After whispering her thanks, Furina fell silent again.
Her earlier tears of joy had been witnessed, hadn't they?
Anyone could probably guess the reason behind them, right?
The thought made her heart race with panic.
But it was too late to take it back. She pressed her lips together, her mind a whirlwind of confusion, unsure what expression to wear.
"This is actually the first five-star gold card pulled in my shop since opening in Teyvat."
"I'm genuinely happy for you, Lady Furina."
Hearing this, Furina looked up.
Lu Heng wore a faint smile—nothing more.
Did he figure it out?
Her chest tightened, then relaxed.
If he runs a shop like this, his power must surpass even an Archon's, right?
So even if he knows… it makes sense…
"Do you…"
Furina hesitated. She wanted to ask but feared the answer.
The truth being exposed was unbearable.
If it came out, millions of Fontaine's people would perish.
She couldn't bear that outcome.
The real reason she'd come here, desperately pulling for cards, was just to maintain her façade—to keep pretending.
But now… it seemed exposed.
"You've noticed my condition, haven't you?" Furina mustered her courage.
Lu Heng studied her for a moment, then teased, "Indeed."
He really knows?!
Somehow, it wasn't surprising.
"It's obvious—Lady Furina's recent sugar intake has led to some weight gain. Might want to watch your figure."
"Huh?!"
Furina's eyes widened.
She instinctively touched her stomach, then froze.
Wait—
"That's NOT what I meant!"
She stomped her foot in frustration.
"Not that?"
Lu Heng's smile didn't waver. "Then no, I haven't noticed anything."
"Really?" Furina eyed him skeptically.
"Probably?" He raised a brow.
Furina puffed her cheeks.
In her mind, Lu Heng now had two labels:
Unfathomably powerful.An infuriating guy.
"Gacha time!"
She decided to distract herself.
"May you pull the cards you desire." Lu Heng nodded, refilling her tea.
Of course, he understood her meaning.
But a windowpane patched up over 500 years couldn't be shattered so abruptly.
She needed to slowly relax, gradually gain confidence—until she tore away the suffocating mask herself.
Go on, Furina. I sincerely hope you pull more suitable cards.
Furina stared intently at the gacha screen, though her mind wasn't on the animations.
This guy with his warm smile… he's definitely not as kind as he seems!
But… he feelsreliable.
She sensed an unspoken understanding between them.
She suspected he knew.
He knew but wouldn't say.
Realizing this, Furina gradually relaxed.
"Is this place soundproof?"
She glanced at the closed door.
"Of course. Very much so. Need something else?" Lu Heng confirmed.
The All-Functional Shop Cover Card ensured this wasn't just any store—it was a system-crafted marvel.
"Soundproof is enough!"
Furina exhaled, tension easing further.
Lu Heng was briefly puzzled—until Furina started letting loose.
Tap after tap, her reactions escalated from pouts to full-blown outbursts.
"This is rigged!"
"How is this fair?!"
"I refuse to believe this is just bad luck—this shop's scamming me!"
Furina glared at the screen.
Lu Heng sipped his tea silently.
Diagnosis: Inability to accept one's own gacha misfortune.
Back in his past life, when he hit hard pity, he also refused to blame his luck.
Obviously the devs were at fault.
"Don't slander my shop."
Lu Heng straightened. "I run a legitimate business. Why would I scam you? If you're unlucky, just spend more!"
"I'm just venting…"
Furina's voice softened, her defiance crumbling.
Mechanically, she tapped again.
Purple light flashed.
"Eh—?!"
"EHHH?!"
Her eyes widened.
"See?!"
"This is how it should be!"
"As expected of me!"
Watching her euphoria, Lu Heng massaged his temples.
Familiarity breeds… less restraint.
Though they weren't that close yet, their unspoken understanding had eroded Furina's usual act.
It was like how strangers were always polite, refined—exuding an air of flawless grace.
But once acquainted?
Well…
"Quick, tell me what it does!"
Furina shoved the purple card at him.
Lu Heng appraised it.
[Super Big White Bear]
[Rarity]: 4-star · Purple
[Type]: [Summon Card]
[Trait]: [Sustained] [Healing] [Combat]
[Description]: When equipped, summon a giant white bear plushie for combat or emotional support. It excels at mending wounded hearts.
"Uh…"
Lu Heng and Furina exchanged glances.
Furina scratched her head.
This card… fits me a little too well, doesn't it?
But is my heart that fragile?
…Probably.
She equipped the card immediately and snapped her fingers.
Poof!
A massive, fluffy white bear plushie—half a meter taller than her—materialized, standing beside her like a guardian.
It looked exactly like a store-bought plush!
"So cute!"
"So fluffy!"
Furina lunged forward, burying herself in its fur.
The bear tilted its head, gently removing her hat and patting her head—as if soothing her.
"Ahh… this feels amazing…"
Her burdens seemed to lighten.
"Its healing is potent, and its combat skills aren't lacking either," Lu Heng said.
"Combat? Oh, right—how strong is it?"
Furina stepped back, eyeing the plushie.
It looks adorable—not exactly intimidating.
"It's not highly intelligent. You'll need to command it," Lu Heng explained.
The bear's wisdom was half-AI—some awareness, but not much.
"Explain it simply?"
"Hmm… with proper commands, it's just below Archon-level."
"Oh, and—"
He added, "Equipment device tier affects card performance. To unleash its full power, you'll need at least a Tier 4 Gold device."
"Aww…"
Furina's excitement dimmed—until she noticed the mountain of unused cards nearby.
Upgrade materials?
She had plenty!
Her grin returned.
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T/N:
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