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“I am obviously doing this for your own good!” The little palace mistress cries, then buries her face in her hands and turns tail.
Shen Qingqiu sits shocked, poseur facade surely slipping a little as he stares after her retreating form, then slowly slides his gaze over to Luo Binghe. What kind of situation was this, ah? The little palace mistress cursing him like he was another wife, Luo Binghe’s detached manner growing angry not at him, but at the mistress- this scumbag teacher really should be the one receiving that glare, not a future harem member!
“...Shizun.”
Ai, please don’t address this master with respect, alright? This master knows you plan to torture him, so don’t try and fake him out like that!
Still, he must see the expression Shen Qingqiu has still on. Clearing his throat, he tries to set his face back into a mien of boredom and vague discontent. Of course, he can’t direct such a look at the protagonist!- so naturally he shifts his eyes away, preferring to project ire towards the stone floor rather than Luo Binghe.
“It seems Shizun doesn’t even want to look at this disciple anymore. Is…being a Heavenly Demon really so despicable to you, Shizun? Shizun, who can open his heart to any other foul creature, even by demon standards, draws the line at this disciple?”
Shen Qingqiu’s head snaps up at that, brows furrowing at the implications. What opening my heart ah, can you choose your words a bit more carefully? And besides that, there’s nobody who doesn’t want to look at you- fishing like this might change that though!
[+10 Protagonist Satisfaction points!]
“...So he isn’t entirely unwilling to face this disciple.” And now you can farm satisfaction points, of all things, for disrespect? Is the prospect of having an excuse to blind this old master in the future really so satisfying!?
Shen Qingqiu obediently looks back down, barely stopping himself from teething at his lower lip. He was nervous, okay? It’s harder to be the impenetrable Xiu Ya sword when you’re faced with imminent torture!
“Since Shizun doesn’t want to begin, then allow this disciple.”
Begin? Begin what, a match? Is this supposed to seem a fair fight for Binghe’s alibi? Then really no need, just kill this master and your reputation will do the rest-
“Shizun is so suspicious of this one. First, he blames the sowers on this disciple, then he refuses to speak or even meet this one’s gaze. Is this disciple immediately so bad, just of his birth? But it must be more than that- Shizun pins the demon crimes not on the race itself, only this Binghe.” His expression is now back to being scarily placid, almost bored. It seems he isn’t planning to fight, rather to…roast Shen Qingqiu about his own hypocrisy?
“...Not all crimes. Only those that Luo Binghe seems strangely at the forefront of. After all, what reason would Luo Binghe have to infiltrate and integrate himself with Huan Hua Palace? Who else would want the sower attack blamed on this master?” Shen Qingqiu chuckles dryly, and immediately regrets it. Ah, at least it wouldn’t be OOC! He keeps staring down at the floor, hearing Binghe…huff or something, above him, and has to repress a reflexive eye roll. He isn’t your disciple anymore, you can’t discipline him for attitude! Rather, soon it’ll be the other way around.
“...Shizun has unlearned his trust in this disciple quickly.” Binghe’s eyes flash with the first hint of emotion, but of course it had to be anger! Shen Qingqiu nearly flinched, do you know how many coolness points could be lost? And trust, what trust? Who lost trust in who here? This master is sure he didn’t teach his disciples to gaslight, is that the work of the Abyss or the protagonist halo?
“But, Shizun, it had to be there in the first place, right? Then, this disciple must ask- did you miss this Luo Binghe?”
…What.
What kind of jilted maiden question is that, Binghe? Shen Qingqiu has to imagine it like that, or the implications are really too scary to think about…
“He at least regards this disciple with more respect than the little palace mistress, even still. Then, might this disciple be so bold as to assume that the years on Qing Jing Peak were not all fake?” Binghe sneers, but it’s..wobbly, and Shen Qingqiu can tell an act as well as he can don one. He was going to roast Binghe by claiming he was looking for comfort or closure or something, but…that’s exactly what he’s doing, isn’t it?
Wait, no, doesn’t Luo Binghe hate his scum villain teacher now? What use is there in asking such a question, in trying for such feelings? You’re going to get your revenge either way, Binghe! Don’t start showing mercy now, all the way after the blackening- and certainly not to this scum teacher!
