Green plums cannot become lovers.

After Akane Akasaka left, the slightly tense and excited atmosphere in the room did not immediately dissipate.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the living room in a warm amber hue. Four teenagers sat around a somewhat old low coffee table, their shadows stretched out and intertwined on the floor.

"Birds,"

Kuze Shizuka spoke first, her black bob hair swaying gently as she leaned forward slightly. Her gentle voice carried a hint of barely perceptible worry, "When did you get in touch with Ms. Akasaka? I've never heard you mention it before."

Her gaze fell on An and Asuka's faces, their always calm eyes reflecting the glow of the sunset outside the window. The other two girls also cast concerned glances at him—Marina's long golden hair seemed to flow like honey in the afterglow, while Hoshino Ai's signature purple eyes, as if filled with stars, quietly watched him.

An and Asuka leaned back on the soft cushions of the old sofa, their fingers unconsciously tracing a worn-smooth dent on the edge of the coffee table. They paused for two seconds, then gave a smile that was somewhere between serious and joking.

“Yes, it was during the school anniversary celebration.” His voice was calm, with the clear and bright quality unique to young people. “That day we were performing on stage, and she happened to be in the audience. Later she came to me and said that she thought our music... especially my playing, was quite interesting.”

He ignored Akane Akasaka's meaningful gaze, and also ignored the vague guesses deep in his heart. Some things didn't need to worry them for the time being, so he chose the most direct and easily accepted explanation—his talent had been appreciated, nothing more.

And the three girls did indeed accept this explanation. In their eyes, An and Asuka already possessed a brilliance worthy of anyone's attention; they simply lacked an opportunity to be seen on a larger stage.

“I knew it!” Marina immediately straightened her back, her golden ponytail swaying gently with the movement, a bright smile blooming on her face. “Asuka is so talented, it’s perfectly normal for her to be noticed by a big producer in Tokyo! But…”

She suddenly narrowed her eyes, a playful threat in her voice, "You can't secretly keep in close contact with Ms. Akasaka behind our backs!"

Kuze Shizuka covered her mouth and chuckled softly, while Hoshino Ai raised an eyebrow slightly, a knowing smile flashing in her purple eyes. They both knew Marina was just joking, but they were both expressing the same feeling in their own ways—they were a team, and any important matter should be shared and faced together.

“So, Asuka,” Marina leaned forward, placing her hands on the coffee table, her golden eyes sparkling with anticipation and a hint of trepidation, “what do you think… we should do? What about Mr. Kousaka’s suggestion…?”

Her voice trailed off, but the longing was still palpable. Marina knew all too well Akane Kousaka's stature in the industry—"The Cardinal of Gotanda" was not only a bestselling novel, but also a benchmark for countless young creators.

Akane Akasaka herself, whose journey from bestselling author to successful producer is legendary in itself. To receive a personal invitation from such a legendary figure was like a ray of light illuminating her dreams of building a fantasy world in her sketchbook.

Although Shizuka Kuze didn't speak, her gentle eyes were fixed on An and Asuka. Her fingers, resting on her knees, tightened slightly, revealing her nervousness and anticipation.

For the first time, her novels—those stories typed out word by word in the quiet of the night, those words carrying her hidden emotions and thoughts—received such significant recognition. The feeling of being "seen" was both terrifying and incredibly moving.

Even Hoshino Ai, who knew relatively little about the industry, quietly awaited An and Asuka's reply. The purple-haired girl tilted her head slightly, her delicate face seemingly radiating a soft halo in the setting sun.

She might not know exactly how amazing Akane Kousaka was, but she trusted An and Asuka's judgment—this boy who had brought them together from adversity and had always calmly and reliably led them forward, his decisions were always well-considered.

Feeling three focused and trusting gazes, An and Asuka sat up straight. He picked up the draft contract left behind by Akane Akasaka, the paper making a soft rustling sound between his fingers.

The afternoon light illuminated the meticulously crafted clauses and Akane Akane's elegant annotations.

