Green plums cannot become lovers.

Matsue Sakura initially thought there was a mistake, but after seeing the tall, upright figure sitting at the piano on the stage, she understood everything.

That brat, he's such a worry! He didn't use the song we rehearsed, but instead chose this song whose name I'd never even heard of.

Matsue Sakura felt utterly helpless, but at this moment she could only quietly wait for the performance to begin.

The sound of a piano soon filled the venue, and as the notes reached people's ears, the entire venue fell silent instantly.

The music was so gentle that it made everyone present feel as if they were in the gentle autumn, with a breeze blowing through the golden wheat fields and the carefree laughter of children echoing from the ridges of the fields.

Yet, within this gentleness lingered a strange sadness.

Just as people were immersed in the tenderness and sadness of the music, an ethereal voice rang out.

The imagery of fireflies, snow-covered windows, and diligent study by the cold window remains ever new.

"Unbeknownst to me, several years have passed as I bid farewell to my classmates."

"Whether we wait and watch or set off, the time for parting will eventually come."

The childlike yet ethereal voice seemed to transport the judges and audience members to another time and space.

The autumn wind rustled the old trees in front of the school gate, and the figures beneath them gradually walked away, eventually disappearing into the distance.

"May happiness be with you in song."

The song ended, but the music continued, like a final farewell.

Even after the music stopped, the venue remained completely silent. Looking at the judges sitting in the front, they all seemed lost in memories.

This scene left Aoyama Nanami on stage somewhat at a loss. She turned to look at An and Asuka, but the other shook her head at her.

In the end, it was Matsue Sakura who was the first to come to her senses, standing up with red eyes and clapping.

Thunderous applause instantly resounded throughout the entire venue.

Volume 1: Chapter 31 Am I a Genius?

That's... his daughter?

The man looked at the stage with a complicated expression. The look on his daughter's face was one he had never seen before.

She stood on the small stage, her body ramrod straight, confident and radiant, and she could still smile even when facing hundreds of audience members.

In his memory, she wasn't like that. She was always somewhat timid in everything she did, lacking both outstanding talent and the courage to forge ahead.

That's why he wanted her to focus on her studies and not get involved in any crooked or unethical activities, because he knew that she had no future other than studying hard.

But now, he seems to see a glimmer of hope in his daughter.

"Mr. Aoyama, what are your thoughts right now?"

Mr. Tamura wiped away his tears, snapping out of his emotional reverie from the song he had just heard.

"I..." The man was unsure how to answer. He had originally intended to see his daughter make a fool of herself today.

He had always thought that he would stand up for her and tell her what the right path was after she experienced a major failure and her self-confidence was shaken.

But now, the outcome seems to be somewhat different from what he expected.

Even he couldn't deny the excellence of the song his child sang; the emotions it evoked in him from beginning to end remained vivid in his mind.

Mr. Tamura seemed to notice his confusion, so he continued, "Actually, like Mr. Aoyama, I was also confused at first, thinking that Aoyama was just an ordinary child."

Being rated as 'average' by a teacher in the relaxed environment of elementary school is actually a very hurtful thing.

"But later I found out that wasn't the case. Since being with Asuka, Aoyama has changed a lot."

"She became more cheerful, confident, and brave, and even her grades improved a lot."

"Does Mr. Tamura mean that my educational approach is wrong?"

“I can’t comment on right or wrong,” Professor Tamura shook his head, “but I think Mr. Aoyama should really look at his own problems.”

"Perhaps changing your educational approach would be better for Aoyama."

"Also, Mr. Aoyama, you should thank that boy. If it weren't for him, Aoyama-kun might still be just an 'ordinary' person."

"But now, she has stepped onto such a big stage, and she is very likely to get a very good ranking."

"..."

Upon hearing this, the man looked at the two people on the stage who were about to leave, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.

Did he really do something wrong?

"You little rascal, did you modify the competition piece without permission?"

As soon as they stepped off the stage, An and Asuka didn't receive any cheers; instead, they were scolded by Matsutsuki-sensei.

"Well, it's me!"

"You brat, you're quite proud of yourself."

Sakura Matsue couldn't help but pinch Anwa Asuka's cheek, her smile becoming uncontrollable. She raised the corners of her mouth and said, "However, I'll forgive you this time."

This guy is really unexpected. If they had followed their previously decided song selections, they would most likely have finished last among these eight teams.

However, they now have the ability to compete for first place. That song is really amazing; the simple melody and lyrics stirred the emotions of everyone present.

She watched as the judges silently wiped away tears after the performance. What intrigued her was how the boy had found that song.

She had never heard that song before, and judging from the judges' reactions, they didn't seem to have heard it either.

"Tell me, what's the story behind that song?"

"What? What happened?"

"Stop playing dumb with me. You know what I mean. Confess and you'll be treated leniently; resist and you'll be punished severely. Speak up!"

"Then please let go, okay?" Anhe Asuka looked down at the hand that was still pinching her cheek and said expressionlessly.

"Ahem." Songyue Ying coughed lightly and released her hand. "Now you can tell me, right?"