“...”
[+20 Character Complexity points! +50 Heartbreak points.]
Oh fuck, heartbreak points. What with the system offline for so long, Shen Qingqiu had forgotten about that suddenly added point category, as well as the effect he had on it.
His…Shen Qingqiu’s effect on heartbreak points…
Aiyah.
Oh, that reminds him. ‘System, what are Bingh- Luo Binghe’s current anger points?’
[[Luo Binghe]’s anger points currently: 50 points.]
Ah, that’s low, that’s low, then he should still be safe for now…
“...Then, this Binghe can assume Shizun’s answer to his next question.” Binghe’s sallow tone rouses Shen Qingqiu from his thoughts. “Still, this lowly one is stupid and still requires confirmation from Shizun, so he’ll ask anyway.”
Ah! What lowly one, please don’t add tongue removal to the torture list, okay!? This master never even stopped considering you his disciple, shameless as that is! So don’t go referring to yourself like that, Binghe…
Still, he declared that he’d ask so openly, but you still haven’t said anything! This master is going to run out of comments, do you want permission or something from this old master? “..Ask, then.”
[+10 Protagonist Satisfaction points! +20 Coolness points! +10 Character Complexity points! Please keep up the good work!]
Sure, whatever. That might as well happen.
“Does Shizun regret it?”
Luo Binghe hasn’t taken his eyes off of Shen Qingqiu from the moment he set them there. So there's no way he misses the small hitch in his Shizun’s breath, the shake that runs through his spine though not from the cold, the tightening of his hands.
Ah, all this just at the mention, how dramatic! It’s such a change from Shen Qingqiu’s character set, can’t you already tell the answer, oh protagonist?
Then, the System beeps. A bright blue pop up crowds Shen Qingqiu’s vision, reading-
[Please choose an answer from this multiple choice question:
Option A: I regret it. This teacher has long since regretted it. The last few years, I have spent every moment uselessly repenting.
Option B: (sneer) Seeing what you’ve become today, you know there’s no reason for me to regret it!
Option C: Keep silent.]
What! No way! What kind of shitty isekai visual novel galge was this becoming huh!? Dialogue options!? And they are somehow all bad! Proud Immortal Demon Way was truly cursed to have shitty, shitty writing.
…If Shen Qingqiu was going to die anyways, he might as well do it here, and finally be honest. Besides, he hadn’t gone through three years of what he could only begrudgingly admit to being mourning, only to what, claim he truly hated the source? Fuck that!
“This master…of course this master regretted it. Deeply, daily. Nothing haunts him more, Bing-...”
Ah! Too personal, too close, back off back off back off! Though, if his assumptions are correct…Still, his face was too thin to continue. So what if he stopped his lines 2 early, it was still clearly Option A!
[+50 Heartbreak points. -10 Coolness points. +50 Protagonist Satisfaction points!]
“But!” Shen Qingqiu continues, frantic. “This one knows he doesn’t deserve to feel these things, has no right to address Luo Binghe like that. This one awaits his rightful end.” And Shen Qingqiu lowers his head. You really, really won’t be in the wrong for this, Binghe.
Instead of laughing, or slicing off a limb, Luo Binghe just…stays silent, long enough to concern Shen Qingqiu.
‘System? What are Luo Binghe’s anger points now?’
[[Luo Binghe]’s anger points currently: 120 points.]
What! That’s a full double and then some from the earlier 50- what did Shen Qingqiu even do!?
…aside from the obvious, of course…
“Shizun.” Luo Binghe steps forward, and Shen Qingqiu has to try really, really hard not to flinch back, lest the heartbreak points rise some more. His eyes are angry again and this old master really doesn’t know if that’s preferable to the earlier emptiness, ah!
“Shizun, is. Shizun believes that this disciple is looking for vengeance? That, that this disciple would dare to fully wound his own Shizun?”
Well, aren’t you? Didn’t you!? This Shizun carries the evidence in his own body, don’t tell me you forgot! As great as that might be for this master, you shouldn’t be so shameless as to go and forget about your own blood mites, okay!? Don’t get offended when accused of your own crime!
Of course, Shen Qingqiu isn’t about to say that to his face. Option C now, please!
