Substitute Toyokawa Shoko, you can become stronger by breathing

He pondered silently in his heart and finally understood why these high school girls were so keen on forming a band and standing on the stage.

The feeling of being in the spotlight and being watched by the audience, the experience of conveying emotions through music and getting immediate feedback, brings such a unique and intense satisfaction.

"It's much more interesting than I imagined, right?" There was a hint of pride in Shoko Toyokawa's voice, as if she had already expected this.

Kujo Renji chuckled: "It's really good."

He admitted frankly, “The feeling of being in control of the emotions of the whole audience is somewhat similar to…” He paused and did not finish the metaphor.

"Similar to what?" Toyokawa Shoko asked curiously.

"Forget it, it's not important." Kujo Renji changed the subject.

"to be honest"

Toyokawa Shoko continued, with a barely perceptible hint of gratitude in her tone.

"I didn't expect you to be so... committed. Those impromptu turns and performances were completely beyond the scope of our usual rehearsals. How did you come up with the idea?"

"Maybe it's a talent?"

Toyokawa Shoko's rebuttal personality rarely breaks out

Jiujo was right, this was indeed talent.

That aura, that control...even she had never been able to completely dominate the stage like that.

"Do you... like this feeling?" Toyokawa Shoko hesitated for a moment, then finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind, "What does it feel like to stand on the stage?"

Kujo Renji was silent for a moment, and finally answered frankly:

"It's much better than I expected. That kind of power gained through art rather than violence...it's interesting."

Toyokawa Shoko seemed surprised and satisfied with this answer. In his consciousness, Kujo Renji could feel her smile softly.

"So, will you still be so dedicated at the upcoming Tokyo and Osaka stations?" There was a hint of expectation, even pleading, in her voice.

"Do you think I'd give up halfway?" Kujo Renji asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Since I've agreed, I'll do my best. That's my principle."

In the consciousness space, Toyokawa Shoko seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and that feeling of relief was transmitted to Kujo Renji through the connection they shared.

"Thank you." She said softly, those two words contained too many complicated emotions.

Renji Kujo could feel that in this short performance, some subtle changes had taken place in the relationship between him and Shoko Toyokawa.

It's no longer simply about the controller and the controlled, but there's a hint of... collusion.

This resonance found in music, this joy of co-creation, seemed to build a bridge between them, however fragile, but real.

"But I'm still curious..."

Toyokawa Shoko's voice rang out again, interrupting his thoughts.

"What did you mean by stage control?"

"I advise you not to ask any further questions..."

Kujo Renji's expression was a little subtle.

At least it's not something that underage high school students should understand.

..

After the performance, the members of Ave Mujica returned to the backstage lounge.

My whole body was still immersed in the adrenaline rush brought by the stage.

Hachiman Kailing took off her mask, her short black hair fell down, revealing a very beautiful face.

His usual stern expression was broken, and a smile that was hard to conceal appeared on his face:

“Today’s results are much better than expected.”

Sanjiao Chuhua handed the sweat-wiping towel to the others. Her excitement was more restrained, but the brilliance in her eyes was just as bright:

“The performance was a success and everyone performed very well.”

Her tone was steady and gentle, but her eyes kept glancing at Kujo Renji, as if she was still thinking about the shocking performance on the stage.

Wakaba Mu sat on a chair in the corner, her golden eyes downcast. Her usually tense face relaxed, appearing unusually gentle. Noticing Hachiman Kailing's gaze, she quickly pursed her lips.

"We should celebrate!"

Sanjiao Chuhua suggested, with just the right amount of enthusiasm in his voice, "This is the first stop on Ave Mujica's inaugural tour. Such a successful start is worth commemorating."

Hachiman Kailing nodded in agreement: "We should indeed celebrate."

"Celebration Party!"

Yutenji Wakamugi seemed to have finally relaxed his tense nerves, forgetting even his pretense and waving his fists in the air.

"I want to eat barbecue!"

At this moment, Kujo Renji walked out of the dressing room, her makeup removed. Her blue twin ponytails hung over her shoulders, and her amber eyes sparkled with an unfathomable light.

"It's been arranged long ago."

He smiled and said with a reassuring tone in his voice:

"There's a nice izakaya nearby. I've already reserved a private room. You can go over anytime."

"Wow! Xiaoxiang has made such thoughtful preparations!" Sanjiao Chuhua exclaimed with his eyes wide open.

"What are you waiting for?"

Hachiman Kailing has packed her belongings

"Let's go."

Wakaba Mu stood up silently and followed the others. When she passed by Kujo Renji, she paused for a moment, her golden eyes briefly meeting his amber ones, then quickly looked away.

.....

The private rooms in the izakaya are decorated simply and warmly, with wooden tables and chairs emitting a faint fragrance, and several Ukiyo-e style paintings hanging on the walls.

The five girls sat on the tatami, and the table in front of them was filled with various delicacies and drinks.

"Cheers to Ave mujica's successful first performance!" Kujo Renji raised a cup filled with oolong tea (minors are not allowed to drink).

"cheers!"

Everyone responded in unison, and the cups clinked in the air, making a crisp sound.

