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In the Divination Commission's library attic, Qingque sat with a serious expression, diligently hunched over a desk, penning letters swiftly.
[Dear Father and Mother,]
[I am truly sorry, but please allow me to decline the arranged marriage set for me when I was young.]
[Now, I have already found someone I genuinely love...]
It was quite rare to see little Que'er working so earnestly.
Su Jinyan quietly approached Qingque from behind, covered her eyes, and asked gruffly, "Little Que'er, guess who I am?"
Qingque hesitantly responded, "If I guess wrong, is there a punishment? And if I guess correctly, will there be a reward?"
Su Jinyan nodded. "Correct."
Qingque pondered for a moment. "Hmm... You must be Miss Tingyun..."
Indignantly, Su Jinyan retorted, "Since when does Miss Tingyun have such a deep voice? I'll give you one more chance."
"Understood. But General, what brings you to the library with all your responsibilities?" asked Qingque.
"Jing Yuan's voice isn't that coarse either, okay!" Su Jinyan exclaimed.
"The Grand Diviner, my mistake," Qingque corrected herself. "I won't slack off again..."
"Hold on, I don't think I was slacking off at all."
Su Jinyan's expression turned stern. "Que'er, do you really want me to punish you?"
Smiling playfully, Qingque said, "With all your pressing duties, Diviner Su, how can you spare time for this dear friend of yours? Come now, tell me—do you plan to raise my salary or grant me some time off?"
Su Jinyan gently pinched Qingque's delicate cheeks. "Slacking off so much and still expecting a raise or vacation? Not a chance."
"A-Yan, you're truly becoming more biased towards the Grand Diviner every day," Qingque lamented resentfully.
Su Jinyan explained, "After all, she is my Shizun."
Qingque huffed, "Ah, right, right, right, she's your Shizun, but am I not also one? On your very first day, I imparted the grand art of slacking off, teaching you how to play Imperial Jade of the Capital."
"I also taught you the secrets to enjoying your work and techniques for slacking off amidst chaos on the job—have you forgotten all that?" Qingque continued, her tone resentful. "In a way, I, Qingque, can be considered your teacher too."
Su Jinyan rubbed his hands together. "Teacher Qingque, I didn't expect you to have a penchant for role-playing," he teased. "I just wanted to check on you tonight, but now I feel compelled to take action." With a proud gesture, Qingque placed her hands on her hips and mimicked Fu Xuan's voice: "Hmph, you disobedient disciple!"
"Have you met this month's performance targets? Have you completed the overdue analysis report that's been dragging on for a year?"
"If you can't even manage these tasks, then this venerable one must administer proper punishment. Open your mouth!"
"Don't malign my Grand Diviner like that," Su Jinyan protested. "She's actually very gentle."
Qingque's lips parted slightly. "You think the Grand Diviner is gentle?" she repeated incredulously. "As expected, when it comes to someone you admire, their flaws become easily forgivable. Do you know how terribly she disciplined me?"
"What did she do to you?" Su Jinyan asked.
Qingque spoke with evident frustration, "For some reason, upon returning today, the Grand Diviner was in an exceptionally bad mood. She ordered me to complete the long-delayed analysis report from last year, as well as the monthly work summary I've been putting off. If not, she threatened to make me write a self-reflection letter and read it aloud in front of everyone at the Divination Commission."
Su Jinyan's expression revealed his understanding. "So you were writing your work summary and post-mortem just now?"
Qingque looked slightly smug. "Nope, I was drafting my self-reflection letter."
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow.
"See," Qingque began earnestly, counting off on his fingers, "the work summary and post-mortem should at least be two separate pieces, right?"
"And since I've been dragging it out for a year, I'd have to look up references while writing—such a hassle."
"But with the self-reflection letter, just a few hundred words will suffice; absolutely no problem."
Su Jinyan reminded him, "But that has to be read aloud in front of everyone. Won't you feel embarrassed?"
"In broad daylight, Lady Fu Xuan fiercely stomped on your face with her delicate, white-stockinged feet," Qingque countered. "So let me ask you, esteemed Diviner Su, did you feel embarrassed?"
