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With a flash of indignation in her beautiful eyes, Seele abruptly slapped away Su Jinyan's hand.
"Get lost, you're not my father. My dad has been dead for years, and I certainly don't need one like you!"
Su Jinyan was taken aback. How could Seele's reaction be similar to Bronya's, even more intense than hers?
Gepard and others glared at Seele, their expressions disapproving.
Natasha attempted to defuse the situation, saying apologetically, "My apologies, Father."
"Seele's circumstances might be somewhat unique. Perhaps allowing me, as her elder sister, to speak with her would help."
Bronya's expression turned displeased. "How... How dare you speak to Father like that?"
Seele glanced at Bronya and couldn't help but sneer. "One glance is enough to tell you're a noble Young Lady from the Overworld."
"He may be my father, not yours, so I'll address him however I please," Seele retorted. "If you have a problem with it, come fight me then!"
Bronya seethed with anger. "You—!"
People from the Underworld were truly barbaric; why did they resort to fighting at the slightest disagreement?
Oleg tried to mediate, "Seele, show some respect towards him, after all, he is your father."
"Certainly, since he's my father," Seele replied coldly.
"Then let me ask this: When I wandered aimlessly through the streets every day, where were you?" she demanded.
Su Jinyan fell silent.
Seele scoffed bitterly, "Father? Ha."
"When thirsty, I'd go to the Orphanage's relief station for water.
"Hungry, I'd exchange scraps found on the street with vendors for biscuits.
"And where were you back then? What use do I have for a father like you?!"
Unable to bear such slander, Bronya interjected, "Enough!"
"You don't understand, Father—he—"
In anguish, Su Jinyan closed his eyes and cut her off, "Bronya, stop talking."
"It's my debt to Seele; I owe her far too much."
Seele and Bronya shared similar experiences. In essence, both were orphans he had once abandoned.
However, their subsequent circumstances diverged completely.
Bronya was fortunate enough to be recognized for her exceptional talent by Supreme Guardian Cocolia, becoming the successor of Belobog's Supreme Guardian.
From then on, she returned to the Upper Administration District for advanced education, leading a life akin to nobility. As acting commander of the Silvermane Guards, she achieved social mobility across class boundaries.
But Seele remained an orphan wandering the Underworld, struggling with hunger and lack of warmth—no wonder she harbored such hatred towards him.
Putting himself in her shoes, even he wouldn't have accepted this sudden appearance of a father figure.
To persuade Seele, it would require her older siblings to step forward and counsel her.
Seele glanced at him coldly. "It's good that you understand. I don't want to see you again; leave me alone!"
Ignoring her own image, Bronya rushed in front of Seele and confronted her:
"Do you know how much effort Father has put into Belobog?"
"Are you aware of the sacrifices he has made?"
"Yes, he did abandon you, but I refuse to believe you haven't benefited from his kindness at some point."
Taken aback, Seele asked, "What do you mean?"
Natasha spoke softly, "Seele, you harbor many misunderstandings about Father."
"Many years ago, the terrifying Mineral Sickness ravaged Belobog's Underworld."
"The Upper Administration District was completely sealed off by the Silvermane Guards, leaving the people of the Underworld shrouded in despair."
"At that time, you were infected with Mineral Sickness too. Soon after, you developed a high fever and lay near death."
After a moment of silence, Seele murmured, "Yes, that is true."
"I believe it was Chief Oleg who brought me to the clinic back then?"
"If not for Dr. Natasha's timely treatment and subsequent development of a vaccine, I wouldn't have woken up again."
Oleg looked guilt-stricken. "Seele, there's something I've kept hidden from you for a long time.
"In truth, it wasn't me who took you to the clinic."
Seele raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Natasha's expression grew complex. "Seele, you might find this hard to believe.
"Your father loved you more than anyone else.
"It was actually Father himself who brought you to the clinic.
"And it was also Father who developed the vaccine, saving the residents of Belobog's Underworld."
Seele's beautiful eyes flickered slightly. "If what you say is true..."
"Why won't he meet me? Is seeing me just once so difficult?"
Su Jinyan, pained, covered his face with one hand. "It's your mother forcing him."
Seele was taken aback. "My mother?"
