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Having spent years slacking off at the Divination Commission, Qingque was highly experienced in avoiding work.
However...
She had absolutely no experience comforting a boss who was crying inconsolably, verging on collapse!
[Stelle: Who could have that kind of experience??]
[Stelle: @Topaz, how would you react if Jade acted like this in front of you?]
[Topaz: ???, I can't even imagine...]
[Topaz: Suddenly, I feel for Qingque! If such a situation happened with Jade, I'd definitely panic more than she did!!?]
[Qingque: Right?!]
[Jade: (laughs)]
Fu Xuan rubbed her eyes and whispered, "Qingque, sorry for making a spectacle..."
Her eyes were red, as was her nose. The sight of her softly sobbing—a stark contrast from her usual air of solemn authority—was deeply pitiful and heart-wrenching.
After some time, Fu Xuan finally managed to compose herself somewhat.
Realizing her distress, Qingque, unable to find words, stammered out some awkward reassurances.
Hastily setting aside her divination toy, she offered Fu Xuan her handkerchief.
"Thank you..." Fu Xuan's voice, slightly hoarse, expressed gratitude as she accepted it.
[March 7th: Her voice is so strained; sounds truly heartbreaking!]
[Bailu: Crying that intensely isn't healthy at all—everyone, please don't follow suit! Such weeping can be too much for your body!]
[Seele: It's not something one could replicate easily—it's the eruption of emotions accumulated over more than a hundred years...]
Fu Xuan used Qingque's handkerchief to wipe away her tears. Taking several deep breaths, the painful suffocation in her chest gradually eased.
"Let's continue organizing for now..."
Fu Xuan needed this time to compose herself further.
With red eyes, she silently resumed tidying up. Still flustered, Qingque occasionally stole glances at Fu Xuan, unable to fully recover from the shock of earlier events.
Finally, after everything in the Grand Divination Pavilion was sorted and categorized,
Fu Xuan, head bowed, gently caressed these nostalgic items with her right hand. "Qingque... I hope you won't speak about today's incident outside."
Qingque immediately nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking for grain.
"Relax, Grand Diviner!" Qingque assured her. "I won't tell anyone about today's events, I swear!" As she spoke, she even mimed zipping her lips shut to emphasize her promise.
[Sparkle: No way! Unbelievable! The only one who can truly keep a secret is...?]
[Qingque: Please don't say that, I genuinely won't tell anyone!!?]
[March 7th: Sparkle, stop scaring Qingque; she's still in shock and easily spooked right now.]
[March 7th: Besides, even after death, souls remain intact, allowing communication, right? @Huohuo]
[Huohuo: (suddenly tagged, startled) Uh? Y-yes, I suppose so, but honestly, I'm not entirely sure...]
Indeed, Qingque had absolutely no intention of revealing what she witnessed that day.
Fu Xuan being her direct superior was one reason.
The other reason? Even if she did share it, nobody would believe her!
How could she explain it? Lady Fu Xuan sobbing uncontrollably? Who'd buy that?
Qingque herself certainly wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes!
[Sushang: To be fair, you're right.]
***
The next day, on their return journey from Yu Que to Luofu aboard the flying ship, having completed their mission...
Fu Xuan wore a pair of sunglasses.
With her pink twin tails, petite figure, and exceptional beauty and poise, wearing sunglasses made her resemble a celebrity concealing their identity.
[Stelle: Robin, you're truly an expert on this!]
[Robin: Actually, just wearing sunglasses isn't enough to hide your identity when your features are so distinctive...]
[Stelle: What should I do then?]
[Robin: At least add a hat and change into clothing with a completely different style from what you usually wear.]
[Stelle: Learned something new! Will give it a try next time!]
[Silver Wolf: ?? Are you seriously planning to dress like that for your next trash scavenging adventure?]
[March 7th: I think it's not such a bad idea... At least no one would recognize you, preventing any strange rumors about the train...]
Fu Xuan, donning sunglasses, closed her eyes, seeking rest.
This journey to Yu Que had brought significant changes to her inner state. Realizing her feelings towards her master, years of suppressed sorrow erupted forth. Although she had cried bitterly at the time, it marked a crucial step forward...
For some reason, Fu Xuan now recalled the day she first entered the "Library" to ask her question.
"What are you pondering?"
The blind old man, wearing sunglasses and leaning on his cane, awaited Fu Xuan's response patiently.
[March 7th: What's this?]
[Herta: An incarnation of Aeon Nous.]
[March 7th: Wowww!]
[Audience members found this live stream truly captivating; by now, they had already witnessed three Aeons firsthand.]
