novelhk Page 104
Page 104
Takamatsu lowered his head, his fingers nervously twisting together, his cheeks slightly flushed.
Seeing her shy expression, Chen Xiao couldn't help but chuckle and reached out to ruffle her hair: "Let's go, I'll take you home."
"Hmm..." Takamatsu Akari responded softly, her voice barely audible.
The two walked out of the school side by side, the afterglow of the setting sun casting long shadows on the street. Chen Xiao naturally put his arm around Gao Songdeng's shoulder and pulled her closer to him. Gao Songdeng stiffened slightly, but did not resist; instead, she quietly leaned into his embrace.
"I know a really good ice cream shop nearby." Chen Xiao looked down at her, a gentle smile on his lips. "Want to try it?"
Takamatsu looked up, a hint of anticipation flashing in her amber eyes: "Okay..."
-
The shopping street was bustling with people, and many passersby were unconsciously drawn to the handsome man and beautiful woman. Chen Xiao's handsome face, in particular, quickly attracted the attention of those around him.
"Isn't that Chen Xiao, the number one male god in Chiba?"
"Wow, he's even more handsome in person than in photos!"
"Who's the girl next to him? I'm so envious..." "200"
Whispers continued to drift in, and Gao Songdeng nervously gripped Chen Xiao's sleeve. Noticing her unease, Chen Xiao gently squeezed her shoulder: "Don't pay attention to them."
The two arrived at the ice cream shop, where Chen Xiao bought a double scoop of ice cream and handed it to Gao Songdeng: "Try it."
Takamatsu Akari took the ice cream, carefully licked it, and her eyes immediately lit up: "So sweet..."
Seeing her satisfied expression, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile and ask, "Do you like it?"
"Yes!" Takamatsu nodded vigorously, then lowered her head somewhat shyly. "Thank you..."
"You're welcome." Chen Xiao reached out and wiped the cream off her lips, his gesture natural and intimate. "By the way, do you have any thoughts on the lyrics of that song we were just listening to?"
Upon hearing this, Gao Songdeng immediately became serious: "I think... the lyrics are really well written, especially the line 'Even if you lose your way, you must keep moving forward'..." She looked up, her eyes sparkling with admiration, "How can Brother Chen Xiao write such good lyrics?"
Chen Xiao looked at her gently: "Because lyrics should be heartfelt, full of love, and imbued with insights into life."
Gao Songdeng nodded thoughtfully, took out her notebook from her bag, and diligently wrote down Chen Xiao's words. Seeing her focused expression, Chen Xiao suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Deng, do you have someone you like?"
"!" Takamatsu Akari trembled, nearly dropping her notebook. Her face flushed crimson, and she stammered, "N-no..."
"Then..." Chen Xiao's lips almost touched her earlobe, his warm breath making Gao Songdeng weak all over, "How about we try dating?"
Gao Songdeng's eyes widened, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst from her chest. Staring at Chen Xiao's handsome face so close to hers, her mind went blank, and she could only murmur instinctively, "Then...what about Ai Yin..."
"It's nothing," Chen Xiao chuckled. "Aiyin is my girlfriend too."
"Brother Chen Xiao is really going too far..." Gao Songdeng muttered softly, but did not push him away.
Seeing her coy and hesitant expression, Chen Xiao couldn't resist any longer and lowered his head to kiss her lips.
-
"Hey! What are you doing?!"
A furious shout suddenly came from the side. Chen Xiao and Gao Songdeng turned their heads at the same time and saw a girl with short black hair walking angrily towards them. She was still wearing the coffee shop's uniform and was holding a stack of flyers in her hand, clearly an employee of the shop.
Upon recognizing the person, Gao Songdeng's expression immediately changed: "Li-Lixi..."
Shiina Tatsuki is the drummer for the band CRYCHIC, led by Takamatsu Tomamoto.
"Tomatsu!" Shiina Tatsuki rushed in front of the two, pulled Takamatsu Tomatsu behind him, and glared angrily at Chen Xiao, "Who are you? Stay away from Tomatsu!"
Chen Xiao raised an eyebrow and stood up calmly: "I am Chen Xiao, a friend of Deng."
"Chen Xiao?" Shiina Riki paused for a moment, then sneered, "Oh, you mean the number one male god in Chiba? I heard you have quite a few girlfriends. What, are you eyeing Tou now?"
Takamatsu Akari quickly grabbed Shiina Tatsuki's arm: "Tatsuki, it's not like that..."
"Akatsuki, don't be fooled by him!" Shiina Ritsuki turned to look at Takamatsu Akatsuki, her eyes filled with worry. "This guy is obviously a playboy, you—"
"Li Xi," Chen Xiao suddenly spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, "This is between me and Deng, it doesn't seem to be your place to interfere, does it?"
Shiina Tatsuki was taken aback by his imposing aura, but quickly recovered: "Tokyo is an important companion of mine! I will never let her be taken by someone like you—"
"Tachiki!" Takamatsu suddenly raised her voice, interrupting Shiina Tachiki. She took a deep breath and mustered her courage to say, "I...I'm with Chen Xiao willingly."
Shiina Ritsuki stared at her in disbelief: "A lamp? You..."
Gao Songdeng lowered her head, her voice soft but firm: "Brother Chen Xiao... he's very gentle and talented. He helped me write a new song, and we're going to a band audition together tomorrow..."
Shiina Tatsuki's expression changed several times. Finally, she gritted her teeth and glared fiercely at Chen Xiao: "If you dare to hurt Toki, I will never let you get away with this!"
After saying that, she turned around and rushed back into the coffee shop, slamming the door shut.
As Takamatsu watched Shiina Tatsuki's departing figure, a hint of guilt flashed in her eyes.
Chen Xiao gently held her hand: "It's okay, she's just concerned about you."
