"Drawing like this will surely upset her."
"I wouldn't bother if she didn't get mad!"
"So you have to retaliate here for what happened over there? Are you a child?"
"What do you mean? I'm not angry at all—why would I be upset with my past self from fifty thousand years ago? I've long known how stubborn that old antique was back then! It's just..."
In her slumber, Elysia gradually regained consciousness as nearby voices drifted into her ears.
Within the lounge space transformed from bar-style seating to a balcony restaurant, Senti engaged in conversation with the Book of Fuxi perched on her shoulder while reaching for Elysia's peacefully sleeping face with a black marker.
Suddenly, a swift gust pierced the air.
"Snap!"
A slender yet surprisingly strong hand grabbed Senti's wrist.
Elysia opened her light blue eyes, gazing warmly at Senti.
"Hey, good evening, dear Hua!"
"Uh, good evening... Ahem! I came to wake you up for dinner; no need to thank me, just glad you're awake now. Quickly let go!"
"Oh? What about the pen in your hand, though?"
Holding onto Senti's wrist, Elysia leaned close to her ear, her breath sweet but causing Senti's expression to freeze, her gaze involuntarily shifting nervously.
"Uh... well... it's just a toy, a little toy, nothing significant really, you can ignore it!"
"Oh, I see. Then, I'd like to play with it too, ~~~"
Elysia grinned mischievously as Senti felt flustered and helpless. Seizing her moment, Elysia swiftly pulled Senti closer.
"Ahh!"
Senti involuntarily cried out; amidst a whirlwind of motion, she found herself pinned beneath Elysia on the sofa.
Simultaneously, Elysia held up the marker, slowly moving it towards Senti's eyes.
"Wait, don't mess around! This brand's ink is notoriously hard to wash off!"
"Eh hehe, how would we know without trying? Come on, let Ellie draw an adorable design for you~~"
"Waaahh!"
Senti tried to struggle, but despite Elysia's soft and delicate body, it possessed an unexpected strength that Senti couldn't overcome.
As a Fusion Warrior, Fu Hua had remarkable physical prowess, but this strength was relative only when compared to ordinary Valkyries. Against another Fusion Warrior, particularly one like Elysia who leaned more towards physical enhancement, Fu Hua's spiritual focus did not give her an advantage.
In short, caught up in the chaos, Senti forgot to employ her martial skills and failed to escape the counterattack. Consequently, a small turtle was drawn on her forehead, a comical circle adorned one eye, and various scribbles covered her face.
Soon, it was time for dinner.
With an apron tied around her waist, Fu Hua placed some home-cooked dishes on the table and glanced at those seated nearby: Zeke, Little Fuxi, Elysia—then tilted her head, puzzled.
"Where's Senti? She usually can't wait to eat."
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Save me some stir-fried smoked pork with sour bamboo shoots!"
A whirlwind-like figure burst out from the restroom, instantly taking a seat at the dining table as if teleporting.
Fu Hua took a closer look, her slender shoulders quivering slightly, eyes curving like crescent moons in amusement.
"Pfft! What happened to you? You were fine before I started cooking. Did Zeke teach you another lesson?"
As she gazed upon the comical face covered in black scribbles, Fu Hua's gaze shifted towards Zeke, who was gently patting the Book of Fuxi's head.
Zeke glanced sidelong, maintaining a serious demeanor. "It's not my fault, but yes, I did provide the pen. The ink won't fade for three days, completely safe and skin-friendly. If you need more next time, just let me know."
While speaking, Zeke patted Senti's head again, quickly retracting his hand just as she opened her mouth to bite him, eliciting an entertaining expression filled with gritted teeth and cheeks puffing like a squirrel's.
The Book of Fuxi rolled its eyes promptly, adding nonchalantly:
"Those who play tricks often fall victim to their own mischief. She brought it upon herself; don't worry about her. Finish cleaning up quickly and join us for dinner."
"Alright." Fu Hua shook her head with a smile, understanding Elysia's innocent wink. Amidst Senti's embarrassed yet petulant gaze, she removed her apron from the kitchen before taking a seat at the table.
"My cooking isn't perfect, please bear with me, Ellie."
"Don't say that! It's been ages since I've enjoyed such a lively meal. It smells absolutely delicious! Well then, I won't hold back!" Elysia licked her lips, her fleeting tongue displaying a charming shade of pink.
As Elysia reached for her chopsticks, aiming straight for the stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured meat, another pair swiftly intercepted hers.
"Clack!"
The two pairs of chopsticks froze mid-air, as a gentle breeze tousled everyone's hair around the table.
In this standoff, Elysia maintained a graceful and sweet smile, while the corner of Senti's eye twitched, her forced grin barely concealing her irritation.
Elysia spoke first, "My dear Hua, what's going on here? Is this some new dining custom from fifty thousand years ahead?"
"This...is...mine!" Staring at Elysia's comically painted face, Senti enunciated each word, her eyes seemingly ablaze.
"Whoosh!"
Suddenly, a shrill whistle pierced the air. With unwavering focus, Senti swiftly extended her other hand like lightning, catching a toothpick aimed at her forehead between two fingers.
She glanced towards the source of the attack, meeting the narrowed gaze of the Book of Black and White—filled with murderous intent.
Sighing, Senti set down the toothpick, put away her chopsticks, and silently resumed eating her rice.
The Book of Fuxi sat atop the table on a soft little cushion beneath it, folding its hands and emitting a cold snort through its nose.
"Hmph! At your age, still so lacking in manners. No wonder that stubborn head from the past didn't believe you; even I wouldn't trust my future self to be such a disgrace!"
"Ahem!" Choking momentarily, Senti continued to diligently eat, eventually turning her bowl upside down to shield herself from the icy stare of the Book of Fuxi.
Fu Hua picked up a small piece of meatball and brought it close to the Book of Fuxi's mouth.
"Open wide, Little Fuxi, ah~"
"I'm not a child anymore... Mm, well-cooked indeed. Seems like traveling with Zeke has honed your skills nicely!"
Chewing contentedly, the Book of Fuxi nodded in satisfaction and finally relaxed its death glare upon Senti.
Relieved, Senti moved her rice bowl aside, stealing a glance at the softened expression of the Book of Fuxi. She let out a sigh and gratefully winked at Fu Hua, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"Old Antique, you're always so understanding..."
"No! Don't look at me with that face; I can barely hold back my laughter."
"Hmph! (╯^╰) I take back what I just said!"
"Just enjoy your meal, little rascal!"
Fu Hua's gentle laughter echoed in Senti's mind, creating a soothing sensation like bathing in a warm spring. It instantly relaxed both body and soul.
Senti blushed slightly.
The Old Antique had this knack: her soft smile could effortlessly make one forget all troubles, almost more powerful than the Cognizance Authority itself. Indeed, the present-day Old Antique was far more endearing compared to her fifty-thousand-year-old self, who would invariably seem doubtful—just not as lovable. Despite these thoughts, an involuntary grin spread across Senti's face, as he cheerfully continued eating without further distractions.