Chapter 221: Large-scale "White Album" Scene? Big Duck: I was actually the latecomer?
In April, Arc City had just begun to warm up, so the nighttime temperature wasn't high, and spring was accompanied by continuous drizzling rain. The weather forecast said it would rain tonight.
Su Mu listened to the evening news broadcast, analyzing recent societal events; a qualified game developer cannot be out of touch with the times. Following the familiar road, Su Mu turned into the community where Bronya's apartment was located. Since it was a high-end apartment for white-collar workers, he had to be questioned by the guard before entering.
"Yo, Brother Su, you're here?"
The guard was a young man named Xiao Liu. In his early twenties, he had skipped thirty years of detours and gone straight to being a security guard. In his words, being a guard wasn't bad; at least it was more relaxed than screwing bolts in a factory.
Su Mu smiled and handed him a pack of Soft Chunghwa cigarettes. He didn't smoke himself, but he always kept spare cigarettes in his car. In this day and age, one has to have some "hard currency" to avoid suffering. Sometimes, when encountering difficult problems, a pack of cigarettes can solve everything. Don't look at this small box—it doesn't weigh much, but sometimes it works better than face.
"Brother Su, you come and you always give me Chunghwa, it makes me so embarrassed..." Guard Xiao Liu said with a grin, though his hands weren't slow at all, quickly taking the cigarettes and letting him through without another word.
"Sorry to trouble you during this time. Patrol Block G a few more times."
"Brother Su, you're being too polite! Protecting the owners' safety is our duty as security!"
Su Mu chatted with Xiao Liu for a few sentences and didn't linger, driving toward Block G. In fact, most of the guards in this apartment were Su Mu's "acquaintances"; even the captain of the security was on "brotherly" terms with him. The reason he built good relationships with them was simple: Bronya and Seele lived here. If anything happened, someone would be there to help. As the saying goes, distant water cannot put out a nearby fire. Su Mu isn't a superman; he can't fly over instantly if something goes wrong.
So this layer of connection was especially important. A few meals, a few red envelopes, and some gifts in exchange for a layer of security—it was very reasonable. People are more inclined to help those who have treated them well.
Su Mu parked the car below Block G. He opened his phone and sent a message to Seele.
"I've arrived downstairs. Are you ready?"
Shortly after, Seele replied.
"Coming down now~ ♪"
Su Mu opened the car door and breathed the outside air. He felt the humidity was indeed a bit heavy; it looked like it was about to rain. He closed the driver's door and looked up at the apartment entrance, waiting for Seele.
Suddenly, Su Mu felt a certain gaze. This feeling of being watched made him a bit uncomfortable. He looked around Block G with some confusion, but saw no one. only a few lights were on in the apartment—not because there were no tenants, but because people living in these white-collar apartments were usually still working overtime at this hour...
Maybe I'm being too sensitive...? Su Mu shook his head. Ruan Mei and Herta had said his senses were much sharper than ordinary people. This allowed him to notice subtle details, but sometimes it made him paranoid.
Just then, the apartment door opened. Seele's figure appeared in his sight. she was wearing a light blue checkered skirt with a brown belt highlighting her slender waist. The hem of her skirt swayed lightly with her movements, like a butterfly dancing in spring. This lovely butterfly flew into Su Mu's arms, the girl smiling at her lover with eyes full of tenderness.
"Brother Su Mu~ Seele missed you so much~"
Before Su Mu could speak, the girl's arms wrapped around his neck. Shyly yet boldly, she brought her face close and pressed her lips against his. The kiss tasted of lemon—sweet and sour. This girl always loved trying new things. Since she had delivered herself to him, Su Mu naturally had no reason to let her go, greedily savoring the sweet and sour lemon flavor.
Seele's body went soft in Su Mu's embrace, her face showing a shy and satisfied smile: "Brother Su Mu, sweet and sour, it's quite good, right?"
Su Mu felt his chest tingle. How could his little girlfriend be this cute? Anyone who could hold back in this situation would truly be a saint...
