Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 8

> last message, her thoughts turned to what she might wear, considering her various options. Should she wear a different outfit than usual...?

Opening her wardrobe, Sushang pulled out a loose, flowing hanfu. She's never really had the opportunity to wear it before.

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 8

According to Luocha, she shouldn't expect rejection, but the Cloud Knight thinks otherwise! She's constantly braced for rejection, especially since Sushang thinks he has a sweetheart.

[ Text to: Luocha]

> See you there, then!
> And don't be late! Punctuality is important.

After sending the >

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Sep 8

Rejection? From Luocha? Sushang should never expect that from him.

[ Text to: Sushang ]

> I will meet you there.
> That will make things easier. Thank you for the information.

He'll go there ahead of time to find a suitable outfit—and >

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 8

The Cloud Knight practically jumped when she received his message, as she wasn't expecting to hear back so soon. She had assumed she'd have more time to prepare for rejection.

[ Text to: Luocha ]

> What about 12pm at the entrance of Aurum Alley?
> Oh, Cloudbreadth Sleeves will allow you to rent >

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 8

> an outfit for the festival!

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 8

The Cloud Knight practically jumped when she received his message, as she wasn't expecting to hear back so soon. She had assumed she'd have more time to prepare for rejection.

[ Text to: Luocha ]

> What about 12pm at the entrance of Aurum Alley?
> Oh, Cloudbreadth Sleeves will allow you to rent >

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Sep 7

Receiving a message from Sushang was unusual. But Luocha replied to it immediately.

[ Text to: Sushang ]

> I would love to.
> Where and when shall we meet?
> Also, do I require to wear anything special? I'm not familiar with Xianzhou's festivals.

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 7

Come on, Sushang! Taking a deep breath, the Cloud Knight sent a message she had been staring at for ages.

[ Text to: @foreigntrxder.bsky.social ]

> Luocha, if you have the time today, would you like to attend a festival with me?
> It's a must-visit event before you leave the Xianzhou.

After >

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 7

> sending the invitation, Sushang nervously waited for a reply. She could practically feel her heart pounding out of her chest with every passing second.

She really hoped to celebrate his birthday with him!

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Sep 7

Come on, Sushang! Taking a deep breath, the Cloud Knight sent a message she had been staring at for ages.

[ Text to: @foreigntrxder.bsky.social ]

> Luocha, if you have the time today, would you like to attend a festival with me?
> It's a must-visit event before you leave the Xianzhou.

After >

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 25

Her good deed for the day!

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

❝No, no, it's important to admit when you're wrong. I have to take accountability for my actions.

Hmm... Berrypheasant skewers! After seeing Miss Lingsha's cute pet, I can't eat the tuskpir cake roll anymore.❞

𝐌𝐎𝐙𝐄. @shadowguard.bsky.social · Dec 16

He didn't. Not this time, at least. But it's alright, you don't have to apologise.

I insist. What would you like to have?

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

Really? He didn't send you over? I'm a little surprised... Sorry about that, Moze.

You don't have to! It's not like you did it on purpose, but if you insist, I'll happily accept.

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

❝Do I even want to ask why you know how to pick a lock? I really hope this isn't a regular occurrence...❞

Sushang was so focused on the merchant, her expression one of awe. He's saved her from a lot of hassle!

❝Thank you, Luocha. How can I repay you for this?❞

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

( Oops? But worry not, because that won't happen to Luocha. )

No one will suspect a thing.

( After getting a hairpin from his pockets, he ended opening the door. )

Done.

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

(She hoped he'd be more sympathetic to the situation! The Cloud Knight will remember this if he ever locks himself out of his room.)

Try to be inconspicuous. It'd be bad if someone reported you.

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

... Is he trying to pick a fight with her? She's not that easily embarrassed! It only happens around the merchant.

With some hesitation, she put her hands back to her side.

❝I'm going to be really mad if you break your promise. No more biting, okay? It isn't how friends act around each other.❞

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

Not only for this, but in general. It's not that hard to see an embarrassed Sushang.

"I promise."

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

Who wouldn't be easily embarrassed about that?! Still covering her ears, she's reluctant to move them.

❝Really? You're not trying to trick me...?❞

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

> look at him.

❝If you insist...❞

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

❝You didn't get the recipe from Uncle J, right? Ah, I mean... Jiaoqiu, the foxian healer from the Xianzhou Yaoqing. As long as it's not spicy, I'm sure it'll be perfectly fine.❞

The Cloud Knight contemplated her options before reaching a decision. Her gaze shifted down, too embarrassed to >

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

"Ah, you're certainly too kind to me. I truly hope it's of your liking when you get to try her."

Because he wouldn't mind to feed her, of course.

"It would be no trouble, I promise."

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

❝Well, I'll tell you in a minute! I don't think you have anything to worry about. Food always tastes better when someone else makes it.❞

Sushang blinked, confused. Isn't he going to give her the bowl...? The longer the merchant sat there, the more nervous she felt.

❝Huh? What? I've already >

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

> little lost.

Now it's her turn to put on a convincing performance.

❝W-We're almost there!❞

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

Continuing to hold the merchant's hand, Sushang led him around Fyxestroll Garden.

❝In that case, I'd recommend bringing someone that's familiar with the area next time. Miss Tingyun, perhaps?❞

... Oh, no. The longer they walked, the more unfamiliar their surroundings became. She might be a >

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

"Indeed. Sometimes it's so complicated."

They should give him an award for his acting. Making it convincing isn't as easy.

"Thank you, Miss Sushang. I'm lucky of having found you."

