Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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******

The next day.

Su Qing noticed that the other four had peculiar expressions, frequently glancing at him with looks suggesting they wanted to say something but held back.

Hmm?

Recalling the events from yesterday, Su Qing pondered briefly. It seemed coincidental that just as Jingliu was about to confess, the others conveniently didn't show up.

He stopped Yingxing and asked, "Was it intentional for you all not to come last time as well?"

Yingxing inadvertently responded, "Of course not, there genuinely was..."

Seeing the realization dawning on Su Qing's face, Yingxing suddenly understood his mistake and lamented, "You tricked me!"

[Qingque: Clever, he didn't directly ask about this time but brought up the previous incident.]

[Stelle: The element of surprise is key!]

"Ha ha ha!"

Jing Yuan approached with a smile. "It seems we couldn't keep it hidden after all. That's understandable; such coincidences rarely occur."

Dan Feng glanced at Yingxing.

"What?" Yingxing retorted defensively. "If you were in my shoes, you'd have fallen for it too."

Dan Feng looked away. "I haven't even said anything yet."

Bai Heng, growing impatient, exclaimed, "Perfect timing! I've been holding back all morning! So, what was the outcome yesterday?"

Interacting with Su Qing now felt entirely normal to Bai Heng, leading Jing Yuan to wonder if his earlier suspicion that she had feelings for Su Qing might have been a misunderstanding.

"It appears you all already know," Su Qing remarked.

No wonder not a single one of them showed up yesterday.

Su Qing briefly recounted the events and mentioned his hesitation due to lingering thoughts about his ex-girlfriend, causing surprise among the group.

Su Qing, in a romantic relationship before? They had never heard of it!

"How could your hesitation over Jingliu's confession be influenced by your ex-girlfriend?" Bai Heng asked curiously. "What kind of person was she?"

A spontaneous smile appeared on Su Qing's face. "She was truly wonderful."

[Himeko: (Fist clenched) (Victory!)]

[Silver Wolf: Tch!!!]

[Firefly: Huh???]

[Kafka: ...Well, she's only an ex-girlfriend.]

Seeing Su Qing's expression, Bai Heng puffed out his cheeks indignantly.

If it was that great, then why did they break up?!

[Firefly: Exactly, exactly!]

Bai Heng continued curiously, "But we had no idea about this. When did you start dating your girlfriend?"

Su Qing pondered for a moment.

This question posed quite a challenge to answer convincingly. He couldn't very well say, "A few hundred years from now," could he? Thus, he decided to base his response on perceived time instead.

So, Su Qing roughly estimated, "About a thousand years ago."

Everyone was perplexed.

[Seele: ? Wow, jumping straight to such a vast timespan!]

Jing Yuan also asked, "How long were you together?"

Su Qing replied truthfully, "For one year."

The group became even more bewildered.

Dan Feng questioned, "A girlfriend from a thousand years ago, with whom you were involved for a year?"

Yingxing wasn't buying it at all. "At least make your fabrication somewhat believable."

Jing Yuan patted his shoulder, smiling, "It's alright; not having been in a relationship isn't something to be ashamed of. Look at us, haven't we all been single too?"

[Sparkle: Amused.]

Su Qing forced a smile, "Everything I said is true."

Bai Heng scrutinized him carefully.

Then she blinked and added, "Hmm, actually, I think Su Qing is telling the truth too."

For keen girls, it was often discernible whether someone had been in a relationship before.

Reflecting now, Bai Heng realized that many of Su Qing's considerate and gentle traits were difficult to possess without prior romantic experience.

Jing Yuan stroked his chin. "If even Bai Heng says so, he probably knows better than us."

Dan Feng asked, "How could you tell?"

Bai Heng's beautiful tail swayed gently. "Just a feeling!"

Yingxing retorted, "That doesn't explain anything!"

Bai Heng gazed at Su Qing, still haunted by memories of their thousand-year-old romance. Paradoxically, this made him exclaim, "Speaking of which, Su Qing, I didn't realize you're so deeply affectionate!"

[Stelle: Ding, Bai Heng's affection +10!]

After further conversation, Bai Heng inquired, "Can we discuss this with Jingliu?"

Su Qing nodded. "Of course."

