Green plums cannot become lovers.

In the end, he simply said: I hope everyone around me, regardless of gender, can be happy.

When he opened his eyes, he saw that the other four had also finished their prayers. Marina looked serious, Shizuka looked gentle, Ai had her eyes closed as if she were making a long wish, and Akane looked at them with loving eyes.

After the worship ceremony, they drew lots.

Marina drew "Good Fortune" and jumped for joy. Shizuka drew "Great Fortune" and smiled, saying she would treasure it. Ai drew "Bad Fortune" and was a little disappointed, but An and Asuka comforted her, saying, "Bad Fortune is still good fortune, and it's much better than bad fortune."

Akane Akasaka drew a "small luck" card. She smiled and said, "It's already very good. At my age, I don't ask for great wealth and status, I just want peace and good fortune."

When it was An and Asuka's turn, he took a deep breath, shook the divination tube, and drew a divination stick.

Unfold it and take a look—

"Great fortune".

It reads: "A bright future, helpful people, dreams within reach, happiness in sight."

Akane Akasaka leaned over to take a look, then happily patted him on the shoulder: "Great fortune! Looks like this year is going to be a very good year."

An and Asuka looked at the fortune slip and then at the people around them, a warm feeling welling up in their hearts.

Yes, maybe this year really will be a great year.

In the afternoon, they continued browsing the market. Akane Akasaka wanted to buy gifts for the children, but everyone refused.

“Sister Zhu Yin has already done so much for us,” Shizuka said. “We can’t always accept your gifts.”

“Yes, we have an income now.” Marina patted her chest. “We can buy what we want.”

Hoshino Ai nodded earnestly: "Akane-nee, keep the money for yourself. You work so hard, you need to rest more and eat more nutritious food."

Akane Akasaka was so moved by these children that she didn't know what to say. She had seen too many people who asked her for things, but she had rarely encountered such sensible and considerate children.

In the end, at her insistence, she bought everyone a set of clothes for the New Year—a red coat for Marina, a warm scarf for Shizuka, a cute hat for Ai, and a pair of comfortable gloves for An and Asuka.

“This is a New Year’s gift, you can’t refuse it,” Akane Akasaka said in an unquestionable tone.

The group looked at each other and finally accepted it with smiles.

"Thank you, Sister Zhu Yin!"

As the sun began to set, they had finished their sightseeing. The five of them, carrying large and small bags—containing food, toys, and gifts—returned to their car.

Akane Akasaka started the car, but didn't drive away immediately. She looked at the children's smiling faces in the rearview mirror, watching them excitedly discuss their experiences of the day, and felt a sense of satisfaction.

She didn't feel tired at all today; in fact, much of the fatigue she had accumulated from work disappeared. Being with these children made her forget the backstabbing in the workplace, the pressure of work, and the complexities of the adult world.

Here, she can simply be an ordinary older sister, spending the New Year with her younger siblings.

I haven't felt this way in a long time.

The car slowly drove away from the market, heading towards home. The scenery outside the window looked especially gentle in the sunset; the distant mountains were bathed in golden light, and the snow on the fields reflected a soft glow.

The carriage was quiet; the children, having played all day, were all a little tired. Marina was dozing off on Shizuka's shoulder, Ai was asleep hugging her newly bought panda plushie, while An and Asuka were gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Akane Akasaka glanced at him in the rearview mirror and asked softly, "Are you tired?"

"I'm not tired." Anhe Feibiao shook her head, turned to her and smiled, "I had a great day. Thank you, Zhuyin-jie."

“I’m very happy too,” Akane Kousaka said sincerely. “This is the most meaningful New Year I’ve ever had.”

By the time the car arrived at my doorstep, it was completely dark.

The five people got out of the car, carrying large and small bags, and went into the house. The house was warm, the heating was on full blast, and the aroma of last night's New Year's Eve dinner still lingered in the air.

"Ugh, I'm exhausted..." Marina collapsed onto the sofa as soon as she walked in. "But I'm so happy!"

"Me too." Shizuka smiled as she put her things away. "I really had a great time today."

Xiao Ai was still hugging her panda plush toy, a satisfied smile on her face.

Akane Akasaka looked at the children, a strong sense of reluctance welling up inside her. Tomorrow she would be returning to Tokyo, back to that busy, complex, and stressful world. This warm little home, these lovely children, would remain the softest corner of her heart.

Just then, An and Asuka suddenly spoke up: "Sister Zhuyin, we have a gift for you."

Akane Kousaka was taken aback: "A gift? Didn't you already...?"

Before she could finish speaking, the four children each took out a beautifully wrapped gift box from their bags and handed it to her.

"Sister Zhu Yin, this is for you. Happy New Year." An Hefei handed her a dark blue gift box.

"This is mine, I hope you like it." Shizuka handed over a light purple box.

“And mine!” Marina pulled out a golden box.

