Now, Just Be Yourself

In response to Su Luo's words, Jiang Ningshu replied, "Mm, I know."

"And also, I won’t necessarily explain everything I do. If you can’t accept it, there’s nothing I can do about it."

Hearing Su Luo’s words, Nangong Xiyun nodded. She had long known Su Luo’s intentions, and with the diary in her possession, she could usually predict his actions in advance.

So resentment or misunderstandings were unlikely to arise.

"Su Luo, I understand."

"You agreed so readily. Do you really grasp what I’m saying?"

"Of course. And I’ve never stopped you from doing anything, have I?"

Nangong Xiyun’s words made Su Luo pause. It was true—as A-Yun, she had never actively hindered him. Even if she had, it was always within the bounds of what he could tolerate.

"Then let’s leave it at that."

The matter was settled.

Looking at Nangong Xiyun, who was holding him, Su Luo wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

This was his way of saying, I trust you now.

Nangong Xiyun tightened her embrace, savoring the warmth of his arms.

After a while, she gave him one last squeeze before letting go—she still needed to tend to his injuries.

Su Luo silently accepted her treatment.

Though it would be difficult to see Nangong Xiyun purely as A-Yun or a subordinate from now on, he no longer felt the same resistance as before.

Something more than friendship—that’s probably what this is.

Even though Su Luo now trusted Nangong Xiyun, it didn’t change his ultimate goal.

His resolve had wavered, yes, but he hadn’t abandoned his desire to clear the game.

It was too early to give up now. Who knew what the future held?

So, Su Luo would follow the storyline to the very end.

Only then would he make his choice.

Would he clear the game and return to reality?

Or would he give it up and live out the rest of his life in this world?

The answer would come when the time was right.

For now, he just needed to be true to himself.

Those who treated him well, he would treat well in return—that much was certain.

As for the rest, only time would tell.

......

Outside, Little Yu and Jiang Ningshu stood together. Jiang Ningshu grumbled about being dragged away—she’d missed all the excitement.

She had been curious about what methods Nangong Xiyun would use. Besides, with them around, Nangong Xiyun couldn’t resort to underhanded tactics.

Wouldn’t that make things much harder for her? Jiang Ningshu would’ve loved to see that.

In response to her complaints, Little Yu just smiled. "Let them talk it out properly. I believe they’ll reconcile."

Jiang Ningshu rolled her eyes. She wasn’t sure whether Little Yu’s obliviousness was a blessing or a curse.

No, I should just tell her. Who knows how long it’d take for her to figure it out on her own?

"What do you think they’re doing in there?" Jiang Ningshu asked.

Little Yu blinked. "What else? Just talking things through, right?"

Jiang Ningshu sighed. Couldn’t she at least consider the other possibilities?

Did she really think Su Luo could be convinced through mere words?

Nangong Xiyun probably knew how difficult it was—that’s why she had resorted to more… hands-on methods.

"Little Yu, I might as well tell you—Nangong Xiyun forcibly kissed Su Luo a few days ago."

"Wha—? Why would she do that?" Little Yu was stunned.

Nangong Xiyun was someone she deeply respected—a senior, even a venerable figure.

Well, calling her "venerable" might be a stretch, but the point stood. It was hard to imagine someone of her stature acting like this.

"Don’t doubt it. Who knows, she might be getting handsy with him right now. And Su Luo can’t even resist."

Or maybe he doesn’t want to resist, Jiang Ningshu thought with a huff.

The more she considered it, the more she felt like barging in to check.

But it was too late now. If they had stayed from the beginning, it would’ve been fine. Showing up uninvited now would just annoy everyone.

Little Yu’s expression was complicated. "But… why would Peak Master Nangong do such a thing?"

"Are you underestimating Su Luo’s charm? It’s obvious—she’s fallen for him."

Only then did it click for Little Yu. Su Luo was wonderful, so that explanation made sense.

But their usual interactions had never crossed any boundaries before.

"Really?" Little Yu still found it hard to believe.

"Little Yu, when it comes to taking action, you’re lagging behind. Nangong Xiyun’s already sprinted past you."

Jiang Ningshu had long noticed Little Yu’s unwavering devotion to Su Luo. But she was too easily content—a word of praise, a casual touch, and she’d be happy for ages.

She never took the initiative to go further.

Waiting for Su Luo to make a move? Jiang Ningshu had seen through him—he was a total slacker, only motivated when it came to tasks from the diary.

"I… I have taken action," Little Yu muttered in protest.

But she had chickened out. Remembering the outfit she’d worn last time, her face burned with embarrassment.

Jiang Ningshu dismissed it as an excuse. "Even if you did, it’s too late now. Nangong Xiyun’s probably beaten you to it again."

Little Yu glanced at the room where Su Luo and Nangong Xiyun were, though she could neither see nor hear anything—there was definitely a privacy barrier in place.

Suddenly, facing an opponent like Nangong Xiyun felt hopeless.

She had neither the strength nor the looks to compete.

Seeing Little Yu’s dejection, Jiang Ningshu felt a pang of guilt.

"Don’t be sad, Little Yu. I didn’t tell you this to discourage you. You have your own strengths, you know?"

"Huh?"

"Without a doubt, you occupy a big place in Su Luo’s heart. And you’d never let go of him either, right?"

Little Yu thought about it. No matter what, she could never bring herself to leave Su Luo.

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Because I can’t stand Nangong Xiyun."

Sneaking ahead like that—how unfair.

While everyone else was just enjoying each other’s company, she went straight for the kill.

First kissing, and who knows what else in the future?

Jiang Ningshu pressed on. "Well? Now that you know, don’t you think Nangong Xiyun went too far?"

"......" Little Yu fell into thought.

Jiang Ningshu didn’t push further, giving her time to process.

Finally, Little Yu spoke. "Actually, it’s fine. I’ve realized—what Su Luo and the others do doesn’t matter as much as what I do for him."

"I never expected to have Su Luo all to myself anyway. As long as he’s happy, that’s enough."

"Rather than resenting Peak Master Nangong’s actions, I should focus on what I can do."

"I just need to be true to myself."

Still, Nangong Xiyun’s boldness had shaken her. At the very least, it steeled her resolve—next time, she would wear that embarrassing outfit to see Su Luo.

And she absolutely wouldn’t run away.

Hearing Little Yu’s answer, Jiang Ningshu sighed in defeat. She’d hoped to recruit an ally in her grudge against Nangong Xiyun.

But she didn’t press further. In fact, she admired Little Yu’s way of thinking.

As long as Su Luo’s happy… Well, Jiang Ningshu couldn’t argue with that.

But if Nangong Xiyun got her way? That wouldn’t do.

Jiang Ningshu smirked. Maybe she should kiss Su Luo right in front of her—just to see her reaction.

What kind of face would she make?

Forget it, Su Luo might avoid it anyway, and then it would just be awkward for me.

After that, Jiang Ningshu and Little Yu chatted casually while waiting for Su Luo and the others to come out.