Work Text:
[Luofu Officials]
-Fu Xuan-
Help.
-Yukong-
What's wrong?
Did something happen?
Diviner Fu?
-Yanqing-
What can make the master diviner call for help
-Fu Xuan-
Well...
Diviner Qingque asked me to go to Aurum Alley with her and I don't know what to do.
-Qingzu-
Dang Diviner Fu scored herself a date
@Jing Yuan
Diviner Fu scored a date
-Jing Yuan-
You called?
Oh?
-Fu Xuan-
Hey!
It's not like that!
At least she didn't call it a date.
-Yukong-
That was your emergency?
-Qingzu-
What did she call it then?
-Fu Xuan-
She just said it was a hangout.
-Yanqing-
I mean cant it be seen as one though
Like if u decide to make it one or something idk
-Yukong-
Is this really so important that you felt the need to ask in our official group chat?
-Jing Yuan-
Ah, I see.
Ambiguous intentions on Ms Qingque's behalf.
-Qingzu-
Come on now
Diviner Fu is trying to ask for some dating advice
General your time has come 👍
-Fu Xuan-
That's not what I was asking at all!
-Yukong-
Are we seriously about to give relationship advice in our official group chat?
-Yanqing-
I mean madam yukong you can probably give some killer advice
Havent you been in a relationship before
-Yukong-
Not officially.
But that's not the point.
-Qingzu-
Yes
The point is we gotta help the master diviner of luofu get laid
-Fu Xuan-
What?!
-Jing Yuan-
I wouldn't have worded it like that
But...
-Yanqing-
How would youve worded it general
-Jing Yuan-
🤭
-HuoHuo-
Um... What's happening in the group chat?
-Yukong-
Right, we recently added the judges too.
My apologies Judge HuoHuo for bothering you this late in the evening.
-Qingzu-
We are helping Diviner Fu out with her date
-Fu Xuan-
It's not a date!
-Yanqing-
Being real honest here 🙄
-Jing Yuan-
Essentially, we are helping Diviner Fu in ensuring that she has a nice evening with Ms Qingque.
-Yanqing-
I mean cant you just use ur divination powers or something
Like to figure the best way to have a good date with ms qingque
-Fu Xuan-
I would never use divination for such matters!
-Qingzu-
LMAO
Didn't even deny that its a date lol
-HuoHuo-
Um
I'm not very good at giving relationship advice but maybe madam Hanya will be able to help?
-Yanqing-
Why madam hanya
-HuoHuo-
She reads and write novels all the time.
So maybe she has read or wrote about romance before?
-Qingzu-
@Hanya
@Hanya
@Hanya
-Yukong-
Don't spam or @ someone for such matters!
-Hanya-
Yes?
-Jing Yuan-
Madam Hanya, do you happen to know of some dating tips that might help out Diviner Fu?
-Hanya-
Dating advice? No. I am not well equipped to handle such matters. Why ask?
-Yanqing-
Aww man
-Qingzu-
Judge HuoHuo mentioned that you read and write
So we were wondering if you had some advice for our master diviner
-Fu Xuan-
It's not a date!
-Yanqing-
Yeah yeah
We heard u lie the 1st time
-Xueyi-
Hanya doesn't enjoy reading or writing novels of the romance genre.
-Qingzu-
Madam Xueyi?!
-Xueyi-
I noticed Hanya messaging so I took a quick scan of what you all were messaging about.
-Yanqing-
Bro
So u only cared when ur sis messages
-Xueyi-
Yes.
-Jing Yuan-
Back to topic.
Diviner Fu, where do you happen to be right now?
-Fu Xuan-
At Aurum Alley.
Waiting.
-HuoHuo-
Um how long have you been waiting for?
-Fu Xuan-
I arrived a bit early just to ensure that I won't be late.
-Qingzu-
And how early are you
-Fu Xuan-
That doesn't matter.
-Jing Yuan-
Knowing Diviner Fu, she's probably early by at least half an hour if not then a full hour.
-Fu Xuan-
How did you know?!
-Jing Yuan-
🤭
-Yanqing-
Woah
General thats kinda cool but scary
-Jing Yuan-
Yanqing, can you give me Ms Sushang's number if you have it?
I want to ask a favor from her.
And please DM it to me rather than sending it through this group chat.
-Yanqing-
Ok
-Yukong-
This whole conversation should've been in the DMs to begin with.
[Jing Yuan - > Sushang]
-Jing Yuan-
Good evening Ms Sushang.