Bronya pointed at March 7th indignantly, "Yes, it's all because of this wicked woman—"
March 7th looked puzzled.
Su Jinyan cleared his throat and gently rebuked, "Bronya, you must not be disrespectful to your stepmother. Apologize immediately. Regardless of what happened, March indirectly saved you; she is still your benefactor."
Reluctantly biting her lower lip, Bronya apologized, "Sorry, Mother...ma'am..."
Scratching her cheek, March 7th seemed bewildered. "How did I suddenly become the evil stepmother?"
Fu Xuan let out a soft scoff, casting her an unhappy glance.
What does 'also' mean here? Is she implying that this venerable one is equally wicked?
March 7th smiled awkwardly. "Lady Fu Xuan, I didn't mean to imply anything against you."
Serval appeared thoughtful; it seemed within the Astral Express, this young stepmother held the highest status after all.
Sigh, how troublesome. How did I end up with two unexpected stepmothers overnight?
With Bronya's explanation, Seele finally grasped Su Jinyan's unspoken hardships.
To save Bronya and me, Father actually abandoned his dignity and knelt before others? Unbeknownst to me, he had sacrificed so much behind my back.
It wasn't that he intended to abandon us, but rather the "wicked stepmother" forced him to sever ties with us.
I misunderstood Father...
Seele's pale cheeks flushed red, feeling mortified by the hurtful words she had spoken to him.
Su Jinyan, filled with tender affection, opened his arms towards Seele. "Seele."
"Let me have a good look at you. It's been so long; I didn't expect you to have grown up so much."
Seele stood quietly with her gaze lowered, resembling a child who had committed a mistake, not uttering a word.
Natasha shook her head and smiled, wondering how the once spirited and fearless Seele could now seem as timid as any other young girl.
Su Jinyan stepped forward, embracing Seele warmly and soothingly said, "Don't be angry anymore, my dear daughter. I was wrong before."
"But now, haven't I returned to see you?"
"You see, Belobog is facing difficulties, and that's precisely why I'm here—to resolve them."
Seele lifted her lovely face, her eyes filled with remorse. "Papa..."
"I spoke so disrespectfully without understanding your situation first."
"Please whip me harshly; only then will my guilt lessen somewhat."
Feeling guilty himself, Su Jinyan responded, "No, Seele. The one deserving of the lash is me."
"Had I known the hardships you would endure, I never would have sent you to the orphanage."
"Please, let me bear the father's punishment through whipping."
Inside the clinic, both Su Jinyan and Seele were earnestly pleading for the other to whip them severely.
Those aware understood it as mutual apologies between father and daughter.
To the uninformed, it might seem like Natasha's clinic had developed some unconventional new practices.
Gepard shook his head slightly, unsure how to describe it. Compared to the stern and unsmiling father he remembered, this current version of Papa had indeed undergone quite a significant change.
As their argument continued unabated, Gepard caught a glimpse of a familiar blue figure flitting past the window.
Sampo Koski?
"Stop right there!" Gepard abruptly stood up and, amidst puzzled looks from others, rushed outside.
Sampo, visibly panicked, hadn't managed to escape before Gepard skillfully subdued him with a precise grappling technique, pinning him to the ground.
"Sampo, what are you doing, lurking suspiciously around the clinic?"
Pinned beneath Gepard, Sampo pleaded, "Big Brother Gepard, haven't you forgotten me already? It's old Sampo! We're all part of the same family; let's not create any discord."
Gepard frowned at Sampo, gradually easing the pressure on his hand.
"What do you mean, you're also Father's child?"
With conviction, Sampo declared, "Absolutely true, no refunds if fake. I've been collaborating with Father for many years. If you don't believe me, just ask him!"
Su Jinyan fell into deep thought; he certainly hadn't arranged a new identity for Sampo...
One by one, everyone from Natasha's clinic emerged, casting suspicious glances towards Su Jinyan upon witnessing this scene.
Sampo was renowned for dealing in ancient relics and scams; his mention of "collaboration" didn't bode well.
Su Jinyan smiled slightly. "Children, whom do you believe—me or him?"
"Sampo does indeed have a connection to me, but he's not my son; he's my nephew."
"I've also long heard about Sampo's misdeeds."
"It breaks my heart that due to lack of discipline, he turned into a swindler."
