They are in the music show, but I am a stranger to them

"Because I know that the more you worry about someone, the more energy you will put into taking special care of that person."

"Once Deng and the others no longer rely on you, then everyone who ends the band will be the band you care about the most, Chen Qi. So by then, even if you don't join, you will definitely prefer those of us who rely on you more."

"……"Nine

Listening to the conversation between Chen Qi and Liang, the most dumbfounded person was undoubtedly Hong Xia, because she had never realized before that Liang had studied so many things so thoroughly in order to win over Senior Chen Qi...

I even thought that Liang declared war on Deng and the others simply because he was angry about Chen Qi fainting.

Hong Xia knew even more clearly that the only reason why Liang was so persistent in trying to get Chen Qi to join the band was because of an unintentional expectation she had made at the beginning...

Liang, is it for my dream that you tried so hard to get Senior Chen Qi to join? ⑷

"... Maybe you won't believe me when I say this, but originally, I planned to end it at Live. As long as they tried their best, I would tell them that the bet is meaningless and they can come to you anytime."

"After all, Chen Qi, it's impossible for you to have no contact with them at all, right? I don't really think that you can forget the past, Chen Qi. I just hope... you can stay in Hongxia for a while longer with Pochi-chan and Kita who admire you."

"…But now it seems that I was being too smart again."

As she said this, Liang couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile on her face, but she still looked straight into Chen Qi's eyes, impartially, and said to Chen Qi word by word:

"I did all this on my own initiative. It has nothing to do with Hong Xia and the others. If you want to blame someone, just blame me."

"No! I was the one who was unwilling to give up on getting Senior Chen Qi into the band. If it weren't for my suggestion, Liang wouldn't have done so many things!"

Hong Xia, who had reacted, immediately excused her friend who had been helping her. She took the initiative to stop Liang, who wanted to take all the responsibility, behind her and said to Chen Qi in a very serious manner:

"Senior Chen Qi, please don't blame Liang. I am the captain of the band and I should be responsible for the actions of my teammates."

"Hongxia, don't do unnecessary things." Liang was also a little frightened by Hongxia's sudden appearance, and hurriedly lowered his head and said to Hongxia:

"You didn't know my plan from the beginning to the end. This matter was planned by me alone. It has nothing to do with you."

"Idiot! That's how it relates to me!" Hong Xia was unusually unhappy, and glared at Liang with a pout, answering unhappily:

“It was clearly me who wanted to keep Senior Chen Qi, but in the end I did nothing. Instead, Liang did so much for me. I—wuwuwuwuwu—”

However, just when Hongxia and Liang were still arguing about who was the culprit of this incident, suddenly, a large hand quietly covered the mouths of the two girls at the same time, forcing them to interrupt their argument.

As Liang and Hongxia's confused gazes shifted, Chen Qi, who had half-crouched down again, saw that the dispute had been resolved and quietly withdrew his palms from the mouths of the two girls.

But the next moment, what surprised Hongxia and Liang was that Chen Qi's hand, which seemed to be withdrawn, suddenly turned and passed around the necks of the two girls. Chen Qi only exerted a little force and embraced Hongxia and Liang in his arms at the same time.

However, rather than a hug, it seemed more like a leaning on each other, with Chen Qi half-crouching and leaning on the shoulders of the two girls.

What's going on here?!

However, Hong Xia, who was suddenly hugged by Chen Qi, also fell into confusion after a brief brain freeze, her face flushed with shame. Her female instinct told her that she should resist, but her reason told her that although Senior Chen Qi's sudden behavior was a bit abrupt, it was definitely not disadvantageous to them.

Liang, who was standing by, was also startled by Chen Qi's sudden action, and her face was rarely flushed, but she did not resist immediately, but instead paid attention to Chen Qi's current state.

"...Hongxia, Liang, didn't you want to ask if I can join the ending band?"

"I think now, I may be able to give you an answer."

Perhaps because he had gained a brief moment of inner peace, Chen Qi's tone now seemed different from his usual gentle and easygoing tone. His tone was so peaceful, just like his usual harmony without any waves.

At this moment, Hong Xia and Liang also heard Chen Qi's response:

"...I'm sorry, I can't be like Pochi-chan, Kita and the others and form a band with you for life. I have a lot of things to do."

"I must admit that if you were the first band I formed, I might have stayed with you and formed a carefree band."

At this moment, Chen Qi's answer made Hong Xia and Liang, who were just expecting something, feel a little depressed... This answer was what they expected.

However, they were not too disappointed, because as Chen Qi said, they just came a little later than the others from Crychic... If they could have met earlier, perhaps there would be a different ending.

But the next moment, before Hong Xia and Liang could feel disappointed for too long because of Chen Qi's rejection, Chen Qi suddenly changed the subject and said:

"But even if I can't be with you all the time, I am willing to be one of you."

"I am willing to join and end the band."