-Sushang-
General?!?!?!
Is there anything you need
-Jing Yuan-
Just a personal favor.
Please don't worry.
-Sushang-
Oh
Okay
-Jing Yuan-
May I ask for Ms Qingque's number?
[Luofu Officials]
-Fu Xuan-
General.
Are you plotting something?
-Jing Yuan-
🤭
-Fu Xuan-
I swear if you use that emote one more time, I will make you regret it.
-Jing Yuan-
🤗
-Yanqing-
Lol
-Qingzu-
General
Any ideas
-Hanya-
Am I needed anymore?
-Yukong-
Feel free to ignore this chat for the rest of the day. I apologise for the inconvenience.
-Hanya-
It's okay.
Have a good day.
-Xueyi-
I shall also take my leave then.
-HuoHuo-
Um...
What about me?
-Yukong-
You are also free to leave.
-Qingzu-
But of course if you want you can stay in our operation help Diviner Fu get laid
-Fu Xuan-
What in Lan's name is that operation name?
-Jing Yuan-
How about we shorten it to Operation HDFWD then?
-Yanqing-
Um what does that mean
-Jing Yuan-
Operation Help Diviner Fu with dating.
-Fu Xuan-
No!
-Qingzu-
Yes
-Yanqing-
3v1 I think we win
-Fu Xuan-
That's not how it works!
"Master Diviner!" Fu Xuan looks up from her phone to see Qingque casually strolling up towards her. "Dang, you're here early. Here I wanted to surprise you.
"Surprise me?"
"Yeah. Well... Um... Oh here!" Qingque hands over a box of milk candy balls. "Bought them while on the way. I know these are your favorite."
Fu Xuan pockets her phone and takes the box with both hand, her face having a hint of a blush. "Thank you but... What's with the gift? And I didn't expect you of all people to arrive early."
"Uh... Well... About that..."
[Jing Yuan - > Qingque]
-Jing Yuan-
Hello Ms Qingque.
-Qingque-
General?
How did you get my #?
-Jing Yuan-
I have my sources.
-Qingque-
Sources?
-Jing Yuan-
We can save the not so important talk for later.
You are heading over to Aurum Alley in a bit, no?
-Qingque-
I am gonna
-Jing Yuan-
So you just left work and are currently at the games parlor.
-Qingque-
Yes but like general how do you know again?
-Jing Yuan-
I have my ways.
Regardless, I was wondering what it would take for you to head over to Aurum Alley early.
-Qingque-
Early?
There's still like over 35 minutes before I need to get there.
-Jing Yuan-
Ah yes, but you are going to make the same trek regardless.
I don't believe that going earlier or later would effect the amount of effort it'll take you.
-Qingque-
I mean yeah
But like
What's arriving early gonna do?
[Jing Yuan - > Dan Heng]
-Jing Yuan-
Hello Dan Heng.
-Dan Heng-
Hello General.
-Jing Yuan-
Please, no need for formalities.
We're cool.
I would really appreciate it if we could chat like friends.
-Dan Heng-
Habit.
My bad.
-Jing Yuan-
Ha ha
Old habits die hard eh?
Anyways do you happen to be at the Luofu right now?
-Dan Heng-
Yes actually.
March said she wanted to take some pictures.
Why ask?
-Jing Yuan-
Do you and your friends happen to enjoy sweets?
-Dan Heng-
I really don't mind but I know that March and Stelle would turn into black holes whenever sweets are involved.
-Jing Yuan-
Perfect.
There's this store that sells really good milk candy balls.
The store owner works really hard everyday so I think it will be a win-win if you guys go and buy out all but one of her entire stock.
Of course, just show her the special Jade Abacus I gifted you and tell her that I will pay her for all the sweets at a later date.
You can even show her this message between us.
-Dan Heng-
I appreciate the gesture but I still find it odd.
Why all but one?
-Jing Yuan-
Just trust me.
-Dan Heng-
What are you planning?
-Jing Yuan-
😉
-Dan Heng-
Wouldn't that be too costly?
-Jing Yuan-
Absolutely not.
Just think of it as a transaction that benefits all parties. You guys, the store owner and a certain pair I know.
-Dan Heng-
I don't have a good feeling about this but March is already jumping in joy when she read my messages over my shoulder.
Stelle isn't being helpful either.
We thank you very much then.
[Jing Yuan - > Qingque]
-Qingque-
General?
