Green plums cannot become lovers.

Her tone was understated, but An and Asuka could imagine the difficulties involved—leaving a stable teaching position, starting over in an unfamiliar city, obtaining professional qualifications, and entering a highly competitive industry. It took immense courage and determination.

"Why didn't you become a teacher anymore?" he couldn't help but ask.

Sakura Matsue remained silent for a moment. The air in the office seemed to freeze for a few seconds; even Akane Kousaka put down her documents, waiting for her reply.

"Because I want to stand closer to the music."

Matsue Sakura finally spoke, her voice soft yet firm, "As a teacher, I impart knowledge and skills. But as an agent, I can help musicians create better, express themselves better, and be heard better. This is closer to the essence of music than teaching a student to play a piece."

She looked at An and Asuka with gentle eyes: "Moreover, if I can help children like you go further, I will feel that it is more meaningful than teaching a hundred students."

An and Asuka felt their eyes welling up. They lowered their heads and whispered, "Thank you, teacher."

"You're welcome." Songyue Ying smiled. "But you'll have to cooperate with me well at work in the future. I can be quite strict."

“I’ve always known.” An and Asuka smiled as well. He recalled the scene when Matsue Sakura guided him in practicing the piano in junior high school—gentle, yet allowing no carelessness.

At the end of the meeting, Akane Akasaka handed a stack of documents to Sakura Matsutsuki: "Well then, Asuka is yours now. The formal handover will begin next week."

“Understood.” Matsue Sakura took the document and turned to Anwa Asuka. “Anwa-kun, that’s all for today. I’ll put together a preliminary work plan over the weekend and send it to you next Monday. Also—”

She took a business card out of her bag and handed it to him: "This is my contact information. My work LINE and email are printed on it, and your personal number... you should still have it, right?"

An and Asuka took the business card. It had a simple design and the words "Rouge En Rouge Artist Management Department, Sakura Matsue" were printed on it.

"That's good." Sakura Matsue stood up. "Well then, I'll take my leave now. President Kousaka, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"Just prove that this choice was right with your performance." Akane Akasaka said something that was almost encouraging, which was rare for her.

After Sakura Matsuzuki left, only An, Asuka, and Akane Akasaka remained in the office. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, Tokyo began to light up with twilight lights, and the flow of people at Shibuya Crossing was like an endless tide.

“She’s perfect for you,” Akane Akasaka suddenly said.

An and Asuka turned to look at her.

“She’s not suited to be a teacher for students, but rather a manager for artists.” Akane Akasaka walked to the window, her back to him. “She understands you, but won’t spoil you; she cares about you, but won’t act on emotion; she has professional knowledge, but won’t be stubborn. Most importantly—”

She turned around, her eyes sharp: "The way she looks at you is as if you're an independent, respectable individual, not a child who needs to be protected. This is very important for your growth."

An and Asuka pondered these words carefully, then nodded solemnly: "I understand. Thank you, Sister Zhu Yin, for thinking so much about me."

"You're welcome." Akane Kousaka waved her hand. "I just made the most reasonable arrangements. Go back and have a good weekend. You'll be busier starting next week."

By the time they left the company building, it was completely dark. An and Asuka stood on the bustling streets of Shibuya, still clutching Matsutsuki Sakura's business card in their hands. The brownish-red paper had a fine texture, with light gold foil embossed along the edges, gleaming softly under the streetlights.

He took out his phone, opened LINE, and found the contact he hadn't spoken to in a long time—the nickname was still "Teacher Songyue." The last conversation was a New Year's greeting, which ended after a few simple words.

After hesitating for a moment, he typed: "Teacher, I was really surprised today, but also very happy. Please guide me in the future."

send.

Almost immediately, the reply came: "I'm also happy to be a part of your life again. But Asuka, there's something I need to remind you—from now on, at work, remember to call me 'Msatsuki-san' or 'Matsuki-san.' It's basic professional etiquette (laughs)."

An and Asuka couldn't help but laugh. This was indeed Matsue Sakura's style—gentle, yet meticulous in the details.

He replied, "Understood, Matsutsuki-san."

"Good boy. Have a great weekend, see you Monday."

