Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

"However, we have to proceed with caution. If this label truly reflects some complex relationship, rash intervention could cause trouble for Xiaoxiang."

"I understand." Chihaya Aine nodded vigorously: "I am a top-notch detective!"

The waiter then brought the mint chocolate milkshake that Chihaya Aine ordered.

Outside the window, the sun was still shining brightly. Students walked out of the gate of Haneda Girls' College in twos and threes. Chihaya Aine immediately lowered her voice.

"So, where do we begin?"

......

The next day.

Late at night, the apartment was silent.

Kujo Renji sat at his desk, his blue twintails cascading over his shoulders. His amber eyes gleamed deeply in the dim light of the desk lamp. His fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, his thoughts drifting away.

After confirming that Toyokawa Shoko's consciousness had sunk into a dream, Kujo Renji looked at the translucent panel in front of him.

There was no sound, but he felt that familiar feeling appear again - 0.1 original sin points were consumed, and a temporary "soundproof room" appeared in the consciousness space.

Although this method consumes resources, it can ensure that Toyokawa Shoko is completely unaware of his next move.

Kujo Renji pulled a spare phone from a drawer—he'd bought it without Toyokawa Shoko's knowledge, specifically for "private communications." He gently pressed the power button, and the instant the screen lit up, he immediately dimmed the brightness to its lowest setting.

There is only one contact in the phone - "M".

Jiujo Renji sent a short message: [Are you still awake? ]

In less than ten seconds, the reply came, as fast as if the other party had been waiting for his message: [Awake! Teacher, is there something I need?]

[How's the latest progress?] Kujo Renji got straight to the point.

The three ellipsis marks flickered for a moment, followed by a long reply:

"Teacher, teacher! I discovered something amazing! I can now control what Xiaomu sees! Just like you taught me that day, if I focus, I can block out things I don't want her to know!"

Kujo Renji raised an eyebrow, his fingertips tapping lightly on the edge of his phone. He remembered that he had indeed given Mortis some advice on "how to maintain independence in shared memories", but he had not expected the effect to be so significant.

“Please be more specific,” he replied.

[That's right! Xiaomu thought she could see all my memories, but I can actually choose what to let her see! I didn't even let her know about our meeting yesterday! (^▽^)] The message even included a few excited emojis, making it seem particularly childish.

"Xiao Mo is amazing! What other discoveries have you made?" Jiujo Renji continued to ask.

Ah! That's right!

Mortis's reply was still full of excitement.

I've discovered that if I don't want Xiao Mu to know something, I can create some "substitute" memories in my memory! It's like... well... writing a story! I just have to imagine a plausible plot and put it where the real memory should be!

This information made Kujo Renji's eyes widen slightly.

He hadn't expected Mortis's ability to develop to this extent—not only being able to block memories, but also to create false memories.

But wouldn't that be a bit dangerous...?

"So, can you block her perception? For example, when you're controlling her body, can she feel what's happening outside?"

[This can’t be done QAQ]

Mortis hesitated for a moment in his reply.

But I found that if I put on a loud play in the mental theater, Xiao Mu would be drawn in and not notice what was happening outside! I tried it twice and it worked pretty well!

Jiujo Renji pondered for a moment, his fingers tapping quickly on the keyboard:

Don't be discouraged; this is normal progress. Control takes time and practice. The important thing is that you've taken the first step...

[Really? Isn't the teacher disappointed?]

Of course not.

Kujo Renji answered

Everyone grows at their own pace. You're doing pretty well.

The person on the other side of the screen seemed to be cheered up by this encouragement:

Thank you, teacher! I will work harder! I want to become even more powerful, just like you said, and no longer just be Xiaomu's shadow!

Mortis is indeed like a child, eager to be affirmed, eager to grow, and at the same time with a kind of "purity".

This trait is exactly what he needs - easy to guide, but with enough potential.

【I have a little challenge for you. 】

Jiujo Renji typed

Try controlling a small movement while Xiaomu is awake—like the movement of a finger or the frequency of blinking. Don't try to completely control it at first; just influence a small part.

[Okay! I'll give it a try!] Mortis replied with obvious excitement.

Jiujo Renji continued to input:

Remember, this is a gradual process. Don't rush things, and don't let Xiaomu notice anything unusual. Your advantage lies in your stealth.

【clear! 】

Kujo Renji nodded with satisfaction. Mortis's progress had exceeded his expectations.

[That's all for today. Feel free to contact me if there's any progress.] He sent his last message.

[Okay! Good night, teacher!]

Mortis's reply was still full of energy, as if the fatigue of the late night had no effect on her.

Kujo Renji turned off his cell phone and put it back into the hidden corner of the drawer.

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night view of Tokyo and fell into thought.

I gently closed my eyes and ended the "soundproof room" state.

Shoko Toyokawa's consciousness was still deep, and she was unaware of what had just happened.

.

PS: It’s only 8,500 today, sorry, I will increase it to 20,000 tomorrow as compensation.

