"Fu Hua," or rather, the Herrscher of Sentience, remained deeply asleep.
The bedroom door silently opened a crack, allowing the Book of Fuxi to leisurely float inside.
First, it hovered above the peacefully slumbering girl lying sideways, carefully observing for any irregularities. Finding none, it slowly descended onto the pillow. Amidst the smooth long hair and elegantly draped sleeves casually spread across the pillow, the Book of Fuxi held its tiny teacup and gently took a sip.
"Ahh—so thirsty! After all that relentless scolding, poor little me deserves some rest."
Facing Fu Hua's delicate, fair-skinned face, the Book of Fuxi extended a small hand and lightly tapped her cheek.
"Honestly, both you and Stubborn Mule—anyone claiming to be Fu Hua—is such a headache. Did I really owe you something from my past life? Wait, can artificial intelligence robots even have previous lives?"
The Book of Fuxi pondered for a moment before giving up with narrowed eyes and continuing to sip its tea.
"To tell you the truth, our first meeting surprised me quite a bit. I know Stubborn Mule's nature well, so right away, I could tell you weren't her. But who made you so adamant about being Stubborn Mule, familiar with those memories as if they were your own? Left with no choice, I had to temporarily treat you as if you were her."
"I never considered you truly Stubborn Mule, but neither did I ever dislike you. After all, wearing that face and looking at me with such innocent eyes, how could Little Fuxi remain unaffected?"
"Sometimes, I must admit, I wished you genuinely were Stubborn Mule."
"You're very pure-hearted, which means happiness comes easily to you. Unlike Stubborn Mule, who always hides her feelings, making it hard for others to show concern."
"Your world is clearly black and white—you love freely when you should and despise without hesitation where needed. People like this are less likely to get hurt. Remember to keep this approach; don't emulate Stubborn Mule. Neither good nor bad should matter more than her peculiar principles and ideals, leading her life into chaos."
"You also listen well to me, Little Fuxi—not just paying lip service, but genuinely adhering to what I teach you. Oh, how I wish that stubborn head would learn from you—being happier and more open-minded isn't so bad, is it? Why suppress yourself constantly, wearing a smile yet harboring unrelenting sorrow in your eyes?"
"Ah, I don't even know what I'm saying anymore." The Book of Fuxi cradled its teacup, gaze lowered, devoid of its usual vivacity and cunning. Instead, there was only a hint of wistfulness.
"Listen, don't let trivial matters like identity bother you. Whether you're called Fu Hua, Herrscher of Sentience, or anything else, I recognize and accept you. I firmly believe that Stubborn Head thinks the same way."
"So, stop sulking and be a good kid, alright?"
"Oh, by the way, I've already dealt with that heartless, cold-blooded Zeke. I scolded him for an entire day and landed about a dozen punches on his face, venting some frustration on your behalf. However, since you were the one who started the commotion, we weren't entirely in the right, and I couldn't really push things further. It's somewhat unfortunate."
"I was simmering porridge earlier; I should check on it now."
"Sleep well, goodnight."
With a gentle caress on Fu Hua's face, the Book of Fuxi smiled warmly before floating out of the room.
"She hasn't woken up yet?"
"Well... let's just say she's still asleep for now. Zeke, how does this congee look to you?"
Near the stove in the garden, Book of Fuxi held up a small, ordinary bowl filled with some porridge and presented it to Zeke.
Zeke took the bowl and tasted a spoonful.
"Hmm, almost ready. If she prefers it softer, we can wait a bit longer."
"Then let's simmer it a little more; there's no rush."
With sleeves gathered, Book of Fuxi floated above Zeke's head and gently sat amidst his soft silvery hair.
"Young Zeke, thank you."
"Huh? Weren't you criticizing me earlier for being too harsh?"
"One thing at a time. I know that, in a sense, your stance was crucial in deciding whether she could stay. Even if her head is as stubborn as elm wood, without your nod, her safety couldn't have been assured."
"I wouldn't pass up adding another formidable combatant to our ranks. Speaking of which, Kevin worries about the Herrscher of Sentience potentially threatening Fu Hua's consciousness, but you seem completely unconcerned," Zeke said while setting down the tasting bowl and adjusting the makeshift charcoal stove for Book of Fuxi.
The Book of Fuxi tilted its head.
"That child... her insistence on being called 'stubborn' actually shows how much she values—perhaps even likes—the nickname from her memories, doesn't it? In any case, I trust she won't harm Stubborn. Besides, our immortal friend isn't so fragile, right?"
"You've spent little time together, which raises suspicion that your consciousness might have been influenced by the Herrscher of Sentience."
"Come on, think about it seriously. If she had such intentions or capabilities, there wouldn't be a chance for her to meet you here; Stubborn would have dealt with her long ago."
"Hmm, true enough." Zeke nodded thoughtfully.
He trusted the abilities of the Herrscher of Sentience, but equally, he firmly believed in Fu Hua's millennia of experience and her deep regard for those close to her.
Then, with a sigh, the Book of Fuxi continued, "Speaking of time, young Zeke, how long did it take for you to go from meeting Kiana to feeling compelled to look after her?"
This question made Zeke pause, lost in contemplation. Finally, rubbing his chin, he murmured somewhat perplexed:
"I'm not sure; it just happened gradually without me realizing."
"That's right; for many things, time isn't crucial."
"You've convinced me. I'll leave her under your and Fu Hua's care then. Ensure she doesn't cause any trouble, as I need her cooperation when it's time to use her."
"Alright, you can count on us. But since you're using her, could you help cover some of the meal expenses?" The Book of Fuxi floated up to Zeke, rubbing its hands with a grin.
Zeke pondered briefly before nodding. "Sure. Once I become emperor, even Taixuan Mountain will be mine. Providing meals won't be an issue."
"Huh?! Wait! What do you mean by that? Little Fuxi has never heard anything like this!"
"Well, now you have," replied the Book of Fuxi with a smile.
"But no way! Taixuan Mountain was purchased by Little Fuxi's masters specifically for the stubborn head's dowry and future inheritance. How can we just hand it over..." The book paused, reconsidering. "...Actually, maybe not entirely impossible. Set a wedding date first. Once the stubborn head is officially part of our household, what happens to Taixuan Mountain won't matter anymore."
The Book of Fuxi spread its tiny hands, still smiling contentedly.
Zeke, seemingly unfazed by these remarks, stirred the congee in the clay pot and said:
"Alright, do you want to bring these inside for her now?"
"Tsk! Shifting topics quickly, aren't we? Never mind, let's enjoy them first; no one would eat them if we deliver them now," the Book of Fuxi replied nonchalantly, drifting lazily.
Zeke turned his head, glancing towards the villa direction. "True enough..." he murmured.
In Fu Hua's bedroom, the bed lay empty, with only the sheer curtains gently billowing by the open window in the soft breeze.