บท 23: Space station 22: Asta: Su Qing is Definitely Falling in Love with Me!
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[With Sparkle's incitement, the live stream chat erupted into chaos.]
[Black Swan: (Maintaining Order) So, let's still invite Kafka to share her thoughts on this experience.]
[Kafka: Yes, this simulation was very long, and you've seen many of my feelings throughout.]
[Firefly: Envious of longer simulations.]
[Kafka: Therefore, I'll just mention the two most profound emotions I felt. First, when Su Qing left, apart from sadness, there was also a strong sense of regret.]
[Kafka: Su Qing did so much for me, especially during our childhood. He devoted considerable effort to helping me overcome emotional struggles.]
[Kafka: While watching the simulation, I noticed many new details and perspectives that I hadn't seen before. This made me appreciate his companionship and sacrifices even more deeply.]
[Kafka: However...]
[Kafka: I didn't get the chance to repay him.]
[Kafka: Both then and now, this fills me with immense regret.]
[March 7th: Understood, so next is the gratitude repayment segment.]
[Stelle: Usually, isn't this your kind of event? @Tingyun]
[Tingyun: Oh, you're right, it's quite enviable indeed.]
[Tingyun: But whether it's repaying a small favor or a clingy kitten growing up to return gratitude, they're essentially similar, aren't they? ~]
[Kafka: Another thought I had was realizing how overly obedient my past self was.]
[Kafka: Not only should I have taken Su Qing away immediately during the final battle, but also, I should have been more assertive in everyday situations.]
[Silver Wolf: Indeed, hesitating when action was needed has always been a significant issue.]
[Himeko: So, are you planning to express gratitude or launch an attack?]
[Sparkle: An attack is expressing gratitude! Gratitude while attacking!]
[Silver Wolf: That phrase... sounds somewhat suggestive.]
[Himeko: No inappropriate content; we don't want to corrupt the youngsters.]
[Bronya: @Silver Wolf, what do you mean?]
[Silver Wolf: @Bronya, pretending to be innocent?]
[Bronya: ?]
[Sparkle: Actually, she's genuinely naive. Just like Seele, they both lack understanding in this area, making them perfect targets for teasing.]
[Seele: What does this have to do with me?]
[Kafka: In any case, that's how it is.]
[Kafka: Reflecting on life, there are always numerous regrets; achieving closure like Su Qing is quite rare.]
[Kafka: Fortunately, we still have chances to make amends.]
[Kafka: Hopefully, when it comes time for Su Qing again, my actions won't disappoint myself.]
[Black Swan: Thank you, Kafka, for sharing your thoughts.]
[Kafka: No need, thank you as well.]
[Kafka: Witnessing these simulations indeed provides an opportunity to reflect on the past and gain deeper self-awareness.]
[Firefly: Absolutely!]
[Black Swan (smiling): It's truly an honor to witness such precious memories.]
***
Time: The day after the simulation.
Last time, Su Qing overslept and was woken up by Asta.
This time, Su Qing had prepared all the breakfast ingredients but waited anxiously, yet Asta remained nowhere in sight.
Not receiving a response to his call, Su Qing approached her room.
As he was about to knock, the intelligent scanner on the automatic door's sensor performed a quick scan.
Beep, green light.
The door opened.
Su Qing paused, momentarily speechless.
[Chat: ...]
[Firefly: ...@Herta, why does Su Qing have access permissions for Asta's room?]
[Herta: That question should be directed to her personally.]
Instead of entering directly, Su Qing knocked several times until finally rousing Asta.
"Who is it..." A groggy voice, still half-asleep, echoed from inside, as if she didn't want to get up yet.
"It's already 3 PM," Su Qing called out loudly.
"Mm... " There was a brief pause, followed by Asta's startled exclamation, "What?!?"
Sounds of commotion came from within the room, likely indicating her frantic rush to check the time.
Then, through the door, Asta's fully awake voice exclaimed, "Su Qing, you tricked me! It's just past 8 AM!"
[Stelle: Well, that woke her up!]
After a moment, Asta opened the door, appearing slightly flustered with her hair uncombed.
Asta gently patted her chest. "You really gave me a scare there. I have a morning meeting and almost thought I'd missed it."
"However, thank you for waking me up this early. To commend you..." Asta's eyes twinkled mischievously. "...I'm going to give you a raise!"
