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

"Don't worry, the lights have been turned off early. I came out quietly." Chen Qi also gave Su Shi, who was worried about everyone, a timely shot of prevention, and then said with a mischievous smile:

"And speaking of forcing yourself, Su Shicai is the one who has been forcing himself the whole time, right? When I saw you eating the kidneys, I was worried that you would vomit in my face."

“Aki!!”

Suddenly recalling what he had done during the daytime quarrel with Aiyin, Su Shi realized belatedly that his behavior was childish and blushed. He also blushed and couldn't help but hit Chen Qi with his little fists.

Why, Aqi, you always pick things I don't want to talk about! It makes me lose my composure every time!

Moreover, why is it that after every out-of-control my first reaction is not to complain... but rather happiness?

Nagasaki Suyo didn't understand her own feelings, just like she didn't understand why she was so obsessed with him in the past. It wasn't until the moment she lost him that she realized her feelings...

But, being with him is so comfortable. I don't need any disguise or acting, because all of this has no meaning in front of him.

She only needs to say what she wants to say without worrying about the other person's feelings or worrying that her words might hurt him, because he knows she is not that kind of person.

The feeling that every move I make, every thought I have every second, is under his control...

Really, it’s so relaxing.

After some playful laughter and playfulness, the only barrier between Su Shi and Chen Qi was completely eliminated, and soon, their relationship seemed to have traveled back to half a year ago when they had never been separated, when they were both moving towards a goal.

"So, how does the new band feel?" Chen Qi and Su Shi walked side by side. He put his hands in his pockets and deliberately asked Su Shi, who seemed to be the more "normal person" in the band, for his opinion.

"Before what happened with Aine, everything was going well. I've already planned to take Aine with me to retrain with Riki and the others tomorrow."

Seeing Chen Qi mention the new band, Su Shi's mind became active again. While his brain was working quickly, he chose the answer he thought was the most correct and said softly:

“But, everyone is still a little confused. Before Aine-chan’s affair was exposed, everyone treated Aine-chan like Akari.”

"Now, when everyone finds out that all of Aine's abilities were taught by you, Aki, they are more or less uneasy... We thought we could get used to the environment without Aki and Xiaoxiang, but we never thought that you, Aki, would always be by our side, guiding us in this way."

"Yeah……"

However, Su Shi's answer also made Chen Qi fall into deep thought after he nodded slightly. But soon, he asked Su Shi the second question he was concerned about, saying:

"What about Lixi? How did she react?"

"... probably very frustrated." Su Shi could only smile helplessly at Chen Qi after hearing this, but soon she realized that this question was also very critical, and quickly added:

"But when Li Xi first learned about you, Aqi, he followed me here the first time. I think that after so much time has passed, Li Xi should have let go of his... personal opinions about you, Aqi. Li Xi still cares about you very much."

As she spoke, Su Shi also looked at Chen Qi who was silent for a while beside her. She finally couldn't hold back the emotions that were welling up in her chest, and she spoke to Chen Qi in her most gentle, even slightly begging, attitude and tone, trembling slightly:

"Aqi... we are all confused now. We all need your guidance. Tell us what we should do."

"So, can you please come back? Deng, Aine-chan, and I will help you with the matter over at Riki."

"And then?" Facing Su Shi who invited him, Chen Qi smiled bitterly, not leaving much room for Su Shi's imagination, and immediately said:

"Last time, when Li Xi asked me questions about the lamp and Xiangzi, I didn't answer any of them. Li Xi's resentment towards me has not been eliminated to this day, and I am still clear about this."

"If I return to the band and lead everyone like before, will Li Xi still obey me? Are you going to let Li Xi, the drummer, leave for me?"

However, Chen Qi's question made Su Shi, who had his mouth slightly open, finally choose to remain silent.

Unable to express it, Su Shi couldn't tell the thought that flashed through his mind for a moment - "As long as Aqi can come back, anyone can replace the band for me."

