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

Mana: "I think it's great! There's juice and desserts brought by Qi. I think it's pretty good to have such a celebration party~"

As she spoke, Junda Mana took the initiative and picked up a donut and ate it happily. Even though her mouth was full, she did not forget to say to everyone in an extremely happy tone:

"Come to think of it, we're in great shape today, aren't we? All our previous performances and rehearsals didn't achieve the same great results as today, right?"

However, an unintentional remark by Junda Mana made the other members of [Sumimi] nodded thoughtfully. They realized belatedly that their performance on the stage today was indeed different from the past.

"That's right Mana. I didn't feel it during practice, but today I felt like I was in a particularly good state on stage."

"Me too. During the last few sections, I was so moved by Chuhua and Qi's singing that I almost cried, but the drums never stopped."

Agent: "Come to think of it, today is indeed a little different..."

However, the experienced agent gradually recovered from this unexpected victory after hearing several voices of agreement from the members of [sumimi], and gradually realized the difference between this performance and previous ones.

As the agent who had been with everyone for the past two weeks, she was worried before because she knew that although Chen Qi performed well during practice, in the eyes of her agent, he was not much better than the co-lead singer Junda Mana.

Considering Chen Qi's male identity, which may lead to gossip and criticism, Chen Qi's behavior is basically not worth the cost for Chuhua.

But this time, not only Chen Qi and Chu Hua, but also the performances of other members of [sumimi] were more eye-catching than any previous performance or rehearsal.

The agent was of course very clear about the usual performance of 【sumimi】. Although everyone was excellent, it was the first time they had such an explosive performance like today. And the rehearsal for the past two weeks did not seem like the reason for the transformation of all of them.

And the only possible reason... is Chen Qi, who had the most outstanding performance today and even Chu Hua was outshined.

Although this is a bit unbelievable, but this big boy seems to be more adapted to live performances than recording studios?

Moreover, the cooperation between him and Chu Hua this time was so tacit that it was a little unbelievable. They had only known each other for two weeks, but their tacit cooperation was so good that she would believe him if he said they had been working together for two years.

With this thought in mind, the agent unconsciously turned her gaze to Chen Qi, only to find that Chen Qi had turned around and walked towards Chu Hua, who was standing in front of the dressing table and whose emotions had not yet completely calmed down.

"Why are you still crying? Your makeup is going to get ruined."

While Chen Qi was looking at Sanjiao Chuhua, who was still using tissues to wipe the tears from her eyes, he put down the juice and the plate of cake in his hand and slowly sat down in front of Chuhua.

"senior……"

Chu Hua, who noticed Chen Qi's approach, also subconsciously restrained his emotions. This was the family education that Chu Hua had received since childhood, that he could not talk to people with an unhappy expression on his face.

But at this moment, Chen Qi interrupted Chu Hua's forced smile in time, silently cast his gaze towards the mirror in front of him, and said with a relaxed smile:

"You don't have to be so reserved in front of me. After all, we both 'confessed' to Xiangzi together, so there's no need to put on a forced smile in front of me, right?"

"If you have anything to say, if you want to complain or cry, just tell me at any time. In this way, I, the 'senior' who was promoted by you, Chuhua, can also be considered to have played a role, right?"

Chu Hua: "No, how could that be? If it weren't for the song you wrote, I'm afraid I would never have thought in my life that there would be a song that is so true to my heart. You really fulfilled one of my biggest wishes!"

After receiving the juice from Chen Qi, Sanjiao Chuhua's mood calmed down a little. However, when she looked down at the juice in the glass, she still asked with some uneasiness and worry:

"Senior, do you think our voices can really reach Xiaoxiang? When Xiaoxiang hears our singing, can she really feel our support for her?"

