Green plums cannot become lovers.

"Damn, it's so cold..." she muttered to herself, wondering if she should find a shop to buy a scarf on her way to the station.

Just then, a warm scarf was suddenly placed around her neck.

Matsue Sakura was stunned.

That was Anhe Asuka's scarf. It was made of dark gray wool and still carried the boy's body heat and a faint, fresh scent that belonged to him. The scarf was carefully wrapped around her neck twice, and the end was tucked into her collar, the movements practiced and gentle.

"Matsuzuki-sensei, please keep warm." Anwa Asuka took a step back, looked at her "work," and nodded in satisfaction. "It's so cold, you can't wear so little. Remember to wear more when you get to Tokyo, it's even colder there."

Sakura Matsue stared blankly at him, her fingers unconsciously stroking the scarf around her neck. The soft wool clung to her skin, its warmth seeping in little by little, dispelling the chill. But even warmer than that was the surge of warmth welling up in her heart.

This young man... always manages to move people most deeply in the smallest ways.

"Th-thank you..." she whispered, her cheeks starting to burn again.

An and Asuka seemed oblivious to her unusual behavior, simply pulling their suitcases and continuing to walk forward: "Let's hurry, time is running out."

The two walked side by side on the road leading to the station. The snow was still falling, and most of the shops on both sides of the street were closed—today was the last day before the New Year holiday, and many shops had already closed early. Occasionally, a few shops were still open, with signs hanging at the door saying "Year-End Sale," and their windows decorated with Christmas and New Year ornaments.

Looking at the familiar street, Songyue Ying felt a surge of emotions. She had been born, grown up, studied, and worked in this city for a full twenty-five years. Every street, every shop, and every corner here held memories of her past.

And now, she is leaving.

For an uncertain future, for a potentially better life, and also... to no longer be a burden to others.

"Asuka," she suddenly spoke, her voice very soft, "do you think I can really do it? Living alone in Tokyo, starting all over again..."

“Of course it can be done.” An and Asuka answered without hesitation, glancing at her sideways. “Matsuzuki-sensei is a very talented person. I heard that you won a national music education competition when you were in university and have also published papers in music magazines. Someone like you would shine anywhere.”

Sakura Matsue looked at him in surprise: "Me? When did I win these awards?"

How could she not know?

Anhe Feibiao smiled and said, "I just created this for you."

"You!" Sakura Matsue gritted her teeth and glared at Anwa Asuka. This guy was joking with her again.

“In short, you don’t need to worry,” An and Asuka said. “You’re just going to a bigger stage to showcase your talent. There are many opportunities in Tokyo, and many people like you who love music and education. You will find your place there.”

These words were like a shot in the arm, gradually calming down Matsue Sakura's initially anxious heart.

Yes, she didn't leave with nothing. She had talent, ability, experience, and a passion for music and education—these were her most valuable assets, things no one could take away from her.

As for the future, I'll think about it after I leave.

"Thank you, Asuka," she said earnestly. "I really...thank you so much."

An and Asuka shook their heads: "No need to thank me. I was just telling the truth."

The two arrived at the station quickly.

On the eve of the New Year holiday, the train station was bustling with people. Passengers carrying large and small bags hurried about, train information was constantly broadcast over the loudspeakers, long queues formed at the ticket windows, and a busy yet expectant atmosphere filled the air.

An and Asuka led Matsuzuki Sakura through the crowd to the Shinkansen waiting hall. He let her sit down and rest, while he went to the automatic ticket machine to get their tickets.

Matsue Sakura sat there, watching the boy's retreating figure weave through the crowd, a strange feeling welling up inside her. Even though she was ten years older, even though she was the teacher, at this moment, it felt as if the roles had been reversed. It was this boy who was taking care of her, arranging everything for her, and giving her courage and strength.

Not long after, An and Asuka returned, holding two tickets in their hands—a train ticket and a platform ticket.

"Here you go, the train departs at 11:30, carriage 3, seat 7A." He handed the ticket to Songyue Ying. "I bought a platform ticket, I can take you to the platform."

Matsue Sakura took the ticket, but the thin piece of paper felt incredibly heavy. She stared at the word "Tokyo" printed on it, her fingers trembling slightly.

It's really time to go.

The thought resurfaced clearly, bringing with it a strong sense of reluctance and panic.

"Asuka," she looked up, her eyes filled with hesitation, "maybe... I should stay?"

An and Asuka were taken aback: "Why?"

"I thought about it all night," Songyue Ying's voice trembled slightly, "That man, he definitely won't let you off easily. I can't just leave you here alone to face his revenge..."

She became increasingly agitated as she spoke, grabbing An and Asuka's arms: "I was too selfish, only thinking about escaping myself. But I can't let you take the risk for me. Maybe I should stay, talk to him, and call the police..."

