Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

In that instant, a hint of surprise flashed in her otherwise resolute eyes.

"Mu...did you ask this guy...to take care of your plants?"

Then, what welled up in her eyes was a complex emotion called disbelief.

"Xiang..."

Mu didn't explain, or rather, she didn't need to explain such a thing. Xiang was just her childhood friend, not her guardian.

However, the suppressed emotions emanating from these two people also indicate that their relationship is far more than just childhood sweethearts.

"It's not what you think, Xiang..."

Xiao glanced at Xiangzi and then at Mu, feeling that her presence was somewhat insignificant.

He was just helping Mu water the plants; he didn't become a third party in their relationship.

"Okay, Mu... I don't want to hear it."

Teacher Da Xiang, why are you giving me that look like a victim who's discovered his girlfriend's infidelity and is helplessly trying to process it on his own?

"It's okay. Maybe while I was protecting you, I didn't fulfill my obligation to have fun and relax with you, which is why you and this guy are getting along so well..."

This dialogue is starting to sound more and more like that of an incompetent husband forgiving his wife's infidelity.

"Um, is it possible that I'm just trying to be friends—"

"You still haven't answered my question, Kazama-kun. How did you know Mutsumi's whereabouts?"

When facing Mu, Xiangzi spoke softly and gently, but when he turned to Xiao, he became stern and fierce, much like a cat that only allows its owner to touch it.

Xiao suddenly became curious about what kind of interesting expressions a cat with this kind of personality would make if it knew that he was spending time with his former teammates.

"Lixi told me."

So he spoke in a calm tone, feigning ignorance, and said something that made Xiangzi's expression change.

"Even though you're no longer in the same band, she and Su Shi still care a lot about the two of you."

Will Xiangzi remember their past friendship and stop avoiding them, or will he become even more wary of them, as if he's been touched by bad luck?

Xiao's tone was nonchalant, but his gaze as he observed Xiangzi's slightly changing expression was actually incredibly calm.

The next second, after a moment of silence, Toyokawa Shoko gave her answer.

"...What you're doing with them right now is none of my business, and it's none of my concern."

Really? This guy's eyebrows are practically all furrowed, what is he being so stubborn about?

It seems that in the choice between A and B, Toyokawa Shoko chose "or"—to guard the last piece of land that belongs only to her, namely, Wakaba Mutsumi.

"If you want to get along with them, go ahead. If you want to get information about my harmony from them, you'd better not let me know. Now that we've parted ways, I don't have time to continue playing house."

Despite saying such nonchalant words, Xiao Neng noticed that Xiangzi's face was red—it seemed like he was angry but still trying to appear dignified.

However, she did go a bit too far. Mu, who was standing next to her, couldn't help but glance at Xiao. This was a sign that she was worried about someone.

"...Never mind, actually no matter who you deal with, I won't let you have any ideas about Mu."

After setting aside her high-sounding words, Toyokawa Shoko revealed her true intentions.

Why are you so hostile towards me?

Xiao was also somewhat helpless. Even if Xiangzi hurt Mu, he wouldn't do it.

“Because I can sense that you will take Mutsu away from me”—Toyokawa Shoko could not possibly say such a thing, as it would make her seem very petty.

"...I guess some people are just naturally incompatible, and we're both right about that, Kazama-kun."

Feeling that further explanation would be futile, Toyokawa Shoko decided to turn around and leave with Mutsu.

Mu was in a panic because the planting work was not yet finished, but Xiao gave her a reassuring look that said, "Don't worry, I will help you clean up the mess," which reassured her a little.

Before leaving with Xiangzi, Mu turned around and silently stared at Xiao for a long time.

I'm sorry, I have to stand on Xiang's side—that's probably what she meant to convey.

Xiao also sensed that she wanted to express her apology, but just smiled and waved to her to indicate that it was okay.

However, after watching Xiangzi take Mu away like that, his smile gradually faded.

Xiao carefully tended to the cucumber seedlings that Mu had left behind, just as she had countless times helped Mu tend to the plants she grew on the balcony at home.

Although she was happy to be able to talk to him peacefully, and she didn't mind that it was a happy thing for her, Xiangzi could still easily take her away from her, and Mu would always obey Xiangzi's requests and follow him away.

It seems that Xiangzi will always be the pinnacle of her life.

If Toyokawa Shoko hadn't encountered that so-called accident back then...would I really still have had the chance to appear in Mutsumi's life?

No, if I keep thinking about it, I'll only fall into a vicious cycle of self-doubt.

After covering the adobe with a shovel, Xiao put up the "Ruoye" sign and stood up to let out a long sigh.

As long as Mu can be happy... he is actually willing to embrace that possibility.

But the strange melancholy that lingered in his heart did not dissipate, and no matter how he tried to comfort himself, it remained etched in his mind.

As Xiao walked out of the plantation, her gaze towards the sky held a hint of melancholy.

"If Xiao feels depressed or sad... why don't you go to the planetarium to relax? The stars will guide you to the answer."

As if by some strange twist of fate, the whispered words of a woman who had once leaned close to his ear echoed in his mind.

By the way... the planetarium in this city should still be in its original location, right?

Bounty and Extra Chapter Warning!

Hey hey hey, it's still a bounty! Everyone's eagerly anticipating how the story unfolds, so I'm working overtime to write it all!

这次的悬赏机制和上次相差不大，依然是每50月票、200推荐票、50刀片、1000打赏、200收藏加更一更（2k字）时间限制是24小时

I/X is a sulfurous Qi-chan】? Not only that, there will be another big update around 12 o'clock (currently writing and producing). Please support us and look forward to it!

