Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Initially, Su Qing stood to the side, observing Bai Heng inquire Jingliu about yesterday's events.

However, when Bai Heng suddenly covered her mouth with flushed cheeks, he sensed something was amiss.

Moments later,

Bai Heng cast him a slightly embarrassed and indignant glance.

Su Qing quickly interpreted its meaning, which seemed to convey...

"Too fast! You two are moving way too quickly!"

Thwack!

Su Qing lightly struck Bai Heng on the head with his hand, "I don't know what you're thinking, but it's definitely not right!"

"Huh?" Still blushing, Bai Heng rubbed her head, her tail wavering uncertainly.

She then pulled Jingliu further away and asked more questions, finally resolving the misunderstanding.

"Oh! You scared me!" Bai Heng patted her chest, which continued to rise and fall from surprise.

"Well...well, regardless," her face still tinged red due to the earlier confusion, "it's great that you two are together now. Let's find a time when everyone is less busy for a celebration!"

Naturally, both agreed without objection.

Later,

Jingliu watched as Bai Heng walked away and softly said, "Bai Heng didn't mean any harm; she just...just tends to overthink things."

"Sure, I understand." By now, Su Qing had grown quite familiar with Bai Heng.

They exchanged glances, both smiling warmly at each other. Their understanding was implicit; no further words were needed.

[Silver Wolf: Curse it! This kind of rapport...]

[Silver Wolf: By the way, isn't Jingliu's strength getting a bit overpowered in this new version?!]

[Silver Wolf: Even before the update, just before Honkai collapsed, she could be considered T0, right?]

[Silver Wolf: But with this Mirrorflow 2.0 as the main carry, she seems suddenly much more formidable!]

[March 7th: Overpowered?]

[March 7th: Hmm... There was a small detail earlier, not sure though? Let me take another look.]

[Qingque: Joy, when it comes to character power levels, little March is the real expert!]

[Herta: ...After all, I don't bother studying these things.]

Despite being close friends initially, Su Qing and Jingliu's relationship, having taken a step forward, still required much adjustment and understanding.

Su Qing recalled his first romance, where he had little experience. Even holding hands for the first time was done amidst shared nervousness and anticipation with Himeko.

This time, whether it was walking Jingliu home, holding hands afterward, or embracing her, Su Qing had gained experience and no longer felt as awkward as during his first romance.

Everything seemed to progress remarkably smoothly.

[Seele: Oh boy, here comes another Himeko meltdown.]

[Himeko: ...No, not this time.]

[Himeko: (Rallying herself)]

[Himeko: Instead, this highlights that as his first love, I have an absolute advantage on the path of being his ideal girlfriend.]

[Himeko: No matter whom Su Qing dates next, my influence will always linger in their relationship.]

[Silver Wolf: Ah?]

[Silver Wolf: (Upon deeper thought) Ah???]

[Silver Wolf: Uh-oh! She's found her breakthrough point!]

[Clara: Clara thinks, when it comes to moonlight metaphors, Big Sister Himeko, as the perfect first love, seems more like the unattainable ideal...]

[Qingque: That makes sense indeed!]

[Kafka: Tch.]

[Kafka felt annoyed by how tenacious the ex-girlfriend was.]

[Why can't Himeko just gracefully exit, find a corner alone, and miserably sob into her pillow?]

[Qingque: Despite being targeted by so many and facing her biggest downfall, Himeko still manages to bounce back! Her resilience is truly remarkable!]

[Stelle: Saluting the legendary stress-resilient queen—Sister Himeko!]

[Sparkle: Joyful.]

[Jingliu: ...]

Jingliu, keen as always, had noticed this too.

She realized it from the night Su Qing walked her home.

Having Su Qing guide her voluntarily was undoubtedly wonderful.

The experiences of holding hands or embracing also brought immense joy and happiness.

However.

There was a question Jingliu couldn't avoid confronting:

None of these moments were forged through their shared memories alone.

Instead, they were lessons he learned from his unseen ex-girlfriend, shaping his growth.

[Sparkle: Jingliu, how come you're so proficient at this?!]

[Jingliu: ...I wouldn't make such expressions.]

[Sparkle: Joyful, hard to say. I never expected Himeko to show that kind of expression either.]

[Stelle: So ultimately, everything converges like Firefly's transformation?]

