The commotion of the four of them didn't matter at all.

After dinner, Jiutiao Meijie and the ladies rode off, saying the weather was so nice that they planned to go golfing with the lady who sold them dorayaki.

Dubian Che, Kiyono Lin, and Xiaoquan Aonai walked back to the concert hall.

Though it was break time, many diligent members of the Wind Instrument Club continued practicing after meals—they were there to coach these members and ensure their safety.

They practiced in groups until three in the afternoon and then played an ensemble for an hour.

"Ayane," Lin said, her forehead slightly sweaty.

"Here!"

"Next, I leave it up to you. Please make sure they perfect everything I pointed out today and correct it thoroughly."

"No problem, leave it to me," Ayane Kumi assured with a gentle yet resolute voice.

Before leaving the conductor's platform, Lin glanced once more at all fifty-five members of the Wind Instrument Club and finally added,

"I hope you won't disappoint me tomorrow."

"Yes!"

A small amount of applause arose from the audience seats.

These tourist spectators were moved by the youth and effort of the Wind Instrument Club and approved their recent ensemble.

"Heading back?" asked Dubian Che as Lin descended the stage.

"Yeah."

"Aunt Youzi messaged us to pick up some groceries on the way back; they are just preparing to head back now."

Lin had no objections.

"See you tomorrow, Mr. Xiaoquan," said Dubian Che to Xiaoquan Aonai.

"Yes, see you tomorrow, and thank you for your hard work today."

After bidding farewell, the two exited the concert hall, and as they were about to ride off on their bicycles, they ran into Akiko and Miyazaki Mieko, who were holding shopping bags.

"How are you!" Dubian Che greeted with a smile.

He often went to their apartment for meals, and the three had become friends.

"Headed home?" asked Miyazaki Mieko.

"Yeah, been around for a day."

"Aonai must have been really happy, right?" teased Akiko.

"I can't tell; ask her for me tonight," laughed Dubian Che.

"What are you thinking? I'm not your spy," Akiko immediately gave Dubian Che a look.

"Alright, alright," Dubian Che replied, "Where did you go today?"

"We went to the 'Outlets' today," said Miyazaki Mieko.

"We also checked it out a few days ago. How was it?"

"The internet called it a shopping paradise, but it didn't live up to the hype when we saw the prices. Most were at full price, and the discounts were only about thirty percent off," complained Akiko.

"Haha!" Dubian Che laughed unsympathetically.

Akiko raised her shopping bag, pretending to hit him.

Dubian Che feigned a dodge, smiling, "We still need to go buy groceries; we'll head off first."

"Goodbye."

The two rode their bicycles to the supermarket and got a big shopping cart.

A handsome young man and a beautiful young girl walking together always caught the eyes of the staff and customers alike.

"Are we out of rice and soy sauce?" Lin asked as they passed the shelves.

"Yeah. Also, there isn't much beer left in the fridge. Your mother didn't mention it, but let's buy a few cans."

"Okay."

Lin occasionally took an item off the shelf, read the description on the bottle, and most often put it back, occasionally placing one into the shopping cart.

"You really are capable of living alone," Dubian Che expressed his admiration.

"Do you live alone and just eat supermarket bento all the time?" Lin picked up a bag of Canadian matsutake mushrooms, checking their freshness.

"Mostly I eat leftovers from the restaurant where I work, like fried food and bento, the kinds that don't cost anything."

Lin shook her head, not at Dubian Che but at the Canadian matsutake mushrooms.

She put the mushrooms back and continued to walk along the aisle filled with vegetables.

Dubian Che pushed the shopping cart following her.

"What vegetables shall we eat today?" Lin pondered quietly as she chose.

Even Dubian Che was seeing this homely side of Lin for the first time.

"What do you like to eat?" Lin asked.

"I'm fine with anything, but the ladies will probably want edamame and tofu. They plan to drink sake and eat these while playing mahjong tonight."

Dubian Che grabbed a bag of edamame and placed it into the shopping cart; Lin picked up tofu.

"Are we out of soy sauce and chili powder?"

"We're out of soy sauce. Remember last time Meiji poured half a bottle into it?"

"Can she even cook?" Lin mockingly scoffed.

Suddenly, Dubian Che had a strange illusion, feeling as if he, Lin, and Jiutiao Meijie were already one family.

"Six cans of beer, is that enough?" Lin still enjoyed her shopping.

"Enough."

Before checking out, Lin carefully checked each item in the cart, exuding a housewife charm.

"All set, let's go."

After paying, they picked up their bags and left the supermarket, placing their groceries in their bicycle baskets.

Before starting to ride, Lin tore open a piece of chocolate they'd just bought, replenishing her energy after a hard day.

"Want some?" she asked.

Dubian Che, already on his bicycle, nodded, and Lin broke off half a piece for him.

Dubian Che popped the chocolate in his mouth: "Let's head home!"

With a push of the pedal, the evening breeze began to blow.