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

Mu held her guitar gently, there was no sound in her ears, and the only thing lingering in her mind was the scene she saw on Aiyin's wallpaper.

...Qi, that's great.

It seems like you have found someone who can take care of you.

But... mouth... why is it so bitter?

Just like when she had mistakenly eaten bitter melon for cucumber, Mu wanted to be happy for Chen Qi for finding a suitable home, but she couldn't smile no matter what, and couldn't even feel a little happy.

So, in the second half of the practice, Mu made fifteen mistakes silently.

In the end, Li Xi had no choice but to end this exercise in a disappointing way.

……

"Oh? You found a new member so quickly? As expected of Little Lonely, you can do it if you muster up the courage."

Little Lonely: "I, I haven't done anything remarkable... Hehe..."

In Aiyin's residence, Chen Qi, who had finished work early today, also received news from the band's end. The message was sent to him from Xiaogudu's personal account, and later Chen Qi shared his mobile phone number with them for convenience.

Soon, Chen Qi shared the first good news from these little girls - they had found the candidate for rhythm guitar + lead vocals.

Without a doubt, it was the last member of the band, the guitarist who had escaped before, Kita Ikuyo.

"You, are you Senior Chen Qi? I am Xi Duo! Please give me your guidance from now on!"

On the other end of the phone, when Xi Duo, who had just joined the band, learned that the person on the other end of the phone was Chen Qi, who had replaced her on the stage last night and saved the day, this energetic and sunny girl also showed the same respect as she would to a teacher, and said with excitement:

"Well, I heard about your deeds before, and Goto-san also showed me the recording that the store manager made last night. Thank you very much for your help yesterday!"

"It was clearly my mess that I left behind, but you helped me clean it up in the end. I am so ashamed!"

"Don't say it so harshly. If you want to thank me, just practice your skills and continue to work hard with the girls who finished the band." Chen Qi, who felt much more relaxed, smiled and said gently:

"You can still move forward together, so it's okay to be a little immature for a while. The right thing to do is to work hard."

"Fei, thank you very much for your guidance!"

"Okay, okay, Kita-chan, give me your phone number quickly. I have something important to say." Hong Xia, who was standing aside, couldn't help but smile in her heart when she saw Kita looking so terrified in front of Chen Qi.

If it weren't for yesterday's experience, I'm afraid that Liang and I would have treated Chen Qi as a capable and serious senior just like Kita, right? I never thought that he would be so approachable and not have any airs at all.

But now, Hong Xia didn't have time to think about this. After taking the phone from Xi Duo, Hong Xia also greeted Chen Qi, and then took the initiative to get to the point, saying:

"Well, Senior Chen Qi, although it may be a little abrupt, we would like to ask you for help with something - do you know any friends in a musical instrument store?"

"Music store?" Chen Qi was stunned for a moment before reacting. On the other side of the phone, Hong Xia's slightly embarrassed voice said:

"It's a long story, but to put it simply, Kita is actually a beginner. She bought the wrong instrument, a bass instead of a guitar, and she overdrew her two years' worth of pocket money and New Year's money."

"So I'd like to ask you for help. See if you know any friends who can help Kita assess the price of her bass, or replace it with a guitar or something."

"We're not very good at evaluating music stores, nor are we very good at bargaining... If Ryo pays for Kita's bass, Ryo will have to eat grass for the rest of the month!"

"Please! Senior Chen Qi, who is almighty, please save us, the poor fledgling band members!"

"——No need to be so exaggerated, as long as you can exchange Xiduo's bass for money at a reasonable price, right?" Chen Qi listened to Hong Xia's exaggerated pleading tone on the other end of the phone, and a familiar place quietly emerged in his mind, and he immediately said:

"That's right, I know a place where the manager should be able to meet your requirements. I'm going to visit her tomorrow too, so we can go together."

"However, the only thing is that the store manager there has a bit of a weird temper, so I have to take you with me. When the time comes, everything will be arranged by me, okay?"

Hong Xia: "Thank you so much! Don't worry, I will take good care of Liang and Xiao Gu Du and won't let them get into trouble!"

Really, what a group of energetic girls. After ending the call, Chen Qi was happy for these girls from the bottom of his heart when he heard that they were finally getting back on track.

Finally, the band's ending also started to develop the plot just like the original novel, and I felt relieved that I didn't have any negative effect.

"But... Manager Xingge actually has a recording of my performance? I haven't heard her mention it before."

"...She wouldn't just post my performance online, would she? Otherwise, if it gets caught by a camera or someone else, I'd be exposed."

After all, live recordings are different from Chen Qi releasing songs on the Internet. At least Chen Qi does not show his face on the Internet, so even if his former friends really heard something, they still don’t know where to find him.

But if the recording is sent out, it will be a different story.

Especially if it was discovered that he was performing at [Fanxing], it would be easy to track him down. He didn't want Deng or Su Shi to find him and then replicate the famous MYGO scene in front of him... then he would really become Xiangzi!

"But my career in online music recording seems to be mediocre. It's really strange. Although I don't think my face is worth recording, but so many songs haven't caused a big stir, which doesn't seem right."

