Green plums cannot become lovers.

Akane Akasaka felt a chill run down her spine. Years of experience in the business world had honed her composure, preventing her from giving herself away, but her body reacted before her mind could process it—she swiftly and naturally turned to the side, pretending to look at the club activity posters on the corridor wall, concealing herself behind the figures of several passing students.

When she calmed down and looked again, the boy had already looked away and continued walking forward with his companions.

This little incident made Akane Kousaka realize that this boy was far more perceptive than she had imagined. This, in turn, sparked her even greater interest.

That afternoon, she learned that there would be a school anniversary performance in the gymnasium, so she found an inconspicuous spot to wait. Sure enough, the light music club took the stage.

The two pieces are "Hotaru no Hikari" and "So Cute, I'm So Apologetic".

The latter's progress is obvious, with richer arrangements and more harmonious and mature performances. But what truly surprised and even shocked Akane Kousaka was the first piece, "Hotaru no Hikari" (Hotaru's Light).

She recalled that on her first evening in the city, while taking a walk in a park near the hotel, she heard an elderly man sitting on a bench playing a simple yet exceptionally beautiful melody on his harmonica.

She stopped to listen and couldn't help but go up and ask. The old man told her that it was a song that had recently become very popular at the nearby senior activity center, called "The Light of Fireflies," with a catchy and memorable melody that many people liked.

Unfortunately, the old man didn't know who the song's author was.

Akane Akasaka noted down the song title and searched for it online when she got back, but the results were few. There was only one very simple audio file, labeled with the creator: Asuka.

And now, on stage, she heard the complete live version of the song. Hoshino Ai's singing was ethereal and deeply moving, and the accompaniment from the other band members perfectly enhanced the atmosphere. And the person who composed the song was sitting behind the drums, calmly controlling the rhythm of the entire performance.

Peace and birds.

Birds.

All the clues were completely connected at this moment.

The video features a fleeting glimpse of a genius drummer, the creator of the moving melody hummed by an old man in the park, a boy who bears a striking resemblance to Sosuke Anwa, and a name that happens to coincide with the character "Asuka" (meaning "bird"), a common element in the Anwa family's traditional stage names.

Too many coincidences cease to be coincidences.

After the performance, Akane Akasaka did not leave immediately. She stayed in the shadows, watching the boy take his bow on stage, watching him being surrounded by his companions talking, and watching them leave the stadium together.

The next day, she appeared in front of the "Butler's Cafe" in Class 2-A, observed closely, and finally found the right moment to hand over the business card.

The video finished playing and automatically jumped back to the beginning. The screen light flickered on Akane Akasaka's face.

She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. Every detail of her interactions with An and Asuka that day replayed in her mind.

The fleeting look of inquiry and wariness in his eyes when he accepted the business card, the firmness in his tone when he refused, the thoughtful expression on his face when he finally accepted the card, and the natural ease he exuded when he was with his companions, so different from when he was with her.

“Anhe Asuka…” she whispered the name again.

If all the speculations are true, then he is Anhe's long-lost child.

Anhe's family seemed to know nothing about this.

Akane Kousaka's feelings were complex and hard to describe. On one hand, as a member of the Kousaka family, she was unaware of the intricate relationships within the Anwa family, the old grudges, and the real reason for the man's departure, and she couldn't be sure if her speculations were correct.

On the other hand, as the founder of the club, she clearly saw the shining and undeniable talent in An and Asuka.

His creativity and performance control beyond his years, along with his calm and determined temperament, all showed her the immense potential to polish a rough gem into a true artist. To let such talent be buried in a small city would be a waste, even a sin.

More importantly, she thought of the regret and longing in Grandma Tiantong's sigh. She thought of the increasingly quiet Anhe family mansion. Perhaps... the appearance of this boy would be a turning point for many people?

But all of this is predicated on Anwa Asuka's own will, and that he is a descendant of the Anwa family.

The process of verifying this information is quite simple: just let her meet the boy's father, and all the uncertainties will be resolved.

Akane Akasaka picked up her phone and looked at the string of messages that had been sent to her, most of them work-related, which was not what she wanted to see.

She was waiting for the boy to send her a message.

He definitely will... probably... maybe... possibly.