Su Qing frowned. "You're not allowed to give me a raise."
Asta puffed out her cheeks. "Why not?!?"
Su Qing knew that although his culinary skills were exceptional, the salary Asta already provided was quite generous.
If she increased it further, especially since it would be from Asta herself, accepting such money...
Wouldn't feel right.
[Silver Wolf: Su Qing, please maintain your integrity; I only accept payment for my work.]
[Qingque: Ha ha ha, taking more could make it seem like being kept, right?]
Her plan to increase Su Qing's wages and keep him dependent on her had failed. Lifting her slender wrist, Asta glanced at her watch. "With this morning's delay, we're running tight on time now. What should we do?"
The meeting was about to start, and with limited time, Asta needed to both braid her hair and enjoy Su Qing's breakfast.
It seemed their only option was...
To skip braiding her hair, perhaps?
[Bronya: Ah? Shouldn't she hurry up with her hair and just take a couple of quick bites for breakfast?]
[March 7th: But it's a meticulously prepared breakfast by Su Qing, with his Cooking LV4 skill! Rushing through such culinary delights would be a waste.]
[Herta: Indeed.]
[Herta: If it were me, I'd skip the meeting altogether and have them reschedule for the afternoon.]
[March 7th: She probably isn't as stubborn as you...]
Seeing Asta's anxious expression seeking advice, Su Qing gently patted her head.
A habit formed over years within simulations naturally extended to his childhood friend.
[Silver Wolf: Childhood friends truly make for excellent comfort food.]
[Stelle: Poor Asta, so pitiful.]
Initially quite worried, Asta initially let out a surprised "eh?" but gradually relaxed, displaying a contented expression.
[Kafka: Hello everyone, just to clarify, this position should rightfully have been mine.]
[Fu Xuan: Quite eager to set the record straight, aren't we?]
[Silver Wolf: Who asked?]
[Stelle: I did!]
[Silver Wolf: Play along, then.]
"Wait!"
After about ten seconds, Asta finally snapped out of her blissful trance, "The time..."
Su Qing gently patted her head. "Don't worry, I'll help you."
In the dining hall, passersby couldn't help but glance sideways.
They saw the station director having breakfast while Su Qing stood behind Asta, brushing her hair.
As Asta took a bite of her delicious meal, a radiant aura seemed to emanate from behind her, reflecting sheer contentment.
Feeling the gentle motions of the person behind her, she began thinking that perhaps delaying a bit this morning wasn't so bad after all.
Asta picked up her glass of milk, took a sip, and discreetly glanced back at Su Qing.
She was taken aback.
While combing her hair, Su Qing's gaze held such tenderness, as if he were looking at someone deeply cherished—a close companion with whom he had shared life for a long time...
What could it mean?
[Qingque: How can one discern so much just from a gaze?]
[March 7th: It's also—thanks to my childhood friend intuition!]
[Stelle: @Kafka, then who exactly should this tender gaze have been directed towards originally?]
[Kafka: Me?]
[Silver Wolf: Impressive, Stelle's acting skills are top-notch.]
[Sparkle: Indeed.]
Su Qing was attentively braiding her hair.
Asta gazed into his eyes.
The most crucial aspect was the gentleness in Su Qing's movements and the tenderness reflected in his gaze. It seemed as if he could never get angry with her, always ready to embrace and understand...
It felt like he wanted to stay by her side forever, never parting!
Asta's glossy pink lips parted slightly, momentarily frozen. Then, feeling a sudden warmth on her cheeks, she swiftly turned away, resting her hands on her legs and lowering her head.
She sat obediently, yet her body tensed up.
Due to Asta's abrupt movement, strands of her hair swayed, gently brushing against her flushed and adorable face.
This hindered Su Qing from continuing the braid, so he paused. "What's wrong?"
"I-I-I-I-I..." Asta, now in Steam Princess mode, stammered, "N-no-no-nothing..."
What should I do?! What should I do?!
I had no idea Su Qing liked me this much already!
[Herta: ??]
[Sparkle: ??]
Just last time, it was only about taking photos together; he even hesitated before daring to hug me.
Why is he looking at me with such affectionate, intimate, and warm eyes?!
Although they were childhood sweethearts, it hadn't reached the point where they spent every day living together, constantly inseparable—as suggested by his gaze...
Aren't we moving too fast? Is this appropriate? Asta fretted.
