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[Time: Present]
Fu Xuan recounted to Qingque the story of how her master cared for her during her illness.
Naturally, she chose what details to include.
For instance, she mentioned her master making congee for her but omitted feeding it to her. She spoke of her master staying by her side all night but left out her desire for her master to wipe away her sweat...
[Qingque: Ah? I had no idea that version was heavily edited! And it was directly from Grand Diviner herself!]
[Silver Wolf: Ha ha, classic case of being duped by the abridged edition.]
[Fu Xuan: ...This venerable one simply felt these details were unnecessary.]
[Sparkle: Details? They're the essence!]
[Sparkle: We came here precisely for the uncut content, okay?]
[Stelle: Delightful.]
Despite the omissions, Qingque listened with rapt attention.
To be honest, before arriving at Yu Que, Qingque's understanding of Fu Xuan had been limited primarily to their professional relationship.
Qingque constantly schemed to improve her time management skills, hoping to evade detection by her leader.
Alas, little did she know that human plans cannot outwit fate; even these minor thoughts of hers were accounted for within Fu Xuan's calculations.
Thus, their relationship had always been akin to a mischievous little bird, forever trying to shirk responsibility and hide from a cat.
[March 7th: Ha ha ha! So vivid!]
[Qingque: The Grand Diviner catches me slacking off every time—I can't escape it at all. ??]
[Seele: Stelle, is there any chance, @Qingque, that you could simply not slack off?]
[Qingque: (firmly shaking head) Impossible, absolutely impossible! ??]
Upon arriving at Yu Que and hearing Fu Xuan recount her story with her master, Qingque couldn't help but think—though somewhat impolitely—
Wow, so the Grand Diviner is actually just another living person!
I never realized she has a life beyond work!
And originally, even the Grand Diviner wasn't fully formed as she is now; she too grew step by step under her master's guidance!
[Fu Xuan: ...@Qingque, that thought was indeed quite impolite.]
[Qingque: Heh heh, well, isn't it just another way to understand you better?!]
As Qingque gained more insight into her superior, naturally, she also became increasingly curious about Fu Xuan's master.
From Fu Xuan's accounts, the former Head of the Jade Oracle Division was not only unparalleled in divination but also deeply caring towards their disciples. In every aspect, they seemed like an exceptional mentor.
Notably, although Fu Xuan often downplayed her relationship with her master, her narratives were vivid and engaging. Even if some details might have been omitted from what Qingque didn't fully grasp, it left her always wanting to hear more.
So once again, Qingque begged for the continuation, "And then what happened? Are there more stories about you and your master?"
Fu Xuan replied, "No more today."
Qingque felt slightly disappointed, "Ah..."
"At least not today." Fu Xuan stood up, "Starting tomorrow, we'll officially engage in exchanges. There's much work to be done; we won't have such leisurely days as these past few."
A hint of anguish crept into Qingque's voice, "Oh—"
Noticing Qingque's aversion to work, Fu Xuan encouraged her, "After these intense days, perhaps there will be more stories for you next time."
"Grand Diviner, you're teasing us with tales again! That's too much!"
"Just tell me, do you want to hear it or not?"
Qingque gritted her teeth. "...Yes! Of course I do!"
[Stelle: Oh boy, Qingque is fully hooked now!]
[Qingque: Well, we have to work anyway, might as well listen if it's offered!]
***
As Fu Xuan predicted, the following days were filled with demanding labor.
Naturally, Fu Xuan took on the bulk of the workload herself, but even the small portion delegated to Qingque was enough to overwhelm the habitual slacker, eliciting continuous complaints.
Despite Qingque constantly exclaiming that she couldn't handle any more, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks—this time, truly at her limit!—
after just a few days, she managed to complete all the assignments Fu Xuan had given her, and with exceptional quality.
[Bronya: It seems like young Qingque has already become quite adept at navigating workplace dynamics.]
[Bronya: Even though she keeps saying she can't manage, she still demonstrates remarkable resilience and capacity!]
[Seele: ? Is our Supreme Guardian starting to learn the art of exploiting subordinates now?]
[Bronya: No, no, I'm just making an observation.]
[Bronya: But maybe many within the Silvermane Guard, like Qingque, possess untapped potential...]
[Seele: Still denying it?!]
[Pela: ???]
[Silver Wolf: Oh no, Fu Xuan has corrupted Bronya now.?]
[Fu Xuan: Disclaimer: Not my responsibility.]
Fu Xuan noticed Qingque's diligent efforts throughout their journey.
Once this trip concludes, who knows if, after recognizing her potential, Fu Xuan might invest even more effort into nurturing and guiding this little sparrow...
[Qingque: We heard some stories at Yu Que, but why do I still feel like I'm missing out somehow? ??]
After three intense days of work:
One evening, Fu Xuan called out to Qingque.
At the sound of his voice, she shuddered immediately. "Grand Diviner, is-there-is there more work? It's already past quitting time in Luofu, right?!"
Fu Xuan couldn't help but smile. "No, we've managed most tasks these past few days."
Relieved, Qingque placed a hand on her chest, feeling her heart settle back into place. "Then what did you need me for?"
