The plan worked perfectly, really.
Without needing to turn around, Fu Qian could sense the sudden arrival of concern, and in that moment, it had already quietly departed.
The importance of a clear train of thought was once again demonstrated at this point.
In a situation as fragile as before, any presumptuous moves could easily trigger a chain reaction, causing the plexity to increase exponentially, rendering Chief Yuan’s state pletely unmanageable.
Only by the twisted source voluntarily retreating, and even giving up on figuring out "what exactly is happening," could this harmonious winter afternoon continue.
Of course, the performance of the two guest stars was also quite mendable.
Initially, we thought we would need several more groups of victims to let the Red Moon feel the beauty of "children’s" lives, putting minds at ease.
Amidst the tsk-tsk of admiration, seeing that Yuan Shan hadn’t spoken for a while, Fu Qian stood up, stretched lazily, and walked to the door to switch the sign to non-operational status.
Overdoing things is just as bad as not doing enough, today’s efforts have already been quite sufficient.
Whew—
And just as this step was pleted, a long exhale came from behind. Turning around, it was indeed Yuan Shan, frowning and scrutinizing the cup in her hand.
"What’s going on?"
...
As a demigod, with much immersion under Old Master Henry’s teachings, it was clearly hard to expect Chief Yuan not to realize what had just happened.
So, for the doubtful glance cast by the latter, Fu Qian wasn’t particularly surprised.
"You encountered trouble, but it’s been resolved now."
Even the questions asked were answered truthfully.
"It was indeed quite a troublesome matter..."
Such a straightforward reply undoubtedly had a stabilizing effect, and Yuan Shan’s presence became more vivid.
At that moment, she covered one side of her face, even showing a lingering fear.
"So you remember what happened?"
Despite the usual confidence in Chief Yuan’s nerve toughness, the efficient recovery still left Fu Qian in awe, prompting a casual inquiry.
"It’s precisely because I don’t remember that it’s troublesome."
To this, Yuan Shan just exhaled again, shaking her head to give an answer that was rather philosophical.
"That means something influenced me, and I didn’t even have the power to resist—was it me who bit this?"
While speaking, her gaze was noticeably concentrated mostly on the teacup in front of her, with the chip on it being so striking.
"Yes, you even chewed it up and swallowed it, beyond repair."
Fu Qian continued to speak honestly, while considering the other’s feelings, avoided mentioning pensation matters immediately.
"Describe the process in detail."
Indeed, undertaking something like biting a cup, even with nerves as sturdy as Chief Yuan’s, there was clearly some embarrassment.
However, the main issue wouldn’t be delayed because of this. She directly gestured for Fu Qian to clarify things.
"Seventeen minutes ago you arrived here, seemingly in a hurry for something, but after sitting down you started speaking strangely, so I offered you a cup of tea.
"And while I was attending to customers, you seemed better."
Meeting the request without fail, Fu Qian summed it up in just a few sentences.
"But there’s another cup here..."
Evidently, Yuan Shan didn’t remember much, and raised no objections to Fu Qian’s account.
However, there was an anomaly right in front of her, obviously thought-provoking.
"Yes, I also offered a cup of tea to the presence that influenced your mind."
Fu Qian nodded again.
...
Too eerie!
It was evident that in that moment this sentiment was swirling in Chief Yuan’s heart.
For a demigod’s mind to be influenced, surely some formidable presence was behind it, which was reasonable.
But offering a cup of tea was another matter, almost akin to some folklore ritual, as if it were some soul-summoning ceremony?
Her gaze was already deeply captivated, and as Fu Qian explained, she seemed intent on affixing her eyes to that exquisite porcelain cup.
"Did it drink?"
The question asked next was slightly abstract.
"It drank, otherwise why would it agree to leave?"
Fu Qian not only affirmed but presented reasons as well.
"Really? But it doesn’t look like it..."
Yuan Shan not only didn’t relax her brows but frowned even more, pointing at the nearly overflowing tea.
Anyone seeing the full cup wouldn’t think it had been drunk from.
The Red Moon’s peculiar way of tea-drinking was, to Chief Yuan’s knowledge, a conceptual shock.
Paired with Fu Qian’s explanation, the bizarreness factor momentarily peaked.
"So do you know what exactly it is?"
But clearly, not one to give up easily, slightly adjusting her mood, Yuan Shan chose to ask directly what she didn’t understand.
What exactly is it...
As they say about the innocence of a child’s words, this question instead led Fu Qian into contemplation.
Indeed, what is the Red Moon? Those flamboyant limbs were certainly memorable.
Then, like oneself, leaning towards the flesh side, and casually stepping across space as well...
Seemingly imprisoned by the concept of the moon, yet also protected by it...
"Hard to determine, it seems related to the moon, but appears somewhat like a disguise."
Reflecting on what was seen in the Sea of Ashes, the "real" side of this world, Fu Qian ultimately shook his head.
"Related to the moon—Red Moon?"
Yuan Shan was surprised, taking only half a second to react, looking out at the sky above.
"Red Moon."
Her guess was astoundingly accurate, yet Fu Qian showed no trace of anything unusual in that moment.
...
What’s so strange about that.
The fact that Yuan Shan and I, together, extinguished Ambro Gulad’s ambitions, was but a few months ago.
Back then, there was still curiosity over why the Red Moon was so active.
Of course, Yuan Shan never knew the real reason, only that the former was looking for someone.
Even this time, it was the same.
"No wonder..."
Clearly confident in Fu Qian, Yuan Shan showed no doubt about the truth, merely clutching her chest, a look of lingering fear.
The lack of memory about the content, but the feeling of powerlessness remained?
In Fu Qian’s view, such a response was normal.
After all, previously utilizing the Clear Dream Ring to leave mental impressions on many victims was similar, wasn’t it?
As for the Red Moon’s matters, it was indeed deliberately downplayed.
Although curious about the high-level Night Watchman’s knowledge and attitude towards It, given the current tumultuous times, with so many old hands reveling, there were plenty of observation samples, and no need to push the Red Moon to the forefront.
paratively, what was more intriguing was why Yuan Shan happened to e over at such a convenient time.
"Looks like I owe you a favor again."
True to form, Chief Yuan was indeed particular, and with a light sigh, quickly satisfied this curiosity.
"Actually, speaking of which, it was by chance that what I initially wanted to discuss with you was about the sun."
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