69novels Chapter 144 The Seeds of Entrustment
Chapter 144 The Seeds of Entrustment
A piece of steak was cut off with a knife.
The fork picked up the steak, spread some black pepper sauce on it, and placed it between the glistening lips, turning the little fox's expectant expression into a joyful smile.
"Mmm~ This steak is really delicious!"
Su Tianqing said with a smile.
Hua Ling nodded gently in agreement and put a piece into her own mouth as well.
This is a fairly popular chain steakhouse, specializing in steak and other Western dishes, and it has a pretty good reputation.
But most importantly, the private rooms in this restaurant are very quiet and have a great atmosphere.
Perfect for two people to chat!
"Sister Tianqing, didn't you play with Sister Jiayu today?"
Hua Ling swallowed the food in her mouth and said to the golden fox across the table.
Ever since she met Sister Tianqing, she has been inseparable from Sister Jiayu—at least that's how she sees it. There are very few times like today when they act alone.
Su Tianqing replied with a light laugh:
"Xiaoyu was tired from playing yesterday, and she also has a final exam coming up, so she's busy studying."
"I see... You really should prioritize your studies," Karin remarked.
That makes sense, since everyone is busy with exams. Most people, like Sister Jiayu, get really anxious during exam season, while people like Sister Tianqing who don't care at all are a tiny minority.
"Yes, although it's fun to play with Xiaoyu, we can't let it interfere with her studies."
"But then again, Karin-chan..."
After a brief pause, Su Tianqing continued,
"Is it because you're busy preparing for exams? You seem pretty stressed lately, Karin. You should remember to get some rest."
"It's not because of the exam, it's just..."
Hua Ling opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but then realized she couldn't tell Tian Qing about it, so she swallowed her words back.
How could I say that? Should I tell Sister Tianqing, "Actually, I'm the magical girl Iris, and I've been getting beaten up by the villains lately, which is really frustrating"?
Once it's said, there's no going back!
"It seems to be some rather private matters."
Seemingly noticing the girl's hesitation, Su Tianqing didn't press for more information.
"It's okay, everyone has their own little secrets, it's perfectly normal."
"Thank you, Sister Tianqing..." Hualing breathed a sigh of relief, feeling fortunate for the understanding of the fox sister in front of her.
At that moment, both sides reached a stalemate in their conversations.
Su Tianqing originally wanted to take the initiative to bring up a topic, but unexpectedly, Hua Ling seemed to have no intention of responding to her, which made the fox feel very distressed.
What's going on? Hua Ling and I had a pleasant conversation the last few times we talked, so why did the atmosphere suddenly become so dull today?
Could it be that her experience of being beaten up by the cat last time gave her some bad ideas?
But that's not right. Didn't the righteous fox spirit say that the girls got along quite well during their special training? Besides, from the fox spirit's perspective, Karin's situation seemed normal. How could it suddenly be like this...?
No, I have to find a way to ask again! The sweet and lovely Miss Iris can't become sullen!
"Little Flower Bell."
Su Tianqing continued to take the initiative, bringing up new topics.
"How are things going with Muyao? Have you become good friends?"
"Yes, we get along very well. Xiaofeng and Muyao share similar interests, and Muyao also enjoys reading," Hualing nodded in response.
"That would be great. But, you probably didn't say that just to comfort me, did you...?"
"No way! Xiao Feng and I really enjoy playing with Mu Yao!" Hua Ling quickly denied, looking a little flustered.
"It was just a joke, but I'm really happy that you two can become friends~" The golden fox covered her mouth and chuckled.
That's right, that's how we should chat. This back-and-forth banter and occasional teasing is what makes for a healthy and harmonious conversation.
As the topic expanded, the atmosphere of communication improved significantly; at least, the hesitant expression on Hua Ling's face was no longer visible.
But Su Tianqing couldn't find a way to delve deeper into the topic.
Unlike Nan Xiaofeng and Lin Muyao, Hua Ling's quiet personality is usually very likable, but it just so happens to cause her a lot of trouble at times like this.
Nan Xiaofeng couldn't wait to speak her mind. Lin Muyao had become taciturn because of aphasia, but she could talk a lot even when just using a drawing board. In essence, she was a very talkative person.
Hua Ling is the only exception.
Not only is she quiet and doesn't talk much, but she is also very reserved and shy. When she talks to herself, she even uses notes to communicate.
This is probably one of the reasons why I left Karin for last in my strategy guide—this girl is too difficult to handle.
It seems we'll have to come up with an unconventional plan!
Su Tianqing thought to herself.
If you want to win over Hana Rin, you have to get her to open up to you!
It's easy to learn about someone's experiences from others. I already knew that Karin's parents died in a monster attack four years ago, but Karin herself never told me about it.
Does this mean that Karin doesn't trust herself enough? Does it mean that Karin still harbors some suspicion towards herself?
"I must break down this barrier and get this child to lower his guard so that my plan can proceed!" Su Tianqing thought to herself.
It's like to prove that someone completely trusts you, you have to make her tell you about her past that's been buried deep in her mind!
"Speaking of which, there was something I was quite worried about, but now it seems I was overthinking it," Su Tianqing said.
Hua Ling was drinking her soup after dinner when she heard the golden fox say that, and immediately raised her head.
"Hmm? What is it?" Karin asked.
"It's about you and Mu Yao."
Su Tianqing sighed.
"I really wanted to help Mu Yao, but I was also a little worried when I introduced you two... um... worried that it might make you think something was strange..."
"Mu Yao's father left a long time ago, and she was abandoned by her mother. I'm worried that her background might affect you, Hua Ling..."
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bring it up, I just felt..."
The golden fox curled up into a ball, its ears drooping on its head, and looked at Hua Ling with a timid expression, like a child who had said something wrong.
Hua Ling was at a loss for words.
So, this is what Sister Tianqing was worried about?
No wonder she specifically asked me out; her gentle and cautious demeanor was truly...
...What dazzling charm it possesses!
"It's alright, Sister Tianqing."
The girl's lips curled into a smile.
"I used to be sad alone because of this... But after you said those things to me, Sister Tianqing, I felt that I should make some changes."
"Especially after I learned about Mu Yao's background, I secretly made up my mind that I must help Mu Yao and do everything I can."
A brief silence.
Su Tianqing smiled gently and reached out to take Hua Ling's hand, which was resting on the dining table.
"Karin is a very understanding person, but if that's the case, the pressure on you will only increase, which is not a good thing."
The girl had no rebuttal.
It's true what Sister Tianqing said. When I examine my recent experiences, I also have a feeling that I might have worked too hard.
"It's a good thing that you have the determination to help others. I fully support you doing this, Karin."
"But if one day... Karin, you can't hold on anymore, just come find me, your older sister~"
The golden fox grinned, its smile so bright and sunny that Hua Ling almost couldn't open her eyes.
—In this way, the seed of spiritual sustenance is planted.
Looking at the shy and reserved girl in front of her who was still nodding vigorously, Su Tianqing thought to herself.
So, I should arrange a script specifically for Karin in the future.
A project tailor-made for the magical girl Iris – the second phase of the Shadow of Stars Project!