I've already said this isn't a life simulator!

Feeling the raindrops dripping from his head being blocked, he subconsciously pulled his hands back, letting the lunchbox in his hands also fall within the umbrella's coverage to prevent the rain from falling into it again... Only then did he belatedly express his gratitude.

"Are you having some unpleasant experiences? Hmm... You can talk to me about it, okay? I can help you a little."

Xi Wang didn't leave immediately, but instead squatted down beside him and spoke softly.

"If you talk about what makes you unhappy, the sadness will be halved, right?"

"...No need, and...thank you for the umbrella, I'll return it to you right away."

He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and refused. At the same time, he began to eat his rice silently, and his speed increased considerably, as if he was worried about causing trouble for Xi Wang.

"It's just an umbrella, and you don't need to eat so fast, you might choke... Hmm... How about this, I'll trade you this umbrella for something else?"

"Need not……"

He instinctively wanted to refuse. In his view, Xi Wang was just trying to comfort him... She was a kind student, but he didn't need or want this kind of "pity".

Moreover, someone with Xi Wang's personality would probably just want to exchange "smiles" or something like that, like what I've seen online, exchanging a smile with someone who is sad, encouraging them to be happy... that's all.

But he... doesn't need such a thing, nor does he want it; that semi-forced smile only makes him feel uncomfortable.

"I want to exchange some tears with you."

"……Eh?"

He was stunned for a moment.

"Tears are nothing to be ashamed of, and crying is nothing to be ashamed of... Besides, in this opportune moment, with this fitting rain, it would be a shame not to let it all out properly, wouldn't it?"

Xi Wang said softly.

"Besides... we're complete strangers. Even if this day passes, the chances of us meeting again in this vast sea of ​​people are slim. And even if we do meet again, we probably won't remember each other... Hmm... then let's be a little bolder in front of strangers? And then save our smiles and best side for those closer to us, how about that?"

"........."

He didn't reply or turn to look at Xiwang; he just silently ate his rice, though at a much slower pace than before.

He dared not utter a sound, fearing that if he spoke, he would not be able to catch his breath, and that his sobs would be heard by Xi Wang... He also dared not turn his head, because he could feel the tears flowing down his face along the traces left by the rain, the warmth gradually covering the coldness left by the rain.

Just then, a warm hand pierced through the cold rain and gently touched his face, wiping away a tear from the corner of his eye.

It wasn't abrupt, nor did I stay by his side; I simply... wiped away a single tear for him.

"Thank you, I received it!"

Xi Wang's voice rang out softly from the side, and then it was noticeable that he stood up.

"The umbrella is yours now, remember to eat well~ And keep up the good work!"

Xi Wang simply said this in a light voice, without much distance or intimacy, without delving too deeply into his experiences, merely giving him... no, exchanging an umbrella with him.

Xi Wang left, and the noisy sound of rain surrounded him again, as the rain curtain once more enveloped him.

This time, however, the rain did not fall on him or into the food in his hands; it simply pattered against the umbrella, making a dull sound.

"........."

But after Xi Wang left, his tears flowed uncontrollably, as if a dam had burst. They kept soaking and flowing from his eyes. The warm tears seemed out of place on his cold, rain-soaked face, but for the first time, he did not feel disgusted by this awkwardness, nor did he reject the unstoppable tears.

He didn't cry out loud, but compared to before, he no longer tried to suppress his sobs. Under the cover of the rain, no one could hear his voice... But that was fine too, he could be a little... "reckless".

After his tears subsided, he quickly shoveled the last bit of food in his hand, along with the remaining rainwater in the box, into his mouth. He then packed all the remaining trash into a plastic bag and threw it into the trash can next to him.

Holding the umbrella, he looked around but couldn't find Xi Wang... In fact, he hadn't even been able to remember Xi Wang's face.

As expected... they were just strangers to each other...

but……

"Take it... please..."

He muttered to himself, then carefully folded the umbrella and put it in his car. He covered himself with a rain cover, started the car again, and slowly drove away in the rain.

Somewhat unexpectedly, or rather, unforeseen... after crying, he did feel much better, at least not as depressed as before.

"If I have the chance to meet him again... I'll thank him then."

He muttered to himself, though he knew it would be difficult to meet Xi Wang again under these circumstances, but... what if? Right?

…………

………………

Meanwhile, Xi Wang was still on his way to pick up Eden. Although he had given away one of his spare umbrellas, it didn't matter; he still had another one.

Moreover... Xi Wang also had some new inspiration.

"Hmph~? Hmph hmph hmph~?"

Their steps were light and quick, as if they were about to dance.

"I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain~?"

"What a glorious feelin', I'm happy again~?"

"I'm laughin' at clouds, so dark up above~?"

