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Shortly thereafter, Fu Xuan returned unsuccessful, collapsing into Su Jinyan's arms with tears welling up.
In that instant, Su Jinyan confirmed her identity—this wasn't the real Fu Xuan. The genuine Fu Xuan should still be chasing after Sparkle's fox mask and hadn't yet come back.
It was truly audacious of Sparkle to pull off such a deception.
From a psychological standpoint, anyone would assume this person before them was the true Fu Xuan; no one would suspect another test of authenticity.
"Calamity Ancestor, you've gone too far," Sparkle gritted her teeth.
Su Jinyan crouched down, soothing her gently. "Alright, alright, don't cry."
"Shizun, I've already devised a plan to deal with Sparkle." Sparkle hastily wiped away the mist gathering in her beautiful eyes. "Wh-who's crying?"
"This venerable one is the head of Luofu's Divination Division and your Shizun," she replied indignantly. "Why would I shed tears over something so trivial?"
Feigning disappointment, Su Jinyan said, "It seems Shizun doesn't truly care about my feelings..."
Sparkle, visibly agitated, retorted, "Who said that? Seeing you violated breaks this venerable one's heart."
"I'd wish nothing more than to tear the offending Sparkle limb from limb."
Su Jinyan glanced at Sparkle's delicate frame, inhaling the faint milky scent lingering on her snowy neck.
"Doesn't Shizun have any other thoughts on this matter?"
"For instance, to ensure fairness, wherever I kissed her, I must kiss you in the same spot."
Instantly, Sparkle's tender, fair cheeks flushed red as she whispered, "The date isn't over yet."
"You disobedient disciple, once we reach the inn, this venerable one will let you do as you please, alright?"
Su Jinyan clicked his tongue, impressed by Sparkle's convincing act.
"So, Shizun, where would you like to go next?" Sparkle's lovely eyes sparkled mischievously as they took hold of Su Jinyan's hand.
"This meticulously planned sweet date cannot be ruined so easily by Sparkle."
"I want another ride on the Ferris wheel, and we'll repeat all those kisses and cuddles too."
A peculiar expression crossed Su Jinyan's face—Have you become addicted or something, seriously? Just wait until I teach you a lesson.
"Of course, but first things first, can I use the restroom? Nature calls."
"Shizun, please wait for me at the resting area."
Hehe, Lady Hua Huo has Little Su wrapped around her finger; it's such fun!
Little does he know, these surprises are just the beginning.
With twinkling eyes, Sparkle gently parted their lips, urging, "Go ahead, don't keep this venerable one waiting too long now."
While momentarily away from Sparkle and Shizun, Su Jinyan planned to sneak off for a rendezvous with Sushang and Little Gui.
Before meeting them, he decided to buy some gifts for Sushang and her friends. Just as he entered the gift shop, amidst the bustling crowd, he spotted a familiar teal figure.
Su Jinyan's heart skipped a beat.
What was Qingque doing at the amusement park? As he hesitated, contemplating whether to approach little Que'er and greet her, Qingque seemed to sense his presence. She slowly turned, locking eyes with him.
Qingque's lips curved upwards, and she beckoned him over with a crook of her finger. "Oh, it's A-Yan! Come here, come here."
Su Jinyan walked towards her, puzzled. "Little Que'er, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Shouldn't you be heading to the Exalting Sanctum's gaming hall to play cards right now?"
Qingque giggled, tiptoed, and planted a firm kiss on his cheek. "Playing cards? Compared to a date, who cares about cards?"
"You're quite daring, aren't you? Knowing you have plans with Lady Fu Xuan, yet still risking another rendezvous?"
"Is this meant to be more thrilling?"
Confused, Su Jinyan replied, "Huh? When did we make any plans together?"
Qingque wore an expression that suggested unspoken understanding. "I get it, I get it."
"It was just a coincidence we met up; it's not a date."
Su Jinyan began to grasp the situation—this was likely yet another trap set by Sparkle.
He decided to seize the initiative. "Little Que'er, since it's a date, did you prepare any gifts for me?"
"I've heard that spending money on someone is the most direct way to show affection towards them," Su Jinyan remarked slyly.
Qingque, puzzled, asked, "A-Yan, where did you hear such nonsense?"
Sighing, Su Jinyan said, "I guess there are no gifts then. It's fading, our bond is fading."
Qingque's lips curved into a smug smile. "Hmph, who said I didn't get you anything? Close your eyes."
Su Jinyan tensed, discreetly doing a kegel exercise as he replied, "They're closed, all closed now."