The last bit of Su Shi's rationality told him that if he said these words, not only would Chen Qi not be moved in the slightest, but his relationship with Aqi would end forever.

Su Shi understood that Aqi actually valued the friendship of everyone in Crychic more than anyone else. He was not a person like himself who just needed someone to pay attention to him. What he maintained was the relationship between everyone in the entire band.

He is different from me. I am a very selfish person... I just hope that the light that illuminates me can stay with me forever. But Aqi is a big sun that has been trying to give warmth to everyone without asking for anything in return.

"So, Aqi, you won't come back in the end?" Su Shi's eyes dimmed a little after recognizing the reality, and he asked Chen Qi softly.

As for this band...it seems like there's no need for me to stay with it anymore.

I'm sorry, Aqi, I know it's selfish of me to do this, but without you in the band, I really can't find the motivation to persevere.

However, perhaps because he noticed Su Shi's dim eyes, Chen Qi unconsciously opened his mouth slightly. After his throat rolled obviously, he showed a relaxed smile and comforted Su Shi beside him:

"Don't be so depressed, Su Shi. I just won't interfere in the conduct of your band anymore. It doesn't mean that I will completely ignore you."

"Even if Crychic disbands, aren't we all friends? If you encounter any difficulties, you can always come to me for help."

"Anyway, you know where I live now. But remember, don't force Li Xi to come along. Things like reconciliation should happen naturally. Don't force Li Xi."

Having said that, Chen Qi actually thought that there was almost no possibility for him and Shiina Riki to reconcile. After all, Chen Qi couldn't tell her any of the two questions that Riki was most curious about.

What can he say? Xiangzi's withdrawal was because his family had big problems, was in huge debt, and was kicked out of the house by his family, but he was embarrassed to tell everyone?

And the reason why he left Deng was because Deng had once had forbidden feelings for him? If he hadn't left, Deng might have forced him to break the brother-sister relationship?

If Chen Qi said these two questions, how would Li Xi and the others view Xiangzi and Deng? Should they go to Xiangzi one by one to apologize and tell her that they already knew the truth?

This was not a relief for Xiangzi. Instead, it crushed her pitiful self-esteem to the ground and then stomped on it hard. Under such strong stimulation, Chen Qi didn't dare to think that Xiangzi would do something stupid in the heat of the moment.

As for Deng... Was he going to let her endure the strange looks from her closest friends? Once he said this, would Li Xi still be able to look at Deng normally?

Therefore, Chen Qi would rather be blamed and misunderstood by Li Xi. He could not tell these two truths to anyone and let them rot in his stomach forever.

Until one day in the future, I help Xiangzi pay off all her debts, allowing her to regain her freedom, and, under my correction, Deng continues to live with me as a brother and sister.

"But if we rely on ourselves..."

"——I believe in you. You can do it alone."

Facing Su Shi who lowered his head somewhat unconfidently, Chen Qi half-knelt down with a smile. After keeping his eyes at the same level as Su Shi's, he slowly stretched out his hands and held up Su Shi's drooping cheeks.

And the moment her cheeks were touched by Chen Qi's palms, Su Shi's heart couldn't help but tremble violently. Su Shi was completely stunned and let Chen Qi hold her cheeks. She stared blankly at Chen Qi's moving eyes and was distracted for a moment.

Qi's eyes... so beautiful. Su Shi even forgot her shyness for a moment, and just dazedly sank into the eyes of Chen Qi in front of her.

"Su Shi, if you ask me who can play a huge role in the running-in of your band, then I think that person is undoubtedly you."

"You, Aine, and Deng, the three of you are the key to this band. As long as the three of you remain determined, I believe you can do better than when Xiangzi and I were here."

"Shoko and I... Strictly speaking, neither of us is particularly suitable for forming a band. We are both too strong-willed and self-righteous, and we always put ourselves in a leading position. But a band is a team that requires everyone to work together and come together."

"Promise me one thing, please? Sushi."

