Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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******

Every movement of Asta leaning against the table stirred the emotions of the audience.

Fortunately,

there was no apparent reason for her to suddenly turn around and open the drawer just out of curiosity.

As a result, until she left, Asta remained oblivious to the love letter.

[March 7th: Phew... (sigh of relief)]

[Stelle: We're safe for now.]

[Bronya: Seriously, how can Su Qing remain so calm?!]

[Bronya: My heart was about to leap out of my chest, fearing Asta would notice.]

[Sparkle: Mine too! I was just waiting for some excitement...]

[Black Swan: Perhaps from Su Qing's perspective, Asta's feelings were merely "deep friendship," so he wasn't as worried as we were.]

[Bronya: While that makes sense, Su Qing is always so composed; it almost tempts me to see him falter...]

[Sparkle: Yay, welcome to my side!]

[March 7th: @Bronya, stay calm! Don't let Elation sway you!!]

After leaving Su Qing's room, Asta took a moment to revel in her happiness alone in the corridor. Then, with a smile and light-hearted steps, she set off to find someone.

[Qingque: Oh no, Herta's going to be in trouble again.]

[Herta: ...Why do they always come to me? Do I really look interested in these matters?]

[March 7th: Because there's no one else, really. Arlan seems even less knowledgeable. Who else could Asta confide in, Pepe perhaps?]

[March 7th (Voice): Pepe: Woof woof! Not me, I'm just a little dog!]

[Stelle: Aww, cute little March, such a perfect impression.]

[March 7th: Should I feel happy about this compliment...?]

In Herta's office:

"He said he likes girls who love the starlit sky and have the determination to take bold steps towards their dreams."

"Hehe, Herta, do you think this counts as him indirectly confessing to me?"

"What should I do? It's so embarrassing, and I dare not ask him directly."

Despite the late hour, Asta remained spirited, sitting at one side of the table and enthusiastically recounting her recent experience.

On the other side of the table...

Herta, while scanning content on her light screen, nodded half-heartedly, "Mm-hmm." "Yes, yes." "Well said."

[March 7th: Ha ha, poor Herta seems exhausted.]

Herta had already given up resisting.

With her exceptionally sharp intellect, she quickly realized that Asta merely wanted someone to confide in. By multitasking—listening to Asta while attending to other matters—it would actually save time.

After expressing her emotions, Asta tugged at Herta's sleeve. "Were you listening?"

"Of course." Herta's gaze shifted away from the light screen, effortlessly managing both tasks. "You mentioned some recent changes in Su Qing's behavior, right? Including what he said while stargazing, these led you to believe he likes you."

"Yes!" Asta looked expectantly at Herta. "What's your take on it?"

"Hmm..." Herta pondered for a moment. "I can only say, it's not entirely impossible."

Asta cheered, "Yay! I just knew it!"

Herta leaned back in her chair.

Previously, upon meeting Su Qing, Herta could instantly tell that he seemed completely uninterested in romance. But during their recent encounter...

Surprisingly, there was now a hint of romantic aura about him. Combined with Asta's confident assertions, even if some aspects might be wishful thinking, phrases like "loves stars" and "taking firm steps towards his dreams" were unlikely to be misheard.

Based on these clues, Herta made her assessment.

Asta had immense trust in Herta's wisdom, which once again reinforced her belief that Su Qing absolutely must have fallen for her!

[Stelle: Oh no, now even Herta is convinced.]

[Fu Xuan: Mainly because the description fits perfectly.]

[Fu Xuan: And as you mentioned before, Asta's exceptional inclusiveness as a substitute does indeed (can't help but laugh)... hold some truth.]

"However, don't hold too much hope." Herta promptly doused her enthusiasm with cold water. "Su Qing always wants to repay his debt swiftly and then leave the space station to explore new ingredients."

"He might like you," Herta continued, "but can that stop him from pursuing his culinary ambitions?"

"Yes..." Asta slightly composed herself, realizing this was indeed a concern she had harbored all along.

"Then, Lady Herta." Asta clasped her hands together beseechingly. "Please, I'm begging you! Could you help me find a way to make Su Qing stay?"

[Stelle: Help me, Lady Herta!]

The sight of the charming and adorable pink-haired station director pleading pitifully would typically soften most hearts. But not Herta's.

Herta turned to leave, stating, "Just listening to you has already consumed my valuable time. Resolve your issues between yourselves."

"But, but..." Asta grew somewhat anxious, quickly following and brainstorming ideas. "But if Su Qing stays... you could also enjoy delicious meals frequently!"

