A Confession and...

"Cheers!"

Two thick-walled tin cups collided heavily, and the amber-colored ale overflowed from the rims. Su Ming and King Star Pickaxe tilted their heads back and drank the strong liquor, which was bubbling with a rich malty aroma, in one gulp.

The bottom of the cup slammed heavily onto the long table covered with a darkly patterned tablecloth, making two crisp "thump" sounds.

"Roar!!!"

Cheers erupted instantly around the meeting room. The dwarven officials involved in the negotiations pounded their fists on the table, and the administrators of the Final Bone Mad Machines also whistled loudly.

Although there are still many complicated details to be finalized, the overall situation has been settled.

Zijin stepped forward at the opportune moment, her face bearing just the right amount of apology. "I apologize, Your Majesty Star Pickaxe, but I suffered some magical shock during yesterday's battle, and it is truly not advisable for me to drink alcohol or engage in strenuous activity at this moment."

The most serious injury she has now is actually that she talked until her throat was dry while bargaining with Star Pickaxe this afternoon.

"It's alright, it's alright!" King Star Pickaxe grinned heartily, his gaze falling on the Queen sitting in the rest area at the edge. "Look, Geruida's ankle's 'spun' too."

The four people's eyes met briefly in the air, and a tacit understanding flashed in each other's eyes.

With the symbolic ceremony concluded, the real ball finally began. The lively and slightly boisterous dwarf dance music began, and people pulled their companions along, surging into the spacious dance floor.

The long table was piled high with a dazzling array of delicious food, its aromas enticing. However, Su Ming and Zijin had already eaten dinner and had no interest in it.

"You should go back and rest early." Su Ming tilted his head slightly to her ear, "I'll deal with things for a while before leaving."

Zijin waved her hand, "Then you've had a hard time!"

She turned gracefully and left quietly.

Su Ming circled the room, holding a wine glass, clinking glasses and exchanging pleasantries with the dwarf officials, creating an atmosphere of merriment and enjoyment. Magelaili enthusiastically moved through the crowd, organizing dance partner exchanges and various games. Thanks to her efforts, the atmosphere of the ball quickly warmed up, filled with laughter and music.

Seeing that there was no need for him to stay any longer, Su Ming greeted King Star Pickaxe and made up a harmless excuse to take his leave. He walked through the corridor and had just reached a quieter place when he heard a familiar female voice coming from downstairs.

"Huh?!" It was Qiluo's voice, she exclaimed in utter surprise, "I only went back to visit relatives and missed something so big?!" "Yes!" Beianqi replied with a tone of lingering fear and relief, "Luckily, our Tongtong was amazing and turned the tide, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing us now!"

"Where is that Crystal Dragon now?" Qiluo asked excitedly. "Lead the way! Let's go cut a few tons of the best pork tenderloin and have a dragon meat hot pot tonight!"

The sound that followed abruptly stopped, as if someone had covered their mouth.

"That dragon's meat is poisonous!" Beianqi quickly said. "Let's hurry to the diplomatic ball; there are lots of delicious food on the long tables there!" "Ugh... okay." Qiluo's voice immediately deflated.

Su Ming smiled slightly as he descended the spiral staircase. Just as he reached the corner platform, he saw a figure climbing the steps and passing by him.

After a few days apart, Qiluo unusually adopted her mature and sophisticated demeanor. She slightly raised her chin, her eyes fixed straight ahead, and strode with an air of undeniable elegance and poise. This posture clearly indicated her intention to pretend she hadn't seen him and slip into the venue to get straight to the point!

Su Ming didn't give in. He skillfully reached out and grabbed the conspicuous emerald green high ponytail at the back of her head, forcefully pulling her to a stop. Qiluo froze on the spot. She turned her head in disbelief, her beautiful eyes filled with shock.

"Hey Qiluo," Su Ming said, leisurely releasing his grip, "Where's the gift you brought me home from your vacation?"

Qiluo's chest heaved violently, and she forced out a few words through gritted teeth. "... I brought it, the Moon Tear Fruit!"