"Does the teacher want to hear something humble or something proud?"

"Whatever, just say it."

"I picked it up from the roadside by chance."

"Huh?" Songyue Ying blinked, thinking she had misheard.

Looking at the boy's serious expression, she was absolutely certain that she hadn't misheard.

Are you serious?

"Ah."

"Heh." Upon hearing this, Songyue Ying finally couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "If you keep lying to me like this, don't blame me for taking off your pants and spanking you, making you lose all the face you just gained."

"This isn't quite right, is it? I'm suspicious. [Unclear text]"

"Stop talking nonsense and get to the point."

Seeing that Matsue Sakura seemed to genuinely harbor such dangerous thoughts, An and Asuka dared not provoke her any further. He subtly took a step back and asked in return, "Teacher, do you think I'm a genius?"

"what?"

"Look, even you, teacher, are hesitant. So even if I tell you the truth, you won't believe me, will you?"

To outsiders, he was just an eleven-year-old student, not to mention that he had only been exposed to music for a short time.

It seems unrealistic to many that someone so young could write such a song. Even if they couldn't find a second song with the same melody in the world, they would never admit that it was his work.

Copying, stealing, gilding, interviewing, reporting, secretly investigating... In short, it might cause a lot of trouble later.

He wouldn't have used this music if he didn't have to get into the top three, and if it weren't so simple.

He thought he might as well keep all the information about the song vague, not revealing who wrote the lyrics or the music, letting others guess slowly, giving others space to accept it, and also making things easier for himself.

It's not too late to admit it when you have a solid foundation.

An and Asuka looked at Matsue Sakura and continued, "So, arguing about this here is pointless. Not many people will believe me, and I'll only get myself into trouble."

Matsue Sakura also deduced from An and Asuka's words that the piece was his work.

He wanted to keep it a secret because he felt no one would believe him.

Such concerns are not unfounded, because he is really too young, and it is obvious that he has only been involved in music for a short time, so it is easy for people to bring it up.

Although as long as he admits it, no one can take this song away from him, it will definitely bring him a lot of trouble later.

Therefore, she understood the boy's actions. He truly was a genius; he thought so deeply at such a young age. If he ever set his sights on her, she probably wouldn't even notice.

Why do I feel a bit cold?

"Alright, let's pretend the teacher didn't ask anything." Songyue Ying sighed and said, "If you need any help in the future, just let the teacher know."

"And Xiao Qihai too, he played really well today, a hundred times better than that brat."

Volume One: Chapter Thirty-Two - Father's Present

Since there were only eight matches in total, the results were released at noon.

Even though they finally pulled out their trump card, which amazed everyone present, they were still defeated by absolute strength.

Third place.

They didn't get first place, but they weren't too bad either; it was a respectable result. An and Asuka found it acceptable, since they had seen the performances of the top two, which were indeed excellent.

Both he and Nanami are newbies who have only been involved in music for a short time, and it is already very impressive that they were able to stand on the awards stage among so many outstanding individuals.

He not only received system rewards, but also brought glory to the school, so it was a win-win situation no matter how you looked at it.

But to be honest, he still wanted to win first place and wanted to see that girl stand on a higher stage.

Standing below the stage, An and Asuka watched the girl with tears in her eyes as she ascended the podium, and thought to themselves.

"Birds".

The first thing Aoyama Nanami did after coming off the stage was to throw herself into the arms of the waiting boy, resting her head on his shoulder and trembling slightly.

An and Asuka hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and hugged her.

"I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't lead you to first place."

Although he said he wanted to get first place to encourage her and everyone else, he couldn't help but take it seriously later on.

They've come this far; they're very close to first place.

"It's ok."

Aoyama Nanami hugged An and Asuka's necks and shook her head, saying in a tone that was hard to tell whether it was a laugh or a cry, "I'm already very content."

From the day she entered the competition, she never fantasized about how far she could go, after all, her strength was undeniable.

But with the boy's encouragement, they advanced time and time again, eventually reaching the final stage and winning the unexpected third place.

She was already very satisfied with just that.

If it weren't for him, I probably would never have been able to step onto this stage in my entire life.

"You're really too easily satisfied." Anhe Asuka felt a little dampness on his neck and laughed, "I wish we could be number one, two, and three."

"Pfft~ That's impossible."

The feelings that had been building up inside her, whether joy or sorrow, were completely released after the boy said that.

"Why not? I'll bribe the referee when I have money."

"You can't do that."

Upon hearing that the boy was about to do something so dangerous, Aoyama Nanami immediately became anxious. She quickly pulled away from his embrace, trying to dissuade him.

But as soon as she looked up, a handkerchief was placed over her face. She instinctively tried to struggle, but the next second she felt a gentle touch wiping her cheek.

"Alright, stop crying. It's just third place."

"When I'm strong enough in the future, I'll help you win first place, so save your tears for then."

"..."

The boy gently wiped her cheek, and his gentle voice reached her ears. Looking at the boy in front of her, Aoyama Nanami's heart skipped a beat.

"Birds..."

"what's up?"

"I......"