With her delicate snow-white hands, Qingque covered his eyes. "Aiya, keep them shut tightly."
"Ta-da-ta-daaa—"
A fuzzy sensation brushed against his cheek.
Su Jinyan opened his eyes and found an adorable stuffed bear pressed against his face by Qingque.
"This is...?" Confused, Su Jinyan took hold of the teddy bear.
"A-Yan, follow me..." Qingque took his hand, leading him swiftly to a fountain pool.
"Heh heh, do you remember when we first met?"
"You always cause me so much trouble; ever since you arrived, my workload has multiplied several times."
"So I hand-sewed this stuffed bear, and whenever something upsets me, I vent my frustration by beating up 'Stupid A-Yan' here."
Su Jinyan stared blankly at the plush bear cradled in his arms.
On its back, he noticed a piece of paper with his name written on it. He recalled how Qingque had once thrashed his stuffed bear, even scaring away new recruits from the Divination Commission witnessing the scene.
Qingque pursed her lips, smiling bashfully. "Close your eyes again, there's one more gift for you."
Taking a deep breath, Su Jinyan obediently closed his eyes.
Qingque tiptoed, lifting her small face.
Unbeknownst to Su Jinyan, she discreetly dropped two refreshing eye lubricants into her teary eyes.
Buzz, buzz, buzz—
A pink fairy wand gently touched his cheek.
Su Jinyan opened his eyes, expression filled with surprise, not expecting little Que'er to still keep such an item.
Qingque blinked through her moistened, tear-filled gaze. "Jinyan's Life Restart Wand," she said softly, "For a fresh start, experiencing the exhilaration of soaring above the clouds!"
"Ah, this was the first gift A-Yan gave me, I remember it well..."
Silently, Su Jinyan accepted the fairy wand.
Tears welled up in Qingque's beautiful eyes as her lips curved upwards. "That afternoon, we truly opened our hearts to each other, didn't we?"
"Every moment we've shared together, I haven't forgotten any of it, oh~"
"A-Yan, are you pleased with the gift I prepared for you?"
Su Jinyan felt his breath catch and abruptly pulled Qingque into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry, little Que'er..."
"A-Yan, sniffle, A-Yan..." Tears filled Qingque's lovely eyes as she nestled closer, unable to suppress her smiling lips.
Feeling Qingque's tears dampen his clothing, Su Jinyan was overwhelmed with guilt. He realized he had been too neglectful of her feelings.
Qingque consistently maintained their ambiguous relationship, referring to each other only as "friends." Yet, whenever they spent intimate moments alone, their connection far surpassed mere friendship.
She often joked about their bond being governed by unspoken rules, using the term "friends" to alleviate his sense of guilt. Truly, he seldom devoted time to Qingque, lacking the companionship typically expected between romantic partners.
Reflecting on their past, Su Jinyan was startled to recognize just how exceptionally understanding Qingque seemed, almost beyond words. Even Shangshang occasionally displayed hints of jealousy, but Qingque never showed such sentiments.
Qingque never competed for his attention, not even once.
The only exception was when she penned a declaration of war and subsequently disappeared from sight—just as he spent time with Tingyun, Fu Xuan, Shangshang, and others.
In reality, Qingque also deeply needed his companionship.
Even during Fu Xuan's attempt to catch him cheating, little Que'er considerately sent him a text warning.
But why did he consistently overlook Qingque's feelings...?
Su Jinyan gently held Qingque's delicate white hand and said earnestly, "Hit me."
"A-Yan," Qingque timidly responded, "have you still not overcome that peculiar habit of enjoying pain?"
Su Jinyan wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes and clarified, "No... I mean, if you're angry, feel free to hit me."
Qingque softly shook her head, "What would I be angry about? A-Yan, I'm very clear about my role here. As long as we can maintain our friendship like now, just having occasional moments like today together is enough for me."
As Qingque spoke these words, Su Jinyan felt increasingly guilty. He even entertained the impulse to cancel dates with other girls and dedicate his time solely to playing cards with Qingque.
Fortunately, he swiftly suppressed this impractical thought.
One must remain professional as a scumbag; how could such ideas arise?
"Qiao'er, is there any gift you desire?" Su Jinyan asked.
Qingque looked at him expectantly. "A-Yan, can it be anything?"
"Of course," Su Jinyan replied solemnly. "Whatever your wish, I will do my utmost to fulfill it."
Qingque hesitated, blushing slightly. "Well, saying it might make me feel a bit embarrassed..."
Su Jinyan gently cupped Qingque's small face and gazed earnestly into her eyes. "A-Que, with me, you don't need such reservations."
