Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Bai Heng: It's about Su Qing and Jingliu!

Bai Heng: I arrived slightly late and didn't witness what transpired between them.

Bai Heng: But I'm certain something was off with Jingliu's demeanor—it might be a sign of affection!

Jing Yuan: What, really?

Dan Feng: Ah, so that's how it is.

Yingxing: @Bai Heng, have you heard the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"?

Qingque: hhh, our belief levels are steadily decreasing.

Stelle: ? Feels like even Jing Yuan just feigned surprise.

Bai Heng: It's true, I swear!

Bai Heng: This time, I don't think we need to create any special opportunities... Just observe them yourselves and see if you still doubt me!

When Jingliu returned, her expression had already returned to normal.

Bai Heng stared at her for a moment, which instead caught Jingliu's attention.

"Nothing, just admiring morning glories," Bai Heng quickly replied.

Not seeing anything conclusive yet, he decided to continue observing.

***

After some time passed, the others gathered together again.

Bai Heng posed the question, "So, this time, what do you all think? Did you notice anything?"

The three exchanged glances.

Surprisingly, Yingxing spoke first, "There were indeed some peculiarities."

Yingxing continued, "Recently, I invited both of them to admire my newly forged sword. Jingliu's focus wasn't on the weapon; instead, she kept glancing at Su Qing."

With conviction, Yingxing declared, "Something unusual is definitely going on here!"

Stelle: Ha ha, Blade-bearer seems quite confident in his weapons.

Fu Xuan: Hmm, although Jingliu herself loves swords, this does seem rather odd.

Bai Heng: "Excellent, clue number one—compared to the precious blade, Jingliu shows more interest in Su Qing!"

Jing Yuan spoke up next, "Earlier, I inadvertently mentioned some stories about Su Qing from before they met. My master then asked detailed questions about them."

"Excellent," Bai Heng said. "Clue number two: Interest in Su Qing's past!"

It was Dan Feng's turn.

Dan Feng shook her head. "I don't have much to contribute as clues."

"I see," replied Bai Heng.

After a pause, Dan Feng added, "Just that Jingliu heard of a love story related to reincarnation among the Vidyadhara and requested to borrow the records containing this tale from me."

Everyone was taken aback.

Bai Heng drew a deep breath. "...Isn't that the biggest clue right there?!"

[Qingque: Ha ha ha ha, hilarious.]

[Stelle: Amusing indeed! The atmosphere surrounding Dan Heng's past life seems quite similar to now!]

As they continued discussing, they gradually realized:

Could it be...there really is something going on between them?

"Now, isn't this intriguing?" Jing Yuan remarked with a sigh.

As the sword leader of Luofu, Jingliu had always given off an impression of cold detachment and sharp intensity. Even within the Cloud Knights, most likely many harbored a subtle fear towards her. This wasn't surprising; being the sword of Luofu inherently demanded respect and awe.

Yet now, Jingliu, who remained so focused on her blade and indifferent to external matters, seemed genuinely smitten. It was truly unexpected and utterly novel.

Jing Yuan and others expressed their sentiments, but received no response from Bai Heng.

Turning to look, Jing Yuan found Bai Heng standing somewhat dazed after hearing everyone's observations.

"Bai Heng? What are your thoughts on these matters?" Jing Yuan called out.

"Huh?! Oh!" Bai Heng snapped back to reality, "W-What do I think? It's just...as I've been saying all along! You still didn't believe me!"

Bai Heng's momentary stupor puzzled Jing Yuan.

Given Bai Heng's enthusiastic nature, shouldn't she have been eagerly discussing and debating these findings right now? Instead, there seemed to be a sense of desolation upon confirmation, as if her expectations had been met too precisely.

Suddenly, Jing Yuan recalled something. When Bai Heng was compiling Farshore Voyage, she always sought out Su Qing specifically for discussions, displaying immense excitement during their exchanges...

At first, he assumed it was due to the joy of exploration and discovery, but now upon reflection...

A peculiar expression crossed Jing Yuan's face.

No way!

Su Qing, my dear friend, is your impact truly that devastating?!

It's almost rivaling your lethality against evil creatures!

[Sparkle: Happy.]

[Qingque: Ah? Could it be that Bai Heng also...?]

[March 7th: Hmm, uncertain. Let's observe further.]

Jing Yuan harbored a surprising conjecture within his mind.

After the momentarily stunned Bai Heng left, Jing Yuan intended to discuss the matter with the remaining two individuals. However, Dan Feng spoke up first, "So, what Bai Heng meant by Jingliu's uniqueness—is it because she fell for Su Qing?"

