Green plums cannot become lovers.

A lot happened between them—an unexpected blood relationship, complicated family entanglements, and a delicate emotional connection that lay between kinship and friendship.

But what impressed An and Asuka the most was An and Subaru's silly grin when they laughed, showing off their two rows of big white teeth. That unguarded, pure smile made it impossible for anyone to be indifferent to her.

"Hmm...we'll see," An and Asuka said. "We'll be preparing for our next album this summer, and we also need to help Ai with her debut, so we might be quite busy. If I have time, I'll go."

He didn't give a clear promise, but he didn't completely refuse either. This answer was very much in line with his usual style—cautious, rational, and leaving room for maneuver.

Akane Akasaka nodded understandingly: "That's fine. You can come and work at a recording studio in Tokyo for a while. The equipment there is more professional, and the producers are of a higher level. You can not only work, but also visit Subaru and Grandma."

Anhe Tiantong, the highly respected old man in the entertainment industry, chose to silently watch over his grandson because of his guilt towards him.

An and Asuka were silent for a moment, then said softly, "We'll see."

The two talked for a long time under the cover of night. Their conversation ranged from music and studies to future plans and everyday matters, from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the tranquility of Aichi.

A gentle night breeze, soft starlight and moonlight—the atmosphere was warm and relaxing.

Akane Akasaka shared anecdotes and frustrations from her work, while Asuka Yasuhiro recounted his daily life with the members of the Light Music Club. Like true siblings, they listened to, understood, and supported each other.

As night deepened and the chill in the air intensified, Anhe Feibiao finally said, "Sister Zhuyin, it's time to rest. We have to get up early tomorrow."

“Okay.” Akane Kousaka nodded and went back into the house with him.

An and Asuka made the bed for her, prepared clean towels and toiletries, gave her a few more instructions, and then left the room.

Goodnight, Sister Zhu Yin.

Goodnight, birds.

The door closed softly. Akane Akasaka sat on the edge of the bed, looking around the tidy room. The desk was piled high with books, and she couldn't resist walking over and picking up a few to browse through.

There are music theory books, sheet music collections, and instrument playing tutorials; there are comic book creation guides and paneling techniques analysis; there are novel writing tutorials and literary theory; there are even idol singing and dancing training materials, agent practice, and stage management.

She hadn't just bought any book to show off. She flipped through a few and found detailed notes and important markings. Some parts were even marked with different colored pens, with her reflections and insights written next to them.

For example, in a book called "Fundamentals of Vocal Training", it says in the blank space of a certain page: "Xiao Ai needs more breath support in the high register. She can try diaphragmatic breathing training."

In a book called "Manga Panel Techniques", there is a note next to one of the paragraphs that reads: "Marina likes to use close-ups to express emotions, which is a good habit, but she should pay attention to the changes in rhythm."

In a book on novel plot construction, a note in one chapter reads: "Shizuka's narrative focuses on inner descriptions; it would be appropriate to add external events to drive the plot."

Akane Akasaka turned the pages one by one, her shock growing ever stronger.

She suddenly remembered that when she met the three girls through An and Asuka, they already possessed remarkable skills. Marina's drawing skills were solid, Shizuka's writing was beautiful, and Ai's voice was excellent. At the time, she thought these were innate talents combined with cultivated interests.

But now she understands.

Behind these talents lies the young man's quiet dedication and support.

While learning music himself, he was also learning how to mentor others. While pursuing his own dreams, he was also helping others pursue theirs. While taking care of his own life, he was also nurturing the growth of others.

Akane Akane put down her book, a complex emotion welling up inside her.

This young boy, despite his own difficult life—his parents divorced, his family broken, and the burdens of life weighing heavily on him at such a young age—was not defeated by these hardships. Instead, he grew stronger in adversity, not only taking care of himself but also protecting and supporting those around him.

He studied manga for Marina, researched literary theory for Shizuka, and honed vocal techniques for Ai. He selflessly shared his limited time and energy with those in need.

“Asuka…” Akane Kousaka murmured the name softly, her eyes sparkling with tenderness.

This boy was more mature, stronger, and gentler than she had imagined.

She suddenly felt very fortunate—fortunate that she had met him, fortunate that she had become his "older sister," fortunate that she could witness his growth, and fortunate that she could offer him some help and support on his journey.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting silvery shadows across the room.