"Proudly, no," Su Jinyan replied.
Qingque shrugged. "There you go." He continued, "A-Yan, fundamentally speaking, we're quite alike. It's just that you're a lecher, while I prefer slacking off."
Su Jinyan lifted Qingque onto his lap. "No wonder..." he murmured.
"No wonder, from our very first interview, I felt we would get along splendidly."
Qingque pouted. "Oh yes, as if you don't get along with everyone."
"Poor Qingque, relentlessly exploited and harassed by his heartless superior, subjected to repeated instances of workplace misconduct yet receiving not even the slightest compensation."
"Ah, where is justice? I'm going to report you to the Realm-Keeping Commission for exploiting your subordinates."
Su Jinyan sneered coldly. "Everyone there is well-acquainted with me."
"Then I'll go to the Seat of Divine Foresight," Qingque retorted.
Su Jinyan gently licked Qingque's snow-white earlobe. "Do you think General Ke would consider this just another role-play between us?"
Qingque's charming face stiffened slightly. "Then...then I'll go to the Ten-Lords Commission and report you to the Lord Judge!"
"I bet that Lord Judge would be more than happy to send you inside," Su Jinyan mused aloud. "That much is true."
Feeling triumphant at having seemingly caught Su Jinyan off guard, Qingque grew smug. "So, from now on, you mustn't show too much favoritism." They continued, "Now that you're high up, you should protect me better and grant me more days off. When the Grand Diviner scolds me, you need to stand by my side—understood?"
Whispering softly into Qingque's ear, Su Jinyan said, "Qiao'er, let me share a secret with you. Judges Xueyi and Hanya of the Ten-Lords Commission both serve me."
Qingque's lips parted in shock, unable to close. "Y-you...you..."
This fellow was truly audacious, not even sparing the judges—it bordered on sheer madness.
Smiling, Su Jinyan replied, "Therefore, Qingque, you cannot escape my grasp."
Qingque managed a small smile as well. Just who was escaping whose grasp here?
"Ahem, Diviner Su, please behave yourself."
"We're just friends—you're crossing a line here."
Qingque suddenly grew serious and repeatedly pushed at Su Jinyan.
Though it looked more like feigned resistance tinged with eagerness.
Su Jinyan played along, kissing Qingque's snowy neck.
"Qingque, your work must be quite taxing. Let me help alleviate some of that stress."
"Would you like a raise? How about applying for overtime? I'll give you a bonus, what do you say?"
To fully immerse himself in the role, Su Jinyan picked up Qingque's jade divination tablet and submitted her overtime request.
Blushing, Qingque murmured shyly, "You beast..."
"We shouldn't do this; it would betray the Grand Diviner's trust."
"You're destined to become the Grand Diviner's husband someday. You can't indulge in such indiscretions with me."
Su Jinyan's gaze deepened as he held Qingque's soft little foot firmly. "Qingque, you certainly know how to flirt."
By reminding him at this moment, she only intensified their sense of guilt and impropriety.
The greater the guilt, the more thrilling the forbidden act became.
Yes, he was betraying Fu Xuan, but the excitement made it all worth it.
Within the Conclave Hall of the Divination Commission, predictors bustled continuously with their tasks.
As Fu Xuan glanced at Qingque's overtime request, she couldn't help but sneer.
Unusual behavior often hides ulterior motives, and Qingque would never voluntarily work overtime without reason.
Coincidentally, A-Yan isn't by this venerable one's side right now—let's see how she fares under scrutiny.
With that thought, Fu Xuan turned back to her office and retrieved the five-star Light Cone gifted by Su Jinyan:
Vast and Deep Bond
Rarity: ★★★★★
The following effects apply only to the Preservation fate path.
Skill Name: Barter
Increases the wearer's maximum health by 40%. After marking teammates within a certain range, a fixed 25% of the damage they incur is transferred to the wearer.
Light Cone Lore: Vast and deep bond, our pact we've made; Hand in hand, together till life fades.