Fu Xuan half-closed her eyes, her words sounding both like a question and an answer. "All those moments when choices were available... Were they predetermined from the start? Or if, at those critical instants, I could have calculated with even greater precision—just one ten-thousandth more—would I have made better decisions?"
"At every moment, we stand at the heart of a labyrinth woven by our own footsteps." The blind old man gently tapped his cane. "I cannot provide answers, only pose questions and offer the perspective to see them. And on your journey here, what you sought from me surely wasn't an answer."
"Then... grant me 'eyes'," Fu Xuan responded. "Regardless of whether fate is set from the beginning, as a diviner, I wish to see things more clearly."
Fu Xuan opened her eyes.
As expected.
Answers can only be found within oneself.
Her pursuit of the "Divine Eye" was merely to perceive the future with greater clarity. However, how to balance between the predetermined future and personal choice remained unanswered for her.
During this journey to Yu Que, Fu Xuan truly understood for the first time.
Her master's seemingly fatalistic demeanor was, in fact, a form of transcendence.
Some predetermined outcomes cannot be altered. Yet even if the future is set, we still have the choice of how to traverse that path. It is the process itself that holds the true meaning of life.
Fu Xuan gently exhaled.
How should she put it...
Although her master had already left,
Fu Xuan felt as though she had just learned one final lesson from her.
[Stelle: And there you have it, the last lesson...]
[Himeko: ?]
[Himeko: @Stelle, come to my room later. I feel like your comment was aimed at me.]
[Stelle: Ah? No way, Sister Himeko, I was just joking!]
[March 7th: ??? Serves you right!]
[Silver Wolf: Dying laughing! Stelle got roasted—always entertaining!]
[Firefly: Ha ha ha.?]
The past dissolved like smoke. Realizing this truth now filled Fu Xuan with melancholy and regret.
If only she could see her master again, given another chance...
But alas, there's no remedy for regret.
Fu Xuan could only let out a soft sigh.
As she turned her head, she noticed Qingque sitting beside her, staring intently.
"What is it?" Fu Xuan asked.
"Oh! Nothing." Qingque shook her head. "I just find it quite intriguing how you look with those sunglasses, Grand Diviner."
Fu Xuan adjusted her shades slightly. "Well...it's not exactly convenient right now," she explained.
After yesterday's tearful breakdown, her eyes were still visibly red, so wearing sunglasses was necessary to conceal them.
"Qingque, regarding my master's story, I have one final point to share." Fu Xuan spoke of her last realization: "During Qixi Festival, Master had me explain the meaning behind the line 'when gold winds meet jade dew, their fleeting encounter surpasses countless earthly joys.'"
"At that time, I didn't fully grasp Master's intent, but now, I believe I understand."
"There's another verse following this line: 'if true love lasts till eternity, who cares about endless days and nights together.'"
"While these verses describe romantic love, the sentiment applies universally. The duration of time does not determine the depth of emotions."
With her head slightly bowed and sunglasses perched on her face, Fu Xuan revealed what she had truly come to recognize during her journey to Yu Que: "Although my time with Master spanned merely five years, constituting only a fraction of my life—"
"But it was precisely these five years that forged an incredibly deep bond between my master and me. And this fraction of my life has profoundly changed me."
[Bronya: After all those tears, Fu Xuan truly understands now.]
[Seele: Given how heart-wrenchingly she cried, she better have.]
[Guinaifen: Fu Xuan's crying was indeed unforgettable... such immense sorrow from such a small frame!]
[Fu Xuan: Enough already, let's drop the subject. I'd prefer everyone forgets about this...]
[March 7th: Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Now Fu Xuan is wearing sunglasses on both counts!]
Upon hearing Fu Xuan's reflection, Qingque nodded repeatedly.
"You're absolutely right!"
Qingque shared her own sentiments as well, "Take our trip to Yu Que, for example. It feels like just a few days, yet my understanding of you has surpassed everything accumulated over previous years!"
Initially, Qingque had perceived Fu Xuan solely as the Grand Diviner—aloof and imposing, always above others. Not only did she feel distant from Fu Xuan, but she also harbored some fear, knowing her slacking off could easily be caught.
However, during this business trip, learning about Fu Xuan's past, Qingque suddenly realized...
The Grand Diviner was, after all, a living, breathing person too.
Fu Xuan had emotions—she experienced joy and sorrow just like Qingque, could shed tears, and weep when heartbroken. This realization bridged their distance significantly, deepening their understanding of each other immensely.