Dan Feng seemed unsure about the conclusion they had just reached.

"Who cares about all that," Yingxing suddenly clicked his tongue. "Now, if they really end up together, would I need to gift them another weapon as congratulations?" He was somewhat hesitant due to the cost of materials involved.

Observing their reactions, Jing Yuan was taken aback as well. Consequently, he swallowed back the words on the tip of his tongue.

Never mind.

Jing Yuan decided it was best to simply watch and let events unfold.

[Sparkle: Joyful.]

[Seele: Joyful.]

[Stelle: ? Your keenness versus your oblivious companions.]

However, after assessing the situation, she somewhat evaded it by temporarily setting the matter aside.

One day, surprisingly, it was Jingliu who took the initiative to bring up the topic while they were in the moonflower courtyard.

After watering the plants, Jingliu put down the watering can.

"Indeed, these flowers are very beautiful," Bai Heng remarked as she crouched before the moonflowers, gently touching one.

The blooming season had passed, but the tightly closed buds adorned with crystalline droplets still exuded charm and elicited tenderness.

She stood up, "Alright! Shouldn't we go for lunch next?"

"Bai Heng." Jingliu suddenly addressed her in a formal tone.

"What is it?" Bai Heng responded instinctively.

"I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh, sure." Bai Heng already anticipated what it might be about.

They both sat down on the stone bench within the courtyard.

Bai Heng's elegant fox tail dipped slightly and swayed. "What's on your mind?"

Jingliu paused, seemingly organizing their thoughts before speaking, "How does it feel to fall in love with someone?"

"...Cough cough cough!" Jingliu's question was too direct, catching Bai Heng off guard and causing her to choke slightly.

[Stelle: Wow, straight to the point!!]

[Silver Wolf: Ah? Are we already at this level of frankness now?]

[Sparkle: ?? Even the reigning champion seems out of touch with current trends?]

[Firefly: No, no, no - even in the previous version, she wasn't remotely dominant, okay!?]

"Are you alright?"

Jingliu immediately stood up, concerned, and gently patted Bai Heng on the back.

"Cough, yes, I'm fine." Bai Heng composed herself briefly.

After pondering the question, she suddenly smiled. "Apologies, but I don't know either. I've never been in love."

"Is that so?" Jingliu sat back down.

"So, do you have someone you like now?" Recovering from the shock of the initial question, Bai Heng decided to be equally straightforward.

Jingliu shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure. Since I don't know what it feels like to like someone, I wanted to ask you about it."

"Mm-hmm," Bai Heng roughly understood.

Jingliu had never contemplated these matters before; even if she felt drawn to someone, she would likely be quite bewildered, unsure of what kind of emotion she was experiencing.

"Then..."

Bai Heng continued, "If you did recognize the feeling, what would you plan to do about it?"

Jingliu pondered for a moment before responding, "I'm not sure either..."

[Stelle: Bai Heng: Jingliu, I don't know—what about you?]

[Stelle: Jingliu: Bai Heng, I don't know either.]

[Sparkle: Hahahaha!!]

[Seele: ? What's with this duo of clueless sisters?!]

[Herta: Laughing.]

[Black Swan: (Smiling) In contrast to Su Qing's perfect answers earlier, there's a somewhat dramatic irony here.]

[March 7th: Actually, my feeling is...]

[March 7th: Despite their words, deep down, each of them likely has a vague answer...]

The next question was finally approaching the core of the matter. Feeling slightly nervous, Bai Heng's tail swayed again before she asked, "Then, regarding the person you're questioning if you've fallen for, is it... Su Qing?"

Upon hearing this question, Jingliu's gaze lowered, her long lashes fluttering twice, and her eyes seemed to flicker momentarily.

After a pause, she softly replied, "Mm-hmm."

[March 7th: Aaaaah! She actually admitted it! And even showed a hint of bashfulness!?]

[Jingliu: ...Did I?]

[Jingliu had previously been silently lurking, reading others' comments about shame or embarrassment while watching the simulation, but found it incomprehensible.]

[At this moment, with March 7th expressing her slight shyness, Jingliu suddenly began to understand this sense of embarrassment.]

Bai Heng froze completely.

Her relationship with Jingliu was quite close, yet she had never seen Jingliu display such an expression before. In that instant, intense curiosity overwhelmed all other emotions.

Unable to resist, Bai Heng continued questioning, "Th-then-then, when did it start? This feeling, I'm not sure if it's love?"

Jingliu replied clearly this time, "From the moment we watched the moonflower bloom last time."