At this moment, Akane Akasaka herself lost confidence. If he didn't contact her first, it would mean she would have to go looking for him all over again, since school was already on summer vacation, which would be too much trouble.

Time passed slowly, and before she knew it, it was already past 9:30. Just as Akane Akane was feeling disappointed, her phone suddenly beeped.

She quickly picked up her phone again and saw that it was a text message from an unknown number.

—Ms. Akasaka, let's meet.

Upon seeing this message, Akane Akasaka finally smiled.

Volume 1: Chapter 150 It really is you [7.5k]!

At 9:50 a.m. the next morning, An and Asuka arrived at the agreed-upon coffee shop ten minutes early.

This is a stylish independent coffee shop, tucked away on a quiet street corner across from Central Park. The interior features wooden decor, warm lighting, and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and soft jazz music.

At this time of day, there weren't many customers in the restaurant; only two or three tables of casual diners were chatting quietly.

An and Asuka chose a window seat, from which they could clearly see the entrance and the street view. He ordered a glass of milk, placed his backpack on the chair next to him, and then waited quietly.

When he got home last night, the first thing he did was to seriously search for information about "Rouge en Rouge" and "Akasaka Akane".

The results were more detailed and positive than he had anticipated—not the kind of overwhelming publicity, but rather a more solid reputation within the industry and proven track record. The bands and singers under the group truly had unique styles; they weren't mass-produced products catering to the mainstream market, but rather music with a distinct personal touch, and this quality piqued his interest.

Moreover, it is not limited to music; it also includes entertainment sections such as novels, comics, and games, making it a comprehensive large-scale club.

More importantly, from the limited interviews, he could sense Akane Kousaka's philosophy as a producer—she seemed to value the originality and expressiveness of a work more than simply its appearance or commercial potential. This was a worthwhile option for An and Asuka, who saw music as a means to achieve their goals and genuinely enjoyed the creative process.

Of course, he wasn't naive enough to believe he could get any promises from just one meeting. But he at least wanted to know what resources the other party could provide if there was a future opportunity to collaborate, and... what he himself would need to contribute.

At 10 o'clock sharp, the door of the coffee shop was pushed open, and the wind chimes made a crisp sound.

Akane Akasaka arrived right on time. Today, she wore a well-tailored light gray suit skirt with a simple white silk blouse underneath. Her long hair was elegantly styled in a bun at the back of her head, and her makeup was exquisite but not overdone. Unlike her somewhat casual observer demeanor at the school festival yesterday, today she looked every bit the professional businesswoman.

Her gaze swept around the store, quickly locking onto An and Asuka by the window, and she walked over with a smile.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting?" She sat down opposite her, her tone natural and polite.

"No, I just arrived too," An and Asuka replied calmly, pushing the menu in front of her. "What would you like to drink, Ms. Kousaka?"

"A hot latte, please," Akane Akasaka said to the approaching waiter, then turned to Asuka Anwa with a gentle smile, "Yesterday's school anniversary was very lively, your café was a great success."

“Thank you.” An and Asuka nodded, cutting straight to the point without much small talk. “Ms. Kousaka said on her business card that your company is interested in my performance. I would like to know more specific information—what kind of resources and support can your company provide if a collaboration is possible? Of course, I would also like to know what your expectations and requirements are for your signed artists.”

His directness made Akane Kousaka raise an eyebrow slightly, but the admiration in her eyes deepened. His straightforwardness and clear goals were rare qualities in a fifteen-year-old boy.

“A very direct question, I like it.” She leaned forward slightly, placing her hands on the table. “Rouge en Rouge currently has a complete production team, including a professional recording studio, mixing engineers, arrangement consultants, and a management team responsible for publicity and performances.”

For promising newcomers, we typically develop a one- to two-year training program, including regular professional training, creative guidance, and gradually arranging small performance opportunities to build experience and popularity.

She paused, observing An and Asuka's reactions. The boy listened intently, his eyes focused, but he didn't rush to express his opinion.

"As for expectations and requirements," Akane Akasaka continued, "first and foremost, of course, is sincerity and potential in music. I've watched your performance videos and listened to 'Hotaru no Hikari' and 'I'm Sorry for Being So Cute'—the latter shows obvious improvement, while the former impressed me. You not only have technique, but also creative inspiration, which is what we value most."

