Chapter 299
Kiana completely trusts Shen Gonglin. In his presence, Kiana is completely unpretentious and doesn't try to be strong. If she's feeling unwell, she'll tell Shen Gonglin directly. What Bronya wants to bring to Kiana now is the kindness of others, not just Shen Gonglin. There are many more people in the world who care about her and are willing to believe in her.
"She actually considered all this. As expected, Sister Bronya is the most reliable adult. Is this Sister Bronya's emotional intelligence? I'm far from being able to do it..."
Seele was quite astonished. Sister Bronya was too strong! She had considered so many things. Seele hadn't thought of any of these things. Sister Bronya was really amazing. She truly deserved to be her older sister. She would never forget Sister Bronya.
Hmph, I could do that too, but I'm too lazy to think about it.
[Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, the other me is the best too.]
"After all, there's someone in the family with negative emotional intelligence. A family needs to complement each other, so Bronya has to work a little harder in that area. You can't have a family where everyone is emotionally inept... Seele, don't underestimate yourself. Seele has Seele strengths. Seele's thoughtful, empathetic, and always notices things that others don't. So Bronya thinks it's most suitable to entrust Kiana to Seele."
Seele genuinely appreciates Bronya's strengths. Kiana is very relaxed around Shen Gonglin, but that girl lacks emotional intelligence, which is why she wants Seele to come with them. Bronya has great confidence in her younger sister; she's sure she can make Kiana relax.
"Therefore, Seele should recognize her own strengths and be more confident. After all, Bronya's world was changed by Seele."
Patting her sister on the shoulder, Seele felt encouraged by Bronya and became more confident. If her Sister Bronya said she could do it, then she definitely could.
"Sister Bronya... Hmm! I understand! Leave it to me!"
Chapter Twenty-Five: Accompanying Your New Friend
Early in the morning, thinking about what Bronya had asked her to do, Seele got up very early. However, this girl seemed to have gotten up a little too early. It was not even the agreed time yet, so Seele could only leisurely stroll to Shen Gonglin's room by herself. It was as if she was the only one who got up so early. Really, she was like a child who was too excited about going on a trip to sleep.
I was clearly too immature. If it were Sister Bronya, she definitely wouldn't have acted this way.
She reached out and knocked on Shen Gonglin's door. The door opened shortly after, Seele looked at Shen Gonglin with surprise. It was really unexpected. It seemed that he had been up for a while and was washing up. Moreover, it seemed that Shen Gonglin was the only one in the room.
This surprised Seele greatly. After all, in her opinion, it was quite unexpected that Shen Gonglin would stay in his own room alone, with no other girls present.
"Ah, Seele, it's not time to assemble yet. Wait for me, I'll be right there. You can come in first."
With toothpaste foam still on his lips, Shen Gonglin brushed his teeth as he welcomed Seele inside. He had a rare night alone yesterday, so he had slept quite well and woke up early today. He was going to Salt Lake City with Seele and Kiana. Seeing that Seele was up so early, the girl must be very excited. Shen Gonglin had the bank card Einstein gave him, and he was also looking forward to it.
"Okay... Sorry to bother you."
Following Shen Gonglin, Seele timidly peered into Shen Gonglin's room. Actually, Seele was quite curious about Shen Gonglin's room. Not only Sister Bronya, but many other people seemed interested in Shen Gonglin's room and were quite willing to come here. Seele also wanted to see what was special about it.
Quick, pounce on it and smell it, bury your head in it!
After welcoming Seele into the room, Shen Gonglin went back to the bathroom to continue brushing her teeth. As the girl looked around the room and saw the unfolded quilt on the bed, another voice in her heart urged her on. Without realizing what she was being asked to do, Seele was pleasantly surprised and sank into the deepest corner of her heart.
[My other self, so you were hiding here. You haven't been talking much since last night. Is something on your mind?]
In the deepest corner of her heart, Seele saw another version of herself. In the void, this other self sat elegantly on a red throne. On a small table next to the throne was an exquisite scale. Seele didn't know what she was doing, but Seele keenly sensed that this other self seemed to be in a bad mood.