-Jing Yuan-
The candy that you usually purchase to bribe Diviner Fu with is selling out at a rapid pace.
She had also off-handily mentioned to me about how she was thinking about a change in position for you.
I believe it would be in your best interest to purchase the candy and head over to Aurum Alley to make a peace treaty with your Master Diviner.
-Qingque-
What?
They are selling out?!
And the Master Diviner wants to change my position?
Im so comfy in the repository tho
Ok
Wait
General
How did you know that I am going to Aurum Alley to meet with the Master Diviner???
In truth Jing Yuan didn't lie. He did hear Fu Xuan mumble while half asleep at her desk about how she wanted Qingque to be her personal secretary once she become the general.
"You know because uh... This was the last box and I already ate some at work and uh... Yeah..." Fu Xuan studied her subordinate's expression. There was definitely something that Qingque wasn't telling her but pushing on it while receiving a gift did seem ungrateful.
"Last one? Then you should just keep it for yourself." Fu Xuan attempted to push the box back into Qingque's hand but Qingque shook her head.
"Nah its fine. I ate a bunch at work so I'm good. You like sweets more than me anyways."
"But you bought it. You already..." What's the right term? Asked out? No that's too presumptuous. "Invited me out today." There. A much safer word to use.
An idea then sparked in Qingque's mind as she takes the box, opens it and holds it out between the two of them.
"How about we share it? "
"Share it?"
"Yeah. No more arguing. It's getting us nowhere. Here." Delicately, Qingque picks a milk candy ball and raises it to Fu Xuan's lips.
"Wha- that's- wait- we-" the Master Diviner was left stuttering as she felt the tips of her ears starting to heat up along with her face. "You..."
Growing impatient, Qingque shoves the candy to Fu Xuan's lips. "It's already touch your lips. Come on."
With little to no other options, Fu Xuan ate the candy ball and the two of them shared the entire box. (Although after the first one, Fu Xuan started to feed herself as to not embarrass herself in public)
In a nearby rooftop, a cycrane wasn't delivering packages. Instead this cycrane had its camera eyes zoned in on the two Diviners below.
[Luofu Officials]
-Yanqing-
So uh like
The master diviner got her date all sorted or something
-Qingzu-
Not sure
But once she gay panics I'm sure she'll message us again begging for help
-Yanqing-
Too true
Lol
-Yukong-
I would much prefer if this group chat were to be used for official business only.
-Qingzu-
Come on madam Yukong
Arent you also tired of seeing the master diviner of luofu be all sighs and rainbows about a little birdie
-HuoHuo-
Um guys.
The Master Diviner might see.
-Yanqing-
I mean
Yeah but its not like her crush is much of a secret anyways
-Fu Xuan-
Help.
-Qingzu-
Oh speaking of the devil
-Yukong-
Please let it be official business this time.
-Yanqing-
Sorry to break it to ya madam yukong
Dont think so
-Fu Xuan-
She held my hand!
-Yukong-
Pardon?
-Fu Xuan-
She held my hand.
-HuoHuo-
Um. I don't think repeating really helped there.
-Jing Yuan-
Diviner Fu.
She was guiding you through the crowd.
Next time you can do the same for her.
-Fu Xuan-
She held my hand!
And she did it so nonchalantly.
Is she used to holding hands with other people?
Now she is chatting to her friends who are getting their street performance ready.
-Yanqing-
I mean
Idk if u want the answer to be yes or no
-Qingzu-
Oh my
They are already at the holding hands phase
I'm so proud of you Diviner Fu 🥺
-Fu Xuan-
I am older than you.
Don't make it sound like you're my parent!
-Jing Yuan-
Regardless, I believe that you enjoyed it, no?
Maybe you can also hold her hand at some point later in the evening.
-HuoHuo-
Um I think that's a good idea.
It will slowly make her feel like this is normal and be more willingly to hold your hand.
Of course if you see her acting uncomfortable then you shouldn't continue.
-Fu Xuan-
Will that really work?
-Yanqing-
Woah
Quick shift in attitude
-Qingzu-
And Diviner Fu just basically said she did like holding Ms Qingque's hand
🥺
-Fu Xuan-
I will toss you out of Luofu.
-Qingzu-
I don't think you are tall enough to comfortably pick me up
You can however pick up Ms Qingque
You two are the same size afterall
-Jing Yuan-
Aside from that, I am assuming that she is planning on watching streamer Guinaifen and Cloud Knight Sushang's show.
