nucmednet Chapter 38, Mio's Random Musings Were a Great Help
Chapter 38, Mio's Random Musings Were a Great Help
Although there are still various problems within the group, and everyone from top to bottom is still exploring their own path, Nogizaka's progress will not be halted. With the release of the third single, the news of the second generation recruitment was "inadvertently" leaked at Rito's instruction.
"Did you hear? Nogizaka46 is recruiting new members!"
"What, you want to go?"
"I'm so unlovable, that's impossible~"
"How will you know if you don't try? I support you!"
As the Purple Group gradually gained popularity and became known to more people, similar conversations continued to occur among eligible girls of school age and their classmates and friends.
"I understand. Let's prepare to start it up."
The high-speed train swayed slightly, heading towards Kyushu, far from Honshu. Rito received the results of Konno's survey on the candidates' intentions and was in a good mood. Although he mainly relied on the system to recruit people and the other candidates were just supporting roles, he could still see Nogizaka's progress in the past few months from the public's reaction. After all, there was no national group like AKB in this era for him to ride on.
In faraway Tokyo, Konno received the order and immediately responded. However, he didn't hang up immediately; instead, he hesitated for a moment before speaking, still harboring his ulterior motives:
"Kubo-san, are you really not going to reconsider what I told you last time? Suzuki Airi is really a good prospect. Anyway, the second generation won't be revealed until next spring at the earliest, so there's plenty of time."
Rito rolled his eyes, wondering if he had beaten Rito to the punch and taken away Rito's chance to pay respects to his mother. Now the old rascal had set his sights on Rito and was frantically trying to sell him Rito's future as a second-generation member. Rito's ears were practically calloused from Rito's nagging these past few days. He didn't expect that even though he had finally managed to get out of the house, Rito wouldn't let him off the hook.
"I'm telling you, Konno-san—" Determined to resolve this issue properly today, Rito drew out her words, interrupting his attempt to speak again.
"Hi." Sensing his superior's displeasure in his tone, the old thief's expression changed, and he quickly adopted a respectful tone.
"Let's not bring up Suzuki's matter anymore. She's currently preparing for her exams. Do you think it's appropriate to bother her with something like this? Besides, have you forgotten that she's my chosen secretary? What, do you think being an idol is more promising than being my secretary?"
"I wouldn't dare, it was my overstepping of bounds." The old thief was, after all, a seasoned professional, and he knew exactly what to do in this situation. Without any excuses, he cleanly and decisively admitted his mistake.
"Okay, that's settled then. Put more effort into the selection of the second generation. I hope to see a complete and clear draft on my desk when I get back."
After a furious outburst, Rito abruptly hung up the phone, leaving the old thief on the other end in Tokyo drenched in cold sweat, too afraid to utter a word.
-----------------
The scenery of Kyushu has always differed from that of Honshu. The overthrow of the shogunate, the Meiji Restoration—one major event after another related to the fate of Japan—all originated here. However, when Rito stepped off the train, the first thing he felt wasn't the weight of history, but rather:
"Kubo-kun, over here!"
Miss Guan Yumei happily waved to him. The butler beside her seemed to want to say something, but after moving his mouth, he didn't say anything. He could only helplessly watch his young lady calling out that man's name in public.
"Thank you for your help, Yumiko."
Rito walked over with a smile, casually taking the canvas bag from Yumiko's hand—a bag that seemed completely out of place with her rich, elegant demeanor—and slung it over his shoulder. Yumiko paused for a moment, then smiled, not refusing, but naturally taking his arm and pulling him toward the parking lot.
"We heard you were coming, and it's rare for our family to get together like this," Yumiko said as they walked. She had thought they wouldn't see each other again until at least the end of the year, but he suddenly had something to do and had to come to Fukuoka. She really enjoyed this little bit of happiness. "Grandpa usually stays in the countryside when he doesn't come to the company, but he stayed at home this time too."
Rito turned his head slightly to look at her. The afternoon sun in Fukuoka shone through the glass dome of the station, turning the girl's shoulder-length hair into a soft chestnut color. Compared to when she was interning in Tokyo, she looked more like a traditional young lady back in Kyushu. Her formal attire made her look dignified and elegant, except that the Bel hat she was wearing seemed a bit out of place.
