My System Always Wants to Force Me to Confess
Chapter 187: Grandpa, I’m Really Rising Up!

Chapter 187: Chapter 187: Grandpa, I’m Really Rising Up!

Shirakawa Sawahei somewhat persistently asked, "Aren’t you at all suspicious..."

The sentence was never finished, as suddenly Asano Fūsei’s voice sounded from the stage, indicating that the banquet’s theme was about to begin. Everyone stopped talking and turned their heads to look at the Head of the Hayakawa Family standing on the stage.

Faced with such a situation, Shirakawa Sawahei had no choice but to temporarily suppress his doubts and listen carefully to Asano Fūsei speaking on stage. This Head of the Hayakawa Family, who appeared somewhat frivolous, was quite adept at controlling the atmosphere of the entire event. His words were humorous, and his logic clear. He seemed like someone who was born to be on the stage.

He first rambled on to the guests on stage for a while, and when the time was about right, he mysteriously invited the renowned piano master, George Slater, onto the stage.

If this had been a while ago, before Hayakawa Kashi had exploited him thoroughly, George Slater’s appearance would have certainly elicited countless exclamations and praises, with astonishment on every face. But now, the entrance of the poor Old Man Slater only brought about a mild and indifferent wave of applause.

Everyone had simply seen too much of him, and even now, his live piano performances were being sold outside. Familiarity breeds contempt, as they say.

George Slater felt very wronged, but he said nothing.

He wasn’t here to settle scores with Hayakawa Kashi today; he was here to take on a student!

Not long ago, he had received a video sent by Hayakawa Kashi, featuring the works practiced by the little girl. After listening carefully, George Slater suddenly felt that the grievances he had suffered previously were not in vain.

This student! This time I’m definitely taking her on! When it all comes together, and I return to Europe, there’s no doubt that I will be the eternal god in the realm of music!

Asano Nazuki, this young girl, will help cement my place in music history! Just like Aristotle in the triad of great men of ancient Greece, and his teacher Plato, my student and I will undoubtedly shake the entire world of music history in the future!

Grandpa here is truly set to rise! (clenching fist)

That said, the formalities still needed to be observed. Although Slater wasn’t too keen on these messy affairs, Hayakawa Kashi had arranged everything, saying it could be an opportunity to pave the way for Asano Nazuki’s future, to create momentum in advance.

The banquet proceeded in an orderly fashion. Asano Nazuki, dressed in a long gown, slowly walked to the prepared piano and bowed to the audience.

She was petite, with a slightly round face, and had tied her twin ponytails into a bun. With shallow dimples, her level of cuteness was off the charts. The women present, both acquaintances and strangers, were almost instantly won over by this little girl.

It was long rumored that the girls from the Hayakawa family were super cute, and today’s encounter proved the reputation to be true!

The little girl paid no attention to the expressions of those below and sat down, gently beginning to play a famous piece by George Slater, "Sleeping Beauty".

The title of this piano piece sounded gentle, as did its melody. Under the girl’s slender fingers, the notes flowed from the keys like a stream, prompting everyone present to close their eyes and attentively immerse themselves in this gentle tranquility.

When the piece finished, George Slater was the first to open his eyes and gently began to clap.

Everyone else followed the cue and slowly started to applaud, including Shirakawa Sawahei.

Among all those present, aside from Slater’s level 6, only his own level 5 could discern the true skill level of the little girl. When Hayakawa Kashi said that she wasn’t as good as her, it wasn’t modesty. Among the sisters, the younger little girl indeed surpassed in musical talent.

Beside him, Shinden Gong Shilang clapped vigorously. Seeing him so excited, Shirakawa Sawahei couldn’t help but ask, "Are you familiar with Asano Nazuki?"

Shinden Gong Shilang instantly became wary upon hearing this, saying, "No... not really. Actually, Shirakawa, don’t be fooled by how energetically I’m clapping now; it’s all just for show. I still think Sister Hayakawa plays better."

"..."

Shirakawa kindly advised, "Actually, I don’t think Miss Hayakawa Kashi is so tyrannical as to make you do this against your will..."