I believe it would be a good bonding experience for you two.
-HuoHuo-
Maybe you can hold her hand while watching the show?
-Yanqing-
Damn
The general and madam HuoHuo are absolutely killing it w/ good advice
-Fu Xuan-
Isn't that really awkward?
What if she pulls her hand away?
-Qingzu-
Then you pin her down to the ground
Make sure you are on top
-Yukong-
I am cutting you off there.
Do not finish your sentence.
-Yanqing-
?
-Qingzu-
😣
-Jing Yuan-
I don't believe that Ms Qingque would pull away.
-Fu Xuan-
Really?
-HuoHuo-
I mean...
You can always just ask first.
-Fu Xuan-
That's
-Yanqing-
Thats?
-Fu Xuan-
Strange.
I can't just ask out of the blue.
-HuoHuo-
Maybe you can slowly reach a finger over and slowly intertwine your fingers with Ms Qingque.
-Qingzu-
You should honestly just take it to home base but if you wanna take it one base at a time then go ahead
-Yanqing-
No homerun then
Sad
-Jing Yuan-
Sometimes slow and steady wins the race.
While the Master Diviner was busy messaging, Qingque was having a chat with Guinaifen and Sushang. Fu Xuan cannot hear exactly what they are talking about due to the crowd around them but Fu Xuan can see their expressions.
In particular, Qingque had a slightly exasperated expression with a faint hue of pink on her cheeks as Guinaifen swung an arm over her shoulder.
"Qingque, I didn't know you had it in you." Guinaifen leaned closer with a teasing grin, "Who knew that even slackers were capable of asking out their boss."
"Aeons, Gui please lay it off." said slacker sighed but made no attempts to remove the streamer's arm. "I was half paying attention when the Master Diviner was discussing about the resurgence in Aurum alley and just randomly threw in a comment about how we should hangout there together. I never thought she would've actually agreed within seconds."
"And here I thought I had rizz!" Poor Sushang was left to set up the props all by herself as Guinaifen was still all up in Qingque's personal space. "Smooth much?"
"Yeah, you and your rizz that you only ever use on Sushang. I mean, it works."
"Wha- Hey! We're in the middle of the street!" Finally loosening her arm, Guinaifen held up a finger in a "hush" motion as her face grew red.
"You had no problem with talking about my supposed 'moves' just a few seconds ago." Qingque shot back as she turned towards where Fu Xuan was in the crowd, "Anyways, put on a good show. I'll be watching with the Master Diviner now."
Finding Fu Xuan in a crowd was relatively easy due to her very distinct hair color and so Qingque slowly made her way back with her boss.
"What were you all talking about?"
Qingque quickly thought about her options. It would cause her more trouble if she were to tell the truth, yet the Master Diviner has always excelled in calling out on Qingque's lies.
"Qingque?"
"Ah... Just some catching up and good ol' teasing between friends." which was technically not a lie and Fu Xuan didn't raise her eyebrow like how she normally would when confronting Qingque about the truthfulness of her words. "Yeah... That's all."
"I see..." Fu Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly as she was trying to act out what she had rehearsed in her head less than a minute ago. "So Qingque, why don't we take a seat while your friends are setting up?"
"Oh, yeah. Cool."
Once again, Qingque took Fu Xuan by the hand to guide her to the seats and the diviners decided to sit down in the middle to get the perfect view of the performance once it started.
It didn't take long before Guinaifen and Sushang started and the crowd all watched in awe.
Well... All but one individual who had their eyes on their... Date? Maybe not... subordinate's hand.
Fu Xuan inched her hand closer but stopped once she felt her pinky against Qingque's.
'I just need to take it slowly. I just need to take it slowly. Slowly...' was what Fu Xuan repeated in her mind but she just lacked that last bit of courage. 'Gah, I'm so pathetic...'
"Wow! Master Diviner, did you see that?!" all of a sudden the crowd cheers as Guinaifen performs a move that is the epitome of acrobatics and Qingque grabs onto Fu Xuan's hand with her right while pointing at the stage with her left. "Oooh, Sushang is gonna do her trick now!"
Resting on a street lamp nearby was once again a cycrane that had its eyes locked onto the flustered Master Diviner and her slacker employee.
"This was not exactly how I had thought it would play out but hey, whatever works."
After the show Qingque excused herself to use the restroom and after washing her hands, she felt a notification from her phone.
