Chapter 208: Launching in Gundam Form

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Fu Xuan had no intention of lingering further. Picking up the banana peel, she prepared to leave.

"Well, you two continue your chat. This venerable one has other matters to attend to and must take my leave."

With that, Fu Xuan departed, but the Mahjong Maiden remained in Bochang's room.

Turning to her, March 7th asked, "Qingque, aren't you leaving with Master Diviner?"

"I wish I could... But when we arrived earlier, she instructed me to continue guiding everyone, so...I have no choice but to stay," Qingque replied with a wry smile.

What can she say now? Qingque fervently hoped that the members of the Astral Express Crew would simply enjoy their time on Xianzhou without causing any trouble.

"Thinking about it, even Lord Ravager was driven away, so there shouldn't be any issues now, right?"

With this thought, Qingque felt considerably relieved.

March 7th nodded. "Ah, I see... Then why don't you join Bailu and the others for mahjong instead of me? I have something to take care of first, but I'll be right there."

Understandingly, Qingque replied, "Sure thing! It's just playing cards, leave it to me. Mission guaranteed!"

Mahjong enthusiasts loved their games, even if they were still learning the rules, as was the case with the Mahjong Maiden.

Watching Qingque depart and close the door behind her, March 7th grabbed Bochang by his collar. "You sly fellow, always sneaking around to charm women. Tell me honestly, do you have something going on with Phantylia too? Otherwise...why would she say such things earlier today?"

"Hmm? What kind of things?" Bochang seemed genuinely puzzled.

With her exceptional Remembrance ability, March 7th began jogging his memory.

"Phantylia said..." The pink-haired girl cleared her throat, her tone softening slightly as she began recounting what the fake Tingyun had once told her, "Benefactor... that's not what you were saying last night. Indeed... men's words are all deceitful tricks."

"My memory is excellent!"

March 7th tightened his grip on Bochang's collar and pulled him closer.

Their faces swiftly drew nearer to each other.

Bochang could clearly see the delicate features of the pink-haired girl, along with the barely noticeable fine white fuzz on her cheeks.

[Dating Options have been activated.]

[Option 1: Attempt to defend yourself by saying, "Phantylia is slandering me! March, please believe me." - Completion Reward: Earn the nickname "Man Entangled with Phantylia," which will decrease the favorable opinions of Lawful-aligned characters towards you.]

[Option Two: Overturn March 7th and say, "Don't dwell on that, March. While we're alone, let's enjoy ourselves." — Completion Reward: March 7th's Bigshot.]

[Option Three: Catch her off guard, unexpectedly kiss March 7th's forehead, and ask, "March, whom do you believe—Phantylia or me?" — Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]

[Option Four: Holding an ancient coin, use Theft on March 7th while threatening, "March, if you dare spread rumors, I'll steal your thong every day for my glue fetish." — Completion Reward: Acquire Skill, Glue Addiction County. With this skill, you can disregard others' gazes, apply glue anytime, anywhere, extend your attack range to encompass the entire universe, and automatically target enemies.]

Upon seeing Option Four, Bochang was at a loss for words to describe his feelings.

These skills are becoming increasingly abstract.

"I certainly don't want to engage as a Gundam-like entity!"

"And what's up with increasing attack range to cover the entire universe and automatic enemy targeting...?"

A peculiar image flashed through Bochang's mind:

A man, transformed into a Gundam form, shouts— "Children, charge forth!"

Shaking his head, Bochang quickly dismissed this bizarre vision.

To be honest,

Considering Bochang has already obtained the forced "whateveryouknow" skill,

Gel County...

might indeed have some utility.

He could potentially force that act upon enemies far away, even across several light-years.

For instance, the escaped Phantylia.

However, the required behavior is just too perverted; Bochang couldn't bring himself to do it.

Thus, Option Four is eliminated.

Option Two's Bigshot penalty and Option One's negative reward are also ruled out.

The only viable choice remains Option Three, which involves kissing.

It seems...

Bochang's current relationship with the pink-haired girl has progressed enough to allow him to take this step without getting hit.

Fortunately, their bond has grown closer.

Otherwise, his only viable choice would have been the fourth option.

And he'd be forced to engage in a passionate kiss.

"Option three!" Bochang leaned forward effortlessly towards the nearby March 7th and gently kissed her forehead.

A subtle sensation rippled from his lips.

In contrast to the urgency of performing CPR on Stelle earlier, now Bochang kissed more deliberately, taking the time to appreciate the moment's beauty.

He caught the faint fragrance emanating from her hair, equally captivating.

In the next instant, Bochang lifted his head and asked earnestly, "March, whom do you believe—Phantylia or me?"

[Reward being granted—Congratulations! You've received the item, Peach of Immortality. This is a very ordinary peach.]

Upon seeing the words "Peach of Immortality," Bochang initially felt a surge of excitement.

However...

After reading the subsequent description, his enthusiasm gradually subsided.

March 7th appeared stunned, frozen like a startled little animal, completely motionless.

The pink-haired girl never anticipated Bochang would suddenly kiss her. Caught off guard by this unexpected advance, her mind went blank, leaving her unable to react. She could only stare at him, unsure of where to place her hands and feet.

"How about... one more kiss?" Bochang blinked, gazing at March 7th's enticing red lips, feeling somewhat tempted.

Unfortunately...

In the next moment, March 7th swiftly turned and ran away, muttering under her breath, "Y-you pervert! I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Instinctively, Bochang reached out to grab March 7th's shoulder.

However, she effortlessly slipped from his grasp, akin to a slippery eel evading capture.

Upon closer inspection, Bochang realized that she had covered her shoulder with a thin layer of ice, making it difficult for him to hold on.

As March 7th fled, she glanced back and made a playful face, reminiscent of a scene from a game.

With a playful "nyah-nyah," the pink-haired girl stuck out her tongue.

She then swiftly left the room, disappearing from Bochang's sight.

Now everyone had departed.

The room instantly fell silent, and Bochang inwardly marveled, Having a system is truly amazing.

Without the "Dating Options" system, he would have been completely at a loss facing such situations.

But with the system's assistance,

the complexity dramatically decreased.

Walking to the window, Bochang pushed it open and gazed absent-mindedly at the night scenery outside.

After the commotion caused by Fu Xuan and March 7th, Bochang found himself wide awake for the time being.

Below, Dan Heng continued his training, with no indication of when he might finish.

Time slowly passed.

Unbeknownst to the Astral Express Crew, the Stellaron Hunters were rapidly approaching Central Starskiff Haven.