She believed the pain on her forehead would accompany her for the rest of her life until she encountered her destined partner, at which point much of the anguish dissipated.
The maiden knew well who her fated person was, as destiny follows a single predetermined path.
However, there are many ways to reach that path, and the maiden must make her own choice guided by her will.
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed slightly; this Light Cone story was truly infuriating, revealing all her inner thoughts.
After using this particular Light Cone, she needed to designate teammates within a certain range. Naturally, Fu Xuan marked Qingque.
With the activation of the Matrix of Prescience, 65% + 25% of the damage Qingque would have endured transferred directly to Fu Xuan instead.
Softly parting her lips, Fu Xuan whispered, "United as one."
A hint of bashfulness subtly graced her delicate features.
An indescribable sensation made Fu Xuan shiver, causing her white-socked feet to tense instantly, cute toes curling inward.
"Traitorous disciple! Traitorous disciple!" exclaimed Su Jinyan internally.
"How dare you do such things behind this venerable one's back!"
"Do you have no regard for me?!"
Fu Xuan couldn't help but cover her mouth, her beautiful eyes misty with tears, desperately suppressing any sound.
Qingque, you're doomed too—this venerable one had clearly warned you before!
In the distant library, Qingque looked somewhat bewildered, her moist lips gently parting.
"A-Yan, why doesn't it feel as pleasurable now...?"
"Are you really putting effort into helping me relax?"
Su Jinyan lifted his gaze, momentarily stunned.
Being questioned didn't bother him much; he could dismiss it as Qingque being stubborn. But now, Qingque's eyes were clear and devoid of passion—where had that intense arousal gone?
"Qiao'er, when did your threshold become so high?"
Qingque shrugged. "Aiya, I'm not sure myself. It just happened suddenly."
"At this rate, Imperial Jade Stronghold seems more intriguing after all."
Su Jinyan's expression hovered between a smile and something else. "Alright, alright," he said. "Trying to provoke me, aren't you? Well, it certainly works on me."
"I didn't mean to do that," Qingque replied lazily. "I was clearly enjoying it earlier; maybe you weren't putting enough effort into it?"
"Or perhaps you've been too busy serving Lady Fu Xuan, leaving you incapable now?"
Su Jinyan nearly burst out laughing in exasperation. "Qingque, you're quite skilled at provocation. Just wait and see."
How dare this little sparrow challenge him! Even if he skipped Kafka's banquet tonight, he'd make sure Qingque understood some jokes were off-limits.
Qingque narrowed his beautiful eyes contentedly and warned, "Don't untie the red cord, remember?
"We're good friends, right? Our relationship hasn't reached that level yet. If you do untie it, I'll..."
"And what will you do?"
"I'll bite you to death!"
Hmm, with just a bit more effort from A-Yan, I could call in sick again tomorrow.
Passive, unrejecting, unaccountable—this was Qingque's secret to a joyful work life.
Su Jinyan suspected that Qingque was employing this secret tactic on him. Could it be true that every person has their match?
Tingyun constantly clung to her, yet little Que'er maintained a tantalizing distance, keeping him firmly under her control.
However, even without untangling the red rope, Su Jinyan could still demonstrate his prowess. In the next moment, he wrapped his arms around Qingque's slender waist and whispered softly:
"Little Que'er, I'm about to get serious now."
Qingque's bashful face showed hints of unease. "Um, maybe just enough is fine," she said, seemingly unaware of the immense impact her words carried for a man—a clear violation of boundaries.
Just then, with trembling hands, Fu Xuan deactivated the Matrix of Prescience.
Suddenly, Qingque let out a soft whimper, her cheeks flushing deeply. She hastily buried her flushed face in Su Jinyan's chest. "I'm sorry, A-Yan, I was wrong."
How peculiar—why did these feelings have to surface at this exact moment...
With determination, Su Jinyan lifted Qingque's chin, his smile enigmatic. "When the star ferry hits a wall, you know to change course; when stocks rise, you know to buy. Now that I've gotten serious, suddenly you realize your mistake, little Que'er—but it's too late!"
Panicked, Qingque pleaded, "No, please! Haven't I already admitted my fault?"