“Shi…zun…” Binghe mutters, eyes flashing with anger and Shen Qingqiu really thought that was just a shitty euphemism but nope, that is actual light he’s seeing and-
[Warning! [Luo Binghe]’s anger points are increasing too quickly and may lead to a severe plot deviation! Host may be endangered! System suggests Host use and Upgrade to alleviate danger!]
Ah! Fine, sure okay! What upgrade?
[Thanking Host for participating! Small Scenario Pusher engaged.]
After the ding! Of a successful purchase fades away, Luo Binghe reaches out, the action seeming more like a reaction- and his hands land clawed on Shen Qingqiu’s shoulders.
‘System! System what bullshit did you do, aren’t his anger points supposed to lower-!?’ Before he can get a response, Shen Qingqiu’s shoulders are suddenly very cold.
…Huh! This shameless protagonist is costing Shen Qingqiu his robes even now!
Though the little palace mistress didn’t leave much fabric un-torn, she at least had left him some decency! Now, the shoulders of Shen Qingqiu’s robes had been torn out and open, leaving more than half of his torso exposed as the horribly tattered fabric pools down at his waist.
[+50 Protagonist Satisfaction points! +10 Protagonist Complexity points! -10 Coolness points.]
Well, whatever…Stop staring ah, won’t you Binghe!? This master would like to not lose anymore coolness!
Of course he doesn’t, not really, but he does take his hands off of Shen Qingqiu’s shoulders, much like they’d been burning him. His nails scrape a bit at the speed, making Shen Qingqiu wince. Luo Binghe seems to react to that, a jerk in his step back, but the System only awards him 10 satisfaction points. Shen Qingqiu opts to shuffle away too, hands holding the fabric up as best he can.
…Ah, this is really too-! Ｗhat pose is this, huh!? Why does this old man now have to play the part of the roughed up young maiden being bullied by the dog with a crush on her, or-or something?! What kind of scenario really is this, System! All it did was further destroy his robes and equally shredded dignity! 0/10 stars!!
…And no scenario seemed to be pushed anyways, since now they’re just staring at walls together. Surely Binghe will at least-
There’s some fabric rustling, and a few moments later everything goes dark.
“...Put that on. …Shizun.” The afterthought honorific is almost funny…
Shen Qingqiu struggles to get the robe further from his face, then blanches once he recognizes the pattern.
This! This robe! Isn’t this only supposed to be given to pretty little sisters who Luo Binghe has just…!?
Shen Qingqiu risks a glance up at him, barely making his figure out from through his lashes as he refuses to properly raise his head. Luo Binghe, for his part, opts to turn sharply away as soon as Shen Qingqiu dares to look at him, though he doesn’t move away. The System chimes again-
[Please choose an answer from this multiple choice question:
Option A: Accept the Protagonist, [Luo Binghe]’s robes
Option B: Decline the Protagonist, [Luo Binghe]’s robes]
Hey, hey, can you please not make it sound like I’d be jilting a suitor if I said no? And what’s with this romance route wording and visual novel screen again- System, what upgrades did I miss?!
[Please choose-]
Aaaah! Okay! Fine! Let’s just prevent any more heartbreak point increases, okay!?
Slowly, almost shyly, Shen Qingqiu slides the outer robe on and over his shoulders, unable to suppress a pleased hum at the instant warmth he’s gratified with. Really, he hadn’t realized how cold he was- ah, but that’s really bad usually…-
[+100 Protagonist Satisfaction points! -10 Heartbreak points!]
Ah, minus a measly ten? But the satisfaction value was very nice. And, maybe…Shen Qingqiu might be able to address those heartbreak values now…if he hadn't read Binghe horribly wrong, of course.
“Bi. Binghe, this master-” -is cut off by a sudden thump as Luo Binghe falls to the ground, landing on his knees as though his legs gave out. “Binghe!?”
His disciple just keeps staring, his expression a mix of dumbfounded and blank. He continues to sit like that without any sign of stopping. Eventually and not without sighing, Shen Qingqiu moves forward a little, resisting the urge to reach out by pulling the robe a little tighter around himself.
“Luo Binghe.” It almost snaps him out of his ruminating, his eyes refocusing though they stare still.
