Space station 8: Asta: Who is Firefly?

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Firefly stared blankly at Penacony for a moment.

Suddenly, a glimmer of hope surged within her, and she took out her phone.

On the screen displaying her notes, Firefly hesitated briefly. She closed her eyes first, then tapped with her finger before slowly opening them again.

To her amazement, there lay a week's worth of notes right before her eyes!

She hastily reopened the photo album and discovered that many of the pictures she had taken were also present!

Holding her phone, Firefly felt perplexed.

What exactly was going on—a dream within a dream? Delusion? A Dream Bubble?

Regardless of what it was, it couldn't be entirely false.

Firefly strove to calm her agitated yet hopeful heart.

Perhaps, someday, she might reunite with him...

As long as she could survive...

This enduring wish within Firefly's heart now surged with renewed and intense determination.

She set the photo with Su Qing as her phone's wallpaper, then put it away.

Now, reflecting upon it again after waking up, Firefly realized that her self within the dream seemed overly timid. Perhaps, experiencing love for the first time, she had been afraid to pursue it.

But this time, in reality, if she could meet Su Qing again—

No matter what kind of desires or dreams they shared, she vowed to hold onto them tightly.

With this resolve firmly in place,

Firefly stepped forward, immersing herself in the bustling crowd of Penacony.

Before their next encounter, there were many things she needed to accomplish.

Meanwhile, at the Herta space station.

Su Qing opened his eyes.

Immediately within his gaze, mere inches away, was Asta's beautiful face.

Asta stood by the bed, leaning over to watch Su Qing, her red braided hair gently draped down.

Their proximity was close; Su Qing could clearly see even her long eyelashes.

Noticing he had woken up, Asta asked with a hint of curiosity, "In your sleep talk, you mentioned 'Liuying'... Who is she?"

Her azure eyes slightly dimmed. "Is it another girl?"

[Stelle: Cue the shocking twist!]

[March 7th: Heart-stopping moment.]

[Seele: You'd be scared half to death waking up like that, wouldn't you?!]

Yet, Su Qing remained remarkably calm.

He froze for a full five seconds.

[Seele: ...Are you sure he didn't faint from fright?]

Eventually, Su Qing composed himself. He raised his hand and gestured for Asta to step aside.

Sitting up, he spoke calmly, "It's nothing, just a name from a game."

"Oh, I see." Asta straightened up, once again embodying her usual cute demeanor.

"By the way," Su Qing asked, "what brings you to my room?"

"Don't even mention it!" Asta's tone conveyed her concern. "I didn't see you all morning, and there was no response when I knocked on your door. I thought you might be sick."

Su Qing glanced at the time; it was nearly noon. Theoretically, this would count as skipping work.

"I'm fine..." He paused for a moment before adding, "Just stayed up too late playing games last night."

"What game is that engaging?"

"It's a new one, with high immersion."

"Honestly," Asta sighed, exasperated. "No matter how fun a game is, staying up all night isn't healthy."

"Mm-hmm, yes, sure."

"So dismissive!"

"Understood, Lady Station Director!"

"Now you're being overly formal again!"

Apart from feeling slightly startled, Su Qing didn't mind Asta appearing in his room. They had grown up together as childhood friends, living next door to each other since they were young. When Su Qing first started learning to cook, Asta was always his first taste tester.

Checking the time, Su Qing said, "Go ahead, I'll join you shortly and prepare lunch for us."

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Asta smiled sweetly, perfectly embodying the image of the charming station director cherished by the space station staff.

However, only Su Qing and a few others knew that Asta had a somewhat mischievous side.

Her profound friendship with him was even a recent discovery...

[March 7th: @Asta, not around?]

[Herta: She's been quite busy with space station matters lately, probably hasn't had time to watch the stream.]

After Asta left, Su Qing sat on the edge of his bed, recalling the sequence of events from the simulation.

From encountering Firefly, becoming acquainted, facing danger together, and culminating in that final embrace.

Su Qing sighed.

Unfortunately, the simulation was purely fictional, and Firefly existed only virtually.

Although he knew this beforehand, reminiscing about these moments now still left him feeling somewhat melancholic.

[Firefly: Ah?!]

[Firefly: No way, I'm not virtual, I truly exist!]

[Firefly: Look at me, look at me (waving)! I'm right here! (puffing up indignantly)]

[Stelle: Aww, Firefly-chan is so cute, but he can't see you.]

Su Qing then reviewed the gains from this latest simulation.

[Simulation Rating: A (280)]

[Brief Analysis: Documenting Penacony's prosperity +100; Discovering hidden aspects of Penacony +50; Recording a vivid character +100; Other +30]

[Simulation level increased: Lv1 (0/200) → Lv2 (80/400).]

[Level-up rewards obtained: Talent Quality Upgrade (Purple), Talent Effect Enhancement (Small).]

[Inherited Talents: Photography Lv2 (67/100)]

Su Qing briefly glanced at the rewards.

It was getting late, so he planned to study them more carefully later.

***

At the space station's dining area.