Having said that, Chen Qi's hands that were holding Su Shi's cheeks exerted a little more force, and it was at this moment that Su Shi, who had lost his mind, regained some consciousness and finally heard the only sentence Chen Qi had told him so far.

"No matter what conflicts you have with each other during the band's adjustment period, please don't hate them, okay?"

"You are both children with strong personalities. I'm sure there will be many disagreements and conflicts in the future. But no matter how serious the quarrel is, please don't say 'break up' or ignore each other, okay?"

As he spoke, Chen Qi's face showed a rare look of embarrassment, but he was still extremely sincere, even to the point of pleading, and said to Su Shi bitterly:

"Otherwise, I'll feel very frustrated. This is one of the few things that can overwhelm me... I'm only telling you this."

Just tell me...?

Until Chen Qi's warm hands left her cheeks, feeling the warmth remaining on her face, Su Shi subconsciously put her five fingers on the side of her face, and under Chen Qi's gaze, she lowered her head slightly again.

Su Shi's long chestnut hair fell slightly, covering her face, using the shadow to hide her cheeks that were flushed due to her throbbing heart.

Actively exposing your weaknesses and bottom lines... Aqi, you are too cunning.

And what are the secrets that you only tell me? You said this on purpose because you knew that I would agree to your request, right?

And I... am such an idiot.

I clearly know that this is the responsibility you, Aqi, entrusted to me, just like a fish hook sticking straight in the water, and I am like that stupid fish, but I am still foolishly hooked to the shore by your straight hook.

No, you can't be so cunning, Aqi.

You're like this...I can't help myself...and fall in love with you again.

"……I promise you."

In the end, Su Shi, who felt that she was hopeless, still chose to agree to Chen Qi's request. Even though she knew that there was a "trap" ahead that she didn't want to fall into, she still fell into it willingly.

Just for the momentary smile of the big boy in front of him, he smiled, and his world seemed to be illuminated by the sun.

She seemed to understand a little bit why Xiangzi was so immersed in his warmth that he even ignored all the outside eyes.

……

Su Shi: [Just now, Li Xi and I have discussed that we will try to schedule the band’s first public live next month. I will let you know the news tomorrow.]

[Of course, once the time for the Live is confirmed, Aqi, you must come and watch it. This is the voice that Deng has always wanted to convey to you.]

Chen Qi: [Of course I will come. No matter what I have to do, I will be there as soon as possible.]

Chen Qi took the tram and finally got back to Aiyin's house at midnight. Looking at the at least 99+ messages that Su Shi sent him in the past two hours, Chen Qi, who knew the loneliness of this girl who lacked love and companionship, tried his best to accompany her to the end.

After returning to the cabin, Chen Qi immediately turned his phone to silent mode. With the dim light, he could see Gao Songdeng who was still lying on the bed and sleeping.

It seems that I didn't wake up the lights. Chen Qi breathed a sigh of relief, but the screen in his hand suddenly lit up, and another new message was sent to his phone.

However, this time, the person who sent the message was not Su Shi, but Sanjiao Chuhua, who was the first person to communicate his wishes to the other party after he got the contact information from Xiangzi during the day.

Sanjiao Chuhua: [Senior Chen Qi, I have received a reply from my agent. The agent said that after she shared the video of "LOSER" with the company, the communication with everyone in the company went quite smoothly. Your first public Live should be settled soon.]

[However, some details need to be discussed in person. If you are free, can we meet tomorrow? The address is at...]

It seems like today is a double blessing. Chen Qi looked at the message from Chu Hua on his phone and replied immediately. In a good mood, Chen Qi changed into his pajamas and immediately lay down on the soft tatami on the ground.

After a while, Chen Qi, who had been accompanying Su Shi for such a long time and was already exhausted, fell into a deep sleep...

And in the pitch black night, accompanied by the sound of Chen Qi's steady breathing, Gao Songdeng, who was sleeping soundly on the bed, suddenly opened his eyes without any warning.

In the darkness, the light slowly fell down from the bed silently, and her eyes were immediately locked on the only light source in the room - the mobile phone beside Chen Qi's pillow.