[Firefly: ???]

Jingliu wouldn't force Su Qing to forget his past relationship. However, she didn't want to become merely a replica of his ex-girlfriend, serving as a substitute.

Most crucially, Jingliu believed her bond with Su Qing was no less significant than his previous one.

What they needed was simply to find their unique path together...

[March 7th: Thinking about it, Sister Himeko has indeed dominated the girlfriend track with her perfect first love.]

[Seele: So, @March 7th, did your strength skyrocket or not?]

[March 7th: As skyrockets.]

[Seele: Did it skyrocket, or did it not?]

[March 7th: As skyrockets.]

[Seele: I can't understand what you're saying!]

[March 7th: Ahem... It skyrocketed, but also not quite.]

[March 7th: What I mean is, regardless of how strong others might be, on the girlfriend track, it's nearly impossible for them to surpass Sister Himeko.]

[Seele: Then what should we do?]

[Silver Wolf (immediate response): Switch tracks!]

[Stelle: ...Mind blown!]

[Stelle: Suddenly realized that Silver Wolf's seemingly unconventional approach was actually ahead of its time by a whole year!]

[Stelle: The new version's still using big C?!]

[Qingque: Hahahaha, incredible, it seems they really are. Is this just a coincidence?]

[Silver Wolf: Of course not a coincidence. You might not believe me, but I'm actually playing a grand strategic game.?]

[Firefly: She's pulling off her act perfectly!!]

***

Jingliu's intention indeed involved shifting gears—or rather, returning to their original path.

She and Su Qing were already close friends.

Love should enhance this bond, not abandon their existing relationship outright.

To express this sentiment, Jingliu once again invited Su Qing to dance with swords, now that their connection had deepened further.

The distance between them during their swordplay also changed noticeably.

Originally, maintaining a certain space was essential while wielding swords. But now,

in the little courtyard, their figures intertwined seamlessly.

At times, Jingliu and Su Qing nearly touched as they brushed past each other.

Immersed in their shared passion for swordsmanship, they felt a profound resonance of hearts.

[Sparkle: Sword dancing? More like flirting!]

[Silver Wolf: I never realized you could combine shared interests with romance.]

[Stelle: Silver Wolf's learning something!]

[Silver Wolf: So what should I do then? Maybe while gaming, also... (suddenly blushing)]

[Sparkle: Le, 'also' what? Say it out loud!]

[Stelle: Little Silver Wolf seems quite naughty, oh?]

[Silver Wolf: Cough... I don't know what you're talking about.?]

[(But indeed, feeling slightly intrigued)]

Dancing with swords, these moments were when Su Qing and Jingliu felt most aligned, truly embodying their bond as kindred spirits.

Su Qing deeply relished this unspoken harmony between them. And witnessing Jingliu gracefully moving across from him only added to his enjoyment. Occasionally, as they brushed past each other, her subtle fragrance enhanced the enchanting atmosphere further.

Throughout this dance, Jingliu also expressed her thoughts.

She began by sharing her joy at becoming Su Qing's confidante.

Jingliu continued, "...Therefore, I don't wish to be seen as merely another flower similar to your ex-girlfriend.

"I understand you're trying to create a perfect experience for me based on your previous knowledge."

"But there's no need for that. Our relationship is already unique. Even with its ups and downs, they will only become cherished memories in the future."

Amidst their swordplay and hushed words, Jingliu conveyed her thoughts.

After completing a set of sword techniques, Su Qing sheathed his blade and paused briefly in contemplation.

He quickly grasped Jingliu's perspective, realizing he had fallen into a mental trap.

Indeed.

Jingliu was not a second Himeko; relying solely on past experiences might have been presumptuous.

He nodded, "Then let's interact according to our own way."

Jingliu also lowered her sword, feeling delighted inside.

As expected.

Su Qing would undoubtedly understand.

Whenever relationships take a step forward, adjustments are necessary.

And after this moment of understanding,

under the moonlight, their bond grew closer.

Rather than rushing straight to being lovers, it seemed more appropriate to develop from a foundation of close friendship...

At this point,

the term "confidante" seemed more fitting to describe Jingliu and Su Qing's relationship.

***

[March 7th: Yay! So Jingliu's ultimate form is now a close confidante, right?!]

[Sparkle: Jingliu: Understand Himeko, become Himeko, surpass Himeko!]

