People in Zongman are masters of copying romance novels

After a moment of confusion, Aokisuke swiped the screen to answer the call.

"Good evening, Mr. Niijima." He greeted him.

"Ah... Good evening, Aoki-san!" Niijima Yusuke responded, pausing for a moment before quickly continuing, "Aoki-san—I just heard about KL's call for submissions. Have you heard about it?"

"I've heard about it and I'm ready to participate." Aoki Jie replied.

At the same time, he was slightly puzzled.

Niijima Yusuke is an insider in the animation industry, so he should have heard about this kind of thing a long time ago, not just now...

There was still a hint of doubt on his face, and he didn't say anything else after answering.

On the other hand, after hearing Aokisuke's answer, Niijima Tomosuke responded decisively, and at the same time, he also answered Aokisuke's doubts in one sentence.

"I also guessed you were planning to participate, which is why I just heard recently... When will Aoki-san participate in the call for submissions? It's said that... Imai Takashi will also participate in a call for submissions after this one."

"Imai Takashi? Who is that?"

"Mr. Aoki, don't you know Imai Takashi?" Niijima Tomosuke on the other end of the phone seemed surprised after hearing Aoki's doubts, but he quickly calmed down in just a moment, paused for a moment, and quickly explained to Aoki.

"Takashi Imai was hailed as a genius in the Japanese music scene twenty years ago. While some of this was fueled by financial hype, there's no doubt his real talent is no joke."

He has received countless honors, including the Golden Disc Award, Golden Melody Award, and Japan's Best Male Singer Award.

There is no doubt that he is the top middle-aged singer in Japan's Golden Melody Era at the end of the 20th century.

Do you know Uesugi Nanasaki Aoki-san? Even he is no match for Imai Takashi.

so......"

Aokisuke understood, but at the same time he didn't quite understand what Shinjima Tomosuke meant by that.

So he wondered,

"So Mr. Niijima is trying to persuade me to give up this submission campaign?"

"..."

This question was a bit direct. Niijima Yusuke was silent at first, then smiled bitterly.

"To be honest...I really want to suggest that you don't participate in this call for submissions—

In the absence of a 100% winning rate, Mr. Aoki, you are participating in this entire event with the crown of the new generation of genius. If you win, it's fine, but if you lose... there will definitely be a lot of people who will use this as an excuse to attack you and make things worse for you to end your band.

But if you don’t speak practically—”

The voice paused for a moment, and then Niijima Yusuke spoke again.

Because Aokiji was straightforward in what he said, he did not beat around the bush anymore.

"I hope you can participate this time, Aoki-san, and prove your abilities. Even if you're facing a monster like Imai Takashi, even if your chances are slim, I still hope you can participate and gain the favor of KL Club..."

But the possibility of this happening is too small... So, actually, it's better to ensure your own interests first. It's always better to be safe than to go all in."

"So..." Aokisuke nodded.

Think for a moment and be silent.

After a pause, he continued,

"In that case—could you please, Mr. Niijima, keep an eye out for the time when Imai Takashi will be participating in the call for submissions?"

"I understand."

Niijima Yusuke nodded. "If you insist on participating, it's indeed a good idea to stagger your submission time with his. At least it will give you another chance..."

Participating at different times or being arranged to participate together, these two options have little impact on Aoki Jie at the moment.

But in the end, if you have decided what music to play, this option will become crucial.

At the end of the 20th century, the pinnacle of middle-aged musicians...

"Ah...well, let's talk about it later." Aokisuke replied.

Chapter 148 Kiyomizu Temple, drawing lots

It was already very late when we arrived by bus, so after packing our luggage in time, we didn't do any other activities.

After answering the call from Niijima Yusuke, we went downstairs to gather and have dinner.

After dinner, they returned to the hotel. Hiratsuka Shizuka didn't let the students move around freely, saying, "It's your first day here, so it's best not to run around." They watched some TV in their hotel room for a while, and around ten o'clock, Aoki Suke went to bed.

This is how I spent the first night after arriving in Kyoto on our school trip.

......

Until the next day.

According to Hiratsuka Shizuka's arrangement, Aoki Suke got up early in the morning, washed up simply, and rushed downstairs to prepare for the gathering.

Some students had already arrived before him.

The classmates were extremely excited. Several groups of people gathered together, discussing something with excited looks on their faces.

Having gone to bed early last night, Aokisuke is in pretty good condition now. After going downstairs, he sat aside. Hikigaya didn't come down, and since he wasn't interested in chatting, he just sat there in a daze.

Today's itinerary is to visit famous attractions in Kyoto with classmates.

When we were assigning the rooms last night, we said that we would take the students to visit famous tourist attractions in the first three days, and in the next two days, we would allow the students to travel freely.

I wonder if you will pass by Uji when visiting famous tourist attractions. Aokisuke is really interested in Uji's matcha.

If he wasn't passing by, he would probably only be able to go there in person during the last two days of the school trip when he had free time.

But let's not think about this for now...

After sitting on the first floor and waiting for a while, the students came down one after another, and Shizuka Hiratsuka also arrived.

The teacher in the white coat was probably still sleepy. He yawned and briefly explained the arrangements for the day.

The first stop today is to take a bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for a visit and worship.

In fact, Aokisuke was absolutely not interested in these temples.

Firstly, he did not believe in gods and Buddhas. Secondly, in Aoki's opinion, most of these temples looked the same and there was really nothing worth visiting.

