Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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[Quest Description: Find an opportunity to have Fu Xuan fiercely step on your face with her delicate white-socked feet in public.]

[Quest Reward: Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm blueprint, 5 SP points, and 5000 profession experience points.]

Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm

Description: It is said that after Emperor Rupert I obtained free will, his first act was to utilize available parts nearby, fueled by his infinite fury towards organic life, to create powerful mechanized arms. Before deducing the Anti-Life Equation, the Emperor's armies ignited wars across the universe with their fearsome mechanical armaments.

Unlike disposable power arms, the intermediate mechanical power arm is significantly stronger, has higher durability, and can replenish its power source.

Su Jinyan's eyes lit up, surprised not only by the simplicity of this Elation faction quest but also by its generous rewards.

However, moments later, he fell into distress.

Fu Xuan, being the Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission, would clearly never lower herself to voluntarily step on him.

Isn't this quest practically forcing me to act like a pervert? Should I actively plead with Lady Fu Xuan to step on my face?

Please, oh great Lady Fu Xuan, all I desire in life is just one wish: could you mercilessly stomp on me with your white-socked feet?

Hmm? Why would I make such a request? It's quite simple, really—you stepping on me allows me to earn rewards.

F*ck, even if it were Su Jinyan himself, let alone Fu Xuan, he'd find it hard to maintain a straight face with that excuse.

Moreover, uttering these words in public, regardless of the outcome, would undoubtedly lead to his social death.

However, Su Jinyan quickly rationalized it—what does social death matter? As long as he can become stronger, paying such a small price is acceptable.

Regardless, he knew he would eventually have to approach Fu Xuan with this request, but not now. He needed to find the right moment.

It wouldn't be appropriate to ask Fu Xuan to step on him during their first meeting, after all.

Fu Xuan continued, "Qingque, don't you have anything to explain?"

Qingque's gaze darted nervously, her expression slightly panicked.

All she did was slack off a bit; anyone might think she had violated some cosmic law!

Su Jinyan, maintaining a serious demeanor, interjected, "Lady Fu Xuan, there seems to be a misunderstanding. We weren't slacking off."

"Excellent," Fu Xuan replied mildly. "Are you suggesting it's this venerable one's fault?"

Qingque hastily tugged at Su Jinyan's sleeve, shooting him meaningful glances to shut his mouth.

Honestly, couldn't this guy show some tact? A subordinate mustn't kiss their superior—it's such a basic principle! How could he not understand it?

Su Jinyan sighed dramatically. "No, actually, it was all my fault."

Fu Xuan raised her head and glanced sidelong at him. "Then tell me, where did you go wrong?"

Qingque grew even more anxious—why would he willingly take the blame? Did he want to get kicked out of the Divination Commission?

Instead of answering directly, Su Jinyan began a tale. "In truth, I have fallen in love with a woman. Late that night, as the Exalting Sanctum market closed its stalls and restaurants ceased business, only a handful of pedestrians remained on the streets. In the shadows, I leaned against a railing, drowning my sorrows in wine, my vision blurred by intoxication. Yet amidst the dimming lights, I saw her walking down the street. She suddenly turned back, casting a smile that has haunted me ever since. From then on, her visage became etched in my mind, impossible to forget. Lady Fu Xuan, do you wish to know who this woman is?"

Fu Xuan's interest waned. "Who...is she? Qingque, was it you?"

Qingque vigorously shook his head. "Ah? Me? Of course not; I rarely venture out at night."

Su Jinyan slammed his hand forcefully on the table. "It certainly wasn't little Sparrow here—the woman is none other than Lady Fu Xuan herself."

"Excuse me?" replied Fu Xuan.

"What?" exclaimed Qingque.

Su Jinyan produced a crumpled piece of paper, slowly unfurled it, and began to recite in his captivating baritone:

"To Fu Xuan,

"Just because I glanced at you once amidst the crowd, I can never forget your face again.

"Dreaming that someday we might meet by chance, From then on, my thoughts turn solitary yearning—"

"...Not bad verse, huh?" Qingque commented hesitantly.

Fu Xuan's charming features stiffened slightly as she cut him off, "Stop, enough."

"Don't think this venerable one is unaware of what you're scheming.

"I've never met you before today.

"The reason for your sudden confession must be to lessen your punishment, isn't it?"

Qingque nodded lightly, finding it quite reasonable; indeed, Grand Diviner's words made sense.

However, Su Jinyan denied her assumption, "No, you're mistaken, Lady Fu Xuan."

"Why do you think I'm here?"

"I am a diligent and hardworking employee; how could I possibly slack off like Qingque?"

Qingque raised an eyebrow, taken aback.

Su Jinyan gazed deeply into Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes with heartfelt emotion. "It's all because I wanted to learn your preferences from Qingque, hoping to win your favor."

"But Qingque, being so eager, insisted on playing several rounds of cards first. She wouldn't tell me until I defeated her at the table."

Feeling guilty, Qingque shrank back slightly before indignantly retorting:

"A-Yan, you're always making up such nonsense."

"I...I wouldn't betray the Grand Diviner just to play cards," Qingque protested.

Fu Xuan eyed her skeptically. Revealing this venerable one's preferences for a game of Imperial Jade tiles sounded very much like something Qingque would do.

"Grand Diviner, you know me well," Qingque hastily defended herself. "My mind is singularly focused on work, devoid of distractions. How could I be so easily bribed?"

Singularly focused on work, devoid of distractions? Are you sure you're talking about yourself? That description fits this venerable one perfectly! Fu Xuan's gaze remained cold.

Qingque scratched her small face, feeling somewhat awkward. "Grand Diviner, please say something."

Fu Xuan's silence was deafening.

Su Jinyan added another jab, "Little Sparrow told me that the Grand Diviner's favorite treat is sweet pastries."

"And after tiring labors at Xiaoxu Pavilion, she most enjoys sipping Dragon Girl's specially brewed medicinal tea. With sugar, more sugar, and even more sugar!"

Fu Xuan's eyes turned icy, causing the little sparrow to tremble uncontrollably.