[Himeko: Firstly, she hasn't surpassed me yet.]

[Sushang: Close confidante sounds so cool! Which one is stronger, confidante or girlfriend?]

[March 7th: Hmm, it's not about combat strength here. It's hard to say; they each have their merits.]

[Jingliu: ...A close confidante implies both deep understanding and mutual admiration, clearly surpassing the status of a mere girlfriend.]

[Himeko: Heh heh. Don't assume combining 'close friend' with 'confidante' makes it inherently superior. Specialization beats stacking attributes.]

[Himeko: A close confidante might roam the world together, but ultimately, they're destined to part ways, forgetting each other amidst life's journey.]

[Himeko: The ones who truly endure by your side forever can only be genuine lovers.]

[Himeko: However, I do want to have a daughter with Su Qing. @Jingliu, perhaps someday, she could even recognize you as her godmother.]

[Stelle: Wow! Sister Himeko's suddenly so assertive!!]

[Jingliu: It matters not.]

[Stelle: Huh? How can you be okay with that?!]

[Bronya: ? Stelle, there's too much for her to keep up with.]

[Jingliu: As I've said before, it truly does not bother me if Su Qing doesn't forget his ex-girlfriend; I meant every word. No matter how tender and affectionate a girlfriend may be, eventually, one grows weary over time. A close confidante is where the heart finds its true home.]

[Jingliu: Once Su Qing tires of Himeko, he will come to me. When that happens...]

[Jingliu: @Himeko, rest assured, I shall treat your daughter as my own and frequently allow her visits to see you.]

[Seele: 66666666!!]

[Qingque: The intensity just spiked! Didn't expect Jingliu to be equally aggressive!]

[Sparkle: ?? Absolutely riveting! Just witnessing this clash between the Luofu Sword Leader and the Trailblazing Navigator alone is worth the price of admission!]

[Kafka: ...]

[Kafka: My verdict: two dreamers lost in their fantasies.]

[Kafka: Soon, more formidable rivals will emerge.]

[Kafka: What "ex-girlfriend" or "close confidante"? Just temporary beneficiaries of the current narrative trend. Sooner or later, they'll be phased out with time.]

[Stelle: Kafka unexpectedly joins the fray!]

[Qingque: There's more competition?]

[Himeko: @Kafka, after Jingliu's revelation, I've realized we may not truly conflict and can coexist instead.]

[Jingliu: @Kafka, honestly, I could treat you like my own too. Considering our ages, it wouldn't be unfair for you.]

[Sparkle: Ha ha ha ha ha, one suddenly yielding ground, the other wanting to treat her as their own—both trying to win over Kafka. This is hilarious. ???]

[Kafka: Who wants to coexist with you? And who needs your patronizing treatment? All of you, stay away from Su Qing!]

[Stelle: But Kafka rejects them all, ready to explode at any moment!!]

[Seele: @March 7th, this situation seems so complicated now. Can you help analyze it?]

[March 7th: Currently, the dynamics...seem to form an inverted triangle?]

[March 7th: Kafka is at the bottom, positioned as the daughter. Above on the left, we have Sister Himeko as the girlfriend, and on the right, Jingliu as the close confidante.]

[March 7th: Indeed, when it comes to stability, Kafka seems to have the strongest footing.]

[Sparkle: Joyful, Kafka: Watching from afar as those wicked women clash, knowing regardless of what happens, Su Qing will always return home and dine with her daughter.]

[March 7th: Yes, yes! Being firmly positioned as the daughter keeps Kafka secure, making her virtually unbeatable in a certain sense!]

[Black Swan: (laughs) Now we have a tripartite standoff. Each of them has established themselves solidly in their respective roles, making it quite challenging for anyone else to replace them.]

[Stelle: I hereby declare that from this moment on, our simulation enters the era of Three Kingdoms!]

[Sparkle: Ha ha ha ha ha, alright! Let the battles commence! This is exactly what I came here for!]

[Silver Wolf: ...By the way, what about me?]

[Firefly: ...And what about me? +1]

[Qingque: ? With three goddesses locked in fierce competition, little Silver Wolf and little Firefly might struggle to join in!]

[March 7th: Hmm, let me think... One snatched victory by stealthily striking at the right moment, while the other... has a promising future ahead!]

