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On the festive day of Qixi, even the Divination Commission was imbued with a romantic atmosphere, with many colleagues pairing up.
Fu Xuan had always been fully immersed in her studies and divination, never entertaining thoughts of romance.
Given her personality, her feelings towards her master were predominantly admiration and respect.
Initially, when comparing hand sizes, Fu Xuan didn't think much beyond simply studying the differences between hers and her master's hands.
However, as their palms slid together and fingers gently intertwined, everything changed.
At this tender age, despite lacking experience, Fu Xuan's innate girlish instincts stirred a peculiar sensation within her heart.
The affection and fondness for Su Qing, usually concealed beneath her reverence, suddenly surfaced.
A wave of electric current surged from her fingertips throughout her body, causing her heartbeat to quicken and a blush to spread across her cheeks.
She savored the feeling of their slightly interlocked fingers and sensed how her delicate hand was softly enveloped by her master's.
Master's hands are so large...
It was the same thought as before, but with entirely different emotions now.
Fu Xuan couldn't yet articulate these feelings, but instinctively she felt joy and delight.
Inside her chest, it seemed as though a fawn was leaping, pounding against her heart.
Stealthily glancing at her master, Fu Xuan quickly averted her gaze upon eye contact. She lightly bit her lip, inadvertently revealing a sweet and bashful smile.
Fu Xuan's fingers on her right hand subtly tightened. Amidst her shyness, she seemed eager to further explore what it felt like to intertwine hands...
[Firefly: Wait, you're genuinely smitten?!]
[Silver Wolf: Seriously, @Fu Xuan, are you about to defy your master!?]
[Silver Wolf: Is this appropriate? @Fu Xuan, think carefully—is it proper?! Any remnants of Grand Diviner dignity left?!]
[Fu Xuan: ...Although, at that time, I wasn't yet the Grand Diviner.]
[Silver Wolf: That's not the point!!]
Observing his disciple caught up in an uncertain state, Su Qing simply raised an eyebrow.
He withdrew his hand, but Fu Xuan chased after it with hers. Sitting on the chair, she leaned forward, her delicate toes barely touching the ground. Her entire body inclined slightly, all for the chance to hold onto him just a bit longer.
Only when Su Qing fully retracted his hand did Fu Xuan relent, looking somewhat crestfallen.
"Master—" Fu Xuan called out again, gazing at him.
In her sweet voice, alongside the earlier fluttering affection, there was now a hint of reproach, as if scolding her master for pulling away so quickly.
Su Qing looked back at her and asked, "Fu Xuan, what are you doing?"
[Seele: Hhhh, the master's interrogation! Just what are you doing, oh dear disciple???]
[Fu Xuan:...]
[Kafka: @Fu Xuan, answer! Your master is asking—you really need to explain yourself!!! What were you doing?!]
[Fu Xuan: J-just comparing our hand sizes, nothing more.]
[Silver Wolf: Comparing hand sizes by interlocking fingers, blushing shyly? Why didn't you just sit in Su Qing's lap then?!]
[Sparkle: Joyful, Fu Xuan: Well, it's not entirely unacceptable. Is such luck possible?]
[Stelle: Ha ha, I suddenly wonder if little Silver Wolf inadvertently revealed his thoughts. ??@Silver Wolf, have you been longing to sit in Su Qing's lap all along?]
[Silver Wolf: Absolutely not.?]
[Silver Wolf: Besides, shouldn't we be reprimanding Fu Xuan right now? Don't change the subject!]
Faced with Su Qing's questioning gaze,
"Ah?!?"
Fu Xuan finally reacted, her already flushed cheeks turning even redder.
"That... Master, I, I just..." Her eyes darted away, stammering, unsure how to explain her impulsive behavior.
Such actions were completely inappropriate for a disciple!
Her recent conduct was truly... far too disrespectful towards her master!
[Sparkle: Joyful, is it really about respect?]
[Sparkle: It seems more like heading straight towards "riding your master" territory, isn't it?!]
[Sushang: Riding your master? Did you mean disrespecting your master? Typo perhaps?]
[Qingque: Cough, Sushang, that might be the correct term, but...]
Despite her embarrassment, Fu Xuan promptly apologized. Leaning forward, she placed her feet on the ground and tugged gently at Su Qing's sleeve, swaying it back and forth. "Master, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it."
"It's just that when we were comparing hand sizes earlier, my hand accidentally slipped."
"Please forgive me, okay?"
Fu Xuan now behaved quite differently from when she first joined the Divination Commission. Back then, if scolded by Su Qing, she would have looked visibly anxious, nervously admitting her mistakes with trepidation.
But now, she could hold onto Su Qing's arm and sweetly apologize in a charming manner.
Of course, this change also depended on the specific circumstances. The incident itself wasn't significant; it was merely because she had become too familiar and slightly overstepped boundaries with her master.
Naturally, Fu Xuan felt justified in adopting this approach.
Su Qing observed Fu Xuan, who clung to his arm, acting affectionately and playfully. Over these years at the Divination Commission, his fondness for this endearing, diligent, and understanding disciple had naturally grown to a high degree.