Su Mu originally wanted to go for another round, but then he felt his body getting wet. Looking up, a light drizzle had started to fall from the sky.
"Get in the car quickly, it's raining." Su Mu released Seele. The weather wasn't warm yet; if she got soaked, she might catch a cold. Although he was reluctant to let go, Su Mu knew the night was still long. There was plenty of time.
Rain. It was raining. The pitter-patter of rain fell suddenly, the spring night rain carrying a hint of chill. However, Bronya stood in the rain, motionless. she let the rain soak her hair, her clothes, and her heart.
Bronya lifted her head, her eyes vacant, the remaining light in them extinguished by the rainwater. From beginning to end, she hadn't moved from her spot. she had been staring at the apartment entrance, witnessing everything that had just happened.
The moment Su Mu's car stopped downstairs, Bronya's heart went half-cold. she had one last shred of fantasy left, praying that Su Mu might just have some business with Seele. But that fantasy was shattered instantly by the developments that followed.
she saw Seele fly into Su Mu's arms like a butterfly. she saw them embrace and kiss each other. That kiss, which lasted a full three minutes, made Bronya feel suffocated. she could no longer breathe. Bronya clutched her chest. she suddenly wanted to laugh.
don't let it start raining so 'perfectly' for the atmosphere.
Rainwater slid down the corners of Bronya's eyes; she could no longer distinguish between rain and tears. she thought she would scream or have a massive crying fit. Yet, at the moment of knowing the truth, she was as calm and cold as a block of ice. Though a tearing pain radiated from her chest, a pain that made her feel as if her body were breaking apart, she wanted to laugh.
The girl under the rainy night wore a tragic smile. she closed her eyes, her mind filled with images of Su Mu and Seele embracing.
Why did it turn out like this? Why all of this? I finally got together with the person I love most. My favorite sister is right beside me. This was supposed to be double the happiness. But... why did it turn out like this?
Bronya watched Su Mu's taillights disappear around the corner in the rain. The whole world went silent; only the sound of rain remained in her ears. Now, Bronya finally had her answer. As it turned out, everything that happened that night wasn't a dream after her drunken stupor. Her intuition hadn't been wrong. she hadn't falsely accused anyone.
Recalling the scene of them embracing just now, so incredibly sweet, and that deep, long kiss. Bronya felt like she would stop breathing. Those were memories even she hadn't shared with Su Mu. Seele had long since taken the step before her, forming an inseparable bond with him.
she pulled out her phone. Raindrops condensed on the screen as her finger moved to the contacts interface.
"Su Mu" "Seele"
The two names stung Bronya's eyes. she wanted to press the call button, wanted to interrogate them loudly, wanted to... But by some strange impulse, she dialed a different number.
"Hello? This is Elysia~ ♪ Bronya, is there a reason for calling at this hour~?"
Hearing Elysia's voice, Bronya said hollowly, "Where are you right now?"
"At home, of course... What's wrong? Did something happen? Wait, weren't you supposed to go on a business trip today... shouldn't you be on a plane right now? Did the flight get delayed? Should I have Su Mu pick you up—"
"Can you come to the cafe outside my apartment? I'll wait for you there."
"Now? Mhm... I guess that's fine~ ♪ After all, how could I refuse an invite from a beautiful girl~?"
"I'll be waiting for you." Bronya didn't say anything more and hung up. she walked toward the exit of the community like a lost soul.
Inside the security booth, Xiao Liu was smoking and watching the rain. "Why did the rain suddenly get so heavy? Good thing I told the fat guy to help me bring the clothes in..." As he spoke, he saw a silver-haired woman out of the corner of his eye, swiping her card to exit the gate, walking through the rain with unsteady steps.
Xiao Liu leaned out of the booth, watching the silver-haired back, and rubbed his eyes. There was only one woman in this apartment with that hair color—Su Mu's girlfriend. Xiao Liu directly called her "Sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law? What's going on?" Xiao Liu rubbed his forehead. didn't Brother Su just drive out? Why did she suddenly come out alone in the rain without even an umbrella... They couldn't have had a fight, could they? didn't look like it earlier. What's the deal?
