Chapter 55
"Teacher Aijo! Can you say something to me in Aine-chan's voice? Even if you're scolding me, I don't mind!"
"Hello, of course I can~"
Inside the autograph hall next to the Main Venue, a giant poster displayed various anime characters.
At a glance, they were all loli or loli-type characters.
(*) Note: "Loli" refers to a young-looking female character, often inspired by the Japanese term "lolita."
In the center of the poster was a high-definition photo of a guest, accompanied by her bio:
Aijo Shijo, a famous voice actress from the Saku Nation.
Her representative works included: "Baimeng" and "Red Dragon Resistance Chronicles."
The centerpiece of the poster was a cute girl with tea-colored bobbed hair and a red hairpin.
It was none other than the voice actress herself—Aijo Shijo.
In the queue, Yaqiao Mu nervously watched the line move forward, quietly pulling out the item he had brought for Aijo Shijo to sign.
He couldn't even recall when he first became her fan.
He only remembered falling in love with Aine-chan, the protagonist of the underground game "Encountering a Loli After Getting Off Work at 8:30," and being blown away by the nearly flawless voice acting.
After some research, he discovered that it was the only underground project Aijo Shijo had worked on early in her career, during a time when she could barely afford to eat. She had used a different stage name for that role.
Since then, Yaqiao began following her work, watching her interviews and offline vlogs.
Over time, he had become a devoted fan.
Aijo Shijo, being from the Saku Nation, rarely held overseas autograph events.
This was her first visit to Linmen, and for Yaqiao Mu, it might be his only chance to meet her in person.
He took a deep breath. Despite his intense otaku-level social anxiety, he did his best to maintain a calm expression.
(*) Note: "Otaku" refers to someone with obsessive interests, especially in anime and manga.
"Wait, where’s the new work by Teacher Jiaotan that I bought?!"
"Huh? Didn’t you just put it in your backpack earlier?"
"Right? I even did it in front of you—how did it just disappear?!"
A startled voice came from the nearby line. Yaqiao Mu turned and noticed two boys frantically checking their backpacks.
'Did they lose something?' he wondered.
That was his initial thought.
"Sir, you're next!"
It wasn’t until the staff member called him that Yaqiao Mu snapped out of his thoughts.
Looking ahead, he saw that the space in front of him was now empty; everyone before him had already gone.
Just ahead, behind the autograph table, Aijo Shijo sat with a marker in hand, smiling brightly and gesturing for him to come forward.
*Thump. Thump. Thump.*
Yaqiao Mu swallowed hard, his heart pounding like a drum.
His legs moved on their own—a classic symptom of his social anxiety.
When he had first run as Yan Huan’s campaign partner, Yan Huan had convinced him to give a speech.
But even speaking in a classroom of fewer than thirty people had left him flustered and breathless, as though his brain had shut down.
Just like now.
He struggled to walk to the autograph desk and sit down. The rest of the line was held back by a yellow line a few meters away.
This setup offered a private, one-on-one experience—perfect for fans with social anxiety.
"Hello there~"
"H-hello, Teacher Aijo."
The Aijo Shijo before him wore a kind, radiant smile. Her voice was pleasant, with subtle hints of her past characters, though he couldn’t pinpoint which ones.
Her voice was crisp like a little girl’s, but clear and not overly sweet.
Just hearing her speak made Yaqiao even more nervous.
But Aijo Shijo took the initiative to keep the conversation going.
"Are you a student from Linmen?"
"Y-yes, Teacher Aijo!"
Aijo Shijo twirled the marker in her hand and giggled, covering her mouth as she said,
"No need to be so nervous—you paid to see me, remember? So relax~"
".Okay."
"So, which of my characters do you like the most? Want me to say something in her voice? Also, where would you like me to sign? We can take a photo too~"
Hearing that, Yaqiao Mu’s frantic heartbeat began to settle a little.
A loli character appeared in his mind like an angel, gently calling out to him,
"Landlord-kun, you have to be brave~"
(*) Note: "Landlord-kun" is a typical nickname used affectionately by younger female characters in anime toward an older male character.
It was Aine-chan, the heroine from "Encountering a Loli After Getting Off Work at 8:30," voiced by Aijo Shijo.