"To transfer your travel expenses." Fu Xuan took out his phone. "We have one or two more days to stay at Yu Que, so if you want to explore, there's plenty of time."
"Yay!"
Hearing that work was done and vacation about to begin, Qingque's enthusiasm surged immediately. "Then, Grand Diviner, do you have any recommended sights or recent events worth checking out around Yu Que?"
"Sights?" Fu Xuan replied. "There are plenty, naturally. With a festival approaching, there should be numerous activities as well."
Qingque grew even more excited. "A festival, just in time? Which one is it?"
Fu Xuan answered, "The Qixi Festival."
"...Oh," Qingque responded, his excitement visibly diminishing.
[Sushang: LOL, dying of laughter! [Qingque: It's a festival completely unrelated to me!]]
[Qingque: Aiyah, if only we had a day off for Qixi. At least then I could play some cards and still feel like celebrating.]
Noticing Qingque's reaction, Fu Xuan asked, "Qingque, not interested in Qixi? Don't you have anyone special?"
Qingque pondered briefly. "Does Di Yuan's Jasper Jade count?"
"...Of course not," Fu Xuan replied.
"Then, Grand Diviner, do you have someone you fancy?" Qingque countered.
"...Does work count?" Fu Xuan retorted.
[Sparkle: HAHAHAHA!!?! Two people with absolutely no connection to Qixi!]
Qingque sighed as well. "I didn't expect to arrive just in time for this festival. Do you have any holiday memories from your time at Yu Que?"
Fu Xuan pondered briefly. "I've never been one for crowds. Apart from spending holidays with my family, I only recall participating in a few festivities with my master."
"Ah..." Seeing Qingque's eyes light up, Fu Xuan realized she had inadvertently touched upon another sensitive topic.
Qingque posed a probing question, "You often say your relationship with your master was strained, but since returning to Yu Que, it seems every place reminds you of moments spent together. Why is that?"
Upon hearing this, Fu Xuan fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Eventually, she said, "If you're interested, Qingque, according to our agreement, I can share some stories about celebrating festivals with my master."
[Sushang: ? Is this a way to change the subject?]
[March 7th: Hmm, rather than changing the subject, isn't it more like walking straight into the line of fire?]
[March 7th: After all, each story Fu Xuan tells reveals a bit more of her feelings towards her master.]
In terms of diverting attention, it indeed succeeded.
Indeed, Qingque's focus shifted from Fu Xuan constantly recalling Su Qing to the stories themselves.
After pondering for a moment, Fu Xuan began recounting, "My master wasn't particularly fond of crowds either."
"In those five years, this venerable one can only recall spending New Year's, Lantern Festival once, and Qixi Festival another time with Master," he said.
Qingque's eyes widened instantly. "Ah? You celebrated Qixi Festival together?"
"...What does that sympathetic look in your eyes mean?" Fu Xuan asked, slightly taken aback.
Suppressing her laughter, Qingque waved her hand. "Ha ha, nothing, nothing! Please continue; I promise not to interrupt again!"
Fu Xuan resumed his tale. "The stories of Lantern Festival and Qixi are longer, so let me start with a humorous anecdote from the New Year celebrations."
"Upon first joining the Yuque Imperial Divination Bureau, I was exceedingly reserved. During the first two New Years, I merely greeted Master according to etiquette."
"It wasn't until the third year that things started to change..."
Being apprenticed under the Grand Diviner of Yu Que was undoubtedly an immense honor for Fu Xuan.
Consequently, during each New Year celebration, the Fu family would host a banquet and invite Su Qing as their guest.
This served both to express gratitude for Su Qing's care towards Fu Xuan throughout the year and to showcase this honor before friends and relatives.
In the first year, Fu Xuan was still reserved, merely following his parents to respectfully greet his master with New Year wishes.
By the second year, Fu Xuan confidently smiled and engaged his master in conversation.
And by the third year, after offering his greetings while his parents attended to others, Fu Xuan approached his master playfully and said, "Master, Happy New Year! Give me a red envelope—"
Taken aback, Su Qing then chuckled, "According to Yu Que tradition, red envelopes are given by senior family members. Why should you ask me for one?"
Fu Xuan blinked his bright, expressive eyes and promptly replied, "Master, that's not quite right. As they say, 'once a teacher, always a father.' Following this logic, isn't it perfectly reasonable for me to request a red envelope from you?"
Su Qing burst out laughing, "Indeed, you're correct, and I stand corrected. It is indeed time for your red envelope."
The New Year celebrations were inherently joyous, and with such a charming disciple seeking affection, Su Qing certainly wouldn't be stingy. After preparing a red envelope for Fu Xuan, he even added an encouraging message inside.
With his adorable disciple acting sweetly once again, Su Qing naturally wouldn't hesitate to indulge her. After preparing a red envelope for Fu Xuan, he even added an encouraging message inside.
Upon receiving it, Fu Xuan was overjoyed. In truth, she didn't care much about the money within. What mattered most was receiving this New Year's red envelope from her highly esteemed master—a delightful omen indeed.