[Firefly: Wow! So much potential for drama?!]

[Seele: It feels like things are getting increasingly chaotic...]

[Sparkle: On the contrary, it's becoming more intriguing by the minute~]

[Sparkle: And that's not enough; I want to see a full-blown era of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms!]

[Stelle: Oh my, ten kingdoms?! That would be way too bloody!]

***

Upon learning about Su Qing and Jingliu's relationship, everyone naturally burst into celebrations.

It was quite remarkable, really. From initially being strangers to becoming close friends, and then taking their bond further—it felt almost like something straight out of a dramatic tale.

Halfway through the gathering, Dan Feng, feeling flushed from drinking, stood up early and stepped outside into the spacious courtyard to catch some fresh air.

"Dan Feng! We're only halfway through, don't even think about sneaking off," Bai Heng's lively voice called out from behind.

Dan Feng turned around. "I'm not leaving, just taking a short break."

They exchanged a few words, once again marveling at the fascinating turn of events with Su Qing and Jingliu's relationship.

As they chatted, Bai Heng suddenly asked, "Remember the Vidyadhara reincarnation story you mentioned last time? Could I borrow it to read?"

"Certainly." Dan Feng nodded. "Are you interested in such tales?"

"Yes, actually." Bai Heng blinked. "I wasn't before, but seeing this sudden pairing among our friends piqued my curiosity."

"I see," Dan Feng believed her without question.

Bai Heng swished her tail and gazed at the moon above. "However, reincarnation—doesn't this concept belong uniquely to your Vidyadhara people?"

Dan Feng pondered for a moment. "No, it's not exclusive. The legends of Xianzhou abound with tales of rebirth. Even beyond the Chiming, many other races have stories about reincarnation. Your foxfolk likely do as well."

"Is that so? That would be wonderful," Bai Heng said with a smile. "Then all the regrets of this life could be fulfilled in the next. Reincarnation truly seems great—at least there's something to hope for, isn't it?"

Dan Feng shook his head. "Reincarnation is not as beautiful as you might think." Despite his limited understanding of love, curiosity still arose within him. "Bai Heng, do you also have someone you like?"

"I...?" Bai Heng looked up at the moon, her thoughts flowing like water.

Then, she turned her gaze back down. "...I most cherish everyone here."

Dan Feng chuckled skeptically. "What kind of answer is that?"

Bai Heng glanced behind her, observing the group engaged in conversation—the sight of Jingliu, Su Qing, and Jing Yuan and Yingxing teasing them, all laughing heartily.

"...I truly cherish everyone," Bai Heng repeated, as if affirming it to herself.

Then, with a smile, she added, "So right now, I am utterly content."

Dan Heng remained perplexed.

However, after her emotional ups and downs fueled by alcohol, Bai Heng had regained her composure. "Alright! The gathering is only halfway through, Dan Feng—you can't bail just yet!"

With that, she beckoned Dan Feng to join the lively conversation around the stone table once more.

***

[Bailu: Woe, I don't really understand love either.]

[Bailu: But reading Bai Heng's story, I feel a bit heartbroken and uneasy...]

[March 7th: Honestly, compared to Firefly and Silver Wolf, Bai Heng's silent withdrawal seems even sadder, doesn't it?]

[Jingliu: ...]

[Jingliu harbors reservations towards both Himeko and Kafka, but her feelings towards Bai Heng are different.]

[She feels somewhat guilty.]

[Jingliu: I never realized...not even a hint of Bai Heng's emotions...]

[March 7th: @Black Swan, is Bai Heng not watching the stream?]

[March 7th: I just tried tagging him, but it seems like I couldn't find him.]

[Black Swan (after pondering): This question is rather complicated.]

[Black Swan: Is Bai Heng here? If so, please speak up.]

[March 7th: Ah???]

[Qingque: Le, little March's assessment of strength was spot-on.]

[Stelle: ? March 7th: You dare use my magic against me!]

[March 7th: Aaaah! @Black Swan, what's going on?! Don't keep us in suspense!!]

[Black Swan: My memory on this matter is only vague and incomplete.]

[Black Swan: But more importantly, next episode, it seems we'll get to witness some of Jingliu's dark past...]

[Jingliu: ?]

[Seele: Oh? With Jingliu being so composed and transcendent, what could their dark history possibly be??]