Chapter Thirty-Four: Our Childhood Sweethearts Were Set Up by a Strange Newcomer (Bonus Chapter 1)

In the initial period after Mu led Xiao into the family home, she was actually unable to adapt to her new living environment so quickly.

He knew this place wasn't originally his, and at first he didn't know how to get along with the taciturn and taciturn Mu, not to mention that Li Xi initially had some reservations about Mu adopting him.

So he tucked his head between his arms.

"...Your name is Xiao, right? It's a very nice name."

Until a woman with medium-length blonde hair and purple eyes gently placed her palm on the top of his head, as if to comfort him or soothe the slight unease in his heart.

"My name is Hatsune Miku... um, Miku Miku the Triangle. If you're feeling down, would you like to come with me to the planetarium to look at the stars?"

The woman used her gentle voice and calm demeanor to make him look up, and then gently took his hand.

This is the first day that Xiaoyao and Misaki Miku have formed a bond, and also the first day that she has shared her secret place for healing her wounds with him.

“I have lost someone before, and whenever I feel so desperate that I can’t breathe and can’t go on anymore… the starry sky here always calms me down.”

He still remembers how Hatsune Miku's face was full of sadness and reminiscence back then.

When she looked into Xiao's amber eyes, it was as if she were looking at someone else through him.

"Of course, I hope Akatsuki will never become like me... When you feel down, come here to relax, okay? That's our secret."

As a child, Xiao didn't understand why Aunt Hatsune would look so sad, but now he can empathize with her a little.

Toyokawa Shoko regarded him as her number one enemy who "mute Mutsu," and even though Mutsu had developed some feelings for him, it was all in vain.

He just wanted to talk to his mother more, and he didn't know why Xiangzi was so anxious.

After arriving in this timeline, Xiao originally intended to save Toyokawa Shoko's life, but now it seems that not only does she find fault with him in every way, she also wants Mutsu to keep his distance... Is it really necessary?

It is too early to draw such a conclusion, as the accident that Toyokawa Shoko encountered was a matter of life and death.

Besides... let's put Mutsu aside for now. If the former members of Team C had to choose sides, they would definitely side with Toyokawa Shoko.

After all, he was just an outsider who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, while they were a team that had already formed bonds long before.

After leaving the plantation, a listless Xiao boarded the direct tram home, a stark contrast to his mood when he arrived.

Feeling agitated, he took out his phone while sitting on the tram and gazing out the window.

He opened the social media app, but instead of clicking on Li Xi's profile picture or opening Su Shi's chat box, he went straight to the section for Banami.

[Hanami, do you know where the planetarium is in the nearby town?]

This guy was the first person he met after arriving in this timeline—an ordinary friend who belonged to neither CRYCHIC nor MYGO.

Only when talking to Hanami do I not have to think things through carefully.

【Hmm? If it's the newly built planetarium, I know where it is. Can I send you the address?】

Banami replied quickly, it seems she always has her phone in her hand.

However, compared to issuing ① slippery enterprise VIII seems to be VII (IV) woo liu send address...

Xiao thought about it for a while, and finally edited a line of text and clicked send.

The following day, in the sweltering early summer evening.

The blue-haired girl, who seemed to have been waiting for a long time, nervously twirled her hair with her fingers until Xiao appeared in front of her before daring to complain to him directly.

"W-So that was a date request yesterday... I really underestimated you, Kazama!"

【Then let's go together tomorrow】, this was the text message Kazama sent her yesterday.

When it was time to leave, Anna realized that this was no different from a date.

So she quickly changed into a little white dress that was perfect for a date, and even applied sunscreen and brought a parasol.

"Who said this was a date?"

What he got in return was a puzzled look from Kazama, who seemed completely unaware of the situation.

"I just wanted to find someone to come to the planetarium with. Anyway, I guess I don't have anything to do with you, Yaya."

"Yes, that's how it is... right?"

Once again, she misunderstood something unintentionally. Seeing that Miss Banai was so desperate that she wanted to find a crack in the ground to bury herself and then erect a tombstone for herself.

"Didn't you say just a few days ago that you didn't want to be part of a lovey-dovey karaoke duet? In that case, why don't you just lick your wounds and pass the time with someone as helpless as me?"

"What licking wounds... That sounds so pitiful, Kazama-kun. Well, it's true, I feel safer with you than with Kusakabe and that dairy cow..."

As they chatted, they entered the planetarium one after the other under the cover of darkness.

Although it looks like a date, it's not a date at all.

Akatsuki just wanted a brief respite from the complicated lesbian relationships among the band's girls, and Banami genuinely didn't want to be troubled by her childhood sweetheart's romance anymore.

It could be said that the two of them escaped here together.

"But, Kazama, you and I are still quite different, aren't we?"

After entering the quiet planetarium, Hanami's voice became much softer.

"After all, you seem to be very popular with those girls in the band."

If it were any other normal person, they might have detected a subtle hint of concern and jealousy in the blue-haired girl's tone.

Kazama, who had been looking around, turned his head and stared at Hanami's profile in a daze.

"...Hana, do you also want to become a band girl?"

As a result, Kazama's focus often differs greatly from that of normal people.

"No, no, no, my comfort zone isn't there."

Seeing that Miss Banai had withdrawn her concern, it seemed that the blockhead in front of her was a bit beyond her imagination.

In fact, Banami's original intention was to encourage Kazama to cheer up. He was far from being as pathetic as he was, having worked so hard only to benefit others.

"What I mean is—at least you're not as much of a loser as me. At least those band girls seem to care about you, and some of them are even pestering you to teach them guitar... It's like the treatment of a male protagonist in a romance novel, isn't it?"

But would the male protagonist in a romance novel develop a romantic relationship with his aunts?