Chapter 79

"..." She couldn't vent her anger, so all she could do was glare at him fiercely.

The first special place in this building is her room, where she spends a third of her time every day.

Yesterday he visited Kogisora Yukina's room, and today he visited her room again. A few days ago, he also visited the rooms of Inoseri Nina and Kawaragi Momoka. If you include that building, he has also seen the rooms that Anwa Subaru chose.

It seems he's been drawn to girls' rooms lately; he inexplicably came to this conclusion.

The tour of the Touma residence continued, but most of the ground floor was not very interesting, except for one room, which she resolutely refused to let him enter.

Sakurakoji Talent guessed that it must be Touma Yoko's room. Although she went abroad, she would occasionally come back to stay for a few days each year, and someone would clean it regularly.

Since it's not a hygiene issue, it must be a problem with her emotions. The complexity of this mother's feelings is probably far beyond what others can imagine.

Finally, the two arrived at the second special location, which was also the most unique part of the place—the underground music room.

After passing through an ordinary entrance that resembled a warehouse door, walking a few steps inside, and then going down the stairs, you arrived at the entrance to the music room.

This area is divided into two parts: the main control room near the entrance and the training room inside.

"Oh, there are facilities like this here? No wonder I didn't see any musical instruments up there."

The spacious room was filled with a variety of musical instruments, including Wind Instrument Music like the Saxophone and string instruments like the guitar Bass, but the most eye-catching was the grand Piano, which had a huge presence, located in the corner of the room.

Its striking, reflective black texture speaks volumes about its value and prestige.

Undoubtedly, this is the personal Piano used by the mother and daughter of the Touma family at home, and its price is at least eight figures in yen. Considering her profession, nine figures would be normal.

When asked how big the room was, he could only say that at the other end of the room was a sofa that most families would have in their living room.

Besides these, there are various audio cables, music stands, stools, and other small items.

This space, which ordinary families would never have, occupied the second most time of her day after sleeping and attending school—sometimes even more.

"There are quite a few musical instruments here. Do you know how to play them all?" He looked around, his gaze inquiring.

"As long as you are proficient in music theory and are willing to spend time practicing, it's not difficult to master several instruments." Her expression remained unchanged, as if she were simply stating a fact, but her tone carried a hint of sarcasm, indicating that she was still bothered by what had just happened.

"Impressive," Sakurakoji Talent gave him a thumbs up, "Aren't you going to show us?"

"..." She opened her mouth, as if to say, 'Why should I perform a talent for you?'

But in the end, she didn't say it. After a few seconds of silence, she walked towards the Piano that she knew all too well.

She pulled out a stool and sat down. Unlike her usual languid demeanor, once she sat down at the Piano, her eyes became incredibly serious, her posture upright, her expression solemn, and an invisible aura emanated from her, instantly maximizing her professionalism.

Just watching it makes the audience very excited.

Without further ado, her nimble and firm fingers began to dance rapidly across the black and white sheet music, and tranquil, slow, and melancholic notes instantly filled the room, reaching Sakurakoji Talent's ears.

He closed his eyes, stood still, and listened quietly, interpreting the emotions she had poured into this world-famous piece of music.

Nearly five minutes passed quickly, and as the notes gradually slowed down until they disappeared completely, the piece came to an end.

Slap! Slap!

"Great job, you're truly exceptional." The only audience member clapped and smiled in praise.

"Is there anything you want to say?" Ignoring his praise, Touma Kazusa glanced at him and asked the question.

"Let me tell you beforehand, if you can't even tell this and answer incorrectly, I won't play the piano for you anymore, and I won't allow you to come here again."

Is it that serious?

Although it's uncertain whether her attitude will change later (it should be easy for him to soften his stance if he flatters her at the right time), at least for now, she seems to be serious.

So he nodded solemnly, his expression earnest, and said to her with heartfelt sincerity:

"I'm sorry! I was wrong!"