Seizing the opportunity, Su Jinyan asked, "So what exactly is our relationship now?"
Qingque's gaze darted away evasively. "F-friends... We're meant to be the best of friends—i-isn't that right?"
Su Jinyan crouched down, his expression unreadable. "Best friends? What kind of best friend would do something like this?"
Qingque covered her lips, stuttering, "Just...um...friends for life..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
At that moment, urgent knocking echoed from outside the library.
Fu Xuan, face solemn, pounded forcefully on the door. Normally, the library remained unlocked, but with Qingque having secured it from within, A-Yan must undoubtedly be inside.
"Open up, hurry and open up!"
"Come on, Qingque, you've got guts enough to slack off; why not to open the door?"
"Qingque, neglecting your duties during work hours? Just wait till this venerable one deducts your salary!"
Qingque's delicate toes alternated between arching and curling as she fought back tears, whimpering softly, "...Wahh..."
"Oh no, the Grand Diviner herself is here. She must have divined we were together."
"Quick, think of something, A-Yan."
After a long pause, Su Jinyan lifted her head and said, "Why panic? See, I'm perfectly calm."
Qingque bit her lip silently. Of course you're not panicked—if the Grand Diviner gets angry, she'll only punish me, not you.
What a pity—I was hoping to have more fun here. But thankfully, I've been prepared all along.
"Come on, A-Yan," Qingque urged, "Let's leave through the secret passage."
Su Jinyan was taken aback. "You actually built a secret passage inside the library?"
Qingque responded matter-of-factly, "Of course, it maximizes our time efficiency." He added, "This is the necessary cost for slacking off effectively."
The staircase leading to the secret passage was hidden behind the third bookshelf. However, Qingque and Su Jinyan were still up in the library's attic, needing first to descend from there.
Qingque pulled Su Jinyan urgently, their footsteps hastening as they raced down with a rhythmic patter.
Fu Xuan spoke coldly, "Enough pretending, Qingque. This venerable one already hears your footsteps."
"Be honest—Is A-Yan in there too?" Fu Xuan continued. "If you obediently open the door and admit your wrongdoing, this venerable one won't punish you severely."
Qingque nudged Su Jinyan, whispering hastily, "Quick, hurry—you must escape through the secret passage."
"But what about you?" Su Jinyan couldn't help but ask.
"I'll just claim I was napping in the attic," Qingque asserted confidently. "It's perfectly normal not to hear everything, right? As long as the Grand Diviner doesn't catch me red-handed, she can't discipline me. Even if caught slacking off, at most, the Grand Diviner might deduct my salary."
"If caught for sneaking food, the consequences wouldn't be so simple." Su Jinyan looked perplexed. "Sneaking food? Does exchanging meals among friends count as such?"
Qingque appeared quite pleased with himself. "Exactly! Just like that, we both remain guilt-free."
"Oh, meet me at the Conclave Hall later; I have to read my apology letter in front of everyone."
"Should I speak to Shizun," Su Jinyan asked, "and see if she'll waive your punishment?"
Qingque hastily declined. "No, it's not a big deal. If you intervene, the consequences won't just be reading an apology letter anymore."
"Don't forget to come to the Conclave Hall. I've prepared a truly unique apology letter."
After Su Jinyan departed through the secret passage, Qingque swiftly opened the library door.
"My apologies, Lady Fu Xuan."
"I was just feeling exhausted from work and nodded off slightly, keeping you waiting outside for too long." Qingque rubbed her sleepy eyes and yawned.
Fu Xuan eyed the rejuvenated Qingque skeptically; she wasn't buying this nonsense at all. Who experiences such intense pleasure while merely dozing off?
Qingque must be hiding something from this venerable one. Let me find out where A-Yan is concealed.
With a stern expression, Fu Xuan pushed open the door and began inspecting the room thoroughly.
She searched every potential hiding spot within the library and attic but found nothing.
Hmm?
While examining the desk in the attic, Fu Xuan noticed a suspicious puddle beneath it.
Qingque's charming face twitched, her heart skipping a beat.
