Double Appointment

Xingyue’s clothes weren’t her usual outfit.

She said:

“Speak quickly if you have business.”

“You suit my taste perfectly.”

Luo You fell silent for a moment.

Only after a few seconds did she drawl:

“You didn’t steal my brain and make it dumb, did you?”

But Xingyue had more.

“If I put it that way—

would you do me a small favor?”

“…Your acting—like a failed confession then pretending it never happened—is clumsy.”

Xingyue approached Luo You in plain clothes.

“I like you a lot. Please be my girlfriend.”

Luo You glanced at Xingyue, then out the window.

“Last time we fought, I agreed to meet at a critical moment.”

“Will you help me when the time comes?”

Xingyue had never expected Luo You to agree from the start.

“Just say yes or no.”

“I never do anything without profit.”

“Three times.” Xingyue pressed her chest.

“I’ll cooperate with whatever play you want—three times.”

“Don’t—don’t think I’m someone moved by bodily transactions!”

Luo You rejected excitedly, teetering between acceptance and refusal.

She cursed inwardly:

[Damn! Why’s every magical girl trying to trade bodies for favors now?

I’m the Aurora Witch Herrera!

You think flashing flesh sways the world’s strongest!?

You treat me like some handy tool!?]

“But you look like you want to say yes.”

Xingyue smiled confidently.

“No—that’d ruin the meaning.”

Though tempting,

Luo You felt accepting would benefit her nothing.

She wanted to conquer Xingyue from the top—make the lofty woman her own star-effort.

Goal unmet.

If Xingyue offered to play her way now, the fun would plummet.

Like buying a $500 open-world game themed on pioneering,

choosing infinite resource cards for ease.

Early game’s a blast,

but after a few hours, it’s boring.

[And she says she likes me.]

Luo You cursed again.

[What a shrewd woman!

Does she really like me?

Or is this a test—something else?

Maybe she’s sure I won’t agree, so she says it?]

Luo You wouldn’t play her hand here.

If so, I’ll flip the table.

“Looks like there’s nothing more to say.”

Luo You—she… no more talk!

Couldn’t think of a quick way to seize initiative, turned to leave.

Wouldn’t this deal be pure profit for her?

Or a smokescreen—real intent something else?

Agreeing would hand her the reins.

“In the near future—”

Xingyue finally stated her purpose.

“Something grave will happen soon.

The disaster likely stems from the Sea of Realms—or involves ancient artifacts.

I hope you’ll lend a hand then.”

Just two words piqued Luo You’s interest to hear more.

Luo You turned back. “You need an outsider like me?

With the Magical Alliance’s might, you’ve got capable people—plus Liyun and others now have proper power.

No need for me.”

[What’s Xingyue playing at…]

“No one can keep up with my pace.”

Luo You’s eyes under the mask shrank, lost in distant memory.

“No one can match my stride—except you.” Xingyue continued.

“Meaning only we two can see the view ahead.

Helping me then—is that too much?

Still the same: need reward—or a reason worth my effort.”

She said—

“Having someone like me in the future—

isn’t that a great reason?

I can’t enjoy the view alone.”

Confidence and amusement brimmed in Xingyue’s words and smile.

Luo You’s lips curved slightly—counting it a yes.

“Then keep raising your value until I lose interest.”

No formal answer, yet both tacitly parted.

Only after walking far did Luo You stop, glance back.

“Heh. I thought after Chiyu, no one could carry the banner.

Turns out there is.”

Luo You seemed both relieved and mocking—

Pushing yourself so hard—worth it?

—Because no one keeps up, I shoulder the banner alone!

A scene flashed in her mind.

How similar.

The expression, tone, lofty loneliness.

“So Xingyue far surpasses second-seat Manzhu Shahua?”

Luo You muttered.

No—perhaps not.

Even among the capable, there’s “great potential” and “no potential.”

For example, big sis misc fish has Ten-Seat combat power and vision as a magical girl,

but lacks the caliber to rival Xingyue.

Manzhu Shahua’s strength might match, yet in this matter, she can’t contribute much—hence no one keeps pace.

[Should I help her?]

Luo You asked herself.

Answer already in heart.

Back then, Chiyu said no one kept up,

went silent—then died.

Can’t repeat that regret.

“Fine. Guess I’ll have to act.

A disaster needing me—definitely no small favor…”

Luo You shrugged. Deal with it then.

More pressing than Xingyue’s issue—the finished film turned trash.

But just as she prepared to dive into this “grand play,”

her steps halted.

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The garter vibrated again.

“f*ck, done playing!?”

Luo You stormed back murderously.

“Can’t you read the mood? Parting earlier was perfect—this ruins it!”

“Sorry, forgot something.”

Xingyue’s apology genuine, slightly cooling Luo You’s rage.

Luo You waved impatiently. “Make it quick.

They’ve grown over years—now troublesome, slipping control.

Many disturbance cases link to them.

I hope you rein them in—prevent the powder keg from exploding.”

“…You know I’ve quit the organization!”

“No way. I’m not interested in internal affairs.”

Luo You refused outright.

Now she only lent the異人 organization deterrence against government types.

Never considered aligning with them.

“Is that so? I believe they’ll feature in the coming disaster.

Now, future events will affect you too.

Even then, no intervention?”

Xingyue persuaded plainly.