In this moment...
To speak harshly... he couldn't bring himself to do it. To reprimand her sternly... seemed unnecessary for such a minor issue.
So ultimately, Su Qing simply raised his hand and gently tapped Fu Xuan's head. "Silly antics. Don't do this again."
With a light touch and a few simple words, he chose not to dwell on it further.
[March 7th: Ha ha ha! Being able to charm your way out is truly impressive!]
[March 7th: In moments like these, getting close and cuddling up to your master, giving him those puppy-dog eyes, makes him unable to bear any blame, right?!]
[Seele: LMAO, @Fu Xuan, quite the charmer you are, never expected that.]
[Stelle: LOL, @Fu Xuan, absolutely adorable—worth tuning in for!]
[Qingque: Oh my, oh myyyyy.]
[Qingque desperately wanted to say something! She really did! But considering the charming disciple currently acting coy on screen was her future superior...]
[Ultimately, Qingque wisely chose to remain silent.]
[Meanwhile, Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, feeling utterly mortified.]
[A grand Luofu Grand Diviner, caught red-handed by numerous spectators while displaying affection towards their master.]
[And what a clingy display this time!]
[Look at how she leaned against her master, swinging her arm intimately... Even Fu Xuan couldn't bear to watch herself!]
[Th-this-this is simply too embarrassing!! All dignity lost!]
[Kafka expressed her displeasure even more vehemently.]
[Kafka: And you think this is acceptable?! @Fu Xuan, can't you show some restraint? Always resorting to cuteness—what else do you have up your sleeve?!]
[Sparkle: Honestly, it's not that bad. Fu Xuan's being affectionate now, but only towards Master #1, not Masters #2 or #3.]
[Stelle: Hilarious, absolute gold!]
[Fu Xuan: Don't be absurd!!]
[Fu Xuan feigns composure and attempts to counter.]
[Fu Xuan: @Kafka, that was over a hundred years ago! Everyone has their youthful moments, right?]
[Fu Xuan: Besides, @Kafka, don't you remember how just one disappointed glance from Su Qing made you look pitiful and almost brought you to tears?]
[Fu Xuan: Wasn't that also a way to soften Su Qing's heart—a form of acting cute yourself? How dare you call me out on it!]
[Kafka: ...Was there such a thing? I don't recall.]
[Fu Xuan: ???]
[Herta: Laughing. Verdict: evenly matched rivals.]
[Himeko: While both may struggle to progress further romantically, they indeed have a natural advantage when it comes to acting cute or receiving affection.]
[Stelle: Sister Himeko, do you want to experience that feeling too?]
[Himeko (face slightly flushed): I...I certainly haven't thought about it.]
[Jingliu: I would like to try. With Su Qing, we've always been close friends, but I am curious about what it feels like to be doted upon by him.]
[Stelle: Wow!!!]
[Seele: Another direct hit!]
[Sparkle: Enjoying this, @Himeko? If you keep this up, you might truly fall behind.]
[Himeko gently bit her lip.]
[She knew Sparkle relished the drama.]
But with increasingly more and stronger opponents emerging, it truly troubles her.
Fu Xuan heard that for this year's Qixi Festival, there would be an event involving sky lanterns.
Lovers would write their cherished hopes for love on these lanterns before releasing them, creating a spectacular sight in the night sky.
That evening...
On the second-floor corridor of the Grand Divination Pavilion, Fu Xuan held a simple round fan, gazing at the tranquil night sky.
Truthfully, she wasn't particularly interested in such events.
Really, not at all.
[Firefly: ? Here we go again!]
However, ever since last year when she explored the Lantern Festival with her master and admired the spectacle of lanterns, she thought—since they didn't need to rush to the scene specifically, enjoying the view from the height of the Grand Divination Pavilion seemed like a great idea too.
Footsteps approached behind her. Fu Xuan turned around to see her master ascending the stairs.
She had mentioned this event to Su Qing earlier, who, after finishing his official duties, joined her upstairs.
"Master! Perfect timing, the event seems about to begin." Fu Xuan stepped aside, offering him the best viewing spot.
Su Qing stood by the railing. The weather was pleasant tonight, with a clear sky filled with sparkling stars—a beautiful sight indeed. However, the temperature remained somewhat high.
Standing beside him, Fu Xuan waved her fan gently, sending cool air towards her master.
[March 7th: What a sweet little disciple!]
Su Qing assured her he wasn't hot and suggested she focus on fanning herself.
Fu Xuan nodded in agreement.
Despite her words, she still moved closer to him, ensuring that while fanning herself, the breeze also reached her master.
The night was peaceful, and as they awaited, the two began chatting casually.
"Master," Fu Xuan started, "according to legends, the lovers Niu Lang and Zhi Nu were separated by the vast Galaxy. I find them truly pitiful; despite their deep love for each other, they can only meet once a year."
Fu Xuan's studies at the Divination Commission continued, maturing her day by day. However, in front of Su Qing, she often displayed moments of innocence and candor, expressing sympathy towards legendary figures.