“This is a great opportunity.” He began, his voice steady and clear, carrying a reassuring strength. “I have carefully reviewed this draft. The conditions Ms. Kurosaka has offered, whether it’s the profit-sharing ratio, the training plan, or her understanding of our current situation, such as not needing to go to Tokyo for the time being and respecting our studies, all demonstrate a high degree of sincerity.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his three companions: "She's not giving alms, nor is it a spur-of-the-moment thing. She genuinely sees the potential in us and is willing to invest resources to cultivate that potential."

This was his judgment. With the system and his years of experience, he could distinguish between a genuine collaboration offer and a calculated trap. Akane Akasaka's eyes, her words, and the detailed clauses in her contract protecting creators' rights all conveyed a clear signal: she was serious.

“Even without her help,” An and Asuka continued, their tone resolute, “I believe that with our own efforts, we can one day forge our own path. But…”

He looked into Marina's eager eyes, into Shizuka's expectant face, and finally into Hoshino Ai's calm gaze. "Now that the opportunity has come to us, and such a good one at that, we have no reason to turn it away. If we seize it, we can go further and more steadily."

This isn't a compromise, but a wise choice based on realistic considerations. He wants to quickly accumulate fan points, and they want their creations to be seen by more people. Akane Akasaka and her Rouge en Rouge happen to provide a relatively smooth path to these goals.

"So, are we officially... entertainers now?" Hoshino Ai blinked and asked a question that sounded somewhat naive but got straight to the point. Her voice was clear and filled with curiosity.

Upon hearing this, An and Asuka couldn't help but laugh. The smile softened the usual composure on their faces, revealing a brightness that belonged to their age.

"It's too early to call us 'entertainers'," he shook his head. "At most, we're just... promising rough diamonds? To become true artists, we still need a lot of hard work, learning, and refinement. But..."

His gaze hardened: "As long as we work together and move towards our goal, I believe that one day we will stand high enough to let everyone see our brilliance."

His words were like a warm breeze, dispelling the last trace of hesitation and unease in the girls' hearts. Marina nodded vigorously, her golden hair flying; Shizuka smiled, her eyes glistening with tears; and Hoshino Ai responded softly, her purple eyes sparkling.

As the sun completely sank below the horizon, night began to fall. But in this small house, the hearts of the four people were lit up for a clearly visible and hopeful future.

Over the next few days, An and Asuka kept in touch with Akane Kousaka via email, discussing some details of the contract. The three girls discussed the possible changes in the future with varying degrees of excitement and tension, but more often than not, they devoted themselves to their respective creative work—as if Akane Kousaka's approval had injected them with a new kind of motivation.

Meanwhile, Akane Akasaka, after returning to Tokyo and dealing with the backlog of affairs, felt an ever-growing longing for An and Asuka—and those three equally stunning girls.

She picked up her phone several times, pulled up Anhe's family's contact information, her fingertip hovering over the dial button, but ultimately put it down again.

Tell Anhe's family that his son, who had been missing for many years and was considered a disgrace to the family, had left behind such an outstanding grandson? Tell that ancient family that was gradually falling into silence that their lost bloodline was blossoming with amazing talent in adversity?

The idea was incredibly tempting. She could almost picture the old man's shocked, conflicted expression, and perhaps his eventual tears.

But each time, she restrained herself.

This is not her story, nor is it her choice. An and Asuka have the right to decide for themselves whether to contact the family with whom they share blood ties, yet whose past is also filled with complexities.

Informing the An family of his existence without permission might earn them temporary gratitude, but it could also disrupt the boy's hard-won peaceful life and even entangle him in more complex family conflicts.

She admires him and wants to help him, but only if she respects him.

So, after much deliberation, Akane Akasaka once again boarded the train to that small town. This time, she didn't give prior notice, but instead brought the revised final draft of the contract, along with some gifts suitable for young boys and girls—several hardcover art books, a set of high-quality drawing tools, several classic literary works, and some small presents.

When she found the old house following her memory, it was a summer afternoon. The sunlight shone brightly, the cicadas chirped desperately, and the air was filled with the heat and the steaming scent of plants.

