Chapter 139

Fu Xuan, her face flushed, almost screamed. Despite being extremely shy, Fu Xuan didn't argue with the other person, but instead stammered out some incomprehensible words.

"And look at that one, he's so handsome! His eyes are so beautiful. Auntie has never seen such a good-looking man before. Little Fu Xuan has such high standards—"

"That's true..."

Looking at Bai Jun, who was yawning in the distance, Fu Xuan's gaze softened.

"Alright, Auntie won't disturb your date any longer. This is just a little something from me. You used to love eating this, didn't you, Little Fu Xuan? Now it's your turn to share it. And if you ever get married, don't forget to invite Auntie to your wedding candy!"

On her way back to Bai Jun from Aunt Mingwan's place, Fu Xuan was incredibly conflicted. She wasn't Bai Jun's girlfriend, and he wasn't her boyfriend; they were just ordinary superiors and subordinates. Yet, out of selfishness, she hadn't spoken up to refute this fact.

To disregard the feelings of others for one's own selfish desires is utterly shameless...

Ultimately, how does Bai Jun truly view her?

"You're back! Was that someone you knew earlier?"

"Yes, it is indeed an acquaintance I haven't seen in a long time. She gave me a dessert, Bai Jun, you can have it."

As he spoke, Fu Xuan hid his struggle and inner turmoil, and handed the bag he was holding to Bai Jun. Bai Jun opened the bag and subconsciously swallowed when he saw the food inside.

Two thin slices of bread sandwich sweet fruits such as Qiongshi Fruit and Cloudberry. The filling is already rich, but it is also filled with vegetable cream as an auxiliary ingredient. The filling is so rich that it seems like it might burst the two slices of bread at any moment.

So sweet, I don't even need to think about it to know it's incredibly sweet...

Although Bai Jun usually enjoys desserts, it doesn't mean he can eat something this sweet. To put it bluntly, Bai Jun feels that he would be lucky if he didn't vomit completely after eating this dessert.

"Uh, I definitely can't finish it all by myself, Fu Xuan, you should eat with me."

"... Eh?! I... I don't eat those kinds of children's snacks..."

Upon hearing Bai Jun's invitation, Fu Xuan, who was already hesitant, was startled like a little rabbit. Her face flushed crimson as if on fire, and she almost instinctively jumped out. However, in order to maintain her already pitifully low dignity in Bai Jun, she still stubbornly insisted on saying yes.

Fu Xuan said she wouldn't eat, so should we feed her or not?

The answer is that you absolutely must feed her, even if it kills you!

"It's okay, it's fine to try it once in a while!"

"Really... really..."

Bai Jun forcefully held the dessert in his hand to Fu Xuan's mouth. After a brief moment of petrification, Fu Xuan gently tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear and took a bite of cream with her cherry-like lips. She chewed without uttering a word, her whole face flushed red.

As Bai Jun felt a sense of familiarity, he naturally reached out and gently wiped the cream off the other person's face.

For some reason, Fu Xuan's lowered face seemed to turn even redder.

After they had walked around enough, the two sat on a bench set up on the east side of the central square.

"It's still too sweet..." Bai Jun looked embarrassed because he had eaten food that was too sweet. Fu Xuan, who was staring intently at his profile, suddenly spoke up, conveying the confusion that had been suppressed in his heart for a long time.

"Bai Jun, what do you think of the job at the Divination Bureau?"

"Hmm? I think it's alright. It's pretty much the same as my previous job, so I guess it won't be long before I'm completely used to it..."

"That's not it. What I mean is, what do you think is the meaning of so-called 'divination'? If the future that has already been observed is predetermined, and if people believe that the results of divination are necessarily true, then choice becomes meaningless. In the long run, this will only make people passive, and divination itself will lose its meaning."

Fu Xuan sat on the bench, looking ahead and avoiding eye contact.

She gazed at the splashing fountain, weaving words into her voice as Bai Jun looked up.

The Dharma Eye on her forehead was also throbbing slightly; it was a precious treasure she had once sought from the Nous.

