"Sakiko, you, why are you crying?"
Hearing Sakiko seemingly sobbing on the phone, Misumi's heart tightened, and she clutched her phone tightly.
"I'm fine."
In the Western-style mansion, Sakiko wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
She reminded herself once again that the weak version of her was dead. From today onward, she was no longer the fragile Sakiko of the past.
"Sakiko, I... can I help you with anything?"
Misumi asked hesitantly.
"There are some things I need Misumi's help with."
A plan she had thought about before flashed through Sakiko's mind.
She had hesitated before, wondering whether she had to do this, whether she had to turn her dream into a tool for making money now that her life had begun getting back on track.
But the betrayal from her friends and the selling out by her family made her completely determined.
After thinking it through, she realized that this was not a betrayal of her dream. On the contrary, it was a new pursuit of it.
But if I do this, will I be using my friends?
No. Doing this is actually for their benefit as well. We share the same dream, so why not let that dream connect us, satisfying both our dreams and the reality of money?
Sakiko had never been as resolute as she was now.
"Sakiko, whatever you want to do, I will help you."
"Thank you, Misumi."
Sakiko still felt a little uneasy.
Even if she found the best reason, and even if the outcome would benefit her friends, her starting point was still for herself.
"This matter is a bit difficult to explain over the phone. Do you have time in a few days? If you do, let's meet and talk."
Now that Misumi was a highly sought-after top idol in Japan, her time was very precious.
So Sakiko was not sure whether she could spare the time.
"I have time, Sakiko. My work hasn't been too busy recently, so I can make time."
"Then let's set a time to meet. I might... I might bring a friend to meet you."
"Okay. When you've decided on the time, just notify me on Line."
"No, Misumi. Your work is more important. Check when you have time and then notify me."
The two chatted a little longer.
Misumi could sense the sadness in Sakiko's voice. She did not keep her talking for long, offering a few comforting words before hanging up.
In the recording studio lounge, Misumi put away her phone.
Looking at the mirror beside her, she realized that at some point a happy smile had appeared on her lips.
"Misumi, did something good happen? You look so happy."
Sumita Mana had a donut in her mouth and two more in her hands. When she returned to the lounge and saw Misumi smiling excitedly, she asked indistinctly.
"I got back in touch with a friend I haven't seen in a long time, so I'm a bit happy."
"Is that so? I brought you some donuts. Do you want one?"
"Thank you, Mana!"
Misumi, who had no appetite earlier, suddenly felt hungry. She took the donut and took a big bite.
She was already looking forward to meeting Sakiko.
Also, what kind of friend would Sakiko bring?
...
Sakiko washed her face carefully in the bathroom.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she raised her hand and patted her face firmly.
What happened tonight shocked her just as much as the day she had been driven out of the Togawa Family years ago.
Experiencing two major life changes in just over a year sometimes made Sakiko feel as if this was a joke played on her by fate.
You have to believe in yourself. From today onward, everything will get better. All the hardships are over, and my future will definitely become brighter.
She wiped her damp cheeks dry and applied some lotion.
Wearing slippers, Sakiko left her bedroom.
The living room was still lit.
In such a large mansion, the lights were usually kept on at night. Otherwise it would be frightening to walk around in the middle of the night.
However, Toru and Haibara were no longer in the living room. Sakiko guessed they had returned to their rooms to rest.
She walked to the door of Toru's master bedroom and knocked.
It did not take long before the door opened slightly. Toru, wearing pajamas, appeared through the gap.
"Excuse me, Fujiwara-kun. I'm sorry to disturb your rest. There are some things I want to talk to you about. Do you have time now?"
"If you are too tired, Fujiwara-kun, we can talk tomorrow."
Sakiko spoke politely with the manners of a noble lady.
Toru chuckled.
"Wait for me a moment. I'll put on a jacket."
After putting on a jacket, the two returned to the living room.
Toru took two bottles of mineral water and handed one to Sakiko.
"Drink less soda and tea late at night. Otherwise you might have trouble sleeping."
"Thank you."
Sakiko held the bottle and took a small sip.
"I know that what happened tonight is probably making it hard for you to sleep. But based on my understanding of your personality, you don't seem like the type of girl who would come seeking comfort and expose her weakness."
"Fujiwara-kun really understands me."
Sakiko spoke softly.
"I came to discuss something with Fujiwara-kun this time because I have made a decision."
"You mentioned before that you wanted to form a professional girl band. I wonder if Fujiwara-kun still has that plan?"
