Ruan Mei nodded slightly. In this world, there really was no such thing as "what if."
Yukong continued.
"Ruan Mei, I want to tell you—cherish the people right in front of you. Don't worry about worldly judgment."
"Of course, you're both geniuses of the Genius Society. Worldly judgment is nothing but dust to beings like you."
After hearing Yukong's life advice, Ruan Mei asked quietly.
"People always have to move forward. Yukong, have you ever thought about being with Feixiao? Or Tingyun? Or letting Caiyi rest in peace in the Hall of Karma?"
Yukong, who had been drinking, was completely caught off guard. She froze for three full seconds, nearly losing her composure.
"Ahem. Madam Ruan Mei, what... what did you just say?!"
Ruan Mei's voice was calm.
"Caiyi's final wish was for you to find another foxian—someone to sail the stars with you. To step out of the shadows. To forget her. To live on."
Yukong's expression darkened. She had come to offer advice—to help Ruan Mei understand the importance of cherishing those close to her and taking that brave step forward.
Instead, Ruan Mei had turned the question back on her.
Yukong feigned composure with a cough, avoiding Ruan Mei's gaze.
"Ahem. Madam Ruan Mei, I am currently the Helmsmaster of the Sky-Facing Commission. One of the Six Charioteers. Work is demanding. And I am advanced in years."
"As for other matters... I honestly have no energy left. No time to spare."
Ruan Mei set down her pastry, her expression perfectly calm.
"Work demanding? Advanced in years? Then retire. Spend your remaining years in peace. Find a partner in your final days as a foxian. Sail the stars together."
Yukong felt a headache coming on. The one who came to advise... is now being advised. She quickly changed the subject.
"Madam Ruan Mei, I should go offer a toast to Feixiao and General Huaiyan. We'll talk another time."
Ruan Mei nodded.
After Yukong left, Ruan Mei picked up the remaining half of the mille-feuille cake Herta had left behind and took a small bite. She mused silently.
No wonder Herta didn't take any desserts from the banquet. Too bland. Fits the palate of an elderly fox.
Ruan Mei stepped out of the banquet hall. She looked around. Herta was nowhere to be seen.
She followed the trace of Herta's Path power.
Looking up, she spotted Herta sitting on the highest peak of the Hall of Karmic Clouds.
Before long, a coat embroidered with plum blossoms settled over Herta's shoulders.
Herta turned to look at Ruan Mei.
"What are you doing here?"
"Can't I come?"
"Hmph. Suit yourself."
Herta tried to hand the coat back.
"It's windy here. You wear it."
Ruan Mei took it, then shook her head.
"I don't need it."
"It's for you. I embroidered it myself."
Herta blinked. The moment she heard it was hand-embroidered by Ruan Mei, she snatched the coat back.
With proud aloofness, she declared,
"Honestly. Next time, just say so from the start."
Ruan Mei smiled faintly and sat down beside her, gently plucking her lute.
The soft melody drifted on the wind. Herta interrupted.
"Oh, is my sleeve pendant finished? When will you give it to me?!"
Ruan Mei shook her head slightly.
"Give me a little more time."
Herta pouted and muttered under her breath.
"Asta's starry sleeve pendant is already done. Only mine isn't finished."
Ruan Mei produced Asta's sleeve pendant.
"Hers is only half done."
Herta froze.
"Ah?! Th-this... Ahem. Then when are we going back to the space station?"
Ruan Mei tucked the pendant away and replied softly.
"I need to return first. To wake Tingyun."
"Oh. Then... stay with me a little longer. Let's take one last look at the Luofu's night view."
Herta summoned her magic key. She grabbed Ruan Mei's arm. Just as she was about to, the [Mirror] suddenly teleported them both to Starskiff Haven.
Herta stared at Ruan Mei. Time seemed to stand still.
Truth be told, I always thought my beauty and talent were unmatched in the universe. Then I met Ruan Mei. Everything changed.
Maybe... we can be "unmatched in the universe" together.
I never wanted to look at anyone else. Never wanted to talk to anyone else. It would only make me seem vulgar.
But somehow, somewhere along the way... I found myself wanting to talk to Ruan Mei. Wanting to look at her. Wanting to share a dessert with her.
Ruan Mei blinked. The sudden laughter of a passing Heliobus snapped her back to reality.
"Herta. Why are you frozen like one of your puppets?"
Herta realized her gaffe. She quickly let go.
Instinctively, she half-closed her eyes, crossed her arms, and spoke in her usual puppet voice.
"Warning. Warning. System malfunction."
Then, just as quickly, she recovered and feigned nonchalance.
"What's wrong, Ruan Mei? Did something just happen? The [Mirror] must have malfunctioned."
"Sigh. Even a genius's spatial calculations can occasionally fail. I'll be more careful next time."
"Oh, there's a dessert shop up ahead. My treat. Don't be shy."
Despite her forced composure, Ruan Mei could see it—the shock, the nervousness, the joy flickering in Herta's amethyst eyes.
"Herta, just now you—"
Herta cut her off.
"Mille-feuille or plum cake? I'll get you some Immortal's Delight too."
Ruan Mei knew, better than anyone, that the moment had been perfect for a confession. But neither of them had taken that step.
No. It was two steps.
Herta, despite her calm exterior, knew perfectly well: If Ruan Mei keeps pressing, how will I explain?
Standing there like an idiot. Not blinking. Just staring at her. Holding her hand?!
From the moment I was born until now—however many Amber Eras—this is the first time I've understood what "heart racing" and "palpitations" actually feel like.
A genius of science, and I finally understand why Asta's protagonists in those novels act so strange.
So... do I... No. Impossible. Ruan Mei and I are just colleagues. Friends. Fellow geniuses.
I need to explain myself properly. I can't just let this slide. If Ruan Mei misunderstands... how will she see me?!
"Plum cake."
Just as Herta was about to explain, Ruan Mei gave her answer.
Herta blinked, then brightened.
"Hmm? I'll go get it for you! Wait here!! I'll be right back!"
Crisis averted. She hurried toward the dessert shop across the street.
BAM.
A speeding starskiff slammed into Herta. [GAME OVER]
With a single thought, Herta trapped the starskiff between two [Mirrors]. It looped through space endlessly.
Onlookers stared in awe. This is the power at the end of science?!
(A/N: Almost time for the confession.)
(T/N: Hell yeah! 🎉)
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TL Note
Bonus Chapter Progress: 49/50.
So close~ he he