Such matters couldn't be kept secret. Having Bai Heng indirectly bring it up might also give Jingliu time to reconsider.

***

Upon hearing the story, Jingliu pondered briefly before saying, "It doesn't matter."

"I don't care about whom Su Qing was with in the past."

"I only know that the person by his side now is me."

[Sushang: Wow!!!]

[Guinaifen: Incredible!]

[Stelle: Another direct approach? Even Captain Bat here can't handle this!!]

[March 7th: Ooh! I was expecting some entanglement, misunderstandings, or twisted drama.]

[March 7th: Like, "Amidst the storm," who do you truly love, her or me?!]

[March 7th: Or, with an angry tone, "Why would you play the song she loved so much!?"]

[Qingque: Little March has watched too many soap operas!]

[Qingque: But honestly, I didn't expect Su Qing's past relationship to not bother Jingliu at all.]

[Fu Xuan: It seems resolving Cang City's heartache clarified Jingliu's sword heart. Now, whether in battle or romance, there is no longer any confusion.]

As one of the individuals closest to Jingliu, Bai Heng anticipated her response. "Indeed, I knew you'd say that." He then tried to recall, "However, Su Qing mentioned having a romance a thousand years ago. Let me think... When exactly was that?"

Jingliu replied, "It was precisely during the Cang City crisis."

Bai Heng exclaimed, "Ah! Indeed!"

Such a significant event would naturally be known to every resident of Xianzhou.

After a moment's hesitation, Jingliu added, "Speaking of that time, I actually met Su Qing then too."

Bai Heng's mouth dropped open wide. "What?!?"

Why were so many bombshells dropping today?!

This revelation was entirely new to him as well!

Jingliu proceeded to recount her brief encounter with Su Qing during those events, explaining how it was thanks to him that she managed to persevere.

Bai Heng puffed out his cheeks, indignant. "How could you not tell me something so important?"

"My apologies." Jingliu paused before continuing, "But I've never shared this with anyone else either."

"Hm? Not even with Su Qing himself?"

"No, I haven't."

"Then I'm the first to know!" Bai Heng's mood shifted swiftly from upset to excitement, wagging his tail and grinning once more.

He added, "Also, I heard that Su Qing joined the cloud riders exactly a thousand years ago, around the same time he broke up with his girlfriend."

Noticing the coincidence of these two timelines, Bai Heng pondered for a moment. "Could there be a connection between them?"

Following this line of thought, Bai Heng ventured a guess, "Could it be that precisely because Su Qing became a cloud rider, his ex-girlfriend broke up with him?"

Jingliu pondered for a moment. "It's possible."

"It seems quite reasonable!"

Bai Heng continued speculating, "For eternal life beings, breaking up after just one year of dating is highly unusual. There must have been some specific reason or turning point, and joining the cloud riders coincided perfectly with that time!"

Jingliu expressed her doubt, "Being accepted as a cloud rider is generally considered an honor. Why would this lead to a breakup?"

Bai Heng responded, "Feeling unhappy about becoming a cloud rider is indeed rare on Xianzhou... Therefore, there can only be one explanation!"

Bai Heng made her judgment, "Su Qing's ex-girlfriend was likely a deceitful woman! Chances are, she duped him, which is why he still harbors such strong feelings even after so long!"

"Hmm..." Jingliu tilted her head, "Is that really the case?"

[Stelle: And there she appears! The Sister Himeko who everyone inevitably views as evil!]

[Sparkle: ? Ha ha ha ha!! This is too funny. It feels like they're just one step away from labeling Himeko as Abundant Evil!]

[Himeko: ...Every time, always maligning me.]

[Himeko: But let me say this, regardless of how often they claim it:]

[Himeko: Su Qing and I were genuinely mutual in our affection. I neither deceived nor toyed with him, and certainly am not some "bad woman"!]

[Silver Wolf: Don't worry, @Himeko, all I can say is to stay calm.?]

[Clara: Oh no, Big Sister Himeko is targeted again.]

[Qingque (melancholic): The ex-girlfriend role truly attracts maximum ridicule; she's always cast as the villain.]