To gain insight into the changes of the external world, to explore countless possibilities, and to improve the accuracy of divination, even at the cost of eternal torment...

But she still wanted to see more clearly. She wanted to know, in those moments when she could make a choice, if she could calculate more accurately, even by just one ten-thousandth, would she have made the right choice, and would those people have stayed with her?

Even though her master, Jingtian, could not escape the shackles of fate throughout his life, she herself was also trapped in the cage of fate.

"I don't understand those complex and profound philosophies about fate, and I know absolutely nothing about divination. To be honest, I don't understand at all why Jing Yuan sent me to work at the Divination Bureau. But... I think the true meaning of 'divination' lies in people's choices."

Looking at the bustling streets that remained as lively as ever, Bai Jun answered softly.

Her lustrous, snow-white hair swayed gently in the breeze.

If your divination results, all your choices, and every action you take involve countless families and lives, can you still calmly and easily say something like "it depends on human choice"?

Never regret the choices you make, there's no need to be proud, you can always feel lost, but never regret them. Because ahead of you, there are indeed lives saved by foolish choices.

Faced with Bai Jun's calm answer, Fu Xuan couldn't help but ask aloud. Bai Jun gently shook his head, and the azure eyes that met the pale golden eyes showed a gentleness different from the past. It would be inappropriate to describe it as resolute; perhaps "determined" would be the perfect word.

It feels so familiar...

She suddenly remembered what her master, Jingtian, had once said, "With the help of the formation, the diviners only need to believe and follow the revelations, making one choice after another—even if they are incomprehensible and extremely difficult. Just remember, do not be confused, and do not regret your choices."

Unlike his master's cloudy eyes, Bai Jun's eyes were like deep blue cornflowers or the surface of a blue lake, so beautiful that Fu Xuan couldn't take his eyes off them.

Fu Xuan, who was listening intently, was deeply attracted by the light. She felt an immense peace in her heart, and her cold mood gradually warmed up. As the ice melted away, she also felt a sweet, heart-wrenching feeling.

Fu Xuan lowered her gaze, facing her own feelings squarely. She had had enough of being tormented by this emotional entanglement, and finally recognized her truest feelings. She raised her head.

"Bai Jun, thank you."

She conveyed her most fervent wishes to the other person through words.

So... I want to keep looking into your captivating eyes, and I want you to stay by my side.

--So she can make that kind of expression too.

Seeing Fu Xuan's fair cheeks flushed with pure joy, Bai Jun couldn't help but think this.

"OK."

The young man's gentle voice whispered in Fu Xuan's ear.

She first lowered her blushing face slightly, and then broke into her most radiant smile.

PS:

The main storyline is almost here; the Luofu chapter will soon be over, and next up will be Belobog—

Finally, please vote with monthly tickets!

Chapter 174 The Ghost-Hunting Squad, Each with Their Own Hidden Motives

The one-day date ended just right.

After revealing her true feelings for the first time, Fu Xuan seemed to have unloaded some burden. She gradually opened her heart and let down her guard. She no longer spoke in a cryptic manner as before, nor did she maintain a cold and aloof face to preserve her image. Like her cherry blossom-colored hair, she seemed to have become more easygoing and gentle.

To be precise, it was limited to Bai Jun's presence only.

After a quick lunch outside, the two continued their lively conversation on the way back to the Divination Bureau. Fu Xuan Bai Jun about the troubles of her job as a Taibu Temple official, the worries she had had no one to confide in for so many years, and her complaints about Qing Que's unambitious personality. Bai Jun sat quietly by her side, listening to her troubles with a smile.

Intentionally or unintentionally, Fu Xuan slowed down her pace, and Bai Jun followed suit, slowing down as well.

Upon returning to the Divination Bureau, such an intimate relationship could no longer be maintained. Fu Xuan was fully aware of this, as if reluctant to see this time end, as if he wanted to prolong it for just a moment longer...

She suddenly stopped in front of the gates of the Divination Bureau.

