"...Qingque? Don't be angry, let me explain."
"Explain what?... Oh my, you're not talking about the texts I sent earlier, are you?"
Before Yu Xian could say another word, Qingque's lazy yet unmistakably cheerful voice floated through the receiver, instantly easing his tension.
"Huh."
"I guessed right? You actually got all worked up over something so small? Pfft—hehehehe!"
Qingque's laughter spilled out over the line, bright and teasing. She sounded both amused and pleased, as if delighted that Yu Xian had been flustered over her messages. Any trace of anger Yu Xian had feared... simply wasn't there.
"There's no need to get nervous over something so trivial," Qingque continued. "After all these years, why act so formal with me?"
As she spoke, Yu Xian caught faint muffled sounds from her end of the call—likely her turning away to politely decline an invitation. He could vaguely hear someone asking her to fill a seat at a mahjong table before she returned to the conversation.
"Alright, that's done," Qingque said lightly. "Anyway, when we hang out, just relax and have fun! No need to rush."
"If you're still busy, finish your work first. Just come find me at Changle Heaven after you're done—I'll wait for you."
"Oh! And since you're not here yet, I'll go buy us some drinks first!"
"Hehehe~"
Beep... beep... beep...
The line disconnected.
Even without seeing her face, Yu Xian could tell Qingque wasn't the slightest bit upset. She sounded genuinely happy—cheerful to the point of being almost silly.
After a moment's pause, Yu Xian let out a slow sigh and lowered his phone.
So it really had just been him overreacting.
Pfft...
He shook his head and laughed quietly to himself.
—Ahem. Work hours. Focus. No laughing.
If Fu Xuan caught him spacing out again, she'd probably have a few choice words ready.
Clearing his throat twice, Yu Xian forced himself back to focus. He picked up the Jade Abacus again, lightly cracking his knuckles as he prepared to resume the divination that Qingque's call had interrupted.
"Alright, alright. Since Qingque's waiting for me, I'll just finish this quickly, clock out, and go find her."
"Darn it!"
"Work can wait until tonight—but I can't keep Qingque waiting!"
"Forget this divination! I'm going to find her right now!"
Without hesitation, Yu Xian set the Jade Abacus aside, stood up, and hurriedly gathered his things.
Then, without looking back, he strode straight out the door.
---
Divination? Calm composure? Forget it—Yu Xian couldn't calm down at all.
The world's most adorable Miss Qingque was waiting for him alone at Changle Heaven, looking forward to spending time together. How could he possibly ignore her?
Especially when she hadn't even gotten upset about his delayed replies—when she'd turned down a game with her friends, just so she could wait for him—and had even gone to buy drinks in advance!
With a girlfriend that sweet and thoughtful, how could Yu Xian possibly sit still?
Just picturing Qingque waiting for him, smiling under the lanterns of Changle Heaven, was enough to send a rush of warmth through his chest.
His footsteps quickened unconsciously, each step brimming with excitement and urgency—
—though they made no sound at all.
Despite his haste, Yu Xian's movements were perfectly silent. His presence was completely concealed; no sound of footsteps, no trace of wind, not even a whisper of breath.
In short, he had entered a state of perfect stealth.
Well... almost.
If he weren't afraid of Fu Xuan detecting his escape, he would have already used his "Escape Art" to glide straight across the city.
—Hiss.
At that thought, Yu Xian suddenly froze mid-step.
Wait. Could he really fool Fu Xuan with this level of stealth?
Would she truly not notice?
Let's be honest—he wasn't an Emanator of Elation, nor some great Pathstrider. He was just a regular Masked Fool with a fragment of Aha's power.
Enough to fool ordinary people, sure—but Fu Xuan? The Chief Diviner of the Commission? The one who wielded the Fateseer's Eye and could link to the Matrix of Prescience at will?
Yeah, no. Against her, he didn't stand a chance.
The more he thought about it, the more nervous he got.
He glanced around, half-expecting to see a certain short, pink-haired figure appear out of nowhere. When the coast seemed clear, he exhaled quietly and pressed forward again.
Forget it. Overthinking wouldn't help. The best plan was to move fast—he couldn't keep Qingque waiting any longer.
Besides... didn't Qingque herself sneak out of the Divination Commission all the time?
And she'd done it without Fu Xuan noticing.
That had to mean Fu Xuan wasn't paying that much attention, right?
After all, the Chief Diviner had far more important things to worry about. Why would she bother tracking two minor employees sneaking off early?
It's not like she has nothing better to do.
Encouraged by that thought, Yu Xian accelerated. The Commission's grand gate soon came into view, freedom practically gleaming beyond it.
He could almost see Qingque's smile waiting for him just past the threshold.
"Woo-hoo! Work can wait—Miss Qingque, here I come—"
But before Yu Xian could take another step, a wave of cold killing intent surged behind him.
A small, pale hand reached out—grabbing for the back of his neck.
The figure was too short; even standing on tiptoe, she couldn't quite reach. The hand slid from his collar to his shoulder, clutching the fabric hard enough to nearly tear it.
The strength in that grip carried palpable frustration and fury.
Yu Xian froze. He could feel the temperature drop several degrees behind him.
Slowly—very slowly—he turned his head.
Standing there, glaring up at him with unmistakable authority and pink hair tied neatly behind her ears, was none other than—
Fu Xuan.
All warmth drained from Yu Xian's body.
It's over.
"Diviner Fu... when did you get here?"
After a long, tense pause, Yu Xian awkwardly dropped his stealth and bent down slightly, forcing a nervous smile as he met the petite Chief Diviner's eyes.
-------
A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon.
patreon.com/deadlygoober