Chapter 512

"Huh?! Xiao Chao, you used to own a company?!"

Compared to her forced calmness, Sumiida Mana reacted much more strongly.

Didn't I say that?

"I didn't say that! When did this happen?"

"It's been a few years, well, that's not important. What's important is whether you want to join us? Like I said before, the benefits are excellent, guaranteed to be more generous than you've ever seen before!"

"But... but, the current agency is pretty good..."

"I guarantee that my resources far surpass those here, and—you'll have more freedom in arranging your working hours, so you won't be as exhausted as you are now."

He glanced at Miyako Shizuka: "How is it? Not bad, right?"

Upon hearing this, both Miyako Shizuka and Sumiida Mana were somewhat tempted.

Even setting aside the issue of resources, Sumiida Mana hopes to lighten the burden on Miyako Shizuka.

Miyako Shizuka herself felt the same way, but at the same time, she didn't want to delay Sumiida Mana's career progress because of herself. She pursed her lips and remained silent.

"If you'd like, I can help you with the contract termination. The decision can be made after you've reviewed the contract."

Ogura Asahi didn't press them further; instead, he crossed his legs and chuckled, giving them time to consider.

Chapter 466 Not a single one of them is human!

"Ah, um... I'm sorry, Xiao Chao, we can't think of a decision right now."

Sumiida Mana apologized with a wry smile.

"It's okay! You can decide according to your own ideas, I'll always support you!"

He blinked and gave her a thumbs up, then explained his motives:

"Actually, I didn't start the entertainment company to make money. It's just that recently I've gotten closer to a lot of musicians and developed an interest in bands and music, so I wanted to create an ideal world for the musicians I like."

"Huh? Is that... is that the reason?"

Miyako Shizuka was stunned. Having worked in the industry for three years, this was the first time she'd heard such a reason. Was she really befitting of a young lady from a wealthy family?

"That's it, it's just to satisfy my own selfish desires. The money used is what I've saved up all this time, so the artists who sign with us don't need to worry about being distracted by other things. They can just focus on making music according to their own interests."

"Of course, if there is a desire for further development, I will do my best to provide all kinds of assistance to help everyone realize their dreams."

On the surface, he maintained an air of nonchalance, but he kept emphasizing [Sakura Rain's ] strengths. "Because of our Relatives ties, we've also had in-depth cooperation with Avenx, enjoying similar resources and an environment as them..."

"We also plan to build an ecosystem on new devices to increase the exposure of our artists and help boost their popularity..."

"..."

He fully utilizes the traditional skill of many capitalists in today's market—making grand promises.

Judging from the stunned reactions of the two people in front of me, it was obvious that they had been fed too much.

Half an hour later.

"I understand, I'll definitely think about it carefully!"

"Eh, um, me too..."

"Then we'll await your good news! Don't worry, as a good friend, I would never lie to you!"

"..."

Rewind a little, to a school afternoon in a classroom for senior high school students, a place not under the same sky as Hanasakigawa...

The earnest teachings of the classical Chinese teacher, who was also the homeroom teacher, rang out from the podium, each word distinct and deliberate. For the other students, this was a situation that required them to be extremely attentive.

But for one person, although she also needed to stay alert, she had been diligently listening to the lecture since morning, but she simply couldn't keep up mentally any longer, so she—couldn't help but fall asleep.

However, for her, who is the perfect high school girl, even vanity matters are handled very well.

She sat upright, with a serious expression, proper hairstyle and clothing, and although her eyes were dull, they were open. Anyone looking at her from the side would probably think she was paying attention in class.

As the top student in the school for over two years, no teacher would call her name except under normal circumstances—

"So, do you understand here? Hmm, it's a bit difficult... Well then, Sakayori- kun?"

"Arrive!"

Unless it's a difficult question that most students definitely can't answer, or it just so happens to be her turn today.

Suddenly called on by the teacher, Sakayori Iroha's consciousness plummeted, returning her to reality.

Oh no, where are we? I just started thinking and then I let my guard down! I knew all along that the last classical Chinese class was a battle against sleep!

And to make matters worse, it's a rainy day that's supposed to be a time to urge people to wrap themselves in blankets. This tempting offer makes her situation even more difficult than usual...

But even so--

"The 'なりぬ' here is a combination of the conjunctive form of the verb 'なる' and the perfect auxiliary verb 'ぬ'!"

Holding the book, Sakayori Iroha replied quickly.

"Very good, please sit down."

The classical Chinese teacher adjusted his glasses with satisfaction.

To the students in the surrounding area:

Wow, that's amazing!

"As expected of my classmate, Kijimaru!"

"That's too powerful, I can't understand a word they're saying..."

"..."

