People are in animation, but they can connect to reality

Since Toyokawa Shoko already knew, Miao Meng didn't plan to keep it a secret any longer.

"The competition this time is very strong, and there are only three spots available. Diamond Star is a no-brainer; they're so popular, so they must have some real talent. My All is also very strong. Besides these two, there are more than a dozen bands out there, and we don't know how many talented players are hidden among them. I have a feeling that if we follow you, Xiangzi, our future will be very bleak."

"I might be on the wrong team." Miao Meng looked worried.

Toyokawa Shoko felt heavy, and she unconsciously clenched her fists. She felt a sense of pressure.

Chapter 201 Ambition

Miao Meng gently placed her hand on Toyokawa Xiangzi's shoulder, and said in a serious tone, "Don't forget how you pulled me in, your promise and your ambition."

Toyokawa Shoko was slightly startled and looked at Miao Meng blankly. Miao Meng did not give Toyokawa Shoko a chance to continue speaking. She hummed a song as if she had never said the words just now, and walked out leisurely.

Shoko Toyokawa lowered her head and bit her lips, her lower lip losing its color because of her teeth.

"I will never lose!" Shoko Toyokawa clenched her fists.

Asagi was sitting there chatting and laughing with 486, who tilted her head, still puzzled by the headless magical girl. She racked her brains but couldn't think of any TV station that had ever broadcast such a magical girl.

Apart from anything else, as a child, 486 loved watching TV because of his grandmother, whether it was dramas, movies, or the cartoons that children loved. Since his grandmother was a famous actress, 486 would look at her with admiration and, encouraged by the envy and expectations of his classmates, secretly vowed, "In the future, Subaru will definitely become a very good actor."

In the future, I will definitely become a very good actor.

"You're lying to me after all," 486 muttered, looking uncertainly at Asagi. She'd seen a lot of anime, but she couldn't claim to have seen them all. So, she felt uncertain.

"Just take it as it is." Asagi didn't intend to explain any more, because if this kind of thing couldn't be explained clearly, it would only make 486 keep pestering him.

486 looked at Asagi angrily, his brows raised and his eyes wide open.

"Hu..." 486 exhaled loudly.

"The auditions are about to begin, everyone get ready and gather together. And Asagi, you have to come too." On the side, Miura Shiomi, who had been working diligently and talking seriously with the on-site staff, finally returned to the team. She was holding a black notebook in her hand, with a lot of things densely written on it.

Seeing Miura Shiomi returning, Asagi was about to run away, but was stopped by Miura Shiomi.

"I want to come too?" Asagi pointed at himself.

There wasn't much he could do in this situation. Instead of sitting in a corner listening to the live performance on stage, he might as well just wander around. Besides, it wasn't that he didn't want to spy on the enemy, but he just didn't like sitting there like a wooden statue.

Miura Shiomi nodded vigorously, not allowing any discussion.

"But I can't help much." Asagi argued.

"I don't need your help. On the contrary, you just need to sit there quietly." After giving the order, Miura Shiomi no longer paid attention to Asagi's rebuttal and basically ignored him.

Asagi was speechless. Once she entered work mode, Miura Shiomi became assertive. She had fully embodied the meaning of a professional agent. Her earnestness showed that Asagi had a good eye and had found another talent. However, she didn't seem to treat Asagi particularly well, which made Asagi feel that he might suffer a lot in the future.

486 immediately grabbed his wrist and dragged him in front of everyone, "You can't escape now. You're not here for every live performance."

"I'm here, God knows." Asagi raised his hands, his expression serious. For a moment, 486's grip on Asagi's hand loosened, and she blinked at him.

Asagi took the opportunity to escape from 486's restraints, and 486 realized that he had been tricked. Of course, Asagi was not lying, he was at the scene the whole time and just went out for some fresh air occasionally.

MMK, Nina and the others slowly walked over, and everyone gathered together to look at Miura Shiomi.

"This selection is very important, and I hope everyone can seize the opportunity. Of course, I have no doubt about your ability," Miura Shiomi held the notebook in one hand and raised her right fist to cheer everyone on.

"It's just that this concerns the future of the band. If we can seize this opportunity, no matter how bad it is, it will be a very important step. Both in terms of the increase in fans after exposure and future commercial performances."

Miura Shiomi was very serious, with anticipation in her eyes.

This was like applying for a job. This opportunity was like an internship at a major company. Simply putting this experience on her resume would be a stepping stone to increasing her value. Therefore, Shiomi Miura didn't dare to be careless. She loved this band, even though she wasn't their manager and the band didn't belong to her.

