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Since Su Qing hadn't been returning to the train frequently lately, one day during her free time, Himeko proactively visited his small shop at Luofu.
Himeko entered the store and looked around. She didn't spot Su Qing but did see Sushang and Guinaifen present.
[Qingque: Fun! @Sushang, @Guinaifen, why are you two always hanging out at Su Qing's shop?]
[Guinaifen: Cough, cough, with delicious food and handsome guys to watch, it's quite comfortable here. Naturally, we'd often come by to relax...]
Sushang and Guinaifen also noticed Himeko, their first reaction being: What a beautiful big sister!
Himeko's long red hair shimmered like silk, her white dress accentuating her graceful figure, and she wore high heels with elegance. Her demeanor was refined and noble, her movements poised and confident.
She exuded brilliance wherever she went, embodying the type of mature woman that many young girls admired and aspired to be.
Sushang and Guinaifen, eyes wide open, glanced at Himeko more closely, initially thinking she might be another customer coming for dinner.
To their surprise, instead of acting like typical patrons, Himeko directly approached them. Upon learning that Su Qing was in the backyard, her curiosity led her to engage in conversation with the two girls first.
During their chat, Himeko found Sushang and Guinaifen lively, enthusiastic, outgoing, and kind-hearted, with striking appearances to match. Despite recognizing their friendship with Su Qing, she couldn't help but silently lament: Why are there always so many beautiful girls around him...?
Himeko also introduced her relationship with Su Qing: "I am Su Qing's girlfriend." She paused briefly before adding, "However, due to certain circumstances, we're currently taking some time apart."
[Kafka: Ha, avoiding clarity and not outright saying 'broken up.' Isn't this borderline deception?]
[Himeko: Is there anything factually incorrect in what I said?]
As Su Qing entered the main hall and saw Himeko, he was also somewhat surprised.
He took a seat and joined their conversation.
With Himeko's high emotional intelligence, Sushang's and Guinaifen's cheerful enthusiasm, the chat flowed pleasantly.
After some time, Su Qing got up to head towards the counter and organize the accounts ledger.
Upon seeing Himeko, he had been contemplating whether it was an appropriate moment to candidly disclose the situation with Jingliu.
[Jingliu: @Himeko, if you tell him, our relationship will be completely severed.]
[Himeko: ...@Jingliu, after knowing, I'll find ways for Su Qing to forget about you and reunite with me.]
[Sparkle: It's now time for fantasy hour! One of them is definitely living in denial! Who could it be?]
Unexpectedly, before Su Qing could figure out how to broach the topic, Himeko rose from her seat and approached him.
First, she glanced at Sushang and Guinaifen sitting nearby.
Feeling slightly embarrassed with others around, Himeko took another step closer and whispered, "About reconciling our relationship, I've been busy lately with the star rail repairs and haven't had a chance to discuss it."
"What I wanted to say," she murmured, cheeks blushing faintly, "is that I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes. Once you're ready, we can continue dating..."
Su Qing fell silent.
[Sparkle: Oh joy, now he's even more trapped, making it harder to speak.]
[Silver Wolf: The importance of taking initiative, indeed!]
[March 7th: Seems like Sister Himeko has also gotten stronger, huh? Her expression this time was quite smooth!]
[Stelle: Well, using game terms like 'strength' or 'T0' is just one way to categorize it.]
[Stelle: But people aren't video game characters; when they feel pressure and experience new situations, naturally, they become stronger.]
[Stelle: After the previous multi-person simulation, Sister Himeko must have sensed the crisis and likely improved her capabilities!]
Facing the choice between Himeko and Jingliu,
the most reasonable course would be to decisively choose just one.
However, Yingxing's words briefly flashed through Su Qing's mind:
"Does accepting Jingliu conflict with your feelings for your ex-girlfriend?"
That indeed seems like a conflict...
A conflict...
Or is it not...?
One of Su Qing's greatest virtues was his honesty.
He remained truthful even to himself.
He had to admit, he genuinely liked both Himeko and Jingliu equally.
At that moment, the thought emerged—how nice it would be if he could choose both...
[Himeko: !!!]
[Himeko: Suddenly, I feel somewhat vindicated by Yingxing getting chopped earlier.]
[Stelle: HaHaHa, Blade Flash Bro truly deserves it!!]