Feeling encouraged by his beloved character, Yaqiao Mu took a deep breath and quickly handed Aijo the item he had brought.
Then he lowered his head, summoned all his mental energy, and blurted out the words he had been holding in.
"I really love the Aine-chan you voiced, Teacher!! She’s been my favorite character since middle school! That’s when I started following you, Teacher Aijo!"
Aijo Shijo looked at the poster he handed over. Since the game was from the underground scene, even the cover art was rather embarrassing.
Her lips parted slightly, and her smile stiffened for a moment—but then brightened again.
"Back then, I was a total nobody. If it weren’t for Aine-chan encouraging me, I never could’ve made it to where I am today."
Yaqiao Mu kept his head down. He knew that if he looked up, he might not be able to say another word.
"Whether it was studying or running for student council with a great partner—I’m just really grateful to you, Teacher Aijo. Thank you and Aine-chan for staying with me every night!!"
Finally...
He said it!!
"."
Aijo Shijo looked up at Yaqiao Mu, then glanced at the poster featuring the loli heroine in a rather suggestive pose.
Without missing a beat, she offered a flawless professional smile and raised her marker.
"So, you want me to sign this, right?"
"Yes, that’s right."
Aijo Shijo smiled and lowered her head to sign, while Yaqiao Mu nervously looked up at her radiant smile.
Then, swallowing hard, he cautiously asked,
"Also, Teacher Aijo, could you scold me in Aine’s voice? I really love her tsundere tone, please!!"
(*) Note: "Tsundere" refers to a character who is initially cold or hostile but gradually shows a warmer side.
Aijo Shijo had just finished signing. Upon hearing his request, she paused for a moment, then smiled and looked up.
A vein pulsed faintly on her forehead, hidden beneath her bobbed bangs.
Yet her ultra-professional smile didn’t falter.
In fact, it only grew brighter.
"Sure~"
"T-that’s great, thank you, Aijo—"
"You really are a worthless nerd, aren’t you? Timid and cowardly, can’t even talk to people, so you rely on this kind of filthy, disgusting game to vent your meaningless desires."
Out of nowhere!!
Yaqiao Mu stared at Aijo Shijo. She still smiled, though her tone had subtly shifted.
Her red lips parted slightly, but like a venomous snake, she spat words that struck him like lightning, leaving him frozen.
"W-wait a sec, Teacher Aijo—"
But Aijo Shijo’s voice was light and rapid, as though she had flipped into full performance mode—unmoved, detached.
"You can’t do anything, so you cling to a pathetic fantasy, imagining a girl who checks all your boxes would love you unconditionally. What a joke."
"Oh, and let’s not forget—you’re not even into normal girls. You like lolis, right?"
"You’re truly a complete and utter pervert."
Yaqiao Mu stood with his mouth agape, his mind blank from the shock, completely at a loss.
After delivering those sharp lines, Aijo Shijo smiled sweetly again.
Then she folded the signed poster and handed it to the stunned Yaqiao Mu.
"Alrighty, are you satisfied now?"
"Eh, eh?"
Yaqiao Mu turned pale, as if he had lost the ability to process anything, mechanically accepting the poster.
But Aijo Shijo had already returned to her usual sweet and gentle demeanor, turning to wave at the next person in line.
"Next one, please come forward~"
"Everyone, please welcome the famous dance performer, Christina!!"
Inside the Main Venue, beyond the red rope, a crowd had gathered. The inner seats were filled with VIP ticket holders.
On stage, a blonde white girl dressed as an elf stepped forward with a smile.
As the lights flared and music started, many turned their attention toward the stage.
Among them were several student council members who had just returned from the doujin area.
(*) Note: "Doujin" refers to self-published works, often manga or novels, created by fans or amateur artists.
"Hehe, I’m really cute~"
You'an Lina held the comic-style drawing that Miyake Huhu had made for them, gazing fondly at her adorable likeness standing between a handsome boy and a beautiful girl.
Miyake Huhu's drawing skills were truly impressive—even in a quick sketch, she could precisely capture everyone's features.
Beside her, Yinggong Tong heard her silly giggle and couldn't help but glance at the drawing created just for her.
It was based on a photo previously taken with Yan Huan.
