More than learning the truth, what Tingyun really wanted to know now was the relationship between Yukong and Su Ran.
Why had they been acting so intimately just moments ago?
She had finally met someone who made her heart race.
How could she let Lady Yukong steal him away?
By Foxian standards, Yukong was already well into old age.
Practically one foot in the grave.
How could she still have the nerve to pursue romance?
Tingyun therefore had very strong opinions on the matter.
Lady Yukong, you're already old.
You're not suited for someone as young as Benefactor.
You should gracefully step aside.
"You keep calling him 'Benefactor' every other sentence."
"It seems the two of you have become quite close."
Yukong released the younger Foxian from her embrace,
her gaze becoming particularly resentful.
The look made Tingyun—who had been planning to break up this "older woman, younger man" pairing—feel rather uneasy.
"It was a life-saving kindness."
"Naturally, I could never forget it."
"I hope Lady Yukong won't hold it against me."
Facing Yukong's reproachful stare,
Tingyun gathered her courage.
Even if Yukong had raised her since childhood, she wasn't willing to back down this time.
It wasn't only because of her admiration for Su Ran.
She also wanted to repay the debt she owed him.
Compared to the long-lived Vidyadhara and Xianzhou natives, the lifespan of a Foxian was simply too short.
At least she could accompany Su Ran for another hundred years or so.
But Yukong?
"Yet..."
"The one who brought news of your death..."
"...was the very Benefactor you keep talking about."
"...?"
Tingyun froze.
She stood there blankly,
before slowly turning toward Su Ran behind Yukong.
In an instant, everyone's eyes landed on him.
At this point, anyone could tell that Su Ran had something to do with all this.
"...You can't really blame me."
"I never actually said Tingyun was dead."
Back then, all he had said was for Yukong to prepare herself.
He had never explicitly declared Tingyun dead.
They had simply misunderstood.
"Oh?"
"So now you're trying to avoid responsibility?"
Yukong let out a cold laugh as she looked at him.
No matter what, she intended to make him pay today.
Not only to vent her own frustration, but also on Tingyun's behalf.
Don't be fooled by the girl's usual gentle demeanor.
She had a temper too.
If a joke went too far, she really would hit people.
Especially after...
they had literally just held Tingyun's funeral.
The atmosphere was awkward enough already.
And judging by Tingyun's expression, she still hadn't realized that the person whose belongings they had just sent off
had been herself.
"...Ahem."
"Tingyun."
"Would you agree that I'm your lifesaver?"
Seeing that her expression was beginning to change, Su Ran decided to lay some groundwork
before she exploded.
"Naturally..."
Tingyun wasn't stupid.
She had become a Sky-Faring Commission envoy for a reason.
Her mind was quick.
She couldn't compare to these universe-shaking Geniuses, but she certainly wasn't foolish.
She immediately realized Su Ran was trying to secure a promise from her first.
"...Benefactor."
"Are you worried that I might hurt you?"
"Isn't that giving me far too much credit?"
"I'm only a weak woman."
"I don't possess anything close to your power."
Since Su Ran wanted to vaccinate himself against the consequences,
Tingyun happily played along.
She wasn't some gentleman.
She had no obligation to keep every promise to the letter.
"...Sigh."
"I'm only worried this might create a rift between us."
He wasn't actually worried she'd hurt him.
Even if he stood there and let her scratch him, she couldn't do much damage.
"Then why?"
"...Didn't I say we were attending a funeral?"
"The person being sent off..."
"...was actually you."
The instant he finished speaking,
Su Ran immediately hid behind Stelle, using her as a human shield.
Stelle: "..."
Do I look like someone with high DEF?
Maybe wait until I receive the Preservation's gaze first?
"So that's how it is..."
Tingyun took a deep breath.
Yukong noticed that her fists had clenched tightly.
She was obviously furious.
"...Benefactor."
"What are you hiding for?"
"My life itself was given to me by you."
"How could such a tiny prank..."
"...ever change my admiration for you?"
After standing still for quite a while, Tingyun finally stepped forward again.
The little outburst everyone expected never came.
Instead, she appeared astonishingly gracious.
"...Most people in the universe would consider themselves fortunate simply to meet Benefactor once."
"But not only did I receive your help..."
"...I even had the chance to be teased by you."
"Doesn't that only prove..."
"...that Benefactor holds a special place for me in your heart?"
Everyone present drew a sharp breath.
It was impossible to imagine someone remaining smiling after experiencing a prank like this.
And judging from her expression...she actually meant it.
Watching Tingyun suppress every trace of anger, Stelle was utterly astonished.
If someone had played a prank like this on her, she would have smashed every bone in their body with her baseball bat before calming down.
Kaf-Mom has met a terrifying rival.
What an unfortunate fate.
How is she supposed to compete for Dad now?
Then, Stelle suddenly felt reassured.
After all, there was still her—the dutiful daughter.
What's one little fox compared to Mom Kafka?
Thinking that,
Stelle immediately regained her confidence.
Her back straightened.
She decisively stood in front of Su Ran, as though silently warning the seductive fox.
Leave now.
You won't get hurt.
"Thanks to Benefactor's assistance, I was fortunate enough to return safely to the Luofu today."
"How about allowing me to host a banquet to celebrate?"
Tingyun spoke as gently as ever.
There wasn't even the slightest hint of gritted teeth.
That only made her words sound even more sincere.
Still...everyone knew perfectly well that she hadn't truly let it go.
She had merely buried her anger.
Just moments ago, her fists had been clenched so tightly.
Now she acted as though nothing had happened.
The contrast was simply too suspicious.
"...A banquet?"
Stelle's eyes instantly lit up.
What an amazing future stepmother.
Gentle.
Rich.
And she's treating everyone to food.
If Dad ends up with her, I'll never have to worry about meals again!
"I may not be as wealthy as Miss Asta of Herta Space Station..."
"...but I do possess some modest savings."
"Hosting everyone for a feast is well within my means."
As Tingyun looked at Su Ran, the warmth in her eyes burned with an intensity that seemed almost capable of setting people ablaze.
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