Chen Qi spoke softly while releasing his embrace from the two girls. He placed his hands on their shoulders and gave them a warm smile like a spring breeze. He inadvertently revealed an expression that was almost more relaxed than when he faced Xiangzi and Deng before.

"You can rely on me, you can trust me, I can teach you how to compose music, teach you instruments, and do everything you want me to do with you."

"And I only have one request..."

"Please continue to be my safe haven when I need you, just like before."

Chen Qi knew very well that his future was still a long way to go. After the live show ended in a week, he might really say goodbye to Deng, Ain, Su Shi, Xiangzi, Li Xi and the others...

Faced with such a result, it is impossible for Chen Qi to accept it calmly.

Therefore, Chen Qi will still need a place where he can show his vulnerability for a moment and vent all the emotions in his heart, a place that can become a safe haven for him to rely on.

And ending the band is such a place for Chen Qi.

And in order for this "safe haven" of mine to continue to exist...

Chen Qi was willing to do almost anything within his power to end the band. 【8】⌒佴◆「寺々★③［￥糁澪㈤ＳOUＳｕｏ:。

Just because these girls were the ones who extended a helping hand to him without hesitation when he needed help the most.

"——Hongxia."

At this moment, Liang, who was the first to react, showed an extremely happy expression in his tone, which was extremely rare. He quickly called Hongxia beside him, signaling her to quickly agree to Chen Qi's joining in this occasion.

Hong Xia did not disappoint Liang. After experiencing so many rounds of shocks that day, Hong Xia's ability to accept things became stronger and stronger. This time, facing Chen Qi's joining, Hong Xia was only stunned for a moment before she quickly came to her senses.

This time, Hong Xia's blushing cheeks finally couldn't hide her joy. The cheerful smile once again returned to the face of this sunny girl. She nodded excitedly and said:

"Welcome to join us! Senior Chen Qi!"

"Don't call me 'senior' anymore." After getting Hong Xia's approval, Chen Qi chuckled and shook his head, looking directly at Hong Xia and Liang and said:

"Now, we are partners in the same band. You can just call me 'Qi' like my former bandmates."

"——I understand! Qi."

After gaining Chen Qi's approval, Hong Xia regained her former sunny and friendly self and changed her address in a rather playful tone, symbolizing that their relationship with Chen Qi had finally changed.

"Okay! I have to tell Kita and Pochi-chan the news quickly! Let's have a celebration party tonight! Celebrate the arrival of everyone!"

"It looks like we need to prepare a lot of drinks." Liang also had a faint smile on his face, but he was very quick to accept Chen Qi's joining. He immediately opened the door of [Stars] again and smiled softly at Hong Xia and Chen Qi:

"Senior... no, Qi, could you please buy us some snacks? Hongxia and I will prepare enough drinks. We can't have a celebration without these."

"Okay, leave it to me." Chen Qi also nodded with a chuckle, and immediately agreed to his first task after joining the band.

At least, he still had them. This way, no matter what the outcome of his live performance in a week, he might be able to accept it... For the first time, Chen Qi felt a little relieved that he had a "way out".

……

"——I say, Liang, there is one thing I don't quite understand."

However, just as Chen Qi went to a nearby convenience store to buy snacks, Hong Xia and Liang also came to the bar together, filled each cup with drinks, and prepared for the upcoming celebration.

But during this process, Hong Xia, who pretended to be nonchalant, couldn't help but cast a glance at Liang beside her. After a moment's hesitation, she couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked Liang:

"Liang, although it's possible that I'm overthinking it, but did you ever expect from the beginning that Qi would really join our band?"

"...Isn't this natural?" In response to such a question, Liang, who had returned to his usual expressionless face, replied in a flat tone:

"The gap between us and Qi is too big. I didn't expect Qi to really join us. I can only say that it's just a gamble."

"What's wrong, Hongxia? Why are you asking this suddenly? Isn't Qi joining us now?"

"That's what you say..." However, Liang's answer did not seem to resolve Hongxia's doubts, but instead deepened them.

Hong Xia also put down the cup in her hand and stared at Liang in front of her with a sharp gaze. After a long while, she asked Liang with a little doubt and a slightly unbelievable tone:

"Since you didn't hold out hope at first, why were you so persistent in getting Qi to join? You didn't even tell me?"

"Liang, you...are you really not trying to win over Qi because you like her?"

"Clap."

However, the moment Hongxia's words fell, the empty paper cup in Liang's hand suddenly fell off, making a small sound on the bar.

Although the degree of inner turmoil was so small, it was already a very obvious expression for Liang, who had always been indifferent to emotions.

However, Liang's strong psychological quality prevented her from being stumped by Hong Xia's question. Instead, she stared at Hong Xia with a cold gaze and asked softly, word by word:

"...What about Hong Xia?"

"Ugh?"

"Hongxia, are you asking this because you like Qi? You even gave him a lap pillow before, and I have never enjoyed such treatment."

