Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

"...No." Xiangzi's answer was still concise, but his tone sounded a bit insincere.

She would never admit that she was jealous!

But...but!

She suddenly discovered a fact that made her very unhappy - all the "information" that Ruoye Mu had obtained about the true identity of Kujo Renji was actually... all admitted by Kujo Renji himself! Mu just asked lightly, and this guy said "hmm" without hesitation!

And what about me? !

I put in so much effort to figure out who this guy is!

Observation, probing, and hinting, but what was the result? This guy never confessed anything to me! Everything had to be guessed and inferred by me!

Why? !

Obviously... obviously, this guy is occupying her body right now! Logically, I should be the one who knows the truth first and gets the most complete explanation, right?!

As a result, I, the "original owner of this body," was like the last outsider to know the secret! Moreover, this guy had never been truly "honest" with me! He was always hiding things and acting mysterious!

And Mu...

When Xiangzi thought of Mu's satisfied smile just now because of Lian Si's recognition, he felt even worse.

All these complex emotions intertwined together made Toyokawa Shoko feel like she had drunk a jar of aged vinegar, with a sour taste from the inside out.

But with her personality, it is absolutely impossible for her to express these "little thoughts" directly. At most, it is like now, in Kujo Renji's mind, there is a wave of resentment that "I am very unhappy but I just don't say it."

Kujo Renji naturally also felt Xiangzi's strong "resentment".

However, he didn't have time to coax the young lady who was in a bad mood.

He coughed lightly and decisively changed the subject, trying to divert Xiangzi's attention:

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore."

His tone returned to his usual calm and decisive tone.

"Instead of dwelling on all that nonsense, why don't you just listen to me and tell me about our next...specific arrangements."

Sure enough, as soon as the topic of "serious business" was mentioned, Toyokawa Shoko's little upset mood was immediately suppressed.

Her attention was successfully diverted.

"What are you going to do?"

Xiangzi's voice returned to its usual calmness. She knew very well that with Kujo Renji's character, he would never let Toyokawa Sadaharu go so easily, nor would he sit and wait for death.

"It's simple." His voice was calm.

"I'm going to... go talk to two 'old friends' first."

"Then, I'll give the Toyokawa family...some serious 'trouble'."

..

PS: This chapter has 10,000 words~will continue tomorrow

Chapter 104 Jiujo Liansi, I miss you every day when you are not around

"Old friends?" Xiangzi's voice was filled with hesitation and worry. "When you say 'old friends'... do you mean those people you knew before?"

Although she was not fully aware of Kujo Renji's "past", she could vaguely guess that the world he once lived in was definitely not a good place.

And those who can be called "friends" in that kind of world are probably... not easy to deal with.

"Yeah." Kujo Renji did not deny it.

"But..." Xiangzi's tone became even more hesitant. "Wouldn't it be too dangerous for you to go find them? Are your old 'friends' reliable?"

She paused, as if trying to formulate her words, trying to express her concern without seeming too direct or offensive:

"What I mean is, you are using my body now. If they knew your true identity, or if they betrayed you for some benefit... then..."

Upon hearing this, Jiujo Liansi couldn't help but laugh.

"Ms. Xiangzi, you seem to have some misunderstanding about the word 'friend'."

Kujo Renji explained

"In my previous world, the word 'friend' more often than not meant a temporary alliance based on mutual interests or exploitation."

"So-called 'acquaintances'..."

He paused:

"Indeed, they're all quite self-serving. After all, we've all struggled under the same cruel rules. To survive, to climb the ladder, betrayal...it's commonplace."

"Then you still want to go find them?"

"I'm not going to rekindle our old relationship with them. I'm just going to make a 'deal' with them, a deal that benefits both parties."

"trade?"

"As long as you can offer them enough benefits that they can't refuse, or... grab a handle that is fatal enough to kill them, they will be used by you like the most obedient hounds."

"I simply know those guys' personalities, weaknesses, and their deepest desires better than anyone else. If you fully meet these 'conditions,' using your current identity as 'Miss Toyokawa' will be enough to deal with them. And... the results will even be better."

After listening to Kujo Renji's explanation, although Toyokawa Shoko was still a little uneasy, she felt a little relieved.

..

Of course, before actually starting to contact those "old friends" and "adding trouble" to the Toyokawa family, Kujo Renji had a more important and urgent matter to deal with.

——That’s Ave Mujica.

Although this time of being placed under house arrest by Toyokawa Sadaharu was not for long, it was still a serious warning.

The only thing that was a little difficult for him to grasp was how much "free time" the Toyokawa family would leave him.

After all, the two sides have completely broken off relations.

It remains to be seen whether the old fox would become angry and do something to Ave Mujica, the band he created, during this period.

Therefore, before making a dangerous "deal" with those "old friends", Kujo Renji planned to gather the members of Ave Mujica first, have a frank talk with them, arrange the next response measures, and by the way... give them a reassurance.

He needs to ensure that even if he is unable to take charge in person for the time being, the band's operations and the safety of its members can be guaranteed to the greatest extent.

So, after confirming that he was temporarily safe and simply handling some necessary matters, Kujo Renji issued an "emergency call" notice to all members through Ave Mujica's group chat.

Tokyo, rehearsal room.

The air conditioner is set a little low, at least for this autumn weather.

The smooth wooden floor reflects the soft lighting on the ceiling, and various professional musical instruments and audio equipment are placed along the wall.