Bronya once said that Seele is very perceptive; she can sense things that many people can't.
"It's none of your business."
Black Seele turned her head to the side, her words brimming with emotion, the meaning of which was almost overflowing. What a rare guest! Lately, I've always been the one looking for her, I never expected her to look for me this time. I thought she didn't need me anymore because she had so many new friends, and that's probably true. So why should I tell her what I need?
If Shen Gonglin were here, she would definitely smell a strong sourness, after all, Shen Gonglin knows several people of this level of jealousy.
"Ah... you seem to be in a bad mood. Is there anything you can tell me?"
Sure enough, something was off. Seele smiled at her other self. They should be the closest people to each other, because she was her and she was herself. Seele would never hide anything from her. But this other self was clearly preoccupied. However, if she didn't want to talk about it, Seele wouldn't force her.
"No, it's nothing."
The black-clad Seele raised a hand to her chin. She wouldn't admit it was because she was too lonely. Seele had changed a lot lately, not only in combat but also in her daily social interactions. The timid little girl was gone; now she could even handle other people's emotional matters. It seemed she didn't need her as much anymore.
"Sister Bronya said that some things are hard to say because you know each other too well. I thought to myself, maybe that's how it is between us. We know each other so well, but that's why we can't be completely honest with each other. You don't want to tell me what's bothering you..."
Seele wanted to find out what had happened to her other self, but this only made the black Seele angry and embarrassed. Did she expect her to say that she felt lonely? That she didn't feel like she was the most important person to Seele anymore? If she were to say such a thing, she would rather be killed. She was such a noble and aloof person. If she said such a thing, wouldn't people think she was some kind of arrogant and jealous little girl?
It's understandable that she'd be jealous of Shen Gonglin, since there are so many girls out there, one more jealous one wouldn't matter. But how could she possibly admit to Seele?
This idiot! Sister Bronya should be considered to have high emotional intelligence, but actually she's just like Shen Gonglin, a basin of emotional intelligence!
"I told you it's nothing! Hurry up and get out of here. Spend the day having fun with your new friend, don't worry about me!"
With an impatient wave, Black Seele shooed Seele away. She only wanted her new friends; as for herself, a lonely old Seele, she was fine on her own. "Only new faces are seen laughing, while old ones are not seen crying," a thought suddenly popped into Black Seele's head, and she became even angrier.
Who's old? I'm still a brand new girl!
"Okay, I'm always here if you're willing to tell me."
She left this space with great understanding. Seele wouldn't force her to do anything. She would always be there to say what she wanted to say. Her consciousness returned to reality. She had talked to her other self for so long, but in reality, only a few seconds had passed. Her other self didn't seem to be in a good mood. She was unresponsive when she spoke to her. Maybe she should do something to make her happy.
Looking at the blankets Shen Gonglin on the bed, Seele remembered what Rin had said to her before. The girl's cheeks flushed slightly. Although she felt a little shy, this was something another version of herself wanted to do, so... she would give it a try.
Chapter Twenty-Six: Seele, the Pervert
After mentally preparing herself for half a day, Seele finally climbed into bed. She gently brought her slightly flushed face close to the blanket and breathed slowly. She didn't know why her other self wanted her to do this. This behavior probably seemed perverted to others, but since it was what her other self wanted, it wasn't unacceptable for her to be a little perverted.
[Idiot, how can you absorb any "Rin" element like that? Bury your face in the blanket, hug it tightly, squeeze your legs together, and then smell it as hard as you can, understand?]
Sure enough, after she did that, her other self immediately took the initiative to talk to her. Seele was very happy that she took the initiative to contact her, but what she said... Seele really felt that she couldn't do it. And what exactly is the Rin element? Was it because she didn't pay attention in class? Why didn't she know anything about this element?
However, this was another thing she wanted to do. Although it was a bit perverse and embarrassing, since it was something she wanted to do, Seele could accept it even if she had to force herself.
So the girl lay down on her side on Shen Gonglin's bed, trembling slightly. Following the instructions of the other self in her mind, Seele hugged the blanket to her chest with great shame. She felt like she was about to faint at any moment, but she had to persevere. The other self seemed to really like doing this. Didn't you see that she even took the initiative to speak? It seems she really likes it.
