How can my simulation be a real love?

Opening up to someone might bring out your vulnerable side.

She's wrapped up like a hedgehog now, afraid of being attacked by an enemy who might find a weakness.

Kazami Mei stared at the pretty, aloof-looking teacher, Daisho, and slowly explained, "You're overthinking it."

"It's not that I'm planning to treat you to dinner, it's that I'm 'taking' you to dinner."

"Bring?" Toyokawa Shoko was a little stunned; it was the first time she had ever encountered such a novel term.

"Of course, don't you know it's hard to make money these days?"

"I'm just going to introduce you to a supermarket I frequent; the discounts there are amazing."

With a serious and solemn expression, Kazami Mei began to lecture Toyokawa Shoko, his eyes seeming to be looking at a spendthrift who didn't know how to save money. This made Toyokawa Shoko suppress her emotions and take a deep breath.

Bear it, you must bear it.

……

The result still came.

For the first time, Toyokawa Shoko felt that something was wrong with her brain.

It's all because this guy's face is so deceptive. Once that overly handsome face turns serious, it actually makes her inexplicably feel a sense of trust.

After being swayed by his words, she actually followed him.

What a blunder! What am I doing?

Actually, Toyokawa Shoko had already started to regret it while walking down the street, but since she had already agreed, it wouldn't be in line with her personality to go back on her word and refuse now, so she could only bite the bullet and follow to the end.

Although the two didn't say much along the way, their inner thoughts were practically bursting.

Toyokawa Shoko immediately recognized the school uniform that Kazami Mei was wearing. It was the same as the boys' uniform of her school, Haneoka High School. In fact, judging from the color of the bow tie, they were even from the same grade.

Realizing that her lie about her age would be exposed, Toyokawa Shoko would occasionally glance at him with some worry, seemingly observing Kazami Mei's reaction.

Fortunately, both of them knew better and didn't bring up the previous topic about age.

Finally, just as Toyokawa Shoko was starting to have some doubts, the two arrived at a secluded supermarket in Shimokitazawa.

"Toyokawa, look over there."

Toyokawa Shoko followed Kazami Mei's gaze and saw a metal counter displaying goods, with a burly young clerk placing bento boxes one after another on it.

If you look closely, you'll also notice that each bento box has a bright red sticker that says—

[Special Price: 288 Yen]

Shock!

Even the usually composed Mr. Da Xiang opened his mouth in surprise.

In this era of exaggerated economic expansion, a bowl of cheap instant noodles costs 250 yen, yet this pork tenderloin and ham rice bowl bento box only costs 288 yen?!

What an amazing price!

"This is?"

"As you can see, these are super discounted items that only this out-of-the-way supermarket has! Plus, I have a loyalty card for this store, and I can get vouchers once I buy a certain amount!"

This time, even Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but admire Kazami Mei's reliability as a senior colleague.

This kind of bento box is such a great deal! For Xiao Xiang, who is currently short of funds, it can be a huge help in relieving the pressure. Even she is a little tempted!

"Stay close to me, you can't let your guard down for a moment from now on."

"I see."

Unwittingly swayed by Kazami Naruto's emotions, she was completely unaware that she had begun to follow his lead.

Novel qun㈨五十一㈧0九九⑨

Toyokawa Shoko stared intently at Kazami Mei's movements, seemingly caught up in the tension herself.

Then she witnessed firsthand how Kazami Mei slipped through the crowd and snatched two bento boxes from the counter with lightning speed, finally tossing the last one high into her hands with a backward somersault.

The whole operation was incredibly smooth, but I came out looking a bit disheveled.

Toyokawa Shoko saw Kazami Mei struggling to squeeze out of the crowd, her hair and school uniform all in disarray.

He was completely different from the refined and handsome butler in his uniform he had been at the beginning.

puff...

Seeing him like this, Toyokawa Shoko found it a bit funny and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"So, was this trip worthwhile?"

Kazami Mei extended her right hand toward Toyokawa Shoko with a slightly smug look, as if asking for something.

"This has truly broadened my horizons, senior—"

Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but smile slightly, then carefully handed him the bento box that belonged to Kazami Mei.

Today, it seemed that because of the handsome young man in front of her, the pressure that had been building up in her heart had been greatly reduced, and there was an indescribable gleam in her eyes as she looked at Kazami Ming.

What an interesting senior colleague. If it were my past self—

As she came to her senses, Toyokawa Shoko's smile gradually faded. She gripped the shoulder strap of her bag tightly with her fingers, her fingertips turning white from the force.

She is different now than before.

"Thank you so much for today. I will prepare a gift for you next time."

"It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now."

After politely bidding farewell to Kazami Mei, Toyokawa Shoko turned and walked into the night street with a somewhat somber expression.

It seemed that if she stayed any longer, she would revert to the weak and cowardly demeanor that she loathed.

Only Kazami Mei remained standing there, quietly watching the direction she had left in.

"No matter how sturdy a mirror's outer frame may be, it is still essentially a fragile object that breaks at the slightest touch."

Chapter Twenty-Three: Sing with All Your Might

"Well then, it's time to continue."

Back home, Kazami Mei tidied up briefly and immediately resumed the simulation.

The simulation of Takamatsu had reached a crucial point, and he needed to find a way to continue the progress.

