"Start my own brand?"
The next day, when Tetsuya heard the news relayed by Sakiko, he couldn't help but show a hesitant expression.
"With my current experience and ability, am I really qualified?"
"I believe that since Director Hasegawa came up with this plan, it means she recognizes that you have the strength, Chihaya-nii."
Sakiko, on the other hand, had infinite trust and recognition for Tetsuya.
"And about those two similar designs... I don't think it's a simple coincidence either. That guy named Diye must have noticed you back at Yihua University and wanted to nip a competitor like you in the bud. So, in order to gain the power to contend with them as soon as possible, starting your own brand is indeed the most effective method."
"..."
Tetsuya, of course, understood everything Sakiko was saying.
It was just that, as a minor who was still only nineteen this year, he naturally felt a bit hesitant when faced with such a major decision.
"...Don't you and the Director have a bit too high of an opinion of me?"
"Not at all! Both the Director and I believe that you already have what it takes to be a head designer, Chihaya-nii!"
Sakiko said with a serious expression.
"Whether it was that bestseller from last year or the stage outfit you designed for Hoshino Ai this year that went viral online, they're all enough to prove your skill! Besides... you don't want to keep hiding your name under pressure from that Diye guy, do you, Chihaya-nii? In that case, we might as well take the initiative and show them the talent they've been so desperate to crush!"
"We...?"
Seeing Sakiko's assertive look, Tetsuya chuckled.
"Alright, I get it. If the Director really manages to secure that sponsor for me, I'll consider starting my own brand—"
"Mhm!"
"And then, I'll hire you, Togawa, as my very first employee."
At this, Tetsuya looked at Sakiko with a slightly teasing gaze.
"You were waiting for me to say that, weren't you?"
"I-I was not!"
Sakiko subconsciously retorted.
"I just genuinely think the Director's plan is very reasonable!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Tetsuya sighed with feigned disappointment.
"So Togawa doesn't really want to strike out on her own with me... but I guess that makes sense. Compared to a personal studio with an uncertain future, a more stable work environment is the better choice—"
"Fine, I take it back. I'm very much looking forward to starting a brand with you, Chihaya-nii, and I'm very proud to be your first employee... Are you satisfied now?"
After being "forced" to speak her true feelings, Sakiko looked at Tetsuya with some displeasure.
"What's gotten into you? I feel like you've suddenly become a bit mean-spirited after meeting with Soyo."
"Ahem, sorry. Her reactions to everything are just so interesting that it accidentally became a habit..."
Realizing his behavior was indeed a bit immature, Tetsuya cleared his throat in embarrassment.
"Speaking of Nagasaki-san, how is your pattern design coming along?"
"Most of it is done, but for the transformation part... I'm a little unsure of how to proceed."
Sakiko said as she took out the half-finished pattern.
"My initial idea was to use ties or nylon fasteners to achieve the effect, but when I actually tested it, I found that the ties weren't ideal, and the nylon fasteners would create a flaw in the appearance..."
"In that case... how about using zippers?"
Tetsuya suggested.
"Place two transparent zippers, one on each side. That way, not only will it maintain the stability of the first form when zipped up, but it will also smoothly achieve the transformation effect you envisioned when unzipped."
"Hmm, but if we do that, to achieve this effect on stage, the performer would need to use her hands to pull both zippers, right?"
Sakiko voiced her concern.
"In that case, wouldn't the audience think... it looks a bit lame?"
And considering Soyo's instrument was the bass, an important instrument needed throughout the entire song, it would probably be difficult to find a moment for her to calmly unzip them—
"It's fine. We just need to use the stretch of the outer fabric to keep the zippers in a critical state."
However, in response to Sakiko's question, Tetsuya proposed a very bold idea:
"The moment the zipper pull loosens, the outer fabric will pull apart due to its own tension, allowing the clothes to transform automatically. This way, all the performer needs to do is give the zipper pull a slight tug, without having to slowly unzip it bit by bit."
"...Eh?"
Hearing this, Sakiko was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously recited what she had read in a reference book:
"But in that case, wouldn't it become very troublesome to restore the garment?"
If the fabric on both sides of the zipper was at a critical point, then zipping it back up would require a certain amount of stretching to return it to its original position.
And that would violate the relevant precautions about sewing zippers that she had read in her reference book.
However—
"Togawa, think again. Is restoring it really something you need to consider?"
Faced with Sakiko's concern, Tetsuya shook his head.
"You're making a stage outfit. The stage effect should be your primary consideration. As for the restoration you mentioned... after the performance, back in the dressing room, she can take as many minutes as she wants to zip it back up, can't she?"
As Sakiko's eyes grew brighter and brighter, Tetsuya continued:
"However, the choice of fabric here is very particular... Come with me to the storage room. I have a rough idea for the inner and outer fabrics..."
"..."
With that, Tetsuya took Sakiko's pattern and headed towards the fabric storage room.
And as she gazed at his back, Sakiko once again solidified the thoughts in her heart—
(It wasn't long ago that Chihaya-nii knew nothing about designing stage outfits, but after designing just one, his thinking has become so flexible that he can completely distinguish between stage wear and daily wear... No, it's not just a simple distinction. He can even cast aside the constraints of daily wear and conceive of such an interesting stage effect!)
(Chihaya-nii is truly a genius... Even if he starts his own brand, he'll definitely achieve great things!)
(I have to work even harder to become a "first employee" worthy of him.)
As the future first employee, Togawa Sakiko was now full of fighting spirit.