Chapter 32: Chapter 32
Despite Shenhe's mistakes, she had been led astray.
But punishment was still necessary.
However, Ganyu was, after all, a gentle person.
Making Shenhe kneel on the cold ground for so long was already quite harsh.
Considering that Shenhe had just lost her innocence, and with her pure heart, not understanding the laws, she had been led astray. Therefore, Ganyu's heart softened.
She let Shenhe get up and return to rest.
However, absolutely, absolutely no such liberties could be taken again before the young disciple came of age.
Shenhe, having fulfilled her wish anyway, agreed.
Ganyu sat alone, suddenly letting out a self-deprecating laugh.
It seemed she wasn't suited for the role of a strict father, but rather like a gentle mother...
However, Ying'er...
While Ganyu couldn't be harsh with her own people, with outsiders, that was a different story.
...
Jiang Ning walked alone on the street, supporting himself against the wall.
The once energetic youth had become frail, appearing even more pitiable. Walking down the street, many older sisters and young ladies approached him.
They asked if he needed help, or if he would like to get to know them.
If it weren't for the Millelith guards nearby, there might have been scenarios of "my house is quite spacious, you can rest there if you're tired."
Just kidding—even in his current state, Jiang Ning wasn't someone ordinary people could take advantage of.
[Host, you're really pathetic. Did you get completely drained?] The system's voice was somewhat gleeful.
Jiang Ning gritted his teeth: "Shut up... Senior Sister's constitution is terrifyingly powerful, how can you blame me? My waist and hips haven't had a moment's rest all night... Being able to walk while supporting myself against the wall is already one in ten thousand."
"Besides, I haven't even mentioned you yet. In other novels, the protagonists can fight bosses, kick around other characters, embrace beauties left and right, and spend nights with hundreds of women without getting tired. How come it's different with your system?"
[What does that have to do with our cute and charming Cat-Head Academy system? Those are the senior systems from the FL Academy.]
"Then what use are you?"
[To add fun for the host, flatter the host, occasionally mess things up... doesn't adding some game difficulty and experience count?]
"You can die now," Jiang Ning said through gritted teeth. Thinking about his male pride, he decided he shouldn't walk while supporting himself against the wall.
So he let go of his hand and firmly took his first step...
Then missed his footing.
Because he was chatting with the system, he hadn't noticed the step that appeared in front of him.
Jiang Ning was startled.
System, you #@$%! You really are adding difficulty and creating trouble!
Just as Jiang Ning prepared himself for the fall...
He fell into a soft embrace.
"Jiang Ning? How did you become so weak after just a few days?"
A familiar voice rang out. Jiang Ning looked up to see the purple cat-head, the famous Yuheng Star, Keqing.
"Lady Keqing... I'm so sorry..."
Jiang Ning quickly moved away from Keqing's arms.
Keqing didn't seem to find anything inappropriate about it.
Instead, she examined him closely: "Care to explain? I'm curious, the work at Yuehai Pavilion shouldn't be this demanding..."
Jiang Ning immediately became embarrassed: "It's nothing... nothing..."
He couldn't possibly say he'd been drained by his senior sister. Not only would it be embarrassing, but he also knew enough about Liyue's laws to not want his senior sister to get arrested.
Keqing said, "Well, I'm heading to Wanmin Restaurant for lunch. Would you like me to help you walk there?"
"That would be perfect, I was planning to go to Wanmin Restaurant too..."
Jiang Ning said.
"I'm very hungry..."
Keqing became even more puzzled. This... shouldn't an adeptus disciple be this weak, right?
"Let me help you walk..."
Keqing supported Jiang Ning as they walked toward Wanmin Restaurant.
The young ladies and women by the roadside, seeing the young man being led away, were quite disappointed. But upon seeing it was the Yuheng Star, they immediately gave up any thoughts of joining them.
Sister Lan, who happened to pass by, saw the combination of Keqing and Jiang Ning and showed a knowing smile.
Sure enough, Lady Keqing had fallen for him.
Moreover, they were indeed a perfect match, talented and beautiful.
Even just looking at their appearances, Lady Keqing might be the one marrying up.
Sister Lan had decided—this was a ship she would definitely support.
"Sister Lan, why do you look like you know something? Tell us?" Other girls from the Adventurers' Guild asked curiously.
Sister Lan said, "Of course! Let me tell you, but don't spread it around. Last time when this young man came to the Adventurers' Guild..."
As Sister Lan spoke, these young girls listened intently.
Occasionally they would gasp in surprise, their faces turning red.
...
Sitting down at Wanmin Restaurant, Jiang Ning sighed in relief as soon as his bottom touched the chair.
Xiangling wasn't here today, and this middle-aged man whom Keqing called Chef Mao seemed to be Xiangling's father.
After ordering a few simple dishes, the two sat face to face, staring at each other, creating quite an awkward atmosphere.
"Ahem, young people should exercise more. Look at how weak you've become," Keqing felt that since he was Ganyu's junior disciple, and possibly Ganyu's future partner, showing some concern might be a way to start a conversation.
Jiang Ning said, "Mm hmm, yes..."
Keqing casually asked, "By the way, Ganyu took leave this morning. Do you know why?"
Probably settling accounts with Senior Sister Shenhe...
Jiang Ning thought silently.
But he said, "Maybe because Senior Sister Ganyu was too tired last night?"
Using this as a reason should work, right? After all, Senior Sister Ganyu had indeed been very tired from the recent Rite of Descension.
However, Jiang Ning had overlooked one point.
Ganyu, who usually worked overtime, hadn't been working overtime these past few days. How could she be tired from work?
At least that's what Keqing thought was impossible.
So she didn't think in that direction.
Keqing fell into thought.
Ganyu was very tired last night, then took leave in the morning...
Jiang Ning looking so weak... weak... hmm?
Keqing froze as an unbelievable thought appeared in her mind.
Could it be that Ganyu broke the law last night?!
And left this poor boy in such a weak state?!
That means, in one night?!
Ganyu, you're really not human! Ah, well, Ganyu really isn't human...
Keqing looked at the pale-faced, sickly-looking youth before her and felt a trace of sympathy.
But mostly confusion.
Are all adeptus disciples... this terrifying?