Yutenji Wakamu couldn't wait to pick up a piece of barbecue and stuff it into his mouth, squinting his eyes in satisfaction:

"It's delicious! The show burns off so much energy, I feel like I could eat a whole cow."

"Xiaoxiang, your performance today was truly amazing."

Sanjiao Chuhua's gaze fell on Jiujo Renji, with an inquiring glint in his golden eyes. "It feels like he has become a completely different person."

Hachiman Kailing nodded, rarely agreeing, "Indeed, the aura is completely different."

Her tone was calm, but the recognition in her words was quite rare.

Ruo Ye Mu didn't say anything, but just gently stirred the rice in the bowl, but her eyes glanced at Jiujo Renji from time to time, her eyes full of complex emotions.

The atmosphere became harmonious and warm, and the five people ate and chatted, sharing various details and observations from the performance.

"correct!"

Yutenji Wakamu suddenly remembered something and took out his phone, "I want to see what people are saying about our performance online!"

Her fingers slid quickly across the screen, and her eyes suddenly widened:

"Wow! It's going viral! #AvemujicaYokohamaPerformance# is trending!"

Everyone else came over to look at her phone, the screen showing a flood of discussions and sharing.

"Netizens are enthusiastically recommending this band, saying it's the most noteworthy new band this year..."

Yutenji Wakamu's voice trembled slightly with excitement. "Some say our performance style completely subverts the concept of a traditional band and creates a whole new stage experience!"

Kujo Renji watched all this quietly, understanding it all. This unusual enthusiasm was likely the result of the combined efforts of Fukamachi Seiichi and Yamamoto Ryuichi.

This level of exposure far exceeds what an emerging underground band deserves.

But all this is undoubtedly a great opportunity for Ave mujica.

Yutenji Wakamu's eyes sparkled, as if she saw an infinite future. "If this popularity continues, we'll soon be on a bigger stage! Tickets for Tokyo and Osaka will definitely sell out! Maybe even a record company will come knocking..."

Her thoughts have flown far away - album releases, national tours, music festival invitations, and even international stages... And when Ave mujica becomes truly famous, perhaps she will have the opportunity to realize her dream and regain the lost attention and opportunities.

"Let me check out the comments under the official account."

Yutenji Wakamugi switched to Ave Mujica's official page and began reading the comments:

"This show was a visual and auditory feast that completely exceeded my expectations," "The mask concept is so cool, and each character has its own unique charm," and "The drama design is a genius creation..."

She excitedly scrolled through the screen, constantly reading out the words of praise. Suddenly, her voice stopped, and she subconsciously read out a comment:

"The pianist is working so hard..."

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's eyes were focused on Yutenji Wakamugi, and she seemed to realize what she had said, and her face suddenly turned pale.

Yutenji Wakamu's heart sank, and he stared at his phone screen angrily:

"What kind of comment is this! I want to block him! No, I want to report him! Who allowed him to say that about Xiaoxiang?"

Her reaction was almost excessive, as if she was trying her best to make up for her mistake. She kept glancing at Kujo Renji, fearing that she would be dissatisfied with it.

He looked like the most loyal guard of Xiang.

On the other side, Sanjiao Chuhua saw this scene and his hand holding the chopsticks froze unconsciously.

Then, he clenched the chopsticks tightly.

.........

PS: This chapter has 11,000 words, which is equivalent to five and a half chapters combined.

Chapter 56: Rare Hypocrisy (Four in One)

This little episode quickly faded away amidst the delicious food and laughter.

Although there was only oolong tea and juice on the table, without a drop of alcohol, the five people seemed to be in a state of relaxation, as if they were slightly tipsy. The joy of a successful performance and the afterglow of adrenaline made this little incident quickly fade away in the midst of food and laughter.

As Kujo Renji expected, the success of the first tour was very important to the team's morale.

This sense of accomplishment from co-creation can unite people better than any language or any command.

"I remember when I came back just now, I saw the beach outside the window,"

Kujo Renji suddenly suggested, "Why don't we take a picture together to commemorate the success of Ave Mujica's first tour?"

The proposal received an immediate and enthusiastic response.

"Yeah! Take a photo!"

"Good idea, I can keep it as a souvenir."

..

After paying the bill, the five of them walked out of the izakaya. It was already late at night, but the night view of Yokohama Bay was particularly charming.

The lights of the Ferris wheel and tall buildings in the distance are reflected on the sea, sparkling like scattered stars.

There were not many people on the beach, and the cool sea breeze was ruffling their hair.

Kujo Renji led everyone to a place with a wide view. Behind him was the brightly lit city, and in front was the shimmering sea.

"Right here." He looked around and nodded with satisfaction: "The light and background are perfect."

“Who’s going to take the photo?”

Sanjiao Chuhua asked, smoothing down her short blond hair, a bit confused.

“You can use selfie mode.”

Yutenji Wakamu had already taken out his cell phone and was adjusting the settings skillfully.

“I brought a selfie stick!”

As she spoke, she took out a foldable selfie stick from her bag:

“That way everyone can be in the shot.”