Chapter 52 Chu Hua: Xiao Xiang, can I sleep with you tonight? (Six in One)

The afterglow of dusk shines through the large floor-to-ceiling windows of the piano room, coating the entire space with a warm golden color.

Kujo Renji stood at the door, his amber eyes slowly scanning the rehearsal room on the top floor of a high-end apartment in Shibuya.

The space is spacious and minimalist, with a black Steinway piano at its center, gleaming with a restrained luster in the sunset. In one corner, there's a small seating area, with several stylish leather sofas surrounding a glass coffee table.

The other side is equipped with professional audio equipment and even recording facilities.

The phone vibrated, and Kujo Renji took it out. The screen showed a message from Yamamoto Ryuichi:

[Ms. Toyokawa, the rehearsal room has been prepared as you requested. I'm very sorry, but I have a company emergency and cannot accompany you personally. Please feel free to contact us if you need anything.]

A faint smile appeared on the corner of Jiujo Renji's lips, and he tapped his slender fingers on the screen to reply:

【It's okay, your arrangement is very thoughtful. 】

After sending the message, he slowly walked towards the piano, gently stroked the shiny black piano cover, and felt the cool and smooth touch with his fingertips.

"This piano is nice."

Toyokawa Shoko's voice sounded in his mind, slightly surprised.

“It’s not as good as the one I use at home, but it’s good enough for practice.”

——But you don’t want to go back to your home.

Jiujo Renji was speechless.

This young lady always likes to pretend in some inexplicable places.

Kujo Renji casually opened the piano cover and gently pressed a chord on the keys with his fingers.

The piano sound slowly echoed in the space, clear and warm, with the profound connotation unique to Steinway.

"It seems Mr. Yamamoto is quite knowledgeable."

Toyokawa Shoko commented, with a hint of surprise in her tone

"I thought he'd just get by with a regular piano."

"After all, I want to show my sincerity." Kujo Renji chuckled and sat down on the piano stool.

He scanned the room and noticed some professional recording equipment in the corner, even several sets of headphones and microphones of different styles.

Obviously, Yamamoto Ryuichi really put a lot of effort into pleasing this "eldest lady of the Toyokawa family".

Just as Kujo Renji was about to try playing a few pieces of music, the phone in his pocket vibrated again.

This time it was not a private message, but a message from the Ave mujica band group.

I took out my phone and saw a message from Sanjiao Chuhua:

Everyone!! I'd like to confirm the rehearsal time for next week. It's Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and the venue is still the same, right? By the way, have the tour costumes been finalized? Would you like to go check it out during this rehearsal? ('▽`)

A series of questions, accompanied by several energetic emoticons, appeared on the screen, fully reflecting Triangle Chuhua's usual enthusiasm.

Almost at the same time, Hachiman Kailing's reply appeared:

[The time and place are fine.]

She was as concise and clear as ever, even sparing with punctuation.

Then came Wakaba Mu's reply:

[Um... that's fine with me too.]

Mortis's imitation of Wakaba Mu was indeed quite good... However, he was still trying a little too hard to imitate Xiang's guards. At least he could sense the difference.

Wakaba Mutsu's tone is usually calmer and more reserved, and he rarely uses ellipses, while Mortis tends to express himself with more pauses and hesitations, as if he is always worried about saying something wrong.

The last one to appear was Yutenji Wakamaki's reply, which he obviously hesitated for several minutes before sending:

I have no problem with that! The time and place are perfect. Regarding the outfit, I completely respect everyone's opinions, especially Xiaoxiang's.

Yutenji Wakamugi, who once eagerly wanted to destroy the unity of the band, has now become the most obedient one.

The lesson learned that night in the hotel room had clearly worked.

He thought for a moment, then began to reply:

The time and location are fine. I already have some preliminary ideas for the costumes, so I'll bring the designs along for discussion. Also, I've found a great rehearsal space, and we can check it out together if we have the chance.

Less than ten seconds after the message was sent, Sanjiao Chuhua replied:

[Wow! Xiaoxiang is amazing! He's already started preparing his costume designs! I want to be the first to see them! ! (≧▽≦)]

Then came Yutenji Wakamaki's quick response:

[Sounds great! Looking forward to Xiaoxiang's design.]

Hachiman Kairei still maintains her simple style:

【OK. 】

Mortis imitated Wakaba Mutsu's final reply:

[Hmm... I'm also looking forward to Xiaoxiang's design...]

Who can read the harmonious conversation in this band group and not say that the team spirit is overflowing?

Our Ave mujica is indeed the band with the most team spirit.

Just as he was thinking, Sanjiao Chuhua sent another message:

[Oh right! I saw a few messages from fans online today! They said they really like our band's music and asked where our next performance would be! Should we start planning a promotional tour?]

Hachiman Hailing replied:

It's time to start promoting it. We need enough audience support for the three shows.

Her tone was unusually professional, as if she was deliberately trying to demonstrate her worth and expertise.

Soon, Hachiman Hailing replied and added her own suggestions:

【You may consider doing some publicity on campus. 】