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This location was indeed near a sheer cliff edge.
There was no path beyond; only a long stone railing prevented anyone from accidentally plummeting down.
It proved to be an excellent spot for stargazing.
Bochang quietly observed the lonely silhouette, remaining silent.
Yukong was admiring the night view, while Bochang watched her intently.
As if sensing the gaze behind her, the Sky-Faring Commission's Helmsman turned and said, "Ah, it's Bochang. Are you here just for leisure as well?"
"Indeed, there isn't much else to do," Bochang replied.
Since he had been noticed, Bochang confidently walked over to Yukong, placed both hands on the railing, and gazed out at the shimmering stars on the horizon.
"Is the Yukong Helmsman seeking some peace of mind with this outing?" asked Bochang.
"Yes," Yukong responded softly.
Bochang continued, "I sense that something is troubling you, Helmsman."
"Am I that obvious?" Yukong seemed slightly taken aback.
Of course, it was quite evident.
If Bochang's guess was correct, Yukong's distress stemmed from Qingni's desire to become an aerialist. After all, such events had unfolded just earlier that day...
Bochang silently enjoyed the breeze.
Respecting Yukong's reluctance to discuss personal matters with outsiders, they exchanged only a few casual words before bidding farewell.
[Dating Option activated.]
[Option 1: Attempt to assist Yukong by saying, "Yukong Helmsman, surely you don't want your relationship with your daughter to shatter." — Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]
[Option 2: Allow Yukong to leave without intervention — Completion Reward: Double inflation on groceries, guaranteed.]
This time, Bochang did not have much choice, and based on Option 1's description, it seemed likely that improvisation would be necessary next.
"Yukong Helmsman," Bochang said, "surely you don't want your relationship with your daughter to shatter."
Upon hearing this, Yukong paused, turned around, and asked, "What do you mean?"
"I've learned about what happened between you and Qingni," Bochang extended his hand. "Since you don't wish for her to become an aerialist, there must be compelling reasons behind your stance."
"In that case, why not openly explain them to Qingni?" Bochang gazed steadily at Yukong.
In the gentle night wind, the soft fur of the foxfolk rustled gently.
Yukong sighed, casting Bochang a deep look. "You wouldn't understand," he replied.
"I may not fully understand your situation, but... keeping secrets isn't ideal, right? Qingni is actively seeking ways to mend her relationship with you. Shouldn't the Yukong Division Helmsman do something as well?" Bochang pressed relentlessly.
Yukong was aware of Qingni's quest to find the pendant.
"What exactly do you think I should do?" Yukong countered, momentarily stumping Bochang, who found himself at a loss for words.
Continuing, Yukong shared his thoughts. "Once, like Qingni, I harbored dreams about the sky. I know how it feels - navigating through the vast emptiness of space, surrounded by unimaginable wonders stretching endlessly."
"Some view drifting amidst the star sea akin to being a solitary boat, calling it loneliness; yet we prefer to see it as freedom."
"I understand Qingni deeply, but she cannot become an aerialist," Yukong declared firmly after expressing his sentiments.
"Is restraining her truly the right approach? Helmsman Yukong, I doubt Qingni would be happy with this." There was silence. Yukong remained unresponsive.
Bochang persisted, "What if...the more you forbid Qingni from becoming an aerialist, the stronger her desire grows? One day, just like now, she might secretly take a star ferry again. Won't that pose even greater risks and complications?"
"I will keep a closer watch on her."
Yukong's expression turned serious.
Bochang shook his head.
"You can't control her for her entire life."
He was right.
Qingni was still young, while Yukong, despite appearing youthful due to foxfolk racial traits, was already nearing the end of her lifespan.
How much longer could Yukong truly manage her daughter? At most, another hundred years. But what would happen after that century passed?
"Lord Yukong, instead of blocking her aspirations, consider allowing Qingni to become an aerialist. Once she tires of it...she might willingly return to the Sky-Faring Commission as a tranquil administrative officer."
Bochang observed Yukong's reaction carefully.
Yukong remained silent, deep in thought. After a moment, she said, "I promised someone else that I must not let Qingni become an aerialist."
"Is it fair to disregard Qingni's own desires based solely on a promise? Might this be unjust towards her?" Bochang furrowed his brow slightly.
Yukong's expression remained unchanged; she simply sighed softly. "What you say holds some truth. Tonight, I'll have a proper conversation with Qingni about this. Thank you, and if you'll excuse me..."
[Rewards being distributed — Congratulations! You've received the item: Poison-Tipped Dagger. The poison is highly potent; do not lick.]
The encounter between Bochang and Yukong was merely a small interlude.
Having completed two minor quests, Bochang's physique now surpassed that of an average person by 96 times, leaving him feeling unprecedentedly energetic.
"I've done what I can; from here on out, it's no longer my concern."
Bochang shook his head.
He returned to Serval's performance venue once more.
What followed was a monotonous show.
By the time everyone reached Yichen Inn, it was already midnight.
Dan Heng, Welt Yang, and others had also gone back home.
Apparently, Yukong agreed to let Qingni become an aerialist.
In short,
it seemed like a happy ending for all involved.
Bochang lay down on the bed and slept soundly until the next morning, with no unexpected incidents during the night. The Silver Wolf did not disturb him either.
Upon waking up refreshed...
An unforeseen event occurred.
As Bochang groggily opened his eyes, Stelle was sitting at the edge of his bed.
It was only due to the gray-haired girl's presence that Bochang woke up.
Otherwise, he would have likely slept longer.
"Stelle... why are you still here? Didn't you go out?"
Seeing the gray-haired girl sitting by his bed, Bochang felt somewhat surprised.
Stelle shook her head. "I didn't leave."
"What about March and the others?"
"They went out to play..."
"How come they didn't take you along?"
Bochang knew that the girls usually preferred to do things together, so leaving someone behind was quite unusual.
"I told them I had other commissions to attend to, so they decided to enjoy their free time without me," Stelle explained.
Bochang blinked, realizing...
Stelle had indeed deceived March 7th and the others.
"I brought you breakfast. Would you like to eat now?"
"Yes, thank you very much."
Bochang hadn't left his room all morning, so naturally, he hadn't had breakfast yet.
"It's no problem," Stelle said. "We're partners, after all... doing these things for each other is expected."
"Hmm... true." Bochang sat up, suddenly remembering something. He asked, "Stelle, I have an item that can enhance your fate path. Are you interested in using it?"