The mahjong parlor was noisy and crowded, filled with the clatter of tiles, the shuffle of feet, and the chatter of players.
A lively, chaotic symphony that, after a while, could make even the most patient person feel suffocated.
Outside, though, the world was calm.
The streets were quieter now, the air cooler, the night breeze soft against the skin. Compared to the noise of the parlor, this silence felt like a relief—peaceful and gentle.
Yu Xian gazed down the street, his eyes tracing the curve of the moon hanging still in the night sky. Then he looked to his side, where Qingque walked beside him, close enough that their sleeves brushed with every step.
He let out a quiet sigh.
Even though he had spent the past few hours playing and laughing with Qingque, Yu Xian had never truly forgotten where he was—never lost sight of what this all meant.
This was a simulation.
A temporary dream built by the Simulator.
When it ended, everything—this world, this date, even the warmth beside him—would vanish like a bubble bursting in water.
He knew he shouldn't be wasting time like this. He should be searching for clues, finding a way to clear the simulation perfectly. That was the logical choice.
But… the simulation had given him no objectives, no hints, no path to follow.
Even if he worked endlessly, all his efforts could lead nowhere—or worse, make things worse.
So, what was the harm in staying by Qingque's side a little longer?
If this world would fade away no matter what, then spending that time with her—laughing, walking, playing—didn't seem like a waste at all.
Yu Xian turned to look at Qingque again. As if she'd felt his gaze, she looked back at him at the exact same moment.
Then she smiled—a small, bright smile that reached her eyes.
"Hehehe, what are you thinking about so seriously?" she teased.
Her playful tone made Yu Xian blink in surprise. "...In thought?"
"Mm-hm," she said, stepping a little closer. "Come on, lean down a bit. I have something to tell you."
Her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
She clasped her hands behind her back, fidgeting slightly. A faint blush touched her cheeks.
Yu Xian tilted his head curiously, bending closer so he could hear her. He didn't notice the flicker of nerves in her eyes.
But before she could speak, a strange tension gripped Yu Xian's chest.
A sudden, uneasy thought crossed his mind—what if this was it? What if Qingque had been listening to all those people telling her about their "lifespan disparity"? What if she'd decided… to end things?
He'd heard it countless times:
Humans and long-lived races could never last.
Love, they said, would only lead to pain and regret.
It wasn't just gossip—it was a truth the Xianzhou had carved into its culture. A truth born from too many tragedies.
But Yu Xian had never wavered. He'd already accepted what loving Qingque meant. He wasn't careless or selfish. He didn't want her to suffer.
The only reason he still had hope was because of the Simulator.
If he achieved the perfect ending—if he became an Emanator of Abundance—then he could gain eternal life.
He could stay by Qingque's side forever.
Of course, he couldn't tell anyone about that. No one would believe him. On the Xianzhou, talk of immortality only led to suspicion and execution.
Still… what if Qingque had already decided to leave him for his own good?
The thought stung like a blade.
Then—
Pat.
A soft sound broke the silence. Yu Xian blinked, feeling something wet on his cheek.
He reached up to touch it—only to realize it was… saliva?
"Hehehe~ And you call yourself a strategist? Bet you didn't see that sneak attack coming!"
Qingque grinned proudly, her hands behind her back, eyes sparkling with mischief. The moonlight danced across her hair, making her look almost ethereal despite her teasing tone.
"Alright, alright, that's my apology for ruining our fun earlier," she said. "You can turn your head now. We still have to—"
Yu Xian turned back toward her.
And before he could react—
mwah, mwah, mwah!
Qingque moved in a blur, her face flushed pink, her lips finding his in quick, playful kisses that left Yu Xian completely frozen.
A faint sweetness—soft and warm, like glutinous rice—filled his senses.
When he opened his eyes, Qingque was already looking up at him, smiling shyly but with unmistakable happiness.
The night around them was still and gentle.
Shops along the street had begun to close; lanterns dimmed one by one, their glow fading into the soft silver of moonlight.
Everything was calm. Everything was quiet.
And within that calm, the light that fell over the two of them seemed almost sacred.
Qingque's hair shimmered faintly in the glow. The mischievous, carefree girl now looked… serene. Almost like a bride wrapped in silver silk.
She gazed at Yu Xian, her lips curving into a crescent smile.
"Hehehe, I had so much fun today," she said softly, her eyes bright and gentle. "So much fun… way more than living a thousand years."
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A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon.
patreon.com/deadlygoober