"Secondly, it requires dedication and perseverance. The path of creation is not easy, especially if you pursue an independent style, it may take a long time to see significant returns. We need to ensure that our collaborators have sufficient determination and patience."

Anwa Asuka nodded slightly, indicating his understanding. "So, if a contract is signed, what form does it usually take? How is the income distributed? And..." He paused slightly, "How is the geographical issue resolved? I'm still in school and can't stay in Tokyo for the time being."

The questions were increasingly practical and incisive. Akane Akane's eyes were practically overflowing with admiration. This boy was far more clear-headed and knew better how to protect his rights than she had imagined.

"The specific contract terms can be discussed gradually. What I can guarantee is that Rouge en Rouge's contracts are known in the industry for their fairness. We will provide a basic guarantee fund, and the revenue sharing will be adjusted according to the development stage. Everything is transparent."

She picked up the latte the waiter had just brought and gently blew on it. "As for the geographical issue, the internet is very developed now, and a lot of preliminary work can actually be done online. If necessary, we can arrange for a team to come over, or you can go to Tokyo for short training during your winter or summer vacation. After you graduate from high school, if the cooperation between the two parties goes smoothly, it's not too late to consider longer-term development plans then."

This answer was clearly well thought out, demonstrating sincerity while leaving room for both sides to maneuver.

An and Asuka were silent for a moment, seemingly processing the information. Then they looked up and stared directly at Akane Kousaka: "That sounds reasonable. However, Ms. Kousaka, I have a practical question I need to confirm."

"Please speak."

"If I decide to consider cooperation, what procedures are required next? What materials do I need to prepare?"

Akane Kousaka put down her coffee cup, her smile unchanged, but her tone held a subtle hint of probing: "Generally speaking, for underage artists, we need the informed consent of their guardians. So the first step might be to meet with your parents, or at least obtain their written permission. This is to protect both parties, and it's also a legal requirement."

As she spoke, she carefully observed the boy's expression. This was a crucial step in her plan—to naturally bring up the topic of his family situation with a plausible reason.

Upon hearing this, An and Asuka's expression didn't change much, but a very subtle ripple seemed to flicker deep within their usually calm eyes. He remained silent for a few seconds, then slowly spoke, his voice still steady:

"I'm very sorry, Ms. Kurosaka, but I may not be able to meet this condition."

Akane Akasaka's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a professional expression: "Oh? Is there a problem? We can try our best to cooperate..."

“Because,” An and Asuka interrupted her, their tone as calm as if they were simply stating that the weather was nice, “I have no parents.”

The background music in the coffee shop suddenly seemed to drift away at that moment.

Akane Akasaka's smile froze. She blinked, seemingly not having heard clearly, or perhaps unable to believe what she had just heard. "What...did you say?"

An and Asuka looked directly at her and repeated each word clearly and calmly: "I said, I have no parents anymore, they are all gone."

"..."

Time seemed to stand still. Akane Akasaka opened her mouth, but found herself speechless. She had considered all sorts of possibilities—parental opposition, difficult family circumstances, or the need for time to communicate—but she never expected to hear such a sentence.

The young man before her, sitting upright with clear eyes, who had just been discussing the details of their collaboration in a logical and methodical manner, spoke the cruelest truth in the most calm tone.

"You...you live alone?" After a long while, Akane Akasaka finally found her voice, her tone filled with undisguised shock.

An and Asuka nodded, picked up their milk and took a sip, their movements as natural as if they had just been discussing the weather.

“If Ms. Akasaka finds this situation unacceptable, then our conversation can end here. I understand the requirements of laws and regulations.”

As he spoke, he made a gesture as if he were about to get up.

"Wait!" Akane Kousaka almost instinctively reached out to stop her.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down quickly, but her voice still trembled slightly, "That's not what I meant... I just... Anhe-kun, can you tell me what's going on?"

Anhejun sat down again, his gaze falling on the children playing in the park outside the window. The lines of his profile appeared somewhat distant in the morning light.

"Would you consider my question if I told you?" His question was practical, even a little too calm.