The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. He decided he had to tell Su Mu. He was afraid something might happen, and he wouldn't be able to face Su Mu then.
"Hello? Brother Su, it's Xiao Liu... No, no, I just wanted to ask if you and Sister-in-law had a fight? I just saw her go out the gate alone, no umbrella or anything. I was afraid something might happen, so I'm letting you know..."
At the same time, Su Mu's expression changed while waiting at a red light. He understood the situation immediately. After thanking the guard, Su Mu hung up, his expression solemn.
"Brother Su Mu, did something happen?" Seele looked at him curiously, noticing his face didn't look good.
Su Mu gripped the steering wheel and took a deep breath. This day had finally arrived. The gaze he felt downstairs was real. And the owner was Bronya, who was supposed to be on a plane. Now that he thought about it, he felt it was a bit funny. Usually, Bronya would discuss any travel plans with him in advance. This trip was so sudden; he should have noticed.
Su Mu looked at Seele. After a moment of silence: "Seele... our matter has been discovered by Bronya."
his words brought Seele's smile to an abrupt halt. "How could that be..." Seele's face showed disbelief. "But, didn't Sister Bronya say she was going... on a trip?"
Su Mu sighed. "That was a lie. Bronya probably suspected our relationship long ago, so she..."
Seele realized. "So... that's it... Seele was too impatient. If Seele hadn't been so restless and wanted to see Brother Su Mu as soon as she left, we..."
Su Mu shook his head. "Paper cannot wrap fire forever. Even if she didn't find out today, she would have tomorrow... it was only a matter of time."
Seele didn't reply. she just lowered her head, her face pale. Su Mu drove the car to the emergency lane, stopped by the roadside, and pulled the handbrake. For a moment, there was dead silence in the cabin.
"The guard told me Bronya left the gate alone not long ago. I think she was watching us from downstairs tonight. I'm sorry, Seele. This is my fault... I could never find the right time to tell her, so..."
"No, this isn't Brother Su Mu's problem." Seele grabbed Su Mu's right hand, her face already tear-streaked. "It's Seele's fault. Seele was too cowardly, lacking the courage to keep Brother Su Mu to herself... Seele was too greedy, wanting to be happy together with Sister Bronya... I put Brother Su Mu in a difficult position. If not for Seele, Brother Su Mu wouldn't..."
Su Mu wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "There's no point in assigning blame now. Bronya must be devastated. I'm worried something might happen to her. Let's go find her first."
The thought of Bronya getting into trouble made Seele's face even paler. Su Mu was about to start the car and return to the apartment when his phone suddenly rang. He looked at the screen; it was Elysia.
"Elysia? you..."
"Bronya asked to meet me at the cafe outside the apartment. Her state is very wrong... Anyway, I'll listen to what she has to say first. you shouldn't show up in front of her for now." Elysia hung up hastily.
Su Mu breathed a sigh of relief. If Elysia was with Bronya, he could be somewhat at ease. Wait... Su Mu suddenly realized something. Why did Elysia call me??
"Ma'am..." A waiter handed Bronya a towel to dry her wet hair. Bronya thanked him and ordered a coffee, holding it in her hands. The physical cold finally lessened slightly, but the chill in her heart remained undispelled.
Shortly after—as the cafe door was pushed open, Elysia stowed her umbrella in the bin at the door. Miss Pink Elf walked toward Bronya with a smile, her steps light and carefree.
"Hi! Bronya~ I'm so glad you invited me out~ ♪ Can Ellie take this as a date with me~?"
Elysia was carrying a tote bag. she sat opposite Bronya and ordered a Coconut Latte with sugar. "Why are you all wet? It'll be bad if you catch a cold." she pushed the bag toward Bronya; inside was a set of dry women's clothes. "Excuse me~ beautiful miss, can my friend use the changing room?" Before Bronya could speak, Elysia had already waved over a waitress.
A short while later, having changed into dry clothes, Bronya sat before Elysia again.