As long as MMK and the others can go further and higher, she will be very happy. This may be the most real expectation of a fan. Miura Shiomi looked at MMK, bent down and bowed to MMK seriously.

"I'm counting on you, Ms. MMK, to lead us all to victory."

MMK was startled, immediately becoming confused and scrambling. She subconsciously looked at Asagi. Asagi had always played the role of the team's "big sister," solving their various problems and acting as their psychological guide.

Asagi nodded to MMK, asking her to accept Miura Shiomei's request. Miura Shiomei not only represented herself, but also represented everyone's wishes.

MMK's body slowly calmed down and her expression became serious. She looked at Miura Shiomi with firm eyes.

“I will try my best!” MMK replied.

Miura Shiomi straightened up and looked at MMK. She stared into MMK's eyes and suddenly smiled.

"Just trying hard isn't enough."

"Then work harder?" MMK blinked and asked in a low voice.

No one answered her, so Miura Shiomi walked over and started arranging other people to get to work.

A large stage was built in the center of the playground. The area around it was relatively empty and looked a bit shabby. I remember watching those county-level performances in anime, and they were all performed in formal opera venues. Compared to those formal venues, this one was a bit shabby.

But it does save money!

Below the stage is the judges' booth, where five judges sit. Somewhere in the back is a designated waiting area where bands wait for the staff to call their numbers.

Asagi followed Miura Shiomi to the band's waiting area. Because the venue was spacious, he could see quite a few bands. Halfway through, he spotted Diamond Star, a bit to the right. MMK and the others were a bit far away.

Asagi sat down in his own waiting area, not on the floor, but on a chair. There were more than ten chairs in the waiting area. Fortunately, at least he hadn't saved any money.

Chapter 202 Cucumber Again

"Here is the list of all the bands and the order of their performance. Please review it, judges."

Beneath the stage, staff handed the judges a list of participating bands and their members. The five judges took the list and scanned it. Most of the bands on the list were unfamiliar, but when they saw a familiar name, they paused and looked up at the others nearby.

At that moment, the other judges also glanced at the people around them. Even this slight, imperceptible movement seemed to indicate a consensus. The judges nodded slightly and put down their lists.

Just as the competition was about to begin, the band from the waiting area to Asagi's left slowly arrived. They made their way through the other bands, drawing the attention of most of the crowd as soon as they appeared. It wasn't just because they were wearing masks, but also because they were followed by a large group of people. More than ten of them were carrying professional filming equipment, and their attire didn't resemble band members, giving the impression of professional photographers.

A band with so many photographers following them, such a luxurious lineup, made them look very high-profile. Miura Shiomi, who was sitting in the front, looked at the band, her pupils dilated. Although she had seen many bands as a professional agent, she had rarely seen this one.

Because they really have a strong lineup. Miura Shiomi thought about it and only had one adjective to describe it: luxurious!

They must be a band that's been spotted by a major company. They seem so highly regarded that the company hired so many photographers to follow them around. Miura Shiomi couldn't help but adjust her glasses.

"They are the masked band, right?" 486 tilted her head and whispered in MMK's ear. As she spoke, she stared at the band in front of her.

"That time, we were together," 486 added.

"You mean the time they followed Asagi?" MMK remembered. They'd planned to follow Asagi, so they went to that live. But they didn't see Asagi, and instead, they listened to a great live performance.

"It's them." MMK suddenly realized and couldn't help but look at them a few more times, "They are very beautiful girls." Finally, MMK praised Ave Mujica played by Toyokawa Shoko.

On the contrary, Rencai was a little confused and didn't understand what 486 and the others were talking about. She looked at 486 and the others blankly and found that they were whispering about the band in front of them. She looked at the band in front of her. The band members were dressed very exquisitely and wore masks, giving people a very mysterious feeling.

She lowered her gaze to the musicians. Their skin was delicate and fair, their figures were slender, and each of them exuded a strange aura of confidence. This was completely different from their band. Her own band almost exuded a sense of laziness and casualness, while the other band exuded a sense of confidence and splendor.

"It's just a gorgeous appearance." Ebizka Satoshi pouted. She didn't seem to like Toyokawa Shoko's high-profile band very much.

Toyokawa Shoko and the others didn't care about the whispers of the people around them, and her teammates were also very confident. Miao Meng even raised the corners of her mouth and smiled proudly.

As expected of the Toyokawa family, their strength is just that strong. Asagi glanced at Toyokawa Shoko and the others. He wasn't too surprised by their appearance, because he already knew their strength.

Although Toyokawa Shoko left the Toyokawa family, she did not completely cut off contact with her family. This time, when Toyokawa Shoko debuted and formed a band, it was almost entirely the Toyokawa family that provided the money behind the scenes.