“Teacher,” An and Asuka interrupted her, their voices calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, “What are you saying?”

He took her hand in his; those hands, which were always warm, were now cold and trembling slightly. He could feel her fear and guilt, which stirred up a complex mix of emotions within him.

"Do you really want to spend your life with someone you don't like?" He looked directly into her eyes and asked, word by word, "To marry, have children with, and spend the rest of your life with someone who gambles, drinks, and lacks basic respect for women? Is that the life you want?"

Sakura Matsue was speechless. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

“As for that man,” An and Asuka continued, their tone becoming more relaxed, “you don’t need to worry about him. He won’t do anything to me.”

"But......"

“There’s no ‘buts’.” An and Asuka released her hand, then patted her shoulder as if comforting a restless child. “I’m a minor with legal recourse. If he dares to do anything to me, public opinion alone can crush him. And…”

He paused, then a confident smile appeared on his lips: "I'm not that weak. Have you forgotten? I was the one who beat him to a pulp yesterday. I won't let anyone bully me. After all, I've come through such a difficult path and grown up properly."

These words were like a ray of sunshine, dispelling the gloom in Songyue Ying's heart. She looked at the boy in front of her, at the light shining in his eyes, and was speechless for a moment.

Yes, this boy was far more powerful than she had imagined.

Without the protection of his parents and family, and under the heavy pressure of life, he not only grew up well himself, but also protected three girls who had suffered similar misfortunes. He composed, performed, signed with top agencies, and paved his own way with his talent.

Now, he can even protect her.

From this perspective, this brat, who is ten years younger than me, is more mature and stronger than me.

“Please believe me, teacher.” An and Asuka’s voice was soft but firm. “I will be fine. You should be fine too, and start a new life in Tokyo. This is the best choice for both of us.”

Looking at the gentle-looking boy in front of her, and into his clear and determined eyes, the last trace of hesitation in her heart finally dissipated.

She took a deep breath and nodded vigorously: "Yes... I believe you."

“Then you can go to Tokyo with peace of mind,” An and Asuka said with a smile. “Once you’re settled, remember to tell me the address. Maybe when I go to Tokyo for training during the winter break, I can visit your new studio.”

“Okay.” Songyue Ying smiled, her eyes glistening with tears, but they were no longer tears of sadness, but tears of relief and anticipation. “I will definitely get the studio up and running. When that happens, you must come.”

"must."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and the previous tense atmosphere was swept away.

The announcement came over the loudspeaker that the train was arriving at the station, and boarding for their train began.

"It's time to go." An and Asuka picked up their suitcases. "I'll see you to the platform."

Matsue Sakura nodded and followed him through the ticket gate, down the stairs, and arrived at Platform 3.

The Shinkansen train stood silently on the tracks, its streamlined body reflecting a cool gleam under the platform lights. Passengers boarded one after another, while those seeing them off waved goodbye from outside the windows.

The two stood on the platform, watching the railway tracks stretch towards the distant edge of the city, and remained silent for a moment.

With parting imminent, a thousand words are stuck in my chest, and I don't know where to begin.

As Matsue Sakura gazed at the railway tracks, a myriad of thoughts welled up within her. This city held her childhood, her youth, her work, and her family. Although her family had inflicted much pressure and hurt upon her, it was, after all, the place where she was born and raised.

And now, she is about to leave... alone, heading to a strange metropolis to face an unknown future.

Are you afraid? Of course I'm afraid.

But more than fear, there is anticipation. Anticipation of a life where I can take control of my own destiny, anticipation of a future free from constraints, anticipation of a space where I can breathe freely.

"Asuka," she said softly, "will you come to see me after I get to Tokyo and settle down?"

“Of course I will,” An and Asuka answered without hesitation. “Not only will I go, but Marina and Shizuka will also want to visit you. They both like you very much, as you know.”

Sakura Matsue thought of the two girls, so different yet equally adorable, and a warmth filled her heart. Yes, in this city, she wasn't entirely without anything. At least, these children remembered her and cared about her.

The train issued a warning sound indicating that the doors were about to close.

Matsue Sakura knew that the moment of parting had truly arrived.

She turned to face An and Asuka. Snowflakes drifted between them, and the platform lights cast soft shadows on the boy's face. He stood there quietly, his eyes gentle, a faint smile on his lips.

"Then I'll be going," Songyue Ying said reluctantly, her voice slightly choked. "Take good care of yourself, be happy, and don't overwork yourself. Creating is important, but your health is even more important. Remember to rest, eat well, sleep well, and wear more clothes in this cold weather..."

She kept talking, like any elder who worries about their child, wishing she could say all the advice she could.