Ah, as expected, thought Bai Heng.

But then again, what exactly happened while I was away?!

"How did you realize this might be a feeling of affection?" Bai Heng pressed on, following the conversation thread.

Jingliu recalled, "After that incident, whenever facing Su Qing, my emotions often felt unsettled. So, I searched through various books, trying to find answers within them."

"There were numerous stories about heroism, vengeance, friendship, and love," Jingliu paused briefly before continuing, "Compared to the others... compared to the others, I believed this feeling most closely resembled love."

So that's how it unfolded.

Bai Heng had a sudden realization.

Despite Jingliu's reserved nature, she wasn't entirely naive. After some self-reflection, she naturally arrived at a general conclusion.

Jingliu wasn't entirely sure, so she sought validation from her good friend.

Now, how should Bai Heng respond?

[Sparkle: Obviously, you say: No, this isn't love! And seize the opportunity to win Su Qing's heart first!]

[Qingque: Ha ha, this situation seems more likely between Kafka and Himeko.]

[Kafka: ?]

[Himeko: ?]

[Kafka: First, Himeko and I aren't friends.]

[Himeko: Second, I wouldn't fall for such a ploy that easily.]

[Sparkle: ?? You two have quite the rapport.]

Bai Heng, being kind-hearted and cherishing her friendship with Jingliu, naturally wouldn't take advantage like that.

So, she replied, "Although I haven't been in a romantic relationship myself, I think this probably is what it feels like to be in love." Feeling slightly embarrassed, Bai Heng continued, "Earlier, some of us actually observed you both secretly and reached a similar conclusion."

Jingliu's long lashes fluttered again. "Is that so..." she murmured.

She had immense trust in Bai Heng. Hearing Bai Heng's reassurance, her previous uncertainties dissipated like smoke.

Jingliu continued, "I still don't quite understand. Once you're sure it's love, what should you do next?"

Bai Heng smiled warmly and replied, "That depends entirely on you."

"Whether expressing your feelings to be with him or taking more time to think carefully—it all comes down to what you truly desire."

"Just make a decision you won't regret!"

Jingliu lowered her head, deep in thought for a moment. Then, lifting her gaze, she said, "Thank you, this has been really helpful."

Bai Heng looked at her, beaming brightly, and took Jingliu's hand, gently swaying them side to side. "No problem, we're good sisters after all!"

Jingliu was not yet accustomed to such expressions of affection. However, seeing Bai Heng's lively demeanor, she did not resist. A faint smile appeared at the corners of Jingliu's lips as she simply replied, "Mm-hmm."

Jingliu departed first, lost in her thoughts.

Bai Heng remained seated in the courtyard, gazing at the clouds drifting across the sky. Uncharacteristically pensive for a moment, her usually energetic nature took a brief pause.

Her gaze then settled on the moonflower tucked away in a corner. She walked over and crouched down, observing the closed petals of the moonflower, gently poking it with her finger.

The flower bud swayed slightly.

Being a variety from Xianzhou, this moonflower had a longer lifespan. Yet, it was uncertain when it would next bloom.

***

"This is the draft you asked me to review earlier. Here, I've added some suggestions for your reference." Su Qing intercepted Bai Heng, handing her the agreed-upon draft of Farshore Sea Star Ferry Guide.

He had marked several locations on the revised manuscript. Previously, when Bai Heng sought his input, Su Qing suggested including more culinary highlights could enhance the guidebook.

Thus, they decided that each would select a few places independently, visit them together for firsthand assessment, and then determine whether to incorporate them or not.

"Thank you!" As always, Bai Heng gratefully accepted the draft with a radiant smile.

However, unlike before, she didn't immediately open it to look through; instead, she simply held the manuscript close.

Su Qing spoke up again, "Recently, I haven't had many commitments, so I should have time to accompany you to those locations..."

"Apologies!" Bai Heng interrupted with a smile, preemptively saying, "I've given it some thought and think it's best if I go alone. After all, I shouldn't interfere with your work."

Surprised, Su Qing asked, "Is that necessary?"

This was a plan they had agreed upon together, and the sudden change felt unexpected.

Still concerned, Su Qing hesitated before suggesting, "Alternatively, you could ask Jing Yuan and the others if they have the time. Just in case we encounter enemies..."

"All right, all right." Bai Heng hugged the draft tightly, gently nudging him towards the door and urging him to leave. "Do you think I'm still a child? Before meeting you, I managed to complete the earlier sections on my own, remember?"

Su Qing scratched his head.

Fair enough, he conceded. While concern for a friend was natural, excessive nagging might have the opposite effect.