"The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love~?"

"Hmph~? Hmph hmph hmph~?"

"Ah, Eden will probably like this piece. I'll tell her about it later."

Xi Wang smiled and quickened her pace.

After a while...

"Ah, he's here, he's here."

"You're right on time!"

"Eden, Eden, wake up, Xiwang is here to pick you up."

"Huh?"

Hearing his companion's calls, Eden opened his eyes somewhat groggily. Sensing something, he looked in one direction and, sure enough, saw a figure rushing towards him through the rain. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and a hint of joy lingered in his hazy golden eyes.

"Alright, little one, Eden is in your hands now. Make sure you take good care of her and return her safely, okay?"

"I will, thank you so much, seniors!"

After a brief greeting, Xi Wang took Eden's slightly swaying body from their arms. Smelling the lingering smell of alcohol on her, Xi Wang felt somewhat helpless and could only try to hold her close to him to prevent her from collapsing due to drunkenness. At the same time, he tilted the umbrella slightly to shield her from the rain as much as possible.

"Xi Wang, I drank alcohol today, you know?"

"Yes, I can smell it."

"The wine, hmm... it's very good. Compared to the wines I've had before, it's a bit more delicate. I heard from everyone that it's made from a grape called 'Purple Helen,' and it's not cheap."

"If you like it, you can drink more in the future, but you should drink in moderation, otherwise it will harm your health."

"I know~ But... isn't this you here? You'll be watching me, right?"

"Of course."

"Hmm... I'll have to ask you to take me home from now on too~"

"Okay~"

"But... I have a feeling that Xiwang seems really happy today~ And... is it on purpose?"

Eden smiled, his eyes slightly glazed from the alcohol, and glanced at Xi Wang's slightly upturned lips. At the same time, he quietly reached out and touched Xi Wang's hand holding the umbrella.

"Xiwang used to carry two umbrellas, didn't she? Today she only brought one... I noticed that?"

"I originally brought two, but later... I traded them for something."

"Ok?"

"I've gained inspiration, and the chance to be under an umbrella with you~"

"Haha...that's quite amusing~"

Eden reached out and poked Xiwang's cheek, then leaned against him happily, feeling the warmth dispelling the chill brought by the rain.

It's strange, but on rainy days, Xi Wang's body temperature is always a little higher, warm like a campfire on a snowy night, making people unconsciously want to get closer... Eden likes to be close to him at this time, snuggling up to him, as if leaning against a large hand warmer.

"But...inspiration...could you tell me a little about it?"

Perhaps it was because they had talked about something they both found interesting, Eden perked up a bit, and even his speech became much clearer.

"Okay~"

Xi Wang smiled and hummed the tune she had just thought of, her steps becoming lighter as well.

"Hmph~? Hmph hmph hmph~?"

Eden smiled, clearly noticing Xi Wang's light, almost dancing steps, but she didn't mind. Instead, she followed Xi Wang's rhythm and danced with him, adjusting her voice slightly and humming along with him, her mind becoming somewhat vacant and hazy from the alcohol.

"It's a very suitable song... Hmm, I've also got a little inspiration... Ah, Xiwang, have you thought of a name for this piece? Let's finish it together then?"

"Okay, as for the name..."

Looking at the rain curtain that enveloped the world before him, Xi Wang gently turned his umbrella and said with a smile.

"Let's call it 'Singin' In The Rain'!"

Chapter Nineteen, Second Song, Dedicated to Loved Ones (4631)

Days passed, and you and Eden continued your studies. However, compared to Eden, your popularity, or rather online, was rising at an alarming rate.

As mentioned before, you are used to singing on the street and recording videos to upload online. Although you don't do much marketing yourself and simply record yourself playing music, you have still accumulated quite a few fans without realizing it.

When I play on the street, people sometimes even come up to take photos with me and say they are my fans... It's surprising that so many people like to follow my account!

[You casually asked about it when you returned to school, and it turned out that most of the students there were following your account... That's really surprising.]

However, you are also happy, because at least this proves that your music has been recognized and liked by everyone.

You've started interacting with your fans on your account... and this has actually made them even happier. After all, this "aloof" performer is finally willing to talk to them, and you're surprisingly easy to get along with, shattering the image many fans had of you.

You can see many messages from people here—blessings, praise, and even some expressions of gratitude…it seems your music has helped them at some point.

You responded to each of those heartfelt thanks and stated that you would continue to release music videos in the future. You also reminded your fans that even if they found you in person, they should not come up to take photos with you during your performance, as this would disturb other people listening to the music. You would be happy to cooperate with them when you finished performing or during a break.

This not-too-excessive request was naturally approved by the fans, and at the same time, some people started to wonder about your location... It seems that someone is planning to come directly to you.