Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1608 - 1606: One Small Step Forward (If Your Stomach Growls, Why Not Just Eat?)

Fang Zheng has seen LIVE performances before.

He’s watched Farron Xiuxiu’s shows and once held a LIVE concert with SchoolDays. You could say he’s quite experienced, but... this current mini LIVE, in Fang Zheng’s view, is more like a Chinese-style cultural gala than a concert.

After all, this is a Koushomura festival, not a dedicated 765 concert. The girls are more focused on warming up the crowd, hosting the event, and occasionally performing a couple of songs with dances. They also have to consider the timing; if they perform too early, everyone will be busy strolling through the festival, and the stage will be empty, feeling like a solo act.

However, if it’s too late, everyone will be tired from walking around the festival and will head home to sleep, showing little interest in the LIVE.

Moreover, due to a shortage of manpower, the girls also have to help out with the festival stands...

This is hardly a LIVE performance; it’s more like doing odd jobs.

Consequently, the programs on stage have become chaotic... Well, to put it nicely, it’s spontaneous.

For instance, talent shows, even farmsteads brought their animals onto the stage... How does that make any sense?

But they want to show off their cows, sheep, pigs, and horses, and you can’t chase them off, can you?

Yet, if we’re talking about being exaggerated, Meixi takes the cake.

She stood right on stage and started roasting...

"Like, this village has nothing, it really shocked Meixi. And this place is so far away, Meixi had to get up really early, now I’m so sleepy and tired..."

As she spoke, Meixi even yawned.

"Maybe Meixi should just go to sleep now."

"Hahahahaha!"

"Woah..."

Watching Meixi on stage, Sora broke into a cold sweat.

"Meixi... is she not afraid of getting beaten up?"

"That’s just natural talent, most people can’t learn to do that."

Seeing the audience laughing hysterically at Meixi’s roast, Fang Zheng helplessly shook his head. He knew Meixi wasn’t saying this on purpose, she just says whatever comes to her mind. In China, people would call it being thoughtless, speaking without thinking. Honestly, such people are generally unpopular no matter where they are, whether in China or in outwardly polite Japan. However, some people are naturally charming, making others "not angry."

Meixi is one of those people, and Fang Zheng is certain that everything she says on stage is sincere, not false in the slightest, without considering any program effect or the audience’s thoughts. But because of her unique charm and tone, no one feels offended; it truly is a wonderful talent...

Of course, more importantly, Meixi’s words aren’t malicious; they’re purely innocent, which naturally attracts goodwill.

Still, you have to pay attention to it.

Things that are too pure can also hurt people.

Being outspoken is neutral; being a fool is derogatory.

"Pro-producer..."

At this moment, Fang Zheng heard Xuebu’s voice again and turned his head to find her uneasily standing not far away.

"Um... um..."

"What’s the matter?"

Seeing Xuebu like this, Fang Zheng was a bit bewildered. Did the previous persuasion fail? It didn’t seem right; she performed quite well just now?

"There’s-there’s a dog!"

"Dog? A stray dog?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng frowned, wondering if a stray dog had rushed backstage to cause harm. That would be troublesome.

"No, no, it’s that, that..."

As she spoke, Xuebu nervously extended her finger towards the stage. Following her direction, Fang Zheng finally noticed an elderly person sitting in the front row, holding a pet dog in his arms...

"..."

Seeing this, Fang Zheng was left speechless, giving Xuebu a silent glance.

Afraid of dogs and men, I think you could visit certain unmentionable film sets...

"Don’t worry, leave it to me."

Honestly, Fang Zheng can’t understand the fear of men, but he can comprehend the fear of dogs. It’s fairly common, as plenty of people are scared of dogs worldwide, adding Xuebu is no different.

"I’ll keep watch here, making sure it doesn’t bark or hurt you."

"Really?"

Upon hearing this, Xuebu’s complexion brightened considerably, and Fang Zheng nodded.

"Of course, I promise."

"Then, then..."

Stuttering, Xuebu extended her pinky finger.

"So... pinky swear."

"... No problem."

Watching this, Fang Zheng smiled and gently hooked her finger with his, which made the previously tense Xuebu relax a lot more.

"Well, I’ll get ready for the performance, Producer!"

"Go for it."

Fang Zheng gave Xuebu a thumbs-up, watching her disappear backstage.

"Phew..."

Sprinting backstage, Xuebu couldn’t help but take a breath, placing her hand on her chest, feeling her heart pounding. This was the first time she had actively spoken to a man and even...

Looking at her pinky finger, Xuebu blushed, suddenly at a loss for words.

"Hey, Xuebu, what are you doing?"

At that moment, Haruka curiously peeked from behind; startled by her voice, Xuebu hurriedly retracted her hand.

"No-nothing, nothing..."

"Is that so? Well, get ready to go on stage."

"Mm..."

Upon hearing this, Xuebu clenched her hands tightly.

"I’ll do my best!!"

The festival was nearing its end, and villagers who had toured enough of the festival mostly gathered at the school’s playground, finally bringing a bit of LIVE atmosphere.

"I won’t say anything unnecessary."

Standing backstage, looking at the girls dressed in performance outfits, Fang Zheng smiled.

"This is our 765’s first official performance; you know what to do!"

"Yes!"

Listening to Fang Zheng, the girls nodded in unison and extended their hands.

"765 Office, FIGHT!!"

Under the lively cheers and music, 765 Office’s first LIVE finally concluded successfully.

By the end, everyone was very happy. The audience was delighted, and the girls showcased considerable skill despite the venue’s inadequacy, and even the spotlight needed Fang Zheng and Sora to operate manually. Yet, the scene was lively, the girls sang beautifully, danced well, and everyone loved it.

That was enough.

Before leaving, several snot-nosed kids even chased the 765 girls for autographs, which they obviously didn’t refuse—as idols, they practiced signing for this moment.

Fang Zheng was in a good mood; it was his first time working as a producer. Honestly, it’s completely different from performing oneself. Performing ensures a certain result, and Fang Zheng is confident he can dominate any situation, making it a bit monotonous.

But as a producer, he can only watch the girls perform on stage, feeling like a horse racing spectator, letting them solve things by themselves, making success especially fulfilling.

"Um... Producer."

While Fang Zheng was packing, Xuebu approached him again.

Although different from before, having experienced a performance, Xuebu seemed less timid and more cheerful and lively.

She jogged to Fang Zheng, then politely bowed.

"Thank you so much!"

Xuebu knew very well that while on stage, she was initially worried the dog might bark or attack her, but Fang Zheng standing beside the dog gave her peace of mind. Because of that, she could calm down and complete the show with everyone.

"No need to thank me, it’s my duty."

Looking at Xuebu, Fang Zheng smiled faintly.

"Besides, it’s your own choice."

Saying this, Fang Zheng glanced at the girls nearby.

"Alright, get ready, let’s tidy up and head home!"

Upon hearing this, the previously cheerful girls fell silent.