Chapter 528: Machida Sonoko's Resentment, Stuffed with Dog Food!
"Utaha?" Arriving backstage, Machida Sonoko immediately saw Utaha wearing a mask. She called out tentatively, her attention drawn to the handsome young man massaging her shoulders.
"Sonoko." Noticing her arrival, Utaha quickly patted Ren's hand, then stood up.
Sonoko observed this and became interested. "Utaha, aren't you going to introduce this young man?"
Utaha's eyes darted around. She naturally wrapped her arm around Ren's waist, leaning against him. "He's my boyfriend."
"!!!" Sonoko was startled. He really has a boyfriend?
"Hello, I'm Ren. For now, I suppose I am her boyfriend." After sizing up the beautiful editor, he politely introduced himself.
"Hello, Ren-kun. I am Utaha's editor, Machida Sonoko." After her surprise, she skillfully responded. At the same time, she couldn't help but sigh. No wonder she was unwilling to show her face or get close to fans.
Utaha's mouth under the mask curved. "Sonoko, let me tell you, you actually already know him."
"Huh?" Sonoko carefully scrutinized his face again. She decisively shook her head. "Impossible. I couldn't possibly have no impression of a face as exquisite as Ren-kun's."
"Haha," Utaha let out a clear laugh, giving a hint. "Kikoenai Hana no Namae. You must know that name, right?"
[Inorin's Note: The novel raw text had 'Unheard Flower Name'. This has been corrected to the Japanese title of 'Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day', a famous work, to fit the context of a well-known author.]
"How could I not know Sensei Kikoenai Hana no Namae?" When it came to the industry, Sonoko was a walking encyclopedia. But what did that have to do with her knowing Utaha's boyfriend?
"???" Wait! A flash of inspiration crossed her mind.
"!!!" She looked at him in surprise. "You wouldn't happen to be Sensei Kikoenai, would you?"
"My previous pen name was indeed Kikoenai Hana no Namae," he admitted directly.
"Hiss!" Receiving a genuine answer, she instantly gasped. She had speculated about his appearance but never expected him to be such a high-quality high school student. More importantly, this legendary author was Utaha's boyfriend and fiancé?
"Utaha, why didn't you tell me earlier?!" she looked as if she was furious. If she had known, she would have pushed for a strong collaboration.
However, this complaint made Utaha reveal a playful smile. "Oh, Sonoko, did you forget? You were the one who gave his contact information to me."
"Uh…" Sonoko instantly remembered. At the time, she didn't think he would pay any attention to Utaha. Her gaze paused, and she caught sight of Utaha intimately hugging Ren. She gnashed her teeth.
"Damn it, Utaha, you did that on purpose, didn't you?!" Not only did she tease her, but she also fed her dog food.
[Inorin's Note: "Dog food" is Chinese internet slang for public displays of affection that make single people feel envious or lonely.]
"Who knows? Sonoko, don't you think the signing event should begin?" Seeing her about to turn into a resentful older woman, Utaha quickly changed the subject.
The time had indeed arrived. Sonoko glared at her. "As an apology, you must treat me to a meal! And I want his autograph!"
"A meal is no problem. As for the autograph, I don't want to order my boyfriend around." Utaha playfully stuck out her tongue.
Sonoko clicked her tongue. The previously devious, sharp-tongued girl... how did she become someone's playful little girlfriend?
Ren chuckled. "An autograph is a small matter. Moreover, it's for Editor Machida, who has always helped my Utaha."
"My…" Getting an autograph from a teacher she admired should have been happy, but Sonoko felt severely choked. Did he have to feed her dog food at a time like this?
She quickly said, "Utaha, hurry up and prepare. Tonight, I'm going to make you pay dearly! As for Ren-kun, please wait backstage." Considering the commotion his appearance might cause, she seriously asked him to wait.
"No problem."
Seeing how agreeable he was, her impression of him improved. Young, talented, perfect looks, polite, and understanding. Utaha really found a treasure! The key was that she was the one who had thrown this treasure her way. Thinking that she was still single at around 30, she couldn't help but feel like spitting blood.
If she had known the Unheard Flower Name teacher was so excellent, even if she was called an old cow eating young grass, she would have shamelessly pursued him. What a pity! What a pity! She could only think about it in her mind.
[Inorin Note:
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