Herta's footsteps hesitated slightly.

A spark lit up Asta's eyes, and she pushed harder. "I'll even pay extra for his wages, ensuring that Su Qing makes you pastries every day. He loves cooking, so he'd definitely agree!"

There was a brief two-second silence.

Herta stopped walking completely, then smoothly turned around. "Alright, let's not waste time anymore. I'll give you some advice; quickly jot it down."

[Seele: Ha-ha-ha, face change at lightspeed!]

[Bronya: Amused.]

[Stelle: Lady Herta: can't resist after all.]

[Herta: Is there any issue? (firmly) Since I've decided to help her, naturally, a swift resolution is best to save time.]

[Himeko: Seems like Su Qing's culinary skills are truly hard to resist.]

[Himeko: Come to think of it, as his girlfriend, I surprisingly haven't tasted his cooking...]

[Kafka: (correcting) Ex-girlfriend.]

[Himeko: ...Oh, how very helpful of you.]

[Kafka: You're welcome.]

[March 7th: I really want to try it too! Do you think there's a chance? Will I have an opportunity to taste Su Qing's cooking someday?!]

[Himeko: If I recall correctly, Asta mentioned that the Astral Express plans to visit the space station. At that time, we might be fortunate enough to savor his dishes.]

[March 7th: Great, great, great! I can't wait already! Even just reminiscing about those memories should help me unravel the mystery of how delicious Su Qing's food truly is!]

In this brief moment, Herta had also formulated her advice.

She began, "Firstly, doesn't Su Qing love ingredients? Keep buying him rare and exotic ones; he won't be able to resist such temptation."

"You don't need to ask for money from him either. Given his personality, once he accepts something, he won't leave until he has provided equal compensation."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Asta hastily took out her phone and opened a note-taking app to jot down, "Firstly, buy rare ingredients for Su Qing..."

Herta spoke quickly, "Secondly, if Su Qing wants to explore or visit other planets, let him go without hindering him."

"Ah? But what if—what if he runs away?" Asta asked.

[Bronya: "What if he runs away?"]

[Silver Wolf: Smiles, Asta's thought process truly reflects her deep emotional attachment.]

"Let me finish first," Herta responded promptly. "The space station often has scientific exchanges, right? If you're genuinely concerned, use these opportunities to accompany him."

Asta nodded repeatedly, diligently noting it down: "Yes, that makes sense..."

"Third, and most importantly." Herta scrutinized Asta closely. "Don't put too much pressure on him."

[March 7th: Now she's hitting the crucial point!]

Confused, Asta blinked her beautiful eyes. "Not too much pressure? What does that mean?"

"It means don't cling to him excessively," Herta advised. "Remember, extremes can be counterproductive; do you understand this principle? The more you try to keep him by your side at every step, constantly hovering around him, the greater the likelihood of achieving the opposite effect."

Herta continued, "Avoid overwhelming him with pressure and resist the urge to never let him out of your sight. Instead, this will make Su Qing feel more relaxed and willing to continue working at the space station."

Asta seemed to grasp it partially. "Is that so? It does make some sense... But I might not be able to resist; I'll try my best..."

[Bronya: Impressive! Herta's thinking is crystal clear, with each suggestion hitting the nail right on the head!]

[Sparkle: Herta's brilliant plans could pacify the world, indeed...]

[Herta: Don't think I'm unaware of the rest of that saying.]

[Qingque: ...However, no matter how you put it, Asta is just a substitute.]

[Firefly: Yes, exactly! No matter how useful Herta's advice may be, a substitute should never replace the real deal!]

[Himeko: True, Asta even fares worse than Kafka, who hasn't entered the race yet.]

[Kafka: Hmm, despite being compared to ex-girlfriend Himeko, there's still a slight difference.]

[Seele: Laughing here. Let them continue their mutual roasting upstairs.]

[March 7th: Oh, seems like everyone isn't too optimistic about Asta's chances...]

[Stelle: ? Well, what can you do? Asta is just such an exceptional substitute and an incredibly understanding childhood friend!]

As Asta diligently took notes, Herta pondered her own suggestions, finding no significant flaws yet. After some thought, she suddenly recalled something from a corner of her memory.

Come to think of it, Herta had previously introduced Su Qing to the chief editor of a novel website under the Interastral Peace Corporation.

If Su Qing managed to earn additional income and quickly paid off his debts, these recent suggestions might not have been necessary...

However.

Upon further reflection, Herta deemed this possibility unlikely.