[Yes, yes, that's the pose. Then bury your face in it and smell it deeply... This scent... is it Sister Bronya's? I knew I was right. Sister Bronya has been here too, and there are several other girls' scents too. Tsk, that's why Rin's element is so weak. Seele, try a little harder, I think I'm almost there.]
What is this other self saying? Although Seele didn't quite understand, she was greatly shocked. To make the other self happy, Seele could only continue doing this. What exactly is the Rin element? Is it this fragrant smell? But isn't this just the smell of laundry detergent and shower gel? What exactly is the Rin element that the other self is talking about?
Snap.
Suddenly, a soft sound interrupted Seele's actions. She peeked out from under the covers and looked in the direction of the sound with a puzzled expression. What she saw was a dumbfounded Shen Gonglin and a cup that was rolling around at his feet. What was this girl doing? Why did she feel like she was seeing something she shouldn't have seen?
Good heavens, is this what they call letting a wolf into the house? I always thought I only needed to be wary of Black Seele, but I never expected Blue Seele to change too. Who can withstand this?
"Ah, Shen Gonglin, it's not what you think. I... I just wanted to make your bed!"
She'd been caught doing something wrong! Seele was terrified. She quickly climbed off the bed and stood up awkwardly. It was her other self who had made her do it, but she couldn't betray that other self. So, this was the only excuse Seele could come up with. Things really weren't as Shen Gonglin thought.
"Seele, you're a pervert!"
Shen Gonglin Jingu pointed at Seele with grief and indignation. She had thought Seele was a good girl, but it turned out that she was just like Kiana, a pervert. Shen Gonglin was shocked.
Huh? Pervert? How could such a word be used to describe herself? Seele panicked a little, so she subconsciously started to ask her other self for help. She should come out and explain to her that her actions just now were not her own intention, but were all made to do by her other self.
[Yes, Shen Gonglin is right, Seele, you really are a little pervert.]
Little did she know that her other self was also kicking her while she was down. Hearing the mocking voice in her mind, Seele's face turned bright red. It was over. It seemed that she would have to bear this reputation as a pervert.
"Shen Gonglin, things aren't really as you think. I genuinely wanted to make your bed, that's why it looked the way you saw it... Please believe me, okay?"
In the corridor, Seele was still trying to clarify her previous perverted behavior to Shen Gonglin... No, not at all perverted, it was just a misunderstanding. If anyone was perverted, it was another version of herself, since it was Rin who asked her to do it. Now Rin was turning around and denying it, and Seele didn't want to be labeled a pervert. So Seele had to explain things properly to Shen Gonglin.
"Okay, okay, I believe you. Let's not talk about this anymore, let's just let it fade into the dust of history. Let's hurry over there, maybe Kiana is already waiting for us."
Shen Gonglin walked forward with his head held high and his gaze fixed straight ahead, showing no intention of making eye contact with Seele beside him. Girls are all dangerous; even the seemingly cute and timid Lan Seele can do some truly terrifying things. So Shen Gonglin had to stay calm. This world was full of danger.
"Okay... Shen Gonglin, look me in the eyes. Say you believe what I'm saying, that Seele really didn't do anything strange."
"I won't watch."
Despite what Shen Gonglin said, Seele couldn't relax at all. His current behavior was full of distrust. He didn't believe a word Seele Shen Gonglin said, even though he had definitely taken it to heart. Seele was on the verge of tears. She finally understood what it felt like to be a scapegoat for someone else.
How annoying, why doesn't Shen Gonglin believe it... Although if this happened to me, I probably wouldn't believe it either.
Seele imagined Shen Gonglin lying on her bed, hugging her blanket and rolling around. This scene did seem to cause a little misunderstanding.
[Hey, Seele, you're pretty good! This scene is quite exciting. Why don't we give it a try? Shen Gonglin is very easy to seduce. I feel like I could catch him by putting a cake on the bed and setting up a bowl.]
