𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠

> last message, her thoughts turned to what she might wear, considering her various options. Should she wear a different outfit than usual...?

Opening her wardrobe, Sushang pulled out a loose, flowing hanfu. She's never really had the opportunity to wear it before.

According to Luocha, she shouldn't expect rejection, but the Cloud Knight thinks otherwise! She's constantly braced for rejection, especially since Sushang thinks he has a sweetheart.

[ Text to: Luocha]

> See you there, then!
> And don't be late! Punctuality is important.

After sending the >

> an outfit for the festival!

The Cloud Knight practically jumped when she received his message, as she wasn't expecting to hear back so soon. She had assumed she'd have more time to prepare for rejection.

[ Text to: Luocha ]

> What about 12pm at the entrance of Aurum Alley?
> Oh, Cloudbreadth Sleeves will allow you to rent >

> sending the invitation, Sushang nervously waited for a reply. She could practically feel her heart pounding out of her chest with every passing second.

She really hoped to celebrate his birthday with him!

Come on, Sushang! Taking a deep breath, the Cloud Knight sent a message she had been staring at for ages.

[ Text to: @foreigntrxder.bsky.social ]

> Luocha, if you have the time today, would you like to attend a festival with me?
> It's a must-visit event before you leave the Xianzhou.

After >

Her good deed for the day!

❝No, no, it's important to admit when you're wrong. I have to take accountability for my actions.

Hmm... Berrypheasant skewers! After seeing Miss Lingsha's cute pet, I can't eat the tuskpir cake roll anymore.❞

❝Do I even want to ask why you know how to pick a lock? I really hope this isn't a regular occurrence...❞

Sushang was so focused on the merchant, her expression one of awe. He's saved her from a lot of hassle!

❝Thank you, Luocha. How can I repay you for this?❞

... Is he trying to pick a fight with her? She's not that easily embarrassed! It only happens around the merchant.

With some hesitation, she put her hands back to her side.

❝I'm going to be really mad if you break your promise. No more biting, okay? It isn't how friends act around each other.❞

> look at him.

❝If you insist...❞

❝You didn't get the recipe from Uncle J, right? Ah, I mean... Jiaoqiu, the foxian healer from the Xianzhou Yaoqing. As long as it's not spicy, I'm sure it'll be perfectly fine.❞

The Cloud Knight contemplated her options before reaching a decision. Her gaze shifted down, too embarrassed to >

> little lost.

Now it's her turn to put on a convincing performance.

❝W-We're almost there!❞

Continuing to hold the merchant's hand, Sushang led him around Fyxestroll Garden.

❝In that case, I'd recommend bringing someone that's familiar with the area next time. Miss Tingyun, perhaps?❞

... Oh, no. The longer they walked, the more unfamiliar their surroundings became. She might be a >

❝Lips still sealed shut, huh? I'll just have to ask her later.❞

It goes without saying! Who wouldn't love the smile of their crush? It's one of the first things about Luocha that drew her in.

❝This plushie will have pride of place on my bed. It'll be my new sleeping companion.❞

❝Well, I invited you here to spend time together. Teaching me wasn't part of the plan.❞

The merchant dealing with Diviner Fu...? Now that would be a sight to see.

Sushang sighed, admitting defeat was a difficult pill to swallow.

❝Will you help me, Luocha?❞

> better job than me. How did you get so good at it?❞

> appearance fool you.❞

Once the merchant was finished with her hair, she checked her reflection in the mirror. It looks strangely familiar! For some unknown reason, the hairstyle reminds her of home.

❝It feels a bit weird having my hair down, but I like it. Thanks, Luocha! You've done a >

It's true that Sushang was suspicious of him at first, but not anymore! Though if she's being honest, the Cloud Knight was mostly suspicious of his coffin. She had never seen a box like that before.

❝I'm holding you to your word. If not, I'll send Phoenix after you! Don't let its cuddly >

❝You know what you're doing. You're trying to use puppy dog eyes against me...❞

As if signalling Luocha to stop, she raised her right hand. How does he know about her weakness? Is it that obvious?

❝Huh? Again? Umm... I've always liked your voice.❞

This isn't how I wanted to make my mark in history!

> speaking.

❝Marshal Hua, I want to thank you for the gift and letter. I really appreciate the weapon. I'll take good care of it, I promise.❞

The Cloud Knight searched high and low, looking everywhere she could for Hua. Alas, her search took much longer than she expected.

By the time Sushang found the Marshal, she was out of breath. Who knew the ship was so big? Standing in front of Hua, she tried to catch her breath before >

> The merchant's not a hallucination.

❝What are you doing here? You never mentioned anything about visiting.❞

Only a tiny bit! It is only because she spent quite a lot of time with him on the Xianzhou. It was the perfect opportunity to bond with him. Unfortunately for Luocha, she's not going to admit it.

As if in disbelief, Sushang gently rubbed her eyes. Has he disappeared...? Nope, he's still there. >

> sheath before leaving her house to search for the Marshal. Thanking her for the gift is the polite thing to do!

> with her. The last time she had seen Hua, it was during sword practice.

After opening the present, her eyes sparkled with excitement. She took the sword and held it in her hand, admiring the craftsmanship. It felt heavy; a perfect quality for a weapon.

Afterwards, she placed the sword in its >

After hearing a knock on her door, Sushang received the parcel and letter from the cycrane.

❝Huh? From the Marshal?!❞

Her heart jumped to her throat. She hadn't expected a correspondence with Hua! Sure, her mother was one of the Marshal's disciples, but Sushang hadn't spent a lot of time >

> They hadn't made any kind of plans, but she still hoped he'd suddenly appear.

Just as Sushang was about to leave her place, she caught sight of his long blonde hair fluttering behind him.

❝Luocha...? Am I hallucinating?❞

It had been quite some time since Luocha left the Xianzhou Luofu. Sushang still kept in contact with him, but it wasn't the same. She missed him.

With her birthday fast approaching, the Cloud Knight wondered whether he'd return to the Luofu to celebrate with her. What if Luocha forgot the date? >