Su Qing's focus was entirely on cooking. Could he really make significant money through that avenue?

***

***

He made a fortune!!!

In his room, Su Qing looked conflicted, staring at the received Credits, unsure whether to feel happy or dismayed.

As a chef of his caliber, his salary could be considered quite substantial.

But how could this casually written demon battle fanfic earn even more than his primary occupation?!

[Qingque: Whoa, just moments ago, Herta claimed to help Asta, and now she's unexpectedly making a fortune for Su Qing.]

[Seele: Asta: Herta! You've secretly screwed me over!]

[Herta: ...(averts gaze) Who knew Su Qing would actually rake in so much?]

[Herta: Besides, when I introduced him to the chief editor, I hadn't yet planned to assist Asta.]

After consulting with the editor, Su Qing received feedback.

Editor: The pacing of your work is exhilarating. Especially the descriptions of battles against demons, they feel incredibly realistic and heart-pounding, making it impossible to stop reading!

[Kafka: Of course! The demons personally slain by Su Qing could almost circle Tianyi-5 multiple times.]

Editor: However, the portrayal of secondary characters seems somewhat lacking. Particularly with the "teammate" character, you didn't even give them a name.

[Kafka: ...]

[Himeko: @Kafka, why so silent now? Do you naturally prefer quietness?]

[Silver Wolf: Joyful.]

The editor concluded: Nonetheless, these issues don't matter much. As long as the story delivers excitement, that's enough. You truly live up to Lord Herta's recommendation; your writing standard is indeed high!

Su Qing wondered if her success was solely due to Herta's influence. But upon seeing the enthusiastic reader feedback and the substantial Credit earnings, clearly not just face-saving could explain this windfall.

This income, how should he put it?

The day of clearing his debt is rapidly approaching!

[Bronya: Now Asta has truly been conned.]

[Qingque: Ha ha, this reminds me of those childhood math problems—filling a swimming pool while draining it simultaneously. Herta gives advice to Asta but keeps undermining her at the same time.]

[Fu Xuan: It all depends on which effect prevails faster.]

The pace of updates for the demon power fantasy story was already sufficient.

Just like a TV series, finishing it all at once would hinder sustained popularity and momentum.

Su Qing decided to utilize the Automatic Writing Machine's capabilities and write something else.

In this simulation, crafting a combat-focused power fantasy wasn't feasible. As for his love story with Himeko, he had no intention of sharing it; he preferred to keep it exclusive.

[Himeko: (Smile) (Joyful)]

So Su Qing pondered...

Then I'll write a popular science book on interstellar aviation.

Having learned so much about this field, it should be reflected in some form.

If he can contribute to the domain and cultivate interest among readers, even if it doesn't yield significant earnings, he'd willingly invest his time.

[March 7th: Su Qing's enlightenment is truly remarkable! No wonder Sister Himeko and the others all like him.]

[Firefly: (bowing head) (bashful) Um, I-I haven't said that I like Su Qing yet...]

[Silver Wolf: ?]

[Silver Wolf: Seriously, A-Ying? At this point, still shy? Aren't you just setting yourself up for heartbreak?]

As a popular science book, it would ideally be beginner-friendly and engaging. Adding a few characters to introduce concepts and finding an illustrator for lively diagrams...

With these thoughts in mind, Su Qing began inputting character outlines into the Automatic Writing Machine's framework:

[Student A, Student B, Student C], used to pose and introduce questions.

It goes without saying whom Su Qing had in mind for each role.

Oh, right, let's include a [Teacher] character to provide answers.

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko: Suddenly, I feel a bit annoyed.]

[Himeko: Su Qing is great in every way, except sometimes he just inexplicably makes me angry.]

[Kafka: Indeed, rare for me to agree with Student A's viewpoint.]

[Seele: "Student A"?]

[Himeko: ???]

[Himeko: @Kafka, are you referring to me as "Student A"?]

[Kafka: Yes, why do you ask?]

[Himeko (speechless): Aren't you merely referred to as "teammate" too?!]

[Kafka: I might be a teammate, but Su Qing has only one teammate. You might be Student A, but there are also Students B and C.]

[Bronya: Ha ha, that does make some sense.]

[Himeko (temporarily unable to counter)... You?!]

[Firefly: Ah? Wait, can we really argue about this?]

[Firefly: @Kafka, @Himeko, neither of you have proper names either, right? Adding 'a', 'b', 'c', or 'd' doesn't change much, does it?]

[Firefly: Honestly, arguing over something like this seems quite pitiful.]

[Kafka: ...?]