But unlike the photo, where they kept a polite distance, Miyake Huhu had artistically shortened the space between them.
In the drawing, Yinggong Tong was holding Yan Huan’s arm and looking at the camera, while Yan Huan was gazing at Yinggong Tong instead.
Like a loving couple.
'That's... really nice.'
Yinggong Tong sneaked another glance before carefully tucking the drawing into her bag.
'But hasn't the President been gone too long?'
Yinggong Tong looked toward the stage where a dancer was performing an otaku dance in the distance, then glanced at her phone—still no new messages. She frowned slightly.
(*) Otaku dance refers to a style of dance popular among anime fans, often performed at conventions or fan events.
"Yinggong, haven’t the President and Yaqiao come back yet?"
Hearing You'an Lina’s question, Yinggong Tong suddenly realized something.
'That’s right, Yaqiao Mu hasn’t returned either.'
She had been so focused on the President that she had completely forgotten about him.
"I’ll ask in the group chat."
Yinggong Tong smiled slightly, picked up her phone, and tagged Yan Huan and Yaqiao Mu in the group.
"Aren’t you coming back yet?"
"President, Yaqiao, we’re over by the outer zone near the restroom pillar."
Yaqiao Mu hadn’t responded for a long time—normally, he’d be the first to reply in situations like this.
'That’s really strange.'
'The President hasn’t replied either?'
'Could they have gone to the same place?'
Growing more anxious, Yinggong Tong was about to grab her parasol and tell You'an Lina and the others, "I'll go look for them," but when she turned around, a dense crowd had already formed behind her.
Around this time, performances at the Main Venue were starting, and the later it got, the more high-profile guests would appear.
That’s why everyone was timing their arrival to catch the show—getting in was easy, but getting out would be difficult.
"Um, excuse me—"
Yinggong Tong opened her mouth to say something to the people around her, but You'an Lina suddenly hugged her and Aishili tightly again.
"Wahh! Yinggong! So many people!! Let’s stay close together, don’t get separated!!"
'You'an Lina, goodbye.'
'The future student council shall no longer include you~'
Yinggong Tong's expression darkened, but seeing the crowd ahead, she realized it wasn’t realistic to go searching for them now.
'President!!'
'What on earth are you doing?'
'Weren’t you supposed to meet Bai Yi?'
'She’s about to go on stage—why aren’t you back yet?!'
Yinggong Tong turned back to the stage just as the dancer finished performing and exchanged a few words with the host before stepping down.
Then, the host glanced at the card in his hand and smiled.
"Oh my, the next guest to appear is a real heavyweight."
"She was voted the most youthful idol on the 'Youth People' variety show, and her face frequently appears in Linmen's top fashion magazines."
(*) Linmen is likely a fictional or stylized name for a city or brand in the story.
"This young idol who loves pop culture—what kind of excitement will she bring us today?"
After speaking, the host slid the cue card from behind the microphone, looked out at the dense crowd, and smiled again.
"Then, please welcome the most popular new-generation idol of Linmen—"
"Miss Bai Yi!!"
Still held tightly in You'an Lina’s arms, Yinggong Tong froze. Her faint struggle ceased, and she hurriedly looked toward the stage.
Toward the center, where the spotlight converged.
A short while earlier, backstage—
Several makeup artists had just finished touching up Bai Yi’s makeup. They stepped back, satisfied with the stunning girl before them.
"All done. Ready."
"Okay, thank you."
Bai Yi’s pale complexion was hidden under thick, full-face makeup. The heavy blush turned her bloodless face into a mask of pain. Her eyes were dull, and her legs beneath the dress trembled uncontrollably.
*Bzzzz*
A ringing in her ears—like steel needles—pierced through to her brain.
*Di di. Da da.*
Amid the backstage noise and staff bustling about, the ringing clouded her mind. But the rhythmic ticking of a clock felt like salvation.
It pulled her head downward, as if she were curling inward to hide.
'You can do it. Bai Yi, you can do it.'
Her eyes quivered, but what kept replaying in her mind was Yan Huan’s blank expression after hearing her song earlier.
'Was it really that bad?'
'Not good at all, right?'
'He was probably disappointed but didn’t want to say it, so he awkwardly changed the subject.'
