The video ended, and those gathered around the television were quite bewildered. What was going on?
"I knew it! How could they be messing around upstairs for so long without anything happening? So that's what it was! Betraying me behind my back! Heh heh!"
Bronya produced a gun from somewhere and, with a flick of the bolt, loaded it.
"Heh heh, Lu Ze! Are you going to open the door obediently, or will I have to break in!"
Lu Ze, who had been lying in bed, was startled. What had happened? It was just a kiss, was she really that angry about it?
"Lu Ze! I'll count to three, and if you don't open the door, I'm coming in! 3, 2, 1!"
At the last second, Lu Ze obediently opened the door. After all, he didn't want to spend money repairing it again. That was money!
"What's the matter? Why are you so angry? I don't think I've upset you, have I? Put down the gun and let's talk properly."
Bronya chuckled and straightened her back, walking in without regard for whether the room was a dragon's den or a tiger's lair.
"Lu Ze, Lu Ze! You've really given me a surprise. Doing that kind of thing upstairs behind my back back then. How should I punish you?"
Looking at the somewhat angry Bronya, Lu Ze didn't know what to say. It was a complete accident. If it hadn't been for that accident, how could he have kissed her?
If you're going to blame someone, blame Raiden Mei. She tripped herself. What does that have to do with Lu Ze?
"Sigh... tell me, what do you want me to do? I'm all yours, why are you still bothered about these things?"
Their roles seemed to have reversed. Lu Ze was more like the woman, and Bronya was more like the man.
"Hmm... let me think. Your punishment will be sleeping with me tonight. I'm sure you know what will happen, so be prepared."
It felt like an emperor decreeing bedtime. This illusion made Lu Ze a little confused. Would his future life be like this? Would he be worked to death in bed?
The people downstairs also reacted. Bronya was planning to take advantage of the situation! How could she let her have the first chance?
It seemed tonight would be anything but peaceful.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a day had gone by. Lu Ze stood on Mount Heng, silently watching the sun rise in the distance. The morning sunrise was as beautiful as ever.
Why was he here? He had stayed here all night because the shop was too terrifying. So many people crammed into one room, was that necessary?
If he had stayed there, his kidneys would have been gone. Not in a year, but in a single day.
Having not slept all night, Lu Ze looked at the progress on his laptop. The PV was almost done and just waiting to be released.
To give the audience a more immersive experience, he had turned the prequel story into a short film, covering everything from St. Freya Academy to the final lesson.
In essence, it could also be understood as editing, merging most of the short clips together to make it more engaging and attract more people to experience Honkai Impact 3rd, thus preparing for the virtual helmet later.
"I haven't slept all night, I'm so sleepy. I'm so tired. I really want to lie down on a soft lap and bask in the sun. That's the life I yearn for."
Lu Ze subconsciously leaned back and actually fell onto a soft lap. He turned his head in surprise and saw Hu Tao.
"Hmm? Why are you here? How did you find me? I don't remember telling anyone I was here, do I?"
Hu Tao smiled gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her plum blossom-like eyes gazing at him as she said:
"Because, although I don't understand you like others do, my heart can feel you. I don't know when my heart belonged to you. Perhaps it was the joy of meeting, or perhaps it was someone who understood me.
Or maybe it was your help? I don't know the reasons, but I just want to tell you, I like you too."
As the last word was spoken, leaves slowly drifted down, swaying between them. The light of the sunrise illuminated their faces.
The two met eyes, and they could see the affection in each other's gaze. Suddenly...
Hu Tao's black hat was gently blown off by the wind and then floated in the air. Lu Ze instinctively caught the hat and felt a sweet kiss, which seemed to perfectly block their faces.
Time ticked by. After a long while, the hat was removed, and they parted. In the sunlight, their faces were still a little reflective.
"I..."
Just as Lu Ze was about to say something, Hu Tao extended her index finger and quietly covered his lips, blushing slightly and whispering:
"At this moment, I just want to spend it in silence... Let's just watch the afterglow of the sunrise together."
They leaned against each other, shoulder to shoulder, by a large tree, watching the sunrise by the sea. The atmosphere between them gradually heated up.
"Thank you, Hu Tao... It's so good to have you."
Well, Hu Tao had clearly won this round. As for how Hu Tao knew Lu Ze had left the shop, it was because Bronya and the others were searching everywhere.
They had asked everyone they knew and didn't know, but they couldn't find him. They had even asked Hu Tao to help search, which resulted in her victory.
"Hu Tao... my love may not be yours alone, but my heart will always have a place for you. It's time for me to face this feeling as well."
Lu Ze seemed to have made a decision. He silently took out a ring. The diamond on the ring sparkled in the sun. This was one of the many rings he had bought.
After all, he bought what he liked. But it seemed like a good time to use it. He then took out a small knife and made a few casual cuts, inscribing the characters "Hu Tao" on the inside of the ring.
"This is my promise to you. I hope that in the near future, I can give you the definition of happiness in a hall full of flowers. The word 'marriage' still feels a bit distant to me, but I can't wait. That day is coming soon."
This was one of the rare times he was serious. He usually took a more laid-back approach to relationships, as having too many complicated feelings was tiring.
But it was time to be serious. So many girls were waiting for him, and he couldn't let them down.
Hu Tao smiled happily and slipped the ring onto her ring finger. A ring on the ring finger meant this flower now had an owner! Kuai Shu Ge
In a dark place, something slowly opened its eyes and listened to Lu Ze's words...
"Heh... the near future, you say? I'm truly looking forward to it. Then we shall see. At that time..."