However, just as she was about to ring the doorbell, a clear and cheerful guitar melody flowed out from the half-open window.

The music was like a clear spring suddenly gushing forth in summer, instantly dispelling the afternoon's sweltering heat. The prelude consisted of a few light and lively notes, like sunlight dancing on leaves, or like the splashing water from a child running barefoot across a stream. Then, the melody unfolded—bright, warm, and full of life, each note seemingly soaked in the summer sun, carrying a pleasant warmth.

Akane Akasaka stood outside the courtyard gate, involuntarily stopping all her movements.

As a seasoned music producer, she has listened to countless works, but the melody that reached her ears at this moment gave her a strange and amazing feeling.

The piece is ingeniously structured, with a catchy yet cleverly crafted melody. The harmonic progressions demonstrate both a solid classical foundation and a refreshing modern feel. The rhythmic handling is particularly outstanding, perfectly capturing the unique atmosphere of summer—a time that seems to slow down yet is brimming with subtle vitality.

But what moved her most was the subtle, restrained melancholy deep within the melody. It wasn't sadness, but a gentle foresight of the inevitable passing of beautiful moments, a quiet reflection before the summer's final note. This complex emotion elevated the entire piece beyond mere "joy," giving it a profound and lingering emotional resonance.

"This is..." Akane Akasaka's brain raced, trying to retrieve the piece from her memory. She was familiar with the works of many composers from Japan and around the world, especially piano pieces and light music—but this one, she had absolutely no recollection of.

The melody brings surprises as it develops. After a transition, the piece enters a more melodious and lyrical section, with the guitar sound seemingly transforming into a gentle afternoon breeze passing through the woods, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees and the distant chirping of cicadas.

The performer's technique was impeccable—clean and crisp plucking, precise harmonics, and exquisite control over timbre and dynamics. But more importantly, it was the emotion infused into the performance, a vivid and sincere expression that gave life to every note.

"Could it be some obscure piece that Asuka-kun adapted himself?" Akane Kousaka wondered. "But the level of completion and originality..."

As she listened intently, the piece came to an end. The last few notes fell softly, like the afterglow of the setting sun slowly sinking below the horizon, leaving behind a warm silence and a touch of melancholy. The lingering melody slowly dissipated in the hot air, merging with the cicadas chirping outside the window.

Akane Akasaka stood outside the door, motionless for a long time. A complex mix of emotions surged within her—astonishment, confusion, and an overwhelming surge of excitement. The thrill of discovering such a brilliant work as a producer was now intensely overwhelming her.

She took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

A moment later, footsteps were heard, and the door was opened. It was Shizuka Kuze who opened the door. She was clearly taken aback when she saw Akane Akasaka standing outside, but then she gave a gentle smile: "Akasaka-sensei? What brings you here? Please come in."

"Sorry for not letting me know beforehand." Akane Kousaka smiled and handed over the gift bag. "I was just taking care of some things nearby, so I stopped by to drop by. Was that guitar you were playing earlier, Asuka-kun?"

“Yes.” Shizuka took the bag and stepped aside to let her in. “Asuka is teaching Ai the basics of guitar. The piece she just played was an etude she wrote herself.”

I wrote it myself.

These three words exploded in Akane Akasaka's ears like a thunderclap. She paused slightly, almost thinking she had misheard.

"He... wrote it himself?" Her voice was filled with disbelief and surprise.

Shizuka nodded, her black bob swaying gently with the movement, her tone carrying a natural pride: "Yes, Asuka often writes songs. He says some melodies are in his head and he feels uncomfortable if he doesn't write them down. This one was completed last year, and he said it's called 'Summer'."

"Summer"...such a fitting name.

Akane Kousaka followed Shizuka into the living room and saw the scene inside. An and Asuka were sitting on a cushion by the window, still clutching their guitars. Hoshino Ai sat opposite him, also holding a slightly smaller guitar, watching him intently. Marina sat cross-legged beside the coffee table, her sketchbook open on her lap, clearly having been drawing something while listening—the sketchbook depicted An and Asuka's profile as they played the guitar, the lines fluid and lifelike.