"This, this is mine..." Xiao Ai handed over a pink box.

Akane Akasaka was completely stunned. Looking at the four gift boxes in front of her and the children's sincere smiles, she suddenly understood something.

Last night, when An and Asuka said, "It would be great if someone could take us out for a day," there was that expectant look in their eyes.

Today, the children showed such understanding yet persistence when she refused to buy them gifts.

So that's how it all happened... that it was all for this moment.

They had planned to give her a gift long ago, which is why they refused to let her spend money. They used that method to get her to agree to take them out, creating wonderful New Year's memories for them. And now, they presented her with the gift they had prepared beforehand as a token of their gratitude.

This realization instantly brought tears to Akane Kousaka's eyes.

Her hands trembled as she accepted the gift boxes. Each one was carefully wrapped, each one carrying the children's heartfelt wishes.

"Can...can I open it?" Her voice was choked with emotion.

“Of course,” An and Asuka said with a smile.

Akane carefully opened the first box—a gift from An and Asuka. Inside was a silver bracelet with a small musical note pendant, and next to it was a card: "To Akane-nee: Thank you for being part of our family. Happy New Year. —Asuka"

The second gift was from Shizuka. Inside was a handmade photo album. The first few pages were already filled with photos of them together—a group photo at their Tokyo office, a few candid shots of their profiles. The back pages were still blank, waiting to be filled with future memories. The card read: "To Akane-nee: May this album record our shared moments. Happy New Year. —Shizuka"

The third one was a gift from Marina. Inside was a painting she had drawn herself—it depicted five people sitting around a table eating hot pot, each with a smile on their face, against a backdrop of a warm home. The painting was somewhat childlike, but full of emotion.

The card read: "Akane-neechan, you're like an older sister to us. Happy New Year! —Marina"

The last one was a gift from Ai. Inside was a small music box; when opened, it played the melody of "Hotaru no Hikari," composed by An and Asuka. Inside the lid was a photo of Ai and Akane Akasaka taken in Tokyo. The card read: "Akane-nee, thank you for giving me wings to my dreams. Happy New Year. —Ai"

Akane Akane looked at the gifts and finally couldn't hold back her tears.

She hadn't received such a gift in a long time. She recalled the utilitarian and calculating gifts she had received since entering the workforce. She realized that over the years, she had been giving, yet had rarely received such a pure and heartfelt gift.

At this moment, these four children, in their most sincere way, told her: You are very important to us, we are grateful to you, and we consider you family.

"Thank you..." Akane's voice choked with emotion. She hugged the gifts tightly, as if they were the most precious treasures in the world. "Thank you... really... thank you..."

An and Asuka stepped forward and gently hugged her: "We should be thanking you, Sister Zhu Yin. Thank you for everything you've done for us."

Marina, Shizuka, and Ai also gathered around, and the five of them hugged each other, forming a warm little circle.

At that moment, Akane Akasaka clearly felt that she was no longer just a producer, an employer, or an observer.

She is part of this family.

They are family members who are genuinely accepted by these children.

Outside the window, the first fireworks of the New Year began to bloom in the night sky. The brilliant colors illuminated the sky and also lit up this warm little home.

Inside the house, five people with no blood relation become the closest family members because of fate and their choices with each other.

This is their New Year.

A New Year filled with warmth, emotion, hope, and love.

And countless more days like this await them in the future.

They walked together, grew together, and created their own story together.

The snow was falling gently outside the window.

Volume 1: Chapter 158 Passing Through Spring and Summer [7k]

Akane Akasaka has returned to Tokyo, and the New Year has quickly passed.

The days seemed to be fast-forwarded, quietly slipping away amidst the interplay of busyness and tranquility. The harsh winter gradually receded by the end of February, and the March winds brought the breath of spring.

The snow on the streets melted, revealing damp soil; tender green buds sprouted from the bare branches; the sky was no longer the gray hue of winter, but became clear and bright.

Then, the long winter finally ended with the students' prayers.

spring is coming.

In early April, the cherry blossoms bloomed as scheduled. Overnight, the entire city seemed to be shrouded in pink and white clouds. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom everywhere—along the streets, on campuses, and along the riverbanks. A gentle breeze blew, and the petals fell like snow, carpeting the ground.

The new semester has begun.

Anwa Asuka, Marina, Shizuka, and Ai have moved up to the third year of junior high school.

This seems to be a delicate juncture—they are no longer the youngest group on campus, but have become "seniors." When the freshmen, wearing slightly oversized school uniforms, walk into the campus with curious and nervous eyes, they are already "senior students" who can walk calmly on the cherry blossom path and occasionally give directions to lost freshmen.

"It feels so strange." Marina looked at the new students lining up for the opening ceremony on the playground and couldn't help but sigh, "I still feel like a little kid, but in the blink of an eye, I've become the oldest in the school."

