Chapter 85: Xianzhou 15: Bai Heng: Wait, aren't Su Qing and Jingliu about to consummate their relationship?!
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Jingliu closed her eyes, feeling the tingling sensation from the kiss spread throughout her body, leaving her slightly weakened.
Is this what it feels like to be in love...?
To Jingliu, romance had always been shrouded in a veil of mystery. She had merely acknowledged her feelings, yet remained uncertain about the emotions it would bring or how things might progress further.
Su Qing did not close his eyes; instead, he looked down at the beauty nestled in his arms. This was the same Jingliu who once fiercely matched him with sword techniques, their skills evenly matched. The sword leader who commanded the battlefield, cool and distant like the moon itself.
Now, she rested softly in his embrace.
Watching this ethereal beauty experience her first true kiss, seeing her lovely cheeks gradually flush pink, stirred Su Qing's heart. The contrast between her usual demeanor and this momentary vulnerability made him feel a slight urge to tease her further.
Initially, Jingliu had held Su Qing's left hand, but now he gently took control, intertwining their fingers slightly. At the same time, his right arm around her waist tightened its hold.
The instant their fingertips entwined, Jingliu shivered, her eyelashes fluttering ever so slightly. As his right arm exerted more pressure, she felt even softer against him, growing weaker.
"Ha..." Her breath quickened, her full chest rising and falling rapidly.
If it were Himeko, she would likely open her eyes at this point, chiding him affectionately with a gaze filled with tender reproach for taking advantage of her.
But with Jingliu...
Jingliu didn't even realize she was being teased. She simply allowed Su Qing to lead, naively responding in kind. Perhaps no matter what Su Qing did, Jingliu would believe it's just how lovers ought to be.
[March 7th: ??????]
[Qingque: Oh joy, little March is too overwhelmed to even type.]
[Guinaifen: Ha ha ha, but her expression perfectly captures the transition from smiling to utter dismay!!]
[Himeko feels like she's about to lose it again, albeit for the opposite reason as March 7th.]
[Himeko: ...@Huohuo, you really shouldn't have revived me.]
[Huohuo: Ah? Sorry, did-did I do something wrong?]
[Qingque: Ha ha ha, @Huohuo, don't worry. Seele is just expressing that watching this would be preferable to death.]
[Seele: Laughing so hard, indeed. Rather than witnessing their current girlfriend being intimate, heaven seems more appealing.]
[Himeko: First of all, I don't acknowledge Jingliu as her current girlfriend.]
[Silver Wolf: ? Sending you some sunglasses ? needed?]
[Himeko: ...No, thank you.]
[Sushang: Speaking of which, doesn't Jingliu's ethereal aura make her incredibly attractive to boys?]
[Sushang: In xianxia stories, characters like this are incredibly popular!]
[Black Swan: Yes, definitely. Especially the contrast when a celestial maiden descends to the mortal realm—it even captivated Su Qing.]
[Firefly: Earlier, you all praised me as a quintessential and highly beloved beauty. So what happened now? 😕]
[Sparkle: Le, indeed! Firefly was also a popular quintessential beauty. How could she fade away?]
[Stelle: Speaking of which, Firefly has turned into such a little crybaby. She's lost all the spirit that once ignited the sea.]
[Seele: Throughout this entire simulation, spanning a major update, she hasn't had any significant role! Anyone would end up feeling the same way!]
Jingliu's gaze conveyed a silent question.
What should they do next?
Unfamiliar with matters of love, she willingly relinquished initiative to Su Qing, given his experience.
Su Qing looked down at her captivating beauty, which could be admired endlessly, along with her enchanting figure.
It was clear that if he took further steps or pursued other actions, Jingliu would not refuse.
However, Su Qing wasn't one to rush things; what truly moved him was Jingliu's genuine affection. As a response, he wanted this day to leave both of them with perfect memories.
[Black Swan: It seems Su Qing has a high resistance to superficial attractiveness and is more easily swayed by true heartfelt sentiments.]
[Qingque: Indeed.]
[Qingque: Looking back at his experiences, Asta was his childhood friend, Kafka grew up under his care, and Himeko was his first love. No wonder his resistance to pretty girls is strong!]
[Silver Wolf: Tsk tsk tsk, you're right when you put it like that.]
[March 7th: (snapping out of shipping mode)]
[March 7th: Ah, how wonderful, just wonderful... Wait, wait, wait.]
[March 7th: So, compared to appearance, Su Qing values sincerity more... (taking notes, taking notes)]
[Qingque: Hmm, isn't March 7th expanding the scope of her note-taking quite broadly?]
