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

Qi, if you knew about this, you would definitely be very disappointed with yourself...

It would be better for me not to see Qi again...

Thinking like this, Mu's face, which had been moved when he heard Chen Qi's name, dimmed again. After a long time, he answered his father outside the door with a slightly trembling voice:

"...No, I won't go to see Qi."

I no longer have the face to see him.

"——Really? Mu, if that's the case, I won't bother you anymore from now on."

However, just as Mu finished speaking, the familiar voice suddenly rang out from outside the door, causing Mu to tremble subconsciously.

The next moment, Mu's door was slowly pushed open, and Chen Qi had bypassed Mr. Ruoye and stepped into Mu's room first. His face, which had always been filled with a calm smile, now had a hint of bitterness because of Mu's previous words.

"...Qi? Why are you here?"

"I sent a message to Mu, but you didn't reply. Later, I learned from Xiangzi that you were grounded, and I have been wanting to meet you as soon as possible."

Facing Mu's slightly dull gaze, Chen Qi maintained his usual composure, hiding the fear deep in his heart very well. He suppressed the trembling in his heart and asked Mu again word by word:

"Mu, if you really don't want to see me again, I won't ask you for a reason... I only have one request."

"If, Mu, you really don't want me to bother you anymore, Mu, can you please tell me in front of me, 'I hate you'?"

Mu: “…”

...too cunning.

Qi, you are really too mean. You clearly know that it is impossible for someone to say such a thing... You clearly know that it is impossible for someone to hate you.

She felt a little shaken in her heart, and forced herself to look away from Chen Qi. She tried to open her mouth, suppressing the soreness in her eyes, to completely cut off her last bit of fantasy, but found that she couldn't make a sound at all.

Mu couldn't do it, he couldn't even deceive his own heart, let alone deceive the only person in front of him who had ever given him warmth.

"...Since you don't say anything, I can understand that you don't hate me, right?"

When Chen Qi saw Mu responding with silence, the heavy stone in his heart finally relaxed. Soon, that relaxed smile as usual appeared on his face again.

Although Chen Qi has made up his mind to repair this broken relationship in his own way, he is also really afraid that in the process, someone who he cannot win back will appear... He really cannot accept the feeling of loss.

As the person who had been silently by his side for the past six months, supporting and accompanying him in his most difficult times, Chen Qi could not imagine that if Mu Du left him... would he still have the confidence to win back other people.

I'm afraid that by then, my heart will be broken and I will leave Tokyo completely, right? Chen Qi also felt fortunate from the bottom of his heart, fortunate that at least he was not such a failure...

Chen Qi also came straight in front of Mu, kneeling on one knee and looking at Mu's lowered face. Looking at Mu's face, which had become much more haggard since he hadn't seen him that day, a touching expression appeared between Chen Qi's brows.

"So, Mu...can you tell me why you don't want to see me?"

"...I destroyed everything Qi had."

However, Mu, who had been able to suppress his emotions, could no longer control himself the moment he saw Chen Qi's face again.

Drops of tears as big as beans fell from Mu's eyes onto the floor, making dull "tick-tock" sounds. Mu, who was sobbing, and Chen Qi, who was concentrating on Mu's every move, did not notice the slightly surprised expression on Mr. Ruoye's face.

"I, after the live show, got mad at the lights..."

"I...destroyed the band, and hurt everyone that Qi cared about...Tomoe, Riki, Suyo, Aine...I hurt everyone."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry... Please... forgive me, I just... just..."

I just really don't want you to get hurt again. Whenever you are sad, my heart always feels the same as yours.

I am always so useless and can never help you...so, you really don't need to care about me so much anymore.

I really can't find any way to repay the warmth you have given me.

"——Don't cry, Mu."

However, Mu, who was crying continuously, suddenly felt a touch on his cheek. It turned out that Chen Qi couldn't help but stretch out his hands, gently held Mu's cheeks, and used his thumb to rub away Mu's tears and tear marks.

"Mu, thank you for telling me all this honestly, and now I can tell you, thank you for everything you have done for me."

"Thank you for being angry for me, and thank you for being sad for me... I feel very lucky to have a friend like you who is willing to stay by my side."

Friends... However, when Mr. Ruoye heard this word, his face, which was originally smiling, suddenly became calm again. Under his gaze, Chen Qi put his hands on Mu's shoulders and asked word by word:

"Mu, now, I may need your help again. Help me find all our lost friends. What do you think?"

"Mu, are you...still willing to accompany me through this most difficult time like before?"

With Qi...?

However, after hearing these words, a glimmer of light began to brighten in Mu's eyes, which had been distracted. Mu also felt his long-silent heartbeat begin to recover, and the joyful mood returned to him once again.

But this time, before Mu could answer, Mr. Ruoye, who had been witnessing the scene on the other side, suddenly interrupted their conversation.

"——This is impossible. Mu is under house arrest now. I still have the final say in this family, Mr. Chen Qi."