"Bronya, you drink coffee without any sugar? I can't stand that taste~ ♪ Coffee should be sweet, and it tastes best with milk~ ♪" Elysia smiled as she used tongs to drop six or seven sugar cubes into Bronya's coffee. "Mhm~ that should be about right~ ♪ Try it, it shouldn't be so bitter now~ ♪"
Looking at Elysia, Bronya suddenly spoke. "You knew all along, didn't you?"
Her words made Elysia stop her movements. "Knew... what?" she played dumb.
"Stop playing dumb... looking back now, it turns out I was the only one kept in the dark." Bronya clenched her fists. "Not just you, but Pardo, Carole, and even Dr. Mobius last time—you all knew about Seele and Su Mu, didn't you?"
Pityingly, playing dumb was ineffective.
"What a headache~ ♪ A beautiful girl's intuition is truly terrifying. As expected of Bronya, I didn't think you'd see through everything already~ ♪" Elysia spread her hands in surrender. "Alright, it's as you think. I, Pardo, Carole, and Mobius all knew."
"Then why..." Bronya felt a surge of anger. she thought they were good friends, but in the end, they had deceived her...
"We had no choice," Elysia sighed, stirring the latte with a spoon.
"No choice? What reason could there be..." Bronya questioned her. The feeling of betrayal was unbearable. Elysia stuck out her tongue and acted cute: "Hehe~ ♪ That, I can't say!"
"Do you think I'm joking with you?" Facing Bronya's cold gaze, Elysia shook her head. It looked like acting cute wouldn't work.
"Alright, since you already know, I can't keep it a secret... but don't tell them I told you, or Pardo and Carole might execute me for treason! you wouldn't want the beautiful girl Elysia to perish like that, would you?"
"..."
"Before I tell you the truth, I want to ask you a few questions, Bronya."
"What questions?"
"First... do you hate Seele?"
"..." Facing Elysia's suddenly sharp gaze, Bronya froze. she didn't know how to answer. Do I hate Seele? she should hate her, because Seele had hidden her improper relationship with Bronya's boyfriend. But the moment she thought of her memories with Seele, Bronya found she could not hate her regardless. Because she was her... most beloved sister. Even if she was betrayed by Seele, Bronya still had no way to hate her.
"Second question... do you hate Su Mu?"
The second question followed immediately, and Bronya couldn't answer that either. she should hate Su Mu. He was the unfaithful one who betrayed the relationship, and even went after Seele—it was against morality, it was wrong... But her mind filled with images of them together; the smiles on their faces were so genuine, their love so intense it even burned Bronya's body. Even she could feel that their feelings were not fake at all.
"Third question... do you want to break up with Su Mu?"
Elysia's third question left Bronya stunned. after the pain, sorrow, and anger, only a blank emptiness remained in Bronya's heart. Do I want to break up with Su Mu? she should. He betrayed her. she shouldn't tolerate unfaithfulness. But... recalling every bit of her time with him—their first meeting, their joint efforts... the entirety of MiHoYo was proof of their time together. once they broke up, there was no going back. Their relationship, MiHoYo itself... even her bond with Seele would shatter... Was that what she wanted to see? There would be no winners in that ending; everyone would be hurt.
"...It seems you understand very well, Bronya." Elysia spoke again. The usually playful girl now watched Bronya gently, her eyes holding a hint of encouragement. "Once you poke through this layer of paper, everything becomes irreversible."
Bronya lifted her head, looking at Elysia, her lips trembling. "What should I do? What can I do? Like you said, even knowing all this, what can I achieve? I don't want to personally destroy the MiHoYo we built together, nor do I want to become strangers with Seele! But—But I—"
"Before answering my questions, why not listen to a story first?" Elysia made a shushing gesture, her tone softening.
"Once upon a time, there was a pair of sisters in an orphanage who relied on each other. The older sister was brave, strong, and decisive, always protecting the younger sister behind her. Compared to her, the younger sister was weak and cowardly, always hiding in her shadow."
"But even a weak girl wanted to grow, to become strong, to protect her sister one day. These two sisters truly loved each other from the bottom of their hearts, wishing for each other's happiness."
