Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

Could he just be a fan without any sense of boundaries?

No, (one) Ling Yiqi ⑷ Wujiu ④ Jiu Ba or perhaps...

Looking into the boy's amber eyes that gave her a strange sense of familiarity, Toyokawa Shoko gradually felt enlightened, and then formed a somewhat frightening conclusion.

"Could it be that you are a member of the Toyokawa family?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Toyokawa Shoko made this guess.

This guy—could he be one of the Toyokawa family members that the old man sent to monitor her? Or perhaps a distant relative of similar age?

This explains it all. In fact, only this guess can explain why this guy would be in her room and know so much about her harmonious relationship and CRYCHIC.

Xiao smiled bitterly to himself. Why did people always misunderstand him as a member of the Toyokawa family? But he soon realized that Toyokawa Shoko's logic was quite sound.

Yes, who could have imagined such a supernatural event as time travel? Xiangzi's considerations are not wrong.

This identity is also quite suitable for him to continue interacting with these young aunties.

After rolling her eyes and thinking for a moment, Xiao nodded with some difficulty.

"Although my surname isn't Toyokawa... I guess I could be considered one."

As an unidentified vagrant who has traveled from another world, finding a suitable suit to wear is the first step for him to survive in this world.

There's nothing wrong with just going with the flow. Besides, Aunt Su Shi had mentioned to him more than once that if Xiangzi had still been alive when Mu adopted him, Xiangzi would have been his mother—so he's practically a member of the Toyokawa family, right? So he's not exactly lying, is he?

"But please don't misunderstand. I have no interest in acting as someone else's surveillance camera, nor am I sent by anyone to spy on you. I just really like your band. It's okay if you think of me as a die-hard fan, okay?"

Seeing that Toyokawa Shoko's gaze was gradually turning hostile, Akira quickly clarified his relationship with the old man of the Toyokawa family.

Mutsu was indeed very sparing with words when it came to matters concerning the Toyokawa family, but his aunt, Misaki Miku, had told him quite a bit about how Shoko tried to break free from the Toyokawa family's control and attempt to forge his own path in life—even though he ultimately died before his business was fully established.

However, at least it lets Xiao know that the old man of the Toyokawa family is an old man who can be called the culprit in terms of morality.

"Besides, does Xiangzi think I'm such a boring person?"

At this point, Xiao smiled and pointed to his handsome face.

"You're just a weirdo and neurotic, not bored. A bored person wouldn't think of sneaking into someone's house and rummaging through their belongings."

Xiangzi gave a soft hum, her expression softening somewhat, though it was clear she still harbored resentment towards some of Xiao's actions.

"That's it! I didn't expect you, Xiangzi, to be so good at making fun of people...!"

However, Xiao not only didn't feel injured, but also clapped her hands excitedly.

"What?! You look like you've discovered a new continent!"

There was no way around it; when Mu and the other aunties mentioned Xiangzi to Xiao, they all tried their best to create a flawless, two-dimensional image, leading Xiao to initially believe that Toyokawa Xiangzi might really be the legendary perfect person, excelling in both character and academics.

Who is this girl who's all bared her teeth and hissing like a cat?

However, he still has sharp edges in his personality, and at least seems like a normal person.

Xiao was still a little curious, after all, he didn't think that the white moonlight that his mother and other aunts couldn't let go of was just an ordinary person.

There must be other secrets hidden about Toyokawa Shoko that he doesn't know about.

By the way, since the current timeline is shortly after CRYCHIC fell apart, and Shoko Toyokawa was preparing for a new band and new project...

"Xiangzi, since you're not planning to revive CRYCHIC, what new moves are you planning next?"

If Ye Xiao still remembers how heartbreaking the expressions on Mu He and Su Shi's faces were when they mentioned the C group that would never return.

If he could change that history—

Does that mean we can create a happy ending where everyone is happy?

However, Toyokawa Shoko's next answer completely shattered his illusions.

"Ah, that's right. If you're not a member of the Toyokawa family, but simply a music lover, please look forward to our upcoming events."

The "we" she refers to here is Toyokawa Shoko and Wakaba Mutsu, and does not include the other members of C group.