Seele's face darkened, her fists clenching eagerly.
"Sampo, I never expected our family to produce such a disgraceful rogue."
"Today, I must properly teach this disobedient nephew a lesson on behalf of Uncle."
Sampo hastily pleaded for mercy. "No, no, Seele, wasn't admitting my mistake enough?"
"I'm here to pledge allegiance, oh wait, I urgently need to discuss something with Father."
"Pfft, more like Uncle," she corrected.
"Uncle, could you please help out old Sambor?"
After a moment's thought, Su Jinyan followed Sampo to a corner.
It was neither too close nor distant; if a messenger suddenly appeared, he would still be able to react promptly.
As soon as they reached the corner, Sampo eagerly began speaking:
"Uncle, I have a secret money-making scheme to share with you. Shall we pursue it together?"
Su Jinyan's smile seemed strained. "Sambor, there's no one else around, so can you drop the act now, old buddy?"
Taken aback, Sampo stroked his chin and frowned, asking:
"Oh dear, cousin, how did you know old Sambor was acting?"
"Is my acting really that poor?"
Sampo's performance wasn't bad at all, but Su Jinyan had never intended to involve him and thus hadn't assigned him a role.
Now, with Sampo eagerly claiming kinship, how could Su Jinyan not suspect him?
Raising an eyebrow, Su Jinyan asked, "Sampo, have you encountered the 'messenger' recently?"
"She sent you here to confront me, didn't she?"
Sampo chuckled lightly, "Well, brother Jinyan, your guess is spot on."
"The messenger did approach me indeed, granting me memories from the Reality Scythe." At this point, Sampo furrowed his brow slightly, as if somewhat displeased. "However, you've certainly made quite a spectacle of yourself, haven't you?"
"To help Miss March recover her past memories, you're practically becoming the father of Belobog now. Should I expect you to claim me as your real son next?" Su Jinyan remarked calmly, "These actions were necessary."
"Do you think the messenger wouldn't have intervened if I hadn't caused such a stir?"
"The Memokeepers from the Garden of Recollection value cherished memories above all else," Su Jinyan replied calmly. "Only by destroying this precious memory could we force little March to emerge."
Sampo sighed, "Your thought processes truly are unique, old man. At this rate, both the 'Memokeepers' and 'Cremators' will be pushed aside."
"You're aware that it's currently inconvenient for the messenger to reveal herself before you, but I can assure you one thing..."
"The messenger comes with goodwill; she does not intend to be your enemy."
Su Jinyan's gaze turned contemplative. "Goodwill? Did I hear correctly?" He continued, "Both Shizun and I have been helping little March recover her past, yet she seeks to obstruct us. How is that considered goodwill?"
Sampo glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then discreetly held up two fingers.
"The messenger promised us two unsealed Light Cones from the Garden of Recollection, both of five-star quality."
"They're highly valuable items. We each get one, free for the taking."
[Light Cone: A technology from the Garden of Recollection, it encapsulates memories within slices of light, allowing them to be carried and used to enhance various abilities.]
[When a Light Cone's fate aligns with its user, additional power can be awakened.]
[The advantage of unsealed Light Cones lies in their ability to encapsulate a designated personal memory into a Light Cone.]
[Depending on the quality of the memory, the strength of the awakened Light Cone will vary.]
Su Jinyan stepped closer to Sampo, slowly clenching his fists. "I want both."
Sampo, feeling utterly helpless, protested, "That's not fair! At least leave some benefit for old Sampo, won't you?"
Su Jinyan replied mildly, "Sampo, any benefits you seek can be negotiated directly with the messenger."
"Two five-star Light Cones, that's my minimum requirement."
"As long as you agree, I'll explain things to little March."
After a brief moment of thought, Sampo readily consented. "Alright, alright then."
"You'll need to clarify this with Miss March yourself."
"Fine, old Sampo will bear some loss this time. After all, we Masked Fools are one family."
"It doesn't matter who gets the better deal, right?" Su Jinyan's lips curved slightly, revealing a subtle smile. "You're correct, Sampo brother."
After striking this secretive agreement with Sampo,
Su Jinyan should honor his commitment and refrain from interfering with the messenger's actions.
"March, come here for a moment, I have something to tell you."
