Band members, girls with fermented bean curd, step forward!

Page 25

Su Shi also gave Li Xi a knowing look at this moment.

"As for how I got to know Ms. Shiina, it's because I followed Crychic's official account and had also heard of Kasuga Kage."

Unaffected by Ms. Li Xi's questioning, Chen had long been mentally prepared for Li Xi's personality.

Why bother arguing with a high school freshman?

"It's a bit of a shame that your band hasn't released any new songs since then. Shiina-san's drumbeats are still so vivid in my memory."

"That's right! I only found out about Crychic because Chenchen introduced me to them~ That's how I learned that Deng was actually the lead singer, and that's how I recognized Ms. Su Shi at the entrance of Ring!"

"Oh my, it turns out Chen is a Crychic fan too! It's quite a coincidence that he can follow our fledgling band even though he's all over Donghuang!"

Su Shi was very surprised.

But the doubts in her heart only grew stronger.

With Crychic's small fanbase, how could people from other countries possibly see them?

Su Shi decided to investigate Chen, who was shrouded in suspicion, thoroughly later.

Instead of being met with Chen's harsh words, Ms. Shiina, who had received his praise for her music, was too embarrassed to continue her fierce attitude towards him.

She snorted and turned slightly to the side, indicating that she hadn't fully accepted Chen.

"Okay, everyone has gotten to know each other well now~"

Seeing that everyone had quieted down for the time being, Su Shi brought up the next topic.

"So, how about we discuss the band situation? Although everyone's positions have been decided, there are still many issues that haven't been resolved, right?"

"That's right, we need to set a short-term goal!"

Aine suggested, "How about we make participating in the performance our goal?"

"Hey~ Lixi~ Is your band going to do a live show?"

The cashier at the front desk heard the discussion and hurried over.

"Ah, hello to Riki's bandmates, my name is Maji Rinrinko~"

"I just heard you guys were thinking of participating in a live performance. Actually, no matter what the schedule is like here a month from now, there will be some free time for live performances, so I was just wondering if you'd like to participate~"

The shop assistant warmly invited them.

"And Poppinparty and Afterglow will both be performing that day, which is a great opportunity to increase the band's fame!"

The shop assistant was patiently persuading everyone, while Aine, standing to the side, was already regretting her careless remark.

It's like someone who was placed in Silver last season is now expected to play in the World Championship during their placement matches – that's just too much!

This was my first time performing on the same day as two very popular bands.

This is absolutely the worst possible start in the game!

"Poppinparty and afterglow! These are truly rare and wonderful opportunities~"

Su Shi seemed quite excited; these two girl bands were already quite well-known.

"I want to participate"

Riki directly accepted Rinrinko's invitation.

"Hey, but!"

Aine quickly interrupted Riki

"We haven't practiced even once! We definitely can't go to a live performance like this!"

"There's still a month left, that's plenty of time to practice."

Li Xi said coldly

"Besides, wasn't it you who just suggested making performing on stage your goal?"

Aine has fallen into the pit she herself just dug.

"I don't object to Ms. Shiina's plan, but I'm sorry, Ms. Shiina, my skill level is only that of a beginner. If I go on stage in a month, I'm afraid I'll hold everyone back."

Following Li Xi's questioning, Chen Dai Aiyin raised her concerns.

"Huh?" Ms. Shiina didn't expect this unexpected turn of events.

"Hmph, if you can't keep up, that's your own problem. Since you clearly realize that you're dragging everyone down, you might as well quit the band sooner rather than later!"

Miss Lixi's habitual words led to a grave mistake.

"Lixi!"

The surrounding people's attention was drawn to the sudden burst of light. Miss Liang, who had ordered a coffee at some point, watched with amusement as the scene gradually spiraled out of control.

"Li Xi...! Don't say anything like asking Chen to leave the band!"

The lamp's voice trembled noticeably.

"We all agreed that we'd be in a band for life!"

The lamp rushed from behind Li Xi towards Chen, grabbing his sleeve, afraid he would leave the band because of Li Xi's words. It emanated a gravity-like force, like a black hole.

Miss Lixi really is like a pillow delivered just when you're sleepy.

Chen wasn't angry; on the contrary, he was grateful for Miss Lixi's help.

I'm in awe of Li Xi's actions. It just goes to show that the closer one's body is to the light, the further one's heart is from it. As a dutiful daughter, Ms. Li Xi completely misunderstands what her elderly father wants, precisely hitting the wrong spot.

First, calm the situation down; it's already embarrassing enough, and everyone's watching.

Chen's dark eyes met the shimmering orange-yellow pupils of the lamplight, trying to calm her down.

"It's alright, light. I won't break my promise."

The lamp nodded vigorously, still gripping Chen Yiwo Lingshan's sleeve tightly.

Aine, realizing what was happening, also became unusually serious and angry.

"Miss Shiina!"

For the first time, her sweet voice turned cold.

"Isn't the Mingming Band something Chenchen and I formed? As an invited member, do you really want to kick us out? If you don't apologize for what you said today, I think I need to consider finding a new drummer."

Aiyin stood beside Chen, clearly expressing her stance.

“Aine..…”

Lamp wants to be in a band for life, and he doesn't want any conflicts with anyone.

"Don't try to persuade me, Shiina really went too far this time. It's just that Chenchen has a good temper and didn't pursue Shiina's rudeness at the beginning of today."