"Hmm..." Gao Songdeng nodded, then asked worriedly, "Brother Chen Xiao, will Li Xi... hate me now?"
Chen Xiao smiled and said, "No, she'll understand once she figures it out."
He took Gao Songdeng's hand: "Let's go, I'll take you home."
Looking at their clasped hands, Takamatsu Akari's face broke into a smile again: "Okay..."
-
The sun had completely sunk below the horizon, and the streetlights lit up one by one, bathing the shopping street in a warm orange glow.
Chen Xiao held Gao Songdeng's hand as they strolled home. Gao Songdeng's cheeks still had a faint blush, and her fingers gently gripped Chen Xiao's palm, seemingly a little shy.
"Deng, our band is missing two people, isn't it?" Chen Xiao suddenly asked.
Takamatsu took a moment to pause, then nodded: "Um... drummer and keyboardist."
"What do you think... about bringing Shiina Tatsuki in?" Chen Xiao turned to look at her. "After all, she's your former teammate, so her skills shouldn't be a problem."
Gao Songdeng blinked, his expression hesitant: "Lixi... might not be willing."
"How will we know if we don't try?" Chen Xiao chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Let's go to your house first to discuss the music, and then we'll figure out a way to persuade her."
Takamatsu Akari's face flushed again, but she still nodded slightly: "Mmm..."
-
Takamatsu Todori's room.
Takamatsu's room wasn't large, but it was very tidy. Several sheet music books and novels were on the desk, and several band posters were on the wall. Chen Xiao casually sat on the tatami, looked around, and his gaze finally fell on a small photo frame on the bedside table—a group photo of the band CRYCHIC.
Gao Songdeng brought over two cups of hot tea, and following his gaze, his expression darkened slightly: "That was... the old band."
Chen Xiao took the teacup and gently held her hand: "It's okay, a new beginning will be better."
Takamatsu pursed her lips and sat down beside him.
Chen Xiao opened her lyric notebook and began to carefully instruct her: "The emotions here can be stronger, for example..."
His voice was deep and gentle, and Gao Songdeng listened intently. Before they knew it, the distance between them had grown closer and closer...
Chen Xiao gently brushed her bangs with his fingers, tucking the stray strands of hair behind her ear.
Gao Songdeng's breath hitched, and he looked up to meet Chen Xiao's deep gaze.
"Light..." Chen Xiao whispered her name, his fingertips gently stroking her cheek.
Takamatsu's heart raced, her eyelashes trembled slightly, but she didn't flinch.
The next second, Chen Xiao lowered his head and kissed the corner of her mouth.
As night deepened, the temperature in the room seemed to rise as well.
Gao Songdeng awkwardly responded to Chen Xiao's kiss, and Chen Xiao's hand slowly slid down her waist, causing her to tremble slightly.
“Brother Chen Xiao…” Gao Songdeng’s voice carried a hint of unease, yet also contained a hint of expectation.
"Don't be afraid," Chen Xiao whispered in her ear, "Leave it to me."
Gao Song Deng closed her eyes, letting herself be immersed in his tenderness.
-
[Ding! Host has successfully won over the key character, Takamatsu Akari!]
[Unlock New Ability: Perfect Pitch!]
[Reward: Band members' attractiveness increased by 50%!]
The system notification sounded in his mind, but Chen Xiao had no time to pay attention. He looked down at the exhausted Gao Songdeng in his arms and gently stroked her hair: "Are you tired?"
Gao Songdeng shook her head, her cheeks still flushed, but her eyes held a satisfied smile: "Not tired..."
Chen Xiao smiled and glanced at the time: "It's still early, want to go out for a late-night snack?"
Takamatsu blinked, somewhat surprised: "Now?"
"Hmm, by the way... let's check out Lixi's coffee shop." A sly glint flashed in Chen Xiao's eyes.
Gao Songdeng immediately understood his intention and gently punched his chest: "Brother Chen Xiao, really..."
-
The café was still bustling at night, with warm lights streaming through the glass windows onto the street. Chen Xiao and Gao Songdeng pushed open the door and immediately attracted the attention of many customers.
Shiina Tatsuki was busy at the bar when she looked up and saw the two of them, her expression instantly freezing. Especially when she saw Takamatsu Akari's slightly flushed cheeks and slightly messy hair, her gaze became even more complicated.
Chen Xiao casually pulled Gao Songdeng to a window seat and ordered a dessert and two coffees. Gao Songdeng nervously glanced at Shiina Tatsuki, and finding that the other was staring intently at them, she immediately lowered her head and pretended to study the menu.
Chen Xiao chuckled softly, then suddenly stood up and walked towards the piano in the corner of the coffee shop.
"Hey! That's—" Shiina Tatsuki was about to stop him when Chen Xiao had already sat down on the piano bench.
Long, slender fingers gently touched the piano keys, and a smooth melody immediately echoed in the coffee shop.
The previously noisy guests gradually quieted down, and all eyes were focused on Chen Xiao.
This was a powerful yet tender piece of music, as if it were telling a story of unwavering faith. Gao Songdeng's eyes widened; she had never heard this piece before, yet the melody inexplicably touched her heart.
Shiina Riki was also stunned, and almost dropped the tray in her hand.
As the song ended, enthusiastic applause filled the coffee shop. Chen Xiao stood up and looked directly at Shiina Tatsuki: "So, how about joining our band?"
Shiina Tatsuki opened her mouth, unsure how to respond.
Gao Songdeng also came over and said softly, "Lixi... Chen Xiao's song is really great. We're going to an audition tomorrow. If you could come with us..."
Shiina Tatsuki glanced at Takamatsu Akari's expectant eyes, then at Chen Xiao's confident smile, and finally gritted her teeth: "...I want to hear your songs first."