Earlier, when Fu Xuan's mother asked if Qingque was her daughter's friend, Qingque could only vaguely sidestep the question. But now, Qingque felt that based on this newfound understanding... perhaps they could indeed be considered friends?
Qingque (embarrassed): Ah, um, I'm not trying to get overly familiar! It's just from the standpoint of mutual understanding!
Fu Xuan: Personal feelings should not mix with work. However, privately, haven't you noticed, Qingque, that we've already been interacting as friends?
March 7th: Exactly!
March 7th (@Qingque): Fu Xuan even arranged accommodations for you at her home and shared stories about her master. Isn't that indicative of friendship?
Qingque (somewhat surprised): R-really? Then, @Fu Xuan, as friends, can you turn a blind eye when I slack off?
Fu Xuan: ...Qingque?! I clearly said outside of work hours!!
[Seele: ? This reaction is inevitable, it seems.]
[Fu Xuan: Keeping personal and professional separate!]
Fu Xuan also expressed her gratitude to Qingque.
This time, whether in work matters or helping her understand her feelings for her master, Qingque had been of great assistance.
"It's nothing, really." Qingque shook her head and replied, "I feel honored to have heard your story with Master. Your teacher truly was an exceptional yet deeply compassionate diviner—no wonder he could mentor such a remarkable disciple as yourself."
Qingque paused before sharing a thought that had crossed her mind earlier: "If only I could have had such a master myself!"
In this atmosphere of mutual appreciation and understanding, Fu Xuan joked, "Hmm, if the opportunity arises, I'll gladly introduce you to my master and recommend him taking you as his apprentice too."
Knowing it was a jest, Qingque played along enthusiastically, "Really?! You would?"
"Of course, why not? I'd be pleased for my master to accept you as his disciple."
Since it was merely a far-fetched hypothetical, Fu Xuan treated it as encouragement for Qingque. She affirmed, "Truthfully, Qingque, your natural talent for divination is outstanding; you just lack effort. If you were to change that, I'm sure even Master would be highly impressed by you."
Fu Xuan responded affirmatively.
Qingque allowed herself to daydream further: After becoming Fu Xuan's apprentice, under her master's diligent guidance and influence, she would abandon her laid-back ways and strive for excellence...
"Hahaha!" Qingque couldn't help but burst out laughing at this fantastical scenario.
[Sparkle: Enjoy it while you can, everyone's watching!]
[Sparkle: Fu Xuan said: "I am willing for Master to accept Qingque as a disciple; I have no objections."]
[Seele: Laughed so hard! Sparkle is stirring things up again!]
[Bronya: And surprisingly, that's not taken out of context—it was exactly what Fu Xuan meant!]
[Stelle: @Fu Xuan, just wondering, might there be a chance you'll regret these words someday?]
[Fu Xuan: ...Impossible, absolutely impossible!]
[Fu Xuan: My master and Qingque may never even meet!]
[Silver Wolf: Flag noted.]
Upon returning to Luofu, Fu Xuan took the rare step of resting for two whole days. Besides recovering from the exhaustion of her trip, the primary reason...
was her still-red eyes and hoarse throat—neither condition made it suitable for her to immediately resume work at the Divination Commission.
After resting at home for a day, Fu Xuan's eyes had improved somewhat, but her throat showed no signs of recovery. So on the second day, she decided to visit the Alchemy Commission.
Upon arrival, she learned that Bailu was present, and naturally sought out the medicinal dragon girl's assistance. To her surprise, another green figure caught her eye—none other than Qingque, whom she had just parted ways with two days ago.
Qingque sat in the consultation area, saying, "Miss Bailu, my hand feels cramped; could you please take a look?"
[Guinaifen: Huh? Is it from playing cards too much?]
[Qingque: How did you know?]
[Guinaifen: Just guessed based on your personality...]
[March 7th: Ah? @Qingque, you've been back for only one day, and already your hand is cramping from mahjong?!]
[Seele: LMAO.]
[Sparkle: Hilarious! Qingque, you're quite something.]
[Qingque: I hadn't played at Yu Que for so long, and my hands were itching...]
With a serious expression, Bailu examined Qingque's hand. Nodding afterward, the dragon girl reassured her, "Don't worry, Qingque, it's nothing major—just a common muscle cramp."
Bailu then produced a set of Imperial Jade tiles, advising Qingque to practice shuffling them more often to improve her hand dexterity.
Qingque was instantly awestruck. "A true miracle healer!"
[Sparkle: ??]
[Stelle: ??]
[Bailu: (facepalming)(blushing slightly) Oh no, even I'm getting embarrassed now!]
[Bailu: I thought playing cards would improve hand flexibility, not cause cramps from overuse!]
