Life always had many turning points.
A decision made in a single moment could change so many outcomes.
Faced with Asta taking the initiative to kiss him.
Lin Chen stood at a crossroads and suddenly found himself lost.
The corners of her lips lifted slightly into a rather pleased smile.
Asta's beautiful eyes were tightly shut, like crescent moons in the sky.
Rising gently onto her tiptoes, she offered him her soft, sweet lips once again.
This time, it was no fleeting brush of lips.
Asta had planned this all along, and she went straight on the offensive.
She breached Lin Chen's teeth...
Feeling her soft, fragrant tongue launch an inexperienced yet passionate assault.
Lin Chen instinctively responded, entwining his tongue with Asta's.
His heartbeat abruptly accelerated, threatening to race out of control.
Time seemed to slow.
He no longer knew where it began or where it ended.
The only thought left in Lin Chen's mind.
Was how to respond to this strange, sensuous dream unfolding before him.
Vaguely, Lin Chen felt a slight heat around his waist.
He secretly opened his eyes.
Lin Chen's gaze shifted slightly downward.
Past the exquisite curves of her snowy peaks.
Lin Chen faintly made out what seemed to be a pale purple pattern.
Only a sliver of its radiance showed through the white lace nightgown she wore.
"A... a lewd crest?"
"No way. Is this the actual symptom of the pills' side effects?"
Seeing the pale purple runes spread out like a demon's wings.
And give off a hazy glow, Lin Chen was stunned.
No wonder Asta was suddenly acting so unlike herself.
That thing was behind it all.
In other words, Asta was now a little succubus through and through.
This wasn't her original personality at all?
"No... I'd better stop here!"
"Otherwise, when Asta returns to normal in a few days, I'll be in trouble!"
Instantly snapping back to his senses, Lin Chen frowned.
Then he turned his face aside, breaking off his passionate kiss with Asta.
"Mr. Lin Chen... don't you like me anymore?"
Her beautiful eyes opened, seemingly filled with a hint of resentment and regret.
Asta's voice was still soft and alluring.
"No... just let me explain..."
Before Lin Chen could finish.
A heavy sound came from the residential cabin door.
A notification announced that it had been unlocked from outside.
As if acting on some unspoken understanding, Asta and Lin Chen.
Both took two steps back, instantly putting distance between them.
As though nothing had happened.
The heavy alloy cabin door opened.
Revealing March 7th's innocent, adorable face.
"I'm back!"
"Lin Chen... you meanie! You haven't been bullying our Asta, have you?"
With light, relaxed steps, March 7th approached them.
Lin Chen took a deep breath and simply stayed silent.
Thank goodness... we moved fast enough. At least March 7th didn't catch us in the act.
Otherwise, I'd really have been in for it today.
"Here... this is for you!"
"A sandwich Himeko made herself!"
"Hurry up and eat it. It won't taste as good once it gets cold."
Taking a triangular piece of food from her little bag, she placed it in Lin Chen's palm.
Then March 7th walked straight over to Asta.
"Asta... your face is so red."
"Are you feeling unwell?"
She extended her slender fingers and poked Asta's flushed, hot cheek.
March 7th narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly, her pretty face full of concern.
"I'm fine... just a little dizzy."
"Maybe it's a side effect of having only just recovered my sanity?"
Gently tucking her slightly disheveled long hair behind her ear.
Asta smiled faintly, looking perfectly relaxed and composed.
"If you haven't fully recovered, you should get some proper rest!"
"I knew Lin Chen didn't know how to take care of anyone."
"Asta... I'll help you into bed."
With that, March 7th, looking utterly serious.
Helped Asta lie down on the bed.
Only once Asta's complexion had returned much closer to normal.
Did March 7th's tightly furrowed brows slowly relax.
Still watching quietly from the side, Lin Chen found himself somewhat transfixed.
Asta really was exceptionally good at thinking on her feet.
Sure enough... Asta was completely different from March 7th.
Even though they both had equally innocent, adorable faces.
Asta's cunning was definitely beyond anything the amazing March 7th could match.
Some time later.
Seemingly having already guessed Lin Chen's intentions.
Asta, who was in good spirits, slowly got up.
With a soft rustling, she changed into her usual clothes.
Following their original plan.
Lin Chen took out five [Low-Quality Sanity Pills] and handed them to Asta.
He instructed her to give them to capable fighters aboard Herta Space Station.
After all, right now, there was no one.
Who knew the Space Station's situation better than Asta.
"Asta, let's meet in the Master Control Zone at 10:30 tonight."
"Whether we can put an end to the Uncanny disaster will all come down to tonight."
Putting on a stern, serious expression, Lin Chen gave his instructions.
"All right... I'll be there on time."
"I should be fine now, March 7th. You don't need to worry."
"There are still a few things I need to look up in the Space Station's database."
"March 7th... you should head back with Mr. Lin Chen."
After nodding quietly, Asta replied calmly.
Only, Lin Chen vaguely noticed.
That the way Asta looked at him seemed completely different from before.
A little while later, they left Asta's residential cabin.
Lin Chen and March 7th walked side by side through the brightly lit Space Station corridors.
For once, the usually lively girl remained silent.
"Lin Chen... can I ask you something?"
Tightening her grip on the Composite Bow formed from Six-Phased Ice.
March 7th finally broke the silence, speaking in an unusually serious tone.
"Whatever it is, just ask!"
Glancing at the girl beside him and seeing her uneasy expression.
Lin Chen felt a little surprised.
Watching closely, he had already noticed.
That ever since the Astral Express had returned.
March 7th's expression had seemed a little unnatural.
"If one day the Astral Express's journey ends, and I don't know where to go."
"If I invite you on an adventure together then, would you be willing to come with me?"
After thinking for a moment, March 7th turned her gaze toward Lin Chen and spoke slowly.
Starlight shimmered in her dreamy pink-and-blue eyes.
Just like the first sight that had greeted Lin Chen when he woke up aboard the Astral Express.
"Come with you? Where? Back home to get married?"
The corners of his lips lifting slightly, Lin Chen paused for a moment before casually teasing her.
He really wasn't used to the atmosphere between them right now.
He still hoped to see March 7th always optimistic, cheerful, and carefree.
"Ahhh! What are you talking about?!"
"Don't raise a guaranteed death flag like that, okay?"
"And... who said I wanted to marry you? What on earth are you thinking?!"
Lifting her long, slender leg, she drove her knee straight into Lin Chen.
March 7th folded her arms across her chest, her cheeks puffed out in annoyance and her pretty face flushed crimson.
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