I am only one world away from Yukinoshita.

Kiyoyori also says thank you...

"You said it out loud."

"Well!"

Huang Qian hurriedly covered his mouth.

"I'm using my best reed today."

After saying that, he stretched out his hand.

"Huh? Hmm."

Huang Qian was a little confused, but he still stretched out his fist and gently touched Qing Lai's.

"Rena likes this way of cheering you on."

"Huh?! Really?"

"Just kidding."

Huang Qian: !

After a moment of silence, the two of them burst out laughing at the same time.

What are you two secretly laughing about here?

It's Asuka.

"nothing."

"Hmph~" Asuka snorted lightly, "I heard that Aoi came today, and she supposedly managed to snag a ticket."

This was said to Huang Qian.

"That's really impressive..."

Huang Qian hugged his euphonium tightly. "Actually, my sister came today too."

"What a coincidence, my mother is also in the audience."

Kiyoshi only found out that Touko was appearing as a judge. Apparently, one of the original judges was unable to attend for some reason, so Touko was brought in as a last-minute replacement.

"Looks like I'll have to do my best today."

"The same goes for both of you."

Because I want to show my best side to the people I care about, I can't afford to be careless.

"General Martial Arts Academy!"

Ogasawara called out softly from ahead.

Huang Qian saw Reina waving and took the lead.

For a moment, only Kiyori and Asuka remained.

“Asuka,” Kiyoyori said, holding the oboe in one hand and slinging it over his shoulder in a cool, slightly chuunibyou-esque pose, “You’d better keep up with me today.”

Looking at the backlit hand in front of her, Asuka no longer hesitated and grasped it.

"Don't get too cocky!"

P.S.: Because I have to work and move this weekend, and I also had a slight health issue today, there probably won't be any updates this weekend. Updates should be more consistent next week once things are more settled in the new place. I've been really tired lately, working, writing, and studying for exams—it's really taking its toll. Is this a period of burnout? I feel like I don't have as much passion as before; maybe I need to recharge.

Chapter 96, Section 334: She gave so much.

After the performance, Kiyoyori stood alone in the bustling hall, his mind blank.

All that's left to do is wait. For students, the task of analyzing potential competitors for the coming year can be left to their advisors.

But waiting is also an extremely difficult thing; just standing here doing nothing will make you realize that time is passing very slowly.

The main competition was scheduled for the morning, and the results wouldn't be announced until at least dusk.

There is still a lot of time that can be wasted in the meantime.

Kiyoyori originally wanted to go out with Mizore, but considering that she was a second-year student and that Kasaki was also involved, she gave up the idea.

Otherwise, I should reunite with Yukinoshita and the others.

After hesitating for a moment, Kiyoyori took out his phone and dialed Yukinoshita's phone number.

Just as his finger touched the green dial button, someone's hand turned off the screen. Before he could react, Kiyoshi saw his own reflection in the black screen.

"Asuka——"

Thinking it was Asuka's prank, she reluctantly looked up, only to see an unexpected face.

The newcomer, dressed in a khaki trench coat and carrying a delicate handbag, approached the unsuspecting Kiyotaka with a smile, while Kiyotaka immediately took a step back.

"Oh~ I'm so sad," she said in a sweet tone, her movements pressing closer, "I came all the way to Kyoto to watch your match, and Kiyora treated me like this."

“Nobody asked you to come,” Kiyoyori’s attitude toward her was as bad as ever. “I think you came all the way to Kyoto because of Yukinoshita-senpai, didn’t you?”

After all, this person's twisted sister complex is truly beyond saving.

"No, I came here specifically for Qinglai."

Yang Nai flicked her hair, and even though Kiyoyori was a step away, he could almost smell the familiar scent on her.

"Oh my god, isn't this Haruno-chan?"

Kiyoyori's shoulder was supported from behind, and an arm gently wrapped around Kiyoyori in a protective gesture; it was Touko.

“Yuanzi’s mother…”

"Aunt Yuanzi, it's been a long time."

Yang put away his slightly teasing smile and bowed respectfully to Yuanzi.

"It's been a long time. I didn't expect Haruno-chan to have become such an outstanding person. Well, no," Touko said, resting her chin on her hand, "Haruno-chan's excellence has always been beyond doubt."

"Mother--"

Yuanzi gently patted his shoulder, signaling him not to interrupt.

Touko has always had a good impression of Haruno, and that has been the case ever since.

What kind of work do you have in Beijing this time?

"No, I just heard that the national brass performance competition is in Kyoto, so I wanted to come and see it. I just didn't expect that Aunt Touko is also a judge. I didn't bring any gifts, I'm very sorry."

Yang Nai's answer was watertight.

"Ah, are you here to see Qinglai?"

"Yes."

"Hmm..." Touko glanced at her daughter, who clearly looked unwilling, "In that case, Haruno-chan can keep Kiyoyori company in place of her aunt. There's still a long time before the results are announced."

Not only Kiyori, but even Haruno's face showed a hint of surprise. "Of course, no problem."

"Mother?!"

Before Kiyoyori could object, Touko patted her face. "It's the band's change of season right now. Mom managed to sneak out for a bit, but she has to go back soon. I can't spend time with you today, so let Haruno show you around instead. Kiyoyori hasn't been back here in a long time, has she?"

As Touko spoke, she glanced in the direction of Yoshino.

Yang Nai seemed to have received something, and a bitter smile appeared on her face.

"but……"

"Haven't you moved on from Chihiro's situation? Why won't Kiyori take another step forward?"

Touko said something inexplicable and pushed Kiyori towards Hinano by bracing her against Kiyori's back.

"I'm entrusting my Qinglai to you."

Yuanzi left behind only this sentence before quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Kiyoshi watched her departing figure with unspeakable bitterness, especially since she had been unexpectedly pushed, causing her to lose her balance and almost fall into Haruno's arms.

However, Yang only reached out to help her up, and quickly withdrew her hand once Qinglai was steady.

This perfectly balanced sense of distance and incongruity sent a chill down Qinglai's spine.

This woman is definitely up to something today.

But Yang Nai quickly returned to her usual self, "Look, Aunt Yuanzi has entrusted you to me, so little Qinglai, just come with me today~ I'll treat you to something delicious."

"Who cares—".

"Frosty beef,"

"rare……"

"All-you-can-eat!"

Chiyorai:!

Despite his strong inner resistance, Kiyoyori ultimately couldn't resist the allure of delicious food.

Anyway—

She's already been "sold out" by her own mother, so why not squeeze Yang Nai a hefty sum out of her?

Damn woman, I'm going to eat your credit card until it's maxed out today!

Kiyoshi thought naively.

...............................................................

The store that supposedly serves marbled beef looks familiar. It has a very inconspicuous signboard, the kind that you might easily miss if you don't look closely, but you'll find a lot of details if you look closely.

Such quaint shops are common in Kyoto, where many ethnic architectural styles have been preserved, but this shop seems to have taken the word "small and exquisite" to the extreme.

Upon entering, one is greeted by a waitress dressed in a kimono, but the expensive furisode she wears clearly indicates her different status.

I followed Yang Nai silently, passing through one cubicle after another in the narrow passageway, until we finally arrived at a private room adorned with delicate floral tassels.

As soon as Qinglai stepped into the private room, he was attracted by the unique decor. The cherry blossom tree in the corner was so realistic that it was an unmissable scene in spring. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. In the center of the room, there was a small wooden table with wine cups and glasses arranged in a pleasing manner, changing colors under the warm orange light.