Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Tingyun's voice trembled slightly with fear. "Recently, I've felt as though some malevolent presence is following me."

"Especially when walking at night. Sometimes it seems like someone is watching, but when I turn around, there's nothing there."

[Stelle: Ah? Could there be ghosts?!]

[Sushang: Don't scare us! Ghosts terrify me!]

[Huohuo: Y-y-yes! Me too! Scared stiff of them!]

[Qingque: Huohuo, you're a Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission, and you still fear ghosts?]

[Huohuo: (vigorous nodding) Yep, yep, yep?! Super scared!!!]

March 7th also clasped her hands over her chest. "Miss Tingyun, that sounds so frightening... Is there anything we can do to help?"

Tingyun collected herself. "Aiya, my apologies. Perhaps because I sensed your trustworthiness, I brought up such matters right upon arriving in Luofu." She composed herself, smiling once more. "It's fine, truly. It must be due to recent stress and overwork, leading to these illusions."

"Oh, I'm still young and full of energy, with so many beautiful sights yet to see. No need to dwell on it."

[Sparkle: "Still young," "no need to dwell"—flags galore.]

[Tingyun: "?" Don't scare me!]

[Bronya: "'Don't scare me'—such a quintessential line unique to watching simulations."]

With Tingyun's guidance, after completing some simple formalities, the group split up.

Welt and his companions went to meet with Luofu's leadership, warning them about the potential danger from Xianzhou's approach. At the same time, they would exchange the latest star charts and navigation routes with Xianzhou; Himeko remained onboard the train to organize this information.

Su Qing ventured off alone to explore the culinary delights of Xianzhou. Stelle instinctively wanted to join her but was held back by March 7th.

After all, Su Qing also served as the train's chef, making her responsibilities distinct from theirs.

Furthermore, Su Qing's trailblazing journey was essentially about exploring the cuisines and delicacies of various planets.

In the future, compiling these experiences into a book for dissemination could significantly promote cultural exchange, fully aligning with the spirit of exploration.

March 7th chimed in cheerfully, "And let's face it, as Su Qing's culinary skills improve, aren't we the first to benefit?"

[Qingque: Wow, the Astral Express Crew is so lucky! Envious here.?]

[Seele: Envious. +1]

[Robin: Envious. +2]

[Fu Xuan: Come to think of it, among those who've participated in the simulations, has anyone besides Himeko tasted Su Qing's cooking?]

[Stelle: Seems like that's true.]

[Firefly: Ah, his ex-girlfriend.]

[Kafka: Ah, his ex-girlfriend.]

[Silver Wolf: Can't take it anymore! That wicked ex still getting special treatment? Blow her up already!!]

[Himeko: ...Let bygones be bygones. But this time, I haven't done anything, right? Can't even enjoy a meal without blame?]

[Sparkle: Rule of Engagement: You must target the hero with taunt ability first.]

Tingyun, leading the others, bid them farewell slowly. After a pause, he asked, "...Have you visited Luofu before?"

Su Qing recalled, "I came when I was young, but it might have been nearly ten years ago."

Tingyun nodded, realizing it had only been a decade.

[Black Swan: The unique sense of time peculiar to Xianzhou inhabitants.]

Tingyun pondered—could they have met back then? But he had no recollection of it. They definitely hadn't encountered each other face-to-face, yet Su Qing seemed strangely familiar. How curious.

Xianzhou has an old saying: "In the vast unknown, there lies divine will."

Following this intriguing sense of familiarity, Tingyun, with a charming smile, asked Su Qing for his contact information.

"What?! A pickup attempt? Has Su Qing just arrived on Xianzhou and already been approached?" Little stars began twinkling in March 7th's eyes again.

[Stelle: Hey! @March 7th, what about your loyalty to Sister Himeko?]

[March 7th (scratching head): Ah ha... Gathering intel on potential rivals is crucial too, right?]

[Firefly: ? Humph, little March's mouth spews nothing but deceit!]

[Seele: Laughing so hard, Firefly truly has authority on this topic. First, she was part of the ship everyone rooted for, and now her photography role is being taken away.]

[Stelle: @March 7th, tsk-tsk-tsk.]

[Sparkle: @March 7th, tsk-tsk-tsk.]

[March 7th: Come on, don't be like that... I'm just enjoying some fan service; what harm could there be in that?]

***

Luofu, Exalting Sanctum.

It had indeed been quite some time since Su Qing last visited. However, for Xianzhou, a span of ten years seemed to bring no noticeable changes.