Over the past few days, Bai Yi had run away from home and returned—but the wounds in her heart remained unhealed.
Her mother was still the same—denying her, cursing her, and planning out her life.
But she had endured it all.
Whether it was rehearsals or obediently following the schedule—
All of it
Was fueled by the admiration Yan Huan had once shown her that night.
She didn’t want to let down her one and only fan.
So even in that suffocating home, she held her breath and forced out a new song—for Yan Huan.
She just wanted to hear his approval one more time. And with that approval—
Even if her mother denied her, even if what she was doing wasn’t what she truly wanted—
She would still be able to endure, right?
But now—
She was already at her limit.
*Di di. Da da.*
*Di di. Da da.*
Gasping, Bai Yi stared at the floor—until her agent, Ji Lin, walked over and asked in confusion,
"Yiyi, did you pack your phone and everything? You’re about to go on stage."
"All good."
Bai Yi quickly came back to her senses and struggled to stand up.
Only when she felt a weight tug at the hem of her dress did she groggily remember—she hadn’t put her phone and Bluetooth earpiece away.
But Ji Lin had already walked off, replaced by a staff member from the venue.
"Bai Yi, it’s time to get ready. The dancer in front has five minutes left. Stand behind the curtain and go up when you hear the host’s cue."
"Okay."
Bai Yi stepped forward, lifted the curtain that separated backstage from the stage, and entered the dark passage leading to the platform.
Ahead, the sounds of singing and dancing echoed from the stage, while the audience’s chatter surged like a tide, threatening to drown her in the narrow corridor.
She reached the steps and waited for the host’s signal.
*Ding ding~*
But at that moment, her phone rang in her pocket!
She had forgotten to set it to silent mode!
Panicking, Bai Yi fumbled to take out her phone and switch it to silent.
Since she had brought it with her, she had no choice but to tuck it under her dress.
But then she saw the sender—Yan Huan.
"Bai Yi, do you have Bluetooth earpieces connected to your phone? If not, there’s a pair on the stand ahead—that’s mine. You can use them."
Bai Yi blinked, then looked up at the small stand beside the stairs—and sure enough, there was a case with Bluetooth earpieces.
Beneath that stand, a phantom black cat tail silently retracted, blending into the darkness.
Bai Yi stared in surprise, then looked down at her phone and began typing:
"I have earpieces. But what do I need them for? I’m about to go on stage."
"You seemed a bit nervous earlier. If you wear the Bluetooth earpiece, it might block out some of the audience noise—it could help you calm down."
'I’ve gone on stage so many times… I shouldn’t be nervous anymore…'
Looking at the earpieces in front of her, she touched her wildly racing heart and instinctively pressed her lips together.
She glanced at her phone, typed quickly, and asked,
"How did you get the earpieces here? This is a backstage area—unauthorized personnel aren't allowed."
"Don't worry about that for now. Just please put on the earpieces connected to your phone—they'll help calm your nerves."
Then came an emoji of a kitty waving its paw and cheering: "Go for it!"
Bai Yi pursed her lips again, stared at the emoji, and began typing, trying to come up with a reply.
But in the end, she didn’t send anything.
She let out a helpless smile and picked up Yan Huan’s earpiece.
After a quick glance, she saw it was a cheap, off-brand Bluetooth model—not worth even a hundred yuan.
'Seriously? If I want noise cancellation to calm down, maybe I should just use my own instead?'
But...
'Thank you for the thought, President Yan.'
Bai Yi touched her chest gently and inserted her own tiny, extremely discreet Bluetooth earpiece into her left ear.
*"Bluetooth connected~"*
Instantly, the noisy surroundings seemed to cut in half.
Bai Yi clutched her chest and finally exhaled a shaky breath.
'Still, it would’ve been even better if I could wear the other one too.'
'Or better yet, if the world could always stay this quiet... that would be perfect.'
Of course, that was just wishful thinking. Smiling helplessly, Bai Yi wanted to send Yan Huan a quick "Thank you."
But on stage, the Host’s voice had already come through:
"Now then, let’s welcome Linmen’s most popular new-generation idol!!
"Miss Bai Yi!!"
The curtain behind her lifted, and a staff member’s voice called out:
"Miss Bai Yi, it’s time to go on stage!!"
