Chapter 183: A Girl Who Loves Music

Indeed, it was the Angel's affection for Mapo Tofu that led Zhang Fan and Tachibana Kanade from the underground to the school's cafeteria. There, they ordered two servings of the spicy dish and settled at a table.

From the outset, Kanade was silent, focusing solely on the Mapo Tofu before her. Zhang Fan, initially skeptical of its allure, found himself pleasantly surprised by its complex, lingering flavors after braving its fiery heat.

"Kanade, I'm aware of who you really are. You're not the Angel as described by the Afterlife Battlefront but rather a regular individual like the rest of us. However, it puzzles me why you've ended up in such a relentless conflict with them," Zhang Fan broached, seeking to understand the underlying issue while they dined.

"I don't know," the stoic girl replied, shaking her head, her brevity reflecting her struggle with self-expression—a likely reason behind the Battlefront's misconception of her intentions.

Without further elaboration, she returned to her Mapo Tofu, prompting Zhang Fan to suggest, "Do you wish for everyone to let go of their grudges and experience a normal youth?"

This remark caused Kanade to pause, her gaze fixed intently on Zhang Fan.

"If I said I'd help you, could we work together?" Zhang Fan proposed, noticing a flicker of interest in her.

"What should I do?" Kanade's response, marked by her inherent kindness, showed her genuine desire to assist everyone.

"For now, just watch and wait. I plan to reach out to the so-called Guild Faction. Once we understand both factions better, we can decide on how to change things for everyone," Zhang Fan strategized, preferring to gather more information before making any rash moves.

"Okay," Kanade agreed, resuming her culinary conquest, her undying love for Mapo Tofu evident.

"Now that we're collaborating, I'll call you Kanade instead of Miss Tachibana. It suits you. And you can call me Zhang Fan," he suggested, seeking to foster a more personal connection. Kanade, focused on her meal, merely nodded in agreement, leaving Zhang Fan feeling somewhat deflated.

Nevertheless, their alliance was a strategic success. Having Kanade on his side was a significant advantage. As Zhang Fan pondered their next steps while walking through the school corridors, he was suddenly interrupted by a loud crash and a cry of pain. Distracted, he had bumped into someone.

"You there! Don't you look where you're going?" came a stern voice. Before him stood a petite girl with pink hair, dressed in an SSS uniform, adorned with various cute accessories. Despite her adorable appearance, her temperament was anything but, as she glared at Zhang Fan fiercely.

"Apologies, I was lost in thought," Zhang Fan conceded, acknowledging his fault in the collision.

"Oh, it's you!" the girl exclaimed, recognizing Zhang Fan and labeling him a "violent murderer" based on rumors, to which Zhang Fan could only respond with dismay, vowing to clear his misrepresented image.

The girl, Yu, shared her passion for the band Girls Dead Monster (GD), detailing their talents and her admiration, especially for the lead singer and guitarist, Yui. Her enthusiasm was infectious, though Zhang Fan was more interested in information about a new band posing a challenge to GD.

Yu mentioned Fire Guns, a band with a promising rivalry against GD, sparking Zhang Fan's interest in their potential role within the school's dynamics. Deciding to consult Xiaoyouli for insights, Zhang Fan left Yu, still engrossed in her musical aspirations, contemplating the new developments and their implications for the afterlife world.