Seeing that Su Qing wouldn't persist further, Bai Heng waved with a smile. "In any case, thank you! If I truly need help, I'll definitely ask—I won't stubbornly push myself!"

"All right," Su Qing nodded, feeling reassured by her words.

After Su Qing left, Bai Heng opened the draft of "A Guide to the Farshore Sea's Star Ferries."

On the pages she had entrusted to Su Qing for revisions, numerous tiny notes were densely scribbled.

They were thorough and detailed, clearly showing the effort put into them.

Bai Heng took a deep breath but found herself momentarily unable to focus on reading. She closed the draft manuscript.

Jingliu was truly kind-hearted.

And indeed, so was Su Qing.

Therefore...

If they were together...

Bai Heng smiled with mixed emotions, "Wouldn't that be quite good?"

[Stelle: It's here! The classic line!]

[Sparkle: Yep, her current expression is also quite iconic.]

[Qingque: Hmm? Why do I sense a twist in the air?]

[March 7th: Well then, (suddenly wearing glasses)(pushes them up) allow me, Detective March 7th, to analyze this for everyone!]

[March 7th: Based on Bai Heng's reaction, it seems her feelings towards Su Qing have only reached a slight fondness stage.]

[March 7th: This is perfectly normal, considering they're both part of The Nameless, along with their shared experiences—riding together, battling side by side, and collaborating on revising exploration notes.]

[March 7th: The budding of such sentiments is entirely reasonable.]

[March 7th: However!]

[March 7th: Seeing her usually composed best friend genuinely smitten was quite rare for Bai Heng. Knowing how similar Jingliu and Su Qing were, she chose to step back from the emotional battlefield.]

[March 7th: And there you have it! (Points dramatically)] The truth unfolds just as I've explained!

[Sushang: Ooh, now it all makes sense!]

[Seele: Impressive, impressive!]

[Clara: March 7th, you're amazing!]

[March 7th: (Puts hands on hips) Heh heh!]

[Sparkle: Joyful.]

[Silver Wolf: ? Quite cooperative, aren't we?]

[Stelle: So, if Herta is the combat analyst, does that make March 7th the relationship analyst?]

[Herta: No, I never claimed to be any kind of combat analyst.]

[Jingliu: Surprisingly, I had no idea...]

[March 7th: It's understandable; after all, Bai Heng wanted to keep these feelings hidden.]

[Jingliu fell silent, lost in thought.]

[Watching the simulation provided her with fresh insights, revealing many aspects she hadn't noticed before.]

[Qingque: @March 7th, so there won't be any romantic entanglements then?]

[March 7th: Of course not!]

[March 7th: Bai Heng harbors these feelings secretly within his heart. Perhaps, seeing them so compatible and growing closer, he might find it increasingly difficult to restrain himself. Eventually, one night, unable to bear it any longer, he confesses his emotions, further complicating their relationships... Even Jingliu is unsure how to handle this...]

[March 7th: Aaaaah, twist potential unleashed!! This could really happen!?]

[Stelle: Oh no, March 7th's gone wild again.]

[Sushang: So long, complex, mind-boggling, don't get it.]

[Seele: +1]

However, Clara understood what was being suggested.

[March 7th: @Stelle, if someday we find ourselves in a similar situation, what would you do?]

[Stelle: Naturally, I would...]

[Stelle (pulls out a baseball bat and swings): If you want something, fight for it yourself. You've known this rule for a while now.]

[March 7th: What?! (draws her bow) Then don't blame me for not holding back!]

[Sparkle: Sounds fun.]

[Silver Wolf: Indeed.]

[Firefly (raises hand): Me too! I'd love to see how Stelle and March 7th actually handle such a scenario!]

[Qingque: Ha ha, with both of them being such comedians, it feels like things won't escalate further.]

***

Back on Xianzhou, after some reflection, Jingliu made her own choice.

Her thoughts were straightforward:

Life is fleeting; why waste precious time?

Soon, she decided to find an opportunity and express her feelings to Su Qing.

[Stelle: Ah?! Wow, another blazing fastball straight down the middle!]

[Silver Wolf: @Jingliu, huh? Do you have anything more to defend yourself with?]

[Jingliu: ...Not really.]

[Jingliu: I just...like Su Qing, that's all.]

[Silver Wolf: ???]

[Silver Wolf: That's enough already!]

[Silver Wolf: From friend, to confidante, now to liking her...]

[Silver Wolf: Isn't this progression moving too fast?!]

[Sparkle: Fun! Can't wait to see how much further she'll evolve next!]