Another version of herself chuckled to herself. Seele was already having a hard time making Shen Gonglin believe her, and this other version of herself was adding fuel to the fire. Seele puffed out her cheeks slightly. Everyone was bullying her, it was so mean! And Shen Gonglin's behavior, it was clear that she didn't trust her at all. So annoying, so annoying!
And so, Shen Gonglin led the gloomy girl to the meeting place, where Kiana was already waiting.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: So Sour!
"Alright, I'll leave you here. I'll come back to pick you up at the agreed time. If the mission goes smoothly, you can explore the city. It looks quite lively here today."
The car that came from the Salt Lake Base stopped near the city. This was the car that Einstein arranged to bring Shen Gonglin and the others here. The Salt Lake Base is a bit far from the city, and it would be too conspicuous to take a flying vehicle, so a car was arranged to bring them here. After watching Shen Gonglin and the others get off the car safely, the driver kindly offered some advice.
Although most people at the Salt Lake Base were afraid of Kiana's identity as the Herrscher of the Void, some were still willing to show Kiana kindness. The girl's actions were slowly influencing those around her, and many were willing to believe in her.
"Okay... Wow, it looks really lively, there are so many people, and the streets are decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations."
Seele nodded, and the driver drove away. The girl looked at the bustling scene in the city in surprise. It seemed like there was some kind of celebration. The crowd of people alone shocked Seele. She had never actually seen so many people before.
"Hmm~ It feels so good to bask in the sun. Dr. Tesla mentioned that the fourth of next month is Welfare Day, and big celebrations will be held in various places. When you have time, you can bring Bronya over to play... Shen Gonglin, wake up! We've arrived. Wake up quickly."
Seeing such a lively scene, Kiana breathed a sigh of relief, and the girl's expression relaxed a lot. Then she turned her head helplessly to look behind her. Shen Gonglin was fast asleep on the bench. Sometimes this girl really is like a child. She made a fuss on the bus for so long, but then she fell asleep as soon as they arrived. Kiana reached out and shook Shen Gonglin's shoulder. This idiot, get up!
Are they supposed to carry him on his back while he goes on missions? Does this idiot even have any intention of carrying out a mission?
"Um... Kiana, give me a hug... cough cough, just kidding, just kidding, is there some kind of festival here?"
Shaked awake by Kiana, Shen Gonglin instinctively reached out to act cute when he saw the white-haired, blue-eyed face in front of him. However, he then noticed Seele beside him and quickly regained his Shen Gonglin. He coughed twice and changed the subject, as he couldn't let others see him acting cute towards Kiana; Shen Gonglin still had his pride.
"Hmm, it must be a rehearsal and warm-up for Independence Day... It looks quite lively."
Knowing what Shen Gonglin was planning to do, Kiana winked at him, her azure eyes full of laughter. It was rare to see him so embarrassed. Was he just instinctively trying to be cute with her? Well, there was nothing she could do about it. After all, she was just such a reliable person. Kiana was very satisfied with Shen Gonglin's unconscious behavior. Sure enough, she and Shen Gonglin were the perfect match.
"That's right... Shen Gonglin, look over there, it's so lively and bustling everywhere, it's wonderful."
Pretending not to notice Shen Gonglin's coquettish behavior, Seele focused her attention on the lively and bustling surroundings. It was quite nice. She also noticed Kiana's expression; back at the base, this girl only relaxed in front of Shen Gonglin, and now she seemed completely at ease. Sister Bronya was right; she should be brought out to relax.
Suddenly feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, Seele hoped she could help others. Shen Gonglin was as lazy as a snake and very unreliable, so this kind of thing could only be done by them.
"Alright, stop watching the show and get down to business. I still have some time before my appointment with the other party, so let's take care of your matter first, Shen Gonglin... What's with that expression? Have you forgotten Einstein sent you to Salt Lake City?"
Seeing the bewildered look in Shen Gonglin's eyes, Kiana helplessly covered her head. Even Seele next to her gave an awkward yet polite smile. Shen Gonglin was indeed unreliable. She also understood why Dr. Einstein had specifically instructed others to accompany Shen Gonglin if they had time. If this guy was left alone, let alone shopping, the entire Anti-Entropy would be lucky if he could even get back safely.