"Ms. Kousaka?" An and Asuka got up with some surprise and carefully placed the guitar against the wall.

Akane Akasaka's gaze was fixed on him, and the intensity in her eyes surprised both An and Asuka.

“That song just now, ‘Summer’…” Akane Akasaka began, her voice trembling slightly with excitement, “Was it your original composition? You completed the entire composition and arrangement all by yourself?”

An and Asuka paused for a moment, then calmly nodded: "Yes. It's a simple guitar solo, still being revised."

Simple? Still under revision?

Akane Akasaka felt a wave of dizziness. The piece that sounded incredibly well-made to her, with a near-perfect balance of artistry and accessibility, was described by this fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy as merely a "simple guitar solo," and "still under revision"?

She forced herself to calm down, but the excitement in her voice was still undeniable: "Feiniao-kun, you may not understand... If that piece of music were placed in the professional music market, it would already be a complete piece that could be released directly and has a great chance of becoming a classic. Its melodic highlights, emotional layers, structural arrangement... all reach professional standards, and even surpass the works of many professional composers."

She paused, looking at An and Asuka's still calm expressions, and suddenly realized that this boy might not truly understand how amazing his talent was. Or rather, he had become so accustomed to this level of creation that he took it for granted.

Marina looked up, her golden eyes sparkling: "Right, right! I told you Asuka's compositions are amazing! Every time he plays a new piece, I feel like I'm hearing the sounds of another world!"

Kuze Shizuka smiled gently and nodded: "Asuka's music always makes people feel calm and full of power."

Hoshino Ai gently stroked the guitar in her arms, her purple eyes looking at An and Asuka: "Asuka said that music is the shape of time. I think... this song 'Summer' is the most beautiful shape of summer."

Akane Kousaka listened to the three girls' words and saw the unwavering trust and adoration in their eyes for An and Asuka, her shock deepening. These children lived together, supporting and inspiring each other—and An and Asuka were the creative core of this small world.

She suddenly remembered hearing "Hotaru no Hikari" and "I'm Sorry for Being So Cute" at the school anniversary celebration. At the time, she was amazed by the maturity of those two works, but now it seemed that they were just the tip of the iceberg of this boy's creative ability.

“Asuka-kun,” Akane Kousaka sat down in the chair Shizuka had brought over, her expression unusually serious, “I need to confirm one thing—the two songs you played at the school festival, ‘Hotaru no Hikari’ and ‘I’m Sorry for Being So Cute,’ and the other works you mentioned before…were they all your original compositions? The lyrics and music were both original?”

An and Asuka nodded: "Yes. The band's arrangement was done by everyone, but I wrote the main melody and framework."

Akane Akasaka closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, the surprise was gone, replaced by an almost burning determination.

“I initially thought I had just discovered a promising young musician.” Her voice was soft, but every word carried immense weight. “But now I realize—I may be witnessing the beginning of a composer of an era.”

She took out the prepared documents from her bag, but this time, her movements were more solemn. "I brought the final version of the contract."

She handed the four revised contracts to the four people respectively: "You can take a closer look. This is the most sincere contract I can offer as a producer."

Marina eagerly opened her contract, her golden eyes quickly scanning the terms. Shizuka, on the other hand, appeared more composed, carefully flipping through each page. Hoshino Ai took the document, politely thanking Akane Kousaka before opening it herself. An and Asuka, meanwhile, quickly skimmed the key sections.

The only sounds in the room were the rustling of paper turning and the chirping of cicadas outside the window.

After a long silence, An and Asuka were the first to raise their heads and look at Akane Akasaka: "The terms... are very generous. Thank you for your approval, Ms. Akasaka."

“This is not generosity,” Akane Akasaka said earnestly, “it is respect for equal value. Your abilities deserve the protection of such terms.”

Marina and Shizuka also finished reading the contract. They looked at each other and saw excitement and confirmation in each other's eyes.

“I have no problem.” Marina nodded vigorously, her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight. “As long as I can be with Asuka, Shizuka, and Ai, anything is fine!”