[March 7th: Ah? No, I'm just jotting things down casually ~]
Facing Jingliu's questioning gaze, Su Qing pointed to the serene landscape before them and maneuvered the flying sword to ascend higher.
On this tranquil night, a luminous full moon hung high in the sky, casting its gentle, silvery glow upon the vast expanse of the ocean below. The sea shimmered under the hazy halo, as if draped with threads of silver. Moonlight spread across the water like delicate strands, creating a sparkling interplay between light and waves.
This breathtaking scene, combined with the heartfelt confession moments ago, added an even deeper resonance to their experience.
Jingliu understood without further inquiry. She simply leaned against Su Qing's shoulder, quietly appreciating the view.
After some time, she lifted her head from his embrace, gazing intently at him.
Su Qing looked down, slightly puzzled.
A moment later, he realized what was happening.
Though they had come to enjoy the scenery, Jingliu also considered him an essential part of tonight's unforgettable panorama.
Under the moonlight, gazing into the eyes of her beloved, Jingliu felt ripples of emotion stirring within her heart.
The moon above, the sea beneath, the flying sword, and him.
Such a night, fleeting amidst centuries of existence, yet for Jingliu, it was akin to a moonflower blooming—memorable enough to cherish forever.
[March 7th: ...(stops note-taking)]
[March 7th: ... (Overwhelmed by this ship, momentarily stunned)]
[Stelle wants to poke but fears disturbing witch again.]
[Silver Wolf: Ah!]
[Silver Wolf: Ah!!]
[Silver Wolf: Suddenly there's an even more formidable Jingliu!]
[Silver Wolf: Ex-girlfriend just can't keep up! Maybe it would've been better to stick with Himeko after all! At least she doesn't collapse at crucial moments...]
[Qingque: hhh, now that's quite the power surge.]
[Himeko: ...]
[Himeko had no words; neither could she refute anything. The current situation truly represented her greatest failure.]
[Kafka: At this point, it doesn't matter anymore.]
[Kafka: Whether one more Jingliu or one less Himeko makes little difference. They're both enemies, destined to be driven away eventually.]
[Sparkle: Aiya, Kafka seems awfully picky.]
[Sparkle: First, the star train navigator as a stepmom wasn't satisfactory. Now, even Xianzhou Luofu's sword leader fails to impress.]
[Sparkle: @Kafka, you're so choosy! What exactly would please you?]
[Kafka: ...]
[Kafka: Shut your mouth.]
[It was clear that for Kafka, no one else needed to fill that role. Her ideal setup required only herself and Su Qing.]
[Jingliu (@Kafka): Actually, I don't mind.]
[Kafka: I do mind. 😠]
[Silver Wolf (@Kafka): Honestly, neither do I.]
[Kafka: Who asked you?]
[Stelle: Hmm, it's getting quite confusing here. Earlier, I called Jingliu 'Mom,' but now if she becomes Kafka's...]
[Stelle: No, my head is spinning.]
[Seele: Stelle, what's so hard to understand? You'd simply be at the same level as Kafka now!]
By the time Su Qing and Jingliu returned, it was already late.
He escorted Jingliu to her doorstep.
The flying sword hovered just above one step from the ground, steadying itself.
Su Qing disembarked first, then extended his hand towards Jingliu.
Standing on the flying sword, Jingliu blinked. At this height, why would he offer assistance?
Nevertheless, seeing Su Qing's gesture, she reached out too, allowing him to gently guide her off the flying sword. Although she felt it wasn't necessary, this small act stirred an inexplicable warmth within Jingliu.
Noticing Jingliu's confusion, Su Qing explained, "It's a subtle interaction between lovers."
"Is this how it feels?" Jingliu experienced the moment, genuinely sensing joy within her heart.
She then said, "I... don't really understand much about love. If possible, please teach me more."
Su Qing smiled warmly, "Of course."
As they prepared to part ways,
Jingliu's once cold eyes now softened like water, naturally filled with reluctance. The evening had been too perfect; she didn't want it to end.
Before she could express these feelings,
Su Qing sensed them already. He stepped forward and gently embraced Jingliu, saying, "See you tomorrow."
"Mm-hmm." With her cheek resting against his shoulder, Jingliu gradually calmed her lingering sense of unwillingness.
Jingliu realized that despite Su Qing having only one year of romantic experience from a thousand years ago, he truly understood the intricacies of love deeply.
It was as if...
He had fully mastered the art of love, or perhaps someone had completely taught him everything...
This thought stirred unease within Jingliu's heart.