"At least you have some conscience." Su Ming nodded in satisfaction, waved his hand, and continued downstairs. "Take your time eating, don't finish it all. Leave some for King Star Pickaxe and the others."

Su Ming's figure disappeared, and Beianqi and Qi Qiluo in her loli form ran over from the other side, carrying two huge dessert platters. They had just successfully "robbed" the ball staff who were delivering desserts upstairs.

This tactic of "attacking reinforcements before encircling the enemy" is a standard tactic used by the Unicorns.

Xiao Qiluo emptied the plate into her mouth, placed it on the steps with a "clatter," and went to the older woman's side.

"Hey, Mom, why do you look so down?" she asked, puzzled. "Who upset you?"

Su Ming stepped out of the government affairs center, sensed the location of Zijin, and quickly found it. He spread his Gossamer Wings of Darkness over, and sure enough, he saw Zijin on a nearby mountain.

She sat on a large rock, twirling an unidentified blade of grass between her fingers. She was still wearing her ball gown, simple in cut and sparsely decorated, yet smooth as water, outlining the delicate and graceful silhouette of a young girl.

Su Ming landed beside her, and just as he was about to speak, a hint of youthful nervousness caught in his throat.

It was very hot here during the day, but now it was cool and refreshing, and the air was filled with the fragrance of gardenias. Zijin's long hair was not tied up as usual, but was casually draped over her shoulders, with a few strands being lifted by the night breeze and gently brushing against the corners of her slightly pursed lips.

The dress had a boat-shaped neckline, a style that Zijin would never normally wear, revealing her fair shoulders and beautifully defined collarbones.

Su Ming took a deep breath, his voice slightly tense, "Um, can we talk about what's going on between us?"

With a slight pressure, the delicate leaves of the Zijin curled up under her fingertips.

"You already know, so what's the point of talking?" She tried to keep her voice calm.

Su Ming decided to steer the conversation a little further away.

"Lately, I've felt that your behavior is strange." He sat down next to Zijin, his voice full of frustration. "Every time, I can't help but wonder if you're hinting at something, but I'm afraid I'm just overthinking it and imagining things."

"You mean those times I went to your office to see you?" Zijin's eyes lit up. "It was Stacy's idea! She said that as long as I acted a little ambiguous and interacted like that a few times, I'd get a clear answer quickly!"

Su Ming's Adam's apple bobbed silently. He really wanted to say: Stacy said "ambiguous," but what you said was simply "flirting"!

Stacy, as her mentor, taught the right methods, but she severely overestimated Zijin's ability to understand and execute.

"Well done," Su Ming sighed, "Just don't do it again next time. If I weren't so busy lately, I would have been kept awake by you!"

Zijin couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. Knowing that she wasn't the only one troubled, the subtle awkwardness in her heart instantly dissipated.

"You deserve it!" She turned her head, her eyes sparkling.

The night breeze seemed to soften as well. Su Ming reached out and gently took Zijin's hand, which was resting on her lap. Her fingers were slightly cool and obedient; she even turned back to hold his fingers.

This response clearly gave Su Ming enough courage.

"I like you, can... be my lover?" he finally asked.

Zijin did not answer immediately. She lowered her head, her gaze falling on their clasped hands, feeling the broad warmth of the other's palms, letting time flow slowly within the web woven by the chirping of insects.

After a long while, long enough that Su Ming could almost hear the rush of his own blood, Zijin suddenly raised her head and asked softly, "When did you... begin to like me?"

Su Ming thought carefully for a moment, "Actually... I don't quite remember when it was." He looked at the night sky, which was beginning to be dotted with Stars, "Maybe it was from the very beginning that I liked you, because you are so beautiful, so beautiful that it always makes people unable to help but secretly admire you."

"But perhaps, it was when I saw you sneaking into the kitchen, rummaging through the potatoes to eat." Su Ming raised his hand, his fingertips gently stroking Zijin's wrist. "You were so thin back then, and your stomach wasn't healthy either. It was heartbreaking to see you like that."

