Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

Rencai's eyes lit up instantly, and the embarrassment just now disappeared, replaced by full of surprise and anticipation.

She nodded vigorously, almost without hesitation: "Yes! Thank you, Senior Xiangzi!"

Kujo Renji turned his gaze to Kawaharaki Momoka again: "Miss Momoka, would you like to come too?"

Taoxiang seemed a little hesitant.

She and this "Toyokawa Shoko" were strangers, and it seemed inappropriate for her to go to someone else's house for dinner without permission. Furthermore, there was something about the other person that she found difficult to understand.

But before she could think of how to refuse, her arm was pulled hard by Rencai next to her.

"Let's go together, MMK-san!"

Nina took the initiative and agreed on her behalf, her tone filled with enthusiasm that could not be refused:

"Xiangzi-senpai is so nice! And we haven't had dinner yet..."

Looking at Nina's sparkling eyes of expectation, Momoka finally smiled helplessly and nodded:

"Okay, sorry to bother you then."

So the four of them began to pick up the musical instruments and equipment on the ground.

Momoka and Nina were responsible for organizing the guitars, effects pedals, and speakers, while Kujo Renji helped to gather the scattered sheet music and cables.

Ruoye Mu stood quietly by the side, occasionally reaching out to hand over something.

After packing up, the group headed towards the subway station. Kujo Renji naturally held Wakaba Mu's hand and walked ahead. The two of them were like scenery out of a painting, attracting the attention of many passersby.

Nina and Momoka followed behind, carrying their guitars and equipment.

"Hey, Nina..."

Momoka took the opportunity to lower her voice and leaned close to Renai's ear:

"Who exactly is this Senior Xiangzi? How did you two get to know each other?"

"We're neighbors. We met the day we moved to Tokyo!"

Hearing Momoka's question, Renai spoke with great interest, her voice full of admiration:

"That night, we were harassed by a drunk, mean old man, but Senior Xiangzi knocked him down in a snap! So cool! Just like in the movies!"

She danced and gestured, trying to recreate the scene.

"Knock down a drunk?"

When Taoxiang heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

She recalled the abnormal behavior of the male and female group in the band just now, and the doubts that had been lingering in her mind seemed to have found a clue.

Although she and the man and woman just now were not friends, they had been hanging out on the streets of Shibuya for a long time and were considered "old rivals", and they knew each other's background well.

Although those two men were noisy sometimes, they still had some of the ruffian spirit and tenacity of street thugs in their bones. They were definitely not the kind of people who would run away in fear after a few quarrels.

Especially the man with the ball-head hair, the expression on his face just now, as if he had seen a ghost, was definitely not normal.

So it’s because this Miss Xiangzi... has extraordinary skills?

Taoxiang looked at the slender figure in front of her, thoughtfully.

So, it seems that the reason they gave in so quickly just now was probably because... they had witnessed Miss Xiangzi's "power" before? Or at least heard about her "deeds"?

Although it seems that Miss Xiangzi does not seem to know the two people just now, this explanation seems to be the most reasonable at the moment.

Taoxiang silently sorted out the logic in her mind and found a reason that she could accept.

.

Inside the haunted house.

When the apartment door opened and the warm yellow light poured out, Jinna immediately felt a sense of security.

Although Mr. Xiangzi's apartment is not big, even a bit compact, it is very tidy. The air is filled with a light, pleasant fragrance that makes people relax unconsciously.

However, when she changed into slippers and walked into the living room, she keenly noticed some changes in the house.

First, the sofa.

There was a soft-looking blanket on the sofa, and the pillows were neatly arranged, showing obvious signs that someone had slept here.

Is it Senior Xiangzi who sleeps on the sofa alone?

Rencai was a little confused.

Then there was the familiar suitcase in the corner - it was the one that Wakaba Mutsu brought last time, a magical box filled with mango juice and cucumber peripherals.

What concerned her more was Miss Mu's performance.

As soon as she entered the door, she walked to the refrigerator as if she was familiar with it, took out a bottle of mineral water, and then sat quietly at the dining table. The whole process was so natural as if this was her own home.

Senior Xiangzi and Miss Mu...their relationship seems to be closer than I thought?

A slight doubt arose in Renai's mind, but it was quickly replaced by the anticipation of the upcoming dinner, so she didn't delve into it.

"You guys take a seat first, I'll go prepare dinner."

Kujo Renji took off his coat, tied an apron skillfully, and walked into the small open kitchen.

His movements were smooth and natural, not at all like that of a pampered young lady, but rather like that of an experienced housewife (husband?).

Nina curiously went over to help, but was politely rejected:

"No, it will be over soon. You guys chat."

So, Niina and I sat at the dining table, chatting idly, and the atmosphere was not very good.

In fact, both of them were trying hard to find topics to talk about with Wakaba Mu.

But the latter was really taciturn and failed after trying several times.

So the two of them could only respond to each other's topics intermittently.

As they were chatting, Kawahara Ki Momoka's attention was attracted by Wakaba Mutsu's guitar bag standing in the corner of the living room.

"Oh? Miss Xiangzi also plays musical instruments?" asked Kawahara Momoka curiously.

Before Kujo Renji could answer, Nina said:

"Xiangzi-senpai is amazing! She..."

She wanted to say that Senior Xiangzi was very good at playing musical instruments, but she didn't know how good he was at it yet. Then she wanted to change the subject to say that he was good at fighting, but she felt it was not a good idea to say that at the dinner table, so she changed the subject to:

"...Anyway, it's amazing!"