"It seems you really like Disney," Rihito said with a smile, looking him over. "Any plans to open one in Kyushu?"
"Do you think I'm like you?" Yumiko glanced at him sideways, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
"You're overestimating me. Even if I threw all my savings in, it wouldn't be enough," Rito said seriously. "Unless some rich young lady takes a fancy to me, then maybe our two families could form a powerful alliance?"
"Then I wish Kubo-kun all the best in getting what he wants." Yumiko snorted softly, but a faint blush rose to her face. She released her grip on his arm and got into the black sedan parked by the roadside first.
The Guan family mansion is located in Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, not far from the coastline. Driving along a private driveway lined with zelkova trees, and turning through a heavy wooden gate, the space opens up dramatically. It's a typical Japanese garden, yet it incorporates some Western elements. In front of the white-walled, gray-tiled main house is a meticulously manicured dry landscape garden, reminiscent of a samurai family's style. The butler, who had been waiting at the porch, bowed deeply upon seeing them and led them to the main hall.
Yumiko's father was a middle-aged man who looked much younger than his actual age. His features resembled his daughter's by about 70%, but his temperament was more reserved. He wasn't wearing a kimono, but rather a well-tailored dark gray suit. He stood at the entrance to greet her, and his handshake was neither too warm nor too distant.
"Kubo-kun, it's been a long time." His voice was steady, and after shaking hands with Rito, his gaze fell on his daughter, a barely perceptible tenderness flashing in his eyes. "The last time we met was probably at your coming-of-age ceremony. I'm so grateful to have you taking care of Yumiko in Tokyo."
"Not at all, it was Yumiko who helped me a lot." Rito bowed slightly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant. "I was very impressed by her ability to handle affairs during my internship."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Guan's eyebrows twitched slightly, as if he were somewhat surprised. He then smiled sincerely and stepped aside to make way for the doorway: "Please come in first. Mother has been waiting for a long time."
Following Mr. Guan into the house, Rito met Mrs. Guan and Yumiko's grandparents, the true founders of Guan Furniture, though now retired due to their advanced age. Grandpa Guan was in high spirits upon seeing Rito and began recounting how he and Rito's grandfather had navigated the business world during the golden age after the war, laying a vast foundation for their descendants. Although Rito immediately noticed many inaccuracies, it's normal for older people to boast a little in front of their juniors. He pretended not to notice and played the role of a good straight man, making the old man beam with joy. They almost missed their mealtime, until Yumiko's grandmother dragged them by the ear to the dining room.
As lunch was drawing to a close, Grandpa Guan suddenly spoke up: "Rito, why don't you stay here tonight? Tomorrow, Yumiko will show you around."
"Grandpa's hospitality is too kind of me to refuse." Rito put down her chopsticks and bowed slightly. "But I'm busy with things in Tokyo, and I only have two days in Fukuoka this time. I have to leave for the next place this afternoon, so I really can't stay any longer."
"I see." Old Master Guan's generation used to work more than ten hours a day when they were young, so they could understand this situation very well. They didn't try to persuade him further, but just told him that if anything happened, he must tell the Guan family. In this small area of Kyushu, the Guan family still has some influence.
"Yes, I will definitely tell Uncle if anything happens."
After repeatedly thanking the hospitable elders of the Guan family, Rito was about to set off. Yumiko saw him off, and the two slowly walked along the path in front of the dry landscape garden. The autumn evening breeze carried a faint salty smell, drifting from the sea not far away, and the pine branches overhead rustled in the wind.
"You behaved so well today, Grandpa will definitely complain when we get home." Yumiko put her hands behind her back and kicked at the pebbles at her feet. "Is it this fun to be someone else's child, Kubo-kun?"
"Of course, we're all the same age, so I didn't mean to use my age advantage." Rito chuckled and stopped in her tracks. "But the thought of you, Yumiko, as the person in question makes me feel much less guilty."
"Ugh~" Yumiko reached out and pushed him, but couldn't budge him, and then laughed at herself.
After passing through the long pedestrian walkway, you will find a parking lot that is as big as a basketball court. The driver is already there, waiting to take the distinguished guests of the Guan family off.