Akane Akasaka returned to the bedside and lay down. The sheets carried a faint, fresh scent of youth. She closed her eyes, her heart filled with peace and warmth.

She slept exceptionally well that night.

Meanwhile, on the sofa in the living room, An and Asuka were still working at their laptops. The light from the screen illuminated their focused faces as their fingers rapidly tapped on the keyboard, recording the key points of today's meeting and planning future actions.

The moon hangs silently outside the window, and the stars twinkle faintly.

This summer night was quiet and beautiful.

Volume 1: Chapter 160 A Summer That Ended Hastily [11,700 words]

When Akane Akasaka woke up the next morning, the window was already filled with bright morning light. She slowly opened her eyes, and for a moment she was disoriented, not knowing where she was.

The pale blue curtains fluttered gently in the morning breeze, and sunlight streamed through the gaps, casting dappled patterns of light on the floor. A familiar, refreshing scent filled the room—the unique aroma of Anhe Asuka's room, a blend of the paper and ink of books, the woody fragrance of musical instruments, and the aroma of grass and earth drifting in from outside the window.

She sat up, rubbed her eyes, and glanced around the room. The books she had read the night before were neatly stacked on the desk, the music posters on the wall looked particularly vivid in the morning light, and tiny dewdrops still clung to the leaves of the green plants on the windowsill, sparkling in the sunlight.

Just then, a slight noise came from downstairs—the sound of kitchen utensils clattering, and a faint humming voice. The singing was soft, the melody simple yet melodious, a tune that Akane Kousaka had never heard before.

She smiled slightly, threw back the covers, and got out of bed. The pajamas she was wearing were the ones An and Feibiao had prepared the night before—a simple cotton T-shirt and shorts, a little loose but very comfortable. She walked to the window and drew back the curtains.

The world outside the window awakens in the morning light. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. A few sparrows perch on the neighbor's roof, chirping away. In the distance, the sound of bicycle bells rings, and the echoes of children riding by can be heard.

Everything was full of life, peaceful and serene.

After washing up, Akane Akasaka walked down the stairs. The wooden stairs creaked slightly, and the aroma of breakfast wafted through the air—the tantalizing scent of toasted bread, the oily fragrance of fried eggs, and the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans.

In the kitchen, An and Asuka were busy with their backs to her. The boy was wearing light gray pajamas and a dark blue apron, his hair still a little messy, clearly having just gotten up. He held a spatula in one hand and the handle of a frying pan in the other, skillfully flipping the fried eggs in the pan. The toaster next to him popped up with a "ding," and he quickly took out the golden-brown toast and placed it on a plate.

Morning light streamed in through the kitchen window, casting a soft glow on the boy. His profile was exceptionally clear in the light, his eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath his eyelids, and a focused smile playing on his lips.

Akane Akasaka leaned against the doorframe, watched him quietly for a while, and then spoke softly, "Good morning."

Anhe Asuka turned her head, saw her, and gave her a warm smile: "Good morning, Zhu Yin-jie, did you sleep well?"

"Very good." Akane Kousaka walked over. "I've never slept so soundly before. Your bed is very comfortable!"

"That's good." Anhe and Asuka put the fried eggs on a plate. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Please go and sit at the table."

Akane Akasaka didn't leave, but instead walked to the kitchen counter and watched him work. The kitchen wasn't large, but it was very tidy. The cookware was arranged in an orderly manner, the spice bottles were neatly arranged, and a small pot of mint on the windowsill emitted a refreshing fragrance. Everything was in perfect order, revealing the owner's good living habits.

"Do you need any help?" she asked.

"No need, it'll be ready soon." An and Asuka said, placing breakfast on a tray one by one—toast, fried eggs, salad, fruit, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and several glasses of milk.

He carried the tray toward the dining room, with Akane Kousaka following behind him. The tableware was already set on the table, and sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the wooden surface.

An and Asuka pushed a cup of coffee in front of Akane Akasaka: "Try it, I tried making a latte, I don't know if it suits your taste."

Akane Akasaka picked up her cup, and the aroma of coffee wafted up. She took a small sip; the texture was smooth, the milk foam was dense, and the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the milk were perfectly balanced.

"It's delicious." She praised sincerely, then cut off a small piece of fried egg and put it in her mouth. The egg was fried to a perfect golden brown, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a slightly charred edge and a runny yolk in the middle. With a gentle poke of chopsticks, the golden egg liquid flowed out, mixed with a little salt and black pepper seasoning—simple yet delicious.