Kujo Renji chuckled in the kitchen, neither denying nor admitting.

Soon, several home-cooked dishes that looked delicious were served on the table.

Fragrant ginger-braised pork, tempting golden tamagoyaki, refreshing green spinach salad, and a pot of steaming miso soup.

"It smells so good!" Rencai couldn't help but exclaim.

"It looks really good." Kawahara Ki Momoka also praised sincerely.

Facts have proved that Kujo Renji's cooking skills are indeed well-deserved.

The dishes are delicious, homely and appetizing.

Nina's eyes lit up as she ate, and Kawahara Momoka also rarely put aside her usual unruly nature and ate with great concentration.

Even Mu, who had always been taciturn, ate in small bites. Although there was still no expression on her face, judging from her slightly faster chewing speed, she was obviously very satisfied.

After this warm dinner and a short time together, Kawahara Momoka completely let go of her guard against Kujo Renji and Wakaba Mutsu.

Although Miss Xiangzi seems to have many secrets and Miss Mu is a little too quiet, they give people a very comfortable feeling and are definitely not bad people.

Especially Miss Xiangzi's calm consideration and perfect sense of distance make people feel at ease.

The atmosphere gradually heated up, and Kawahara Momoka's bold nature began to show. She put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and suddenly suggested:

"It's such a delicious meal! Hey, Miss Xiangzi, would you like some beer? To celebrate today... well, escaping danger?"

As an adult, especially when relaxing, drinking a little alcohol is a normal thing for Kawahara Momoka.

However, as soon as she finished speaking, Renna's eyes widened immediately:

"MMK-san! What are you talking about? There's no adult here! How could anyone possibly drink with you?"

"Eh?"

Kawahara Momoka blinked, a little confused:

"Underage? No way?"

She looked at Renai, then at Kujo Renji:

"Nina is seventeen... Miss Xiangzi, you..."

She kept hearing Rencai calling "Shoko-senpai" and subconsciously thought that the other party was at least an adult. After all, her calm temperament and agile skills did not look like an underage girl at all.

Kujo Renji showed a slightly helpless smile on his face, which was consistent with the character of "Toyokawa Shoko", and did not directly answer the question of age.

In turn, Nina felt a little guilty. She had indeed been calling him "Shoko-senpai" all the time, but in reality...Shoko-senpai seemed to be a year younger than her...although their auras were completely different.

She lowered her head and muttered softly, "Anyway...anyway, we can't drink."

“Ah…Is that so…”

Kawahara Momoka finally realized what a blunder she had made. However, she wasn't the type to get embarrassed by such a small matter, so she quickly laughed it off.

"Sorry, sorry, I made a mistake! Minors really can't drink alcohol, it's my fault!"

She patted her thigh and stood up: "Then I'll go to the convenience store downstairs and buy some drinks! You guys wait!"

After saying that, she ran downstairs in a hurry.

Not long after, Kawahara Momoka came back carrying a large convenience store bag.

The bag was filled with a wide variety of drinks.

"I didn't know what flavors you liked, so I bought a little of everything."

Kawahara Momoka explained as she took out the drinks and placed them on the table, "Carbonated drinks, juice, tea, coffee... take your pick!"

The table was instantly filled with all kinds of bottles and jars.

Renai picked up a bottle of her favorite peach-flavored carbonated drink and thanked him happily.

Mutsuko silently chose a bottle of... mango juice. Kujo Renji chose a bottle of unsweetened oolong tea.

Looking at everyone happily choosing drinks, Kawahara Ki Momoka showed a satisfied smile on her face, but her heart was bleeding.

In order to buy all these drinks, she spent a lot of her already meager salary from working this month... Especially those bottles of juice that looked like they had high-end packaging, the prices were so painful for her.

Oh, forget it, as long as everyone is happy!

"cheers!"

Everyone picked up their drinks

Momoka Kawahara picked up a can of beer, opened the pull ring with a "click", and took a big gulp.

Well, although it was a bit of a pity that no one drank with her, the night was quite perfect with new friends who got along well with her!

...

With the addition of various drinks, the atmosphere in the living room became more and more lively.

Especially Kawahara Momoka, after drinking a few cans of beer, she started to talk completely.

She excitedly recounted her experiences of dropping out of high school, forming a band with friends, and performing on the streets. She described the embarrassment of being chased by people, the touching moment of receiving her first fan gift, and the burst of inspiration she felt while writing songs.

Her stories were full of the flavor of life and an indomitable tenacity. It seemed that Rencai was hearing these stories for the first time, and her eyes lit up.

Kujo Renji and Wakaba Mutsugu listened quietly. Renji would occasionally smile and agree, or ask a well-placed question or two to guide Kawahara Momoka to continue.

Momoka Kawahara became more and more excited and excited as she spoke, and the beer cans in her hand were emptied one after another.

Before she knew it, her cheeks were already flushed with an intoxicating blush, her eyes began to become a little blurry, and her tongue was not straight when she spoke.

"Hmm... Let me tell you about one time when we were performing in the park... It started to rain heavily and we were trapped in that... that shabby pavilion. We were soaked like drowned rats."

"But! Then, we sang in the rain! To drown out the sound of the rain! At that time, it felt like the whole world was our stage!" She burped and recalled with a silly smile.

Renna looked at MMK-san's drunken appearance, feeling both angry and amused:

"MMK-san, I told you not to drink so much!"