[Himeko: ...?]

[March 7th (facepalming): Oh no.]

[Silver Wolf: Firefly declares war on Kafka and Himeko!]

[Kafka: @Firefly, you've known Su Qing for only a few months, with even your simulation being entirely fabricated...(omitted two hundred words of furious rant)]

[Himeko: @Firefly, your unrequited crush clearly led nowhere; eventually, you couldn't even muster the courage to confess...(omitted two hundred words of intense tirade)]

[Firefly: Ah?????]

[Firefly: (panicking)(completely stunned)(FearfulHuddleInCorner.jpg)]

[Seele: HAHAHAHAHAHA I'm dying from laughter! Firefly just attracted a massive barrage of fire!!]

[Sparkle: Brilliant, Kafka and Himeko—these fierce adversaries—are now united against you. You really outdid yourself, Firefly.]

[Firefly: But... wait, what??? Their combined attacks are quite overwhelming; I don't think I can handle this...]

[Stelle: Stay calm, Firefly! Even if you want to take the initiative, there's no need for such a suicidal approach!]

[Kafka: @Firefly, Su Qing hasn't even written your story yet.]

[Himeko: @Firefly, indeed. What do you have to say about that?]

[Firefly: ...No worries, not being mentioned means I haven't lost! There's still hope as long as I'm unwritten; my future is promising!]

[March 7th: Oh wow! Firefly taking on two at once and holding her own, temporarily!]

[March 7th: Seems like she found a way to remain undefeated—no matter what you say, her future remains full of potential!]

[Seele: Speaking of, isn't this just another way of saying "lacking presence"?]

[Firefly: ...Absolutely not!! (Stubborn) (Holding back tears)]

[March 7th: Don't spoil it for her, okay?]

[Seele: ...I'm sorry.]

[Bronya: @Seele, always you! Wasn't it also you who said last time, "Poor Firefly, good thing it's just virtual,"?]

[Qingque: Seems like it.]

[Seele: Sorry, Firefly!! From now on, I'll definitely stand firmly by your side!]

[Firefly: Huh? Thanks.]

[Firefly: Looks like, unexpectedly, I gained an ally...]

***

As flames began to erupt from the Automatic Writing Machine's keyboard before Su Qing once again...

[March 7th: By the way, is the next one Silver Wolf's simulation?]

[Silver Wolf (turns around): Oh right, I still have daily quests for dozens of games to complete today. Gotta go.]

[Kafka (grasping Silver Wolf's left shoulder): Stay put...]

[Firefly (holding onto Silver Wolf's right shoulder): Nobody will get hurt.]

[Silver Wolf: Why do you two only show such teamwork at times like this?!]

[Black Swan: Let me check.]

[Black Swan: The next ones are indeed Silver Wolf's simulation followed immediately by a multiplayer simulation.]

[March 7th: Multiplayer simulation? What's that?]

[Black Swan: It appears several participants engage simultaneously in a highly intense simulation...]

[Silver Wolf: A multiplayer simulation, really? Must be because my solo sim wasn't enough for me to flex, so they're throwing us all into another one where I can wipe you out.]

[Sparkle: Fun.]

[Firefly: Arrogant little Silver Wolf!]

[Kafka: Darling, you're quite confident.]

[Himeko: Seems like someone's getting a bit too full of themselves.]

[Silver Wolf: It's not arrogance or overconfidence; it's just showcasing my skills. Let me tell you, you guys are seriously weak! I have no intention of pursuing romance with Su Qing, but if it were me, there's no way I'd score as low as any of you.]

[Silver Wolf: Seriously? Can't be... There can't really be someone so insignificant they barely register, right? Someone who couldn't even make it onto the track? Or worse, someone who ends up crossing the finish line in reverse?]

[Firefly: ...]

[Kafka: ...]

[Himeko: ...]

[Firefly's anger towards Silver Wolf increases, Kafka's anger towards Silver Wolf increases, Himeko's anger towards Silver Wolf increases!!!]

[Bronya: Impressive. When it comes to stirring up resentment, Silver Wolf definitely knows how to play the game.]

[Qingque: Ha ha ha, seems like he figured since there's no escaping, might as well start with some taunts, eh?]

[March 7th (well-intentioned): @Silver Wolf, um, perhaps, should we maybe keep a lower profile for now...?]

[Silver Wolf: No need to worry.]

[Silver Wolf: ? Just watch my next move!]

[Black Swan: (suppressing laughter)]

[Black Swan: (to avoid bursting out laughing) (time to temporarily seal away these memories)]