Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

These were all stories that Aunt Su Shi had told him personally. She had held onto them for so many years, but she gradually let go of them and moved towards the future with her companions.

"You think you'll stay in the same place and wait for everyone to come back, but in the end you'll leave too."

No one stays in the same place forever, not even Nagasaki Motoyo.

"...You would never understand the bond between us."

But Nagasaki Motoyo remained silent for a long time, and Akatsuki's earnest persuasion could not sway her mind.

“I don’t need any new possibilities… I’ll do anything to go back to the past.”

Or perhaps even if she wavered a little, she still chose not to turn back until she hit a brick wall.

What kind of spell did Toyokawa Shoko cast on these aunties? Why are they all so obsessed with CRYCHIC because of her existence? In my memory, Aunt Su Shi was already a free-spirited and generous mature woman.

Xiao felt somewhat helpless, but then she thought—

If we agree to Su Shi's request and go along with what she says, wouldn't it be easier to get closer to Mu He Xiangzi?

Although he already knew all sorts of private information about everyone, he figured that if he came knocking on their door, he'd probably just be seen as someone looking to open a box. It would be better to accept the olive branch Su Shi was extending and establish an alliance with her...

Although she is currently only using herself to achieve her goal of restoring C-group, Akatsuki is destined not to let her succeed.

After a moment's thought, Xiao got the answer.

“You’re right, I won’t understand the bond between you two. But that doesn’t mean I’ll reject your offer… Let’s make this process easier, Su Shi.”

He gently shook his head to indicate that he would no longer argue about this point, and Su Shi's gaze gradually softened.

Honestly, the morbid pursuit of Xiangzi by his aunts is truly terrifying—are they really not virgins?

"I will do as you wish and find a way to help you win Xiangzi back. As for the reward... just let me practice with Lixi often, that will be enough."

His addition surprised Su Shi slightly, since it was practically unconditional help.

"That's wonderful, thank you for your understanding, Kazama-kun. My attitude just now was a little inappropriate, I'm truly sorry."

Moreover, this boy she had only recently met had just said something offensive, yet somehow he was able to completely understand all her unspoken meanings in the next instant and smooth over the offense.

"I promise that I won't bother you again."

She wasn't angry; instead, she was a little puzzled as to why she felt an inexplicable closeness to him.

It seems best to keep a proper distance from this person, otherwise she can't guarantee that she won't repeat the same mistake she made when she first met Xiangzi.

"Just tell me your thoughts, Su Shi. Do you want me to persuade Xiangzi to change his mind?"

While Su Shi was still busy sorting out her thoughts, Xiao was already thinking about how to cross paths with Xiangzi again.

"Ah... perhaps it's a bit inappropriate to bring this up so directly, but I think she hasn't forgotten our dreamlike past..."

What? This feels like a wife who misses the past, wants to reconcile with her ex-husband, and is unwilling to say it directly.

"Just tell me yes or no."

Xiao put her hands on her hips, her expression becoming exceptionally serious and solemn.

"Don't beat around the bush when you can explain things in a word or two. How can others know what you're thinking if you don't say it directly?"—His face was full of this expression.

"……Yes."

Xiao nodded with a smile only after Su Shi nodded blankly and stopped beating around the bush.

"Yes, very good."

This was actually the way Aunt Su Shi used to teach him when he used to cry and make a fuss.

Although Aunt Su Shi would immediately revert to her usual gentleness after he frankly expressed his thoughts, Xiao still vividly remembers her unique parenting skills.

Moreover, this tactic seems to be quite effective against Su Shi now.

Actually, Nagasaki Motoyo was a little confused after she came to her senses. She felt like she had just been treated like a child, but she had no proof.

"Don't worry too much about this kind of thing. I'll find a way to get in touch with Xiangzi."

Regardless, Xiao will do her best to help fulfill the wishes of the aunts who raised her. If everyone can reconcile happily by then, it would be a wonderful thing.

But if their separation is inevitable... wouldn't it be more reasonable to let Toyokawa Shoko face her destined death?

There's no turning back now; he can only hope that things will turn out for the better.

"In short, let's exchange contact information first, so it'll be easier to stay in touch, okay?"

The boy had a hearty smile, and Su Shi could sense that his smile lacked any social niceties, so she also took out her phone.

After exchanging social media accounts, she lowered her head, staring at the contact information she had just received, lost in thought.

Kazama Akatsuki's appearance, like Toyokawa Shoko's before, was yet another unexpected turn of events.

Xiangzi wove a beautiful dream for her, while Xiao offered her the possibility of reliving her old dream.

After much hesitation, Nagasaki Motoyo finally decided to accept the gift.

Was the deity as wicked as ever this time, or did they show her great mercy and compassion?

She didn't know where her fate would lead, but at least...

There's one more person you can ask for help from now... right?

"Don't worry, I'll share any information with you, Su Shi."

After their alliance was established, before they went their separate ways, Kazama, who was about to leave, turned back and gave Suze a final word of advice.

"At least you won't have to go to the school to stake out them anymore. Leave that kind of work to me."

"Okay, then I'll leave it to you... Huh?"

After subconsciously thanking him, Su Shi stared blankly at the boy's retreating figure.

How did he know about this?

Chapter Thirty-One: Fanatical Mutual Fan, Kimo

The long day finally came to an end as night fell, and Kazama finally managed to steal a half-day of leisure, lying in bed and scrolling through social media from twenty years ago.