"Are you criticizing me?!" Zijin angrily raised her other hand and lightly tapped Su Ming's arm. Su Ming chuckled.

"Perhaps it's when I see you writing new spell formulas with bright eyes, radiating confidence," he continued, "Or when I see you complaining 'It's so troublesome,' but still diligently learning to take care of the little Tuanzi."

He gripped Zijin's hand tightly. "It might also have been when I saw you sitting silently by the window, wiping away tears because of Atiya —I don't know exactly which moment in those times."

The darkness concealed Zijin's reddened eyes. She suddenly turned to the side and hugged Su Ming tightly.

"Stop talking!" She buried her burning cheeks deep in Su Ming's chest. "I promise... okay?!"

A lively celebration was also being held at the Ruby Base Plaza.

There's not much fuss here, just flowing beer, piles of grilled meat, and constant music and performances.

The size of the Final Bone Mad Machines has expanded considerably. In addition to the continuous influx of scattered necromancers, the Blue-Eyed Chamber of Commerce network has been operating tirelessly during this period, and many members' lost relatives have been found one by one and have arrived at Dragon Valley to reunite.

Even those whose family members couldn't come have mostly made contact, and many have eyes full of hope.

Another group of performers came on stage, and everyone applauded and cheered.

For some reason, the executive director Younier, did not include the "Human Bone Machine" band in the performance schedule.

But as everyone got more and more into it, many people raised the "devil horns" gesture, a symbol of metal rock, and chanted in unison, "Human Bone Machine, give us one! Human Bone Machine, give us one!"

Unable to refuse their kind invitation, Hansite and Newman went to see Younier together.

Organizing this celebration with thousands of participants was already a demanding task. While some routine issues were tolerable, what truly made Younier's temples throb was the ongoing reports from the logistics department of food thefts.

The murderer even specifically targeted the high-end food prepared for the distinguished guests of the Dwarf Kingdom!

This elusive style allowed Younier to instantly pinpoint a particular "habitual offender" using only her toes.

"Immediately issue the missions 'Food Guardian' and 'Pursue the Peritodont Thief'!" she ordered, rubbing her temples.

A staff member looked troubled. "Miss Manager, at this hour... I'm afraid not many people are willing to put down their drinks to catch a thief, are they?" "Haha! Girl, that's easy!" Rupert popped out from behind some food stall. He casually draped an arm over Hansite's shoulder. "Issue a limited-time bounty. The reward for successfully arresting the target is a ' Human Bone Machine ' special rock concert!" Younier gritted her teeth. Rationally, she felt it was a bit much to put a bounty on that pony for a little food, but the thought of that troublemaker probably hiding somewhere, feasting, and adding fuel to the fire of her already hectic work, made her furious. "... Fine!" she gritted her teeth and decided, "Immediately send this bounty to all ' Human Bone Machine ' fans!"

The staff immediately began execution, posting a message in the system.

Younier turned to Hansite and Newman, whose faces lit up with delight, and held up one finger. "You can only use regular megaphones. No magic circle buffs or magic penetration allowed! If you dare to break the rules, you'll be banned from performing on stage forever!"

"Yay!" The two old rock 'n' roll guys high-fived and scurried off to prepare their equipment and Gospel.

In the plaza not far away, a member of the Final Bone Mad Machines pulled out his phone to check. He glanced at it and immediately cheered, "Limited-time mission! Capture the unicorn and you can win a rock concert!"

The news spread like wildfire, accompanied by cheers and whistles, and instantly swept across the entire square.

Nearly half the crowd, rubbing their hands together and shouting, surged towards every corner of the base. What was supposed to be a celebration had turned into an unprecedented, joyous, and noisy "mass manhunt"!

Su Ming and Zijin looked at each other in bewilderment.

The two had been sitting close together, chatting casually while looking at their previous account books. The night breeze would occasionally pick up, carrying a rich, fresh scent of grass and trees, which would stir the light, thin hem of Zijin's skirt, causing it to cling to her calves and outline their soft lines.

