Equality

Archery Club.

Holding a box of dango in her hands, Ji Qingyi walked gracefully into her private area. Judging by her steps, her mood seemed rather pleasant—at least, that was Liu Qingyue's impression.

"You seem to have encountered something good today, Young Miss."

The moment Ji Qingyi pushed the door open, she heard Liu Qingyue's voice beside her. She turned her gaze and saw Liu Qingyue leaning against the wall, fiddling with her phone, her eyes fixed on the screen as if absorbed in something.

"Hmm..."

Ji Qingyi glanced at Liu Qingyue before switching to an expressionless demeanor, her tone indifferent. "You seem quite idle today. That’s not good."

"No, no, I’m very busy—just taking a short break."

Liu Qingyue smiled and put away her phone, bowing respectfully, though her eyes remained glued to the box in Ji Qingyi’s hands, unblinking. "That box is so pretty. What’s inside?"

Ji Qingyi shot her a sidelong glance and moved the box behind her back, scoffing. "It’s none of your concern. Don’t ask unnecessary questions."

"Alright, alright, my mistake. By the way..."

Liu Qingyue quickly lowered her head in apology before suddenly shifting to a worried tone. "Young Miss, during the first class this morning, your heart rate exceeded 200 at its peak. Did something happen?"

Ji Qingyi stiffened for a moment before replying calmly, "It was nothing. Perhaps I exerted myself too much. A short rest will suffice."

"Is that so?"

Liu Qingyue wore a knowing smile before leaning in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she eyed the dango box. "Young Miss, was it because of Su Cheng that you—"

"Enough. Don’t meddle in things you shouldn’t."

Ji Qingyi frowned, cutting her off. "I’m thirsty. Make me a pot of tea. Now."

"Yes, yes, right away."

Liu Qingyue nodded and turned to prepare the tea set.

Ji Qingyi remained standing where she was, finally letting out a quiet sigh of relief.

Though Liu Qingyue’s words were veiled, Ji Qingyi understood perfectly.

She wasn’t sure what was happening either—her heartbeat did become irregular around Su Cheng. But she refused to acknowledge it, let alone confront it.

"Young Miss, it seems you’re still not quite there yet."

As she brewed the tea, Liu Qingyue’s eyes flickered with a trace of regret, though her tone remained light. "You’ll need to push yourself a little harder, my Young Miss."

"It’s not as if I gained nothing."

Ji Qingyi sat down, placing the dango box on the table, her voice indifferent. "The taste is almost the same as before."

"You’re judging whether he’s changed based on sweets?"

Liu Qingyue gazed at the box and sighed softly, shaking her head. "Then who’s the one who changed? Surely it couldn’t be you, Young Miss?"

"Stop speaking in riddles."

Ji Qingyi shot her a cold glare. "Tell me everything you know."

"I do have a few theories... but I’m not yet certain of their credibility."

At this, Liu Qingyue’s eyes lingered on the dango box before she looked up, her expression hesitant yet expectant. "That... could I also try one? To see if the taste is really the same?"

Ji Qingyi’s face darkened. "You’ve never had these dango before. How would you know if the taste is the same?"

"Well, I’ll find out now, won’t I? Thank you, Young Miss~"

Ignoring Ji Qingyi’s glare, Liu Qingyue reached out and opened the box, revealing five dango inside. She picked one up, took a bite, and her face instantly lit up with bliss. "Ah, just as delicious as I remember."

Ji Qingyi watched, her expression growing colder as she glanced at the remaining four dango. "Speak. Now."

"Yes, yes."

Liu Qingyue nodded, then reached out again—but this time, her hand froze mid-air.

Ji Qingyi was glaring daggers at it.

"Alright, fine..."

She withdrew her hand and flashed an ingratiating smile. "Actually, we’ve overlooked something crucial."

Ji Qingyi narrowed her eyes. "What?"

Liu Qingyue nodded seriously. "The concept of the 'Absolute Objectivity' skill. His current motives and behavioral logic must be severely skewed—or rather, the problem he’s facing now is far deeper than before."

"Oh?"

Ji Qingyi raised a brow, considering this. "You mean his current goal isn’t to resolve his previous biggest issue? He no longer wants to erase his own existence or make everyone forget him?"

"Exactly."

Liu Qingyue nodded emphatically, then seized the opportunity to snatch another dango, stuffing it into her mouth as she mumbled, "If yesterday was uncertain, then based on my observations of you this morning, his most urgent goal right now is..."

"What?"

Ji Qingyi pressed, though she already had an inkling—her own changes were proof enough.

"It’s—"

Liu Qingyue swallowed the dango, her expression turning solemn. "To establish a truly equal and profound relationship with you, Young Miss. That is his real objective now."

At this, Ji Qingyi’s eyes flickered, an inexplicable tremor passing through her heart as she momentarily lost herself in thought.

But Liu Qingyue wasn’t done.

"Now do you understand why he so openly revealed all his skill effects to us?"

"Just as he said—'doing nothing.'"

She pursed her lips, her eyes gleaming with insight. "Right now, Young Miss, you’ve lost the ability to perceive his emotions. You can no longer dominate the situation as you once did. Like this morning, when facing him, you grew flustered and uncertain."

She paused, studying Ji Qingyi’s expression before continuing. "You’re slowly adapting to this new dynamic. In this state, you’ve begun rediscovering your own emotions, needs, and identity—exploring every corner of your inner world, even your psyche."

Ji Qingyi’s mind went blank.

"Just like this morning, when you faced him, your emotions and state of mind shifted."

Liu Qingyue pressed on. "Unable to grasp his feelings, you became hesitant, nervous, your heartbeat—"

"Enough!"

Ji Qingyi’s eyes snapped open, her pupils contracting as she cut Liu Qingyue off, her breathing uneven. "Stop talking!"

"What he wants is genuine understanding and respect—to break free from pretense, to escape the vulgarity of reality. That must be his true desire."

Liu Qingyue closed the dumpling box and pushed it toward her, speaking softly, "Now that you're on equal footing, this experience can help you build a deeper and more honest relationship. Feelings might even blossom, young mistress."

"Shut up!"