Due to the tight schedule today, Su Qing simply prepared a sandwich.

[Su Qing, Cooking: Lv4 (3/100)].

"Simple" referred to the straightforward preparation process, but in terms of dedication and ingredient selection, he never took shortcuts. He used both eggs he had picked earlier.

[Stelle: No way! Genius Eggs, Protagonist Eggs!!]

After frying the two eggs until golden, he combined them with bacon and lettuce between bread slices.

"Done." Su Qing placed the plate with the sandwich onto the table.

Asta clapped her hands lightly, her expression filled with anticipation. "Smells delicious!"

She picked up the sandwich and took a bite.

Instantly,

The deliciousness felt like a powerful impact, striking straight to Asta's soul. Not only did it gently sway her hair, but it also triggered dazzling visual effects behind her.

With a look of pure delight on Asta's face, the special effects showcased crisp lettuce, as refreshing as mountain spring water, followed by bread soft as clouds. Then came the sizzling bacon, adding an earthy touch amidst these layers.

Especially...

Asta glanced down.

Most notably, the texture of the scrambled eggs was sheer perfection.

Within them lay two distinct flavors—one vivid and immediate, the other lingering endlessly.

In the visual effects, the two types of eggs collided, emitting golden sparks.

It was hard to imagine how such conflicting, opposing, and competitive tastes could be seamlessly blended into one harmonious experience.

[Upon witnessing this scene, the chat filled with question marks.]

[Bronya: ???, Is it really that delicious??]

[March 7th: Wow! Even generating visual effects from taste?!]

[Stelle: Genius Egg—Protagonist Egg—Wahh, you guys sound so tempting??]

[Stelle: Now I'm hungry too; save me some, please.]

[Seele: A level 4 skill is this impressive?]

[Himeko (after pondering):]

[Himeko: Consider Su Qing's photography skills earlier, already quite commendable, right? Yet those were just at level 2.]

[Himeko: Analyzing this, it seems his Talent grading is quite stringent, likely following a five-level system. Even within each hundred experience points, there appears to be significant variation.]

[March 7th: Oh wow, so this lv4 essentially spans two major realms already? Nearly divine skill level?]

[Himeko: Yes, that's probably correct.]

[Stelle: What?! (gasps sharply) (steps back repeatedly) This man's culinary skills are terrifyingly impressive! We must absolutely retain him!]

[Seele: Are you reading too many novels again?]

Asta, with her hands cupping her face, wore a contented expression. "Delicious!"

She took another bite and said, "I felt so sluggish all morning without having your food for breakfast!"

Lunchtime was always a cherished moment for Asta, accompanied by a cup of coffee.

[Himeko: Quite refined.]

As Asta enjoyed her lunch, she cheerfully waved at colleagues who greeted her. Occasionally, she swung her fair legs, tapping her red high heels on the ground while engaging in pleasant conversation with Su Qing.

Most of the time, Asta did the talking, while Su Qing listened attentively.

"Herta has been tinkering with Stellarons again; let's hope there won't be any explosions."

"The Astral Express sent a message, indicating they might arrive soon."

"Another batch of scholars' exchange program just concluded. How can we retain some of their talents...? Maybe, Su Qing, you could cook a meal to entice them?"

Su Qing listened attentively, chin resting on his hand.

He recalled how, years ago, Asta was relatively quiet both at home and during her work at the company. However, since arriving at the space station, she had become much more cheerful—apparently quite content with her current life.

Usually, Su Qing would engage in conversation following these topics, but today he seemed somewhat preoccupied.

Mainly, watching Asta happily enjoying her sandwich reminded him of Firefly.

[Firefly: Oh no.]

[Firefly: ? Isn't this inappropriate?]

[Stelle: Firefly-chan, your expression doesn't match your comment.]

[Herta: Let me send a message on behalf of Asta.]

[Herta: Asta: ???????????]

[March 7th: Despite all those question marks, based on general rationality, I suspect that's exactly how Asta feels.]

[Sparkle: Amused.]

Suddenly, Su Qing asked, "Have you heard of Penacony?"

Asta paused, surprised. "Yes, it's the renowned city known as the 'Dream Festival Capital.' Why do you ask?"

"Just curious about what the dream world might be like," Su Qing replied. "By the way, would you like to take a selfie together?"

"What's up with you today?" Asta set down her coffee cup. "You seem different from usual."

"Nothing... You don't want to?"

"Not at all."

Su Qing took out his phone, and Asta moved closer to him.

Looking at the selfie frame, Su Qing asked, "Could you make a 'V' sign?"

"Like this?" Asta adjusted her pose, making a 'V' sign with a sweet smile.

After taking the photo, Su Qing examined it but still felt something was off. He even instinctively raised his hand as if to mimic the gesture but quickly lowered it upon realizing what he had done.

Shaking his head, Su Qing acknowledged that he was becoming too immersed in the simulation's influence... It wasn't good; it was very concerning.

Asta's body visibly tensed, noticing Su Qing's movement.