March 7th blinked her lovely eyes, approaching with light steps and anticipation written across her face. "What is it?"
"Did you finalize the deal with Sampo? Is our next stop going to be the Svarog Base?"
Apologetically, Su Jinyan said, "I'm sorry, March.
"I fear that Shizun and I may no longer be able to help you recover your past memories."
The smile on March 7th's lips froze as she asked, bewildered, "Is...something wrong?"
Su Jinyan explained softly, "Yes."
"The messenger hails from the Garden of Recollection, and just now, through Sampo, she conveyed something to me.
"If we were to assist you in revisiting your past, both my and Shizun's memories would also be affected by her interference."
A clear sense of disappointment filled March 7th's beautiful eyes as she forced a smile. "I-is that so?" she stammered. "It doesn't matter, not at all. This young lady doesn't mind."
"But aren't those from the Garden of Recollection just too despicable?" she continued indignantly, waving her small fists to mask her inner dejection.
Su Jinyan gently took March 7th's delicate hand.
"Let me take you to Svarro Base for some fun, one last time," he said softly. "Afterward, we'll leave, alright?"
"Mm..." March 7th lightly bit her lip and nodded absent-mindedly.
Noticing their unusual expressions, Fu Xuan furrowed his brow slightly and approached them. "What are you two discussing behind this venerable one's back?"
Su Jinyan proceeded to explain once more.
Fu Xuan studied him deeply before responding, "Very well. I didn't expect the messenger of Heavenly Monarch Liuli to be so audacious."
"Miss March, there's no need to feel disheartened. This venerable one will soon conclude the Matrix of Prescience's calculations," Fu Xuan reassured her. "Once we've reviewed relevant materials, I'll find ways to counteract the Memokeeper, and we shall confront her again next time."
March 7th clasped Fu Xuan's hands, her face beaming with gratitude. "Heehee, thank you so much, Grand Diviner! You're simply the best~"
Su Jinyan gave Sampo a meaningful glance, and the older man nodded understandingly, having overheard Su Jinyan's explanation to March 7th.
Later, they would also visit Svarro Base to play with little March.
After that, it would be time for them to depart.
At Svarro Base:
"Hey? Big Brothers and Sisters, are you here to see Mr. Svarog?"
"Could everyone please wait here? Clara will go inform him right away..."
Clara blinked her clear, beautiful red eyes hesitantly, opening her soft lips gently.
Her white, silky hair fluttered like snowflakes around her shoulders, forming a striking contrast with her red coat.
Su Jinyan approached Clara, knelt down, and affectionately stroked her small head.
"Clara, do you still recognize me?"
"Big Brother... You're...?" Clara's lovely eyes narrowed contentedly, a hint of bashfulness unconsciously appearing on her pale, delicate face.
With a slight smile, Su Jinyan surprised Clara by swiftly lifting her into his arms amidst her startled exclamation.
"Eh? Eh? Big Brother, what are you doing?"
Clara appeared both embarrassed and flustered. Her icy-cold, snow-white feet were now held warmly in Su Jinyan's hands.
Witnessing this heartwarming reunion between father and daughter, the expressions of those watching gradually softened.
Only March 7th appeared downcast, gently biting her lip as she trailed behind everyone else.
"Clara, have you forgotten? I am your father."
"Daddy?" Clara's lips parted slightly, and tears began to well up in her beautiful eyes.
As the long-sealed memories unlocked, scenes related to her father gradually surfaced in Clara's mind.
Belobog was perpetually covered in snow and ice, with bitterly cold temperatures, especially at night when it became frigid enough to make one shiver uncontrollably.
Clara recalled that when she was young, due to their poverty, they couldn't afford heating devices. Often, with her hands and feet icy-cold, she would toss and turn, struggling to fall asleep.
During those times, her father would always grasp her chilly little feet, tuck them close to his chest, warming them with his own body heat while softly narrating fairy tales into her ear.
However, happy moments were fleeting. One day, her father vanished from Belobog as if he had evaporated, leaving no trace of him anywhere.
Exhausted, Clara aimlessly wandered through the Underworld, eventually finding herself near the landfill southeast of Boulder Town without realizing it, where she drifted off to sleep.