"It's not important anymore, Chuhua." Chen Qi looked at Chuhua who was still thinking about Xiangzi wholeheartedly. He felt deeply about Chuhua's feelings for Xiangzi for the nth time, but he still said to Chuhua comfortingly:

"The important thing is, there is only so much we can do for Xiangzi now. Before Xiangzi opens her heart and stops resisting her friends' help, this is the only way we can help Xiangzi."

"As a friend, Chuhua, you have done the best you can. You have done enough for Xiangzi, so don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"More importantly, don't do unnecessary things. I think if Xiangzi really thinks it through, she will take the initiative to find us."

Chen Qi is not worried about Xiangzi now. After all, he has been observing Xiangzi's performance since the live performance. Through Xiangzi's reaction, Chen Qi is now basically certain that the lethality of his live performance on Xiangzi is no less than the song "Spring Shadow" sung by Deng to Xiangzi in the original novel.

Xiangzi was still able to cry, which in a sense was a way of releasing his emotions. This was basically the only way Chen Qi and Chu Hua could support Xiangzi spiritually.

What Chen Qi was more worried about was Chu Hua, who had almost gambled everything for Xiangzi. Chen Qi was really afraid that Chu Hua, who had such heavy feelings for Xiangzi, would be unable to resist giving Xiangzi any help after learning about his predicament.

Then Chen Qi and Chu Hua’s work today would have been in vain.

Xiangzi's self-esteem now cannot stand the slightest provocation. It is already the limit for them to find a way to bypass the thorn in Xiangzi's heart and let her feel their friendship for her.

What remains is to see whether Xiangzi can open her heart, or like in the original novel, completely bid farewell to her past weakness and become strong... At least for Xiangzi, these two options can help her live more firmly.

"senior……"

However, after the performance, Chu Hua was at a loss as to how to contact Xiangzi next. After getting Chen Qi's guidance, he subconsciously believed Chen Qi's judgment.

Ever since Chen Qi told Chuhua about his and Xiangzi's story, and after this "Gray and Blue", Chuhua has actually accepted in his heart that he, his childhood sweetheart, probably doesn't understand Xiaoxiang's heart as well as Chen Qi does.

After all, Chuhua had not been instructed like Xiangzi's mother. Chuhua could not trust her own judgment, but she had to trust the judgment of a dying mother.

Therefore, Chu Hua, knowing that he had done his best, finally smiled faintly and nodded towards Chen Qi, saying:

"I understand. During this period of time, unless Xiaoxiang contacts me, I will not bother Xiaoxiang."

"——You all get along really well, Chu Hua and Mr. Chen Qi."

However, just when the atmosphere between Chu Hua and Chen Qi was peaceful, suddenly, the agent lady who had been watching for a long time came from the side and sat in the position between the two with a teasing voice and a somewhat ambiguous smile.

"Ms. Broker?" X2

"Hehe, although I really don't want to be a light bulb, I have to remind Chuhua."

The agent who stood between Chen Qi and Chu Hua first cast his gaze towards Chu Hua, and his tone and expression became obviously serious as he said:

"As an idol, dating is forbidden. Even in the lounge and private places, you should try to reduce contact with the opposite sex as much as possible. If a tabloid reporter finds out, even if it's a false story, it will cause trouble for you, Chuhua."

"So, no matter how good your relationship with Mr. Chen Qi is, you can't cross the line. Otherwise, as your agent, I might report this matter to the company."

"……sorry."

It was only after the agent's reminder that Chu Hua realized that her recent contact with Chen Qi was indeed a bit excessive, especially the time when she bypassed her agent and met Chen Qi privately. If it weren't for Chen Qi's timely cover, she might have been exposed.

Especially, the senior is someone Xiaoxiang once liked, and he has clearly reminded himself that he must keep a distance from the senior.

Chu Hua, knowing that he was in the wrong, nodded awkwardly and chose to remain silent, looking at himself in the mirror whose smile was gradually disappearing.

Seeing Chu Hua's mood suddenly sinking, the agent's face also showed a sly smile. After ruffling her hair, she pretended to say casually:

"Although it's cruel, this is the professional requirement that idols and stars need to follow. Except for work-related matters, contact with the opposite sex is completely prohibited."