[Sparkle: Quite amusing, but without Yingxing's influence, someone like Su Qing might still confront his true feelings eventually.]
[Sparkle: It's indeed a tough choice: between a deeply devoted, perfect first love girlfriend versus a soulmate, exceptional confidante.]
[Bronya: Not experienced in romance, but even from here, it looks incredibly difficult!!?]
[Seele: +1]
[Sushang: +2]
Su Qing found it challenging to face Himeko, her beauty as captivating as a rose, with her affection clearly evident.
Saying something like, "Himeko, let's completely part ways; I have a new love now. No contact anymore..."
He couldn't bring himself to utter those words.
Should I mention there's another person I like as well? How about this - we three could try living together and make it work...
That was even harder to say aloud!
[Sparkle: Hahahaha!! Speak up! Gather your courage, I want to see the second confession!]
Su Qing indeed had two previous romantic experiences.
However, having been in two relationships sequentially versus simultaneously dating two girlfriends is fundamentally different—a distinction in difficulty levels.
Since he couldn't find the words, for now...
"Um," Su Qing vaguely responded, "Once things here at Luofu are settled, I'll head off to prepare ingredients for my restaurant."
[Stelle: In the end, you chose cooking again!!!]
[Black Swan: (Smile) When unsure what to choose, might as well start with cooking.]
[Black Swan: Perhaps if left alone, a turning point will arise eventually~]
Watching Su Qing walk away, Himeko pursed her lips, feeling somewhat disheartened.
She sensed something amiss.
What's going on?
Su Qing.
Why, why are you avoiding me...?
[Jingliu]: Because he already has a new girlfriend.]
[Himeko:...]
[Himeko: (Feeling suddenly vulnerable)]
[Seele: Direct hit!]
[Bronya: Honestly, it's hard to believe. Just recall the previous version—Himeko was unstoppable, single-handedly dominating three Stellaron Hunters.]
[Bronya: And now, in the blink of an eye, Jingliu seems to have turned the tables on her.]
[Stelle: Sigh, power inflation strikes again.]
[Firefly: Pop the champagne! Is Himeko already outdated?!]
[Silver Wolf: My past is certain; present and future seem promising, but Himeko's prospects remain dim.]
[Kafka: What happened to Himeko?]
[Bronya: (Can't hold back) Kafka, you're so blunt!]
[Kafka: I warned her before, my position was secure while girlfriends can change, yet she wouldn't listen.]
[March 7th: @Himeko, Sister Himeko, don't lose heart!]
[Himeko: ...Don't worry, I'll make a comeback.]
[Himeko: You might not fully grasp the power of being someone's first love.]
[Kafka: Seems like you've caught Silver Wolf's syndrome now.]
[Silver Wolf: Hey! Shouldn't we gang up on Himeko right now?!]
[Himeko: We'll see about that.]
[Ultimately, one knows oneself best.]
[Himeko understood that, in reality, she could never be as easily replaceable as Silver Wolf.]
[So what if they were close confidantes? In the end, their bond would fade away just like any other.]
[Silver Wolf: Why do I feel like someone is attacking me from the shadows???]
[Silver Wolf: I'm the reigning champion, remember?! Show some respect!]
[Stelle: @Silver Wolf, hey stepmom, when can we play games together?]
[Silver Wolf: ...Suddenly throwing this at me makes me laugh in disbelief!? How do you even remember that?!]
[Silver Wolf: ...Well, playing games together sounds great anytime we both have free time.]
[Stelle: Yay!]
[Sparkle: ? Are we officially becoming one big happy family now?]
***
Later that night.
In the backyard of the shop, within Su Qing's room.
Su Qing, seated on a stool, paused momentarily before nonchalantly returning to his phone.
A moment later,
He felt gentle hands softly cover his eyes.
A warm and intimate voice whispered near his ear, "Guess who it is?"
Simultaneously, Kafka's soft and full chest pressed against his back, filling his nostrils with the enticing scent of a mature woman.
Born from centuries of combat experience at Luofu, Su Qing had already recognized Kafka's footsteps as she approached the yard, long before she reached him.
Now, Kafka playfully blindfolded him.
Su Qing recalled that as a child, Kafka never enjoyed games like hide-and-seek and rarely acted clingy or affectionate.
