Budding Feelings

Chester approached Yue slowly, mindful not to startle her as she gazed at the moon's reflection. He cleared his throat softly, catching her attention. She turned to look at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow and resilience. "Yue, may I join you for a moment?" Yue nodded, offering him a small, tired smile. Chester stood right beside her, their silence adding to the scenery

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"I couldn't help but notice the moon tonight. It reminds me of how we first met, despite the danger surrounding us, I couldn't help but admire how the moonlight shined on you." Yue's gaze returned to the moon, a distant look in her eyes. 'That wasn't it.' A few seconds went by in silence and Chester immediately regretted his words. "Yes, it feels like a lifetime ago. So much has changed in such a short time." A huge sigh of relief unconsciously escaped his lips.

"Yeah, life can be cruel and unpredictable. I wanted to speak with you about something that has been on my mind. I know that establishing a clan and providing for the remaining survivors is an overwhelming task, but I want to help. I know that at this moment I don't have much to offer aside from myself, but I don't want to just stand aside." Yue's eyes met his, a mixture of surprise and cautious hope. "You would do that?" Chester felt his throat run dry. 'I'm trash, getting all hot and bothered.' Chester nodded, with a look of determination etched on his face.

"Yes, Yue. I know I'm just a stranger, barely able to keep myself fed, but I cannot ignore the connection we've forged. We've both survived an impossible situation, and I believe that together, we can find strength and support one another. Let me offer my assistance, whatever I can contribute to help build a future for the remaining survivors." Chester could feel his body heating up. Yue's expression softened, and a glimmer of gratitude shone in her eyes. "Thank you, Chester. Your willingness to help means more than words can express. We will be faced with hardships, the influence of the sect I belonged to extends far and wide. But somehow I feel that with you perhaps we can find a way forward."

Chester smiled, a slight blush coloring his features. 'I don't want to ruin this moment, will she like me being cheesy?.' looking towards the distance he lowered the tone of his voice. "Together, we'll navigate these uncharted waters. We'll face the challenges head-on, honoring the memory of those we've lost and building a new beginning for those who remain. And with the moon as my witness, I promise I will take this journey with you." Chester saw a tiny smile form in Yue's small lips. "Uncle would've liked you. I'm retiring for tonight, sleep well mister Chen." "Rest well miss Yue."

Chester looked at Yue's slender back until she retired to her chambers inside the boat, after his heart calmed down, he leaned against the boat facing the river and unfocused his sight. He visualized his skill tree. 'It's time for me to learn about Qi, I can ask Yue to teach me and use the excuse of me also teaching her mana to get close, I'll teach the kids support skills if possible and Yue was pretty good with the sword. I can later make a mercenary group and put one support from the clan in the party, it'll become the start of the guild system we followed in Brave, and eventually we can earn commission deploying a healer with trusted escort and merchant groups.' He went to a small room inside the boat, in the bed were three kids who were now orphans.

Chester lay on the floor 'It's hard for me to not come up as cynical, I can't let go of the concept that I've been in a game for the past 7 years. If I expose my plan to use the clan members too soon my intentions might come up as impure, using the clan to make money sounds bad, but they'll benefit from the business.' While his thoughts drifted around Chester slept deeply for the first time since he crossed to this body.