Fu Xuan's flawless, fair skin flushed slightly. She looked around suspiciously, and after a moment's hesitation under Bai Jun's questioning gaze, she finally spoke:

"Next time, when you have time, will you come with me to stroll around here again?"

"No problem, if it's your invitation, I think I'll definitely be there on time," Bai Jun nodded without hesitation.

"Ugh! You, you idiot... Get back to work, I'm not going to bother with you anymore!"

Bai Jun's cheerful reply was like a sharp blade piercing her heart. Her smooth, jade-like shoulders trembled slightly. Then, she abandoned Bai Jun's figure, ignoring the sound behind her. Fu Xuan's face was completely flushed. She covered her violently pounding heart with her left hand and fled in a disheveled state.

"Is it necessary? He's a grown man."

Watching her pink figure disappear from sight in an instant, Bai Jun's words of pleas to stay dissipated with the breeze, and his hand, which had been hanging in the air, finally fell behind his head, and he couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

After composing himself, Bai Jun followed the others into the Divination Bureau government office). Although he enjoyed slacking off at work, today was his first day of work, and he had skipped the entire morning. Feeling guilty, he decided to hurry back to the Assignment Hall to begin his afternoon work.

On his way to the Assignment Hall, Bai Jun keenly noticed the countless gazes directed at him from all around.

Unlike the previous glances, this one seemed to carry a deeper meaning, containing envy, admiration, and resentment, but more so, disappointment that the desired prey had fallen into the hands of others and regret for not having acted sooner.

"I never imagined that handsome guy was actually Lady Fu Xuan's boyfriend..."

"Hey, thank goodness I didn't have the nerve to ask him for his contact information, otherwise I would have been in big trouble if he rejected me."

Bai Jun suppressed the urge to scoff, silently lowering his perception to minimize the impact of nearby sounds, while quickly following the route Remembrance to reach the circular plaza of the Assignment Hall.

The diviners, having finished their lunch sometime earlier, remained engrossed in their work amidst mountains of documents. Upon hearing Bai Jun's footsteps enter the square, they all turned their heads, focusing their gaze on the center of the controversy, and then... began gossiping with a level of folly no less intense than that of outsiders.

Although Bai Jun is the kind of person who becomes the center of attention wherever he goes, today's momentum was a bit too exaggerated. Surrounded by such a storm of gazes and words, Bai Jun struggled to finish his afternoon's work.

From an unconventional perspective, this experience was unprecedented, but Bai Jun really disliked the feeling of attracting attention.

As Bai Jun packed his things, preparing to flee this place...

"Young Master Bai Jun, the Lord Diviner needs to speak with you. Could you please visit her office before you leave?"

Someone relayed these words to him, and not only Bai Jun heard them, but everyone else in the circular hall heard them without missing a single word.

"Oh my, is absence makes the heart grow fonder?"

"Hurry up, hurry up, young master Bai Jun. It wouldn't be good to keep the Lord Diviner waiting."

"Stop joking with the Lord Diviner. I can tell you're all eager to integrate into the Divination Bureau's environment."

The fortune tellers, who were packing up to leave work, stopped what they were doing and started teasing him as if it were none of their business. They were happy to see Bai Jun's embarrassment, as it added a bit of fun to their boring work life. Most importantly, even if they wanted to joke with Fu Xuan, they probably wouldn't have the guts, so they could only settle for teasing this seemingly innocent Bai Jun.

Bai Jun was too lazy to argue with these chattering fellows, and had no intention of explaining anything to them. He turned and walked towards Fu Xuan's office.

"... You've arrived. I have something to ask you, no, I should say this is your job."

Fu Xuan, who was leaning against his desk deep in thought, saw Bai Jun arrive and took a document from the table, handing it to him and explaining, "This is the daily observation result of the Matrix of Prescience. Because this morning... Anyway, I just deciphered it into words. Please give this document to Jing Yuan for me, and tell him there has been a change."

