Open Mana's Box

"When Su Shi was little, she really believed in Santa Claus. She would put her stockings by her bedside and write a wish note inside that said, 'I want to learn ballet and show off to my classmates.' So I had to buy her a ballet outfit."

"When Su Shi was in kindergarten, she had a fight with her friend. When she got home, she talked to me for a long time and suddenly realized that she was wrong. At 11 p. m., she insisted on crying and dragging me to apologize to her friend. But she fell asleep on my back halfway there."

Nagasaki's Mom spoke happily, Riki listened happily, while Nagasaki Sose herself was already blushing.

"Mom, I'm going to get angry!" Nagasaki Sose said angrily, pouting.

Nagasaki's Mom looked at Su Shi with a smile on her face. Su Shi would never have said such things to her before. She would always act as a good child, which made her feel guilty because she didn't have time to spend with her, which was why Su Shi had to act like a good child.

However, after Riki appeared, Su Shi began to act like a normal girl her age, actively opening up to people and even showing genuine smiles.

"I'll have some red wine first. If you two aren't drinking, you can go back to your rooms. I won't disturb you," Nagasaki's Mom said with a chuckle.

"Mom, what are you saying...?"

"Then let's go back to our rooms first."

Before Nagasaki Sose could finish speaking, Riki pulled her, whose face was flushed, back to her room.

Nagasaki Sose was too weak just now, and he didn't get to fully enjoy himself. He won't feel satisfied until he catches up.

"Mom's outside!" Nagasaki Sose couldn't help but say as she lay in bed.

"Auntie has already approved of our relationship," Riki said, looking at Nagasaki Sose's beautiful face.

"But this is too embarrassing," Nagasaki Sose muttered softly, but seeing Riki's ardent gaze, she opened her arms and said, "Then hug me."

Riki and Nagasaki Sose hugged and rolled around together again.

Ten minutes later.

"Su Shi, wake up! Why are you asleep again?" Riki patted Su Shi's shoulder.

"I... I wasn't asleep!"

You're the most shameless one when it comes to going to sleep right after you're done!

The two continued.

"Don't sleep! Don't sleep!"

"I'm awake!"

Nagasaki Sose argued back, making Riki blush, so she started to increase her intensity, thinking, "Now you won't be able to sleep, will you?"

"No, keep your voice down, Auntie is outside!"

Riki and Su Shi peeked out of the room and found that Nagasaki's Mom was gone from the living room, with a note on the table.

I have to go now, I'll be leaving first. Have fun!

Both of them breathed a sigh of relief, changed their clothes, and came out.

Nagasaki Sose escorted Riki downstairs; she definitely couldn't go out today, her legs were too weak to move.

"See you tomorrow at Mygo practice." Nagasaki Sose waved, then suddenly said, "Oh, right, Mom said she wants Riki's mom's contact information. Can I lend her my phone?"

Lu's mother will face off directly against Nagasaki's Mom.

When these two strong women meet, you always feel like something earth-shattering is about to happen!

Riki felt a little flustered, but still chose to believe.

Belief needs no reason.

Because he had no other choice but to believe.

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

Just as Riki was about to leave, Nagasaki Sose suddenly walked up to him, patted his clothes to straighten his appearance, and took two steps back, smiling lightly, "That's fine. When Dad went out to work, Mom would always straighten his clothes like this and say... Have a safe trip."

Riki lowered her head and kissed Nagasaki Sose on the lips. Motoyo responded on tiptoe, and after a long while, she pushed Riki's shoulder, her face flushed, and said, "Let's go!"

Riki waved goodbye to her.

Nagasaki Sose touched her soft, still-warm lips with her index finger, watching Riki's retreating figure and smiling gently.

"Let's put Kuma-chan back in her bedroom first." Nagasaki Sose turned around, her hands behind her back, her tone smiling.

Backstage, Mujica's dressing room.

It was another perfect performance. The five members' live performance and teamwork had become increasingly skilled, leaving Riki with few faults. However, even so, they were not without their problems.