"No way! How could I say something against my heart? It’s all heartfelt words, really! Shirakawa, you mustn’t wrong me! I didn’t say anything like that!"

"..."

Just looking at Shinden Gong Shilang’s full survival instinct, Shirakawa Sawahei suddenly felt that if he confessed that he was actually teasing him earlier... he would likely be swallowed alive by Shinden Gong Shilang and his group of friends in their rage today.

Hmm, better not say anything for now. I’ll just use Miss Kashi’s influence...

After the little girl’s performance ended, George Slater walked up to the front of the stage and began to follow the script they had rehearsed.

He started, as expected, by praising Asano Nazuki’s talent, which was quite a normal procedure. However, as he continued to laud her, the old Slater couldn’t resist secretly dissing a rival... oh no, Hayakawa Kashi.

"Before I came to Neon, I heard many people say that Hayakawa Kashi was an excellent pianist, but it wasn’t until I met Miss Asano Nazuki that I realized how deeply those people misunderstood the word ’excellent’.

"Absurd! Absolutely absurd. Compared to Asano Nazuki, the talent of other people doesn’t even qualify as talent."

"Except for a few individuals, most others needn’t be too ashamed because they don’t have her exceptional genes."

Slater’s regular translator, also his nephew, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, dutifully translating his uncle’s wild remarks.

Too harsh... it’s just too harsh, clearly, Uncle was squeezed too hard before, so he couldn’t help but get a jab in at Hayakawa Kashi at the last moment.

Watching this old guy’s speech, Shirakawa Sawahei found it somewhat amusing in his heart. He turned to say something to Shinden Gong Shilang only to find that the guy had already disappeared at some point. Standing next to him instead was the very person Old Man Slater was secretly dissing—Hayakawa Kashi.

"Hmm? When did you come over?"

"Just now."

"Oh..."

"How do you know those people?"

Little Arrogant Study Girl was clearly referring to Shinden Gong Shilang who had just been standing beside him. Shirakawa Sawahei couldn’t help but recall the earlier deceptive maneuver...

"No... nothing, I just said hello."

Hayakawa Kashi responded lightly, seemingly not intending to pursue the matter further.

"Aren’t you mad about how he’s dissing you?"

The girl pressed her lips together, looking at the stage, she softly said, "I’m not so petty. After all, I’ve already made a lot of profit; if he wants to diss, let him."

"..."

Seeing the seemingly indifferent Miss Kaori, Shirakawa Sawahei felt a bit helpless and said, "Stop pretending, what do you want to do later?"

I’m just an emotionless tool hitter. Whatever happens, it’s up to you, Miss Kaori.

"..."

Having her thoughts uncovered, Little Arrogant seemed neither angry nor irritable, a slight smile appearing at the corner of her mouth. It wasn’t clear whether she was mocking Slater or Shirakawa.

"Keep it going, then." Miss Kaori paused and continued, "Since he wants to give me an excuse to receive a gift before leaving, I’ll have no choice but to accept those gains."

"Alright then, you decide; I’m just a toolman."

"Shirakawa seems very self-aware today?"

"Perhaps I’m trying to maintain the dignity of my competition partner?" Shirakawa Sawahei thought for a moment and said, "After all, he dissed you like that, as if suggesting my choice of teammates is poor."

"Hmm, Shirakawa is indeed quite gentle."

"If that’s a compliment, may I ask Hayakawa to be a bit more sincere?"

The two exchanged words back and forth, and on stage, Slater seemed to think that taking on a student was a certainty. He got hooked on dissing, never missing a chance to allude that Hayakawa Kashi wasn’t as good as Asano Nazuki. His nephew, who was translating, began sweating heavily, choosing to soften the words for the guests’ understanding.

However, what Slater didn’t foresee was that as he continued to target Hayakawa Kashi, the face of the Black Hearted Lolita standing not far behind him grew darker and darker, until finally, disdain radiated directly from her eyes.

Hayakawa Kashi was quick to notice the change in the little girl. She frowned slightly and softly said to Shirakawa standing beside her, "Quickly, go get Nazuki down here for me."

"If this continues, there might be trouble."

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