"Our relationship has long surpassed mere friendship."
Qingque lightly bit her lip, cheeks flushed. "I thought so too." She glanced around furtively before standing on tiptoe and whispering into Su Jinyan's ear, "A-Yan, actually, I have this rather daring idea... After being under the Grand Diviner's thumb for so long, I really want to see the tables turned."
Su Jinyan had his suspicions but wasn't entirely sure. "Qingque, what you mean is..."
As if both reproaching and teasing, Qingque said, "Honestly, you two are moving far too slowly. Can't you just conquer the Grand Diviner already? I'd love watching you thoroughly tease her—it would help alleviate some of my own work-related frustrations."
Feeling uneasy, Su Jinyan responded, "Qingque, betraying Shizun is out of the question."
"You know well that Shizun has always valued his reputation," Su Jinyan replied cautiously. "If you were to witness me mistreating her, she'd become terribly upset."
Qingque's lips curved slightly as her delicate fingers gently stroked him. "Hmph, do you not secretly desire it?" she teased. "I feel something hard poking against me, though."
"Do you have any leads, A-Yan?"
Su Jinyan snorted, his principles unwavering. In short, he would never betray Shizun—no matter how his little brother disregarded him.
Little Que'er's seductive tactics were remarkably adept and highly skilled. She always seemed to effortlessly guess his unspoken preferences.
Qingque burst out laughing, "Alright, just kidding."
"I knew you cared for the Grand Diviner too much to tease her," she said teasingly.
Su Jinyan gave her a stern look. "Little Que'er, your silver tongue hasn't changed one bit."
"Do you still remember what I told you before?"
"No subordinate is allowed to kiss their superior on the lips!" Qingque mimicked Su Jinyan's tone.
"Are you about to say..."
"Hmph, let's see just how persuasive that pretty mouth of yours can be."
They exchanged glances, both struggling to suppress their amusement. Su Jinyan and Qingque often found unexpected common ground in such situations.
"A-Yan, did your date with the Grand Diviner go smoothly?"
Su Jinyan sighed, "Not particularly."
Qingque was puzzled. "What exactly happened?"
"Why not share your thoughts? I might be able to offer some advice?" Su Jinyan mimicked Fu Xuan's tone, "Hmph, our date was supposed to be quite sweet."
"But as soon as this thought of Qingque sneaking off to play cards crossed my mind..."
"this venerable one's mood soured considerably. Decided then, upon return, I'll assign her even more work."
Qingque remained speechless.
"A-Yan," Su Jinyan continued, "look how much Shizun cares for you."
With indignation, Qingque opened her lips, "Wow, the Grand Diviner is truly excessive."
"Even during a date, she can't stop thinking about exploiting me as free labor?"
Su Jinyan chose to tarnish Fu Xuan's image, aiming to increase his favor with Qingque.
"You're right, I also think Shizun has gone too far," he agreed.
"Qingque, even if I weren't the Grand Diviner, I'd firmly stand by your side."
Determination shone in Qingque's beautiful eyes as she clenched her small fists.
"A-Yan, we must overthrow the Grand Diviner's tyrannical rule."
"Pitying the Grand Diviner would only be cruel to ourselves."
Gently caressing Qingque's soft, fair cheek, Su Jinyan said, "Little Que'er, I believe you need my assistance."
"Accept my help, Qingque," Su Jinyan urged gently. "This is your destiny; you cannot resist it."
Qingque asked calmly, "And what would be the price, A-Yan?"
Su Jinyan softly bit down on Qingque's delicate earlobe and whispered, "You."
"I want you to join me in tormenting Shizun together."
A blush tinted Qingque's fair cheeks, and her breath quickened.
Su Jinyan continued persuasively, "Don't you wish to see...how our usually stern Shizun might reveal adorable expressions under our combined efforts?"
Qingque lightly nibbled her lip, gazing intently at him. "A-Yan, you..."
Smiling, Su Jinyan said, "Que'er, I think you're trying to say: 'A-Yan, you've moved me.'"
Qingque, face flushed, corrected him, "No, A-Yan, you're pressing against me."
Su Jinyan paused momentarily.
Qingque tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered seductively into his ear:
"A-Yan, did you ever wonder why I wouldn't let you untie the red ribbon?
"Was this moment what I was waiting for...?
"Let's mercilessly tease the Grand Diviner together."
Su Jinyan found himself reaching his limit.
So this little Que'er had harbored mischievous intentions all along—what a naughty child.
