Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
Triggering three consecutive [Dating Options] within such a short span is relatively rare.
Bochang was momentarily taken aback.
[Option 1: Raise your hand and say, "Boss, I can play the bass guitar." - Completion Reward: Bass Guitar Proficiency.]
[Option 2: Honestly go fetch the toolbox - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]
"Hmm... this option..."
Bochang examined it closely; mastering the bass guitar seemed like a practical life skill, akin to snowfield maintenance and driving expertise.
Option two, on the other hand, was entirely a gamble.
Bochang had taken chances before, and each time, the rewards were decent enough.
He never encountered truly insignificant prizes like a single matchstick, a pack of paper, or just one chopstick.
Although tempted to embrace his inner gambler,
still...
Bochang's keen intuition told him that choosing the first option at this moment might be more advantageous.
"If I claim to know how to play the bass guitar, Serval might invite me on stage, even if not immediately, perhaps in the future... This could help me get closer to them."
"Option one!" Bochang made his decision and raised his hand, saying, "Boss, I can play the bass guitar."
[Reward being issued—Congratulations! You have received Bass Guitar Mastery.]
"Huh? You can play the bass guitar? Really?" Serval sounded slightly surprised.
It was well-known that bassists were rare, as playing the bass guitar had less mainstream appeal and struggled to attract attention.
This scarcity also meant that Serval's band still lacked a professional bassist, despite previous auditions.
In the past, some bass players did apply, but most lacked sufficient skill...
Serval wasn't impressed by their abilities.
"Yes, I can play the bass," Bochang nodded. After the system's voice announced the reward... numerous techniques related to playing the bass instantly filled his mind, along with an intuitive understanding of many songs without any prior instruction.
After pondering for a moment, Serval said, "Alright then, bring both the bass guitar and the toolbox over here. I'll take this opportunity to assess your skills."
"Sure."
Bochang and Stelle promptly set off, using the keys to open the door of the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop.
The soundproofing inside was excellent.
As soon as they entered, the noisy clamor outside faded completely.
Stelle couldn't help but ask, "Bochang, do you really know how to play the bass?"
"Of course, I wouldn't lie about that."
Previously, Bochang had no knowledge of the instruments Serval displayed, but now with just a glance, relevant information immediately surfaced, making it incredibly convenient.
He casually picked up a black bass guitar.
Strumming its strings, Bochang ensured there were no issues with the tone before looking up at Stelle.
Meanwhile, Stelle had already located the toolbox.
Seeing Bochang's professional movements, Stelle remarked, "You sure have a wide range of talents... cooking, fixing vehicles, playing the bass... What else can you do, Bochang?"
With his golden eyes, he gazed at the black-haired youth.
Stelle was genuinely curious.
Bochang smiled and replied, "I'm not entirely sure."
It was perfectly normal to be unsure; Bochang couldn't predict what rewards the Dating Options system would provide.
From what he had experienced so far... the rewards were wildly unpredictable, encompassing anything imaginable.
Without saying more, Stelle and Bochang carried their instruments to the stage together.
Serval seized the opportunity to repair the recorder promptly.
Meanwhile, Pela tested Bochang's bass skills with similar skepticism as Stelle, asking, "Do you really know how to play the bass? Don't just pretend for the sake of impressing Serval..."
"I truly do know how to play the bass," Bochang emphasized once again.
"Alright then," Pela said, "Since we have some time now, why don't you give us a quick sample?"
Wasting no time, Bochang picked up the bass guitar and began playing effortlessly.
His fingers swiftly plucked the strings.
Pure bass notes began to resonate around them.
In a band performance, due to its deep tone, the bass is often subtle and hard to distinguish, making it less noticeable... However, now it was Bochang's solo act.
The sound could clearly be heard, albeit still relatively soft.
After playing briefly, Pela interrupted him, saying, "Impressive... Among all the bassists I know, your skills rank right at the top."
Serval approached, having finished fiSteller recorder.
As a rock star, she had a keen ear for music. Despite the crowd and ambient noise, she managed to hear Bochang's performance, captivated by the beautiful melody.
Moreover, he was playing a piece composed by Serval herself.
She couldn't believe Bochang hadn't prepared beforehand; it seemed too coincidental.
"Nice skills! Want to join us on stage?" Serval extended an invitation.
Although they hadn't rehearsed together, this impromptu street performance didn't require tickets or formalities... It was perfectly fine to have Bochang play along. They've invited passersby before as well.
Without hesitation, Bochang agreed.
Stelle encouraged him, "Go for it!"
Nodding, Bochang confidently stepped forward, transitioning from spectator to performer on stage under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Initially feeling slightly nervous with all the attention, Bochang quickly calmed down as his bass guitar provided immense reassurance.
The addition of this new musician didn't cause any significant disruption; the performance continued seamlessly.
Before starting, Serval specifically asked Bochang if he knew the song they were about to play, receiving a confirmation.
With that, the performance officially began.
As the rhythm unfolded, the sounds of guitars, drums, electronic piano, and bass guitar echoed one after another.
During the performance, Bochang's gaze frequently met Pela's.
This was due to their positioning on stage.
Standing opposite each other, both positioned towards the back and slightly left and right, made eye contact inevitable.
Initially, Serval had concerns that Bochang might hinder the band's performance, but unexpectedly, adding his bass...actually improved the overall effect significantly.
As Serval played the guitar and sang, she frequently glanced at Bochang.
"Is this really our first time performing together? It feels like we've rehearsed extensively."
Apart from Serval, Lynx and Pela also shared this impression. They occasionally looked towards Bochang as well.
The audience below, however, was different; their gazes were primarily fixed on the three beautiful girls onstage.
Bassist?
Does the band have a bassist?
Oh...there seems to be one, but it's not important.
Fully absorbed in his performance, the black-haired youth didn't notice others' stares. He was completely immersed in the music, with notes flowing effortlessly from his fingertips, connecting harmoniously with the guitar, electronic piano, and drums.
Since they were playing live, Bochang could quickly adapt to the rhythm changes initiated by Serval and the others. In fact, he even guided them back onto track, making their performance smoother and more comfortable.
Watching the four musicians on stage, Stelle felt a sudden surge of admiration within her.
While sweeping the streets, Dan Heng reached the venue and paused. Seeing Bochang freely expressing himself on stage, several question marks arose in his mind, and he couldn't help but mutter sarcastically, "What the heck, does he ever need to work?"