"The younger sister cherished the older one so much she was unwilling to hand her over to anyone else. Thus, her second personality awakened. she began driving away any males who got close to her sister, wanting to protect the one she viewed as a goddess."
"However, things did not go as planned. One day, the younger sister heard a name from her sister—a name her sister held dear. Every time it was mentioned, the older sister wore a very gentle expression. The younger sister could not accept it; she could not agree to her favorite sister having a sweetheart."
"she went to her sister's side, intending to drive the man away the same way. But she found the man was so gentle and considerate... yet he was a blockhead. she intended to drive him off, but in the process of spending time with him, she gradually fell for him, eventually falling so deep she couldn't escape..."
Elysia paused, not continuing further. A bitter smile appeared on Bronya's face: "you want to tell me Seele was already with Su Mu? So, Seele was the first one..."
Elysia seemed to be telling a story, but she had already laid out the whole truth for Bronya. Seele had been with Su Mu much longer than Bronya had. But that was exactly why Bronya couldn't understand. Why did Su Mu still pursue her? In her time with him, Bronya knew his character well. He was not someone to abandon others or play with feelings... he couldn't be a scumbag or a playboy. she knew that if he were that kind of person, so many people wouldn't be willing to gather around him. What was this...?
"you should understand Su Mu's personality better than I do, since you've known him the longest," Elysia smiled. "From the first time I met him, I thought he was an interesting man. Surrounded by beauties, yet his head was full of games and work like a blockhead... I questioned his gender at one point. But later, I realized he is an irredeemable fool. He always does his best to help those around him, never giving up regardless of the difficulty, always facing things with an optimistic mindset."
"If that were all, he'd just be another uselessly 'kind' protagonist from a manga. But he's not. his methods and abilities have been recognized by Eden and Kevin. He has ambition and talent; though young, he understands the rules of the workplace and society... as long as he wished, he could easily control MiHoYo and live a life of luxury and excess... but he didn't. Su Mu has come this far with the help of many people, many of whom are now useless to him. But have you ever seen him kick any of them aside? Me, Pardo, Senti, even Ms. Theresa... if not for him, we wouldn't be where we are today."
"Without him, Pardo wouldn't be a famous streamer, I wouldn't be the face of Honkai 3rd, Senti would still be worrying about allowance, and Ms. Theresa would have had to quit streaming due to difficulty transitioning... And similarly, without him, there wouldn't be today's MiHoYo, nor today's you—Bronya."
Bronya went silent. she understood. Everything Elysia said was true. Su Mu's gentleness, his strength, his humility. Even after achieving success, he never forgot to pull those around him up. For those who helped him, he repaid them tenfold. with his talent, he could have earned the highest pay at any major studio. But he chose to stay at MiHoYo, growing with this immature company, stepping toward tomorrow with everyone. ...That was why she loved him.
But the more she understood him, the more lost she felt. If he was so kind and sincere, why did he hide his relationship with Seele and pursue her?
"haven't you noticed, Bronya? It has always been Su Mu watching over us, helping us and the entire firm in his own way. But... have you ever considered one question? have you ever thought: who is watching over him?"
A trace of helplessness appeared in Elysia's eyes. "He is such a perfect person, yet he has a fatal flaw—loneliness. Loneliness is a poison. I don't know what he experienced in the past, but I can see he has a typical self-sacrificing personality."
Bronya widened her eyes. Elysia's words were entirely unexpected.
"He loves everyone, but seeks no return. He never fantasized about receiving that warmth and light. He is a blockhead, an elm-head, but I think another phrase fits him best: he has a distant sense of detachment. There is a gap between us and him that is hard to cross. If I had to use one sentence... it's as if he is a person from another world."
Elysia's words left Bronya speechless. she hadn't expected Elysia to understand Su Mu so deeply—even more than she did as his girlfriend. Just as Elysia said, from the project launch until Seele arrived, Bronya felt a barrier that stopped her from getting closer to Su Mu. But since Seele came, that barrier had been vanishing. Her feelings finally got the response she wanted. But she never considered why.