Chapter Nineteen: Praise of the Holy Love Sound

Regarding the reasons for CRYCHIC's initial split, neither Ruoye Mutsu nor Su Shi would mention it to Akira. Only Li Xi would offer a side explanation, saying, "That guy also had his own difficulties."

Shortly after the C group disbanded, Toyokawa Shoko suffered a sudden and tragic accident, and her vibrant life was forever frozen at the age of sixteen or seventeen.

If she had never formed a new band, if the members of CRYCHIC could have stayed in this band for life, would history have been different?

People will not be trapped in the pain of memories for decades, and the life of the girl named Toyokawa Shoko can continue.

Since it involved such a life-or-death matter, Xiao suppressed the slight discomfort that arose in his heart and began his first round of probing.

"A new band? Is it just the two of you?"

Of course he knew that the band Xiangzi planned to form later would include Hatsune Miku and a bunch of others, but for now he had to pretend he didn't have supernatural insight.

"Well, we're still trying to get the band members..."

Xiangzi's expression was somewhat subtle, and Xiao was also a little surprised by her uncertain tone.

Others may not know the situation yet, but if it were his Hatsune Miku aunt, she would probably pack her things and prepare to debut as soon as Xiangzi casually mentioned it.

However, their project was forced to end before it could even be launched due to the unexpected death of Toyokawa Shoko. All the preparations they made beforehand were in vain. He was actually quite curious about what kind of style the band would perform if they were to officially debut.

However, he may not be able to see this scene this time, because he wants to do his best to prevent the tragedy from repeating itself.

"Have you secured any sponsorships? Are the other members reliable musicians? Do you have plans for commercial activities for at least six months after your debut? If the promotional activities don't go smoothly, you should at least have a backup plan, right? Your cash flow should be able to last at least six months, right?"

He understood, of course, that these questions would sound very intimidating to Xiangzi, but that was the effect he wanted to create—to diminish Xiangzi's fighting spirit as much as possible.

Besides, this was just a test. Surely Toyokawa Shoko, who was almost perfect in the eyes of her mother and aunts, couldn't have been unaware of these potential problems... right?

"Well……"

Wait, what does it mean that her eyes are a little evasive?

"These things shouldn't concern you, Kazama-kun."

Instead of answering the question directly, Toyokawa Shoko turned her attention back to Akatsuki.

"This is a matter within our band. If you're just relaying a message from your grandfather, simply tell him I'll handle things. If you're a listener looking forward to the new music, please be patient and wait a while. If you're just being nosy..."

Xiangzi turned around, and Mu followed closely behind her—although she still turned back to look at Xiao one more time.

"I don't have time to play house with others. Please go back to where you came from."

After saying this, Toyokawa Shoko left without looking back, and Mutsu followed her away—

She walked slowly to Xiao and shyly took something out from behind her back.

"...cucumber seeds?"

She nodded and, under Xiao's surprised gaze, gave an awkward explanation.

"...I don't know why, but I really wanted to give this to you. Xiang might be a little unhappy..."

Despite knowing this, she still overcame her awkwardness and handed the seeds to Xiao.

"If you can't find it at the gardening market, just take it for now."

The icy touch lingered in his palm until Mu followed Xiangzi away, at which point it gradually warmed up.

Having taken the seeds, Xiao didn't bother to think about why Mu would carry such a thing with her—it was as commonplace for her to carry anything related to cucumbers as it was for her to randomly appear within a five-meter radius of Xiangzi.

On the other hand, it's clear that Toyokawa Shoko was just making threats.

Playing house... But who is really playing house?

Xiao was having trouble controlling his expression. It wasn't that he was provoked by Xiangzi's harsh words, but simply because he hadn't expected this at all—

"They're all planning to start a new band, but it seems like they haven't thought things through at all!"

Well, for a moment Xiao's illusions about this Aunt Xiangzi were shattered.

The beautiful, short-lived "white moonlight" in the eyes of her mother and other aunts, who could do everything perfectly, was actually just an ordinary person who didn't think things through and was even stubborn and argumentative.

If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad. After all, nobody's perfect, and Xiao could ignore Xiangzi's harsh words.

But is it really time to recruit members and form a new band after only achieving this much?