"Alright."
Hearing that, Bai Yi quickly slipped her phone into her pocket.
Then, she adjusted her posture and walked up the steps.
*Buzz!!*
The blinding spotlight instantly centered on her. Her eyes took a moment to adjust as she stepped out of the darkness.
When she opened them again, she was met with the sight of a densely packed audience below the stage.
Beside her, the smiling Host shifted slightly to avoid blocking the view of the crowd.
"Haha."
Countless eyes turned toward her at once—especially those in the front row.
Jiang Xiong, dressed in a suit, had just taken his seat and was smiling and waving at her.
Beside him sat her mother, her face carefully made up.
Zuo Jiangqin.
Her scrutinizing gaze landed on Bai Yi, scanning her from head to toe with a cold intensity. Her brows slowly began to furrow.
Then, the corners of her mouth twitched slightly.
*Tsk.*
Seeing that familiar expression, Bai Yi’s heart—just recently calmed by Yan Huan’s words—began racing again, each beat striking her chest like a hammer.
'Why...'
'Why do you always look at me with such disappointment?'
'I’ve already done everything according to your plan.'
'But even the slightest deviation from your expectations earns me that look.'
'Even in front of Yan Huan, making me feel so embarrassed.'
'And now again... still that same disapproving look.'
'Is it because of my clothes?'
'Because I didn’t change into another outfit like you suggested—is that why you’re making that face?'
But...
'Aren’t I your daughter?'
'Why do you always treat me this way?'
'Why?'
Feeling the weight of her mother’s gaze, Bai Yi couldn’t understand.
She tried to tear her eyes away from her mother’s furrowed expression and look at the rest of the audience.
But in the next second, she saw an entire venue filled with countless "Zuo Jiangqins," each wearing that same look of disappointment.
Bai Yi’s pupils shrank as she stared at the crowd. A sharp, piercing screech exploded in her mind.
*Buzz!!*
A mother in a suit. A mother in a cosplay outfit. A mother in a dress...
All of them frowned at her with that same condemning expression, as if they were trying to bury her deep into the ground.
"Ha..."
Bai Yi stood frozen in place, her mind completely blank. She didn't dare move.
"Miss Bai Yi, hello, and welcome to our annual Linmen Game Expo."
The Host’s voice came again beside her, offering her the microphone.
Bai Yi’s eyes trembled slightly as she looked at the Host.
What she saw, however, was Zuo Jiangqin—frowning, holding a dagger up to her throat.
"Mama..."
Her little face turned pale, her lips barely moving as she mumbled.
That line wasn’t picked up by the microphone, but the Host heard it.
She was an experienced professional. Knowing her mic was still hot, she didn’t say anything—just looked at Bai Yi, confused.
The more Bai Yi was haunted by her mother’s rejection and scrutiny, the more dazed she became.
The more dazed she looked, the more clearly the Hosts and the audience sensed something was wrong.
And the more she faltered, the darker the real Zuo Jiangqin’s expression grew.
In Bai Yi’s trembling eyes, the “mother” before her began to wear a monstrous smile.
Like a series of deep, black holes trying to swallow her whole.
'No.'
'Don’t.'
'Don’t do this.'
'Someone help me. Anyone.'
*Di di. Da da.*
*Di di. Da da.*
At that moment, as if responding to her silent plea, the phantom pocket watch in Bai Yi’s arms suddenly began to spin out of control.
The hour hand started to rotate.
*Ka ka ka ka!*
As the hand turned, everything around her glitched—like a broken tape. The image of “Zuo Jiangqin” approaching with the dagger slowed down.
'Yes.'
'Just like this.'
'Don’t come any closer. Don’t reject me anymore.'
'Please, Mama.'
'I’m begging you.'
*Ding ding ding!!*
Just as Bai Yi’s mind went completely blank, a chime—loud as a temple bell—rang in her left ear.
She froze for a moment, then finally realized she was still wearing her Bluetooth earpiece.
A bit of clarity returned as she heard a voice through the earpiece:
[Incoming call from plane. To answer, lightly tap your earpiece.]
[Caller: Yan Huan.]
[Would you like to answer?]
(End of Chapter)