Earlier, during their time on the Ferris wheel cabin, being teased by Sparkle impersonating his Shizun had already left him feeling somewhat uneasy. If not for the urgency of meeting up with Shangshang and Guinaifen, he would have undoubtedly locked Qingque in the "black room" for proper discipline.
"Cough, cough, Que'er, wait here for me just a moment," Su Jinyan said firmly. "I'll fetch you a cup of Immortal's Delight tea."
Qingque softly whispered, "Make it...strong~"
Su Jinyan retorted menacingly, "Don't sleep too soundly tonight."
Before leaving, Su Jinyan checked the time on his phone—it was 2:20 PM.
At the amusement park, backstage of the circus.
Su Jinyan pushed open the door and entered, carrying a stuffed teddy bear and the buzzing Jinyan's Life Reset Wand.
Sushang and Guinaifen fell into deep thought upon seeing these gifts. They both pondered the same question: Who received the teddy bear, and for whom was the fairy wand intended?
Su Jinyan approached the sofa and casually sat between the two girls.
Delighted, Sushang accepted the teddy bear. "Jinyan-gege, is this your gift for Shangshang?"
Guinaifen took the Jinyan's Life Reset Wand, her expression serious. "Little Su."
"Are you harboring some stereotypes about me?" she asked.
"Even though I can break boulders with my bare chest, lock a sword against my throat, catch bullets by hand, or swallow swords through my spine..."
"...if you think I'm going to perform swallowing a fairy wand, forget it," Su Jinyan grumbled discontentedly.
"What nonsense is this?" he exclaimed.
"This is Jinyan's Life Reset Wand - granting you a fresh start, an experience akin to soaring amidst clouds!"
Ever generous, Sushang said, "Jinyan-gege, Shangshang has already tried it; let Little Gui have a go now."
Guinaifen grabbed Sushang's snowy neck and vigorously shook her.
"Sushang, aren't there certain things you just shouldn't give away so easily?"
"How can you be so hasty with someone's first gift?" Su Jinyan snatched back the Life Reset Wand. "It wasn't meant for either of you in the first place."
Guinaifen looked alarmed. "Little Su, besides us, there's only you here."
"Not for us? Then surely not for yourself?"
Su Jinyan's gaze remained indifferent. "Little Gui, what exactly are you thinking about?"
Sushang answered on Guinaifen's behalf, "She's always pondering about you, Jinyan-gege."
Su Jinyan fell silent.
Guinaifen gently took Sushang's small hand. "Shangshang, although I appreciate your willingness to share your partner..."
"I don't need a substitute date; we sisters aren't that hopeless." With these words, Guinaifen lightly tucked her hair behind her ear, smiling brilliantly. "Little Su, shall we go out on a date together instead?"
Su Jinyan declined, "No thanks, Little Gui. You're a good person, but actually, I already have someone else in mind for our date."
Taken aback, Guinaifen dramatically threw herself into Sushang's arms, feigning tears. "Wahh, Shangshang, I've been rejected!"
Sushang softly stroked her head, comforting her, "There, there, Little Gui."
"Isn't it just because Jinyan-gege rejected you?"
"You know, Jinyan-gege actually pursued me back then."
Guinaifen fell silent.
Su Jinyan gently took Guinaifen's small hand, "Little Gui."
"Why don't you ask if maybe it's you?" Sushang suggested.
Guinaifen's mood instantly brightened, "Hehe, is it me?"
Su Jinyan shook his head, "No, it's not."
Guinaifen once again threw herself into Sushang's arms, sobbing anew.
"Wahh, Shangshang, I've been teased again."
Sushang comforted her, "Actually, when this maiden first got together with Jinyan-gege, it was quite tumultuous too."
Guinaifen felt slightly better, "Are you saying it was difficult for us to be together?"
"Even though I know you're trying to console me..." she added softly.
Sushang chuckled foolishly, "Not at all! Miss Tingyun pursued Jinyan-gege quite fervently."
"But Jinyan-gege only had eyes for Shangshang and outright rejected her."
Guinaifen paused, feeling confused. She wasn't initially going to cry, but after Sushang's consolation, she suddenly felt like tears were welling up—why was that?
Su Jinyan patted Guinaifen's snowy shoulder, "Little Gui."
Guinaifen blinked her lovely eyes repeatedly, showcasing her charm, "Mm-hmm!"
I know Little Gui well; she's always playful, just like Little Su enjoys joking around.
He must be trying to confess now, right? To admit that it was all a jest moments ago.
Su Jinyan smiled, "Truthfully, even if Shangshang weren't in the picture, I wouldn't have pursued you."
