Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

He looked around, his gaze sweeping across each member's face, finally settling on the whiteboard in front of him:

"The performance in Osaka was a success, and Wakamai's unveiling achieved the desired effect. But this is only the first step."

His voice returned to its usual calm and serious tone.

"As everyone expected, Ave Mujica's 'Humanity Collapse' scenario requires the participation of every member. The masks will eventually be taken off one by one."

He picked up a marker and wrote four code names on the whiteboard: Doloris, Mortis, Timoris, Oblivionis.

"The next step will be to plan four independent, themed 'unveiling' performances centered around these four identities."

really....

Although they had a premonition, the atmosphere in the rehearsal room still tensed slightly when the plan was officially announced.

The smile on Chuhua's face faded a little, Hailing's eyes became more focused, and Ruomai also stopped sipping the soda.

"I will formulate the specific performance time, venue and theme based on each person's characteristics and background storyline."

Kujo Renji continued, tapping his fingers lightly on the whiteboard:

"Each 'unveiling' performance will be a carefully planned marketing event, with the goal of maximizing buzz, further solidifying the band's worldview, and maximizing the personal charm and commercial value of each member."

He looked at the crowd:

"Now, what we need to discuss is the order of these four performances, as well as the thematic direction and preliminary conception of each. What are your thoughts?"

For a moment, the rehearsal room fell into a brief silence.

Everyone was digesting this information and starting to think about what it meant for them.

Unveiling...

Is it your turn?

After a heated, or to some people only one-sided, heated discussion, as well as precise and guiding suggestions occasionally thrown out by Kujo Renji, the order and general theme direction of the next four "unveiling" performances were finally preliminarily finalized.

First came Timoris, then Doloris, and then Mortis.

However, considering Mu's character, Kujo Renji also fully considered the girl's opinion...To his surprise, the girl did not seem to resist the process of removing her mask.

The last one is of course Oblivionis, and this grandest performance is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Budokan.

The specific performance dates have also been roughly scheduled, spread over the next few months, to ensure sufficient preparation time and topic fermentation period between each performance.

Of course, the final venue selection, performance detail design, publicity plan formulation, etc. still need to be decided and implemented by the "producer" Renji Kujo.

"Okay! It's settled then!"

Kujo Renji closed the cap on his marker and nodded before the clear blueprint on the whiteboard, thus concluding the discussion.

"I'll send you the specific plan as soon as possible. Meeting adjourned."

Just as everyone was about to pack up and leave, Yutenji Wakamu, who had been very active, suddenly had a light in his eyes. He seemed to have come up with a good idea, raised his hand, and suggested in an exceptionally sweet and enthusiastic tone:

"Well! Since everyone's been so hard-working today and discussing this for so long, why don't I treat everyone to dinner? I know a really delicious place nearby!"

After saying that, her gaze unconsciously turned to Kujo Renji with full expectation.

Although she said "please everyone", Miss Youtiansi knew in her heart that her real intention was obviously not for "everyone" but for Xiaoxiang.

Ever since the last online storm was resolved by Kujo Renji with thundering means, Ruomai has been thinking about finding an opportunity to thank the other party in person.

However, she made several private appointments via LINE, but was rejected by the other party with reasons such as "no time" or "something to do". She was frustrated and depressed.

Right now, taking advantage of the opportunity that the rehearsal is over and everyone is present, extending the invitation again in the name of "having dinner together" is undoubtedly a great breakthrough!

As long as Xiaoxiang agrees, it doesn’t matter whether others go or not!

If only... if only I could spend more time alone with Xiaoxiang.

Ruomai's heart was filled with little, pink bubbles of anticipation.

However, reality is always harsh.

Without even considering it, Kujo Renji politely declined:

"No, I have something else to do."

Clean and decisive, leaving no room for maneuver.

The smile on Ruomai's face froze instantly, and the little bubble of expectation shattered with a "pop".