Smiling, Su Qing responded, "In poetry about Qixi, there is a famous line: 'A single meeting amidst golden autumn winds and jade-like dew surpasses countless days in mundane life.' Can you interpret its meaning?"
"Of course." Fu Xuan explained meticulously, "The encounter during the golden wind of autumn and the pure white dew exceeds ordinary days and nights in human life."
She further elaborated, "It signifies that lovers with profound affection, even if their reunion is brief, far outweigh those who remain together superficially, merely appearing united yet distant in spirit."
Su Qing nodded, "Precisely."
"While being able to stay together forever is ideal, the fleeting annual meeting of Niu Lang and Zhi Nu on Qixi is significantly stronger than countless insincere relationships in our world."
Su Qing looked at his disciple and extended the lesson further, "Therefore, when it comes to emotions between people, one must not solely consider the duration but also their sincerity and depth. Fu Xuan, what do you think?"
"Hmm, Master, your perspective makes sense; I agree as well," Fu Xuan nodded, seemingly grasping the concept.
Fu Xuan had long memorized this poem and naturally understood its objective meaning. As for whether she truly comprehended its subjective implications, that was harder to discern.
As they continued chatting, a short while passed.
Firstly, Fu Xuan noticed a faint glimmer of light in the distant night sky. Moments later, more lights began rising after it.
"Master, look quickly!" Fu Xuan pointed towards the direction.
Lanterns, akin to Kongming lanterns, slowly drifted into the sky. These square-shaped lanterns bore various messages and aspirations, carrying with them the hopes and yearnings for cherished sentiments as they soared into the night.
The lights multiplied rapidly, soon forming a sea of glowing lanterns.
"Master, I've already performed a divination," Fu Xuan said with a gentle wave of her round fan, turning to glance at Su Qing and smiling warmly. "Tonight, the constellations of Ox and Maiden meet amidst unrestricted luminosity - truly auspicious!"
Su Qing nodded, also smiling. Despite his disciple's claims of disinterest in festivals, it was evident that he found joy during these lively occasions.
[March 7th: Hehe, seems like even Su Qing hasn't fully realized yet that Fu Xuan only developed an interest in these celebrations because she enjoys experiencing them with him.]
As they continued,
Fu Xuan gazed up at the sky filled with lights.
Each floating sky lantern represented lovers' cherished hopes.
What exactly does love, this concept of romance, entail?
Fu Xuan didn't fully grasp its significance yet, but merely watching it unfold brought her immense joy.
As countless lanterns ascended into the sky, Fu Xuan gently waved her round fan once more. Turning to Su Qing, she asked, "Master, do you remember when we celebrated the Lantern Festival together last time?"
"Of course I remember," Su Qing replied. "I still have the small lantern you gifted me."
Fu Xuan's face lit up with a sweet smile. "Really? I'm glad you like it."
Recalling the events of earlier that day, Fu Xuan curiously inquired, "When you mentioned your romantic troubles today, did they seem to bother you?"
"Hmm, somewhat," Su Qing responded vaguely. There was no need to discuss personal relationship issues in detail with her disciple.
"Uh—" Fu Xuan pursed her lips slightly.
Her master had worries, but wasn't willing to share them with her. What should she do now?
After a moment's thought, Fu Xuan made up her mind.
"Master." Setting aside her fan, she placed both hands on it and composed herself.
Despite often acting clingy and playful around Su Qing, at this moment, she spoke with unwavering sincerity. "I will always be by your side, regardless of your troubles or what others may think. Your care and guidance have remained deeply etched in my heart."
"Therefore, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side, as your most devoted disciple."
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes conveyed her genuine sentiments. When she spoke these words, it was with wholehearted sincerity and deep affection.
In Fu Xuan's heart, her admiration for and fondness towards her master had long reached its zenith. Her desire to accompany him, to remain forever at his side, held no trace of insincerity.
Upon hearing this, Su Qing felt deeply comforted and pleased. With warmth and tenderness, he gently stroked Fu Xuan's head.
Fu Xuan closed her eyes contentedly, reverting back to her usual clingy demeanor, like a pink kitten. Emboldened by their solitude on the second floor of the Grand Divination Pavilion, she relaxed further and affectionately nuzzled against her master's palm.
[Kafka: ...]
***
Present Time:
This incident took place over one hundred thirty years ago. As Fu Xuan recounted it, her emotions stirred, memories flooding back. For more than a century, she seemed to have been avoiding these recollections, unwilling to touch upon the past buried within her mind.
Only now, while narrating aloud, did Fu Xuan fully recall how close she once was with her master during those times, and the heartfelt sentiment behind her spoken words.
In a soft voice, Fu Xuan said, "At that time, I told my master that I would always be by his side."
A moment of silence ensued.
Qingque, not hearing the continuation, couldn't help but ask, "So, Grand Diviner, what happened next?"
Fu Xuan's voice grew even quieter, filled with indiscernible emotions, "Later...I was unable to keep that promise..."