When Clara woke up, she found herself confronted by a tall and formidable robot attempting to communicate with her.
That day, Clara lost her father but also encountered an ancient relic from the old world—Svarog.
"Daddy, will you leave Clara again?" Clara clung tightly to Su Jinyan's neck, her eyes filled with unease as she timidly asked.
Su Jinyan gently stroked Clara's head. "Of course not," he reassured her. "Look, these people behind me are your elder siblings, all part of your family."
"From now on, we'll always be by your side, Clara."
"Take us to Svarog; I want to thank it for taking care of you all these years."
Clara extended her pinky finger, looking anxiously at him. "Daddy, can we make a promise?"
"We must stay with Clara forever, never leaving."
"Certainly." With a soft smile, Su Jinyan hooked his pinky around hers, making a vow to never abandon Clara.
After all, this was within little March's memory space, and once they exit, no one would remember him.
At this point, it mattered little to him what promises he made.
As they watched Su Jinyan and his group recede into the distance, Sampo's expression turned slightly uneasy, hesitating whether to follow them inside or not.
A hint of disdain curled Fu Xuan's lips as she turned and asked, "Hey, aren't you coming?"
Sampo quickly caught up, chuckling, "Aiya, I was just lost in thought."
"How could I miss the chance to meet the great Svarog? It's notoriously difficult to even get an audience with him."
"If we can leverage our uncle's connections and strike a deal with Svarog, that would be truly ideal."
Fu Xuan responded earnestly, "Of course, with A-Yan's connection, it should be possible."
"Simply ask him, and he'll help you."
Rubbing his hands together, Sampo grinned, "Heh heh heh, that's fantastic news! I've been waiting for your assurance, Lady Fu Xuan."
Huh, peculiar indeed. Why would Lady Fu Xuan voluntarily engage in such idle chatter about false memories? March 7th furrowed her brow, sensing there was more to this than met the eye. Drawing from her years of experience as a detective, she felt certain something unusual was at play.
Could it be...
Lady Fu Xuan disapproves of Sampo, feeling he diminishes Little Su'zi's stature, and thus plans to secretly eliminate him?
At this thought, March 7th discreetly glanced at Fu Xuan, her heart pounding rapidly. She believed she might have hit upon the truth.
Despite Lady Fu Xuan's petite and adorable appearance, when she gets serious, Sampo stands no chance against her.
Fu Xuan turned away, her beautiful eyes radiating coldness as she continued walking behind the group, maintaining a steady distance from Sampo.
Unaware, Fu Xuan had no idea how little March 7th's vivid imagination had portrayed her. Even if she did know, she would likely only rebuke her with a few words. Fu Xuan didn't concern herself with others' perceptions; what mattered was how she appeared in the eyes of those she cared about.
With Clara leading the way, one locked door after another swung open.
"Father, welcome to Svarro," Svarog greeted Su Jinyan with a single knee bowed.
Su Jinyan expressed his sentiments, "Svarog, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to have become so thin."
Seele fell silent, struck by how familiar this exchange sounded.
In a stiff mechanical tone, Svarog responded, "Father."
"You had given me the command to look after Clara, and I have fulfilled that duty. May I inquire if Father requires any new orders?"
Su Jinyan replied mildly, "Seal off Svarro Base completely, leaving no exits. Without my explicit command, do not lift the lockdown."
"What?!"
The group panicked, bewildered as to why their father would issue such an order.
Sampo's expression shifted rapidly, instinctively wanting to flee.
However, the moment Svarog received the command, its central unit began operating swiftly.
Boom!
Within less than half a breath, the base's gates and dome transitioned from wide open to fully sealed.
Sampo's face flickered uncertainly. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Su Jinyan's gaze filled with imposing authority.
"Riddled with flaws, yet a mere Memokeeper dares to show off before me?" Su Jinyan demanded sternly. "Who gave you the audacity?!"
Thud!
Sampo did not evade, as there was no point anymore.
Gripping his swollen pregnant belly in agony, he revealed his true form—a mysterious girl covered by multifaceted azure crystals.
Ordinary methods rarely suffice to restrain individuals from the Garden of Recollection. Unbound by material limitations, they freely traverse the myriad worlds scattered across the star sea.
Under Fuli's influence, the messenger had long transcended its physical form and existed as a meme.