As the cool dew began to descend, waves of excited search teams appeared on the nearby mountain trails. They moved in small groups, carrying illumination orbs, and hurriedly bowed when they saw the two figures on the mountaintop before rushing noisily towards other suspicious spots. Su Ming glanced at the work group and realized what had happened. Thousands of people, as if injected with adrenaline, were turning the entire base and surrounding area upside down. This "search for odd-toed ungulates" had become the most exhilarating moment of the night.

Su Ming sighed helplessly. The tranquility on the mountaintop was completely gone, and everywhere was the same.

"To the office?" he suggested. "There are drinks and some snacks in the fridge."

Leaving the base area to go elsewhere would clearly be an irresponsible act.

Zijin shrugged lazily, her fair skin gleaming with a strikingly warm and soft glow in the night.

"Let's go back to the dorm." Her voice carried a hint of weariness. "I've been quite tired these past few days."

Before the arrival of the Super Crystal Dragon, Su Ming and Zijin were busy receiving the dwarves. After that came tense preparations for battle and thrilling "armor-ballistic confrontations," followed by a flood of cleanup efforts.

All told, the two of them have been working non-stop for several days.

Although Su Ming didn't want the night to end, he could only nod in agreement.

The two quickly returned to their dormitory in the living area. It was a simple three-story building with a long, open corridor. Su Ming and Zijin's rooms were on the third floor, each occupying a suite.

Su Ming opened his room door. The room was simply furnished, even somewhat deserted. He spent most of his time in the office or busy elsewhere, and only came back here to sleep.

The entire floor was quiet; clearly, the other management members were still celebrating or busy with their own tasks.

Zijin followed her in and closed the door behind her. She sat down on the sofa, her long skirt flowing like water up to her ankles. She bent down slightly and casually straightened her slightly disheveled skirt.

Su Ming was slightly surprised; Zijin's posture clearly indicated she intended to continue the conversation. He took out the kettle, only to find there was only one cup in the room. "You should have said you wanted to go to the office earlier," Su Ming said, turning towards the door. "I'll go downstairs and cut a section of bamboo to make you a cup." "Could you help me out a little?" Zijin bit her lower lip, her pearly teeth sinking into her soft lips, leaving a slightly white indentation. "It's a bit... stuffy. Could you help me loosen up my back a bit?"

Su Ming froze instantly, as if petrified, and could only mechanically turn his head away.

Zijin raised her eyelashes, but her gaze drifted elsewhere, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "What are you thinking about... I'm wearing a slip." Su Ming felt a strange sense of relief, followed by a pang of melancholy. He walked to Zijin's side, his gaze falling on her back. There was no zipper or button there, but a string of intricately intertwined, vine-colored silk rope.

Su Ming had never seen anything like this before, so he naturally didn't know how to proceed.

"It's just a single ribbon wrapped around something. You can find the end of the thread and pull it off," Zijin whispered.

Su Ming followed her instructions and searched her back, quickly discovering that the loose thread was actually hidden under the Butterfly at her waist. He hooked his fingertips around it and gently pulled, as if breaking the seal woven by moonlight. The silver-gray silk slipped silently from her shoulders like the receding tide, instantly revealing a large expanse of her ivory-smooth, unadorned back.

The smooth, jade-like texture slid down from her shoulders and spread all the way to the alluring hollow of her waist.

Su Ming's breath caught in his throat, his gaze completely fixed on her. Of course, he wouldn't be foolish enough to ask, "Where's the promised petticoat?" He even reached out and tentatively touched it.

The touch is like the most precious trace of moonlight on earth. It is as delicate as if it were soaked in morning dew, yet it carries warmth and vitality.

The moment Su Ming touched Zijin, her body trembled slightly like a startled butterfly, but she did not flinch. She covered her chest with one hand to prevent her dress from slipping completely down.

She turned her head slightly, obediently letting Su Ming reach out from behind and embrace her tightly with his burning heat. The two kissed passionately, their breaths mingling, drowning out all words.