“Intervene while it’s manageable—before it’s too late.”

“Whatever. Nothing threatens me.” Luo You turned—really done now?

“Gone.

Next time you call—if not for 3.0—watch out.”

Post-words,

Xingyue lingered in place.

Today’s meet—not a full success.

But as expected.

No matter.

Confirmed my place in her mind.

Xingyue unsure if good or bad.

She holds special status—willing to reject my offer.

Good—she remains special.

Hard to evolve into the lover bond I want.

Might end with one conquering the other—or losing interest.

Anyway,

at least deepened impression.

Even got help promised.

Heh.

Set future tone.

Achieved.

Next—full focus on settling inside before outside.

Settle inside.

Back home, Luo Zining would surely ambush.

Luo You used to it.

Handled naturally.

“Mhm.”

“Back, back.”

“Really?”

Luo Zining froze two seconds,

then beamed, rising from stool.

Fake joy—of course.

Just praise to distract.

“Mhm, grew, grew.”

“Turning adult.”

Luo You entered living room, effortlessly bypassing Luo Zining’s doorstep blockade.

Sat at door, fist-pumping cheer.

These days she’d fused Divinity Particles step-by-step.

Completed four of eight sequences.

Except first, body barely changed.

Drove her doubtful.

Today should show growth.

Just not obvious.

Must be.

After remaining steps—skyrocket.

Luo Zining hyped herself plenty.

Effort would pay off.

Luo Zining thrilled.

“You eat yet?”

“Mhm.”

“Have some.”

“Bath?”

Whoosh

“Strip clothes, socks to basket.”

“I’ll wash you.”

“No, I’ll do it.”

“Rich lady pillow comfy? Sleep more.”

“No, just slept.”

“And—”

“Cut the chatter.”

“You want me worrying? Spare it! Hmph.”

Luo You speechless.

Luo Zining arms crossed, lofty stance.

“Going to rich lady’s isn’t key—

no messing around.

Exposed, you trouble me too.”

“Won’t, won’t.”

“Dad, how’d you trick them all?

Tricked clean.”

Luo Zining unmoving.

“Why stare?”

“You won’t really—”

“Dad, be careful.

I won’t turn you in—

but might lock you up for correction.”

“You?”

Luo You scoffed.

“Don’t think fusing particles—

who corrects who.”

“You’re far off.”

Luo You shook head, returned room.

Per routine, opened drawer.

Nothing moved.

Picked a black box looking like signal receiver.

Red light blinking steadily.

What’s with lately.

Xingyue’s contact signal.

Ignoring bad.

Retrieved satellite phone hidden under bed, farthest spot.

Dialed.

“Hey.”

“Me.”

“Waited two days—

you call now.”

“Hanging—”

“Meet, talk. Usual—”

“Fine.”

Done.

Xingyue hung first.

Luo You stuffed satellite phone into ceiling.

Sigh, guess I’ll go.

Actually, Luo You wanted to ignore—but Xingyue’s words unbearable.

Hear what she wants.

Maybe involves Guzining…

Finished Luo Zining’s dinner.

Under scrutiny, slipped out.

“What you looking—I’m not hooking rich lady. Relieved?”

“Hmph, who knows!” Luo Zining hands on hips.

“This time meeting guy? Can’t be—?”

Then flopped on bed, staring ceiling.

Called before—but Xingyue said ignore.

Dinner done, Luo You eyed by Luo Zining again.

“What—what?”

“Without a race, without a race—”

“This late—past eight—meeting guy?

No! Too dangerous! Dad, what you thinking!”

“Shut your mouth! Brain full of yellow waste!”

Luo Zining shut up from fist wind blowing her eyes roll, tongue out.

Better let rebellious daughter realize—

from guy to girl, dad to mom—still beat her ass!

Night—

Riverside luxury mansion.

“Thought you wouldn’t come.”

Second floor, Yue in VIP seat.

Antique yet luxurious.

Luo You sat opposite,

Yue poured tea worth four figures.

“Kui—you know. Second-in-command earlier.

Used Angry Har Giant Spirit against you.”

“Say it.”

Organization’s No. 2 seems to have ‘box’ clue.

He’s running the branch well.

Got many loyalists.”

“So I ask how you want to handle.”

Yue sipped tea calmly.

“From five years ago—post-Level 7 Sea of Realms Tide, situation stabilized.

But now chaos brews again.

You can’t sit safe forever watching.”

“If we don’t remove Kui’s influence now,

he’ll try burning you too.”

Luo You armsite, arms crossed. “Fine, fine.

I’ll handle him.”

“Just that?” Yue asked.

“What more?”

“You’ve vanished too long—

perception of you dulled this much?”

Luo You frowned. “If you’re urging return—”

“Not return.

Best if you did—

but at least show face more.

Stay neutral, no faction.

You’ll see much you missed—

be surprised.”

Luo You narrowed eyes.

“You’ve gotten smooth-talking.”

“You—” Yue lifted head. “You’re the one restless?

Fully accepted female identity?”

Luo You glared back unflinching.

“Where where, I’m fine.

Appearance aside—you?”

Yue eyed her petite frame, mocked: “Looks like you’re stuck forever.”

“Whatever.” Luo You shrugged.

Retired after Throne Duel 1.0 loss—

doubted heart, thought awakened inner “female”.

Now knew—Xingyue cheated.

Just that.