134. Megumi Kato Is Always in Control (Part I)

"Jiang Yu, my aunt is looking for you～"

Just as Jiang Yu was about to respond to Utaha Kasumigaoka, Megumi Kato’s voice suddenly rang out from behind him.

Jiang Yu had no choice but to stand up. He waved at Utaha with a slightly helpless smile and said apologetically, "Well, please excuse me; I must be going. Just send your new work over via LINE! Also, you really don't need to use that title, Senior; it makes me feel quite embarrassed..."

For some reason, Jiang Yu had always felt a resistance toward others addressing him as "Teacher." Perhaps it was because, even now, he didn't truly view himself as a creator.

After all, even if these were brilliant works born from another world, and even if no one could ever guess that they weren't his own but plagiarized, he couldn't simply cast them out and claim them as his own with a clear conscience—at least, Jiang Yu felt he hadn't yet reached that level of detachment.

Perhaps one day, when he produced something that truly came from his own mind and saw it accepted and praised by countless players, he would be able to accept such a title with ease.

After speaking, Jiang Yu turned to Megumi, who had delivered the message, and said gratefully, "Thank you for passing the word along, Kato. I’ll head over now."

After bidding them both farewell, Jiang Yu walked straight toward Kyoko Kato’s office, muttering to himself, *I hope she doesn't bring up that previous topic again, Kato-san...*

Once Jiang Yu’s back disappeared from view, Utaha Kasumigaoka turned her gaze toward Megumi, who was standing nearby. Her wine-red eyes fixed intently on the girl, seemingly trying to exert pressure as she spoke in a flat, indifferent tone, "If I recall correctly, you are... Kato-san? Do you work here as well, Kato-san? I don't believe I’ve ever noticed you before～"

Megumi remained unmoved by the oppressive gaze, maintaining her usual calm and airy demeanor. She replied nonchalantly, "This is my aunt’s shop～ I didn't have anything to do at home, so she called me over to help out. It’s perfectly normal that you haven't seen me, considering... though I have seen you here quite a few times, Kasumigaoka-senpai."

"Tch." Utaha gritted her teeth, thinking that this was a troublesome opponent. Although she had sensed it since that club dinner, she hadn't expected that this girl with such a lack of presence might actually be her greatest rival.

First, she had lightly pointed out her connection to the shop's owner, creating a bond with Jiang Yu—who worked here—that was naturally closer than her own as a mere customer. Then, she mentioned having seen Utaha several times, which felt like an insinuation that every move Utaha made was within her surveillance. And that comment about it being normal not to notice her... it was as if she were mocking Utaha for being completely oblivious to her existence.

Watching the fluctuating expression of the school senior sitting across from her, Megumi frowned slightly and asked with concern, "Is something wrong, Kasumigaoka-senpai? Are you feeling unwell?"

If Megumi had known what the dark-haired girl was thinking at that moment, she would surely have been left speechless.

Utaha took a deep breath, calming her racing thoughts and irritation. She looked at Megumi with cold, wine-red eyes and said with superficial politeness, "It is nothing. Thank you for your concern, Kato-san. Since you are staying here, are you sure you don't need to be working?"

Megumi shook her head slightly and said calmly, "I’ve already finished my shift, so it’s fine."

Utaha Kasumigaoka: "..."

...

Meanwhile, in Kyoko Kato’s office.

As soon as Jiang Yu entered, he saw Kyoko Kato hunched over her desk, engrossed in some paperwork. He quietly walked over to a nearby chair and sat down, careful not to disturb her.

After a short while, Kyoko let out a long sigh, lifted her head, and gestured for Jiang Yu to come over.

Jiang Yu stood up and walked to the desk, asking curiously, "Kato mentioned you were looking for me. Is there something important?"

Kyoko nodded with a smile. "It’s good news～ Chinatsu asked if you’d be free this Sunday. If you are, you can drop by her place."

Jiang Yu blinked, surprised. "Teacher Kotobuki is looking for me? What for?"

Kyoko looked at Jiang Yu as if he were a fool and said helplessly, "Have you forgotten who helped you file for your music copyrights? Chinatsu wants you to come pick up the documents～"

Jiang Yu had a sudden realization. He nodded repeatedly, apologizing for his forgetfulness. Kyoko didn't dwell on his lapse, continuing, "But that’s just a small matter. The real good news is—Chinatsu wants to introduce you to her teacher哦～～"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu’s mouth fell open, his brows arched, and his pupils constricted; he looked utterly stunned.

It was only natural. Anyone would find it hard to believe if they were suddenly told they would meet one of the greatest musicians of the era.

Especially since Jiang Yu was, to some extent, an insider. Whether in the ACG circle or the world of piano, Joe Hisaishi was an indisputable master when it came to soundtracks.

Kyoko clearly anticipated Jiang Yu’s reaction. While she chuckled inwardly, she also realized that no matter how mature Jiang Yu appeared, he was still a child who hadn't experienced the trials of the real world. The poised and steady demeanor he usually displayed often made her wonder if he was truly just a high schooler. Or perhaps, compared to her own high school days, students these days were just that impressive?

Having rarely seen this side of him, Kyoko didn't tease him; she simply watched him with a smile, waiting for him to digest the news.

After a long while, Jiang Yu finally returned from that cloud-like, surreal state. He took a deep breath to steady himself and said, "Please thank her for me... no, I will thank Teacher Kotobuki in person when I see her. And thank you for telling me this, Kato-san."

Kyoko shook her head with a light laugh. "No need to thank me～ You really should thank Chinatsu, though. Having been friends with her for so many years, this is the first time I’ve seen her take such an interest in a lad she’s never met before."

Jiang Yu nodded solemnly to show he understood, then asked, "Is there anything else, Kato-san? If not, I will..."

"Of course there is!"

Kyoko interrupted him before he could say he was leaving, a look of gossip appearing on her face as she spoke with a hint of excitement.