Then, Sanjiao Chuhua also smiled apologetically and said:

"Oh, sorry Ruomai, I have something to take care of tonight. Maybe next time?"

If Ye Muzhe did not speak from beginning to end, but just stood silently behind Jiujo Liansi, the meaning could not be more obvious.

——Wherever Xiaoxiang goes, she goes. Since Xiaoxiang doesn't go, she naturally won't go either.

"Ah...Is that so...N-Never mind! We'll talk about it next time when we have a chance!"

Ruomai quickly put on an "understanding" expression and waved his hand to hide his inner loss.

Her eyes subconsciously glanced at Ruoye Mu who was standing quietly beside Jiujo Renji, and the familiar envy, jealousy and hatred in her heart began to emerge again.

Ahhh! I really envy Mu! Why can she just stay by Xiaoxiang's side as if it were her right? She looks so clueless and doesn't understand anything... Damn it!

Did I choose the wrong character in the beginning?

Just as Ruomai was secretly complaining and preparing to pick up her bag and go home, a cold voice suddenly sounded beside her.

"Isn't this a dinner party?"

Ruomai was startled and turned her head suddenly, only to find that Hachiman Kailing had walked to her side at some point and was looking at her with her calm eyes.

"Eh? Hai, Hai Ling? You haven't left yet?"

Ruomai was a little surprised. She was so focused on her loss and jealousy that she didn't notice Hailing's movements at all.

Hai Ling nodded expressionlessly and repeated the previous question with a barely perceptible hint of...doubt in her tone, or perhaps, as a matter of course?

She said, "You said treat."

"..."

Yutenji Wakamushi finally realized that only Hachiman Kailing took her "cordial invitation" seriously?

And it looks like he's actually planning to go out to dinner with her?!

isn't it? !

The person she really wanted to invite was Xiaoxiang! The others were just "incidental" ones!

I should have known not to say "please everyone"! Now I've shot myself in the foot!

Looking at Hai Ling's calm look as if to say "You said you would treat me, so I came", Ruo Mai was speechless, but could only force a slightly stiff smile on his face.

Forget it...I've already said it...I can't go back on my word, right?

She sighed, picked up her bag resignedly, and said to Hai Ling helplessly, "Let's go. How about some barbecue? I know there's a new Wagyu barbecue restaurant nearby that's got great reviews."

Anyway...it's better to have someone accompany you than to go back alone and think about random things...maybe?

Half an hour later, the private room was filled with the tempting aroma of barbecue.

On the sizzling grill, the beautifully textured Wagyu beef was roasted to a crispy golden brown at the edges, fat dripping onto the charcoal fire, sending up a charred white smoke. The table was filled with a variety of side dishes, dips, and iced drinks.

Yutenji Ruomai was absentmindedly flipping the barbecue with tongs, her mind still recalling Xiaoxiang's cold expression when he rejected her just now, and Mu's as if it was a matter of course that he followed her beside her. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Hachiman Kailing, who was sitting opposite, seemed to be very devoted. She grilled the meat skillfully, picked up a piece from time to time, dipped it in the sauce, and put it into her mouth with an expressionless face, but her chewing movements were filled with a sense of satisfaction.

After a moment of silence, Hai Ling seemed to have almost finished eating. She raised her head and looked at Ruomai, who was obviously in a bad mood. In her unique, flat tone, she asked casually:

"How were those things that happened on the Internet resolved?"

She was referring to the recent online controversy surrounding "Meow Dream." Although she saw the subsequent reversal of public opinion, she was unaware of the specific process and inside story.

Upon hearing this, Ruomai paused in flipping the barbecue, raised his head, and glanced at Hailing with some displeasure.

"Oh..." She deliberately prolonged her tone and said as if she had suddenly realized something:

"I was wondering why you're so kind all of a sudden, willing to honor me with dinner. So you're trying to gather information? Your motives aren't pure, Ms. Hachiman!"