“Luo Binghe, this master regretted his decision before it was made. He missed his disciple…terribly.” Actually, let’s not talk about how much he’d missed Binghe, alright? B-points are already at an all time low, and his face had nearly been scratched off along with his robes. “And…this master knows he can never be forgiven, but still wishes to let Binghe know that from the bottom of his heart, he is sorry.” Ignoring the System’s torrent of notification chimes, Shen Qingqiu kowtows, knocking his head on the floor once, then staying there.
Silence passes, and he almost wants to check that Binghe is even still there, but he finally hears a small “Shizun…”
“Shizun, you…mean it? You don’t…hate, this Binghe?”
“No.” He stays bowed, even if only to avoid facing Luo Binghe’s surely heart wrenching expression.
“Then-then why run, why a-accuse this disciple-”
“This master was scared, Binghe-” And he’s even more scared of the coolness drop from admitting it-” He truly believed that Binghe had come to take his rightful revenge, as this master had said. But,” He allows himself a small chuckle at Binghe’s huff from above him, “my disciple got so offended at the prospect, that this master thought he might have to reconsider some things. At this point, this master feels nothing but apologetic towards Binghe.”
“Shi-shizun, shouldn’t…bow, to his disciple.” Shen Qingqiu ignores him and stays down until he gets a more desperate cry of “Shizun! Please!”, and he feels blood mites lightly writhe in preparation to move him by force if he won’t himself. So he sits up, and after the vertigo of having to rise while bound passes and his vision is clear, Shen Qingqiu is met with a vision of Luo Binghe- eyes shiny with unshed tears, the corners red in preparation for them.
“Binghe? Binghe, what’s wrong-”
“Nothing is wrong, Shizun.” He says it with conviction, tone rising on ‘Nothing’- “This- this Binghe is just so happy, suddenly he-” A single tear escapes him, and Shen Qingqiu’s heart all but seizes.
“Binghe ah, Binghe, I’m so sorry. This master has truly failed you, if this- if simply not being hated can…” Can make him this happy.
“Shizun hasn’t!” Binghe cries, grabbing and pulling Shen Qingqiu to his chest by the lent robe. “Shizun had a reason, I’m sure- this disciple is sure of it now. Shizun said he doesn’t hate this disciple, that he regrets it- Shizun, he wore…wore this Binghe’s robe…” Binghe’s tone drops a level, and suddenly Shen Qingqiu wants a fan more than ever, if only for the cooling air.
“This master- just so you would know I wouldn’t reject Binghe! Or, no, that Binghe knows this master-!” He drops the formal speech, stammering into Binghe’s shoulder. “It, it’s not-!”
“Binghe understands. This disciple will continue in his efforts so that Shizun not only doesn’t reject, but happily accepts as well.”
Efforts what efforts! Raise your eyelids, Luo Binghe! Don’t go looking at this old master like- like that!
The disciple straightens dutifully, eyes finally brighter and- oh, Shen Qingqu should really get this robe back to Binghe, otherwise he won’t be the only one with a gaze “like that”, wow the Abyss really does wonders on one’s frame and build huh!
“This Binghe…has much to discuss with Shizun.”
“And as does this master.”
“En. So please excuse this disciple-” He bows- “while he makes arrangements for Shizun’s exoneration.”
“Thank you, Binghe.” Shen Qinqiu smiles, genuinely and full of relief.
[+100 Protagonist Satisfaction points! -100 Heartbreak points! Please keep up the good work!]
“En! Shizun!” He walks away all too cheerfully, and Shen Qingqiu has to laugh to himself.
Of course, he had raised this Luo Binghe, not the original goods. Of course, with a better upbringing, he would turn out kinder and slightly softer. Yes, Shen Qingqiu had done well- but there was still something to be said about this Binghe’s capacity for forgiveness. Even if Shen Qingqiu was never as cruel as the original, it couldn’t be the only reason for Binghe’s kindness- no, Binghe was also simply strong and too understanding of his own right, and blessedly trusting of his Shizun. Even after all he had done…
He pulls the robe closer, smiling. This color, it didn’t really match Luo Binghe at all now, did it. Shen Qingqiu would have to resize the old white ones in the bamboo house, after all.