After a moment, when she realized he had no further intentions, Asta casually resumed her normal demeanor.

[Sparkle: hahahahahahaha...]

[Sparkle: (bursting into joyful laughter)]

[Sparkle: Oh, I'm dying of laughter. Never expected my first such amusement to be not within the simulation, but in reality.]

[Stelle: ?, don't understand.]

[Stelle: What is Sparkle laughing about?]

[March 7th: ...I know exactly why she's laughing.]

[March 7th: This seems like the legendary concept of seeking substitutes.]

Throughout their journey, Asta cheerfully greeted every staff member they passed.

The curious staff members wondered, "What happened to the station director? She looks so happy."

Asta raised her voice, calling out, "Arlan! Good morning! Keep up the great work!"

"Good morning, Miss, although it's already noon..." Arlan scratched his head, puzzled by Asta's unusually high spirits today.

"It's Pepe!" Asta lifted Pepe up and joyfully twirled him around several times.

Pepe barked, "Woof (Stop spinning me) Woof woof woof! (I'll get dizzy if you keep going!)"

Everyone they encountered along the way was infected by Asta's cheerful mood.

Until they reached Herta's Office.

With a casual wave of her hand, Herta dispelled the joyful atmosphere drifting from Asta. "What happened to make you so happy?"

Asta hesitated, feigning restraint, "Hmm... Should I tell you or not?"

Herta promptly turned to leave, "If you're not sharing, forget it."

"Wait, wait, wait, don't go—listen to me, listen!" Asta hastily grabbed the Herta doll.

She had been eager to find someone with whom she could share her excitement.

Asta recounted the events, "...and that's how it went. Not only did Su Qing willingly take photos with me, but at the end, he even seemed like he wanted to hug me. Ha ha, he must have been shy; it was adorable."

"You said who? Su Qing?" Herta wore a completely disbelieving expression. "Are you talking about that Su Qing—the one who cares solely about cooking, spent himself into bankruptcy buying ingredients, and can analyze a single egg as thoroughly as writing a research paper?"

"Uh..."

Asta wanted to defend her childhood friend but found herself agreeing with the logic. "...Right."

Herta promptly shook her head. "Impossible, absolutely impossible! Rather than believing such nonsense about Su Qing, I'd sooner believe that Stellaron will come alive!"

[Stelle: Please refrain from mentioning me.]

Continuing, Herta said, "Instead of this, regarding the pudding Su Qing made last time, tell him to make it again some other day."

[March 7th: Seems like even Herta has been won over by Su Qing's culinary skills.]

[Herta: Humph, just passable, really—only worth trying once.]

Asta basked in her own happiness. "Mm-hmm, I'll let him know."

Herta sounded dissatisfied. "Half-hearted response."

With seriousness, Asta replied, "As you command, Lady of the Genius Society, Seat Number Eighty-Three!"

Herta glanced at her. "Are you feeling unwell today?"

[Bronya: (laughs) These two truly live up to being childhood sweethearts.]

Herta was rendered speechless.

However, after a moment, seeing Asta continue to be absorbed in her joy, she decided not to dwell on it further.

[Stelle: By the way, I now understand what 'substitute' means.]

[Stelle: It implies that Su Qing sees Asta as a substitute for Firefly, right? The photo and embrace were actually meant for Firefly?]

[March 7th: Hmm...]

[Stelle: Poor Asta, truly pitiful.]

[Stelle: Despite feeling bad for her, I can't help but want to laugh a bit.]

[March 7th: That's not right; how could you laugh at this?!]

[Sparkle: Hee-hee, why shouldn't we laugh? Here are two comedic points: First, Asta thinks Su Qing has fallen for her, which is amusing. Second, once she realizes she was just a substitute, there's a chance she might snap and harm Su Qing, providing another laugh.]

[Sparkle: Just imagining these possible scenarios makes me burst with joy.]

[March 7th: ...Come on, here's your pen—why don't you write the plot then?]

[Stelle: It does seem somewhat intriguing.]

[Silver Wolf: Indeed, upon thinking about it, it's quite entertaining.]

[Herta: (Outright laughing)]

[March 7th: Hey! Don't let Elation corrupt you all!!]

***

Later that evening, Su Qing returned to his room.

He realized that the simulation being overly realistic also led to getting excessively absorbed in it.

The solution to this issue, naturally...was to start another round.

[Herta: Brilliant.]

Su Qing planned to immediately begin a new simulation. The novice simulation had ended, and now it was time for the official ones.

For official simulations, it seemed he first needed to choose the location.

Thus, Su Qing closed his eyes.

Once again, countless images flashed before his eyes, and ultimately, they settled on a planet.

[Current Simulation Location: Tianyi-5.]

[The rapid succession of images just now subtly contained numerous useful pieces of information.]

[Observant viewers in the live broadcast room caught one particular scene: it depicted a girl with short purple hair, appearing somewhat aloof.]

[Himeko: Did you guys notice that image just now...?]

[Himeko: Could it be Kafka when she was younger?]

[Stelle: Ah?]

[Stelle: For real?!]