"But as his friend, I absolutely cannot pretend I didn't see it this time."

Aine remained unmoved by the light's gaze; her emotions were hidden beneath her calm words.

"Either Shiina apologizes, or she leaves the band. Or Chenchen and I can leave too. It's a bit of a shame that we formed the band, but compared to Chenchen, none of that matters."

Chen was completely taken aback by Aine's direct and uncompromising attitude; it was the first time he had ever seen her so assertive. He was utterly captivated by the charm Aine was displaying at that moment.

That pink-haired girl's charm was damnably alluring; Chen almost made up his mind and went for it.

"That's right, Lixi, it was definitely your fault this time. Quickly apologize to Chen!"

Having foreseen the risk of the group being destroyed, Su Shi remained silent until the factions on both sides had settled down, at which point she echoed the sentiment. "Chen's side has Ai Yin, and the lamp..."

Lixi is outnumbered and outgunned, and cannot stand alone.

Moreover, this time it really was Li Xi's problem.

Even though she didn't particularly like Chen, Su Shi could only reluctantly try to persuade Li Xi.

Li Xi hadn't expected that her habitual words would trigger such a huge chain reaction.

Not only did Su Shi not stand by her side, but even Deng, whom she valued most, was furious with her for the first time.

She stood frozen in place, clenching her hands tightly, unsure how to handle the situation.

It should have been a happy time for her to reunite with the band and be with Deng, but now it seems like she's ruining everything.

Feeling the strange gazes coming from all around the ring, she bit her lower lip tightly.

Even those stubborn purple eyes were now filled with wavering.

"Alright, don't make things too difficult for Shiina-kun."

Chen knew that was just her personality; like he said before, there was no need to hold a grudge.

"It's my fault. My guitar skills are indeed not good. I'm worried that I'll drag everyone down if I go on stage in a month. Shiina-kun only said that for the sake of the band."

"I will practice hard. Shiina is very experienced, and I will need her to guide me on practice issues later."

"Wha, what?!"

Li Xi looked at Chen, who was defending her, in disbelief.

In her mind, now was the perfect opportunity to kick her when she was down, and that kicking her out of the band was only natural given her malicious behavior towards him.

Li Xi stared intently at Chen, wanting to know what he was thinking.

"Hey! Chenchen! Why are you letting her off so easily?! That's the kind of attitude she showed you, and she even wanted to kick you out of the band!"

Aine was very puzzled by Chen's behavior, feeling both doubt and a little angry.

Chen simply shook his head slightly at her.

"Thank you, Aine. I'm truly grateful that you've stood up for me and value our friendship. Leave this to me; I'll explain later."

Ai Yin puffed out her cheeks and angrily turned her head away.

"So, Ms. Shiina, what's your response?" Chen and Ms. Li Xi's eyes met.

“Yes…” Her voice was very soft; only the movement of her lips could be seen.

Chen didn't urge Miss Lixi, who was in a sense his benefactor, but quietly watched her.

"I'm sorry!" her voice finally burst out as she turned to flee.

"Yes, I accept, Ms. Shiina." Chen grabbed Riki, who was trying to escape.

"Go and explain your decision to participate in the live performance to Ms. Rinrinko. I support you in this matter; it is indeed a rare opportunity for our band."

"Let's also confirm the practice time. I have to work every day, so I can only practice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons each week. But don't worry, I'll practice at home too."

His tone was calm, as if nothing had just happened.

Ms. Riki, who was being held by him, did not struggle again, but turned back and gave him a deep look. After silently turning away, she went to talk to Ms. Rinrinko, who had already run away to the front desk, about the practice arrangements.

“Miss Liang, please follow me later. I need to talk to Ai Yin.”

Chen took out his phone and texted Miss Liang, who was engrossed in gossiping. Chen brought Ai Yin outside the Ring, where the lovely Miss Ai Yin was still sulking because Chen hadn't appreciated her earlier gesture.

Chen looked at Aine, whose cheeks were puffed out, with amusement, and finally couldn't resist poking her cheek with his hand, making her deflate instantly.

"What are you doing!" Ai glared at Chen, who was playing a prank, and complained to him irritably.

"Aine was so cool and charming when she defended me just now! I'm totally falling in love with her!"

Seriously, Chen turned her face towards him, so that she could look directly into Ai Yin's blue-gray eyes.

"W-what do you mean by 'charming'? Love, love me? That's so frivolous!"

A clear wavering appeared in Miss Aine's pupils, but she didn't seize the opportunity.

"From now on, I'll do anything for you, no matter what it takes, just give the order."

"What? Such a strange promise."

Ai Yin muttered to herself, barely managing to calm down. She knew Chen Chen was doing it for the good of her band, but in her heart, Chen Chen was still more important! That's why she'd been sulking the whole way.

"The atmosphere in the band is so awkward today, I won't go back. After all, it was my fault. Aiyin, you should go back and tell them. I'm going to my part-time job early so that everyone in the band can calm down."

Aine reluctantly gave an "oh" and returned to the Ring. She needed to sort out her thoughts and reconsider whether she really needed to change the drummer.

"Miss Liang, did you enjoy the melon? I'm waiting for you outside; let me invite you to dinner."

"Good~"

A concise response appeared instantly on Chen's phone; he awaited Miss Liang's endless teasing.

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