A sly glint flashed in Fu Shi's eyes as she sighed and put on a troubled expression, muttering to herself.
Fu Lin was getting too immersed, his pupils trembling slightly. Unable to sit still, he pressed both hands on the table and questioned, "It's not really as bad as I think... is it?"
"Tsk tsk, looks like you're mentally prepared. Then I'll say it straight—if fate follows this path, you're likely doomed. You'll have to live every day on edge, constantly watching your back..."
Fu Shi shook her head solemnly, her tone carrying a hint of regret, yet also a sliver of hope. She continued, "Sigh, is there no choice but to use that method?"
----------------------------------
Fu Lin slowly sat down, picked up Fu Shi's water bottle beside her, and took a small sip, "That method?"
"That's right. Although revealing the secrets of heaven and reversing fate carries great risks, for you, of course, I am willing to do anything!"
Gulp—
"Hiss, is it that serious? There's even a risk involved? Is there any danger to my life?"
Fu Lin swallowed the water, furrowed his brows, and unconsciously tapped the table with his fingers, his inner worries surging like a tide.
"Well—no, not exactly. It's just that your fate in this parallel world is truly full of ups and downs, quite lamentable. So, Fu Lin, tell me, shouldn't we reverse fate and change everything?"
Feeling Fu Lin's concern for him, Fu Shi's heart softened, and "Fu Lin" slipped out unconsciously.
Realizing it afterward, she hesitated and glanced at Fu Lin. Seeing no reaction from the other party, she breathed a sigh of relief.
But looking at Fu Lin's conflicted and hesitant expression, she continued, "If you encounter difficulties in life, wouldn't you want a benefactor to help you?"
"Of course I would!" Fu Lin clenched his fists, his gaze gradually firming up as he stared intensely at Fu Shi.
"That's right! And I can help your parallel world self change their luck—doesn't that make me your benefactor?"
Fu Shi became more and more excited as she spoke, picked up the water bottle for a sip, then smiled mischievously at Fu Lin while rubbing her hands together.
"But… to turn misfortune into blessing and change fate, I'll need a little sincerity from you."
"Thinking carefully, my parallel self must be just as strong as I am, able to overcome all hardships. Farewell!" Fu Lin's expression turned serious. He stood up, turned around, and prepared to leave.
Seeing Fu Lin about to leave, Fu Shi panicked, quickly grabbing the hem of Fu Lin's clothes. Her moist eyes blinked, evoking a sense of pity.
This scene immediately caused a stir among the Valkyries, blocking the path completely. They all stared at the culprit who had made Fu Shi tear up, their eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.
"…My shoelace came undone."
Fu Lin's eye twitched slightly. Under everyone's gaze, he bent his knees and untied his perfectly fine shoelace, only to tie it again unnecessarily.
After standing up, he instinctively smoothed his hair and awkwardly sat back down, "Where were we?"
"Ahem, I just said I need a little sincerity, got it?" Fu Shi raised an eyebrow, a smug smile curling at her lips as she made a heart shape with her fingers.
Fu Lin was silent for a moment. With nothing else to offer, he had no choice but to reveal his identity. He silently took off his sunglasses and pulled down his mask, revealing his face.
Lowering his voice, he called to Fu Shi, "...Fu Shi, it's me."
Fu Shi glanced at him indifferently, let out a dissatisfied snort, turned her head haughtily, and said, "Who are you? I don't know you."
Fu Lin scratched his head, looking at the sulking Fu Shi. He sighed helplessly, wanting to say something but unsure how to begin.
"Fu Shi, so you were here." A voice arrived before its owner, and Fu Hua's voice rang out from behind the crowd, reaching Fu Shi's ears.
"It's Sister Fu Hua!"
"Sister is as elegant and cool as ever today!"
"Fu Hua-sis, I'm your fan!"
"..."
With Fu Hua's arrival, the scene instantly descended into chaos.
A trace of panic flashed across Fu Shi's face as she watched Fu Hua slowly make her way through the crowd. Feeling guilty, she asked, "O-old antique, why are you here?"
Hearing Fu Hua's voice behind him, Fu Lin broke into a cold sweat. He hurriedly put his mask and sunglasses back on, turned his back, and dared not meet her gaze.
"Fu Shi, Mei and I have been looking for you."
"We heard that someone has been setting up a fortune-telling stall in St. Freya recently, using divination and blessings as a cover to scam people out of their money. So, we came to check it out, but we didn't expect to find you here…"
Fu Hua glanced at the turned-back figure but continued speaking as if unaware.
Then, she looked down at the divination stick container on the table and the QR code hanging around Fu Shi's neck. A hint of surprise and confusion flashed in her eyes.
"Ahem, so you still remember to look for me… Aren't you busy spending time with Kiana every day? I thought you didn't care about me anymore!"
"No, wait, I don't need you to care about me at all!"
Fu Shi cleared her throat and, noticing Fu Hua's gaze, quickly tucked the QR code into her clothes.
Then, she haughtily turned her head, crossed her arms, and muttered, though it was unclear to whom.
Hearing Fu Shi's words, Fu Lin couldn't help but lower his head even further.
Thinking that Fu Shi was complaining about her, Fu Hua sighed, "So that's the reason. I see. I'm sorry, Fu Shi. I've been busy tutoring Kiana these past few days and indeed neglected to spend time with you. I admit that."
"Really…? Ahem, alright, I'll reluctantly forgive you. So, tell me, what did you come to me for today?"
Fu Shi looked at Fu Hua in confusion. Seeing Fu Hua's sincere apology, she lowered her arms slightly, and her tone softened.
"It's nothing major. It's just that a criminal has infiltrated the academy. I've already notified the headmaster, so I expect there will be a resolution soon."
Fu Hua adjusted her glasses. After searching all afternoon without finding any trace of the suspect, she couldn't help but wonder if they had already left St. Freya.
"Criminal?" Upon hearing this, Fu Lin's body stiffened. He pulled his clothes tighter around him, feeling an eerie chill wrap around him.