"So... do you understand now, Bronya?" Elysia held her latte. "Su Mu should not have had you by his side. He would have stayed lonely, but... Seele appeared." A gentle smile appeared on Elysia's face. "Who would have thought? Seele was merely dissatisfied that Su Mu and her beloved sister were getting nowhere. In a fit of pique, she tried to teach him what love was, only to accidentally stumble into his heart..."
Bronya froze, her voice trembling: "you mean... Seele did it initially because of me...?"
"she wanted you to be happy too," Elysia said. "So, after being with him, Su Mu wanted to announce their relationship several times. But Seele begged him, hoping to let Sister Bronya be happy as well."
"Seele... what a fool...!!" Bronya bit her lip. "What 'wants me to be happy'! she gave away the happiness she worked so hard for—that idiot, that dummy...!" Her clenched fists trembled violently.
"you probably guessed the rest. At Seele's request, Su Mu pursued you and eventually became your boyfriend legitimately. But due to Seele's concerns, he couldn't bring himself to tell you the truth. He was looking for a chance to speak, but it never came..."
Elysia let out a long sigh. after such a long speech, her throat was dry. she took a sip of the warm latte and looked at Bronya again. "Now, can you tell me the answers to those three questions, Bronya?"
"First, do you hate Seele?" "I don't. Seele is my favorite dummy sister."
"Second, do you hate Su Mu?" "I don't, but he is also an irredeemable big dummy."
"Third... do you want to break up with Su Mu?" "I..."
I should withdraw, Bronya thought. From the start, it was Seele who opened Su Mu's heart. it was only because Seele wanted her to be happy and gave up half her love that she could be with him. But would it be right to just withdraw? To waste Seele's long-term efforts... would that really be the correct choice? Bronya couldn't find the answer.
"Think about it carefully, Bronya." Elysia stood up; her latte was empty. "It's late; I'm heading back. I know you have many thoughts. don't rush to a decision." she handed Bronya a room card. "This is for a hotel nearby. I booked it for three days, matching your 'business trip.' Think well, then make your choice."
Bronya took the card. "you didn't tell anyone... about meeting me?"
Elysia didn't speak, only smiled.
"Thank you." Bronya expressed her gratitude. Carrying the bag with her wet clothes, she didn't refuse Elysia's kindness, took the card, and left the cafe.
"Oh dear..." After Bronya left, Elysia leaned back into her chair with relief, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Hello? Su Mu? how are you going to thank Ellie now~ ♪ if I hadn't spoken up for you, you might have met the 'boiling water and kitchen knife' ending, you know?"
Her phone had been on a call the entire time; the dialogue with Bronya had been transmitted clearly to Su Mu via her headset.
"It was indeed thanks to you... Elysia. If not for you, I truly wouldn't know how to face Bronya."
"No need for words of thanks; show me something practical. How about you promise me one thing?"
"What thing?"
"Work hard to start a beautiful girl harem~ ♪ That way, Ellie can legitimately..."
"I refuse!"
"Eh? That fast? no consideration at all? After Ellie worked so hard, I didn't think you'd be such a heartless person~ ♪"
"I didn't expect your eloquence to be this good, Elysia. you lied without even blushing... I didn't even know I was that excellent."
"Of course! now you know to have faith in the Pink Elf, right? Even in a situation like this, I can turn the tide!!"
"Then may I ask who the culprit was who let the situation reach this state in the first place? Miss Elysia? Your 'Love Group' with Pardo and Carole, and the surveillance on my every move... I haven't settled that debt with you yet, have I?"
"Ah-haha!! Anyway, Bronya should be quite confused right now. you and Seele stay quiet and let her think for a few days... Until then, pretend you know nothing and go wherever you were planning to go!"
Elysia hung up hastily. "...Lie, huh?" she held her phone, a trace of unusual tenderness appearing on her face. "It wasn't a lie at all, Su Mu... in my eyes, you really are that excellent."
END OF CHAPTER
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