However, Mr. Ruoye's words also cut off the fantasy that had just risen in Mu's heart. The head of the family ignored Chen Qi's surprised look, turned his back and took out a high-end cigarette from his jacket pocket, and said in an extremely serious tone:

"Besides, Mu, you didn't even tell me about this and you actually lost your temper with the members of your own band? Your behavior goes against the teachings of the Ruoye family."

As he spoke, Mr. Ruoye also lit up the cigarette in his mouth, took a deep breath, and then said coldly to Chen Qi and Mu behind him:

"Mu, your house arrest will be changed to facing the wall from today on. You are not allowed to leave your room for the next week."

"Mr. Ruoye, you——" Chen Qi, who had just heard the result, stood up and wanted to say something, but was interrupted again by Mr. Ruoye in a higher and colder voice:

"It is not the turn of outsiders to interfere in the affairs of the Ruoye family."

"Well, Mr. Chen Qi, since you have met Mu as you wished, please leave with Miss Fengchuan within ten minutes. Thank you for your cooperation."

After saying that, Mr. Ruoye did not turn around to look at Chen Qi and Mu behind him. He left the room on his own and closed the door of Mu's room, leaving the two of them alone in the room looking at each other.

After a strange silence, Chen Qi seemed to have made up his mind quietly. He once again turned his gaze to Mu beside him, but this time, in addition to tenderness, there was a hint of resolute awareness in his eyes.

"Mu, let me ask you again, are you still willing to accompany me?"

"Pray...I..."

However, Mu opened her mouth but was reluctant to utter the next word... She wanted to say that she was willing, as long as Chen Qi did not leave her side, she would be willing to let him go anywhere and do anything.

I just hope to feel the temperature of my heartbeat through his little bit of warmth, and I have never asked for more.

But, Mu seemed to have thought of what the determination in Chen Qi's eyes meant... She was afraid that if she spoke, Chen Qi would do something impulsive for her. Then, by then, it would not be her who would greet Chen Qi, but the bodyguards of the Ruoye family.

Especially, looking at Dad’s attitude... He also seemed to dislike the way she and Qi were together... He seemed to think that Qi was leading her astray.

Therefore, although Mu hoped in her heart, she did not want Chen Qi to do something that was beyond her ability, so she chose to keep her head down and remain silent. She did not dare to accept Chen Qi's invitation.

However, silence is also a kind of answer. Chen Qibi Mu seems to understand this principle better.

"……I see."

Facing the silent Mu, Chen Qi did not feel disappointed. He just smiled comfortingly, gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Mu's eyes again, then slowly stood up and was about to leave Mu's room.

"...I will ask you again when I have the chance, Mu. I hope you can give me an accurate answer next time."

Leaving behind a meaningless speech, Chen Qi's figure slowly disappeared from Mu's room, leaving behind Mu who raised his head belatedly with a dull look in his eyes.

Qi...what does he want to do? What does he mean by that sentence?

However, Mu suddenly realized something and his pupils dilated unconsciously, but he quickly gave up the guess in his mind.

No, it's impossible. I...it's impossible for me to be worthy of Qi doing that for me.

I am not Xiangzi, not Aine, and certainly not Takamatsu Deng. Why do I think Qi would do such a horrible thing for me...

However, the moment this idea came into Mu's mind, it was like it was imprinted in her mind, and it could not be shaken off no matter what. It made her feel more and more uneasy, but at the same time, she inexplicably had a sense of anticipation...

What exactly was he hoping for? Even Mu himself had no idea.

At this time, Hemu also wanted to go with Xiangzi, who came with Chen Qi this time... Maybe it was because the determination in Chen Qi's eyes was too hard to contain, but Xiangzi, who left with Chen Qi, finally couldn't help but said to Chen Qi beside him in a serious tone after hesitating for a while:

"Chen Qi, although I don't think you would do that... but it's impossible for you to bring Mu out of Ruoye's house by yourself."

"There are at least 20 bodyguards in the Ruoye family. It's impossible for you to make any waves by yourself. The only way we can help Mu is to negotiate with Mr. Ruoye. Do you understand?"

"—What are you thinking about, Xiangzi? Do I look like a terrorist who would kidnap people?"

When Chen Qi heard this, he revealed an expression of not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Facing Xiangzi's slightly suspicious gaze, Chen Qi controlled his smile, but still shook his head gently, saying bitterly:

"How could I not know this? How could I possibly resist so many bodyguards from the Ruoye family? This is not the way to die. I don't want to go to jail or the hospital."

"……That's good."

Hearing Chen Qi say this, Xiangzi felt greatly relieved, and then he smiled and nodded at Chen Qi again. He wanted to continue saying something to Chen Qi, but soon, the ringing of a cell phone interrupted Xiangzi's next action.

It’s time to work... For the first time, Xiangzi felt that the ringtone of her mobile phone was so annoying, but she had to obey.

"Well, I'll be leaving first, Chen Qi. Let's meet at Mu's house tomorrow, at the same time as today. How about that?"