Putting away his phone, An and Asuka looked up at the Tokyo night sky. A few stars were faintly visible behind the clouds, twinkling weakly but firmly. He suddenly remembered what Sakura Matsue had said to him three years ago in the music classroom in their small town: "Asuka, there's something very special in your music. Cherish it, and one day it will take you to a very far place."

At that time, he didn't fully understand the meaning of those words. But now, standing on the streets of Tokyo, looking at the words "Rouge En Rouge" on the business card in his hand, and feeling the passion for music that had never been extinguished in his heart, he seemed to understand a little.

The person who once guided him has now returned to his life in a new capacity, ready to accompany him on the road ahead.

This feeling is both wonderful and heartwarming.

The spring night breeze swept through the streets of Shibuya, carrying the complex scents unique to the city, a mixture of coffee aromas and car exhaust fumes. An and Asuka began their journey, joining the flow of people heading home.

Volume 1: Chapter 191 Teacher-Student Relationship

Since their parting at the train station in Aichi Prefecture three years ago on that winter night, Sakura Matsutsuki has never returned to that small town.

It wasn't that she didn't want to, but that she couldn't. She didn't want to go back to that home, and life in Tokyo was like a fine net, weaving her time, energy, and even memories into it.

Teaching, taking exams, changing jobs... the days passed by in a flurry of activity. Occasionally, in the quiet of the night, she would think of the boy who was focused on practicing the piano in the music classroom, the melody he played on New Year's Eve, and the light in his eyes when he said, "I want to use music to help important people."

But she always kept track of his progress. Through the internet, the media, and the occasional news she heard from old acquaintances in Aichi Prefecture, she knew he was growing up step by step.

Graduating from junior high school, getting into a prestigious university in Tokyo, making games, releasing albums, holding concerts... every piece of news made her smile involuntarily, as if witnessing a carefully nurtured sapling finally beginning to stretch its branches and leaves.

Sakura Matsue firmly believed that from the first time she heard An and Asuka play, and from the way he helped a girl she had never met before, this boy would eventually grow into a person with a bright future.

His talent lies not only in his skills, but also in the pure power to transform emotions into melodies and beliefs into actions.

And that night that changed everything, that winter night when she was bullied by that drunken man and he stood up for her without hesitation, transformed that belief into a concrete determination.

She wanted to do something for him.

It wasn't about standing on a platform to offer guidance, nor about giving advice as an elder; it was about practically and genuinely becoming a support for her on her journey. Once this idea took root, it grew and spread like a vine, ultimately guiding her onto a path she had never imagined.

During the year she studied brokerage-related knowledge, Songyue Ying taught at a school during the day, attended training courses at night, and buried herself in laws and cases late into the night. Her colleagues didn't understand why she suddenly wanted to take a qualification exam unrelated to education, to which she simply smiled and said, "I want to try some new possibilities."

After obtaining her agent's license, she resigned from her stable teaching job and decided to dedicate herself to him.

The process of getting into Rouge En Rouge was not smooth sailing. This company, known for its strict standards, has extremely high selection criteria for agents. Even with her qualifications and musical education background, Sakura Matsue still went through three rounds of interviews and a one-month probationary period.

During the final interview, Akane Akane, looking at her resume, suddenly asked, "Do you know Anwa Asuka?"

Matsue Sakura nodded frankly: "He was my former student."

"Is that why you want to become his agent?"

“That’s one of the reasons,” she replied, “but more importantly, I believe I can do this job. I understand music, I understand the industry, and I know how to communicate and collaborate with people.”

Akane Kousaka silently scrutinized her for a long time before finally saying, "One-month trial period. Let me see your abilities."

During that month, Sakura Matsue handled several tricky contracts, coordinated two performances that were almost canceled, and even successfully negotiated a collaboration project that was originally impossible. When she placed the last report on Akane Akasaka's desk, the notoriously picky president finally nodded: "Starting next week, you will be in charge of all of An and Asuka's management affairs."

At that moment, Sakura Matsue felt not joy, but a sense of peace that came after all. The long preparations and wait had finally brought them to their destination.

Now, sitting in a private room at the restaurant, looking at the tall and handsome young man across from her, a strange feeling welled up inside her. Their relationship had undergone a subtle change: no longer teacher and student, but manager and artist, partners working side by side.

"Teacher, I was really surprised today, but I'm also very happy. Please continue to guide me in the future."