But now, having matured,
she seemed to relish playing small games with him or frequently seeking closeness...
[Kafka (smiling): After all, it's only when you grow up that you realize how truly fortunate it is to have someone to be affectionate with.]
Taking a moment to consider, Su Qing played along enthusiastically, "Hmm, who could it be? I can't guess."
Seeing his response, a delighted smile spread across Kafka's lips. "Alright then, here's a hint. It's your favorite person, oh."
Su Qing remained silent, momentarily at a loss for words.
[Qingque: Hahahaha! Kafka: Naughty girl.]
[Sparkle: I wonder what Kafka's reaction would be if Su Qing said 'Himeko' right now?]
[March 7th: You really love stirring things up, don't you?!]
[Kafka (after thinking): Well, I'd probably storm straight onto the Astral Express.]
[Stelle: Fun fact, reminds me of the old prayer joke.]
Faced with this question,
Su Qing simply replied, "Kafka."
Kafka removed her hands from his eyes, her smile growing wider. "Correct answer~"
With her hands resting on Su Qing's shoulders, Kafka maintained her smile.
Internally, however, she thought:
...Su Qing carries that woman's scent now.
[Seele: Wow! Acting all calm, yet already pondering such things inside!!]
[March 7th: Her nickname for Sister Himeko has become "that woman".]
Kafka sat down on Su Qing's bed.
Even with Luofu's "script" about to unfold, she couldn't resist coming to see him. After experiencing loss once, she had become somewhat obsessive. Only by frequently seeing and touching him herself could she feel secure.
As they chatted, it came up that Su Qing had been staying mostly here these days, only occasionally returning to sleep on the Astral Express.
Kafka's gentle smile belied the undercurrent of tension in her words, "So, you're not sleeping together with Himeko, right?"
Su Qing responded with a hint of exasperation, "...Of course not."
Even during their relationship, they hadn't reached that level.
Typically, Su Qing would avoid this topic altogether. But today, recalling his morning encounter with Himeko...
...although these issues can be headache-inducing, they must eventually be faced.
The issue between Himeko and Jingliu seemed temporarily unsolvable.
However, fostering a harmonious relationship between Kafka and Himeko appeared to be worth attempting.
After all, even if their romantic involvement ended someday, they would still remain colleagues.
Their consistently strained relationship was quite challenging to navigate.
[Himeko: "Colleagues"?]
[Kafka: Laughed. That's why I always said, avoid workplace romances.]
Su Qing pondered briefly before saying, "Your relationship with Himeko seems... (delicately put) not very good."
"Actually, I think you both share some similarities. If you give it a chance to talk, you might unexpectedly get along well." He paused, then earnestly added, "Kafka, for my sake, please try to have a better rapport with her, okay?"
[Sparkle: Joyful, what kind of long-suffering dad is trying to persuade his daughter to accept a new stepmom here?!]
[Qingque: Ha ha, seriously feels like that scenario!]
"All right," Kafka readily agreed. "In fact, I've already had a conversation with Himeko, and our tastes indeed align closely. If possible, I too hope to build a good relationship with her."
[Himeko: ...@Kafka, are you serious?]
[Kafka: Absolutely serious.]
[Kafka: As long as you can let go of your excessive feelings towards Su Qing, I'd gladly become great friends with you.]
[Himeko: ...Ah, so you're still going with this act.]
[Kafka: I've shown my sincerity by being willing to become friends with you.]
[Kafka: But if Himeko doesn't cooperate, it's not my fault anymore.]
[Silver Wolf: Kafka! Naughty child! Even trying to deceive your own father?!]
[Kafka: It's just that I adore him too much. When emotions run deep, one becomes more possessive and selfish, wanting exclusivity.?~]
Su Qing, well-acquainted with Kafka's nature, probed further.
Now, Kafka had no choice but to respond truthfully, stating that if Himeko were to break up with Su Qing, she genuinely would try to get along better with her.
A thoughtful expression crossed Su Qing's face.
Kafka found this quite unexpected.
...Could it be that there's a real possibility of Su Qing completely severing ties with Himeko?
This was today's most surprising revelation!
After lingering for a while longer, Kafka finally left, feeling remarkably cheerful.
[Sparkle: ?? However, Kafka is unaware that she's about to face the all-new, upgraded Big C!]