Vaguely, he recalled from his childhood visits that the candied hawkberry stall over there, the noodle shop here, and even this snack street... hadn't changed at all.

[Seele: Why is it all about food?!]

[March 7th: Because love and good meals should never be forsaken!]

The only novelty for Su Qing, something not etched in his memories, was the distant sound of performance cries echoing through the air.

As he approached, he noticed a sizable crowd had already gathered around. At its center stood a lovely girl with vibrant orange-red hair, seemingly putting on a juggling act.

Around her were various props such as iron hoops, teacups, large stone slabs, and more. In front of her lay a smartphone mounted on a live-streaming stand, while she held a copper gong, striking it rhythmically to draw spectators.

Su Qing had never imagined using words like "lively" or "festive" to describe a girl...

But applied to this scene, they seemed remarkably fitting.

[Guinaifen: Ha ha, I love this description! Thanks!]

Watching Guinaifen strike the gong, her voice resonant and melodious, echoed: "Rarely does this gong resound; dear friends, please grace us with your presence."

[Guinaifen: Yay!]

"A warm applause would cheer me up, toss some Strales to help open my show."

[Guinaifen: Excellent!]

She struck the gong again, clang-clang-clang: "If you've got money, kindly support by spending..."

[Guinaifen: And if not, your company's worth just as much!]

[Stelle: Ha ha ha, effortlessly playing off herself like a pro!]

The camera angle shifted to Guinaifen's perspective.

Suddenly, the stone slab next to her spoke up, "Little Gui, I'm a bit worried. W-will this really work...?"

Oh, it wasn't the stone slab talking.

Instead, beneath the large slab lay Sushang, apprehensive about the upcoming act—breaking stones over one's chest.

[Sushang: Ah?! So when you mentioned the stone slab earlier, that was my cue to appear too?!]

[Qingque: Brilliant! As expected of Sushang, always making unique entrances.]

[Sushang: Hold on with the uniqueness for now. It just hit me—I was truly quite panicked back then...]

Guinaifen leaned closer and whispered reassuringly, "Don't worry, Shuangshuang. With this specially crafted prop hammer, there won't be any issues."

She glanced around briefly. "Aiya, forgot the hammer today. Well, let's use your heavy sword instead; should be fine."

Sushang's face paled slightly. "Little Gui! Don't say 'should be'! This is not something to take chances with!"

Guinaifen strained to lift the sword but found it far too heavy, unable to budge it.

To keep the audience engaged, she quickly added, "For today's special segment, I'll invite one lucky spectator to perform with me."

Seizing another opportunity, Guinaifen whispered reassuringly to Sushang, "Don't worry, Shuangshuang, this stone slab is also specially designed—it will show cracks yet absorb the impact.

"I'll choose someone not too strong. When the time comes, we'll lift your sword together and gently tap it, ensuring no harm to you."

Sushang finally felt slightly reassured.

Guinaifen scanned the crowd. "How about you, handsome young man over there! Would you be willing to help?"

In the audience, Su Qing pointed at himself, hesitating, "...Me?"

[Sparkle: @Guinaifen, you sure know how to pick 'em.]

[Stelle: Classic segment incoming.]

[Silver Wolf: Ah, I didn't want to get involved, but alas, circumstances force my hand.]

[Seele: Little Silver Wolf seems quite immersed.]

Su Qing played along effortlessly. Stepping forward, he casually lifted the heavy sword that even Guinaifen couldn't manage, which was challenging for Sushang herself. With a few fluid swings, his movements appeared light and effortless, yet the whistling sound through the air betrayed the immense strength contained within each strike—undeniably formidable.

Even Su Qing expressed surprise, clicking his tongue in admiration, "I expected it to be a prop made of paper, never thought it would be so heavy."

"Oh right," he politely inquired, "if something goes wrong during the demonstration, I won't be held responsible, correct?"

[Sparkle: Hahahaha!!]

Guinaifen's mouth hung open, momentarily speechless.

Sushang felt her vision go dark: Oh no! This is it—everything's ruined!

[Sushang: ? Dad, Mom, your disobedient child will meet her end here today, wailing...]

[Herta: It's "meet her demise" here.]

[Herta: Seeing your level of literacy would likely kill your mother from sheer frustration.]

Before Guinaifen could respond, Su Qing raised the heavy sword with both hands, lifting it high above his head amidst gasps from the crowd. With a sudden motion, he brought it crashing down!

A resounding clang echoed!

The massive stone slab shattered explosively, leaving Sushang shaken to the core...mostly out of pure terror.

