The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

So which side is it?!

After opening his mouth to take the snack handed to him by Hina on his left, Pingxin looked at the others again.

"Um...water?"

Swimwear? Or a collaboration with a drinking water brand? For the former, summer would be the perfect time, and he wasn't really interested...

As for the latter, his popularity is still not enough now. After all, he is accumulating popularity bit by bit through formal channels. After all, he is ProducerX, not Pingxin.

"Well... I get it. We just need to wait for the right time, too."

"OK~"

To his right, Asakura Toru blinked, then smiled and fed him a small piece of cake. Sweets + sweets...

"It doesn't really matter, right? It's just work after all...?"

Higuchi Enka is as clear-headed as ever. Idols in regular companies really don't have much choice. But now you have it and you don't use it, don't blame me later~

"Then let's go with Lotion Maniac...wrestling is fine. I love watching women fight the most, and the audience must do the same."

"......abnormal."

Although she knew that Hiranobu was deliberately trying to provoke her, Enka was still angry that he had brought up such a topic in public. Looking around, she saw that no one was paying attention, which made her even angrier.

If there wasn't Toru Asakura between her and Hirashin, she might have really had a cup of hot tea poured directly on her face.

"What about, what about...normal TV shows?"

"As expected~?"

Pingxin tactical retreat.

Although televisions on the other side of the sea have gradually become the external screens of expensive pay-on-demand machines and game consoles, in the East, a country that is not sure whether to call it conservative or self-contained, TV programs are still an indispensable part of every household, just like paper newspapers and magazines.

For example, although the Red and White Songs Contest mentioned earlier is now also broadcast live online, the mainstream is still for the whole family to sit around the table and watch TV. At least in terms of BGM attributes, it surpasses the next generation.

"It just so happens that when Toru and I were out working, we met the director of a TV show. I heard that many idols made their TV debuts through his show. Why don't we give that a try?... I've already sent the name and time of the show to the group~"

The ratings and online reviews are both good. Looking at the resumes of artists who have participated in the show in the past, many of them have become mid-level idols.

Although it may not be the best, but as a debut stage for a fledgling four-member group, it is probably good enough. Although Ping Xin doesn't know much about the idol industry, the data will not lie.

"...Why that show?" Enka suddenly asked.

"I think it's a good job, or is there something that Enka is worried about?"

...Secretly calling my name again!

Although Enka really wanted to hit him twice to keep his distance, there were more important things to talk about now.

"That's true. After all, my values ​​are different from yours."

Values...does it mean that the idols themselves and the producers have different perspectives?

Perhaps feeling happy that he hadn't been cut off from humanity, Hirashin smiled and replied, "Although it's not an idol-themed program, its ratings and online popularity in its time slot are both above average.

Although it’s not a big event, I think this show is a good opportunity for those who have just debuted to be recognized by others.”

In Pingxin's opinion, the so-called idol development is similar to ordinary development games. According to each person's characteristics, they learn moves and cultivate levels, then challenge the appropriate stage according to their training level, and finally reach the top.

Although he really didn't know much about the idol industry and had no interest in it, he was very familiar with using hot topics to boost popularity.

As soon as the special issue of the fashion magazine came out, it was completely different from the previous times when it was sandwiched in the magazine and mixed in with others. The public's recognition increased and its popularity also soared.

And after that, as long as you continue to appear on shows, hold live shows, participate in variety shows, and hold live shows, as long as you remain popular, you will always be seen, and this is the key to the operation of idols...or stars.

No matter what, you have to be seen by everyone in the crowd before you can talk about other things. That’s why there are often so many inexplicable slanders, scandals and clickbait headlines, which may even be materials provided by the celebrity’s company itself.

"Well... although it's not an idol program, this time I'm mainly interested in the exposure it brings. And if you're an idol, you'll definitely be on TV a lot, so I think it's a good idea to take this opportunity to get used to it."

"...Is it because Asakura was favored by the director?"