The perfect high school girl Sakayori Iroha, never makes a mistake.

'That was close--'

In her mental world, Aya Sakura's soul Sakayori Iroha body, contorted her features, her eyes glaring angrily, her entire soul curled up at an unnatural angle.

After school finally ended, Sakayori Iroha packed her things and left school with her two close friends from the same class.

Naturally, even if she were a superhuman, under such an extreme schedule, she simply wouldn't have the energy to attend to club activities.

"Ah, Sakayori- kun! Bye-bye~"

"Sakayori my senior! See you tomorrow!"

"Is Sakayori- kun going back yet? He really helped me a lot last time!"

"Sakayori looks so pretty today too~"

"Oh no! I just greeted Sakayori -Senpai!"

"That's great! You rascal!"

"..."

With impeccable character, excellent grades, excelling in both academics and sports, and possessing an adorable appearance... it's no wonder that Sakayori Iroha, who is flawless, is loved by everyone around her.

This won't change even when there are two equally lovely close friends standing around.

Although neither the teachers nor the students at school knew that she had actually left home for Beijing long ago and had been living a life of survival on her own for two years... that's all.

If she knew, her daily life would probably be several times more chaotic than it is now.

"Ha ha..."

Maintaining a light and warm smile, she politely and gently waved to those around her.

Showing off is just an excuse for laziness—I'll only talk about what I can do, okay?

Only by doing this much can I barely catch a glimpse of my mother's back as she walks far ahead of me.

The beautiful beauty mark under her eye shimmered slightly; no, the more she thought about it, the more she felt she was about to cry...

"As expected of Iroha, she's still so popular~"

Brownish-pink hair, fashionable attire, delicate features, blue eyes slightly more melancholic than the sky, and soft, fragrant hair flowing down her back... Ayatsugu Roka praised in a lazy, gentle tone.

"It's really not pleasant to hear Roka, Tachikawa's number one beauty expert, say such a thing."

"No, I'm just running a beauty account, nothing special."

How many followers do you have recently?

"Over ten thousand."

"Wow... that's quite a lot of allowance each month, isn't it? Is that true?"

Sakayori Iroha turned to the other side, observing the other person in the duo that had her sandwiched between them.

Isayama Mami is a blogger who runs a food series and is also a true food connoisseur.

"Well, it's about the same as Roka!"

Brown hair and brown eyes, an adorable hairstyle and mannerisms, and a soft, sweet voice—that's her: Isayama Mami.

Contrary to her appearance, she is quite efficient and has a practical personality.

It's amazing that her family's pampering didn't cause her to develop bad habits—that's the only way to describe it.

"Having two such wonderful friends like you puts a lot of pressure on me."

Sakayori Iroha, a sigh escaping the lips.

Do you even have the right to say that?

X 2.

The two complained in unison, but then--

"Hahaha..."

X 3.

The three of them changed their shoes at the shoe locker, opened their umbrellas, and walked out of the school gate side by side.

Despite the rainy weather, Sakayori Iroha was in a good mood.

On one hand, it's because of the presence of two close friends—

"Speaking of which, Iroha, what do you want to do in the Mirai, and which university do you want to go to?"

"Ayatsugu Roka asked."

"Is it a music-related program? Or an e-sports program?!"

Isayama Mami speculation.

"I don't have that kind of talent at all!"

Sakayori Iroha shook his head and gave a bitter smile, as if giving up.

"And I think my mother would only approve of me if I got into the University of Tokyo."

She's given up on music, and esports is more suited to talented people. She could still try to study—if she wanted to stand up for herself in front of her mother.

Yes, it's all for this insignificant sense of self-esteem, wanting to gain her mother's approval, to prove that she can do what she once did, and that she has the strength to be independent... If that's the case, then she has to at least reach this level!

Despite the hardships, she kept all the money her grandfather sent her each month in another account, without taking a single penny.

After all, her mother, who was abandoned by her parents, raised four younger siblings while simultaneously gaining admission to Kyoto University...

So, now that I'm free of any constraints, I should at least take it a step further, right?

As for her mother, should we say she doesn't want to answer her calls now, or that she doesn't have the courage to answer them...? In any case, her mother's name is at the top of her recent missed call list.

Forget it, I don't need to think about my brother who left me and my mother who only causes arguments. My life is pretty good now.

"What's the minimum standard? It's so strict!"

"I'm just spoiled rotten~"

The two of them laughed in the same tone.

Sakayori Iroha smiled, and to be honest, she was truly grateful to have two such friends by her side.

In her difficult daily life, which was unlike that of a working high school student, they were always there to watch over and accompany her. Although they were aware of her predicament, they also knew her character and would not interfere or offer advice without authorization.

This warm companionship is perhaps what she needs most.