She read the message Anhe Asuka sent her over and over again on her phone screen. With a light touch of her fingertip, she replied with the smiley face she had prepared beforehand.

The following evening, the two met at a quiet and elegant Japanese restaurant in Ginza. The private room was by the window, offering a view of the meticulously maintained dry landscape garden outside, with stone lanterns casting a soft glow in the twilight.

“The environment here is very nice,” An and Asuka said after taking their seats.

“I’ve been here a few times with my colleagues before.” Song Yueying poured him tea with natural and smooth movements. “The dishes are exquisite, and most importantly, it’s quiet, which is suitable for discussing business.”

Today she wore a light gray suit skirt, her long hair styled in an elegant updo, exuding a more capable air than yesterday's gentle demeanor. But when she smiled, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes and the light in them remained exactly as An and Asuka remembered her.

Dinner proceeded in a relaxed atmosphere. Sakura Matsue detailed her upcoming work plan: the promotional schedule for the new album, interview invitations from several media outlets, a performance invitation to a music festival, and several business collaboration proposals that required careful evaluation.

“I’ve done a preliminary screening of these endorsement offers, and I think these two companies are a good fit for your image.” She turned her tablet toward Anhe Feiniao, which displayed information about the two brands. “One is a musical instrument brand that wants you to be their youth ambassador; the other is a stationery brand that focuses on creativity and artistry. The specific terms still need further negotiation, but I think the direction is appropriate.”

An and Asuka carefully looked at the information and nodded, "Thank you, Matsutsuki-san, you've thought of everything very thoroughly."

The way she was addressed made Matsumue Sakura pause for a moment, then she smiled and said, "You've gotten used to it so quickly? I thought you wouldn't be used to calling me 'Matsuzuki-san'."

“Since it’s work, we should follow professional etiquette,” Anwa Asuka said earnestly. “Besides, teacher… Matsutsuki-san is my manager now, so this is basic respect.”

"You've grown a lot," Songyue Ying said softly, a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes—gratification,感慨, and perhaps a touch of sadness. The boy who used to chase after her asking, "Teacher, how do you handle this chord progression?" had now become so mature in handling interpersonal relationships.

After the business was mostly settled, the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Matsue Sakura, unusually, ordered a pot of sake: "To celebrate our reunion, and to celebrate this new beginning."

"Is it okay for the teacher to drink alcohol?"

“Just once in a while,” Matsue Sakura smiled. “Besides, we’re not at school now, so there’s no need to worry about any impact.”

The sake was mellow and smooth on the palate. After a few cups, Matsue Sakura became more talkative—not about work, but about memories.

“You know, Asuka,” she said, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes slightly unfocused, “the year after you graduated, the whole school became much quieter. Although new students joined, no one could make so many teachers happy and satisfied like you did.”

An and Asuka listened quietly as An poured her a drink.

She took another sip, her voice growing softer: "Sometimes I wonder, if I hadn't listened to you and left Aichi for Tokyo, what would I be like now? Maybe I'd still be in Aichi, maybe I'd be living a completely different life, maybe..."

Under pressure from her parents, she had already married a man who was not stingy with women and had children.

"So, teacher, do you regret it?"

Anhe Asuka asked with a smile.

Matsue Sakura looked up, her eyes slightly red. She smiled to cover it up: "Why are you still calling me 'teacher'? Didn't we agree to call you 'Matsuzuki-san'?"

"Privately, I still want to call you teacher," An and Asuka said earnestly, "because in my heart, you will always be my teacher."

These words left Matsue Sakura completely speechless.

She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously tracing the shape of her wine glass, and after a long while, she whispered, "Thank you, Asuka. I'm so glad to hear you say that."

Matsue Sakura drank more alcohol than usual.

At first, she remained sober, but as time went on, the alcohol gradually eroded her reason. She began to talk about things she would never normally say—the hardships of taking the broker's license exam, the loneliness when she first arrived in Tokyo, the setbacks she encountered at work, and the days and nights she silently watched An and Asuka grow up.

"Actually... when I applied to come to Rouge En Rouge, I didn't have high hopes."

She murmured, her head gradually lowering, "But I think, even if there's only the slightest possibility, I want to stand closer to you... not as a teacher, but as someone who can truly help you..."