But group activities were unavoidable, and he really needed to go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple during his school trip to Kyoto;

He hadn't forgotten what Kita Ikuyo had asked for—the amulets from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Jishujinja Shrine...

After breakfast at the hotel, the bus rented by Xiuhua High School arrived.

The students were organized to get on the bus, and after everyone was present, the bus started moving.

The hotel is not far from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The bus drove for a while and arrived at Gojozaka Station.

Walk about ten minutes from Gojozaka Station and you will reach the main gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

After getting off the bus, walk towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Shizuka Hiratsuka led the team in front, and Suke Aoki followed behind the team, slowly and leisurely, at a walking pace.

There were very few people like him who were not interested in Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Apart from his classmates, the road to Kiyomizu-dera Temple was almost crowded with tourists even at an early hour.

He was in the group, luckily no one recognized him, otherwise he would have definitely gotten into a lot of trouble...

After walking for a while, Hikigaya, who was originally at the front of the team, fell behind little by little.

By the time they arrived at the bright red Niomon Gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hikigaya was already following Aokisuke.

Probably like Aokisuke, Hikigaya doesn't seem to have much interest in Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

While the other students were excited and crowded with tourists to take photos and check in in front of Nioumon Gate, he stood aside, chatting with Aoki Suke while waiting for the free time to end.

"After passing Niomon Gate, we'll go to the Kiyomizu Stage, right?"

Aokisuke knew nothing about Kiyomizu-dera Temple, so he simply shook his head and said, "I don't know."

"Oh..." When chatting with Aoki, there was rarely anything he didn't know. Taking this opportunity, Hikigaya became slightly interested and started to explain.

"Kiyomizu Stage is considered Japan's most famous suicide site. By 1872, more than 200 people had committed suicide here."

"Why 1872?"

"After 1872, the government ordered the fence to be raised and banned suicide by jumping off the cliff at this location."

"Oh." After asking, Aokisuke lost interest.

"And as for why so many people commit suicide by jumping off a cliff here..."

Regardless of Aoki's lack of interest, Hikigaya continued to explain the legend of the Shimizu stage.

During the science popularization, Aokisuke thought about the fried egg he had eaten this morning - the chef's cooking skills were really not that good. It was just a simple dish like fried egg, but it was not done well at all.

One side is burnt and fuzzy...

After visiting Niomon Gate, I went to the Kiyomizu Stage as Hikigaya had mentioned.

Take photos and check in at Qingshui Stage, and continue forward.

We passed by something that looked like a wishing well, and then passed a few small attractions before arriving at the Jishu Shrine.

When they arrived at Jishujinja Shrine, Hikigaya became interested.

Of course, it’s not because of marriage.

At the Jishujinja Shrine, you can spend 100 yen to draw a fortune. The fortune you draw will have a fortune message on it. Hikigaya, who is very good at Mandarin, is very keen on interpreting the fortune.

But I'm just keen on interpreting the fortune, as for whether I believe it or not...

In fact, I do believe in it to some extent, but I am not like some people who put all the weight on the gods and completely believe in the fortune they draw.

Before asking for the amulet, Hikigaya took him to draw lots.

In front of the lottery cabinet, Hikigaya put in a 100 yen coin, then took out the lottery ticket and immediately covered it with his hand.

Taking a deep breath, he slowly unfolded the signature with curiosity on his face.

【Good luck】.

[Old things become worn out when used too much, but new things bring wealth; change and look beyond the clouds, and dead trees will bloom in spring.]

"Oh - not bad." With a sigh, Hikigaya showed Aokisuke the lot he drew.

After a pause, he continued, "As expected of Kiyomizu-dera, it's quite accurate. This fortune probably means that the bad things in the past can be gradually forgotten, and good things will start to happen in life from now on..."

After a brief explanation, Aokijie congratulated him and continued, saying,

"Aoki, why don't you draw one too? I can interpret the fortune for you."

Aoki Jie didn't believe these, but he was somewhat interested in drawing lots.

He nodded, took out a 100 yen coin from his wallet and put it into the lottery cabinet.

Although he didn't believe this, Aokisuke was still very confident in his luck.

He had thought about this a long time ago - apart from the hellish start of his rebirth in an orphanage, his life had been pretty smooth.

It's just a bit difficult...

But now, luck is on his side.

Be it studies, friendships, or career, everything can definitely be described as going smoothly except for some minor setbacks occasionally.

So, like Hikigaya, if I draw a lucky number, I should—

He took the fortune sticks and looked directly at the text without hesitation like Hikigaya.

Then, he was stunned for a moment.

Not to mention Daikichi, he and Hikigaya are completely opposite extremes.

[Great Evil]

[The three women should not meet, for their promises have not yet been fulfilled; their hearts are on the line, and their mourning clothes are thick.]

"..."

"That's amazing..." After exclaiming, Aokisuke handed the drawn lot to Hikigaya.

"Something harder to draw than auspicious fortune...this shouldn't be accurate." After seeing the fortune, Hikigaya twitched his lips slightly.

He glanced carefully at Aokisuke, confirming he was asking him to interpret the fortune. He then examined it carefully for a moment before speaking, "This fortune... 'Three Women Don't Meet' means don't harbor unreasonable desires. 'Alliance Unfulfilled' means you need to take concrete action, not just think about it or talk about it. 'My Beloved' probably means 'don't hesitate'... and 'Heavy Mournings' means 'If you don't do this, you'll be in great trouble.'"

“This signature…”