This is……

Gao Songdeng silently picked up Chen Qi's mobile phone. Faced with Chen Qi's mobile phone password, Gao Songdeng thought for a while, and immediately entered Chen Qi's most commonly used password, and it was unlocked without any obstacles.

However, facing the messages from Line, Takamatsu Deng quickly noticed the note of the sender - Nagasaki Motoyo.

It turns out that my brother suddenly went out in the middle of the night because of Su Shi’s invitation?

But when did my brother become so close to Su Shi?

Gao Songdeng tried hard to recall the past, but found that she could not find any clues. All she could remember clearly were some details about herself and her brother. She did not seem to pay much attention to anything else.

But, no matter what...

Perhaps I will always be my brother's sister. This is my bottom line. I promised my brother that I will never cross the line again.

But, even so, Sushi, you and Aine-chan are the same, you absolutely cannot "cross the line".

In the darkness, Gao Songdeng's eyes, which originally sparkled like stardust, seemed to merge into the darkness for a moment. Although it was only a moment...but the girl's deep inner turmoil and the mood at that moment seemed to be enough to swallow up all her emotions.

Chapter 53: Xiangzi was exposed by Aiyin? Chen Qi and Chuhua's first heart-to-heart talk

"See you this afternoon, Touma, Aine."

Deng, Aine: "Yeah, see you after school, Qi-nii (brother)."

The next morning, Chen Qi sent his two younger sisters to school just like he did yesterday. Everyone at Yuqiu Girls' College had anticipated this scene, so they chose to leave temporarily under the extremely curious and eager gazes of the female high school students who had been waiting to watch.

And this time, when Deng and Aine entered the school, they were surrounded by a group of curious female classmates just like yesterday.

However, compared to the big scene yesterday, most of the people surrounding them this time were just classmates from Class A, and they basically gathered around Deng.

Ever since what happened yesterday, the entire Yugaoka Girls' Academy, especially the first-year students, now know that Takamatsu Deng has such an excellent brother. This has also led to more and more people asking about Takamatsu Deng, who was already very popular in Yugaoka.

Of course, most of the girls were not here for Gao Songdeng, but just wanted to use the lantern as a stepping stone to find out some information about Chen Qi out of curiosity.

As for why they didn't surround Ain...there was no doubt that it was because when Ain was being watched yesterday, she denied that Chen Qi was her boyfriend.

Although some classmates who were close to Aine could tell that Aine was speaking in a tsundere way, most people only heard this result. Therefore, Takamatsu Deng, the sister who took the initiative to admit it, naturally became a more eye-catching object.

"Takamatsu-san, your brother really dotes on you! He's even willing to send you to school now that you're in high school."

"Yeah, my brother is not like that. He gets impatient when I call him now, and even suspects that I'm asking him for living expenses."

"Don't mention it. I don't even want to know my brother... He stays at home like a nerd every day. His cabinets are full of figurines. He doesn't exercise and is getting fatter and fatter..."

The students who were chattering around Gao Song Deng couldn't help but express their envy for Gao Song Deng. This also made Gao Song Deng, who had regained his former image of a little animal, feel a little flustered, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a little happy in his heart.

After all, everyone was praising her brother, and her brother was the best person she had ever met in her life. Even though Takamatsu Deng did not consider herself a "human being", she now had some of the feelings of an ordinary person.

It turns out that it is such a joy to have something you cherish admired by others...

"Really, I really envy Takamatsu-san." At this time, a classmate who couldn't hide her smile noticed that Takamatsu Deng, who usually didn't talk much, showed a hint of joy when talking about her brother. Her beautiful eyes couldn't help but turn around and said half-jokingly:

"I am a little interested in Takamatsu-san's brother~"

"It seems that Takamatsu's brother can play a musical instrument. I also happen to be in a band with my friends, and I'm the captain. I think we should have a lot of common topics~"

"Ah! So cunning! That's what I was just about to say!"