Regaining her senses, Sushang sprang up like a fish leaping from water, standing on the table and joyously patting herself all over. "I'm unharmed! I can't believe I'm completely fine!"

[Sushang: Phew! That was intense!!]

[Guinaifen: My heart almost jumped out of my chest!]

[Silver Wolf: What were you worried about?]

[Silver Wolf: Trust me, trust me—it's always safe to rely on Su Qing.]

[Seele: And why do you sound so smug?!]

It had been a thrilling ordeal with a perfect outcome.

Naturally, the audience was exhilarated, cheering loudly: "Bravo!"

Tips rained down like a hailstorm, clinking melodiously as they filled the pot.

Guinaifen struck the gong repeatedly, expressing heartfelt gratitude.

Astonished, Sushang chattered excitedly to Su Qing, who held the heavy sword.

Passersby were drawn in, forming a bustling crowd with their cheers, applause, and shouts of encouragement.

Indeed, Exalting Sanctum was extraordinarily lively.

Once the performance concluded and the audience dispersed,

Guinaifen expressed her gratitude to Su Qing: "Xianzhou truly harbors hidden talents everywhere. Thank you so much. Without your help, that act wouldn't have gone smoothly."

Sushang, naturally sociable and outgoing, chimed in, "Absolutely! Only someone extraordinary could wield my family's ancestral treasure—the Xuan Yuan Sword!"

Wow indeed.

Su Qing examined the heavy sword even more closely now, struck by its significant name.

"You don't seem like a local," Guinaifen continued. "Are you...?"

"No need for such formality," Su Qing replied.

"Great!" Guinaifen smiled warmly. "Are you here on vacation, Su Qing? Since you helped us out just now, is there anything I can do to repay you?"

"Well, it's somewhat akin to a vacation." Su Qing clarified his purpose, "Luofu has a rich history and a plethora of culinary delights. Especially those old shops tucked away in narrow streets, known for their unique specialties. If you could recommend some places, that would be immensely helpful."

"Oh, I see, you're looking for a foodie guide, right?" Guinaifen patted her chest confidently. "Don't worry, leave it to me!"

Surprised, Sushang asked, "Little Gui, haven't you been in Luofu for only a short time? Do you really know about all the hidden gems here?"

Guinaifen responded, "Hey, maybe not me personally, but our circus troupe includes locals who definitely know these places!"

Guinaifen led Su Qing and Sushang to the acrobatic troupe's headquarters—a modest shop brimming with a lively atmosphere.

"Please wait just a moment," Guinaifen said to Su Qing. "Elder Sister You went out with the others for a performance. Once they return, I'll ensure you get a detailed food map."

Sushang tugged at Guinaifen's sleeve. "Little Gui, I'm really hungry. Wasn't it agreed that helping here includes meals?"

It was nearly noon, the perfect time for lunch.

"Of course, absolutely!" Guinaifen assured them, indicating she would personally cook and treat them well.

"I'll help too!" Sushang perked up. "I know how to make noodles!"

Su Qing didn't say anything but followed them into the kitchen.

Xianzhou truly harbored hidden talents; perhaps these two young women were also skilled in culinary arts?

[Qingque: Joyful, I've already seen the outcome.]

Sushang planned to prepare a bowl of tomato and egg noodles. She started by washing the tomatoes, then grabbed a chef's knife and chopped them loudly—thunk, thunk, thunk!—into large pieces.

Watching her knife skills, reminiscent of charging into battle, Su Qing's expression subtly shifted.

Next, Sushang cracked two eggs but exclaimed with alarm, "Oh no, eggshells fell in!"

Su Qing's eyebrows furrowed.

After painstakingly picking out the eggshell fragments, Sushang pondered aloud, "How many noodles should I add... Oh, maybe that's too much. Let's put some more water in."

"Now there's too much water; it looks so empty. Better add more noodles..."

Su Qing took a deep breath.

Unsure how to intervene, he glanced at Guinaifen, hoping she might say something helpful.

Instead, he saw her give a thumbs-up. "Wow, really! Sushang truly knows how to cook, impressive!!"

[Qingque: ?? Hahahaha!! I knew it!]

[Sushang: Ah? Did I mess up somehow?]

[Sushang: But I did it this way last time, and even my mother praised my cooking...]

[Kafka: (laughs) All one can say is, parents' hearts are ever forgiving.]

[Seele: Absolutely dying of laughter here! Look at Su Qing's expression—he seems on the verge of breaking.]