"Then I'll be going." Rito stopped and said to Yumiko.
"Okay." In front of outsiders, Yumiko was still the impeccable young lady. The two said goodbye politely, and Rito got into the car, watching Yumiko wave in the rearview mirror as she drove further and further away.
Rito was heading to Yame City, located in southern Fukuoka, famous for its tea. After exiting the highway, the scenery gradually changed from the neon lights of the city to vast tea plantations and the occasional flash of convenience store lights, with a grassy fragrance in the air that was somewhere between pleasant and unpleasant. Rito didn't ask the driver to take her to the address on her phone, but instead had him stop at the entrance of a narrow alley. At the end of the alley was a two-story building that looked quite old. The first floor was a tea shop with its roller shutters down, while the windows on the second floor were lit, and the curtains were drawn tightly.
Rito got out of the car and went up the rusty iron staircase to the second floor, where he found the door. There was no nameplate on the door, only a handwritten note with the words "De Ye" pasted on the door frame, the handwriting neat but with a sharp edge. He raised his hand and knocked on the door.
no respond.
He knocked again, the thumping vibrations shaking off a few pieces of rust, but the room remained deathly silent, without even a sound of footsteps.
Is nobody here? Rito frowned, leaning against the corridor railing, pondering what to do. He glanced down at his watch—4:07 PM. At this time, school was probably still in session.
"Then let's wait until tonight. I hope she's a good student who studies hard, otherwise I'll really have to ask Yumiko for help."
Rito sighed, took off his coat and put it aside, then drifted into his inner world, beginning to organize the resources he had prepared for the second generation.
Evening comes later in Fukuoka than in Tokyo, and the sun sets more slowly, but it will eventually set. As the last rays of the setting sun sink into the distant horizon, a series of unhurried footsteps finally come from the alleyway.
A high school girl in a uniform walked into the narrow alley, carrying a backpack. She didn't notice anyone upstairs; head down, she loosened the hair tie as she walked, her long, dark hair cascading down her shoulders, gleaming coolly under the streetlights. One hand was in her uniform pocket, her posture exuding a nonchalant and weary air uncharacteristic of a teenage girl. Her Doc Martens boots clicked rhythmically on the cobblestones.
When she reached the top of the stairs, she suddenly looked up and stopped.
Because Rito was leaning against the second-floor railing, looking down at her.
"Hi, Nono Mio."
Rito smiled and waved. Meiqing shrugged, seemingly recognizing him, and quickened her pace, her footsteps making a thumping sound on the stairs.
"Please come in." She walked past Rito without looking at him, but simply pushed open the tin door, her voice lower than he had expected.
Rito paused for a moment, then followed closely behind.
Compared to the outdated infrastructure outside, the interior layout of the room is quite unique. It is a typical 1DK studio apartment with the kitchen and entrance hall connected together. The small bathroom is hidden in the corner. The bedroom, which also serves as the living room, contains a bed, a desk, and a simple wardrobe. Although there are not many things, they are arranged in an unexpected artistic way. Although it is hard to describe the feeling, you can feel the care of the homeowner.
"Sit wherever you like." Meiqing threw her schoolbag on the bed, making no attempt to entertain him. She went to the small kitchen, opened the refrigerator, took out two cans of oolong tea, and placed one on the low table in front of him. Then she sat cross-legged on the bed, unscrewed her can, took a sip, and looked up at him.
"You're too kind. Shall I introduce myself first?"
Li Ren was someone who only enjoyed life and never suffered, so he didn't pick up the bottle to drink. Instead, he rested his chin on his hand, quietly watching the girl's neck muscles twitch as she drank, and then asked with a smile.
"You can find Kubo Rito on the Nogizaka46 website."
Meiqing glanced at him, and only then did Rito notice that she was wearing the same hairstyle he remembered from cosplaying Osamu Dazai. No wonder something seemed off.
"As expected of the clever Mio-chan," Rito praised, giving her a thumbs up, then asked curiously, "So, how did you get here?"
Upon hearing his question, Meiqing's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness. She leaned back thirty degrees against the bedding and began to tell a story.