The melancholy and discontent in that song, "Liebestraum," permeated the entire piece. If he couldn't even hear that, he might as well give up on music altogether.

Touma Kazusa nodded in satisfaction, indicating that she had let him off the hook.

"However, I must correct one of your misconceptions, Touma."

"Hmm?" She looked over in confusion.

"You said before that your mother didn't take you with her because you lacked talent and ability, right?" Sakurakoji Talent leaned against the Piano. "But in my opinion, your talent and ability are top-notch, and you don't need to worry about that at all."

"I thought you were going to say something like, 'Don't judge a layman like me.'" Touma Kazusa shrugged helplessly. "The reason you think I'm amazing is just because you haven't seen professionals. Once you've witnessed their abilities, you'll know I'm nothing but a clown."

"I understand what you mean. Compared to international professional musicians, you are indeed far from sufficient, but..." He looked into her eyes, a question in them, "Do you need to compare yourself to them?"

"..."

"No matter what, you're only a teenager. As long as you keep practicing hard, in a few years you'll definitely be able to compete with them, right?"

"..."

"Not to mention, I heard laziness and weakness in your playing. You... haven't practiced seriously at all these past two years, have you? At most, you've only maintained basic proficiency."

"..."

"You still have this kind of strength even after all this? Do you really think you have no talent?"

"...Hoo," Touma Kazusa took a deep breath, then frowned, swung her arm angrily, and shouted at him:

"Otherwise what? That woman herself said there was no point in bringing me along! Are you trying to say you're more authoritative and correct than her?!"

"It's hard to say, but did your mother really say that? That you have no talent?" he questioned.

"That goes without saying..." She paused here.

Image: "Cool and Aloof", Location: "Images/1758036054-100446961-113858659. jpg"

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 111 How Low Can an Education Level Be? Life Sometimes

Thinking about it carefully, Touma Yoko only said that it would be pointless to take her there now, not that she lacked talent.

She stopped herself from saying what she was about to say, her gaze unfocused as she stared at the piano keys.

"It seems you understand this as well." Seeing her like this, there was no need for further explanation.

"Your mother probably didn't bring you along because she was focused on her career."

"She probably can't guarantee she'll have enough extra energy to take care of you, so she thinks it's better for your growth to have you here."

"It's not that I think you lack talent, ah, of course, you certainly didn't have the ability back then."

Touma Kazusa glared at him fiercely, baring her teeth and practically breathing on him.

Clearly, she meant, 'Would you die if you didn't say the next sentence?'

"So what? It's my freedom to decide whether or not to practice, isn't it?" She turned her head and retorted reluctantly.

"That's natural," Sakurakoji Talent affirmed. "Even having talent in this area doesn't mean you have to develop towards that goal. Ultimately, it depends on your own ideas."

"Or rather, among the people I know, there are some like that."

"Despite possessing unparalleled talent in certain areas, they plunge headlong into fields they are not good at in order to pursue their passion."

"Even though we stumbled and struggled along the way, we were battered and bruised by one difficulty after another."

Of all the people he mentioned, the most representative is Shiina Mashiro.

Despite possessing unparalleled talent in drawing, she chose to abandon the pursuit of creating works that would go down in history and instead ventured into the completely unfamiliar world of comics, starting all over again.

The same goes for Aoyama Nanami, who takes care of her. Even with so many chores on her plate, she is still a top student. If she concentrates on her studies, getting into a prestigious university will be as easy as eating and drinking.

But she insisted on pursuing her dream of becoming a voice actress, and thus encountered many setbacks along the way.

"How stupid." She closed the piano lid and rested her chin on her hand.

"Isn't that great?" Sakurakoji Talent said with a smile. "It's a very lucky thing to be able to find something you love to do. So many people spend their whole lives doing jobs they don't like."

"Even if you don't pursue a career as a performer, becoming an independent musician or Piano for children is perfectly fine, isn't it?"