Then another thought crossed her mind: Where should the wedding be held?
[Stelle: Pfft!!!]
[Stelle: I just spat out my water!]
[Silver Wolf: Laughing so hard.]
[Silver Wolf: Just moments ago, she was worried about things moving too quickly, and now she's already thinking about where to hold the wedding, right?]
[Seele: Bet she's even contemplating baby names.]
[March 7th: The purity of Asta's childhood sweetheart bond, duly acknowledged!]
[Kafka: @Firefly, does this remind you of when you were on the skydeck, assuming Su Qing was going to confess to you?]
[Firefly (covering face): Stop it, I was just starting to forget...]
[Firefly: Aaaaah, what do I do?! Now that you mentioned it, I'm feeling super awkward! It's like empathizing with Asta; my toes are curling in embarrassment!]
Asta, head bowed, began to indulge in wild fantasies.
Her blushing cheeks struck viewers as utterly adorable.
[Himeko: Setting aside her cunning nature and emotional baggage, Asta truly is a cute little girl.]
[Seele: Can those aspects really be set aside?]
In reality, Asta still harbored some doubt if she had misinterpreted the situation.
After taking a sip of milk, she cautiously tested the waters, "For lunch today, I feel like having beef with tomatoes."
Su Qing agreed, "Sure."
Asta paused and then decided, "Never mind, let's have chicken wings instead."
As Su Qing continued brushing her hair, he responded, "That works too."
"How about cake?" Asta suggested.
"Maybe not as lunch, but it can be a dessert after the meal," Su Qing replied.
[Stelle: Su Qing, are you just messing with us now?]
Asta changed her mind again, "Let's go for fried noodles!"
"Fine by me," said Su Qing.
"I want congee!" Asta declared.
"No problem," Su Qing assured her.
"Or soy sauce fried rice!" Asta exclaimed.
"As you wish," Su Qing acquiesced.
[Seele: Are you listing your menu here?]
[Kafka: The situation is somewhat amusing, yet I find it heartwarming.]
[Himeko: Because we all know this is actually a form of compensation.]
[Himeko: Even though the simulation has ended, Su Qing still deeply cherishes you. He expresses his tenderness towards you through Asta as a substitute.]
[Bronya: Your analysis hits the mark perfectly.]
[Kafka: Hmm?]
[March 7th: Now that's literally substituting one dish for another...]
Meanwhile, Asta was astonished—how could Su Qing agree so quickly?
While it was part of his job, even for a typical service provider, such frequent changes would leave them speechless.
Asta sneakily glanced at Su Qing again.
She noticed he didn't seem bothered at all, continuing to braid her hair with care. Even when his fingers occasionally brushed against her cheek, the touch felt incredibly gentle.
Blushing deeply, Asta covered her face with both hands.
Asta: Oh no!
Asta: Su Qing must be absolutely, definitely, and unquestionably deeply in love with me!!!
***
Before the meeting began,
Herta observed Asta, who was secretly giggling with a hand over her mouth, hearts visibly popping behind her.
Initially, Herta had no intention of getting involved.
However, Asta stood blocking the entrance, preventing Herta from entering the conference room.
Reluctantly, Herta approached her, "What's wrong now?"
Feeling light-headed and grinning foolishly, Asta hesitated, "Heh, should I tell you or not?"
"Oh."
Herta turned to leave immediately, deciding she wouldn't attend the meeting after all.
[Stelle: Truly impressive, as expected from you.]
As Herta's puppet took a few steps, it suddenly appeared to be doing moonwalking, remaining in place.
Herta turned back and realized Asta had tightly grabbed her clothing, exerting surprisingly strong force.
Asta looked puzzled.
"...If you have something to say, make it quick," Herta responded reluctantly.
Thus, Asta briefly recounted what had just occurred.
"Asta, what should I do if he suddenly confesses his feelings to me?" she asked anxiously.
"Just accept it, that's all," Herta replied casually.
"What are you saying?!" Laughing with her hand over her mouth, Asta playfully pounded on the Herta doll.
Whack! Whack! Whack!
To mask her shyness, Asta hit forcefully, almost creating gusts of wind with each strike.
With every whack, a "?" symbol representing anger popped above Herta's head.
[March 7th: Ha ha, Herta is getting so mad.]