[Sparkle: Can't wait to see her reaction when she encounters Jingliu then!]
[Qingque: Ha ha, actually, Kafka seems to have it tough too.]
[Qingque: From her perspective, she merely wants to rely on her old father, yet bad women keep appearing one after another.]
[March 7th: Speaking of which! Based on Su Qing's interactions with Himeko and Kafka, does it seem like he's starting to devise strategies for handling this love triangle situation??]
[Black Swan: Hmm, quite evidently, yes.]
[Black Swan (smiling): After all, Su Qing is at the center of everything. If he doesn't wish to be torn apart by the gravitational vortex called "emotions," he must plan ahead.]
[Seele: What potential outcomes can we expect from this love triangle scenario?]
[Silver Wolf: It'll simply come down to who emerges victorious in the end.]
[Silver Wolf: Let me boldly predict that person will be me. ?]
[Firefly: Too bold!]
[Stelle: Absolutely fearless!]
[Jingliu: Not necessarily.]
[Jingliu: I am open to sharing Su Qing with Bai Heng, so it's possible for both of us to win in the end.]
[Jingliu: ...Or rather, I believe confidently that Bai Heng and I will triumph together.]
[Kafka: ?]
[Himeko: ???]
[Firefly: ???]
[Silver Wolf: Is Jingliu here just to cause chaos?! She absolutely must be, right!?]
[Firefly: @Black Swan, hey, as the host, could you please remove someone causing disruption?]
[Black Swan (laughing): Sorry, Firefly, I remain completely neutral and won't interfere with the stream.]
[Silver Wolf: Now you're pretending to be neutral again, right?!]
[Himeko: @Jingliu, don't lead Su Qing astray further.]
[Sparkle: Le, in reality, after Jingliu meets Su Qing:]
[Sparkle: Jingliu: Su Qing, I'm willing to be with Bai Heng and date both of you together.?]
[Sparkle: Su Qing: ...What, is this path actually feasible?]
[With Sparkle's comment, many viewers were about to explode!]
[Not only would it further corrupt Su Qing, but it could also grant Jingliu unimaginable advantages!]
[Silver Wolf: @Jingliu, that's completely unethical!]
[Firefly: @Jingliu, breaking the game rules!]
[Kafka: Alright, alright, so winning by using this strategy, huh?]
[Himeko: @Jingliu, I advise you to consider your words carefully. It might seem insignificant now, but love is inherently selfish. When faced with reality, you may likely regret it.]
[Jingliu: It's of no concern.]
[Every time Jingliu uses her signature "It's of no concern," everyone's heart races, anticipating a shocking revelation...]
[Jingliu: Bai Heng sacrificed her own selfishness for my happiness; how could I only think about myself?]
[Fortunately, this time Jingliu's statement seems quite ordinary.]
[Yet, it indeed leaves others at a loss for rebuttal.]
[Unlike the rest, Jingliu and Bai Heng were already close friends from the start.]
[Bai Heng had already made one sacrifice, never revealing her feelings for Su Qing even until death.]
[Given these circumstances, Jingliu's choice does hold some reasonable merit...]
[Bailu: Um, sorry to interrupt your intense discussion, but may I ask a question?]
[Bailu: Didn't Bai Heng... already leave? Why does Jingliu's tone make it seem like Bai Heng is still around?]
[Jingliu: (Silence)]
[Firefly: ...]
[Himeko: ...]
[Bailu: Why has everyone suddenly stopped talking?! D-did I say something wrong??]
[Stelle: @Bailu, don't worry, you'll understand eventually. (Deeply meaningful)]
[March 7th: @Bailu, yes, you will comprehend it in time. (Deeply meaningful)]
[Bailu: ??? What do you mean??? Are you all ganging up to tease me or something???]
[Stelle: Ha ha, no, not at all. Trust me, there's really nothing going on!]
[Bailu: Is it just because I'm younger? But I'm not that young, okay? In absolute terms, I'm older than many of you!]
[Firefly: It's not about your age...]
Despite remaining puzzled, Bailu's curiosity was easily diverted. As the live stream switched scenes, she became captivated by the new content appearing.
Internally, viewers mentally cheered for Black Swan.
Next to appear was Silver Wolf.