The toast was baked to perfection, golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and fragrant with a touch of butter. The salad was made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, drizzled with homemade vinaigrette, refreshing and appetizing. The fruit consisted of sliced ​​watermelon and honeydew melon, perfectly sweet and juicy.

This breakfast seemed simple, but every dish was made with great care. Akane Akane ate slowly, a warm feeling welling up inside her.

In Tokyo, she usually grabs breakfast at a convenience store—a rice ball, a can of coffee, or a sandwich—and rushes off to work. Sometimes, when she's busy, she even skips breakfast. It's been a long time since she's sat down and slowly enjoyed a home-cooked breakfast.

"It's delicious." She put down her fork and looked at An and Asuka. "With your skills, you could open a coffee shop."

An and Asuka smiled and said, "It's not that exaggerated. It's just some home-cooked dishes."

“No, it’s really delicious,” Akane Akasaka said earnestly. “It’s better than many breakfasts I’ve had in Tokyo.”

She was telling the truth. It wasn't just because of the food, but also because of the atmosphere—the warm morning light, the quiet environment, sitting across from someone important, slowly enjoying a carefully prepared breakfast. This simple happiness is something that can only be found in the fast-paced life of Tokyo.

An and Asuka felt a little embarrassed by her praise and lowered their heads to take a sip of coffee.

Akane looked at him, a sense of pride welling up inside her. This boy was not only exceptionally talented and resilient, but also possessed a wealth of life skills. He was like a rough diamond, and the more you spent with him, the more you would discover his inner brilliance.

She really had a good younger brother—thoughtful, strong, and with good skills. Thinking this, Akane Akane felt a little proud.

After breakfast, Akane Akasaka offered to help wash the dishes, but An and Asuka refused, saying, "Akane-nee is a guest, you should just sit and rest."

“I’m not some guest,” Akane Akasaka said with a smile. “I’m your older sister.”

But An and Asuka insisted on cleaning up themselves. Watching him skillfully wash the dishes, wipe the table, and tidy the kitchen, Akane Akane felt even more moved—this boy, though only fifteen, was already so mature and composed. He not only took care of himself, but also of this family and everyone around him.

After finishing tidying up, An and Asuka checked the time and said, "I'm going to the market to buy groceries. What do you want to eat for lunch?"

“I’ll go with you,” Akane Akasaka said immediately. “Since we’re already here, I’d like to see what the market is like.”

An and Asuka hesitated for a moment, but then agreed: "Okay. But it's very hot outside, so Sister Zhuyin should be prepared."

"Don't worry, I'm not that delicate." Akane Akasaka stood up. "Let me change my clothes."

She went upstairs to change into a light dress, put on a straw hat, and applied sunscreen. When she came down, An and Asuka were already ready—he was carrying a small backpack, a shopping bag, two bottles of water, and a parasol.

“Let’s go,” he said.

The two went out together.

On a July morning, the sun was already quite intense. Fortunately, a gentle breeze dissipated some of the heat. They walked along a cement road, flanked by tall trees with dense foliage that cast large patches of shade.

Akane Akasaka surveyed her surroundings. This place was completely different from Tokyo—in Tokyo, no matter where you were, you couldn't escape the city's hustle and bustle. Skyscrapers stood tall, cars streamed endlessly, crowds thronged, and the air was always thick with car exhaust and various artificial odors. Even in the park, you could hear the noise of the distant streets.

But here, everything seemed exceptionally peaceful.

The sky was vast and the sun blazed high. A long cement road stretched out into the distance, its end seemingly merging with the horizon. On either side, lush green fields stretched as far as the eye could see. The rice seedlings had grown tall, swaying gently in the breeze, creating waves of green. In the distance, the mountains shimmered slightly in the heat, like faint silhouettes in a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Several scarecrows stood in the field, wearing worn-out straw hats, silently watching over this land. Occasionally, a few egrets would fly by, drawing elegant arcs between the blue sky and the green fields.

The sound of cicadas filled the air, not harsh, but rather seemingly coming from the distant horizon, adding a touch of life to this tranquil world. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of rice paddies and the scent of earth.

Everyone says Tokyo is huge, but many people are trapped inside those skyscrapers. The world before us, however, is truly vast: endless fields, boundless skies, and freely flowing winds.