Cursed! In the haste, she had forgotten to clean up the evidence of their encounter.
Fu Xuan glanced at Qingque, suspicion evident in her voice, "Qingque, what is this?"
Quickly explaining, Qingque said, "Grand Diviner, sometimes when I sleep, I can't help but drool a bit, you know."
"It's just my saliva dripping down here. Oh dear, how embarrassing, please forgive me."
Undeterred, Fu Xuan extended her slender, ivory-like fingers and dabbed at the water stain on the wooden floor. "Are you sure this is just saliva?"
Qingque's gaze shifted uneasily. "Uh...it could also be..."
"...possibly from glue residue when I was organizing books..." she hastily added.
Fu Xuan narrowed her eyes. To determine if Qingque was lying, all she needed to do was collect these droplets and analyze them with the Matrix of Prescience Ultima. However, it seemed unnecessary for such a trivial matter.
The renowned botanist Liu Huaqiang once said:
"When you suspect a melon might be unripe, in your mind, its quality is already compromised."
Thus, whether you cut it open or not, there's no point; suspicion alone has sealed its fate.
Once doubt arises, guilt is presumed.
Fu Xuan tacitly accepted that Qingque and Su Jinyan had indeed indulged in forbidden fruits, but she chose not to pursue the matter further. Su Jinyan's decision to quietly flee instead of staying clearly indicated his stance towards Qingque.
In other words, to him, Qingque was far less important than this venerable one.
Qingque looked guiltily at Fu Xuan, wondering if Lady Fu Xuan's renowned Dharma Eye had already discerned the truth through her calculations.
Fu Xuan let out a cold snort but chose to move past it. "Qingque, have you completed the overdue annual review from last year?"
"Did you finish writing the monthly work summary for last month?"
"You're always slacking off. Can you complete the tasks assigned by this venerable one tonight?"
"If not, prepare to work overtime and finish them!"
Qingque sighed with relief. "Lady Fu Xuan, don't underestimate me; I've already completed them."
Fu Xuan blinked her lovely eyes, somewhat surprised. "Oh? Let this venerable one see. Hand over your annual review from last year first."
Qingque proudly puffed out her small chest. "Report to Grand Diviner, nothing yet!"
In disbelief, Fu Xuan asked, "Nothing? And what about the monthly work summary from last month?"
Qingque remained unflinchingly proud. "Report to Grand Diviner! That too is unfinished!"
Enraged, Fu Xuan slammed her hand on the table. "Then just what have you accomplished?!"
"A self-reflection report!" replied Qingque.
Fu Xuan stared, perplexed.
In the Divination Commission's Conclave Hall:
Since Qingque seemed so fond of slacking off, Fu Xuan decided not to spare her any face.
Ah, Qingque, how could you be so idle? As the saying goes: realizing your mistake and turning back is never too late.
Fu Xuan still held high regard for Qingque's talents. She planned to use this public reprimand to instill shame in Qingque, hoping it would prompt her to mend her ways.
Su Jinyan also deliberately summoned Guinaifen over, sensing that Qingque might pull off something significant—an opportunity for great entertainment he couldn't afford to miss.
Guinaifen raised her selfie stick, focusing on Qingque from a short distance away.
"Hey folks, don't forget to like, follow, and share."
"Little Gui here will give you a peek into how Luofu's Divination Commission operates."
"Just look, our Grand Diviner has caught a notorious slacker red-handed."
"The Grand Diviner demands she makes a public self-reflection—let's see what unfolds!"
[Diting + Howling Buddies: Here we go, here we go! Tune in for Diting footage? Adorable recordings? Great quality at low prices?]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Farewell, Miss Qingque.]
[Zhao Camera: Is this heading towards a public shaming? Might that be a bit harsh?]
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: Aaaaaah, Lady Fu Xuan, take me with you, please, Lady Fu Xuan!]
[Once Fed Nanook as a Cub: Can the freak above act normal already?]
[Silver Wolf: Relieved to see you're still as unhinged as ever.]