However, after being subjected to the Pregnant Gaze, the memes constituting the messenger were disrupted by other fate paths, leading them towards collapse.
Memokeepers often disguise themselves as natives of various worlds, employing tactics like trading, replication, theft, or deception to collect precious memories at all costs.
And Sampo was one such target of the "messenger's" disguise.
The messenger rasped, "How did you discover me?"
March 7th, startled, covered her small mouth with surprise. "This, this is..."
Su Jinyan smiled faintly. "Surprised? Unexpected, isn't it? Do you know how you slipped up?
"Elation is a joy we Fools can never attain; why would he become an advocate over something so trivial? The more chaos I create, the happier he becomes."
The messenger pleaded desperately, "I meant no harm, Mr. Su Jinyan."
"Please trust 'Garden of Recollection.' Everything I've done was to protect her!"
Su Jinyan responded coldly, "No matter how eloquently you speak, I won't believe you."
"Since I promised to help March recover her past memories, I will never go back on my word."
"My previous actions were merely to keep you occupied."
March 7's beautiful eyes shimmered with gratitude as she reached out and took Su Jinyan's hand.
"Little Su'zi... I'm sorry, I misunderstood you just now..."
Su Jinyan glared at her, "Fool! Haven't I already assured you?"
"You should know better; Great Monarch Huanlong is defeated beneath me."
"If even Nanook fell pregnant due to my machinations, why would I fear this mere messenger?"
The messenger remained silent.
Fu Xuan spoke gravely, "Messenger, according to this venerable one's knowledge, Memokeepers are not bound by physical constraints."
"You could have easily escaped before A-Yan restrained you. Why did you choose to abandon resistance?"
The messenger smiled bitterly, "This precious memory is nearing its final moments of decay."
"What use would it be for me to flee? These children's memories are invaluable, and I cannot stand idly by while Mr. Su Jinyan wreaks havoc upon them."
Under Su Jinyan's cunning strategy, the messenger had no means to counter.
In direct confrontation, she was no match for Su Jinyan.
Yet by constantly evading, she could only watch helplessly as cherished memories crumbled.
For Memokeepers, witnessing their precious memories tainted was more agonizing than being killed itself.
Su Jinyan crouched down before the messenger and spoke gravely, "I'll give you two choices:
"1. Hand over all the Light Cones on your person and assist Little March in recovering her past memories."
"2. Continue opposing me, but I'm sure you're aware of the consequences."
The messenger felt like crying, yet no tears came forth. Under Su Jinyan's threat, she reluctantly surrendered five Light Cones.
[Congratulations, you despicable Fool.]
[I didn't expect you to extort five unsealed Five-Star Light Cones from the messenger—a truly significant haul.]
[The Enigmatic Merchant - who sells everything, has particular interest in the Garden of Recollection's Light Cones. When you have time, consider striking a deal with them.]
"Mr. Su Jinyan, could you please reverse my current pregnant state first?"
"Thanks to your doing, I'm now unable to utilize my abilities at all."
"I promise not to escape and will obediently follow your instructions."
Su Jinyan replied coldly, "No, this is your punishment."
"Take this opportunity to fully experience the hardships of a nine-month pregnancy and childbirth."
"After your punishment period ends, then you can assist March in recovering her past memories."
March 7th blushed deeply, her thoughts swirling. "Pun...punishment..."
The messenger clenched her teeth inwardly, taken aback by Su Jinyan's audacity to humiliate her so openly.
In her mind, she firmly decided that once she escaped from here, she would report Su Jinyan to the Garden of Recollection.
Fu Xuan's lips parted slightly, "Messenger, this venerable one commands you to swear an oath in the name of 'Flowing Light Heavenly Monarch'."
"Thou shalt not disclose today's events to any other Memokeepers or the Garden of Recollection."
"Thou shalt not oppose us in the future, and thou shalt not..."
Fu Xuan listed all potential threats to Su Jinyan's stability.
"Otherwise, thou wilt betray thy faith and face condemnation by the Garden of Recollection."
"And if you refuse to swear, then this venerable one will have A-Yan dispose of you immediately."
The messenger fell silent, unable to respond.