Since there was no Luofu-related script this time, she didn't visit that location.
However, her online interactions with Su Qing were quite frequent.
Initially, they had simply been internet acquaintances, and even now, during Su Qing's leisure time, it was commonplace for them to voice chat while playing games together or exchange messages just to talk.
This conversation likely took place on one of Su Qing's days at Luofu after finishing a cooperative game online:
Silver Wolf: By the way, when you were at Punklorde before, did you create any Ether Cassettes?
Su Qing: Oh, those things.
Su Qing: I didn't follow the conventional methods; I only captured some battle experiences onto them. Unless someone is familiar with my hacking exploits, they wouldn't even recognize me as the creator.
Su Qing: Later on, I don't know where I misplaced them.
Silver Wolf: Recently, I found out that after changing hands several times, they seem to have ended up with Herta. It piqued my interest somewhat.
Su Qing: ...Herta? My advice would be not to provoke her. She's a genius, not easy to handle.
Silver Wolf: Don't worry, in the realm of hacking, I'm un·bea·ta·ble·~?
Su Qing: ?
Su Qing: Just make sure not to rat me out if you get into trouble later.
Silver Wolf: hhh
Silver Wolf: Seems like it's stored at Herta space station. Do you have any plans to go back soon?
Su Qing: Once Luofu matters conclude, I should be heading there.
Silver Wolf: Alright, how about meeting up then?
Su Qing: Sounds good.
Their chat ended on that note.
However, it was evident that this was just one of many conversations between Silver Wolf and Su Qing, as they often interacted during their gaming sessions.
[Silver Wolf: Let me announce - based on our chat frequency alone, I've clearly won over them too much!]
[Qingque: Le, announcing again, huh?]
[Natasha: Just chatting and playing games though; things sure are peaceful here with little Silver Wolf.]
[March 7th: Indeed! Compared to the intense battles in Three Kingdoms, this is quite relaxing!]
[Black Swan: As agreed, next up should be Firefly.]
[Firefly: Ah? I really get my moment in the spotlight? Great, great, great!]
And so, everyone watched Firefly's daily life in Penacony unfold:
Firefly working at her job in Penacony.
Firefly strolling through the streets of Penacony.
Firefly enjoying delicious food in Penacony.
Firefly...
in Penacony...
[Firefly: Stop, stop already!!]
[Firefly: By showing sympathy and sharing these glimpses of my everyday, it only makes my situation seem even more pitiful!]
[Stelle: Hahaha, it's alright, no worries.]
[Stelle: Whatever a beautiful girl does—whether it's music, mountain climbing, fishing, camping, or even playing mahjong—it's always fascinating!]
[Qingque: (Noticing something significant) Hmm?]
[Seele: But speaking of, if Silver Wolf hadn't come for this mission, would she have much screen time on Xianzhou this time around?]
[Silver Wolf: ...Huh? (Suddenly realizing the implication)]
[Firefly: !!!]
[Firefly: !!!!]
[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, now we're equals!]
[Silver Wolf: ...Don't celebrate too soon; it's not confirmed yet.]
[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, remember, we're good friends.?]
[Silver Wolf: I've already said it's not confirmed yet!!!]
[Firefly: What, are you refusing to be my friend? Would you dare defy me, wielder of the mecha's power?]
[Firefly: Then there's only one option left—to set the sea ablaze!?]
[Silver Wolf: Who uses threats of violence just to become friends?! Besides, you're not genuinely trying to make friends—you just want someone else with as little screen presence as yourself, right?!]
[March 7th: Ha ha, Silver Wolf's roasting skills are improving.]
[Sparkle: Persecuting little Silver Wolf is indeed timeless entertainment, never getting old.?]
***
[Qingque: @Black Swan, so next up is Grand Diviner's simulation, right?!]
[I'm quite looking forward to it.]
[Ah, it'll be that awe-inspiring, Grand Diviner's simulation!]
[I never expected our casual mention back then would actually come true now!]
[Fu Xuan: @Black Swan, this method of sealing memories before watching simulations is truly... indescribable.]
[Fu Xuan: Despite these events being part of this venerable one's past, I now have absolutely no idea what will unfold!]
[Sparkle: ?? Ha ha, getting nervous?]
[Black Swan (smiling): The unknown is where the excitement lies, isn't it~]