[Jing Yuan - > Qingque]
-Jing Yuan-
Hello Ms Qingque.
-Qingque-
Um general?
What's up?
-Jing Yuan-
Have you two had a meal yet?
-Qingque-
No
We've just finished watching Gui and Sushang's performance
-Jing Yuan-
I see.
Then how about I gift you a code that I will now forward to you.
The code will act as a voucher for anything you purchase tonight within Aurum Alley.
-Qingque-
Thanks but like why?
-Jing Yuan-
I believe this is a major win for you, no?
Just don't tell Diviner Fu.
-Qingque-
Why?
-Jing Yuan-
I believe that her reaction upon knowing about this code will be to assume that all the sweets that you've ever purchased in the past was purchased without good intentions.
This will likely lead to her re-considering your position within the Divination Commission as I've previously made you aware of.
-Qingque-
Oh right
Guess I'll look around for some snacks or sweets or something for the Master Diviner then
I worked so hard to be in the repository
-Jing Yuan-
🙌
[Luofu Officials]
-Fu Xuan-
Help.
-Yukong-
This is the third time.
-Yanqing-
Lol
Love how madam yukong has accepted that the master diviners call for help is just her asking for relationship advice
-Qingzu-
What happened this time?
-Fu Xuan-
Qingque is buying me a lot of snacks and drinks.
When I offer to pay her back she adamantly refuses.
What should I do?
I don't want to be a leech.
-Jing Yuan-
You are not a leech.
If Ms Qingque is willing, then you should just enjoy yourself with her.
-HuoHuo-
I think so too.
-Qingzu-
I mean you can pay her back...
In other ways...
-Yukong-
NO!
-Fu Xuan-
No!
-Yanqing-
?
-HuoHuo-
I think that might be a step for the future.
-Jing Yuan-
If she isn't accepting money back then surely there are other ways in which you can make sure that this relationship isn't one-sided.
-Fu Xuan-
How?
-Yanqing-
You can offer to be her sparring partner whenever she feels like it!!!
-Fu Xuan-
She doesn't spar.
-Yanqing-
Oh
You can offer to play celestial jade or whatever its called w/ her idk
-HuoHuo-
You can offer to walk her home?
-Fu Xuan-
Wouldn't that set a negative impression if handled poorly?
It might seem like I'm a creep trying to see where she lives.
-Jing Yuan-
Then how about you offer to treat her to some of your tea at your home then?
-Fu Xuan-
General.
-Jing Yuan-
Yes?
-Fu Xuan-
You know, sometimes maybe you can come up with functional ideas.
-Jing Yuan-
Glad to have helped.
-Yanqing-
She offline now
-HuoHuo-
Seems like it?
-Yanqing-
Geez
I think I had seen enough romantic drama to last me the rest of my life
-Qingzu-
No no
There's always time for more matchmaking
-Jing Yuan-
👍
-Qingzu-
Now lets wait for tomorrow to see if the tea is the only thing getting steamy tonight
-HuoHuo-
Um...
-Yanqing-
?
-Jing Yuan-
Yanqing.
You'll learn when you get older.
-Yukong-
Quick question.
-Qingzu-
Ask away
-HuoHuo-
Yes?
-Yukong-
One of my workers reported that a cycrane was ordered but not to deliver a package.
Said cycrane was later on found in Aurum Alley, occasionally moving about.
-Yanqing-
Idk
Not much to go off
-Yukong-
And the places it went to just so happen to also be all the places where the Master Diviner was spotted.
-Yanqing-
Oh
-HuoHuo-
Um...
-Qingzu-
General you are the best
-Jing Yuan-
🤗
-Yukong-
I give up.
-Yanqing-
Is madam yukong going through a mid life crisis
-Qingzu-
If you have given up then may I change the group chat's name?
-Yukong-
No.
-HuoHuo-
Probably not a good idea...
But what did you have in mind?
-Qingzu-
Luofu Matchmakers!
-Jing Yuan-
👍
-Yukong-
NO!
-Yanqing-
Sounds less boring than our current one
-Qingzu-
Majority votes in favor of the name switch
-Yukong-
I will pray to the Aeons that Diviner Fu and Ms Qingque will start a relationship.
-Yanqing-
?!
Madam yukong changed her mind
-Yukong-
No.
It's because the more hopeless they are, the longer it'll take for them to actually start dating which means this chat will be relegated to gossip and giving love advice.
General, shouldn't you say something about this?
-Jing Yuan-
🌈👍