"Buying things for the celebration? Seriously, I don't know what's going on in your head all day. You should be thinking about something more important."
Kiana reached out and tapped Shen Gonglin's head, feeling utterly defeated by him. Shen Gonglin, somewhat embarrassed and angry, shook off Kiana's hand. How could she forget something like that? She just hadn't thought of it for a moment.
"I'm so slow to react because you're always on my mind. Let's go, hurry up."
Shen Gonglin Jingu muttered these words, and Kiana was even happier to hear them. Since she was the one who was completely covered, there was nothing she could do about it, so it was a good thing after all.
"Here you are, this way. How did you get lost again? This is the right way... Honestly, what would you do without me by your side? This way, this way."
"Then why don't you just stay by my side? Honestly, you can't even think of something this simple. You're so stupid."
"Okay, okay, you're so smart, you're so smart."
Kiana followed Shen Gonglin a grin, taking his hand as they entered the bustling crowd. Seele, however, felt uneasy.
Why do I feel like I've been shown up in front of everyone for no reason? I didn't eat anything sour, so why Seele I feel like I'm being treated like a lemon? It's so sour. I feel like I'm turning into a lemon spirit. They seem happy now, but why am I so sour? I need to eat something sweet to soothe this feeling. It's just too sour.
[Yeah, yeah, I feel so sour too. How about we stab Kiana?]
No, my other self, we can't do this...
Dealing with the other self inside her, Seele smiled helplessly and quickly followed Kiana and Shen Gonglin. This girl didn't have any other thoughts; she was just a little jealous. After all, she was a girl, and such a little jealousy was normal. In fact, Seele quite liked this feeling. The feeling of being connected with others was really nice.
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Showing Affection
It feels like it's been ages since I've been able to go shopping without any worries like this. This relaxed feeling is so comforting. Walking through the bustling streets, enjoying everyone's laughter and joy, feels really good. It's true that being with everyone is the best thing ever.
Walking down the street with Kiana and Shen Gonglin, Seele couldn't help but smile happily. The three of them were holding sundaes of different colors, which Shen Gonglin had been clamoring to buy. Seele also wanted to eat one, so the three of them each took one. Going out to eat delicious food with friends was a very wonderful thing for Seele.
Back when I was in the Sea of Quantum, this simple daily life was what I looked forward to the most.
[My other self: This sundae is so delicious, do you want to try some?]
She wouldn't forget her other self when something wonderful happened. Seele calmed her mind and thought about sharing this wonderful feeling with her other self. Lately, her other self hadn't been very talkative. Seele knew she had something on her mind, and she wouldn't force her to talk about it. She would naturally tell her when she wanted to. All Seele needed to do was share all the wonderful things with her.
[...I don't like sweets, and don't call me, it makes me angry just looking at me. Hurry, Seele, stab him already, I can't take it anymore.]
The other self resolutely rejected Seele's request, and at the same time, she said such malicious words. She had clearly been deliberately ignoring what was going on with Shen Gonglin, but when Seele called her, she saw the scene again, which made her angry.
Huh? Stabbing Shen Gonglin in the back... that might not be a good idea...
Seele turned her gaze to Shen Gonglin and Kiana in front of her. The two were standing very close, not holding hands, but the distance between them was obviously suspicious, not to mention their behavior. Kiana offered her strawberry sundae to Shen Gonglin's lips, and Shen Gonglin took a bite without hesitation. Under Kiana's glare, Shen Gonglin reluctantly offered her sundae to Kiana as well.
This guy is so stingy! He opened his mouth so wide when he bit Kiana's sundae, but when he made Kiana eat him, he looked like he was cutting off his own flesh. Sister Bronya was right, Shen Gonglin is indeed a very petty person.
"Seele, what's with that look you're giving me?"
Licking his sundae, Shen Gonglin felt Seele's gaze. He looked at Seele warily, wondering if she was also eyeing his sundae. No, it was his. Kiana had already taken a bite, and if Seele bit him too, he wouldn't have much left.
Oh dear, that petty person found out.