Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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I've started this new journal to motivate myself to excel further within the Divination Commission.

With dedication, it won't take long before I get promoted, receive raises, become a general manager, ascend to CEO, marry Master Fu Taibǔ, and reach the pinnacle of life—just thinking about it gets me slightly giddy, heh heh.

Monday: Nothing much today, played cards.

From Qingque, I learned some of the Divination Commission's taboos:

For instance, never mention Lady Fu Xuan's height around her.

Never get entangled in disputes between Mingyue, Painted Star, and Jingzhai—the three diviners.

Try your best not to stand out within the Divination Commission, lest you become a target for either promotion or suppression by superiors.

Excellent, duly noted.

Tuesday: Nothing today, just playing cards.

In the evening, I accompanied Silver Wolf at arcade games, losing repeatedly each time.

I asked if she was cheating, only to be harshly ridiculed by her.

Silver Wolf declared that rookies must accept their lot, as the strong are destined to humiliate the weak. Next time, she vowed to beat me so badly I'd call her "Dad."

Wednesday: Nothing today, just playing cards.

Having spent several days gaming with Qingque, as repayment, she shared some tips on how to enjoy work while slacking off—my skills in this regard improved significantly.

Thursday: Su Jinyan, oh Su Jinyan, how have you fallen so low? Have you forgotten all your plans?

Confucius said: "I reflect upon myself thrice daily..." You can't continue like this anymore!

Friday, nothing today—just playing cards.

Recently, there's been quite a crowd at the Exalting Sanctum's gaming hall, requiring us to arrive early each time to secure a table.

Diviner Huixing asked me what I've been up to lately, wondering why she hasn't seen me at the Divination Commission.

I replied that I'm collaborating with Qingque, seizing popular resources together.

Why did Diviner Huixing ask if I was playing cards with Qingque? Was there something wrong with my answer?

Saturday, nothing today—just playing cards.

Securing recognition within the Divination Commission seems quite challenging, doesn't it?

To motivate myself, I changed my online nickname to "Lady Fu Xuan's Dog," hoping it would instill more ambition in me.

Lady Fu Xuan, can you see? With such determination, shouldn't you consider promoting me soon?!

Sunday, nothing today—just playing cards.

Tomorrow marks the refresh of the Simulated Universe's revival times, looking forward to it.

Come to think of it, do I still have a job at the Divination Commission?

Slam! Qingque forcefully laid down a one-fish tile.

The row of Imperial Jade Stronghold tiles before her toppled neatly, like a cascade of dominoes.

Qingque's lips parted slightly as she announced, "Self-draw win, Ling Shang blooms, 1200 points from non-dealer players, and 2300 points from the dealer."

Thud—

Su Jinyan slumped to the ground, dejectedly bowing his head. "I'll remember this grudge," he muttered.

The other two players watched, utterly speechless.

Qingque raised a hand to her forehead, exasperated. "Hey, A-Yan, it's just one loss. Do you really need such dramatics?" She added, "Come on, cheer up. Since we're not off work yet, let's play another round."

Su Jinyan sneered coldly, "Hmph, are you trying to humiliate me? This act of pity from the strong towards the weak is yet another grudge I'll bear."

Qingque momentarily lost her words. "Uh, so...so do you still want to play?"

Instantaneously, Su Jinyan's expression returned to normal. "Yes, let's continue."

The other players exchanged incredulous glances—this guy seemed seriously unhinged.

In the second round, Qingque maintained her dominant streak, once again ending with a Ling Shang draw.

The third round progressed swiftly, and before long, Qingque clinched victory using a Moonlit Sea Harvest move.

"Wow, Qingque, your luck is unreal!" Su Jinyan exclaimed. "Another win for you."

The other two players couldn't help but shake their heads; Qingque's luck wasn't actually that extraordinary. However, her skill at Imperial Jade Stronghold was exceptional, far surpassing most others—a talent many admired.

Qingque's eyes curved with delight as she bowed and grinned, "Hehe, thanks for letting me win."

"Everyone," Su Jinyan began, "please listen to what I have to say."

Qingque looked at him quizzically, "Hm?"

In a serious tone, Su Jinyan continued, "You may not fully grasp the significance of back-to-back Ling Shanghua wins followed immediately by Hai Di Laoyue."

"We usually describe such individuals with just two words: 'gambling prodigy'."

"Qingque, when it comes to Imperial Jade Stronghold, I, Su Jinyan, declare you the strongest."

"Henceforth, you shall be known as the 'Exalting Sanctum Gambling Prodigy.'"

The two fellow players exchanged glances and echoed simultaneously, "We concur."

Qingque's cheeks flushed slightly, and she pouted, "Hey, what's with 'Exalting Sanctum Gambling Prodigy'? Sounds terrible! I don't play cards for such empty titles."

Fortunately, Qingque valued leisure and played merely for relaxation, not for money or fame. Otherwise, if she had accepted this title, the name "Exalting Sanctum Gambling Prodigy" might swiftly have reverberated throughout Luofu and beyond, even across the universe.

With a dab of saliva, Qingque stuck a paper strip depicting a turtle onto Su Jinyan's forehead.

"Hurry up! Before our shift ends, we can still squeeze in another round."

However, Qingque's two card companions seemed not to hear her. Their expressions shifted, and they abruptly covered their mouths, feigning coughs.

Qingque's delicate body tensed, and she swiftly lowered her head, pondering her next move. With her quick wit, she had already surmised what was about to unfold.

Judging by their expressions, my situation looked dire indeed. There could only be one plausible explanation:

The Grand Diviner must have come to apprehend me.

"Qingque—"

Fu Xuan's chilling voice echoed from behind Qingque.

Shivering, Qingque's snow-white hands clenched, causing the Imperial Jade tile she held to drop with a clatter.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, adhering to the principle of saving themselves before their friend, both card companions hastily made their escape.

Only Qingque and Su Jinyan remained at the table, bracing to bear Fu Xuan's wrath together.

Fu Xuan's charming face darkened ominously. "Well done, Qingque, well done indeed..." she muttered sarcastically. "This venerable one entrusted you with familiarizing the newcomer with their duties, as I repeatedly emphasized, right?"

"I warned you not to display your lazy habits in front of them, let alone corrupt their influence. Yet, all you did was pay lip service while spending these days bringing the newbie to this gaming den instead?"

Heh heh heh, Lady Fu Xuan truly looks stunning, complete with nose, eyes, arms, and legs.

From the moment Su Jinyan met Fu Xuan, he knew he had found a friend for life.

[Ding! Elation Faction Quest triggered. Fool, do you accept?]

[Quest: I Adore Lady Fu Xuan's Jade Feet.]