Xianzhou Luofu, Exalting Sanctum.
Waking up bright and early, Bai Heng set up his little Snow King beverage stall, then promptly plopped himself back into his rocking chair, swaying rhythmically without a care in the world.
Exalting Sanctum was more of a night street—bustling after dark, quiet by day. At this hour, his was the only shop open on the whole block.
Not that he minded the peace.
Squinting slightly, he basked in the warm sunlight washing over him, completely at ease.
After decades trapped in that frozen wasteland of a simulation back in Belobog, just soaking up some sun felt like a luxury.
But his relaxation was cut short when a familiar, lively voice reached his ears.
"Well, well, if it isn't Brother Heng! What's got you opening up shop so early today?"
Standing before him was a bright-eyed young woman with light chestnut hair tied into twin tails. A glimpse of red string peeked out over her fair, smooth shoulders, standing out vividly against her flawless skin.
Qingque—a low-level diviner in the Divination Commission, and one of Bai Heng's close gambling buddies. Their friendship ran deep enough that they'd literally lost their shorts to each other over cards.
"Well, look who it is—General Qingque! What's the matter? Isn't it barely even the start of your shift at the Commission? Already playing hooky?" Bai Heng sat up in his chair and greeted her with a grin.
"Ugh, must you keep calling me that? If the Grand Diviner ever hears it, neither of us will hear the end of it." She pouted, still unsure where that ridiculous nickname even came from.
"Alright, alright, come here for a sec."
He crooked a finger, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
Qingque approached cautiously, a hint of curiosity on her face.
"Turn around."
She obliged.
A moment later—
Bai Heng gently pinched the red string on her shoulder and—
Snap!
"Ow! What was that for?!"
Rubbing the faint red mark on her shoulder, the so-called General Sparrow shot him an annoyed glare.
Bai Heng's smile widened. "That's for what you owed me from last time. Consider us even~"
Hearing that, Qingque's irritation vanished. A stray strand of hair drooped over her forehead as she sighed. "You remember that, but when are you giving back my shorts? That was ages ago."
"Pretty sure you still owe me a pair too, no?" Leaning back into his rocking chair, Bai Heng closed his eyes, enjoying Everwinter Hill's gentle sunlight. "Anyway, out with it. Why're you slacking off here instead of hitting the usual gambling den?"
Qingque's face lit up. "Well, I was curious! I heard from the Grand Diviner that she read your fortune a few days ago."
"She said something about 'Great Harvest,' fire above, heaven below—apparently, your fated meeting is coming in three days."
"Did the math, and that's today!"
"You've always looked out for me, Brother Heng. How could I miss the chance to meet this heaven-sent sister-in-law?"
Bai Heng rolled his eyes.
"How about skipping the meet-and-greet and just giving a wedding gift instead? Show some sincerity."
"A gift?!" Qingque's eyes sparkled as if she'd just drawn a winning hand. "Wait, did it already happen?!"
"Nah, just messing with you." He sat up and stretched with a yawn.
"Fated meetings don't just fall from the sky if you don't put yourself out there. The Grand Diviner's fortunes are just for fun. Rather than dreaming about romance, you're better off playing a few rounds of Celestial Jade."
Qingque nodded thoughtfully. "But honestly, Brother Heng, you've got a lot going for you, and you understand women. If you put your mind to it, I wouldn't be surprised to score a wedding invite soon."
"Take that guide from the Sky-Faring Commission, for example—solid job, and word is she's even got shares in the Embermart. If you landed her, you'd be set for life!"
"Or if you prefer someone more mature, there's always the helmswoman! Though her adopted daughter is around your age—not sure how you'd feel about that. But then again, with your skills, maybe you could win over both~"
Bai Heng: "???"
Seriously?
I'm not even asleep, and you're already dreaming for me?
Pretty sure we're not in Penacony.
When Bai Heng stayed silent, Qingque mistook it for dissatisfaction and clapped her hands together.
"Oh! Our Grand Diviner isn't bad either! I've noticed she drops by your stall sometimes—maybe she's sweet on you?"
"If you two hit it off, maybe I could slack off more thanks to your connections!"
Bai Heng: ...
Alright, alright, so that's what this is about.
Narrowing his eyes, he gave her a strained smile.
"You know, Strategist Qingque, you've still got your charms too. Why not become my fated meeting today and fulfill Madam Diviner's prophecy?"
Qingque shuddered at his eerie grin, forcing a smile of her own.
"Ahaha… Brother Heng, you're kidding! We're already as close as brothers—this would be, uh, pushing it."
"I wouldn't mind being even closer."
Still wearing that unsettling smile, Bai Heng rose from his chair and stepped slowly toward the little Qingque.
But the next moment—
As a meteor streaked across the sky—
Thud!
A heavy impact echoed.
In that instant, Bai Heng felt as if a Siberian titan had punched him square in the chest. Every bone in his body screamed in agony, as if each had just gone through a heartbreaking romance of its own: It hurts! It hurts so much!
Forcing his eyes open, he stared at the "object" now sprawled across his chest.
And froze.
To be precise, it wasn't an object.
It was a girl.
Her silver-gray hair was neatly tied with a floral ribbon, and her delicate, soft face held a swirl of complex emotions. She gazed down at him, her stunning eyes—a mix of blue, purple, and pink—glistening with tears.
"Found you…"
As her voice reached him, Bai Heng went completely still.
Two words echoed slowly in his mind:
—Well, damn.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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