[In truth, everyone knows:]

[Himeko is intelligent, beautiful, well-read, has a refined demeanor, and possesses an excellent figure. Combined with her commitment to the path of Trailblazing, adhering to order and kindness, she's practically the epitome of a perfect girlfriend.]

[However, here's the thing.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, what, if we didn't attack you, would you expect us to shower you with praise instead?]

[Sparkle: Ha ha, exactly! They couldn't possibly say: Wow! Su Qing's ex-girlfriend must be such a wonderful person, so I should just give up!]

[Himeko: ...If they truly had such self-awareness, I couldn't be happier.]

Having reached this conclusion, Bai Heng then asked, "So, if Su Qing is indeed still hung up on his ex-girlfriend, Jingliu, what do you plan to do?"

Jingliu pondered for a moment. "If Su Qing genuinely doesn't like me, then it's fine."

[Himeko: @Jingliu, you'd better mean that sincerely.]

They were close friends.

If Su Qing showed no interest, naturally Jingliu wouldn't force the issue.

Bai Heng, however, puffed up his cheeks and cheered, "Go for it! Don't lose out to a former girlfriend from a thousand years ago, who likely wasn't even a good person, after just dating for a year!"

[Sushang: Eh?]

[Sushang: Wait, isn't Bai Heng also interested in Su Qing? Why does he seem to be pushing them together instead?]

[Black Swan: Because Bai Heng has suppressed his own feelings.]

[Black Swan: If Jingliu loses to some ex-girlfriend suddenly emerging out of nowhere, Bai Heng would undoubtedly feel it's a great pity.]

[Sushang: Ohh! Got it now!]

Meanwhile, on another side of the gathering:

Jing Yuan asked, "You're actually torn? Could it be that your ex-girlfriend is even more exceptional than Jingliu?"

Su Qing shook his head. "I don't wish to compare them, but she indeed is very accomplished."

Jing Yuan was taken aback.

Wait, buddy...

If she's at Jingliu's level... Did you somehow get involved with some other Xianzhou's female general or sword leader?!

[Stelle: Ha ha, look how startled Jing Yuan is.]

[Herta: Speaking of which, as a navigator from the Trailblaze faction, although perhaps not wielding resources equivalent to a Xianzhou sword leader...]

[Herta: ...in terms of status and capabilities, she certainly isn't lacking. No matter where she goes, she'd be treated as a distinguished guest.]

[March 7th: Objective, accurate, and straight to the point!]

Being good friends, Su Qing also sought advice from Yingxing and others.

Yingxing immediately asked, "How many Non-Grasp swords do you possess?"

"Six," replied Su Qing.

"If you could choose only one, which would it be?" Yingxing pressed.

Su Qing fell silent.

Yingxing's response, ever disdainful of societal norms, cut right to the chase: "Does loving your ex-girlfriend conflict with loving Jingliu?"

[Stelle: Wow! Genius move, Sharpblade Bro!]

[Sparkle: ??? Indeed, sheer genius!]

Su Qing pondered for a moment.

[Himeko: ??? Is Su Qing genuinely tempted?]

[Sparkle: Absolutely hilarious, who knows?!]

After some thought...

As expected, Su Qing shook his head. "Firstly, one cannot compare people with weapons. Secondly... Most likely, there would still be conflicts."

[Observing this scene, Black Swan found it quite intriguing.]

[Jingliu and others had mentioned witnessing simulations from perspectives or insights they hadn't seen before.]

[Now, even Black Swan glimpsed aspects of Su Qing's past she had previously been unaware of.]

[Roads are traversed step by step, just as Su Qing's thoughts gradually evolved.]

[Might the first seeds of certain events have begun sprouting here?]

This suggestion came from Yingxing.

Jing Yuan chimed in, "I've read some martial arts novels, and there's a clear takeaway from them."

"To roam the world fearlessly, one must not be bound by romantic entanglements." Jing Yuan offered his advice, "In my opinion, wise individuals avoid falling in love. Life is already filled with worldly distractions; wouldn't engaging in romance plunge you deeper into such affairs, making it harder to break free?"

Dan Feng's response was: "If your master hears this, he'd likely chase you down with Dismay."

[Qingque: Hahahaha!!]

[Stelle: Joy, Jingliu: So it was you who spoiled my plans, huh? From today forth, you're expelled from the sect!]