"Time flies," Shizuka said softly, her black bob hair swaying slightly in the spring breeze. "It feels like just yesterday that we first enrolled in school."

Hoshino Ai didn't speak, but simply watched the new students quietly. A complex emotion flickered in her purple eyes—envy? Nostalgia? Perhaps both. She thought of herself three years ago, that girl in the corner of the orphanage, completely lost about the future.

And now, she stands here, wearing a neat school uniform, with friends, dreams, and a place she can call "home".

An and Asuka stood beside them, their gazes sweeping across the entire campus. Cherry blossoms bloomed in the sunlight, the distant chatter of new students drifted in, and teachers busied themselves maintaining order. Everything was vibrant and full of life, a testament to a new beginning.

But for him, the biggest change in the third year of junior high school might not be his age or status, but rather—

"Hey everyone, listen to me!"

In the light music club's activity room, Anna Hanami stood on a chair, hands on her hips, looking quite spirited.

Himegami Karen stood beside her, nodding vigorously, her long pink hair swaying with her movements.

"We're the 'bosses' of the school now!" Anna announced loudly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "No more upperclassmen standing above us, bossing us around! We're the most senior and influential veterans in the school—mmm!"

Before she could finish speaking, An and Asuka stepped forward and gently tapped her on the forehead.

"Get off the chair," An and Asuka said helplessly. "And what's with the boss's statement? We're not a criminal gang."

Hana saw Anna jump off the table, clutching her forehead, and mutter in dissatisfaction, "I was just trying to boost morale..."

"Exactly!" Karen Himegami immediately chimed in, "Anna is right! We're upperclassmen now, we have to show our authority in front of the freshmen! Let them know who's in charge at school!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she received a light tap on the forehead.

“You too.” An and Asuka looked at the two clowns and sighed. “It’s fine to show authority, but don’t use such intimidating language. We’re just an ordinary light music club, not a yakuza organization.”

“But Asuka,” Yana blinked at Anzu, “don’t you think this is a great opportunity? The new school year is starting, and new students are enrolling. It’s the perfect time for our Light Music Club to recruit new members and expand our influence!”

"Furthermore," Karen Himegami added, "as is customary, there will be a welcome performance during the first week of school, and every club has to put on a show. This is a great opportunity for us to shine in front of all the new students!"

An and Asuka certainly knew all this. In fact, he had already started thinking about the welcome performance. However, unlike his two overly enthusiastic companions, he was taking a more practical approach.

“The welcome performance is indeed important.” He nodded, walked to the window, and looked at the cherry blossoms in full bloom outside. “But our purpose is to showcase the charm of the light music club and attract freshmen who are genuinely interested in music to join, rather than ‘showing authority’ or ‘being the boss.’”

"It's about the same idea," Yana said with a grin. "So, Asuka, are you ready?"

"What should we prepare?"

"A new piece!" Her eyes sparkled. "A New Year's performance needs something new, right? Last year we played 'Firefly's Light,' and the year before that too, we can't just play 'Firefly' this year..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was already very clear.

The activity room suddenly fell silent. Marina, Shizuka, and Hoshino Ai also looked at An and Asuka, waiting for his answer.

An and Asuka were silent for a moment, then said calmly, "There are no new pieces. We'll be playing 'Hotaru no Hikari' again this year."

"...Huh?" Bana saw that Anja was stunned.

Karen Himegami's eyes widened: "It's still 'Hotaru no Hikari'? Asuka, you're not kidding, are you?"

“I’m not joking.” An and Asuka turned around and looked at them, their gazes calm and firm. “‘Hotaru no Hikari’ is perfect for the welcome performance. The melody is beautiful, the emotions are warm, and it’s easy to resonate with people. More importantly, this song carries the shared memories and emotions of our light music club.”

A few cherry blossom petals drifted in through the activity room window and landed on the windowsill. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass, casting dappled shadows on the floor. The air was filled with the fresh scent of spring, a blend of grass and flowers.

"But..." Seeing that Anja was still somewhat unwilling, Banai kicked the small stool beside her feet, making a slight sound. "Playing the same piece for three consecutive years, isn't that too... too unoriginal? What if people think we're just resting on our laurels?"

She wrinkled her nose, her expression somewhat conflicted: "Although that piece is indeed very good, playing the same piece every year... Won't it make people think that our light music club has nothing else to offer? The freshmen might be disappointed..."

“What’s wrong with living off past glories?” An and Asuka raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on their lips. “It’s not about the song being new, but about the emotions it carries. If a song truly has value, repeated performances will only deepen its meaning, not make it outdated.”

He paused for a moment, then continued, "This song contains our youth, our growth, and our joys and sorrows. These emotions will not fade with repeated performances; on the contrary, they will become more profound with each performance."

This is a song called "The Light of Fireflies," a song about a lifetime of campus life.

Seeing that Anja opened her mouth as if to say something, Bana finally just sighed softly, "Well, since you've put it that way..."