“…Sure enough, is it because I don’t know how to make videos? I only know one cover and keep playing songs? Or is it because I lack exposure? Should I find a beautiful girl UP to cooperate with? The effect of performing together will be better?”

Thinking of this, looking at his account with 30,000 followers, which is the same as Pochi-chan's but has not increased for a long time, Chen Qi couldn't help but recall a figure with short purple hair... Perhaps, he should ask her for a help?

However, just as Chen Qi was thinking about how to find Xingge to get the recording back, as well as his work as an online singer that had hit a bottleneck, suddenly, a sound from the door interrupted Chen Qi's thoughts in time.

The person who came was undoubtedly Chihaya Aine. However, this time, the expression of Aine, who had just put down her piano bag, was more serious than any other time.

As soon as they met, Aiyin came straight to Chen Qi, her eyes fixed on his. Her delicate face didn't care about Chen Qi's slightly stunned look for a moment, and she said to Chen Qi word by word:

"Brother Qi! I want you to continue teaching me guitar! The sooner the effect, the better!"

Chapter 31: Chihaya Aine unexpectedly understands her own feelings...

"I see. Because of the intensity of the band's first practice, you're worried that your level will be exposed, right?"

It took Chen Qi a while to finally learn from Ain why she was so anxious to improve her guitar skills. When he looked at Ain who was struggling on the bed with her knees hugged after taking off her shoes, he continued his work nonchalantly and replied with a chuckle:

"If you are afraid of being exposed, I think it would be better to take the initiative to expose yourself now."

"Now tell everyone directly that you, Aine, are not a genius at all. You were just a fan of their band, so you are familiar with the songs they played in the live performances. This time, it was because you met the lead singer, Takamatsu Touma, that you wanted to join the band."

"Even though it's a lie, it will free you from the burden. If you don't tell me now, you might be in a very awkward situation if it's exposed in the future."

“Oh…I know that.”

Aiyin, who was sitting on the bed with her legs crossed and shaking her body, nodded with an embarrassed look on her face. She knew that what Chen Qi said was the best solution for her, which could allow her to gain the maximum breathing space with the least loss of face.

Today's Aiyin has experienced how strong the band is. After Lixi's fifteen minutes of adjustment, there were no mistakes during the second training session, and even the drum beats became more powerful and clear.

Aine could see that Shiina Tatsuki, who now considered herself to be the "weakest" link in the band, would impose even stricter requirements on herself in the future, and this strictness would not only be reflected in herself, but would sooner or later spread to other members!

For example, when Mu was not in good shape in the second half of today's game, Aine couldn't help but feel scared when she recalled the scene where Riki caught Mu and blamed him...

What made Aiyin even more nervous was that after this training session, Li Xi felt that although everyone's condition was not stable, their level was still trustworthy. She said that she was going to start trying to make new songs for the new band.

And by then, if Li Xi composes a song that I am not familiar with, and I fail to keep up during practice... then I will definitely end up in a very embarrassing situation!

but……

"But I feel like this is only the last resort. If I really can't hide it anymore, I'll probably use this method, right?"

"I feel like my talent isn't too far behind Li Xi's, right? Brother Qi, if there's a way, I still hope to stay in the band for a while longer~"

The best thing would be to hold on until Deng sings out her feelings to Qi Ge, and then Qi Ge and Deng, the brother and sister, reunite again, and then the moved Qi Ge would join their new band!

Deep down in her heart, Aiyin still hasn't given up the idea of ​​getting Chen Qi to join the new band. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, Aiyin eagerly hopes to perform with Chen Qi in the same band in the future.

In this way, not only can she continue her band career, but she can also go on stage with Brother Qi, whom she trusts the most!

However, Aiyin also knows that her skills are not yet solid, and it will be extremely difficult for her to perform with Chen Qi and everyone in the band in the future, so she still wants to seize the time to hone herself instead of choosing to give in right away.

"Brother Qi, please help me again~"

However, Aiyin thought so much but didn't really say a word. She just kept looking at Chen Qi, asking for help with a coquettish tone and crystal eyes.

"That's true... But I've taught you everything I need to know about guitar. I don't know what to do with the rest except to practice hard and practice makes perfect."

Facing Aiyin's request for help, Chen Qi couldn't help but look embarrassed. He now regretted teaching Aiyin the guitar, which he had only learned for half a year - and he had to teach her the instrument he was least good at!

I should have taught Aiyin the keyboard from the beginning. It would be great if she could take Xiangzi's place in the MYGO band in the future...

Besides, he was also familiar with the keyboard. When he encouraged Deng to sing when they were young, he would accompany him with the keyboard. He practiced with Deng for several years. Later in Crychic, he and Xiangzi were also used to composing music or playing demos with the keyboard. He was more familiar with it than the guitar.

But it was too late to say these things now. Facing Aiyin who was asking for help, with a pair of bright eyes staring straight at him, Chen Qi was slightly speechless and smiled helplessly. In the end, he responded with a rather doting smile:

"...Okay, I can help you."

