Chapter 16: The Language of Steel Wool Flowers - Endurance and Prosperity

The mission from a few chapters ago is now over, and the results are in:

The first 50 chapters of the Honkai Impact novel are now up!

Find it here: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Su Jinyan wore a confident smile, his lips moving as he whispered something in an extremely low voice.

Fu Xuan furrowed her brow, puzzled. "This venerable one didn't quite catch that. Can't you speak louder?"

Somewhat hesitant, Su Jinyan asked, "Really need to be louder?"

Fu Xuan looked at him quizzically. "Why are you suddenly so bashful now?"

Bashful? Hardly! I was just waiting for you to say that.

With fervor, Su Jinyan pleaded, "Lady Fu Xuan, please use your soft, white-socked feet to step firmly upon me!"

Qingque stared wide-eyed (°Д°).

Tingyun blinked, utterly bewildered (???).

Fu Xuan looked bewildered, with a mix of confusion and exasperation on her face.

The diviners from the Divination Commission stared wide-eyed, speechless.

Embarrassed yet furious, Fu Xuan couldn't help but rebuke him sharply, "Impudent fool! Do you even realize what you're saying?

"This venerable one treats you with sincerity, and you dare to humiliate me so! Are you under the impression that I am weak and easily taken advantage of?!"

Tingyun whispered discreetly, "Benefactor, Lady Fu Xuan isn't wearing plain white socks; they're actually lace stockings. Don't get them confused."

Qingque appeared anxious, interjecting, "Hey, is this really the time to nitpick such details?"

"Can't you see the Grand Diviner is already upset? A-Yan, quickly apologize."

Unfazed, Su Jinyan produced a bouquet of steel wool flowers as if by magic, then dropped down onto one knee.

Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

With a serious expression, Su Jinyan asked, "Lady Fu Xuan, do you know the floral language of steel wool balls?"

"The symbolism of steel wool balls represents resilience and prosperity, mirroring my unwavering devotion and love for you."

"Please accept this bouquet; I don't want to strive any longer!"

Fu Xuan's charming face darkened, teeth grinding slightly as she muttered, "Su Jinyan, you..."

Provoking her further, Su Jinyan continued, "Could it be that Lady Fu Xuan refuses to step on me because your feet aren't fragrant but rather—"

Before he could finish, Fu Xuan cut him off sternly, "Silence!"

"You truly...don't.know.your.place!"

Wham!

Before Su Jinyan could even react or discern Fu Xuan's movement, she effortlessly knocked him to the ground.

Instantly, a soft, white-socked foot pressed firmly onto his face, grinding repeatedly.

Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed with anger as she stomped hard on his cheek, gritting her teeth and demanding, "Su Jinyan, do you realize how long this venerable one has endured your antics? Hm?"

"Is it fragrant? I'm just asking, is it fragrant?"

Despite the pain, Su Jinyan replied gleefully, "I don't know."

Honestly, his emotional state was becoming somewhat unsettling.

Initially, he should have deeply disliked these actions. Yet inexplicably, feeling Fu Xuan's soft, white-socked foot on his face brought about a peculiar sense of joy within him.

It felt immensely satisfying and comforting; his weary body seemed to relax considerably.

Even though Fu Xuan's reward...

Uh, rather, her humiliation had not yet concluded, he already found himself anticipating the next instance.

This isn't good, absolutely not good. If this continues, won't I turn into some kind of freak?

Fu Xuan subtly adjusted the angle and pressure of her foot, continuing to grind against his cheek. This way, she ensured that while inflicting more pain, she wouldn't seriously harm Su Jinyan.

"This venerable one originally saw potential in you and intended to bestow greater rewards, hoping to nurture new talent," she said. "Since you insist on humiliating me, then this venerable one shall grant your wish."

"Regardless of any future achievements you may attain, do not expect even the slightest reward from this venerable one."

Su Jinyan's eyes lit up—wasn't that better? All those useless rewards could now be exchanged for Lady Fu Xuan's humiliation.

Let the storm rage fiercer; I can withstand it.

Witnessing this scene, Qingque's beautiful gaze lost its focus, her fists clenching dejectedly.

Unfair, utterly unfair.

Such a golden opportunity squandered by A-Yan just like that.

I went all out to commend him before the Grand Diviner, yet he shows no appreciation whatsoever.

Now, with Lady Fu Xuan disliking A-Yan, his chances for advancement might diminish. Even my ability to coast through work will be hindered—a lose-lose situation.

Ah, A-Yan.

Ah, the Divination Commission.

Ah, the Grand Diviner.

Tingyun's fluffy fox tails swayed gently, a hint of amusement at the corners of their lips, their thoughts unreadable.

As for Su Jinyan...

[ Fool, congratulations on obtaining blueprints for intermediate mechanical power arms, 5 SP points, and 5000 profession experience points. Keep up the good work. ]

[Friendly Reminder: Rewards obtained from faction quests can also be utilized as usual within the Simulated Universe.]