As usual, Fu Xuan should have finished writing the document in the morning. However, due to a momentary impulse, he went on a date with Bai Jun. Only afterward did he realize how foolish he had been. Helpless, Fu Xuan had to cut back on his afternoon work time and hurriedly and hastily wrote it out.

However, whether by coincidence or destiny, today's observations differed from the usual trivialities, with significant changes observed in the results.

While inwardly congratulating himself on not slacking off and missing today's observation records, Fu Xuan glanced at Bai Jun, who was looking down at the documents.

"An unexpected turn of events? Wait a minute, what does this say?"

Bai Jun took the document, glanced at it briefly, and was shocked to find that he couldn't understand it at all. He couldn't help but ask a question.

"It's normal that you don't understand. That's a special text format used by the Divination Bureau and the Shence Mansion to communicate. You can understand it by simply reading according to the fixed rules of each line and paragraph. In short, the information to be expressed is hidden in each paragraph. Let me teach you."

Seeing that even Bai Jun had things he couldn't handle, Fu Xuan, amused by his bewildered expression, sidled up to him and stood on tiptoe to explain the rules of each line. Under her guidance, Bai Jun gradually pieced together the complete information.

"Changes will occur tonight in the northwest and south areas of Fyxestroll Garden."

As the sun began to set, the shadows of buildings and people stretched long, and the twilight over the streets gradually took over, the shadows covering the shops along the roadside. The shopkeepers then gradually closed their umbrellas and let out a long yawn.

The open-air teahouse located next to the main road of Aurum Alley doesn't usually have the habit of removing the umbrellas. Seeing the two girls still sitting there chatting, the kind-hearted shopkeeper personally replaced their hot water with a new pot.

"Thank you, boss! Oh, wait a minute, my inspiration is flowing like a spring!"

Sushang was lost in thought, admiring the street scene and gazing at the bustling crowds that remained vibrant beneath the backdrop of the crimson sunset and the azure night sky.

"That's right, that's exactly it! Whew, I'm such a genius! I came up with a brand new topic for the live stream in just one afternoon. I'm practically born with a natural talent for live streaming!"

Ignoring Guinaifen, who was sitting opposite her with her fist raised to the sky, Sushang's mind was completely immersed in the bustling street scene.

When did I start to find my favorite pastries tasteless?

Why do I feel so distracted?

What exactly do I want to do?

"Bai Jun..."

Sushang vaguely felt that this should be the answer.

"It is said that during the Denizens of Abundance War thirty years ago, the Fox Clan's elite flying warriors were all deployed, suffering heavy casualties. People spontaneously went to the Foxsom Tomb in Fyxestroll Garden to mourn their deceased loved ones... This left Fyxestroll Garden deserted and devoid of joyful sounds. Over time, the eerie will-o'-the-wisps in Fyxestroll Garden flickered, and mournful sobs echoed from nowhere. The news of 'Fyxestroll Garden being haunted' spread like wildfire among the residents of Xianzhou Luofu —So, what do you think of my latest headline, Sushang!?"

Guinaifen was extremely excited about the title of her latest live stream, and couldn't help but let out an excited shout.

"Sushang? Shang--Shang--!"

Realizing that her best friend sitting opposite her wasn't listening to her at all, Guinaifen called out softly in dissatisfaction, then stood up. Amid Sushang's exclamation of "Ugh!", she practically shoved the video on the Jade Omen screen directly into Sushang's face.

"I'm so sorry, Little Gui, I was just spacing out... What did you just say?"

"Sushang, why have you been so absent-minded these past few days? Are you feeling unwell? Or is something bothering you at work? If so, Sushang, please put your work aside for a few days. I truly believe that nothing is more important than your health, okay?"

"Thank you for your concern, Little Gui, but I'm really fine! More importantly, what did you just say, Little Gui?"

Faced with Sushang's awkward apology, Guinaifen asked worriedly. After receiving repeated confirmation of her denial, she sighed and repeated her plan to Sushang again.

"Hmm, is this some kind of new scam?"