Facing Liang's sudden questioning, Hong Xia, who was already in the early stages of love, blushed as soon as that part of her memory suddenly came to her. However, she still shook her head and denied it immediately:

"I, I don't have that kind of feeling towards Qi. I just think Qi is very vulnerable sometimes and really needs our help. I just hope to make Qi feel protected, that's all!"

"...Is that so?"

Facing Hongxia's explanation, Liang was silent for a moment, then revealed a comfortable smile. Soon, Liang refocused his attention on the work in his hands, and replied to Hongxia beside him nonchalantly: 4

"Well, Hongxia, don't worry, I don't have that kind of feelings towards Qi... it's just temporary."

"But if there really comes a day like that in the future—" hissed

As he spoke, Liang gently placed a paper cup in front of Hongxia. The next moment, the two good friends' eyes crossed in mid-air. Liang's eyes flashed with a hint of solemnity, and he said to Hongxia word by word: Three

"Hongxia, I hope you are not the one who snatched him from me."

Hong Xia: "...No way, idiot Liang, how could I possibly steal the person you like." (6)

However, Liang's answer seemed to deny this, but just this one sentence made Hong Xia completely understand Liang's vague thoughts about Chen Qi at this time...

That's really... incredible, Qi actually captured Liang's heart so early? Or should I say, Liang actually fell in love with someone?

This is not ordinary. With Liang's personality, it is very difficult for her to get along with other people. This guy is quiet, lazy, always spends money indiscriminately, and doesn't like to dress up. If she competes with girls like Aine and Xiangzi, she will probably be at a disadvantage.

Although she had not had much contact with Takamatsu Deng's band, Hongxia could still see that her good friend had at least two rivals. One was Toyokawa Shoko, who was suspected to be his ex-girlfriend, and the other was Chen Qi's neighbor girl, Chihaya Aine.

As for Mu... shouldn't it count? Hong Xia carefully recalled Mu's performance in the recording studio in the past few days. Rather than liking Chen Qi, he was more like a pet that depended on Chen Qi's equipment. As long as Chen Qi was there, he was fine.

But even so, Ryo doesn't seem to have much of an advantage over Aine and Shoko...

Should I help Liang out?

As Hong Xia filled the paper cup with drink, her thoughts had already drifted away, so much so that the drink in her paper cup had already overflowed, but she didn't even notice it...

……

"Aqi...why haven't you come back yet?"

At night, Nagasaki Suyo, who had been waiting for Chen Qi to come home, lay in her bed unable to fall asleep... Although she had already received news from Chen Qi that he would be back late, just waiting for a few more hours was enough to make Nagasaki Suyo unable to sleep.

During these few hours, Nagasaki Suyo's mind has been full of random thoughts... Especially after she had done something wrong, she was even more worried about whether something unexpected would happen during the few hours when Chen Qi came home late?

What if Aiyin couldn't control her emotions, sent a message to Aqi, and had already met Aqi?

Will Akari go back with Aine? Or will he learn from Aine the news that she didn't convey at the time? Will Akari question himself?

And... the earrings she secretly took away, I believe Aine can't wait to wear them now? Will Qi find out? What should he do if he finds out?

Although Nagasaki Sushi knew very well that she did not need to pretend in front of Chen Qi, there were some "true faces" that Sushi did not want Chen Qi to see or be noticed by him.

He knew she was selfish, but she didn't want him to know how selfish she was.

What Su Shi was thinking about more was undoubtedly the bet that Liang told Deng about today. That bet was almost a one-round decision that determined the issue of Chen Qi's "ownership".

If Su Shi and the others win, then the band will stop bothering Aqi, and Aiyin, Xiao Deng and the others can reunite with Chen Qi. They can apologize to each other and have a good cry. Probably all the conflicts can be resolved - at least Su Shi thinks so.

But, this also means that Deng-chan, Aine, and Xiangzi...they will all get in touch with Aqi again.

And each of them, in Aqi's heart, is more important than himself.

Especially besides Xiangzi, if Aiyin and Deng said anything, Aqi would probably take Xiaomu away from her home without hesitation... This was an unacceptable result for Su Shi.

And if the band wins... then according to the bet, no one, including Su Shi, can bother Aqi anymore. They all have to draw a clear line between themselves and Aqi, no longer bother him or rely on his talents, but learn to be truly independent.

This seems to be a price that Su Shi cannot accept...but Nagasaki Su Shi knows very well that so far, no one knows that Aqi is in her home!

Especially now, Aqi must not know the content of the bet. I believe that Yamada Ryo and the others will not leak this dirty bet to Aqi as long as they still hope that Aqi can join their band.

That is to say, as long as they lose, Deng, Aine, Xiangzi, Lixi... everyone will have to do as the bet says and never bother Aqi again.

But Su Shi is different!

Because no one knows that Chen Qi lives in her house. This is Nagasaki Suye's unique advantage!

If he wanted Ah Qi to stay in his home, then perhaps letting the band members win would be the best option...

But now, Nagasaki Suyo's most tangled question is - do she really want to do this?