“Me...me too.” Shizuka’s voice was soft but firm. “I believe in Kousaka-sensei, and I believe in Asuka.”

Hoshino Ai closed the file, her purple eyes looking at An and Asuka. Seeing him nod slightly to her, she said to Akane Akasaka, "I trust Asuka's judgment, and there's no problem with it."

An and Asuka's gaze finally returned to Akane Kousaka's face. In the boy's clear eyes, there was a solemnity beyond his years: "Then, Ms. Kousaka, please take care of me from now on."

He stretched out his hand.

Akane Akane looked at his outstretched hand; his fingers were long and slender, with thin calluses from practicing musical instruments on his fingertips. She reached out and grasped it, feeling the firm, dry warmth of the boy's palm.

"Nice to meet you, Asuka-kun," she said solemnly, then her gaze swept over the other three girls, "and Marina, Shizuka, and Ai. Welcome to the Rouge en Rouge family."

She paused, her voice filled with a sincere promise: "I will do everything I can to create an environment where you can create freely and grow in peace. Your music, your paintings, your stories... one day, will move the whole world."

At that moment, the summer sun shone through the window, falling directly on the five of them. An and Asuka leaned against the guitar strings against the wall, reflecting a warm glow.

The cicadas outside the window continued their noisy chirping, but to the five people inside, it sounded like a celebratory symphony.

Akane Akane looked at the four boys and girls who depended on each other for survival, and saw the expectation for the future shining in their eyes. The shock she felt from "Summer" gradually turned into a heavy sense of responsibility and mission.

She found someone, not just the son of an old friend, not just a promising newcomer.

She may have truly found the "light" that can change things.

Akane Akane felt a little dazed as she thought this to herself.

The cicadas chirping outside the window had subsided at some point, the afternoon heat began to dissipate, and the sunlight slanted into the living room, casting long, gentle shadows on the wooden floor.

Looking at the four young men and women who were about to form a formal contract with her, and seeing the complex light in their eyes that was a mixture of expectation, trust and a hint of unease, a strange, almost fateful feeling welled up in her heart.

"By the way, Asuka-kun,"

She suddenly remembered something important, suppressed her overly emotional expression, and spoke in a more pragmatic tone, "Although we have tried our best to avoid sensitive clauses that may cause controversy in the contract, in order to ensure your normal activities in public in the future and avoid unnecessary speculation and trouble... there is actually one more small matter that you need to pay attention to."

"What is it?" An and Asuka put down the contract in their hands and looked up.

Akane Akane carefully considered her words: "It's just that... if the media or other people ask about our relationship in public, or if we need to attend certain semi-public occasions together, you might have to stick to the same story and call me 'Mom' or... 'Older Sister'."

The living room fell silent for a moment.

"..." An and Asuka's expressions didn't change much, as if they were considering the necessity of this suggestion.

Akane Akane quickly added, her tone tinged with a rare embarrassment: "I'm not trying to take advantage of you! I'm just trying to avoid suspicion."

After all, you are all minors, and I am an adult woman, and someone with a certain reputation in the industry. Frequent, one-on-one contact with you without a reasonable explanation of a kinship or guardianship relationship could easily lead to unnecessary speculation, and might even be used against me by malicious individuals, affecting your future activities.”

She spoke very seriously, and this is indeed a common practice in the industry. If a minor artist is not accompanied by a legal guardian, there is usually an approved "agent" or "relative" to mitigate risks.

“I don’t think I need to,” Marina said first, her long golden hair swaying gently as she shook her head, her tone carrying a naive sense of entitlement. “I have a mother, although she’s very busy with work… oh dear!”

Before she could finish speaking, An and Asuka flicked her forehead with their fingers, not too hard, not too soft.

"Ouch! Asuka, why did you hit me?!" Marina covered her forehead, staring wide-eyed at An and Asuka, her amber eyes filled with confusion and grievance.

An and Asuka withdrew their hands somewhat helplessly.

"I'll follow Sister Zhu Yin's arrangements."