Chapter 79

Seeing this part, Kael was now completely certain.

In this life simulation, he'd clearly fallen deeply in love with Beidou.

It made sense. After all, Beidou was the very first ray of light in his otherwise dark and hopeless life.

Besides, Beidou's figure was incredibly enticing, and her appearance had an irresistible combination of heroic charm and feminine beauty.

She was the first woman he'd ever desired.

It was perfectly normal for him to fall for her.

However, there was a considerable age gap between them, and Beidou had always treated him as a younger brother.

Coupled with his horrifying appearance in this simulation, it was practically impossible for Beidou to fall in love with him.

[Beidou happily returns to the Alcor. Seeing her cheerful expression, you can't help but smile as well.]

[Clearly, Beidou had a great time during this event.]

[At night, the banquet begins.]

[The Alcor is currently docked near Liyue, protected by the adepti, so there's no fear of danger.]

[Completely relaxed, Beidou drinks a bit more than usual.]

["Kael! This is the wine we bought from the Dawn Winery in Mondstadt last time. It's absolutely delicious!"]

[Beidou enthusiastically holds up a large goblet, continuously pouring wine into her mouth.]

[You sigh helplessly, "If you drink so much, you'll have a headache tomorrow."]

["Hahaha! Since when did you become such a nagging old lady? Come here and drink with me!"]

[You're dragged over by Beidou, who cheerfully pours you several cups of wine.]

[After all these years aboard the Alcor, your alcohol tolerance has improved significantly.]

[But this time, having drunk too quickly, you feel slightly dizzy.]

[You watch Beidou grow merrier and merrier as she drinks, and you shake your head with a smile, stepping aside to the ship's railing.]

[Even after leaving her side, your gaze remains fixed on her, unwilling to look away.]

[There's an attachment in your eyes that even you don't fully understand.]

["You like Beidou, don't you?"]

[Yanfei quietly approaches, standing beside you.]

[You withdraw your gaze and turn towards Yanfei. "Was it that obvious?"]

["Yes," Yanfei says softly. "Your eyes sparkle whenever you look at her."]

[Though Yanfei appears to be a young woman, she carries adeptus blood and is long-lived.]

[Over many years, she's seen plenty of human romances.]

[From your gaze alone, she immediately understood your feelings.]

["Will you ever tell her?"]

["No."]

[If Beidou doesn't know, you can at least maintain the fantasy that you might have a chance. Once she learns the truth, you'd lose even that.]

[Maybe not confessing is your way of preserving a small hope.]

[The night grows deeper, and even the moon has vanished from the sky.]

[The banquet gradually winds down.]

[You see Beidou, her face flushed from drinking, passed out on the banquet table.]

[You've been watching her carefully all night, and you sigh, shaking your head, before approaching her.]

["Beidou, you'll be uncomfortable sleeping like this. Let's get you back to your room."]

[Beidou doesn't respond, sleeping soundly.]

[With no other choice, you gently lift her into your arms and carry her back to her quarters.]

[After placing her on the bed, you carefully tuck a blanket around her.]

[It's rare for you to see Beidou drunk like this.]

[Normally heroic, strong, and decisive, she now lies quietly on the bed, eyes closed, completely defenseless.]

[An intense tenderness suddenly surges through your heart.]

[You put on the mask she once gave you, and slowly lean closer.]

[The cold mask gently touches her lips.]

[Your lower face is hideously distorted. You feel that directly touching her with your true face would be disrespectful.]

[You only dare to kiss her through the mask.]

[Heart pounding fiercely and cheeks burning, you quickly leave her room.]

[Unbeknownst to you, after you turn around, Beidou slowly opens her eyes, watching your departing figure with a complicated expression.]

[Age 17: You sense that Beidou has started distancing herself from you.]

[She still treats you as warmly and kindly as before, but you clearly feel she isn't as close to you anymore.]

[Although she continues to trust you with important responsibilities, she rarely brings you along with her these days.]

[Now, you often handle fleet affairs alone.]

[You cautiously try asking Beidou indirectly.]

[She simply replies that you're grown up now, capable enough to handle things independently, and don't need her guidance as much as before.]

[You feel deeply disappointed and wonder if you've done something wrong.]

[Recently, Yanfei has become a frequent visitor aboard the Alcor.]

[Whenever the Alcor docks near Liyue, she comes to visit you.]

[She has discovered your exceptional talent in business matters and your ability to see through to the heart of things.]

[A naturally curious learner, she frequently comes to ask you questions about commerce.]

[After spending much time together, you and Yanfei gradually become good friends.]

[One day, after Beidou once again refuses your company, you finally can't hold back your frustration and confide in Yanfei.]

[After hearing your story, Yanfei thoughtfully rests her chin in her hand, considering for a moment, before saying something that shocks you so much you nearly fall off your chair.]

["Since liking Beidou causes you so much pain, why don't you try liking me instead?"]

["What?!"]

What?!

Kael was just as shocked as his simulated self. He never expected Yanfei to say something like this.

Yanfei liked him?

When did this even happen???

And given his horrifying appearance, how could Yanfei possibly be interested in him?

[Seeing your jaw drop in shock, Yanfei smiles mischievously.]

["You're the first person I've felt interested in after all these years. Although it might not yet be love, I've always wanted to experience what the romance described in books feels like."]

["Since Beidou has already rejected you, why don't you try liking me instead?"]

["Books say that the best way to forget a previous love is to begin a new one, after all."]

[You find Yanfei's reasoning baffling. "You really don't mind my appearance?"]

["My father is an adeptus beast, and I'm half-human. From my perspective, your looks aren't really different from anyone else's."]

["So, what do you think about my suggestion?"]

[Looking at Yanfei's eager, expectant expression, you decide:]

[1. Accept her offer.]

[2. Reject her offer.]