"Sigh… It all happened so suddenly. For the first time, I really feel like a brick… being moved wherever Stelle needs me!"
Wende watched helplessly as an enthusiastic Fu Xuan prepared to write the calligraphy for his new sign. Why is the Master Diviner here? Isn't she handling all of the Xianzhou's affairs right now? How does she have the leisure to come sightseeing in Aurum Alley?
Far away, working overtime in the Seat of Divine Foresight, Qingque: Achoo!
"Wuwuwu, I don't want this! I want to go to Aurum Alley too! This is so unfair!"
Gazing at the mountain of scrolls before her, tears of humiliation welled up in Qingque's eyes. General Jing Yuan! Please come back soon! If Lady Fu Xuan has to keep acting as general, I'm really going to die from exhaustion!
"Qingque, the Master Diviner ordered a cup of boba for you before she left… Huh? Why do you look like that?"
Qingzhu looked at Qingque, who was about to melt into a puddle on the floor. She quickly put down the Taro Boba in her hand and helped her up.
"Thanks… I don't drink trash…"
Qingque shook her head, her eyes completely vacant.
---o---
"Haha, it's rare for Fu Xuan to be in such a fine mood. How could I not come to support Doctor Wende?"
Jing Yuan slowly appeared in everyone's line of sight, sitting in a wheelchair. Pushing him from behind, Yanqing looked at the general, who was still faking his illness, with an expression of complete helplessness.
He tells me not to practice my sword, to observe the secular world and temper my sword heart, but in the end, it was all just so I could push his wheelchair while he feigns sickness in front of the Master Diviner?
Watching Jing Yuan's gradual approach, Fu Xuan's willow-like eyebrows arched slightly. She crossed her arms, looking at the grinning Jing Yuan with suspicion.
"Shouldn't the General be recuperating in the Alchemy Commission at this time? Why have you run off again?" Fu Xuan questioned, staring at his handsome, punchable face.
"Alas, it is rare for you to show me such concern, Fu Xuan. I am truly grateful! Lady Bailu said I should go out for more strolls, as it is beneficial for my recovery. And what do I hear? Doctor Wende has opened a massage parlor in Aurum Alley. I have long heard of his unparalleled massage techniques, so I came today specifically to experience them."
After speaking, the old popsicle cupped his hands in a salute to Wende, even giving him a wink with one of his peach-blossom eyes.
"General Jing Yuan, you flatter me. My massage skills are merely passable, far from unparalleled," Wende replied with a return salute, his tone humble and resigned.
"Hahaha, Doctor Wende is too modest. However, since we are writing calligraphy for the sign, would it not be a wonderful thing for both myself and Fu Xuan to each contribute?"
Jing Yuan laughed heartily, then gestured for Yanqing to push the wheelchair to the storefront. Under the equally helpless gazes of Yanqing and Fu Xuan, Jing Yuan took up a brush and, with strokes like flying dragons and dancing phoenixes, wrote four large characters on the scroll paper.
"Gentle and Refined"
"Fu Xuan, if you please."
Jing Yuan smiled, placed the brush on the desk, and gestured invitingly to Fu Xuan.
"Sigh…"
Fu Xuan gave Jing Yuan a deep look. Why does the General seem so carefree now? He used to be lighthearted but steady. Now he seems like a Xianzhou youth who has just come of age.
Sighing in resignation, Fu Xuan walked to the desk with graceful lotus steps, took the brush, and added another four characters to Wende's massage parlor sign.
"To Win People Over with Virtue"
"'Gentle and Refined,' 'To Win People Over with Virtue'? Marvelous! Simply marvelous!"
Jing Yuan clapped his hands in applause. Then, to Wende's completely numb expression, Stelle and Sushang deftly mounted the two scrolls and hung them on either side of the massage parlor's entrance.
"Alright! In that case! I hereby declare! Wende's Massage Parlor is officially open for business!" Sushang cheered energetically, while Wende's gaze towards Stelle grew ever more resentful.
---o---
"Hot damn, a sign personally inscribed by the Master Diviner and the General. Looks like Wende is pretty popular on the Xianzhou!"
Sister Guoguo clapped her hands, shaking her head in admiration.
[Stelle: Godfather! I have a gift for you!][Wende: What!? My child has grown up! (Gratified)][Stelle: I'm giving you a massage parlor!][Wende: You rebellious child! (Needs an oxygen mask)]
[Hello? Why are you performing a mini-play in the bullet comments?]
[Aah~ I also want to be repeatedly kneaded by Wende's big, warm hands and get a thorough relaxation from the inside out!]
[Wende: I never should have gone out for a stroll!]
---o---
Wende's reputation on the Luofu was, if not a household name, at least widely known. A divine doctor who only existed in rumors had actually appeared in Aurum Alley and opened a massage parlor? And the General and the Master Diviner had personally written the calligraphy for his sign?
Boosted by these buffs, business at Wende's Massage Parlor instantly exploded. Countless citizens, drawn by his fame, formed a long queue outside the shop. It was said that the line was comparable to a Genshin Impact collaboration event at its peak, stretching all the way from Aurum Alley to Central Starskiff Haven!
"Phew~ As expected, Divine Doctor Wende's techniques are truly outstanding. I am thoroughly impressed!"
A completely flushed Jing Yuan was helped back into his wheelchair by an equally flushed Yanqing. This time, it was real, no acting involved… That massage had nearly made his thousand-year-old bones give out right then and there!
"General, let's go get something to drink."
Yanqing, who had also been coaxed into a session by Jing Yuan, now felt his whole body heating up. His mouth was dry, and he craved a cold drink!
"Excellent idea! In that case, we shall not disturb Doctor Wende any longer. Farewell!"
Jing Yuan cupped his fists at Wende, and then the wheelchair, powered by one Yanqing, started off in fifth gear, speeding towards the nearest beverage shop in Aurum Alley.
"Er… actually, I feel that I'm not so tired after all. I shall take my leave first."
Although she also wanted to relax, Fu Xuan looked at the massive crowd of commoners waiting in line and, unable to let go of her pride, decisively chose to preserve her dignity. She bid farewell to Wende and the others.
"Er…"
Watching Fu Xuan flee as if for her life, Wende once again shook his head helplessly.
He looked at the sea of people at the entrance… he had a feeling he was going to meet his end here today.
"Benefactor~ You can do it! I'll be here cheering for you!"
Tingyun said encouragingly, swishing her fluffy white tail.
"Huh? What? The foot traffic in Aurum Alley has increased by how much? Three times! Oh my god! I'll go maintain order right now!"
Sushang answered a call and then ran out excitedly.
"Ding…"
Wende stared resentfully at today's main culprit, this damned, troublesome thing!
"Ehehe…"
Stelle looked at the resentful Wende, scratched her head in embarrassment, and gave an awkward little laugh.