[Invincible Swordsman 123: Calm down, Teacher, losing your cool on Luofu's live stream is fine, but remember this is the Interstellar Live Streaming Platform.]
Fu Xuan cleared her throat and spoke with seriousness, "Silence, everyone. Listen closely to what this venerable one has to say."
"As you all know, the Divination Commission is one of the most crucial departments for maintaining the operation of the Xianzhou."
"What this venerable one cannot tolerate is anyone shirking their duties."
"The Miss Qingque standing before you suffers severely from procrastination; it's beyond remedy by mere salary deductions now."
"Therefore, this venerable one intends to have Qingque publicly reflect on her negligent behavior, allowing her ample opportunity for self-examination."
With that, Fu Xuan nodded slightly and said calmly, "Qingque, please proceed."
Qingque unfolded her self-reflection statement, taking a deep breath, her small face looking somewhat somber.
"Hello everyone, I am Qingque, a diviner from the Divination Commission."
"Today, I wish to share some thoughts with you all, reflecting not only on myself but also seeking feedback."
[Lady Herta: Boring. I thought the broadcaster would show us something more interesting. Logging off.]
[Today, Did You Scavenge Garbage?: Lady Herta, always so sharp-tongued. If you don't want to watch, why bother commenting?]
[Zhao Camera: Exactly, exactly.]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Always supporting Little Gui.]
Qingque spoke with profound remorse, "Firstly, my past actions have caused dissatisfaction for the Grand Diviner, and I must apologize to her."
"This year, I failed to meet the outrageous, unconventional, and unrealistic KPIs you set, for which I am truly sorry!"
"Additionally, let me extend apologies to my colleagues. While fulfilling my duties this year, I chose to secretly slack off and play cards instead."
"I should have helped you manage the messes, and for that, I'm sorry."
Fu Xuan stared incredulously.
Guinaifen's beautiful eyes widened, and she hastily nudged Su Jinyan, "Little Su, what do we do now?"
"Should we continue broadcasting or go offline immediately?"
"Won't someone come check our water meter because of this?"
Su Jinyan reassured her, "With me here, there's nothing to fear."
[DownpourCoat: Quickly end the stream, it's not good publicity.]
[Silver Wolf: Why end it? This is way too entertaining. Broadcaster, don't go offline—I'll send you tips.]
[Lady Herta: Now this is more like it.]
[Silver Wolf: Laughed so hard, didn't you say you were leaving?]
[Lady Herta: Moderator, please ban them temporarily.]
[Silver Wolf: ?]
[System Alert: Silver Wolf has been muted.]
Qingque continued, "I also owe an apology to the Imperial Jade of the Capital Mahjong Pavilion at the Exalting Sanctum."
"For a while, my luck was exceptionally good, and I dominated everyone at the pavilion, causing many guests to flee upon seeing me."
"I'm truly sorry for affecting your family's business!"
Fu Xuan glared at Qingque. "Qingque! This isn't what this venerable one meant by self-reflection."
Qingque scratched her small face. "I also need to apologize to Lady Fu Xuan."
Fu Xuan was taken aback—hadn't she already apologized? Why continue with it now?
"Lady Fu Xuan," Qingque said solemnly, "when we first brought Diviner Su aboard, I had such delightful times playing with him."
"Later, noticing our mutual affection, I began thinking that perhaps I should just bring you two together."
Fu Xuan glanced at Su Jinyan, feeling her cheeks flush.
Choking back tears, Qingque continued, "But then, I made a grave mistake. My apologies, Lady Fu Xuan—it's just that A-Yan is incredibly tempting, and I couldn't resist.
"I am despicable, guilty, and heartlessly violated him."
Fu Xuan stared, bewildered.
Su Jinyan was equally stunned.
Wait, wasn't it me who initiated things? How did it become about you violating me?
[Nothin' but losers if ya can't play fair: 666]
[Shangshang's sole account: 666]
[Numby wonders what's for dinner: Intriguing.]
Little Fox's Benefactor: Qingque! Didn't you say whoever falls in love becomes a loser?
Fengyu Caihong 7854: These young folks nowadays, sigh.