Isn't this oversimplifying things?

Xiao sighed helplessly. He had spent several years preparing for his debut, honing his skills and securing various commercial gigs with the help of the aunties at Muhe. This ensured that the band wouldn't be without a place to perform in their first year. He had also worked with the remaining band members, either due to their shared interests or personal friendships, until everything was ready for their debut.

He knew that his debut was largely thanks to the support and guidance of these senior figures in the industry, and that they were like a safety net he could rely on to deal with any risks...

Ms. Toyokawa Shoko seems quite isolated and helpless now, but she seems determined to form a new band on her own, and doesn't seem to have considered the risks mentioned above at all.

Is this really a good thing?

Xiao was a little troubled. When he came out of his thoughts, he found himself leaning against a vending machine at the crossroads. Pedestrians passed by him without giving him even the slightest glance.

"Go back to where you came from... I'd like to."

Recalling the harsh words Xiangzi had just uttered, he chuckled helplessly.

If he could return to his own time, he would be a promising young man with a bright future, about to debut in the music industry.

Thinking of this, he raised his hand and subconsciously made a drumming motion—after not having practiced for a few days, he even missed the feeling of hitting the drumhead.

If he goes home, his seemingly stern but actually very considerate and gentle teacher, Li Xi, will be waiting for him in the training room with drumsticks, and Le Nai will smile and save him an extra parfait.

But here he only has a mother who doesn't recognize him, and a group of young aunties who are wary of him when they first meet.

He shook his head with a wry smile, perhaps he shouldn't be the one to clean up the mess left by this group of people.

However, it was just when Xiao was falling into self-doubt.

"Um, are you okay?"

A soft, sweet, and cute girl's voice pulled him back to reality.

A cute girl with long pink hair, wearing a school uniform, peeked out, seemingly afraid that her greeting might disturb Xiao. Her bright eyes also sparkled with a secret concern.

"I'm sorry, I was just passing by and saw you looking so down all alone... I hope I didn't bother you?"

"what……"

Xiao was a little stunned. He couldn't interrupt the pink-haired girl's concern, so she seemed to be talking to herself.

And the reason, of course, is—

"Why are you staring at me... Is there something on my face, young man?"

The pink-haired girl felt a little embarrassed by the stare. She blushed, pouted, and played with her hair with her fingers. Even she would feel a little embarrassed to be stared at for so long by a handsome boy of similar age.

That's right, the girl who suddenly appeared was the aunt in Xiaoxin's heart who could be compared to Sushi, and who, although not a mother, had fulfilled most of the duties of a mother.

Chihaya Aine.

Chapter Twenty: Amelia's Greatness Needs No Further Explanation

Chihaya Aine is a girl who recently returned from studying in the UK (actually, she couldn't adapt to the local environment in the UK). After returning to Japan, out of a little vanity and a desire to be popular, she is looking around to form a band.

There are actually quite a few students in the school who form bands, but they either already form a small group or they can only leave her a corner spot in the band.

Although Chihaya Aine didn't grow up being fawned over and pampered, she doesn't want to be a supporting character, so she's still searching for like-minded bandmates.

Actually, there's no need to be so serious. As long as they're bandmates, she's perfectly content as long as they enjoy playing music and instruments together, shining on stage and basking in the adoration and autograph requests of fans.

But where do you find partners who meet this criterion?

Just as Chihaya Aine was trying to distract herself from her worries by going shopping, she saw a handsome young man standing absentmindedly by the roadside on the shopping street.

"Um, are you okay?"

Out of concern and a little curiosity, Chihaya Aine, who had resumed her friendly social mode, stepped forward to strike up a conversation.

The above describes Chihaya Aine's inner thoughts before she approached him.

"My name is Chihaya Aine! I'm a transfer student from Haneoka! Ah, it's a bit sudden to start a conversation like this on the street..."

Chihaya Aine seemed a bit too familiar with people, and even she herself felt that she was being a little too overly familiar after introducing herself.

She has indeed been training herself to improve her social skills, but it's one thing to build relationships with relatively unfamiliar classmates at school, but this is the first time she's struck up a conversation with a complete stranger of the opposite sex on the street out of a little concern.