"However, if it is necessary for work, then no matter how much contact they have with each other, at least there is an excuse to shut up the outside media."

As she spoke, the agent turned her gaze to Chen Qi, who was standing beside her. Her eyes were filled with expectation as she asked Chen Qi word by word:

"How is it, Mr. Chen Qi? Although it is basically impossible for you to join [Sumimi], based on your cooperation with Chuhua this time, I think you two complement each other very well."

"How about...you and Chuhua, why don't you form a new duo? In this way, Chuhua might be able to break the restrictions of being an idol and transform into a talented singer like you."

However, the manager's words caused a great uproar in the lounge. For a moment, several members of [sumimi] and Chuhua himself all looked at the manager with extremely surprised eyes.

Especially Sanjiao Chuhua, she couldn't imagine that her agent would propose such a proposal at this time, and this proposal was something that she had been worrying about.

Sanjiao Chuhua certainly knew that if he wanted to go far, it was unrealistic to remain an idol forever.

The profession of idol can be said to be a job that relies on youth. She is now so popular because of her unique advantages of beauty and talent.

But if one day, your appearance gradually declines due to age and you are not ready for transformation, the only outcome is to be gradually forgotten, or replaced by an idol who may appear in the future and is more beautiful and talented than you.

Therefore, the reason why Sankaku Hatsuka single-handedly arranged and wrote the lyrics for [sumimi] was because she had long been preparing for her own transformation - of course, it would be even better if she could lead everyone in [sumimi] through the transformation together.

However, Sanjiao Chuhua's desire to transform has always been suppressed by her agent, and the agent's explanation to her is...

"Ah, Chuhua, why are you worrying about this so early? You are only in the first year of high school, and you are only 16 years old, right? With your ability and appearance, I dare to guarantee that in the next five years, there will be no second idol with better conditions than you."

"Instead of thinking about transformation so early, wouldn't it be more practical to focus most of your energy on idol activities and do your current career well?"

...In fact, the agent had already put it very tactfully, but Sanjiao Chuhua also understood what she meant.

Xiao Chuhua, I'm glad that you have a sense of crisis, but with your current ability and performance, it's still a little difficult for you to enter such a cruel arena.

And now, the transformation that Sanjiao Chuhua had waited for so long was actually brought up by the agent who had rejected him before. However, the "condition" mentioned by the agent made Chuhua a little hesitant.

To form a duo with Chen Qi? Doesn't that mean that everyone in [sumimi] will be...

"Ms. Agent, please don't joke like that. I feel like if I agree to this, I'll be killed by these girls from [sumimi]."

Facing everyone's gaze, Chen Qi, after a brief silence, waved his hand with a smirk and chose to decline, responding casually:

"Besides, I think Miss Chuhua is doing very well at [Sumimi]. My career is just starting out, so it's not that important. I would feel bad if I let Miss Chuhua gamble with me about my future again."

"Ah, Mr. Chen Qi, who just won a great victory on the stage, could it be that he dislikes our Chu Hua?"

However, the agent was not joking. The reason why she dared to make the proposal was that she felt that her proposal would be the right choice.

She looked at Chen Qi, squinting her eyes slightly. As a professional woman, her sharpness also made her tone much lower. She said:

"Or has Mr. Chen Qi, because of his success just now, forgotten who risked everything to allow you to hold your first debut live show in this studio that can accommodate a thousand people? Chu Hua, could it be that you made a mistake?"

Chen Qi: “…”

Is this moral kidnapping? However, Chen Qi had to admit that what the agent said made sense. Chu Hua had just helped him achieve unprecedented success. If Chu Hua really wanted him to repay her, then in return, Chen Qi would gamble everything he had to help Chu Hua once.

However, as Chen Qi said, he had no say in this matter. If he forced Chu Hua to form a band, then the core members of [Sumimi] who were missing from the band would basically be abandoned by the company.