However, Toyokawa Shoko's life didn't seem to improve at all. So Asagi thought that Toyokawa Shoko must have reached some kind of agreement with her family, or a bet would be more appropriate. Unfortunately, Asagi didn't know what Toyokawa Shoko's bet was.

However, Toyokawa Shoko's leverage was limited. The Toyokawa family was so wealthy and powerful, how could they possibly even consider a girl band? Even if there were 10 girl bands, they wouldn't necessarily catch the Toyokawa family's eye.

Therefore, Asagi guessed that Toyokawa Shoko was gambling with him, using him as a bargaining chip. Of course, this was all just a guess. At the same time, Asagi was also very curious about where Toyokawa Shoko and the others were waiting.

No matter where Toyokawa Shoko and the others landed, the surrounding bands would probably feel a lot of pressure. Then, Asagi noticed the seat to his left was still empty. He looked around and saw that the other seats were occupied.

No way! Asagi screamed inwardly. He didn't want to be neighbors with Toyokawa Shoko. It wasn't that Toyokawa Shoko was ugly, but because Toyokawa Shoko was always hostile and had a cold aura around him, which made him feel pressured. If he didn't say hello, it would seem heartless, even though they knew each other. If he said hello, he would be ignored and even glared at.

I remember someone said something like, "The more you don't want something to happen, the more likely it is to happen." Ave Mujica stopped next to MY ALL. At the direction of their agent, the photographers chose the chairs at the back, while Toyokawa Shoko and the others sat down next to Asagi.

Toyokawa Shoko sat in the same row as MMK, and Asagi sat in the back row. Although they were very close, they were staggered. This relieved the pressure on Asagi a little.

As he was thinking about how to deal with Toyokawa Shoko, something green and a little cold poked his arm. Asagi shuddered. He turned his head and saw that it was a cucumber!

"Do you want to eat it?" Ruoye Mu was holding a cucumber in his hand and poking his arm gently.

Wakaba Mutsuki hadn't known when he'd sat down next to him. While next to him, they were still about half a meter apart. Asagi looked at Wakaba Mutsuki, then at the others. Nina and the others were so captivated by Toyokawa Shoko and the others, they were peeking at them curiously, completely oblivious to what was happening with Asagi.

"Why are you carrying this thing?" Asagi asked in a low voice.

"It's done." Ruo Yemu's words were very brief, and he would say as little as possible.

Asagi hesitated to take it. If he didn't, Ye Mu might be upset, but if he took it, what would he do with the cucumber? Was he really going to chew on it in public? That was irrational.

He was completely discovered by MMK and the others. How should he explain it?

"I've washed it and it's very clean." Wakaba Mu thought Asagi was worried about whether the cucumber was clean, so he added another sentence.

The judges looked down at the time and found it was just right. So he communicated with the staff beside him,

"let's start."

Chapter 203 There is only one target

Asagi took the cucumber from Wakaba Mutsu and held it in his hands, unsure what to do with it. He stared at it for a moment, realizing he hadn't hidden it anywhere. He looked around and saw Ebizka Satoshi's bag right in front of him.

Asagi secretly stuffed the cucumber into Ebizuka Satoshi's bag. Wakaba Mutsu looked at it all in confusion. She just watched quietly without saying a word.

Asagi turned around and saw Wakaba Mutsu staring at him. Mutsu's pupils were swirling in his eyes, as if questioning him.

"Sorry, Mu. I don't have anywhere to put it. I hope you won't be angry." Asagi looked at Wakaba Mu cautiously. It was extremely rude to stuff a gift into someone's bag in front of the recipient. But Asagi had no other choice. He didn't bring a bag today, and he couldn't eat the cucumber on the spot because it would attract attention. Besides, holding it in his hand wouldn't do any good, and throwing it aside would be even more inappropriate.

After much thought, I decided to borrow someone else's bag. At least everyone is familiar with it, so familiar that no one would take it seriously, and at most they would complain a few words.

Wakaba Mutsu thought for a moment and shook her head. She looked at Asagi and then at the bag next to Ebizuka Satoshi, where the cucumber she had given him lay quietly.

She looked up and happened to meet Ebizuka Tomo's eyes. Ebizuka Tomo also noticed something moving around him. Asaki Segua's movements were very light, and Ebizuka Tomo didn't take it into consideration for a moment, but after thinking about it, he decided to take a look to see what was going on.

When she turned around, she found a very beautiful girl looking at her. Ebizuka Satoshi frowned and looked at Wakaba Mutsu. Wakaba Mutsu also looked at Ebizuka Satoshi curiously.