Even though her thoughts were exposed, Hai Ling didn't show any embarrassment on her face. Instead, she retorted as a matter of course:

"Even if you're not here to learn the inside story, you absolutely can't miss out on a dinner invitation."

She wiped the corners of her mouth with a tissue and added seriously, "Our Hachiman family motto is: If you find something for free, don't take it if you don't."

"Puff—" Ruomai almost spit out the drink in his mouth: "What kind of crappy family motto is this! It's too bad!"

Hai Ling shrugged nonchalantly.

The two of them exchanged a few words, and the atmosphere eased a lot.

When talking about that incident, the topic naturally turned to the common core figure.

"How else can it be solved? Of course, it's Xiaoxiang—"

As soon as "Xiao Xiang" was mentioned, Yutenji Ruomai immediately switched to "fangirl" mode, her eyes sparkling and her tone became excited:

"I was so upset at the time. Those people online were so nasty, I thought I was doomed... But then! I called Xiaoxiang, and she just nonchalantly said, 'Leave it to me!' And then, then! An apology for spreading rumors, a ban for inciting trouble, and an instant reversal of her reputation. It was like magic!"

She gestured with her hands, her face full of admiration and excitement, just like a fanatical fan who was introducing her idol to the whole world.

Then there were a lot of words praising Xiaoxiang.

Looking at her exaggerated expression, Hachiman Hailing couldn't help but frown, leaned back, and said with a hint of disgust:

"Alright, alright, she's not here. You don't have to act so hard. It's disgusting."

"Huh?! Who are you talking about?! This is clearly my genuine admiration, okay?"

Ruomai immediately became furious like a cat whose tail was stepped on, and angrily retorted:

"Xiao Xiang is so amazing! So reliable! So... isn't it normal for me to admire her?! But you always pretend not to care!"

"I just don't think it's necessary to show your emotions on your face."

Hai Ling said calmly, "Besides, compared to your... deliberately acting like a 'loyal dog', I think Xiangzi might prefer a quieter life."

“Who are you calling a ‘deliberately loyal dog’?!

Ruomai became even angrier, slamming the table. "My feelings for Xiaoxiang are genuine! I'm not like some people who care deeply about someone but pretend to be cold and indifferent on the surface!"

"It's better than some people who are like a puppy wagging its tail, always thinking about how to please its owner."

Hai Ling retorted without showing any weakness.

"you--!"

The two of them were talking back and forth, exposing each other's shortcomings and mocking each other, and the atmosphere was a little tense for a while.

They all seemed to be tacitly aware of each other's "little thoughts" and "performances" in front of "Xiaoxiang".

Yutenji Wakamu almost told Hailing about what he saw her do when she secretly put the maid outfit back into her bag.

And Hachiman Kailing almost blurted out to mock Ruomai's overly explicit and flattering "loyal dog" behavior, which might actually only make Xiangzi feel more annoyed.

But just as they were about to say something, they both stopped at the same time.

They didn't continue talking.

There was a subtle awkwardness and...a little bit of barely perceptible shyness in the air.

Ruomai's cheeks flushed, whether from anger or something else. She looked away awkwardly, picked up the tongs, and pretended to concentrate on grilling a piece of beef tongue.

Hai Ling also fell silent, lowered her head and drank the ice water in the cup, and her ears seemed to be stained with a faint pink.

The mutual attacks just now seemed to have touched a corner deep in each other's hearts that they did not want to be mentioned.

In the end, it was Ruomai who broke the silence first, forcibly changing the subject in an extremely natural tone:

"Ahem... well, speaking of which, do you have any ideas for your next unveiling performance? Do you need any advice... on makeup?"

Hai Ling raised her head, glanced at her, and also went down the stairs, her tone returning to normal:

"Let's talk about it later. Let's roast the meat first."

A "war" that was about to escalate was suppressed tacitly amid the aroma and sizzling sound of barbecue.

Some things are better left unsaid by everyone. If they are spoken out, it will only hurt feelings... maybe?

......

Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.