This is a hot yet quiet world. The sounds of cicadas, wind, distant dogs barking, and the occasional bicycle bell ringing... these sounds intertwine, but instead of breaking the tranquility, they make the peace even more profound.

Akane Akasaka took a deep breath, feeling her lungs fill with the fresh air. She turned to look at An and Asuka; the boy was walking quietly, his gaze calmly fixed ahead. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light on his face.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she said softly.

“Yes.” An and Asuka nodded. “It’s especially beautiful in the summer. It will be even more beautiful in a couple of weeks.”

Do you often take this route?

“Almost every day,” An and Asuka said, “I go to the market, to school, or just take a walk. I’ve gotten used to it, so it doesn’t feel far.”

Akane Akane looked at his calm profile and suddenly understood why this boy always possessed a maturity beyond his years. Growing up in such an environment, facing the vast sky and land every day, his heart must have become open-minded.

After walking for about twenty minutes, they arrived at the market.

This place wasn't quite what Akane Akasaka had imagined. It wasn't a large indoor market, but rather a street lined with stalls on both sides. Although it was still early, it was already quite lively. There were vendors selling vegetables, fish, meat, fruit, daily necessities... you name it. Most of the stall owners were middle-aged or elderly, with simple, honest smiles on their faces, chatting warmly with customers.

When An and Asuka entered the market, Akane Akasaka immediately noticed that many people recognized him.

"Anhe-kun, here to buy groceries again?" a vegetable vendor greeted him with a smile.

"Little bird, you're here early today!" The fishmonger waved. "Come and have a look at my fish. They're freshly brought in from the sea!"

"Flying birds, fresh vegetables, I'll sell them to you cheap!" another stall owner shouted.

Some people even noticed Akane Akasaka: "Hey, Asuka, who's that beautiful girl next to you? Is she your older sister? She's really pretty!"

An and Asuka responded to each of their questions naturally and warmly. He walked to the fish stall, carefully examined the fish in the tank, and then chose a medium-sized sea bream. The fishmonger deftly cleaned and scaled the fish, chatting with An and Asuka as he worked.

"Did we have guests over today?"

"Yes, my sister came from Tokyo."

“Tokyo, a big city. No wonder this young lady has such a refined air.” The middle-aged man glanced at Akane Akasaka and chuckled. “Clean the fish for you; you can cook it directly when we get back.”

"Thank you, uncle."

After buying the fish, they went to buy meat and vegetables. Every vendor was very hospitable to An and Asuka, some even giving them extra or rounding down the price. An and Asuka didn't refuse, but sincerely thanked them.

Akane Akasaka observed all of this from the sidelines. She could tell that the stall owners' concern for An and Asuka was genuine. It wasn't because he was a customer, but because they truly treated him like a child in need of care.

“You know everyone here very well,” Akane Akasaka said as they left the market.

“Hmm.” An and Asuka carried shopping bags filled with groceries. “I often come here to buy groceries, and we’ve gotten to know each other over time. Everyone takes good care of me.”

He spoke calmly, but Akane Akasaka could hear the gratitude in his voice.

On the way back, the two walked slowly. The sun was even more intense, but An and Asuka opened their parasols, so most of the shade was directed towards Akane Kousaka.

“Cover yourself up a little too,” Akane Akasaka said.

“I’m not afraid of the sun,” Anhe Feibiao smiled. “I’m used to it.”

But Akane still pushed the umbrella closer to him. The two were very close under the umbrella, able to feel each other's body heat. This small gesture warmed Akane's heart.

When I got home, it was still early. Marina was drawing manga in the living room, Shizuka was writing a novel, and Ai was practicing dance in her room. Everyone was doing their own thing, not disturbing each other, yet keeping each other company.

Akane Akasaka went upstairs and took another shower, washing away the sweat and summer heat. After changing into clean pajamas, she went downstairs to look for An and Asuka, but couldn't find them in the living room or kitchen.

She searched around and finally found him in the side corridor.

It was a wooden walkway connecting the main house and the courtyard, covered with tatami mats. An and Asuka were sitting there, leaning against a pillar, holding a wooden guitar in their arms. They weren't playing a formal piece, just casually strumming the strings, producing scattered, off-key notes. Their gaze was fixed on the courtyard, their eyes somewhat vacant, as if they were thinking about something, or perhaps thinking about nothing at all.

Akane Akane walked over quietly and sat down next to him.