Akane Kousaka felt as if something had gently pierced her heart. This boy was too good at protecting himself; he even weighed the value of showing vulnerability first.

"Yes." She nodded seriously, her tone solemn. "Your specific situation will certainly affect our judgment and subsequent arrangements. I promise we will consider it carefully."

An and Asuka turned their gazes to her, seemingly assessing the sincerity in her words. A few seconds later, he nodded slightly.

“Then I’ll tell you.” His voice remained calm, as if he were telling someone else’s story. “My father gambled and owed a lot of money. One day he suddenly ran away and never came back. My mother… about six months later, she said she was going to find him and then she left too. That was three years ago. Since then, I’ve lived alone.”

Three sentences succinctly summarize more than a thousand days and nights of living alone.

Akane Akasaka felt a tightness in her throat. She looked at the boy before her, his face calm and even gentle as before. There was no self-pity, no resentment, and not much emotional fluctuation in his eyes—only a precocious acceptance of reality.

Gambling, running away, and living alone for three years.

Each word was like a small hammer, striking her heart and causing waves of pain.

If this boy really is that man's son, then his father, the man who once came from an artistic family but chose to fall into depravity, not only abandoned his family, but also his wife and children.

"You..." Akane Akasaka's voice was a little hoarse, "How have you spent the past three years?"

She regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth. The question was too intrusive, too sympathetic, and might actually hurt the dignity the boy was trying so hard to maintain.

But An and Asuka's answer remained calm: "That's how it went. I was able to earn money on my own. Later, when the school found out about my situation, they helped me a lot."

He put it simply, but Akane Akane could imagine the hardship behind it. A ten-year-old child, suddenly abandoned by his parents, had to face everything in life alone—food, schoolwork, and the stares and gossip of others.

But he not only survived, he thrived. He had excellent grades, outstanding musical talent, and was even well-liked at school.

At that moment, Akane Akasaka felt not only sympathy, but also a profound sense of awe and respect. The boy's inherent resilience far exceeded her expectations.

“Anhe,” she said, choosing her words carefully, her tone unusually gentle, “we can find a way to resolve the guardianship issue. If… if you are indeed interested in cooperating with Rouge en Rouge, I will find professionals to handle any legal obstacles; that’s not something you need to worry about.”

An and Asuka raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised. "Ms. Akasaka doesn't mind my family situation?"

“What bothers me is that your talent is being overlooked,” Akane Akasaka said earnestly, and that was her true feeling. “As for your past… that’s not your fault. Besides, you’ve clearly proven that you’re capable of taking care of yourself.”

She paused, then asked another question, this time more cautiously: "About your father...do you have any memories of him? Or do you know where he might have gone?"

An and Asuka chuckled upon hearing this, then said, "Your impression is quite deep. After all, he is my father, although most of my impressions of him are due to gambling, alcoholism, and violence."

His tone remained calm, but Akane Akane keenly noticed a very subtle, almost disgusted emotion flash in his eyes when he said "drunk or lost all his money".

"As for where he went..." An and Asuka tugged at the corners of their mouths, an expression that could hardly be called a smile. "Who knows? Maybe he went to live a better life, or maybe he died."

Akane Akane's heart sank heavily.

She still couldn't be sure if the boy in front of her was a descendant of the Anhe family, but no matter what, to leave only such indifference was undoubtedly a failure as a father.

“I understand,” she said softly, quickly composing herself and flashing a professional smile again. “So, Anhe-kun, let’s get back to the main topic. Is there anything else you’d like to know about the possibility of cooperation? Or do you have any concerns?”

An and Asuka looked at her, their clear eyes seeming to see right through people. "There is indeed a problem."

"What's the problem?"

"What made you choose me?" His question was direct. "I mean, it seems like you've known me for a long time?"

He was pretty sure that the two times he had felt her gaze before were both from her. So he was really curious why she was paying special attention to him, even though they should have never met before.

Akane Akasaka felt a chill run down her spine. This boy was indeed frighteningly perceptive. Maintaining her smile, her mind raced, and she gave a half-truth, half-lie answer:

"You guessed right, I did know you a long time ago, but that was only because I saw your school anniversary video online last year..."