After hearing this question, Toru and Hina, who were standing to Hirashin's left and right, and Koito, who was just watching from the side, all turned their heads away. Although Toru Asakura was the de facto leader and unshakable center of the group Noctchill, such a statement still made people feel uncomfortable.

"No... You've all been training hard, working diligently on the magazine, photo shoot, and interview assignments I've received. I think it's time for everyone's hard work to bear fruit. After you appear on TV, more people will surely discover your charms—"

Although Ping Xin's posture at this moment was just short of wearing a straw hat and being stuck in the field to scare away birds, his tone was sincere, frank and convincing.

"However, in the end, I still have to listen to everyone's opinions. After all, I am just assisting everyone in their idol work, and I am not the one who should make the final decision."

Hiranobu made eye contact with the four people in turn: Toru and Hina on his left and right, Koito sitting diagonally in front, and Enka who had been observing the situation in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

"Well... let's do it." Toru Asakura spoke first.

"Aha~? Hina (I) also want to be on TV for once." Ichikawa Hina followed closely.

"I, I think this is a good opportunity!" Fukumaru Koito responded.

"......ha--"

After a moment of silence, Higuchi Enka sighed, but did not object.

"It's settled then... Let's all go have barbecue together later!"

"Yeah~!"

Chapter 27 Everyone is so awesome

After the five of us sat down at Xuxu Garden, we were all so full that we could barely contain our appetite. It can only be said that Pingxin has always had a knack for food, especially barbecue, where the taste can vary greatly depending on the heat, cooking method, and sauce.

After returning home that night, before going to bed, Heishin received a call from Higuchi Enka. He had clearly blocked her before, but now she called him so casually...

"I've already researched that show...it's a show that relies on ratings to make money, that's all."

If she suddenly called him to discuss relationship issues, Pingxin would think she was crazy or was being framed. After all, Enka had been stubborn since she was a child, especially when she went against him.

But if they were discussing work or other childhood friends, Hirako wouldn't be surprised. After all, this is Higuchi's mother.

"...But relying on ratings to make money also means working hard to attract viewers with content, and then more people will see Noctchill, right?"

Profitable programs are not surprising. After all, companies like his media that simply produce content and recover some costs are weird.

There was no response from the other end of the phone. The screen was still lit, indicating an active call. After a few seconds of silence, a voice came back.

"...If anything happens, I won't forgive you."

"Yeah, don't worry... If that really happens, I won't forgive myself. Go to bed early, good night~"

After a few quick words, Pingxin hung up. It was really annoying to have to listen to the riddle man talk so late at night. And there was a tough battle to fight that evening. Who said working on a day off should be paid double?

I walked into the room and took off my bathrobe. Today was also a day to stay up all night and have a good fight.

......

...

..

Upon opening the door, the wooden floor shone brightly, along with the greenery by the window, receiving the sun's unconditional blessings. The occasional scratching of non-slip indoor shoes on the floor reminded everyone of the people they should be paying attention to.

There were only five people standing in the spacious practice room, and four of them were constantly moving and spinning. They were obviously always posing in different postures, but they were so harmonious and unified.

Their name is Noctchill. They are the first idol group I will be responsible for, and perhaps the last. On tomorrow's show, all of East Country will see them on TV and know their charm.

After completing another dance move, the four of them struck their final pose. Only after the dance teacher nodded did they finally relax and begin to breathe heavily.

"Everyone's dancing is pretty good, but the lyrics just popped up after the intro. Please work on implementing them later."

The four people in blue and white sportswear agreed in unison.

What? It turns out they can still shout in unison.

The dance teacher saw Ping Xin, who had been standing by the door since Wusheng came in, and was just starting to walk over, and nodded to him as a greeting.

Despite wearing a strange headgear, he was very good at both business communication and recruiting idols, so from a purely colleague's perspective, they had a good relationship. Besides, there were too many weirdos like him in Hengxin, and if they were all weird, he wouldn't be able to stay here.

"Everyone's done a great job. At this rate, they'll be more than qualified for a show... Special shoutout to Hina. She's got talent, she should be wasting it."