Strangely, unlike before, she did not immediately ask Su Qing about the reason for her unsettled feelings.
However, for Su Qing himself, his first and second experiences with love were fundamentally different.
As he walked back, deep in thought, memories surfaced of the first time he escorted Himeko home after they started dating.
Under streetlights near her dormitory, Himeko had also lingered unwillingly to part, just like Jingliu.
But this second experience felt entirely distinct.
Su Qing now had the knowledge of love, while Jingliu was almost completely inexperienced, needing his guidance.
He pondered what approach to take. Should he apply his lessons from Himeko to make it even more perfect this time?
Yet, Jingliu and Himeko were different; he wondered if his past experiences would be applicable...
His thoughts drifted, recalling how fierce Jingliu's advances had been today.
Despite both having white hair, Jingliu proved far less easy to resist than Silver Wolf.
[Silver Wolf: ???, my sudden appearance!]
[Silver Wolf: But, damn it! You're underestimating me, right? I'll show Su Qing my prowess too, someday!]
[Qingque: Laughing. With your level, turning beet red and fleeing at just one kiss, you truly fall short compared to Jingliu.]
[Seele: I suspect if you challenge Su Qing again, it might end up another 600:0.]
[Silver Wolf: No matter, even then, I won't be discouraged.]
[Firefly: ??? Wait, don't fall for that trick!]
[Firefly: Even at 600:0, Silver Wolf still wins big time!]
[Seele: ...That's true!]
[Seele: Regardless of the score, he managed to get kissed 600 times, right? @Silver Wolf, well played, almost had us fooled!]
[Silver Wolf: (Caught red-handed) Tch!]
[Qingque: Speaking of which, including that sneaky chip kiss, Silver Wolf does have some unexpectedly clever moves sometimes!]
***
The next day.
"Staring—"
Bai Heng couldn't help herself; she continually watched Su Qing and Jingliu closely.
What was the final outcome yesterday?!
As previously discussed by everyone, Bai Heng had already taken the initiative to conceal her feelings. In this situation, she desperately hoped that Jingliu wouldn't lose to his sudden ex-girlfriend from out of nowhere.
However, both Su Qing and Jingliu maintained their usual calm demeanor. On the second day, they acted as if nothing had happened, making it impossible to discern the result.
This left Bai Heng incredibly anxious!
[March 7th: Nodding vigorously!! I completely understand how she feels!]
"Su Qing!"
Bai Heng called out to Su Qing, but as soon as he met Su Qing's gaze, the question on his lips suddenly felt unspeakable.
Even hidden emotions remain significant.
Facing Su Qing's look, Bai Heng could only manage, "...Stay here for now, don't wander off."
Su Qing raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
[Stelle: Joy, I'll just go buy some oranges!]
In the end, Bai Heng shifted his focus and pulled the composed Jingliu aside, eager to inquire about yesterday's events.
Muted snippets of their conversation drifted over:
"Bai Heng: 'Yesterday... how did it go...'"
"Jingliu: 'He agreed... with us...'"
Bai Heng's expression brightened, tail wagging uncontrollably, as his curiosity deepened and he started probing for more details.
Initially, Su Qing merely observed, shaking his head with a smile, allowing them to discuss freely.
"Bai Heng: 'So, what exactly did you do yesterday?'"
Without any hesitation, Jingliu replied truthfully, "First we kissed, then enjoyed the scenery, and afterwards, he walked me home..."
As Jingliu spoke, recalling the kiss, she felt her cheeks grow warm, gradually flushing with a rosy tint.
"Bai Heng: 'Ah?? And then, what happened next?!!'"
Bai Heng, unaware that Jingliu's pause was due to recalling the kiss, only noticed that after mentioning being walked home, Jingliu fell silent and blushed.
Bai Heng's mouth dropped open wide.
Dating, kissing, walking her home...
And for such reserved Jingliu to react this way...
A flurry of images flashed through Bai Heng's mind, automatically filling in the missing details.
Suddenly, an incredible conjecture emerged.
First, she carefully observed Jingliu, then abruptly turned to glance at Su Qing.
Their eyes met briefly.
Instantly flushing red, she quickly looked away, daring not to gaze any longer.
Bai Heng couldn't even bring herself to ask aloud. She merely covered her mouth, her face already crimson, as that audacious guess resurfaced.
...Could it be they consummated their relationship yesterday?!
***
[Sparkle: Pfft! (bursting out laughing) Ha-ha-ha!!]
[Sparkle: Bai Heng has her moments of brilliance!]
[March 7th: What a massive misunderstanding, right?!]