Liora pinched her thigh beneath the table. Stay calm.
Don't imagine him carrying you bridal-style into a palace suite
Stay Calm.
Jianyu's eyes narrowed slightly. "You jest even when weary
Why?
The question was so simple so direct,
she nearly blurted out the truth Because if I don't laugh I'll collapse under how terrifying this world is.
Instead she gave a crooked smile. "Because someone has to lighten up this sect
Sect Master And it clearly isn't going to be you."
The silence stretched.
Then an exhale barely audible.
Almost a laugh.
The System lost its mind.
[Favorability +15]
Current Level: 50 → Status: Interest Engaged.]
System Note: Ding ding ding You've cracked the ice block!
Heat flooded her cheeks She wanted to slap the invisible screen away.
Jianyu set his cup down.
"You are different."
His tone wasn't questioning It was fact
And it unnerved her more than his coldness ever had.
Different? No, she wanted to scream