In the background, Fu Xuan remained equally speechless, having also guessed what caused Qingque's issue.
"Qingque," Fu Xuan began hesitantly, "is this Imperial Jade Palace game truly so captivating?"
"Aiya!" Turning around, Qingque finally noticed her presence. "Grand Diviner, you're here too? You seem...ohh!"
Hearing the lingering hoarseness in Fu Xuan's voice, the clever little bird immediately understood and promptly vacated her seat. "Please sit down; I've finished watching."
Fu Xuan expressed her gratitude and took the offered seat.
Bailu examined her closely once more. "Overwhelmed by grief? Judging by your eyes and voice, did you have a major crying session recently?"
"Mm..." Fu Xuan didn't hide it, knowing one mustn't deny their ailments. "I was quite upset due to some personal matters earlier. Could you please keep it confidential?"
Bailu swished her tail. "Don't worry, I uphold medical ethics! I won't pry further or disclose anything."
However, she cautioned Fu Xuan, "It's best to avoid such extreme emotional fluctuations! Judging by your symptoms, you must have cried very intensely before. It's fortunate that you didn't fall seriously ill."
Fu Xuan silently nodded.
Subsequently, Bailu prescribed a special honey water remedy for Fu Xuan, which looked delicious just from the ingredients alone.
[Seele: Ah? Can something sweet like this actually be effective?]
[Bailu: Absolutely! While bitter medicine is often touted, my approach prioritizes dietary therapy—using food remedies whenever possible means avoiding unnecessary bitterness, and that's always preferable!]
[Fu Xuan: It was indeed highly effective. I remember drinking it twice upon returning, and my throat quickly healed.]
[Stelle: ? Now that's truly miraculous!]
[Bailu: (hands on hips) Humph, of course it is!]
After examining Qingque and Fu Xuan, Bailu checked the time—it was already noon.
Bailu coiled her tail around, securing the gourd at her waist as she efficiently wrapped up her workday. She glanced at the two before her. "Next, I'm heading to this incredibly delicious restaurant for lunch. Would you like to join me?"
Fu Xuan shook her head, indicating that she would be leaving first.
Her current appearance still made it somewhat inconvenient for her to venture outside.
Qingque, however, admired Bailu's punctuality and commitment to regular breaks. "I'm in! After being busy all morning, I'm starving."
[Firefly: Busy all morning.]
[Stelle: You mean busy enough to make your hands cramp, right?]
[Sushang: Speaking of which, could the super delicious place Bailu mentioned possibly be...the one opened by Su Qing...]
Seeing that Qingque was interested, Bailu added, "Qingque, do you know Sushang and Guinaifen? They often visit that same restaurant too."
[Sushang: It really is!]
[Fu Xuan (expressing deep shock): Did I truly miss such a crucial event back then?!]
[March 7th: We almost met our master at lightning speed!!]
[Fu Xuan: ...It seems my daily morning divinations still aren't frequent enough.]
Following that incident:
Under Qingque's cover, Bailu skillfully escaped from the Alchemy Commission.
Together, they arrived at Su Qing's shop and stepped inside.
As they entered, the live stream gradually faded to darkness.
The simulation concluded.
[March 7th: Oh wow! So that's it for this simulation?]
[March 7th: This must have been Fu Xuan's scenario, right? Did Qingque visiting Su Qing's shop also involve some hidden foreshadowing related to Fu Xuan?]
[Sparkle: What foreshadowing, seriously?]
[Sparkle: Maybe Fu Xuan is about to gain a junior sister. ??]
[Silver Wolf: Flag retracted.]
[Silver Wolf: That flag was fulfilled way too quickly! Within just one episode!]
[Fu Xuan: ...There's not even a hint of truth to any of this. What junior sister, what flags? Don't spread nonsense, okay?!]
[Fu Xuan: It was merely a joke at the time, and besides, Qingque surely didn't take it seriously. @Qingque, right?]
After a brief moment, Qingque replied.
[Qingque: Yes! It was just a joke, and I certainly didn't give it much thought!]
[Stelle: @Qingque, your silence spoke volumes.]
[Stelle: And... "Not much" thought? ?]
[Sparkle: Hmm? Admittedly, I was only stirring things up earlier, but now, it seems like it might actually be getting interesting.]
Upon entering the shop, they coincidentally met Su Qing.
Qingque cheerfully introduced herself, "Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Qingque."
[Sparkle: Just adding on - future disciple, remember? ??]
[Fu Xuan: Masked Fools, shut up!!?!]
[Sparkle: Hahahaha, getting flustered now!?]