An and Asuka had been listening attentively, but towards the end they couldn't hold back anymore. He checked the time, then looked at the car door that was about to close, and could only interrupt helplessly: "Matsuzuki-sensei, if you don't get on the car soon, it will leave."

Songyue Ying then stopped, turned around to look at the train, and then looked back at the boy in front of her.

We've said so many farewell words already, and now I don't know what else to say.

"Well then, I'll be going." That was all she could say in the end.

"Okay, have a safe trip." An and Asuka nodded. "Let me know when you arrive."

“Mm.” Sakura Matsue nodded reluctantly, and under the watchful eyes of An and Asuka, she turned and walked towards the carriage.

Her steps were slow, one step at a time, as if she were measuring the final distance. The wheels of her suitcase made a soft rolling sound on the platform, mingling with the rumble of the train in the distance.

There are also five meters, three meters, and one meter.

Just as her hand was about to touch the car door, she suddenly stopped.

Then, to An and Asuka's astonishment, she suddenly turned around, ran back quickly, and hugged him tightly.

It was a very tight hug. Songyue Ying's arms were wrapped tightly around the boy's shoulders, her face buried in the crook of his neck, breathing deeply. She could smell the boy's faint, clean fragrance, feel the warmth of his body, and hear his steady heartbeat.

“Thank you, Asuka.” She whispered in An and Asuka’s ears, her voice choked but clear, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, thank you for giving me the courage to leave.”

After saying that, she let go of his hand, turned around quickly, and didn't linger this time.

She rushed into the carriage, and almost simultaneously, the doors closed behind her. The train emitted a long whistle and slowly began to move.

An and Asuka stood on the platform, watching the train gradually accelerate, watching Matsue Sakura wave to him from the window, watching the carriage gradually move away and finally disappear at the end of the tracks.

He raised his hand, waved it, and then slowly lowered it.

The people on the platform gradually dispersed, leaving only him standing there. Snowflakes fell silently, covering the tracks and the traces of parting.

After a long while, he turned around and left the station.

An and Asuka did not go straight home.

He walked out of the station and wandered aimlessly along the street. Snowflakes landed on his hair and shoulders, quickly melting away. He wasn't wearing a scarf—which was now around Matsue Sakura's neck—but he didn't feel cold.

Or rather, the emotions surging within him at that moment were far more important to him than the coldness in his body.

Unbeknownst to him, he had arrived at a bridge on the edge of the city. This was a highway bridge spanning a river, the water below appearing somewhat icy in the winter. Because of its remote location, there was usually little traffic here, and today there were almost no vehicles to be seen.

An and the birds walked onto the bridge, leaned against the railing, and gazed at the distant scenery. Bare trees lined both banks of the river, beyond which lay fields covered in snow, and further still, the outline of the city, appearing somewhat hazy under the gray sky.

He took his phone out of his pocket and pretended to take pictures of the scenery. There were several other pedestrians on the bridge like him, some taking photos, and some just standing there admiring the view, so he didn't seem out of place.

Time passed by, second by second.

Anhe Feiniao glanced at the time on his phone—12:17 PM.

Just then, he heard the sound of a car engine in the distance. The sound was loud and rapid, like the accelerator being floored, and it sounded particularly jarring in the quiet winter day.

Several pedestrians on the bridge also heard it and turned to look.

A black sedan sped towards them from afar, its swerving erratically, clearly indicating the driver had lost control. To the astonishment of the onlookers, the car crashed through the bridge railing, tracing a horrific arc, and then—

"boom!"

A loud splashing sound rang out.

Water splashed several meters high, forming a brief white mist in the cold air. The car floated on the river for a few seconds before beginning to sink rapidly.

"Someone has fallen into the water!" a middle-aged man shouted in alarm.

"Call the police immediately!"

"Who can swim? Quick, save them!"

Chaos erupted on the bridge. People rushed to the railings, peering into the river. Some dialed emergency numbers on their phones, others shouted for help, but no one actually jumped. After all, everyone valued their own lives and wouldn't risk everything for a stranger.

An and Asuka stood in the crowd, gazing at the river like everyone else. His face was expressionless, his eyes eerily calm.

He watched the car sink completely into the water, watched the bubbles rise from the bottom, and watched the river gradually return to calm, leaving only ripples spreading outwards.

That man is dead.

This realization clearly surfaced in my mind, bringing a strange sense of peace.

Everything seemed like an accident.

A traffic accident caused by drunk driving.

No one will doubt it, no one will investigate further. The man's family may grieve, may investigate, but in the end they will only accept this "fact"—that their gambling, alcoholic, and morally corrupt son died because of his own vices.

As for Ms. Matsue, she has already left the city today, and no one will associate her with this matter.