The Mysterious Fifth Person

After lunch, there were just two simple classes before school let out.

It was time for club activities again—

Ye Shuang arrived early at the Light Music Club's activity room. No one else was there yet, and the room was clean and tidy, clearly well-maintained every day.

"It seems those kids really love this club," Ye Shuang murmured, lightly running a finger over the desk and finding it spotless. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

He was sure Bai Yuyou would enjoy her time here.

His gaze inadvertently landed on a piano standing quietly in the corner, its sleek black surface untouched by dust.

He simply stared at it.

Click. The sound of gum colliding with the metal interior of its packaging echoed as Ye Shuang popped a piece into his mouth. After chewing for a moment, savoring the cool minty freshness, he walked over and sat down at the piano.

Lifting the lid, he placed his fingers on the keys. A faint chill seeped into his fingertips, a sensation oddly similar to the coolness in his mouth, gradually calming his mind.

How long had it been since he last played the piano properly?

Ye Shuang didn’t have an answer. Or rather—did he even truly like playing piano?

But the moment his fingers pressed down and those beautiful notes filled the air, he suddenly felt none of that mattered. His hands moved deftly across the keys, steady and practiced.

The soothing melody drifted through the classroom, carrying like a breeze all the way to the doorway.

Two girls with guitars strapped to their backs froze in place, exchanging a look of disbelief before peeking inside.

"Zhixia… is that Ye Shuang?"

"I think so. I had no idea he could play piano."

"That’s amazing—it sounds professional."

Zhixia and Linlin didn’t dare interrupt. They lingered at the door, Linlin resting her chin on Zhixia’s head as they watched in quiet awe, completely absorbed in the music.

Soon, Ye Shuang’s hands stilled. He examined his palms, seemingly dissatisfied. "Hmm, still rusty."

Sensing their presence, he turned and noticed the two girls at the door. Their eyes met, and the girls blinked before stepping forward sheepishly.

"Sorry, Ye Shuang. We didn’t want to disturb you."

"No, I should apologize for using the piano without permission," he replied, closing the lid as he stood.

Zhixia couldn’t help but ask, "Ye Shuang, you play so well—are you a professional?"

"If I were, would I be working as a school doctor?" He chuckled. "Just an amateur enthusiast."

"Oh… I see." Zhixia nodded, though she wasn’t entirely convinced.

"Did you manage to gather all five members?" Ye Shuang changed the subject.

Linlin answered, "We did. Bai Yuyou, Tang Keke, and—"

"Me."

Three more girls appeared at the door. A short-haired girl raised her hand expressionlessly. "That’s right. I am the mysterious fifth member—Kamen Rider Ninja."

Ye Shuang was surprised to see An Shiyu among them. "You joined the club?"

Bai Yuyou explained, "We ran into her on the way…"

Tang Keke shot An Shiyu a disapproving look. "She also stole our ice cream."

An Shiyu shrugged. "I paid for it."

"I’m not a convenience store!"

Ye Shuang leaned closer to Zhixia, lowering his voice. "An Shiyu isn’t exactly reliable. She might just cause trouble."

Zhixia smiled. "It’s fine. The Light Music Club welcomes anyone who loves music."

Ye Shuang: "…"

A little screening wouldn’t hurt.

"What instrument do you play?" he asked An Shiyu.

"Anything," she replied.

What kind of answer is that?

Ye Shuang pointed to the drum set in the corner. "Try that?"

"Sure."

An Shiyu sauntered over, plopped onto the stool, and picked up the drumsticks—her posture almost convincing.

Boom—Boom—Boom—

With each accelerating strike, she dramatically chanted, "All—Hail—the—Magistrate—!"

Ye Shuang: "…"

"Are you holding court or something?!"

An Shiyu clicked her tongue. "Old man, you’re ruining my performance."

Ye Shuang sighed, turning to Zhixia. "Zhixia, are you sure this is okay?"

Zhixia’s eyes curved into crescents. "I think Shiyu is fun."

Ye Shuang didn’t press further.

As long as they’re happy. Club activities were about enjoying youth, after all. He just worried An Shiyu might bail halfway and leave Bai Yuyou and the others in a bind.

The rest of the session passed with everyone practicing their instruments. Zhixia seemed keen on composing a song for the group, but Linlin volunteered to handle the lyrics and arrangement.

Linlin was the quiet, diligent type—if she took charge, she likely had the skills to back it up.

"Ye Shuang, what instrument do you think suits me?" Tang Keke had come along mostly to accompany Bai Yuyou, but after trying a few instruments, she found them all challenging.

Ye Shuang knew Keke wasn’t particularly interested in music. She just didn’t want to return to her old routine—walking home alone, having no one to talk to. But without genuine interest, learning an instrument would be tough.

Clubs were supposed to be about passion.

Still, for beginners…

"Zhixia," he called.

"Yes?"

"Does the club have a ukulele?"

Zhixia thought for a moment. "There’s one in the storage room."

She hurried to the back, pushed open a small door, and returned holding a ukulele. "Here!"

Keke eyed the small instrument curiously. "Is this a guitar? It looks different."

"It’s a ukulele—you can call it a mini guitar if you like. The main difference is it has four strings instead of six," Ye Shuang explained. "Its range is limited, but it’s much easier to learn than a guitar. You could even master simple songs in a month."