Before she could finish speaking, she swayed, and An and Asuka quickly supported her: "Teacher? Are you alright?"

Matsue Sakura gave a muffled reply, rested her head on his shoulder, and her breathing gradually became steady—she had fallen asleep.

Anwa Asuka looked at the sleeping woman in his arms, feeling somewhat at a loss. He gently called her name a few times, but Matsue Sakura only frowned and did not wake up.

Upon hearing the commotion, a restaurant waiter entered and, seeing the situation, suggested, "Sir, would you like me to call a taxi?"

"No need," An and Asuka shook their heads.

After paying the bill, An and Asuka helped Matsue Sakura out of the restaurant. The cool spring night breeze sobered her up a little, but she still walked with a limp. He asked for her address, but all he got was a string of indistinct syllables that he couldn't make out at all.

"Teacher, where do you live?" he tried to ask again, but Matsuzuki Sakura just leaned against him and murmured, "So sleepy... Asuka, let me sleep for a while..."

In this situation, it was clearly impossible to take her home. An and Asuka looked around and saw a business hotel not far away. After hesitating for a moment, they helped her walk over.

Seeing their state, the receptionist gave a professional smile: "What kind of room would you like?"

“One twin room,” An and Asuka said, showing their identification documents. As the receptionist processed the paperwork, he felt Sakura Matsue’s weight pressing down on him, her warm breath brushing against his neck.

The room was on the twelfth floor. After entering the elevator, Matsumura seemed to regain a sliver of consciousness, barely opening her eyes: "Where...is this?"

“A hotel,” An and Asuka answered truthfully. “You’re drunk, and I don’t know your address, so you can only rest here for the night.”

Matsue Sakura blinked, as if processing the information, then softly hummed in agreement and closed her eyes again.

The room was clean and spacious, with two single beds placed against the walls. An and Asuka helped Matsue Sakura to sit down on one of the beds and helped her take off her coat and shoes. He was extra careful during this process, trying not to touch anything he shouldn't.

Matsue Sakura obediently raised her hand, like an obedient child, but suddenly grabbed his wrist when An and Asuka covered her with the blanket.

“Birds…” she whispered, her eyes half-open and half-closed.

"What's wrong, teacher?"

"Thank you." Her voice was very soft, almost inaudible. "And... I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

"It's no trouble at all," An and Asuka said gently. "You should rest well."

He prepared to get up and go to the other bed, but Songyue Ying did not let go of his hand. In the dim light of the bedside lamp, her face appeared soft and fragile, the competence of the day gone, revealing the deep weariness hidden beneath.

"teacher?"

"Stay with me for a while..." Songyue Ying said softly, then, as if realizing the inappropriateness of her words, she added, "Just for a little while. After I fall asleep."

An and Asuka sat down on the edge of the bed. Matsuzuki Sakura released his hand, instead grabbing the edge of the blanket and pulling herself closer. The room was quiet, with only the low hum of the air conditioner and their soft breathing.

"Asuka." After a long silence, Matsue Sakura suddenly spoke, her voice more clear-headed, "Do you know why I absolutely have to become your manager?"

"You said you wanted to stand closer to the music."

“That’s one of the reasons.” She turned over to face him, her eyes gleaming faintly in the dim light. “The more important reason is… I want to repay him.”

"repay?"

“That night, you saved me.” Songyue Ying’s voice was soft but clear. “It wasn’t just a physical rescue, but also a way to pull me out of a state of… gradual numbness. You showed me that there really are people who can risk their lives for someone important, and who can stick to a promise for so long.”

She paused, as if organizing her thoughts: "So I thought, maybe there's something I can do for you. Not as a teacher to instruct you, but as... someone you saved, to support you on the path you want to take."

An and Asuka were silent for a moment before saying, "You don't need to repay anything. Anyone who saw what happened that night would have done the same."

“But only you did it,” Songyue Ying said softly. “Moreover, I have watched you get to where you are today over the past three years, and I feel more and more that being able to participate in your next journey is a very meaningful thing.”

She closed her eyes, her voice gradually lowering: "So, please let me fulfill my duties as your manager. I will clear away obstacles for you, handle the trivial matters, and allow you to focus on your creative work... That's what I want to do right now."

As soon as she finished speaking, her breathing became steady and long again. This time, she was truly asleep.