When Renji Kujo pushed open the thick soundproof door and walked into the rehearsal room, the other four members of Ave Mujica had already arrived.

Miss Wakamugi Yutenji was sitting on the sofa nearby, fiddling with her limited edition designer bag somewhat nervously.

The careful Kujo Renji noticed that there was a small and exquisite metal badge hanging on the zipper of the bag - it was the exclusive badge he had given her in the name of "Xiangzi" that represented her identity.

Teacher Da Miao always reveals her straightforward and passionate loyalty in these inadvertent little details.

Sanjiao Chuhua leaned against the window, folding his arms, looking at the city scene outside the window with a complicated look, not knowing what he was thinking.

Hachiman Kailing still looked calm, sitting quietly in the corner, wiping her bass.

Ruo Ye Mu sat in the seat closest to the door. Since the moment Jiujo Renji entered, her eyes had never left him.

"Sorry to keep everyone waiting."

Kujo Renji glanced at everyone and spoke in a calm tone.

The news that their tentative performance plans might need to be postponed was undoubtedly bad news for these girls, who considered Ave Mujica a very important cause. The atmosphere in the rehearsal room became somewhat solemn as a result.

"Xiao Xiang!"

Seeing "Toyokawa Shoko" appear, Yutenji Wakami was the first one who couldn't hold back. She immediately jumped up from the sofa and ran to Kujo Renji in two steps. She raised her little face, her tone full of anxiety and worry:

"Xiaoxiang! Where have you been these past two days? What happened? We were so worried about you! I thought... I thought you were being targeted by some weird bad guy again—"

"Yes, Xiaoxiang..."

Sanjiao Chuhua also came over, his brows slightly furrowed, and there was a subtle hint of temptation in his tone, "You suddenly said that the performance might be delayed... Is it... really a problem? If there is anything you need our help with, just let me know."

She tried to sound sincere and reliable, trying to hide her inner doubts and insecurities.

Hachiman Kailing also put down the bass in her hand and looked at Kujo Renji silently, waiting for his explanation.

Kujo Renji looked at their concerned eyes. He did not directly answer their questions about "what happened", but said in a relatively relaxed tone:

"It's nothing serious, just some... trivial matters within the family that required me to take some time to deal with. It's now concluded."

He paused and changed the subject:

"However, considering some... um, force majeure factors, our next scheduled performance may indeed need to be postponed for a while. I will notify everyone of the specific time later."

After hearing this, the atmosphere in the rehearsal room inevitably became a little heavier.

"Ah... we really have to postpone it..."

Yutenji Wakamu's face showed obvious disappointment, and he muttered softly:

"I've even prepared a new costume design for my next performance..."

"It's just a postponement, not a cancellation."

"Are you in trouble... that's difficult to solve?"

Hachiman Kairin's voice remained calm, but Kujo Renji could hear the seriousness in her words:

"If it's a problem of funding or resources, we can work together to find a solution."

"No, not those questions."

Jiujo Renji shook his head and interrupted Hai Ling.

"It's just some... personal reasons. Please believe me, I will deal with it as soon as possible and get the band's activities back on track."

Although everyone expressed understanding and agreement on the surface, the atmosphere in the band did undergo some subtle changes during the subsequent rehearsals.

In order to ease the somewhat heavy atmosphere and prevent everyone from speculating and worrying too much, Kujo Renji decided to take the initiative to change the topic and engage in some daily, seasonal band interactions.

"Oh yes, the weather has gotten a lot cooler recently."

He looked out the window and said casually:

"Everyone, please keep warm. Don't catch a cold and affect your rehearsal."

"Huh? Xiaoxiang actually cares about me?"

Yutenji Ruomai blinked in surprise, feeling deeply moved.

"Don't worry, Xiaoxiang! I'm in great shape and definitely won't catch a cold! Plus, I bought some super cute fall coats! I'll wear them to you during the next rehearsal!"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it." Kujo Renji nodded in agreement.

"Speaking of which, autumn is here. Should we consider going... to see the red leaves?"

Sanjiao Chuhua suddenly suggested:

"I heard the red leaves in Hakone are beautiful. If we have time, how about we go there and relax together?"

She also seemed to be trying hard to appear less worried and took the initiative to find some light-hearted topics.

"Looking at the red leaves? Sounds great!"

Yutenji Ruomai immediately became interested:

"We could have a picnic while admiring the autumn leaves! We could even bring some instruments and jam out! Wow! Just thinking about it makes me feel so romantic!"

"...Are there too many people at this time?"

Hachiman Kailing expressed her views concisely.

"Can we find some more secluded place?"

Sanjiao Chuhua smiled and said, "Or...we could also consider holding an 'Autumn Theme Tea Party' in the rehearsal room? How about we all make some autumn-only desserts together, like chestnut cake, pumpkin pie, or something like that?"

"Oh, oh, oh! This is good!" Yutenji Ruomai never forgets to show off in front of Xiaoxiang: "I can make super delicious apple pie! Xiaoxiang, you must try it!"

——Bah, the ugly behavior of flatterers.

Miss Chuhua felt a little upset when she saw that the topic she had worked so hard to create was taken advantage of by Teacher Damiao.

As the members gradually became distracted by these light-hearted topics, the atmosphere in the rehearsal room relaxed a lot. However, Kujo Renji was secretly thinking about his next plan in his heart.