Herta found Asta's scenario unlikely, but having not seen much of Su Qing recently, she couldn't dismiss it outright.
However...
Herta quickly pondered a question:
How did Su Qing learn to braid girls' hair so skillfully? Why was his technique so proficient?
[Stelle: Brilliantly pinpointing the key issue!]
Observing Asta's sheer delight, Herta considered her response but ultimately said nothing. She had a nagging feeling that addressing it would only lead to immense—very, very immense—complications.
The situation was already troublesome enough.
The great Lady Herta had no desire to waste more time on such romantic entanglements.
After offering some half-hearted reassurances, Herta still ended up being dragged by Asta to attend the meeting.
Meanwhile, Su Qing was examining the rewards from the formal simulation.
This time, the rewards were generous, with two items catching his particular attention. One of them came as quite a surprise.
[Starcore Fragment]
[Description: A cluster of floating golden light, shaped overall like a sphere. The Starcore is fragmented, with only a small portion retaining energy.]
[Current Effect: Can store energy; once sufficient energy is accumulated, enables Enhanced Simulation.]
Feeling uneasy, Su Qing worried this fragment might explode within him.
[Stelle: Don't scare me...]
Although he couldn't bring back the power from the simulation, his Talent persisted.
Su Qing decided to test his [Potential Unleashing Lv 3 (40/100)].
Previously, by reaching 200% Potential Unleashing, he had obtained the effect of [Complete Liberation].
Now with the Starcore...
He clenched his fists, and the hidden potential within his body surged forth, effortlessly achieving 120%. Surprisingly, any excess energy beyond his body's limits, which could have caused harm, was automatically absorbed by the Starcore!
In summary, Potential Unleashing became significantly easier, resulting in a substantial increase in permanent strength, without the concern of overloading.
The overall efficiency improvement was akin to a snowball effect, multiplying nearly tenfold.
[Stelle: In essence, your ordinary spiritual roots have transformed into heavenly-grade roots.]
[Silver Wolf: Impressive!]
Additionally, once the excess energy fully charged the Starcore, it would unlock something called [Enhanced Simulation].
If even regular simulations could grant talents like Potential Unleashing, Su Qing eagerly anticipated what rewards the specialized Enhanced Simulations might offer.
The Starcore fragment was an unexpected bonus reward.
However, the three-item selection for additional rewards brought him great delight.
[Choose one from the following items:]
[Automatic Code Generator; Automatic Writing Machine; Automatic Cooking Device.]
Su Qing reviewed his options briefly. The first two, as their names suggested, could assist him with coding and writing novels while also providing various buffs, making them quite practical choices.
As for the third option, he outright ignored it. Selecting that would be the ultimate self-insult.
[Seele: hhhhh]
After some deliberation, Su Qing ultimately chose the Automatic Writing Machine.
Primarily, this choice complemented simulations well, facilitating easier inspiration.
For instance, based on his recent simulation experience, he already had an idea to write a thrilling combat novel.
Fighting demons, continuously leveling up, and eventually becoming a Gold Chapter Demon Hunter—it was ripe with potential.
With real-life experiences combined with the Writing Machine's assistance, the outcome should be impressive.
[Stelle: Great! Combat, sounds awesome!]
[Himeko: It certainly fits Su Qing's style.]
[Silver Wolf: Action-packed stories have a wide audience appeal; if well-written, it could earn significant Credits.]
[March 7th: But with a combat-focused story, won't there be less room to describe Kafka's role?]
[Kafka: No worries, Su Qing will definitely mention me often.]
[March 7th: Sounds like tempting fate...]
Compared to the Photography Talent from last time, which required gathering materials everywhere, writing a novel seemed more convenient.
Once he swiftly repays his debt, the sky's the limit—Su Qing can travel to different planets, exploring diverse and intriguing ingredients freely.
[Silver Wolf: Still over there? I'm about to repay my debt and make a run for it.]
But where should he publish this novel?
Ideally, he needed someone well-connected, influential, perhaps even capable of introducing him to a good editor, for advice.
Su Qing pondered for a moment. Within the space station, such a person...
Wouldn't that be Herta?
Thus, he decided to seek counsel from Herta.
[Bronya: Ah, approaching Herta now, won't it just...]
As expected.
When Su Qing arrived at the meeting room, the session was nearly concluding.
After waiting briefly, he encountered Herta and Asta as they exited the meeting.
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