"Pfft—"

Su Jinyan couldn't contain his delight and burst out laughing.

Fu Xuan stared, bewildered. Tingyun raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Qingque looked on, astonished.

Fu Xuan gazed at him with suspicion, "After how I've treated you, you still manage to laugh?"

Su Jinyan lifted his face, a mysterious smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Apologies, Lady Fu Xuan, but something unexpectedly joyful just crossed my mind."

Qingque's lips parted slightly, shocked and unable to close them.

Oh no, A-Yan might truly be a weirdo. It doesn't seem like he's faking it; should I keep my distance from now on?

Su Jinyan had merely intended to express his happiness, not realizing that Fu Xuan would misconstrue his reaction.

Upon hearing this response, Fu Xuan couldn't help but ponder deeply.

If she were Su Jinyan, being stepped on, what could possibly make him so delighted? Observing Su Jinyan's impertinent gaze and stealing a glance at her own plain palace attire, Fu Xuan seemed to grasp the implication.

"Lady Fu Xuan," Su Jinyan began hesitantly, "I swear—!"

Su Jinyan, deceased, age 20.

The sky was hazy, with a slightly chilly morning breeze caressing Su Jinyan's face, evoking a sense of coolness.

Opening his bleary eyes, the first thing Su Jinyan did upon waking up was to invest all 5,000 newly acquired professional experience points into his main class.

[Main Class Priest has been upgraded to LV12, earning you 4 SP. You now have a total of 9 SP available for learning new skills.]

[Dominion over Mind: If the target's will is weak, this skill allows control over their mind for a duration of 5 minutes.]

[The stronger the target's will, the shorter the duration; conversely, weaker will prolongs the effect. Cannot control targets with greater spiritual power than yours.]

[Cannot control non-self-aware beings or mechanical constructs. (Requires 9 SP to learn)]

[Group Diarrhea Spell: Causes acute diarrhea simultaneously in five targets, lasting for 5 minutes. The stronger the target's constitution, the lesser the effect. (Requires 5 SP to learn)]

Excitement surged through Su Jinyan as he slapped his thigh emphatically. "Sweet! This one it is."

[Spent 9 SP, successfully learned Dominion over Mind LV1.]

As if alerted by the movement inside the room, approaching footsteps were heard from nearby.

Shortly after, rhythmic knocking echoed outside.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Benefactor, are you awake? I'm coming in, oh dear~"

Without waiting for his response, Tingyun entered carrying a porcelain bowl emitting a strong medicinal aroma.

Feeling inexplicably nervous, Su Jinyan asked, "Tingyun, what are you planning to do?"

With a smile playing on her lips, Tingyun proactively sat at the edge of the bed and blew gently on the spoon. "Benefactor, it's time for your medicine."

"This is a specially prepared remedy by Lady Dragon herself."

"After finishing this bowl, return to work at the Divination Commission. Lady Fu Xuan has already forgiven you."

The smell of the medicine seemed peculiar; why did it remind him slightly of silver sheep ginseng?

Su Jinyan waved his hand dismissively, starting to babble nonsensically:

"Thank you, but I'm not hungry yet. Please give it to Qingque instead.

"She's still growing and should take more medicine."

Taken aback, Tingyun lightly flicked her finger, tapping Su Jinyan's forehead with a soft pop.

"Judging by Benefactor's appearance, there doesn't seem to be a fever. Why have you suddenly started talking gibberish?" Tingyun chided gently.

Su Jinyan jumped off the bed, pacing back and forth.

"No, listen to me, Tingyun, I'm not sick. I'm perfectly healthy," he insisted.

"Watch me walk, just a few steps, okay?"

"See, I can even jog a bit, and hop, oh hop...hey, one more?"

Tingyun set down the medicine bowl, nibbling thoughtfully on her fingertip.

"Oh no, it seems Lady Fu Xuan might have been too forceful, causing some damage to Benefactor's dog brain," she murmured.

Confused, Su Jinyan paused.

"What? Did you just say 'dog brain'?"

Tingyun's gaze darted evasively. "I'll promptly fetch Lady Dragon to take your pulse and see what might be causing this."

Panicking, Su Jinyan hastily grabbed Tingyun's fluffy tail. "Wait, wait, wait, I'm perfectly normal."

With a soft whimper, Tingyun feigned weakness, gracefully collapsing into Su Jinyan's arms.

Su Jinyan gripped Tingyun's snow-white chin, smirking coldly. "Heh, woman, you've successfully caught my attention."

Tingyun looked at him reproachfully. "What do you intend to do, Benefactor?"

What do you intend to do? Intend to do? Intend...to do.

These provocative words echoed incessantly in Su Jinyan's mind.

Damn it, this fluttering sensation—this little fox is seducing me.

As he began undressing, Su Jinyan asked hesitantly, "Tingyun, aren't we moving a bit too fast here?"

"But if you truly desire it, there's no reason why I can't give it to you..."