The progress these past two days has been remarkable. Not only have we successfully connected with the younger generation of aunties, but we've also obtained Aunt Su Shi's contact information.

As for Toyokawa Shoko... aside from leaving her with the impression of an auntie thief, there seems to be no progress at all.

Anyway, now that we're at the beginning of the story, he could easily get ahead of Xiangzi in contacting the members she initially planned to recruit into the new troupe, and also investigate what exactly caused the unexpected disaster that befell her back then.

Yes, neither Mutsu nor anyone else spoke of Shoko's death in front of him, which is why Akira still doesn't know what kind of accident Shoko Toyokawa encountered.

The easiest way to ask someone directly about this is, of course.

However, if we follow Su Shi's method and go to the school gate to block people and ask, "How are you feeling lately? Is it possible that you're about to die suddenly?" it seems a bit too antisocial.

Sigh, couldn't Toyokawa Shoko just come up to him and submit her medical report voluntarily? It would be best to take the opportunity to draw a vial of his blood and check if there's anything in it that could bewitch him.

While Xiao was lying in bed scrolling through his phone and listening to music with nothing to do, two people sent him messages.

One of them is Anna Hanami.

【I said, Kazama... is there anything you want most right now?】

What's going on? Is Ayana Hanami going to change her name to Aladdin Ayana?

He didn't have time for idle chatter, so he just glanced at his bank account balance, which only had half of his monthly allowance left, casually replied "I want money the most," and exited the chat.

The second message came from Shiina Tatsuki, who had just sent him a friend request.

Come to Ring next Tuesday afternoon if you're free.

What is this? It's as aggressive as a declaration of war.

[Because Taki-chan mentioned wanting your contact information, I gave it to her. What's up? Is she inviting you for afternoon tea?]

Although Su Shi quickly answered Kazama's question, she still couldn't explain why Riki had asked him to go to Ring next Tuesday.

Anyway, it's not a date.

Never mind, I'll just add Aunt Lixi's contact information to my contacts.

【Master~ Master, Master Kazama—are you free to practice guitar together next week? I'm free after school! ('o?o`)】

Next came a message from Chihaya Aine, it seems everyone is quite free at this time.

Since Li Xi has arranged to meet next Tuesday, let's just make the same appointment with Aine.

After sending the message, Xiao put her phone aside, closed her eyes, and sighed deeply.

It would be great if he also had Mu's contact information.

If Xiangzi hadn't interfered last time, he might have been able to get Mu's contact information smoothly.

He looked sadly at the cucumbers planted in pots on the balcony; the fertile soil had yet to produce any cucumber seedlings.

Ever since Mu secretly slipped the cucumber seeds to Yi V"II镏（一）衤三侕II⒐倭他 that day, he has taken them home and carefully cultivated them.

When will I be able to see Mu again?

Kazama Akatsuki spent the day listlessly.

And the second day, the third day—

Until Tuesday.

"Hey—didn't you sleep well last night?"

Shiina Tatsuki looked displeased and snatched the drumsticks from Akatsuki's hand, who was sitting in front of the drum set.

"Didn't you say you were good at the drums? I've been practicing diligently these past few days, let's have a showdown!"

Yes, that was exactly the purpose of Shiina Tatsuki's text message.

She had already suspected that this guy had been holding back when he played keyboards with her, and that day she witnessed Xiao's low-key yet flamboyant performance with his guitar in the recording studio.

Therefore, Shiina Tatsuki became even more convinced that this guy was definitely pretending to be weak while actually being strong.

However, when Xiao arrived as promised, he did not seriously compete with her. Even when Lixi put in 120% of her effort and focus, she still couldn't get him to concentrate. What's more, he easily and improvised the drum set that she had practiced for several days.

If he gets serious, he'll be utterly destroyed.

Now Li Erlin II Er (I) Shan Linxia Erxi is really getting a little anxious.

"Do I have to grab you by the collar and tell you I'm challenging you to a duel before you'll start playing the drums seriously?!"

After Li Xi finished speaking, he stepped forward, looking like he was really going to grab Xiao by the collar and shake him awake.

However, the latter was still lost in thought.

"Actually, when Li Xi grabbed my collar, the first thing that wafted over was the fragrance, and then the feeling of being lifted up. The moment the fragrance filled my nostrils, the feeling of weightlessness no longer brought panic, but rather a genuine sense of pleasure—"

"What...what did you say?!"

Witnessing Riki's flushed face and furious expression, Chihaya Aine stood to the side, holding her guitar and not daring to speak loudly.

Even when you're distracted, you still manage to make witty remarks, Hagiwara...

"Without seeing Mu, I will never experience joy or sorrow again in this life..."

"What? So you're a huge fan of Mutsu, Kimo."

If Shiina Tatsuki currently has feelings for Kazama Akira, then his statement just now should have deducted at least 5 points.

"What? I'm a huge fan of Lixi too."

"are you crazy?!"

…and then add 6 points.

"So why are you so concerned about Mu? Is it because of her pretty face and her status as a celebrity's child?"

"Huh? I'm not that shallow. Of course, it's because I can't survive without her."

Although it's not superficial at all, it suddenly feels so heavy...!

Ai Yin silently complained to herself, while forcing a smile and offering advice to Xiao.

"In that case, why doesn't Kazama-kun just go and see that girl named Mutsumi? I think she would be very happy to know."

Although she did intend to ask Xiao for guitar lessons, Ai Yin wouldn't learn anything useful if Xiao's mind wasn't on the instrument all day.

"Huh? Because I don't know where she is..."