"Well, Xiangzi, see you tomorrow."

And Chen Qi still had a gentle smile on his face, waving his hand as he watched Xiangzi leave. Looking at Xiangzi's footsteps, which seemed to have a bit more joy as she left, Chen Qi watched her walk away completely. Only then did he take a deep breath and once again turn his gaze to Ruoye Jia beside him.

"Twenty bodyguards... It's not realistic to sneak in, unless..."

In fact, Xiangzi's guess was correct. Chen Qi did want to bring Mu out, but Chen Qi also told the truth. He did not intend to attack by force. No matter how strong he was, he could not fight 20 people at once, right? Senior Ye Wen only fought 10 people at once. Chen Qi thought he was not as strong as Master Ye.

However, Chen Qi did not give up his idea... He was also very clear about the consequences, and knew that if Mr. Ye really wanted to hold him accountable, his life might really be ruined.

Therefore, Chen Qi deliberately did not tell Xiangzi and other people about this matter... In case of an accident, he would not have to implicate other people. It was his own decision and he would bear the consequences alone.

"But Mu still hasn't answered me... I need to confirm her wishes first."

Chen Qi was also squatting on the wall beside Ruoye's house, quietly thinking about what to do next...

After all, he wanted to "save" Mu, not "rob" Mu.

If Mu really doesn't want to leave this home and doesn't feel oppressed by this home, then Chen Qi will not do anything against Mu's wishes.

Mu...what kind of answer will you give me? Chen Qi silently cast his gaze towards the sky, quietly waiting for the night to come...waiting for the opportunity for Mu to open his heart to him.

Chapter 76: So, Mu returned to Chen Qi's side again

The night gradually enveloped the Ruoye family. Ruoye Mu, who had not felt sleepy since last night, had been looking out the window since Chen Qi left his room.

Mu was quietly waiting, or rather expecting some figure to appear and take her out of this "prison" that made her feel depressed and distressed, but she really did not dare to resist.

Yes, "prison". If it was before she met Chen Qi, Mu would never have thought of using this word to describe her home.

If I had never met Chen Qi, or if he had not unexpectedly noticed her loneliness and uniqueness when they were in Crychic and gave me that song, I might never have had a deeper relationship with him, and he would not have become someone special in my heart.

Then, will I continue to live this unchanging life? I will spend every "fulfilling" day under the constraints of endless education and tutoring, then go to bed with a tired body, and then greet the next day with the same attitude.

But, everything is so dramatic.

Not only did she get to know him through Xiangzi, but among so many girls in Crychic who were more distinctive and had a stronger presence than her, he bypassed Xiangzi, bypassed his most beloved sister, and chose to let the first ray of sunshine shine on her.

He wrote this song for her. This song told her that in her heart, she also longed for the feeling of being loved.

And from that day on, Mu felt as if the airtight dark room she was in had a tiny crack for the first time. With the light that leaked through the crack, she began to see for the first time the true scenery in her dark heart.

Although, I did have friends who cared about me at that time, such as my childhood sweetheart Xiangzi, they were even the childhood sweethearts who had been with each other for the longest time.

But, does Xiangzi really understand himself and care about himself?

The appearance of Chen Qi made Mu ask himself this question for the first time.

It's not the first day that Xiangzi has known about his current situation. However, even when he was still in the Toyokawa family, Xiangzi knew clearly that he was powerless to change Mu's fate. Xiangzi, and even the Toyokawa family, had no right to control the family style and rules of the Wakaba family, so they didn't say much.

Mu understood Xiangzi's helplessness and powerlessness, and she did not blame Xiangzi.

However, some things cannot be forgiven just by understanding.

Especially, after Mu met Chen Qi and realized that his dark heart could be shaken with such a simple method and she could know what he longed for, his feelings towards Xiangzi, who had been with him for so long, also subtly changed.

Xiangzi, who had been with me for so many years and had influenced me, had not brought me the same impact as Chen Qi, who had only known me for a few months...

Especially, Xiangzi, like Chen Qi, is capable of doing such a thing...but she just didn't do it.

Therefore, it is no wonder that in Mu's heart, Xiangzi, who has been with him for so long, has a slightly lower status than Chen Qi.

It's no wonder that Mu would rather fantasize that Chen Qi would appear in front of her like a magic trick, and doesn't think that Xiangzi can really negotiate with her father to rescue her from house arrest.

"What am I expecting?"

Looking at the dark sky outside the window, with the sound of cicadas lingering in his ears, Mu, who was standing by the transparent window, could not help but mutter to himself with a gloomy expression.

She knew that even if Chen Qi really wanted to, he could not enter Ruoye's house, let alone sneak in like a ninja and take her out of the house.

Rather, Mu was more afraid that Chen Qi would really rush in on impulse. If Chen Qi was surrounded by his own bodyguards, then by the time she arrived, Chen Qi might have been hurt by the bodyguards for a long time... She didn't want Chen Qi to get hurt for her.

"So, are we going to escape?"