ishikawa Hayato forced it on her.

Seeing Ishikawa Hayato's gaze, she hesitated for a moment, then glanced at the conflicted Bocchi, picked up the money with a light smile, and walked towards Kita.

Bocchi looked down at the money he had worked so hard to earn over the past month, his head filled with mixed emotions.

I had a bunch of ideas for how to spend the money, but now I suddenly don't know how to use it.

It feels like money has become heavy, yet it also possesses a different kind of preciousness.

Ishikawa Hayato looked at her, and after a moment said in a casual tone.

"Bocchi, buy me a bottle of mineral water during your lunch break the day after tomorrow, and there'll be interest involved."

"Um!"

Smelling the scent of money, Ryou silently approached Ishikawa Hayato and asked casually.

"Falcon, how come you suddenly have money again?"

Ishikawa Hayato's heart skipped a beat. He slowly turned his head and saw Liang Ping's calm expression.

Suddenly, his heart trembled, then trembled again, then trembled violently.

After a fierce struggle with his inner self, he ultimately lost to the rules he had set for himself, and said sadly.

"My royalties arrived recently..."

"Oh."

Liang didn't ask any more questions, but just gave him a meaningful look that sent chills down one's spine.

Meanwhile, Bocchi, who was somewhat puzzled by the two's reaction, heard Nijika and Kita talking nearby.

"Wow! Does it really cost that much money to produce an album?!"

"Hmm... After I finish composing the music, I want to release it as an album and sell it at the ticket counters during my shows. Also, shooting a music video will cost a lot of money..."

"Then I'll have to find some other part-time jobs during the summer!"

Kita's voice sounded like a demon to Bocchi.

Her tone of agreement made Nijika feel a little elated, and Nijika said with anticipation and joy.

"That's right~ How about we all go work at the beach?"

"The beach! Great!"

While Bocchi listened to the situation on the other end, Ishikawa Hayato and Ryo stopped talking and quietly watched the fascinating changes in her expression.

From shock to disbelief, to facial disfigurement, and then back to normalcy, but with eyes still filled with confusion.

But then she took out her phone, her eyes contorted with rage, and started searching online for various loan options.

Just as Ishikawa Hayato was about to step forward, he took a step back, walked over, and called out to Bocchi.

"Bocchi."

Bocchi reacted extremely strongly. She hurriedly put away her phone, grabbed her guitar, knelt down, and offered it up.

"Please, please use my guitar as collateral for the loan! Just let me go to the beach or the amusement park, please!!"

"No, I just wanted to say that the piece is finished."

Liang watched her exaggerated reaction without showing the slightest emotion.

70. Solution

A cell phone sits on the table, which is illuminated by the light.

The intense, slightly melancholic yet passionate music spread across the table like a candle flame.

The five of them listened quietly to the music, the emotionally charged melodies leaving them with only the option of peacefully enjoying the piece.

The time to enjoy it didn't last long.

The piece concludes with a short guitar solo.

The four remained stunned for a long time after the sound lingered.

Finally Nijika was the first to look up, and she asked the others in a daze.

"Wow, isn't this awesome?"

In her opinion, the piece sounded like it was composed by a professional musician, with an extremely high level of completion.

It's the kind of thing that's absolutely going to be a hit!

"Yes, it sounds beautiful."

Kita snapped out of his daze and responded to Nijika's words with bright eyes.

At the same time, her admiration for Liang rose to a new level.

As expected of Ryo-senpai!

Liang calmly picked up her phone, without a trace of pride, and said indifferently while looking at the lyrics on the screen.

"Inspiration struck me after reading Bocchi's lyrics."

Upon hearing his name called, Bocchi seemed still lost in the song, staring blankly at Liang with a slightly flushed face.

"Great! Bocchi-chan's hard work has paid off!"

While Nijika and Ryo were praising Bocchi, Kita, who was beaming with excitement, suddenly sensed something was wrong and looked to her side.

Ishikawa Hayato rested his chin on his hand, a gentle expression on his face, his gaze fixed intently ahead.

His gaze didn't linger on anyone.

Kita's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of confusion as he stared at him.

But just as she was about to ask what this guy was plotting, she noticed Liang stroking Bocchi's chin and saying something.

"Give me a shout-out, that was fantastic!"

Kita was stunned. Suddenly, he became as anxious as a child begging for candy, grabbed his guitar, and ran over to offer his services.

"S-senpai! I've been working hard too. Look at me, I can play the guitar so skillfully now."

After she finished speaking, she played the most difficult section of the piece she knew.

Liang replied dismissively, "Impressive."

Kita's voice brought a sense of surprise.

"You think it's amazing!? Then give me a really awesome pat too."

"Great job!"

Coming to his senses, Ishikawa Hayato looked at Ryou, who had suddenly opened up a harem-like world, and slumped onto the table, wailing.

"Liang, that can't be right!! I should be the one building a harem."

Watching them make a ruckus, Nijika said softly, with a mix of helplessness and anticipation.

"My dream might just come true."

The moment Bocchi noticed her words, she stood up.

"Okay! I'll ask my sister if we can perform next month."

She made the suggestion to the four of them.

Seeing her getting all worked up again, Ishikawa Hayato didn't stop her; instead, he happily encouraged her.

"Charge, Extraordinary Team!"