"How is it, Miss Sanae?" Riki asked her agent, Miss Sanae.

The five members of Mujica, including Toyokawa Sakiko, also had slightly furrowed brows, appearing somewhat troubled and annoyed.

"It's still the same problem. We haven't made any major breakthroughs lately. Although we're quite well-known in Tokyo and have some recognition throughout Japan, a significant portion of our audience hasn't become fans due to our band's style. Our conversion rate is even lower than that of underground idols," Miss Sanae, frowning as she looked at the data report in her hand.

"Was it my fault?" Toyokawa Sakiko asked hesitantly.

It really was hers...

"Sakiko, it's not your worldview that's wrong," Riki said earnestly.

Toyokawa Sakiko was taken aback, her face flushed with anger as she said, "I meant it's because I haven't been playing well lately, why did Riki suddenly bring up worldviews?!"

She would rather admit that she played poorly than admit that it was a problem with her worldview.

She really made me cry my eyes out.

Sakiko truly loved the worldview she created.

However, Sakiko is also cute when he pouts and gets angry.

Can we fast forward to next Monday's safe period?

Urgent!

Miss Sanae shook her head. "It's not about worldview... cough, I mean it's not because the five members of Mujica played badly, it's just that our band's style is relatively niche in Japan, so having so many fans is already quite surprising. However, in order to break into Tokyo, we still need more fan support. Otherwise, even if we force our way into the Tokyo Dome, it will only cause huge losses and won't expand the band's influence, let alone generate any economic benefits."

Miss Sanae, please stop talking.

Sakiko is now getting quite famous just hearing the phrase "worldview".

"Then I'll pay attention to several styles when I compose music," Riki said after thinking for a moment.

"What Riki did is certainly helpful, but it won't change our band's image overnight, so... I have an idea that can also cheer up a little girl who's feeling down because her friends aren't around." Miss Sanae smiled and said, "Let's have Mana join our performances for the next few shows!"

Holy Donut?

Riki's heart stirred slightly.

If it were Sumiida Mana, her innocent and pure appearance would certainly attract many fans who don't align with Mujica's image.

If they expand their reach, Mujica's speed in entering the Tokyo Dome will increase significantly.

Sumiida Mana herself is a well-known idol, and her influence should not be underestimated.

"Is Mana coming too?" Mikumura Shioka asked excitedly, surprised.

If Sumiida Mana could also perform with them, that would definitely make Mikumura Shioka very happy.

She already felt guilty when she joined Mujica without telling Mana, and Mana's solo performances recently made her even more uneasy. Now that she can perform together again, how could she not be happy?

"However, there's a problem now," Miss Sanae said hesitantly. "Mana told me a few days ago... she doesn't want to be an idol anymore, she wants to retire."

Retire?

Is she going to marry a regular employee?!

Riki was immediately startled.

Did the Donut Lady not have a crush on him?

No way! Holy Donut liking someone else? That kind of thing can only happen in the next life... No, even the next life won't do!

"Did something happen?" Riki asked seriously.

Mana seems to really enjoy being an idol, so she shouldn't have any thoughts of retiring, right?

"She didn't say, but she doesn't seem to be in a good mood," Miss Sanae said with a headache. "Even if it's not for her idol's work, I'm worried about why she's in a bad mood. Besides, she told me in advance these past two days that she was going to turn off her phone for a while, and I can't reach her."

Is your phone off?

Can't find anyone?

While Mujica and the others were resting backstage, Riki walked out of the venue, looked at the health watch on her wrist, and suddenly had a flash of inspiration. She started running around the venue and quickly raised her heart rate.

A moment later, Riki heard her phone ring and answered it.

"Riki, what are you doing?!" Sumiida Mana's panicked voice rang out, "Why is your heart rate so fast?!"

Mana, you're thinking about lewd things again, aren't you?

"Mana, don't you want to be an idol anymore?" Riki asked.

Sumiida Mana paused for a moment upon hearing Riki's question, then chuckled awkwardly, "W-why would Riki ask that?"