[Sushang: Impressive! Fu Xuan daring to joke with her master and asking for a red envelope!]
[March 7th: Seems like their relationship has genuinely improved!]
[Kafka: ???]
[Sparkle: ?? @Kafka, why did you suddenly flare up again? No cooldown period?]
[Guinaifen: ?I don't think we can blame Kafka this time; Fu Xuan is practically throwing herself right at him, claiming "lifetime devotion," no less?!]
[Firefly: ?Exactly! She's openly staking her claim now. With such a bold statement, how could Kafka not feel threatened!?]
[Himeko: (laughs) The key point is, Su Qing seems genuinely pleased by it.]
[Sparkle: Joyful moment for Fu Xuan: Kafka, remember, the position of daughter isn't yours but mine—Fu Xuan's!?]
[Kafka: ...??]
[Although they both knew Fu Xuan's words were just a joke and Su Qing didn't take it seriously...]
[Seeing Su Qing's smile after hearing "once a master, always a father" left Kafka feeling a mix of emotions. Once, she was solely devoted to him, but now...]
[Kafka indeed felt heated and deeply troubled! But how could he alleviate these feelings?!]
[Kafka: ...]
[Kafka: @Himeko, I think my current feelings might be similar to what Jingliu experienced when stealing Su Qing away from you.]
[Himeko's smile instantly vanished.]
[Himeko: ?????]
[Kafka: Oh, though probably not as intense. After all, this was just a jest; Fu Xuan remains my disciple either way. Whereas with Jingliu, you truly became his ex-girlfriend.]
[Himeko: ...Kafka!! What are you trying to say?!???]
[Kafka: Phew.]
[Kafka: Suddenly, I feel a bit better.]
[Himeko: ????????]
[Sparkle:?]
[Seele:?]
[Silver Wolf:?]...
[Kafka's diversion tactic had everyone struggling to suppress their laughter. Stelle and March 7th, mindful of Himeko's presence, barely managed to hold back smiles.]
[Stelle (holding back laughter): If Kafka and Sister Himeko could unite, even against new characters from future updates, they'd undoubtedly be formidable!]
[Silver Wolf: Kafka and Himeko united? Ha ha, now that's a good joke.]
[Kafka realized she indeed felt better after seeing Himeko's temper flare.]
[Regaining her composure, she continued sending messages.]
[Kafka: At this point, my expectations aren't high anymore.]
[Kafka: I just hope Fu Xuan's "ordinary" doesn't escalate like Jingliu's "just," eventually turning into some romantic sentiment.]
[Fu Xuan: Of course it won't.]
[Fu Xuan: @Kafka, actually, your words perfectly describe yourself.]
[Fu Xuan: With all those feelings you have—where did they come from if not from harboring extra, peculiar thoughts about Su Qing?]
[Fu Xuan: In reality, I am merely the master's disciple. Even without me, Su Qing would still see you only as his daughter.]
[Kafka: ?]
[Silver Wolf: Ouch, hitting Kafka's sore spot—well said! Forget about Himeko being hasty; what use is rushing for the daughter role?!]
[Silver Wolf: Fu Xuan might be painfully slow, but she still packs some punch!]
[Fu Xuan: ...]
[Fu Xuan: @Silver Wolf (sincerely curious), this venerable one has been meaning to ask—considering you won the championship only because Su Qing aimed to resolve the conflict between Kafka and Himeko, does it truly hold any value for you?]
[Silver Wolf: (stunned) Huh?, ah? Just passing by with a chuckle, and now I'm getting attacked too?!]
[Sushang: You clearly took a shot at Fu Xuan as well, right?]
[Sparkle: Two Stellaron Hunters ganged up on, yet defeated by Luofu Grand Diviner alone.]
[Firefly: If Jingliu's approach is straightforward, Fu Xuan's is more logical—but both can strike right at the heart.]
[Stelle: Little Firefly, seeing your teammate under attack, aren't you going to help?!]
[Seele: Firefly, keep watching this unfold! The future holds surprises!]
[Fu Xuan: This venerable one wasn't aiming to attack them directly.]
[Fu Xuan: If they had simply adhered to their duties as disciples, like me, without harboring any inappropriate thoughts toward their master, how could such vulnerabilities arise?]
[March 7th: Uh, Fu Xuan, I still think it's best not to tempt fate with statements like that...]
***
This anecdote was just a lighthearted tale from the Lunar New Year festivities. After sharing it, Fu Xuan continued, "In the following years, there were two instances—one during the Lantern Festival and another on Qixi Festival—when I spent those occasions with my master."
Seeing Qingque's eager anticipation, Fu Xuan added, "But don't set your expectations too high, Qingque. Both times were quite ordinary, typical stories."
Qingque nodded vigorously. "Mm-hmm, ordinary! I understand, just ordinary!"
Speechless, Fu Xuan said nothing more and carried on narrating.
Little did Fu Xuan know...
Only after realizing this did she grasp the true devastating impact of her seemingly ordinary experiences.
And once this tale, seemingly no different from the others, concluded, she could no longer avoid acknowledging her feelings towards her master—feelings that were far from "ordinary"...