While Guinaifen's culinary skills remained uncertain, her enthusiastic praise for Sushang was genuinely concerning.

However, witnessing her praise for Sushang's efforts was genuinely concerning.

Finally, Su Qing raised his hand and said, "Ladies, please...don't...waste these ingredients. Let me handle it."

[Stelle: Ha ha ha, he almost made me cry! He didn't even use 'ruin' or 'squander'!]

"Is-this-is this seriously so delicious?!"

Su Qing had prepared another bowl of tomato and egg noodles for Sushang. After just one bite, she exclaimed as if discovering hidden treasure, lavishing praise upon them.

Even after finishing the entire bowl, she remained enraptured. "So this is what truly great cooking tastes like!"

With the remaining ingredients, Su Qing quickly made a simple fried rice dish, incorporating diced vegetables and sausage. The ingredients were basic, but the skill evident in the preparation was not.

Guinaifen, equally surprised, finished eating and spontaneously delivered a rapid-fire monologue, expressing her unending admiration.

Meanwhile, Su Qing ate from the bowl of tomato and egg noodles that he had managed to salvage from Sushang's attempt.

Regardless of everything else, food should not be wasted. As the cook, seeing the other two enjoy their meals brought him immense satisfaction.

[Stelle: Now I'm genuinely touched by his warmth. ??]

[Firefly: Su Qing is truly amazing!!]

Upon returning, the other members of the acrobatic troupe learned about the incident and enthusiastically offered their assistance.

Many troupe members were locals who had lived in Luofu for hundreds of years. By pooling their knowledge, they swiftly created a comprehensive food map, ensuring Su Qing left with a treasure trove of culinary recommendations.

This Trailblazing mission, aside from warning against dangers, also aimed to update star charts and navigation routes. Consequently, they would need to stay in Luofu for some time.

Before parting ways,

Su Qing casually mentioned his plan to explore local cuisines and open a small shop during their stay.

Guinaifen immediately applauded, "Great idea, great idea! With your skills, it'll definitely be a hit!"

She continued, "When you're ready, I'll come support you and even perform! If you need help, everyone in the troupe can pitch in!"

"That's right!" Sushang chimed in, slightly embarrassed yet full of anticipation, "During breaks from Cloud Knight duties, I'd be happy to assist too, without expecting any pay... Just having meals covered as compensation would be enough!"

They exchanged contact information, and Su Qing bid farewell.

Sushang's straightforwardness, along with Guinaifen and the acrobatic troupe members' warmth, left a deep impression on Su Qing.

On this day, he not only acquired a culinary map but also made new friends—a truly fruitful experience.

Su Qing reunited with the others at the accommodations arranged by Tingyun and updated Himeko about their situation via the train group chat.

As evening approached and there wasn't much else to do, Su Qing decided to run another simulation.

[Sparkle: Great!]

[Sparkle: Reality is nice, but I still prefer watching simulations.]

[March 7th: Sparkle just wants to see something fresh, right?]

[Sparkle: @Black Swan, hurry up! Whose simulation are we watching next?]

[Black Swan: Let me check...]

[Black Swan: Seems like... Jingliu's?]

[Fu Xuan (surprised): Who?]

[Jingliu: ...Me?]

[Stelle (after a moment of thought), following tradition:]

[Stelle: Mom!]

[Sparkle: Hahahaha!!]

[Silver Wolf: Can't hold it back anymore.]

[March 7th: Seriously, why do you shout that every time?!]

[Seele: Claiming moms everywhere now, huh? Does Kafka know about this?]

[Kafka (smiling): It's fine; more moms mean more connections.]

[Seele: Absolutely outrageous!]

[Silver Wolf: ???]

[This is indeed quite absurd; even Himeko found it hard to suppress her amusement.]

[Bronya: @Stelle, your generational standing might just stem from incidents like these.]

[Qingque: No, no, no—if this recognition succeeds, their position within Luofu's hierarchy would skyrocket instantly!]

[Jingliu: @Black Swan, my simulation isn't particularly noteworthy.]

[Jingliu: My focus lies solely with the sword, undistracted. Unlike the previous participants, I cannot provide any captivating or moving tales.]

[Firefly: "Captivating and moving tales"? Perhaps we should rephrase Silver Wolf's as "hilarious and entertaining stories".]

[Silver Wolf: Picking a fight now? What kind of champion are you?]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this, @Jingliu. Maybe not saying anything would've been better—it's making me even more curious now. Bring on some unexpected twists, shall we? ?]

[Jingliu: ...It doesn't matter. If you wish to watch, then go ahead.]