Grinding her teeth, Guinaifen vigorously shook Su Jinyan by the neck. "I'm about to cry, seriously! You two ganging up on me with your teasing is so unfair!"
Suddenly, Su Jinyan leaned close to Guinaifen's face, staring deeply into her beautiful eyes.
"Shh, don't speak."
Three seconds passed.
Unnaturally averting her charming gaze, Guinaifen murmured, "Eep, if you keep looking at me like that, I'll become embarrassed."
Su Jinyan nodded with satisfaction and began, "According to Herta's research..."
"When a man and woman deeply gaze into each other's eyes, the one who looks away first is likely harboring affection for the other."
Guinaifen grumbled, "What kind of bogus research is this?"
"Then why didn't you look away first?" Su Jinyan countered. "Herta's research states that when a man and woman share a deep gaze..."
"The person who never breaks eye contact may be profoundly fond of the other."
Guinaifen burst out laughing, "That so-called Herta must be ridiculously silly."
"How can there be such research? I don't believe it..."
Undeterred, Su Jinyan gently pushed aside Guinaifen and fixed his gaze on Sushang.
Without hesitation, Sushang leaned in and pecked him on the cheek.
"Based on Shangshang's research, whenever Jinyan-gege looks at Shangshang, it means he likes Shangshang."
"At times like these, Shangshang needs to respond accordingly."
Guinaifen placed her hand on her forehead, speechless. Why did she feel like this supposed triple date was just her watching Little Su showering affection on Sushang, serving up a generous dose of relationship envy?
It must be because my bond with Little Su hasn't developed enough yet.
Su Jinyan asked, "Is there anywhere specific you'd like to go next?"
Guinaifen spoke up first, "Let's head to the gift shop, shall we?"
"My stockings got torn earlier; I want to buy a new pair."
Sushang, ever considerate, agreed readily, "Great idea, let's go to the gift shop then."
"Jinyan-gege, remember, Little Gui here is new, so you should take care of her more."
Su Jinyan frowned deeply, "The gift shop..."
Just as feared, little Que'er is waiting for me there.
"Sparkle, Sparkle, never truly cruel~"
"Sparkle, Sparkle, ever so adorable~"
Bouncing and skipping, Sparkle arrived at the gift shop.
Spotting Qingque waiting by the fountain pool, Sparkle confrontingly stood before her with a fierce demeanor.
"Qingque, you've snuck out again to slack off!"
Startled, Qingque retreated several steps. "Grand Diviner?! No, no, I'm not slacking off; I'm scouting potential date locations for your benefit."
Sparkle's face darkened. "Hmph, have you seen A-Yan?"
"He was clearly on a date just now but left without a word," Qingque remarked cautiously. "Should I help look for him?"
Sparkle's expression turned stern. "Searching is fine, but remember, you're not allowed to indulge with this venerable one's traitorous disciple. Understood?"
Qingque waved dismissively. "Of course not, my actions have always been honorable and transparent. Once I find A-Yan, I'll feast right in front of you, esteemed elder."
Sparkle raised an eyebrow. Had this little Qingque grown audacious enough to defy such boundaries?
Confused, Qingque responded, "Grand Diviner, we are allied friends.
Wouldn't you grant me even this small privilege?"
Sparkle placed her hands on her hips. "Go find him quickly; we'll discuss it once he's here."
After Qingque left, Sparkle entered the gift shop.
Under Sparkle's subtle psychological influence, the crowd orderly departed from the store.
In the high-end stockings display area, an array of luxurious stockings was showcased. To make the presentation more appealing, the shop owner had draped these stockings over mannequins.
Donning a fox mask, Sparkle blended seamlessly among the mannequins, perfectly concealing her presence.
Heh-heh-heh, Lady Sparkle's new riddle is coming.
Get ready, my dears~
Shortly thereafter.
Su Jinyan and his companions entered the gift shop and approached the high-end stockings section.
Guinaifen marveled, "This store is quite unique, displaying stockings on mannequins."
Sushang pondered aloud, "Let me guess, perhaps because the owner couldn't afford real models?"
While Sushang focused on selecting stockings for Guinaifen,
Sparkle stealthily extended her small hand, aimed at Sushang's pert rear, and delivered a firm slap.
Smack!
"Ouch!"
Rubbing her stinging bottom, Sushang slowly turned around, sounding aggrieved:
"Jinyan-gege, a mannequin just slapped my butt!"
Sparkle blinked, utterly perplexed.
Wait, what?! Shouldn't you be questioning Little Su instead?
Is your thought process completely opposite to everyone else's, little girl?