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

❝Fair enough. The Luofu can be quite complicated sometimes.❞

Until now, Sushang didn't realise how scared the merchant was. He really must have been terrified to forget the destination.

She squeezed his hand tightly, in an effort to reassure him. The Cloud Knight hoped her actions brought him >

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

❝Lips still sealed shut, huh? I'll just have to ask her later.❞

It goes without saying! Who wouldn't love the smile of their crush? It's one of the first things about Luocha that drew her in.

❝This plushie will have pride of place on my bed. It'll be my new sleeping companion.❞

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

"I will not confirm nor deny that accusation."

Sushang likes that smile so much? Although it's true that he doesn't smile a lot...

"It didn't cause me any trouble, that I can assure."

She doesn't have to know how hard it was to >

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

❝Your answer has told me everything I needed to know. It was definitely Little Gui! Besides, she's known to blurt out stuff sometimes.❞

Though she felt embarrassed by the Jingwei plushie kiss, it was worth the awkwardness. Luocha's small smile made her heart melt.

❝I hope it didn't cause you >

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

❝Well, I invited you here to spend time together. Teaching me wasn't part of the plan.❞

The merchant dealing with Diviner Fu...? Now that would be a sight to see.

Sushang sighed, admitting defeat was a difficult pill to swallow.

❝Will you help me, Luocha?❞

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

Oh? Ethereal is an adjective he can take and accept. Perhaps angels wouldn't tease so much.

"Why would you feel guilty?"

Luocha merely smiled. "Don't worry, I'm sure she won't appear. And if she does, I will deal with her."

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

In her humble opinion, Luocha's more ethereal than angelic. An angel wouldn't tease her like he does!

❝I never said that. I just can't help but feel a little guilty...❞

Sushang took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Thankfully, it seems to be working.

❝Knowing Diviner Fu, she'll >

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

> better job than me. How did you get so good at it?❞

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

> appearance fool you.❞

Once the merchant was finished with her hair, she checked her reflection in the mirror. It looks strangely familiar! For some unknown reason, the hairstyle reminds her of home.

❝It feels a bit weird having my hair down, but I like it. Thanks, Luocha! You've done a >

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

It's true that Sushang was suspicious of him at first, but not anymore! Though if she's being honest, the Cloud Knight was mostly suspicious of his coffin. She had never seen a box like that before.

❝I'm holding you to your word. If not, I'll send Phoenix after you! Don't let its cuddly >

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

Sushang might think that, but many people are doubtful of him and don't trust him.

"I thank you for that. I will make sure to not let you down in that regard, Miss Sushang."

Fingers continued working on her hair, >

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

Sushang tilted her head, confused at Luocha's reaction. She didn't expect him to be so surprised! Maybe it's just her, but the Cloud Knight always thought he had a face a person could trust.

❝Why not? You haven't done anything to make me doubt you. You were really helpful in Starskiff Haven.❞

>

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

❝You know what you're doing. You're trying to use puppy dog eyes against me...❞

As if signalling Luocha to stop, she raised her right hand. How does he know about her weakness? Is it that obvious?

❝Huh? Again? Umm... I've always liked your voice.❞

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Dec 16

( Accidents and unlucky days happen, even to someone like him. )

But I'm not staring at you in any way?

( He tilted his head in a cute manner, to add more to her weakness. )

Could you compliment me again?

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Dec 15

(Luocha never mentioned hitting something else! His ethereal, fairy-like appearance made it seem like he'd be light on his feet.)

Not even if—
... Please don't stare at me like that.

(Sushang tried to remain calm on the outside, but on the inside, she was panicking. The puppy eyes are super >

1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

This isn't how I wanted to make my mark in history!

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

> speaking.

❝Marshal Hua, I want to thank you for the gift and letter. I really appreciate the weapon. I'll take good care of it, I promise.❞

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

The Cloud Knight searched high and low, looking everywhere she could for Hua. Alas, her search took much longer than she expected.

By the time Sushang found the Marshal, she was out of breath. Who knew the ship was so big? Standing in front of Hua, she tried to catch her breath before >

𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗌𝗁𝖺𝗅 𝖧𝗎𝖺. @yuxnshuai.bsky.social · Apr 3

While Hua hasn't had much of an interaction with Sushang, she thought it would only be right to send something to Suyi's daughter.

And while the sword might feel heavy at first, it was also light upon use. Hua had noticed that Sushang >

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 3

After hearing a knock on her door, Sushang received the parcel and letter from the cycrane.

❝Huh? From the Marshal?!❞

Her heart jumped to her throat. She hadn't expected a correspondence with Hua! Sure, her mother was one of the Marshal's disciples, but Sushang hadn't spent a lot of time >

1 1

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

> The merchant's not a hallucination.

❝What are you doing here? You never mentioned anything about visiting.❞

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 15

Only a tiny bit! It is only because she spent quite a lot of time with him on the Xianzhou. It was the perfect opportunity to bond with him. Unfortunately for Luocha, she's not going to admit it.

As if in disbelief, Sushang gently rubbed her eyes. Has he disappeared...? Nope, he's still there. >

𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 @foreigntrxder.bsky.social · Apr 3

Luocha would find it surprising to know that Sushang missed him. Ah, but how much he'd love to make her admit it.

Forget the date? As if. Luocha has been planning for his return for some time already. There's no way he >

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 @xianzhouknight.bsky.social · Apr 3

It had been quite some time since Luocha left the Xianzhou Luofu. Sushang still kept in contact with him, but it wasn't the same. She missed him.

With her birthday fast approaching, the Cloud Knight wondered whether he'd return to the Luofu to celebrate with her. What if Luocha forgot the date? >

1 1