"I'm going to be a teacher? Are you serious?" Touma Kazusa pointed at herself, unable to suppress her laughter.

The thought of her sitting upright and earnestly teaching others made her laugh out loud; it didn't suit her at all.

"Okay, I admit, being a teacher is a bit difficult for you, especially right now."

It's kind of darkly humorous to think that a Delinquent Girl like her, who skips classes and is always late, would become a teacher.

"However, if you do pursue a career in this field someday, I think it shouldn't be too difficult to support yourself."

What makes you so sure?

"Look, musicians, frankly speaking, also make money by selling tickets and burning CDs to sell copyrights, right? It's somewhat similar to the entertainment industry." He smiled shyly. "Don't you think that, when the skill level isn't that different, appearance can be a big advantage?"

"As long as someone helps you with marketing, and you have the gimmick of a beautiful female Piano, it shouldn't be a problem to occupy the front page for a while, right? Once you have fame, why worry about not being able to sell tickets?"

"Fortunately, you inherited your mother's good looks, which is actually a big advantage."

"..." Touma Kazusa stared at him in disbelief; this was a path she had never imagined.

However, it must be said that this makes sense; once you gain fame, making money will naturally follow.

After all, most people go to concerts not just to listen to long and boring classical music, but more to join in the fun and have some so-called "cultivation of the mind."

Most of them couldn't tell who played well and who played poorly.

"You really are a 'genius' who takes an unconventional approach," she said with a soft, mocking tone.

"What does it matter? It's not illegal anyway," Sakurakoji Talent said dismissively.

"You said you studied music, but instead of relying on your talent, you resort to these underhanded tactics. Don't you have any shame?"

"Strength and this are not mutually exclusive. Of course, we should make full use of our advantages. Just because you don't use them doesn't mean others won't."

"Hmph, only a weak and evil cultist would spout such sophistry."

"..."

"What's wrong? Did you hurt yourself?" Touma Kazusa looked at him, her body still, and blinked gently.

"No, but, well then." He pondered for a moment, then decided to show off a little. "Since you played a piece for me, I'll return the favor."

"Excuse me, could you please give me your seat?"

Touma Kazusa was also somewhat interested in his initiative to ask to perform. With a faint smile, she got up, gave him her seat, sat on the sofa behind her, crossed her arms, and waited for his performance.

Sakurakoji Talent opened the piano lid, looked at the familiar bright-colored keys that he hadn't seen in a long time, and played a few simple notes.

Recently, his only opportunity to use Keyboard has been with the portable band Keyboard used by Starry, which is nothing compared to a formal Piano.

In terms of unfamiliarity, he was even more so than Touma Kazusa, but it wasn't a big problem for him.

After hearing just a few notes, Touma Kazusa, who was standing to the side, put away her playful smile and became serious.

Laymen watch the spectacle, experts watch the details.

At her level, she could roughly gauge her opponent's strength from the rhythm and intensity of their movements.

At least at this moment, she was certain that Sakurakoji Talent was definitely not that of an ordinary layman who had only studied for a few years.

Like her, Sakurakoji Talent first composed herself, placing her Hands lightly on the piano keys, and then suddenly began!

This is a short, upbeat etude, not a lengthy classical piece, nor a three- to five-minute pop song.

He chose the <Black Key Etude> that she often practiced.

The rapid clicking of the keys fell like fine raindrops, and the performance, which was originally going to last almost two minutes, was deliberately sped up and finished in less than a minute and a half.

"How was it? Not bad?" After a five-second pause, he winked at her.

"..." Touma Kazusa didn't speak, she just stared at him in a daze.

He moved his lips several times, but no sound came out.

A minute later, she finally spoke, "Haven't you participated in any competitions before?"

"No," Sakurakoji Talent sighed and shook his head. "I'm different from you. For some reason, I never went to school as a child. I was always tutored."