"Hey!" Jing Yuan hastily added, "...Su Qing, if you hear any of this, please don't say it was me!"

This was Jing Yuan's advice.

In the end, Dan Feng concluded, "Follow what truly feels right for you. If you genuinely cannot forget your ex-girlfriend, then firmly decline Jingliu's feelings."

"But if you can let go of past affections, in my opinion, you two would be remarkably well-suited. Should you truly become a couple, we'll all congratulate you."

It was the most balanced piece of advice.

Su Qing expressed his gratitude to the trio.

However, despite their suggestions, he still felt somewhat troubled.

The three exchanged glances, finding the situation intriguing.

Except in battle, Su Qing always approached tasks with ease and composure; this was the first time they had seen him so distressed.

[Qingque: Mainly because Su Qing knows the intensity of a love triangle now—he has to tread carefully!]

[Sushang: True, considering how fiercely Kafka and Himeko clashed already, adding Jingliu... I dare not even imagine.]

[Sparkle: Ha ha, I dare to imagine it! It would surely make my sides ache with laughter!]

[Stelle: Sparkle, always stirring up chaos!]

***

Bai Heng also offered Jingliu advice, suggesting she invite Su Qing for a leisurely flight using the sword control technique.

Not at breakneck speed, but rather finding a scenic spot where they could glide slowly, enjoying the view while making their decision.

The heavy sword, being both wide and long, had ample space even when carrying two people.

It was excellent counsel, and Jingliu readily accepted.

That evening, the weather was clear, with the fullest moon hanging high above the sea.

Indeed, Jingliu chose the sea as their location.

Here, amidst its vast expanse, solitude between them seemed most fitting.

In the heart of the ocean, a bright full moon shone in the night sky.

Jingliu sat on the left side of the sword.

Initially, they silently admired the breathtaking sight of the moon over the sea.

Then, Jingliu, ever direct, spoke up.

"Su Qing." She turned her gaze towards him.

"That day's question."

Jingliu looked straight into his eyes, hoping for an answer: "Do you like me?"

Her gaze met Su Qing's, now gentle yet unwavering.

Her gaze, like a clear sword blade, pierced straight to his heart, akin to the moon over the sea illuminating myriad rivers. Concealment and distractions had no place here.

They understood each other deeply.

Before Su Qing could speak, Jingliu already knew.

"You have feelings for me," Jingliu began, "but you still cannot forget her, can you?"

Another moment of silence clearly indicated his tacit agreement.

Jingliu continued, "...Forget about her."

Noticing Su Qing's slightly surprised look, Jingliu expressed her most genuine thoughts, "I will be by your side."

"We are kindred spirits; you know my intentions, and I understand your heart."

"Whatever she could offer you, so can I. And even what she couldn't, I am capable of providing."

Jingliu turned towards him, placing her right hand gently on his.

Looking directly at Su Qing, her voice cool yet resolute, she repeated earnestly, "So, please, forget about her, alright?"

***

[Himeko: ????????]

[The viewers' perception of Jingliu's prowess has reached new heights!]

[Qingque: Too strong! Absolutely too strong!]

[Qingque: As expected from our Xianzhou's sword leader, truly unparalleled power!]

[Silver Wolf: Alright, alright, playing dirty now? Just casually suggesting to forget her, trying to erase any trace of his ex-girlfriend, huh?!]

[Silver Wolf: Why didn't I think of this method!]

[Seele: Oh come on, little Silver Wolf, don't bother. Such moves clearly require significant power and skill!]

[Silver Wolf: @Jingliu, what's your explanation this time?]

[Jingliu: Nothing much, I just want Su Qing to forget about Himeko.]

[Seele: "Nothing much," indeed.]

[Bronya: That's clearly a declaration of all-out war, right?!]

[Himeko: @Jingliu, you've gone too far!]

[Sparkle: ?? Haahahaha, Himeko finally reaches boiling point! This is exactly what I wanted to see, yes, just like that!]

[Stelle: But if Jingliu can make even the Black Swan gasp, will he stop here with these maneuvers?]

[Black Swan: Not by a long shot...]

[Qingque: Ah? More experts coming!?]