Although Hina looks careless, she always completes her practice and homework well. She has the highest talent in dancing among the four, so the dance teacher has higher expectations of her.

"Ahaha~ It's my turn~~~!"

Although this kind of concern from the teacher was basically completely ignored...

"Hina—"

Enka stopped her in time because it was important for work partners who needed to work together for a long time to maintain a proper atmosphere. A common-sense person responded in a common-sense way.

"...I'll pay attention. Thank you for your guidance."

With Higuchi Enka taking the lead, the other three also responded.

After the dance teacher announced a break, Enka left the practice room, finally breathing a sigh of relief. Although they were constantly (forced) to eat and drink with the others, they hadn't gained any weight at all, thanks to their intense training.

Standing behind Enka, who was completely unaware of him, leaning against the wall, Pingxin could still hear the conversation inside -

"Tōru-senpai, you haven't even taken a breath~!"

The number one fangirl, Hina Ichikawa, also performed normally today.

"Toru-chan and Enka-chan are both amazing...! How, how did you do it?"

Common sense person number two, Fukumaru Koito, knows that he can achieve certain results as long as he finds the right direction and works hard, but he always lacks confidence.

But this is not surprising, after all, everyone around her has their own characteristics and skills. It's just that she always underestimates herself, which makes Hirayuko unhappy, even though Koito is also very cute and capable.

"Eh, um..."

"Are you saving your energy, Ms. Toru? You can't do that. As an idol, you have to work hard to show everyone your passion!"

Katsuragi Koharu, a woman who once wanted to be an idol but was forced by her family to learn dancing, then casually won an international award and a few domestic awards, and then retired to become a housewife.

She was discovered by a headhunter lurking in the neighborhood committee, and then introduced to Hengxin to be responsible for the idol's dance choreography and daily training. She is an idol fan who will watch the show with her own children.

"Okay..."

Asakura Toru could tell she was sincere, so he politely said he understood... As for whether she would do it or not, that was another matter. He didn't know what they were saying, but soon the pleasant laughter of several people could be heard from inside.

"...Aren't you going in?"

"!..."

Her body froze for a moment, but Enka remained silent. Hei Xin shrugged and walked in. Judging from the timing and the sound of the plastic bag rubbing against each other, he must have come to deliver some gifts.

Seeing Hirashin and the box and bag in his hands, Ichikawa Hina ran over with a smile.

"Ahaha! Chocolate ice cream? Pudding?"

"Don't eat cold food right after exercise, it's not good for your health."

Pingxin touched Hina's head. Although she was the tallest of the four, she didn't mind being pampered like this, so Pingxin simply didn't hide his desire to touch her and showed off his head-patting skills in private.

"Specially made low-calorie cookies and cakes, as well as the jelly and Pocari Sweat I bought from the convenience store to replenish my water."

After placing the boxes and bags on a long bench nearby, Hirayuki took out a stack of papers and handed them to the dance teacher, Katsuragi Koharu, saying:

"Teacher Xiaochun, this is the recipe I mentioned last time."

It is also very important to establish a good relationship with the teacher. The fact that the dance teacher has a good relationship with the four of them may be due to Ping Xin's secret efforts.

He clapped his hands and asked the four people to wash their hands and prepare to eat. Pingxin planned to take this opportunity to hold a small meeting.

Chapter 28 The Unreached Sea

"Tou-Tou-chan, you're not going to be home for the entire summer vacation...?"

The childish voice and cautious questions did not give her the answer she wanted.

"Well, everyone have fun by yourselves."

"...When will you be back?"

"After Obon."

The Obon Festival is the Eastern version of the Ghost Festival, with ancestor worship held around August 8th. School usually starts in early September, which means that after Asakura Toru returns from his hometown, the few days left for them to play together will be few days.

After knowing this, Higuchi Enka remained silent. From then on, she knew that there were some things she could do nothing about; Fukumaru Koito showed a sad and lonely expression, because she knew that the time the four of them could play together had become less and less. The summer vacation, which was originally scarred by the summer cram school, has now become a rag.