Sakiko was not sure whether Toru had said it casually on a whim last time or if he truly had such a plan.
If it had just been said casually, she still had another option, which was to shamelessly go to her mother and ask the Togawa Group for help.
Toru's lips curved into a smile.
"It seems you have finally thought it through, Sakiko. Actually, there are some things I do not mind telling you."
"I come from the Fujiwara family, and in the future I am destined to enter politics. What I need is to build my reputation and gain electoral support."
"The reason I plan to form a band and push it to the top is to use the band's influence to promote myself."
Sakiko suddenly understood.
So that was Toru's plan.
She felt relieved.
Great. As long as Toru also had something he wanted, she would not feel so guilty. If he had a goal, she could speak more openly.
Toru said with a smile, "How is it? Now that you know this, do you feel much more relaxed? You don't have to struggle with making requests to me anymore."
Sakiko was stunned for a moment, feeling warmth in her heart.
So Fujiwara-kun said this because he had considered her feelings.
"You... you are too good to me. I don't even know how to repay you."
"I just cannot bear to see a girl who clearly has a bright future lose her hope and light because of hardships that should not belong to her."
"If you want to repay me, then make the band successful. Make it the best band, and then help me gather votes."
"I will definitely do my best. I swear on my life and this lifetime!"
"Uh, you do not need to make such a serious vow. It is not like I am sending you to war. It is just a band."
Toru felt a little embarrassed.
Why do these girls keep talking about a lifetime? Now Sakiko had gone even further and swore with her life.
This was not Russian roulette. It was not that serious.
Toru continued, "Actually, I know nothing about bands. All I can do is provide financial support."
The subsidies from the Shinomiya family and the Central Intelligence Agency had already arrived.
Toru currently had more than 100 million US dollars in his account. For an ordinary person, this amount was enough to live comfortably for an entire lifetime.
Spending a few million dollars on a band project was already considered a huge investment in the industry.
"As for professional matters like planning the band or recruiting members, I do not understand those things, and I also do not have time to handle them."
"All those tasks will need to be handled by you, Sakiko."
Sakiko nodded seriously.
"I already have a rough idea about the band members. When the time comes, I will bring them to Fujiwara-kun for your review."
"There is no need for that. I already said I am not a professional. I trust your judgment."
"But you are the owner of the band, the investor. You have the right to inspect everything I do."
"I only need the compensation and profits I deserve. And please rest assured, Fujiwara-kun. I will definitely not waste your investment. I will certainly achieve the goal."
Making the band a top act, achieving her musical dream, earning enough money to live comfortably for a lifetime, and never being troubled by money again.
Then using the band's fame to help Toru gain votes.
This was the final goal Sakiko set for herself.
Although she had decided to cut ties with that useless father, she was still willing to repay the debt he owed.
Debts must be repaid.
Back then, her father had borrowed a huge amount of money through deception. Those people must have been extremely distressed, and some might even have lost everything.
Kind-hearted and responsible Sakiko would never simply cut ties and become someone who ran away from debt.
"Since you say so, then I will not refuse."
"Oh right, Sakiko. I still suggest that you go to the Togawa Group."
"The Togawa Group has professional entertainment teams. If you want to turn a band into a top act, you cannot do it alone. You need a professional team."
"You can tell the Togawa Group that your band has my investment. They will definitely choose to invest in you as well."
"If this project goes well, you might even have a chance to return to the Togawa Family. You have not given up your surname, which means you still have feelings for your mother's side."
The Shinomiya Group was also a good choice.
However, the information Toru obtained from Ayanokoji made him suspect that a major change might soon occur within the Shinomiya Group.
So he did not recommend Sakiko get involved with them.
Sakiko listened carefully to Toru's suggestion.
In the past, she would have rejected this proposal for the sake of her ridiculous pride.
But now she had truly matured.
"I will go to the Togawa Group."
"Fujiwara-kun, you are even willing to risk your reputation for me. I really..."
Even though Toru had his own goals regarding her, he had still given so much to help her.
Sakiko felt deeply moved and did not know how she could repay him.
Should she work like an ox or a horse for him, or even offer herself in marriage?
No. With my ordinary appearance, I am not worthy of Fujiwara-kun, the self-conscious Sakiko thought.
Sakiko was undergoing a transformation in her life.
...
Backstage at the live performance, Soyo's expression twisted as she shouted hoarsely,
"Why are you playing Haruhikage? I'm asking you, why are you playing Haruhikage!"
(To be continued.)