"Really?! That's great! Brother Qi~Love~"

When Aiyin heard that Chen Qi had agreed to her request again, the strong rock of uneasiness in her heart finally fell at the moment of getting a response. She was so excited that she couldn't help but say what she was thinking.

But, just a moment after Aine finished speaking, in the strange silence, Aine realized belatedly that what she had just said seemed... a little inappropriate?

Wait, what's wrong with that?! What did I just say?!

Almost instantly, Chihaya Aine realized her behavior and her cheeks turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye.

And just when Aiyin subconsciously looked up at Chen Qi, trying to judge his reaction, she met Chen Qi's slightly surprised gaze.

And at that moment, Aiyin’s heart tightened again, and she quickly looked away again.

Wait - why is my heart beating so fast all of a sudden?

Isn't it like, as if I have a crush on Brother Qi? !

Aiyin didn't know why she blushed so much all of a sudden. She had clearly done many intimate things towards Chen Qi in the past, and the occasional hugs and cuddles were mostly initiated by her.

Even the selfie that was used as wallpaper was taken secretly when Brother Qi wasn't paying attention.

Although Aine had blushed before and occasionally questioned whether her behavior had crossed the line afterwards, this was the first time she had felt so embarrassed and moved as she did today.

Could it be that... I have never really regarded Brother Qi as a simple brother?

Chihaya Aine's thoughts were in a mess, but she couldn't help but reflect on her wildly beating heart and every detail of her past with Chen Qi.

Yes, why did I do that in the beginning? When I returned home from England, I didn’t even have the courage to ring the doorbell. I could only use the key to open the iron gate of the courtyard by myself, and I didn’t even dare to make a sound. At that time, I was like a loser.

At that time, my mind was full of thoughts of escape. I just wanted to go to the empty study room at home and hide there for one night as long as I could...until then, I heard the sound of the guitar and the boy's singing.

Later, Chen Qi told her the name of the song. Aiyin will never forget that the first song she heard after escaping from England was called "Heartbeat Number #0822".

That night, Aiyin, who didn't dare to enter the study, hid outside the study door and listened to this gentle, soothing, yet slightly sad song... She covered her face outside the house, sobbing with her hands covering her mouth tightly.

From that night on, his fate had become complicated with the young man in the house, whom he had never met but who had inadvertently penetrated all his psychological defenses.

The young man who indulged in her presence when they met for the first time and played the guitar all night to help her fall asleep made me feel at ease and at home for the first time after I escaped back from England.

After that, their relationship became closer and closer, and she became more and more arrogant and unreasonable in front of him...

"Brother Qi, my pudding failed! Woohoo, can you help me eat it?"

"Brother Qi, come and save me~ Today is another big cleaning day, help me~"

"Brother Qi, come and go shopping with me. I'll buy things and you can help me carry them. Why are you looking so unhappy? This is Miss Aine's invitation, okay? I'll treat you to a meal."

"Brother Qi..."

But he always indulged himself like this, just like when they met on the first night.

He was like an older brother who watched her grow up. He always accepted her even though she was not perfect, but he never complained about her weaknesses and inadequacies. He always encouraged her, and accompanied her to make up for those shortcomings.

He not only watched her growth, but he also accompanied and supervised her growth, affirming her every little progress and achievement.

That feeling... is really warm.

Could it be that this is really the case?

It turns out that I have already been uncontrollably... sinking deeper and deeper?

For a moment, Chihaya Aine, whose heart was beating non-stop, couldn't help but relax a little. She still felt that her face was as hot as hot water, but her original uneasy and frightened mood was calmed down little by little under these memories.

But at this moment, Chen Qi's voice interrupted Aiyin's thoughts.

"——There's no need to be so corny."

The slightly surprised expression on Chen Qi's face quickly disappeared when Ain reacted, and what appeared again was the expression that Ain was familiar with, as if a brother was extremely helpless when facing his willful sister. Chen Qi also avoided Ain's gaze and said to himself:

"It just so happens that tomorrow I'm going to visit my guitar teacher. If you want to improve your guitar skills, you can go with me tomorrow."

"But let me first say that my guitar teacher has a bit of a weird temper, and she and I... well... strictly speaking, I have some involvement with her family, which is why she doesn't treat me very well."

"So, when we get there tomorrow, no matter what happens, don't get angry with the teacher, okay? She's strict because she's responsible for you and me. If there's anyone else who can teach us guitar, it's probably only her."

"Also, there happen to be a few friends going with us tomorrow, so you can get to know each other then."

After saying that, Chen Qi's gaze never turned to Aiyin who was standing beside him with a slightly stunned expression. Instead, he turned around and took the initiative to face Aiyin, and said in a calm tone:

"Well, it's already late today. Aine, you've been training for the whole afternoon. You must be tired, right? Go back and rest early."

However, as soon as Chen Qi finished speaking, Aiyin, who had reacted, did not leave immediately. After she came to her senses, facing Chen Qi's back, Aiyin, who had just come to her senses, could not help swallowing her saliva.

Then, behind Chen Qi came Aiyin's voice, which seemed a little awkward, but pretended to be calm, as if she didn't want Chen Qi to see the clues, but she said intermittently:

"Today... I don't want to go back."