Although they had only been together for two weeks, Chen Qi really liked these girls. He also had to consider Chu Hua's feelings. Would Chu Hua be willing to part with these partners who had worked with her for so long? Chen Qi didn't want to be the culprit who broke up other people's groups.

Especially Chu Hua who was standing beside him. Chen Qi had already vaguely sensed from Chu Hua's micro-expressions that her emotions were a little unstable...

"Da da da."

"excuse me."

Just as the atmosphere in the lounge began to become a little weird, a knock on the door interrupted everyone's thoughts. After a while, a staff member opened the door and said to Chen Qi and Chu Hua in the room:

"Mr. Chen Qi, Miss Chu Hua, there is a blue-haired girl outside who insists on meeting you and says she is your friend? Look..."

"Blue-haired girl?" X2

After determining the key words, Chen Qi and Chu Hua looked at each other and revealed happy expressions.

The fact that Xiangzi was willing to meet them basically shows that their song really worked.

……

"Xiao Xiang!"

After a while, Chen Qi and Chu Hua, who didn't even have time to change their clothes, walked to the backstage door. In the backstage passage, two girls, one in blue and one in green, were waiting here quietly.

"pray."

Noticing the arrival of Chen Qi and Chu Hua, Ruoye Mu, who had been following Chen Qi's instructions since the beginning of the performance and had never let go of Xiangzi's hand, also smiled at Chen Qi and said calmly:

"Qi, I brought Xiang here for you."

"Xiao Mu..."

Chen Qi looked at Mu who was still holding Xiangzi's hand, and after a moment of surprise, he turned to Mu and gave him a grateful smile.

But the next moment, before Chen Qi could react, Xiangzi, who had been keeping his head down behind Mu, took advantage of the moment when Mu was relaxed and quickly broke free from Mu's hand.

"Xiao Xiang!"

Facing Xiangzi who was about to turn around and run away, Chuhua screamed in time, and the next second, Chen Qi, who had anticipated this, immediately stepped forward and grabbed the fleeing Xiangzi.

Chen Qi caught it.

But he did not grab Xiangzi's hand.

When Shoko Toyokawa felt that the touch from her wrist seemed to disappear, she stopped almost subconsciously, and looking at her empty wrist, she couldn't help but turn her head to look at Chen Qi behind her.

Chen Qi also subconsciously spread out his palm, and saw that his fingers accidentally hooked the nylon rope on the pick that Xiangzi had tied to his wrist.

Looking at the pick that he gave to Xiangzi, Chen Qi couldn't help but look at Xiangzi who had a dazed expression in front of him.

He got it.

He saw the pick, and now he knows that person is me... Is my last bit of dignity gone?

The next second, after a quick thought, Chen Qi slowly closed his eyes and looked at Xiangzi who was about to cry. He slowly spread out the palm holding the pick and asked Xiangzi in front of him tentatively:

"Want me to put it on again?"

"..."

At that moment, there seemed to be a faint sound of something breaking. As for Chen Qi, he only heard a burst of hurried footsteps approaching him, and someone grabbed the pick in his hand.

And the next second, he felt a petite body with a bit of stubbornness, who was deliberately increased in force, falling into his arms.

Then came the sound of the girl holding him in her arms, sobbing so hard that she suppressed her tears. She even cried so stubbornly, as if she was afraid of being discovered...

"Fool……"

"Why must it be like this... Why must you make me cry... Do you really like seeing me cry? Does my lack of dignity make you feel comfortable?"

"I just want to keep a little bit of dignity in front of you and everyone else... you mean bastard."

"…This seems to be the first time you scold me since we've known each other for so long."

Facing Xiangzi, who was leaning on his chest and trying so hard to say so many swear words for the first time, Chen Qi did not feel hurt at all. To Chen Qi, this way of swearing was simply a way of acting like a spoiled child.