You've noticed numerous problems with this cobbled-together band. While you, by nature, dislike trouble, and might not want to get involved, you're not just acting in your own self-interest anymore; you're still holding onto your initial resolve.

Faced with this intractable problem, you decide—

[1. While at a livehouse, you spot a blue-haired bassist you just passed by. Your band happens to be short of a bassist, and realizing her exceptional talent, you decide to invite her to join the band.]

2. Perhaps we need to get all the band members to voluntarily practice more; a lot of practice will definitely be effective.

3. In short, instinctively do everything you can first.

4. Virtual Reality, Personal Simulation

"It seems that this option is not simple."

Could the 'blue-haired' bassist mentioned in the first option be referring to Ryo Yamada?

Even if Kazami Mei believed that her charm was enough to win over Ryo-chan, it was impossible for her to leave the End Band and come here.

The second option seems normal: even if you don't have enough talent, you will definitely achieve results as long as you train hard. This is probably true anywhere.

But that only applies to 'ordinary' bands, while Mygo is no 'ordinary' band.

"Is this the only option left?"

Kazami Mei stared intently at the third option, and 'instinctively' did everything she could.

This option may seem random, but it contains many hidden meanings.

The 'instinct' here should refer to trusting one's own judgment and relying on it to do everything that can be done well; simply put, it means doing whatever one sees.

This option is rather random; what happens depends entirely on how resilient Kazami Naru is in the simulation.

And his instincts are naturally the same as those of Feng Jianming in the novel.

Do you believe in your simulated self?

Kazami Mei chuckled and decided to choose this option.

Xianxun: The memory of the spirit of the mortar ③ Qibaba

[You are full of youthful vigor and have noticed many problems in the band, but you believe that these contradictions can be resolved by gradually transforming them step by step.]

However, once you decide to do this, the burden on your shoulders will be very heavy, and the pressure may even make it hard for you to breathe.

Once you decide to do something, you are fearless.

[You stubbornly believe that the reason why the light can't sing is also because of 'Spring Shadow', and that there is still a shadow of CRYCHIC in her heart. So you need to create a song that belongs to the band yourself, and decide to use your rest time at night to arrange the music.]

Is it a piece of music that belongs to me?

Mygo's instrumental style is generally melancholic and helpless. These songs often require 4/3 and 6/4 time signatures, while the melodies are mainly hardcore punk rock.

This means that in addition to talent, composing this type of music requires sufficient energy and patience.

Originally, composing was Li Xi's job, but now Li Xi is under so much pressure that it's a bit difficult for her to compose in her current state, and it will also increase the pressure on guitarist Sheng Aiyin.

At this point, Kazami Mei's LV3 music theory skills came in handy.

During your free time after class, you pulled Goto Ichiri aside and earnestly asked her to teach you guitar training methods. Despite her timidity and social anxiety, the pink-haired Tsuchiya didn't refuse your serious request and finally agreed.

After practicing guitar diligently every day, you also enlisted Chihaya Aine's help, patiently teaching her advanced guitar techniques step by step with the most meticulous methods, persisting even when faced with her perfunctory attitude.

[Because of your gentle and patient attitude, Chihaya Aine, who initially didn't have a very serious attitude, was gradually moved by you.]

Chihaya Aine's affection for you has increased.

Hmm, something seems a bit off.

Although it's unclear what went wrong, it's evident that his actions in the simulation were exceptionally strong. He even decided to learn guitar techniques from Pochi first, and then immediately teach them to Chihaya Aine that same day.

This level of intensity is extraordinary; over time, he might even be able to work as a guitarist.

[You didn't waste a single moment. After school, you practiced your keyboard skills diligently with all your might. Whenever you had a spare moment, you would start composing music. When you encountered problems, you would ask Toyokawa Shoko for guidance, even if it meant paying with a lunchbox.]

Your piano skills have improved.

Toyokawa Shoko's feelings towards you have increased.

Upon seeing the words "improved favorability," Kazami Mei froze.

He hadn't forgotten the results of the last simulation; after the lamp escaped, he ended up inexplicably with Teacher Da Xiang.

Because there was only a simple text description, he still couldn't figure out what Da Xiang saw in him.

Is it simply because he's too charming?

[You haven't neglected your band practice either. Shiina Tatsuki, who originally intended to step up and take on the responsibility of the band, noticed your change.]

She can tell from your keyboard skills, which seem to improve almost every day, how much practice you put in.

[Furthermore, you also took on the responsibility of composing the music. Even though she still harbors resentment towards your relationship with Deng, she has consciously put aside her prejudices this time and will occasionally pretend to buy too much coffee for you.]

[Shiina Tatsuki's feelings for you have increased]

Lixi, are you awake?

Her behavior was a bit too abnormal, and it made Kazami Mei feel a little uncomfortable.

Where did that domineering aura of sitting in the middle and yelling at both sides go?!

The successive surges in favorability caught Kazami Mei off guard.

It's understandable that Toyokawa Shoko's affection for him has increased, since they became lovers in the last simulation. But what's going on with Chihaya Aine and Shiina Tatsuki?

Wasn't the object he was simulating a lamp this time?

—It doesn't matter, it's all just a simulation anyway.

Why not just get the long-term vegetarian lady to join the band and increase the intensity? Right now, he has to take on all sorts of troubles at once!

Your efforts and persistence have indeed paid off.