Ebizuka Satoshi thought for a moment, snorted softly, and ignored Wakaba Mutsu. She turned back to the first band to take the stage. Ebizuka Satoshi thought Wakaba Mutsushi was just curious, looking around at the participating bands. She had felt that way herself, so she didn't take it seriously.

Asagi watched the first band take the stage. They were fully paired, their outfits leaning towards idol style. The girls introduced themselves. Asagi listened and learned that they were signed to an agency, though she had never heard of the agency.

He looked at 486 and saw that she hadn't reacted either. He figured it must be a very small agency. Since 486 was from the Academy of Performing Arts, she'd come across many agencies and would be familiar with the more established ones. Since she hadn't reacted, it must be a small agency.

"What are you looking at?"

"Very cute girls." Asagi pointed at the band on the stage. Wakaba Mutsu followed his hand and looked at the stage. Her eyes were calm, like the night sky, dotted with stars.

"Oh." Ruoye Mu said softly.

The first band to take the stage stood at the top, and the audience fell into complete silence, their eyes fixed on the stage. Those on stage were nervous, their fingers trembling slightly, and the people below were equally nervous, wanting to know the strength of this participating band.

A person's life is limited, and even a popular band isn't known to everyone. Therefore, for everyone present, this competition was a completely unfamiliar event. Toyokawa Shoko also stared fixedly at the stage.

Her expression was tense, her hands clenched into fists. She stared at the stage, her lips tightly pursed. As the leader of Ave Mujica, who had painstakingly built the band, even bowing to the Toyokawa family for the cause, Toyokawa Shoko felt a complex mix of emotions.

She placed all her hopes on this band. For this reason, she stared at the stage intently, not letting up. However, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Ruoye Mu was not sitting next to her, but rather Sanjiao Chuhua was sitting to her left.

Noticing Toyokawa Shoko's nervousness, Sanaka Hatsuka raised her hand to signal her to relax. Toyokawa Shoko nodded at Sanaka Hatsuka, trying to appear calmer.

A hint of dejection flashed across Wakaba Mu's face, an expression Asagi rarely saw on Wakaba Mu. All he had ever seen was a delicate puppet that looked like a machine.

"Don't worry, because Mu-san is cuter than them, much cuter." Asagi raised her hand to cheer Wakaba Mu-san up, "So, there's no need for Mu-san to be discouraged."

This kind of thing is totally unnecessary, Asagi thought to herself as she looked at Wakaba Mutsu. Wakaba Mutsu was the daughter of a famous actor, she had good family genes, and she was prettier than most girls, so she didn't need to feel down.

Has no one ever praised Wakaba Mutsu for his good looks? Asagi was a little curious and suspicious.

Wakaba Mu's mouth opened into an O shape. She turned and stared at the girls on the stage, staring at them. The girls' singing and dancing figures were transmitted to Wakaba Mu's perception through her eyes and ears.

She is much cuter than the girls above. This sentence echoed in Ruoye Mu's mind.

And Toyokawa Shoko turned back to look for Wakaba Mu. Normally, Wakaba Mu would definitely sit next to her because Wakaba Mu was a different existence. She was the only one who could know Toyokawa Shoko's true appearance.

No matter what Toyokawa Shoko becomes, Wakaba Mutsu will not hate her, but will protect her. Therefore, Toyokawa Shoko also shows her true self in front of Wakaba Mutsu. Only in front of Wakaba Mutsu, Toyokawa Shoko does not need to hide, and does not need to wear a mask.

As long as Mu is around, I always feel safe.

Toyokawa Shoko turned around and found Wakaba Mu talking to someone on the side. She was startled and was surprised to find that Wakaba Mu's facial expression became more varied, an expression she rarely saw.

Suddenly, Toyokawa Shoko felt a tightness in her chest, and even her breathing became rapid. Suppressing her newly rising anger, she followed Wakaba Mu's gaze and looked towards the man they were talking to.

It turned out to be Inoue Asagi, a guy she knew, familiar yet strange. Whether it was the unfriendly impression he left at the beginning of the school year or the ugly behavior she displayed when they met later, Toyokawa Shoko could not look at that guy with a normal heart.

Why did my vulnerable side always appear in front of that guy? Why did he always see my weakness? Toyokawa Shoko's eyes gradually became sharper.

"Why is it you? Did you chase me here?" Toyokawa Shoko stared at Asagi with a bad tone. She felt that Asagi was deliberately following her. She lowered her voice, trying to make it cold and ruthless.

Mu was the only one who knew her weak side. She also had no intention of dating anyone of the opposite sex, so it was better to make this clear as soon as possible.