Cold Crow: Qingque, do you realize you've broken the rules?
Snowy Coat: Qingque, visit the Ten-Lords Commission after work. I have something to discuss with you.
Timing Online: Shocked—could there be anything more enticing to Qingque than Imperial Jade tiles?
Little Fox's Benefactor: This humble maiden feels so drained, but seeing Lady Fu Xuan's expression now has suddenly lifted my spirits.
Lady Herta: Entertaining, I approve. Asta, send some tips on my behalf.
System Notification: An anonymous user tipped 10 starships.
Guinaifen hastily expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Lady Herta, thank you for your generous tip."
Qingque: I must also apologize to Miss Tingyun, I'm sorry!
Miss Tingyun, initially, I told you even dogs wouldn't bother with romance.
But I never said I wanted a romantic relationship with A-Yan, we're just somewhere between friendship and lovers.
True, we've done almost everything that couples typically do.
"Lastly, there's someone I can't mention by name, but to you too, who tried capturing me, I must say sorry!"
"You really adore A-Yan, don't you? My apologies, I had no idea he'd also won your heart."
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Wait for me, dear. I'm heading to the kitchen right now to prepare something tasty for you.]
[Snowy Coat: ...]
[Frigid Crow: Miss Qingque has truly stirred up widespread anger.]
Qingque glanced at Guinaifen's phone screen and smiled.
"Finally, to all the women lusting after A-Yan's body, let me just say: I'm sorry!"
"I've already tasted A-Yan on your behalf, and it's truly delightful.
"That concludes my apology letter. Thank you everyone."
[Silver Wolf: Is she planning not to continue her pursuit anymore?]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Isn't this essentially a veiled confession? Now even I feel inspired to start streaming.]
[Today's Dumpster Diving: Qingque, from the moment you decided to stop hiding, you lost.]
[I swear, my friend little March will steal your A-Yan and play with him mercilessly.]
[Zhao Camera: Pfft, pfft, pfft, this maiden is nothing like that!]
[Uncle Han Tui: The Roaming Immortal Ark still seems more intriguing though. Planning to visit Luofu in a couple of days.]
Why would Qingque act so boldly? What exactly happened?
Su Jinyan felt puzzled; this behavior clearly contradicted little Que'er's reserved nature and cautious approach.
Qingque crumpled the self-reflection letter into a ball. "Lady Fu Xuan, you can proceed however you wish."
Fu Xuan's expression remained stern. "Qingque, although this venerable one doesn't fully understand why you chose this path..."
"...since it's a challenge directed at me, I accept."
Qingque swiftly approached Su Jinyan, sticking out her tongue playfully. "You won't be mad at me, will you?"
"How did you suddenly decide to use the self-reflection letter for such a stunt?" Su Jinyan asked.
Qingque blinked her lovely eyes, clasping her hands together apologetically. "Sorry, sorry, really," she pleaded. "My family has been pressuring me too much about marriage, leaving me with no choice. No matter how I tried to avoid it, they wouldn't relent."
"So, I figured I might as well seize this opportunity to clarify our relationship. You don't mind, do you?"
Su Jinyan chuckled. "So, little Que'er, what exactly is our relationship now?"
"You're not still going to say 'lip friendship,' are you?" Qingque gently shook her head. "Of course not. Publicly, you're my boyfriend now."
"Ah, I didn't intend to be put on the defensive so quickly."
Fu Xuan approached, lips slightly parting as she spoke, "A-Yan, choose between this venerable one and Qingque."
Cold sweat trickled down Su Jinyan's forehead.
This was a no-win situation; under everyone's watchful eyes, he couldn't possibly make a choice.
Just as Su Jinyan struggled with his dilemma, Qingque tugged at Fu Xuan's sleeve.
"Lady Fu Xuan, why rush A-Yan into making a decision?" she asked softly.
Fu Xuan furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"There are many scheming women vying for A-Yan's attention, right?" Qingque continued quietly. "Regardless of anything else, I've received your patronage, and betraying you wouldn't come easily. How about we join forces first, eliminating potential rivals? What do you think?"