Chapter 225 Opening Mana's Box

Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, XX Apartment (I can't reveal the exact address, otherwise Riki feels that Sumiida Mana will be exposed by fans).

Mana's apartment is only 500 meters from the Tokyu Toyoko Line's "Toritsu University Station," making it a prime school district property. Yet Holy Donut Sumiida Mana, a popular idol, lives in such an ordinary apartment.

Riki was a little envious of Mana's neighbor; she must see Sumiida Mana, flowing underwear hanging on the balcony every day.

Third floor, A302.

Ring the doorbell.

"Here it comes~"

Sumiida Mana's footsteps came from inside the door. She opened the door a crack and saw Riki with her big, round eyes. Then she took off the door chain and opened the door.

The Donut Lady is very security-conscious, but this door chain is enough to keep out backstabbers; she doesn't need to worry about a gentleman like me.

"Riki have a seat." Sumiida Mana was wearing casual clothes and looked less like a popular idol and more like an ordinary top-tier beautiful girl.

"Let's sit together," Riki said to Mana.

"I'll pour some barley tea for Riki first." Sumiida Mana said with a smile.

Such excellent upbringing! This is the red and white Miko maiden from the shrine.

Riki looked at Sumiida Mana's room. It was a simple 1DK apartment, large enough to accommodate two dogs or two college students living together. However, for an idol who needed privacy, the space was just right. The living room was simple with little decoration. There were a few small Jizo statues and handmade shrines on the cabinet, and a half-finished Omamori on the table. You could vaguely see that she was sewing the words 'marriage'.

As for Mana's room, the door was closed and she couldn't be seen, but Mana faint fragrance could be smelled in the living room, and it must be stronger in her room.

Riki looked around and sighed, feeling a little regretful that she couldn't find Mana's Kuchikamizake.

If he could find it, he could only play the role of a thief and show off Mana's Kuchikamizake.

"Riki, have some tea." Sumiida Mana placed a cup of hot tea in front of Riki and said with a smile.

"Mana, please have a seat," Riki said politely, not wanting Mana to think that he, an older Chinese man, was impolite.

"I'm already seated," Sumiida Mana said, looking down at herself in the chair with a puzzled expression.

Mana, you're getting a bit cocky. This is a very famous anecdote.

This event is also recorded in the PEP Edition elementary school Chinese textbook.

Once upon a time, the great literary figure Riki visited a temple. The abbot, Rokko, unaware of Riki's profound background and literary talent, initially treated him like an ordinary visitor, simply saying "Sit." Later, as Rokko gradually realized Riki's extraordinary abilities, his tone changed, becoming solemn and respectful. He even requested that the literary giant Riki leave behind some calligraphy. Riki pondered for a moment and then penned a witty couplet, "Sit, please sit, please take a seat of honor," and "Tea, offer tea, offer fragrant tea." Rokko immediately blushed deeply, utterly mortified.

However, the educational level of rock singers cannot be scrutinized too closely; having a high school diploma already puts them ahead of 99% of rock singers and 100% of rappers.

Riki was biased towards Mana after all. She was still smart; it was probably because her elementary school teacher hadn't taught her well. She should find an opportunity to visit Mana's elementary school in the future.

Riki took a sip of tea and asked curiously, "Does Mana usually live here? Who are her neighbors?"

"Our neighbors are very nice. We often eat together and talk about high school life, but sometimes we talk about some strange things," Sumiida Mana shyly, scratching her face and speaking softly.

Who was it that talked to Mana about these things? They're fucking idiots!

I never said that.

Imagine an ordinary, average high school boy sitting in the corner of the classroom by the window, hoping for a sweet, heart-fluttering love story with the cute and innocent idol next door. His humble yet sensitive feelings are unexpectedly noticed by the kind and understanding idol girl, who is curious about and understands him. Together, they gradually grow closer during their high school years and eventually become lovers...

Then let Riki kill off this kind of science fiction light novel fantasy!