Before leaving, Su Jinyan gazed at the frozen images of Clara, Bronya, Serval, and the others. Unable to resist, he gently pecked each on the cheek before departing the Memory Palace.
As soon as Su Jinyan left, a burst of joyful laughter echoed through the air.
Within the Matrix of Prescience Ultima:
"I'm back, everyone!" March 7th opened her lovely eyes and cheerfully waved to those present.
"Huh? What are you all doing?"
A vein pulsed on Fu Xuan's pale forehead as she forcefully ground her white-socked foot onto Su Jinyan's cheek.
"Darn it, blame this traitor for messing everything up!"
"The Matrix of Prescience inexplicably stopped shortly after our return."
"This venerable one must quickly find someone to inspect it; any damage would be unbearable!"
"But aren't you rewarding him now?" Stelle asked, puzzled.
Su Jinyan's face rubbed against Fu Xuan's small, sock-clad foot as he coldly snapped, "Shut up! I absolutely detest anyone stepping on my face!"
"It's a grave insult to my dignity—utterly intolerable!"
Fu Xuan shrugged. "Well, you heard him..."
Stelle's expression remained indifferent as she pursed her lips and said, "As long as you're happy."
"Little March, did you recover your lost memories?"
March 7th gently shook her head, giggling. "Nope."
"The messenger only showed me the beginning of my journey."
"To retrieve more memories is beyond the capabilities of the Matrix of Prescience Ultima."
Confused, Stelle asked, "Then why are you still so happy?"
Su Jinyan stood up, visibly displeased. "What? That lousy messenger dared to brush me off?"
March 7th's eyes softened. "But I've gained something even more precious."
Stelle's gaze brightened with interest. "What quality trash bin did you find?"
Unable to resist, March 7th rolled her eyes at Stelle. Hmph, idiot, all you ever think about is trash bins.
Under Fu Xuan and Stelle's watchful gazes, March 7th approached Su Jinyan and embraced him tightly.
"Thank you, my best friend."
Looking somewhat crestfallen, Su Jinyan said, "I thought you might give me a kiss instead."
Blushing, March 7th gently pushed Su Jinyan away and playfully exclaimed, "Pfft, keep dreaming! This lady isn't that casual!"
Fu Xuan cleared her throat. "Alright, as friends, we should act accordingly," she admonished firmly. "No inappropriate gestures, understood?"
"A-Yan, later on, personally visit the Artisanship Commission and request Master Gongshu to inspect the Matrix of Prescience."
As if struck by a sudden realization, Su Jinyan took Fu Xuan's small hand and led her to the library. "Shizun, come to think of it, despite knowing each other for so long, I haven't yet given you a formal mentorship gift."
"This Light Cone from the Garden of Recollection shall serve as our token of affection."
"Ahem, let's consider it your 'apprenticeship gift,' alright?"
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed slightly as she accepted the unsealed Light Cone from his hand.
"Hmph, this venerable one acknowledges your sentiment."
"Now close your eyes; this venerable one also has a greeting gift for you."
Su Jinyan's heart stirred, and he quietly complied, shutting his eyes.
Fu Xuan tiptoed closer.
Peck!
A soft, moist sensation touched his lips.
Startled, Su Jinyan opened his eyes wide with delight. "Shizun—"
Fu Xuan coolly turned away, her features delicate yet indifferent. "Don't misunderstand; this venerable one did nothing just now."
"But if you continue to behave well, there will be more such 'greeting gifts' in the future."
"On the other hand, if your conduct falls short, these 'greeting gifts' will cease. Do you understand?"
Su Jinyan gazed at Fu Xuan, a subtle smile lingering in his eyes. "I understand."
Blushing faintly, Fu Xuan glared at him. "Why are you staring at this venerable one like that? Hurry up and attend to your tasks! If anything goes wrong with the Matrix of Prescension, I'll hold you accountable!"
After Su Jinyan left, dazzling golden light flickered within the library.
The scene on the Light Cone froze at the moment Fu Xuan stood on tiptoe for the kiss.
In the attic of the library's book depository:
"Who is it, so annoying? Can't a girl get some sleep?" Qingque grumbled with half-closed eyes, shifting slightly before drifting back to slumber.
Fu Xuan's good mood evaporated instantly.
"...Qingque! This venerable one orders you up and working!"