A screen appeared in both their visions:
[SYSTEM NOTICE: Regarding Physical Intimacy]
[Your Qi synchronization yesterday reached 73% effectiveness. This is EXCELLENT for basic dual cultivation.]
[However, historical records indicate maximum synchronization (95%+) requires deeper physical and emotional connection.]
[Translation: You two need to get more comfortable with each other. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually.]
[I'm not saying you need to jump straight to advanced techniques, but you should at least discuss boundaries, comfort levels and future possibilities.]
[This conversation will be awkward, Do it anyway.]
Both of them stared at the notification.
Mei's face turned bright red.
Lin Wei's throat went dry.
"So," he said. "The system wants us to discuss... physical boundaries."
"Right.. Boundaries. That's... sensible, professional even."
"Very professional."
Neither of them moved.
[Oh for—FINE, I'll provide a framework. Answer these questions, both of you:]
A new screen appeared:
[PARTNERSHIP PARAMETERS - DISCUSSION REQUIRED]
[1. Current comfort level with physical contact (scale 1-10)]
[2. Areas of hesitation or firm boundaries]
[3. Goals for partnership (short-term and long-term)]
[4. Emotional expectations (platonic, romantic, undefined)]
[5. Content creation limits (what you will/won't share publicly)]
[Answer honestly, this is a SAFE SPACE. I'm muting my commentary for this conversation.]
The system presence faded slightly, giving them privacy.
Mei took a deep breath. "Okay. Question one, current comfort level."
"With you specifically, or in general?"
"With me."
Lin Wei thought about it. "Seven? Maybe eight. Yesterday felt... natural, but I'm aware it could get more intense."
"Same, seven or eight. I was nervous, but not uncomfortable."
"Question two. Boundaries."
Mei bit her lip. "I've never... I don't have much experience with physical intimacy, at all. So I'd need things to progress slowly with clear communication."
"Same.. I mean, I've also never—" Lin Wei felt his face heat. "We're both new to this."
"That's actually reassuring."
"Question three. Goals."
"Short term: I want to stabilize my fire Qi and reach Qi Gathering mid stage," Mei said. "Long term: I want to develop a cultivation method that works for people like us—people with non-standard Qi types, maybe even publish a manual."
"That's ambitious."
"You're one to talk, your goal is to prove your father's theories correct and revolutionize cultivation."
"Fair point."
They both smiled.
"Question four." Mei's voice got quieter. "Emotional expectations."
Lin Wei looked at her, unsure.
She was brilliant, brave and kind. Her Qi resonated with his like they were two halves of something whole, when she smiled at him, he felt like maybe he wasn't trash wei.
"Undefined," he said carefully. "But... open to possibilities."
Mei's cheeks flushed. "Same, undefined but open."
The air in the cave felt charged.
"Question five. Content limits."
"I don't want anything explicit posted publicly," Mei said firmly. "Educational content, cultivation demonstrations, even mildly suggestive content if it serves a purpose—fine, but private moments stay private."
"Agreed, the system can push boundaries but we control what gets shared."
"Deal."
They sat in silence for a moment.
Then Mei said, "That wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be."
"The system's framework helped."
"Should we practice synchronization again? Now that we've established parameters?"
"Yeah, let me set up the recording array—"
"No recording tonight," Mei said. "Just practice. For us."
Lin Wei's heart skipped a beat. "Okay."
They moved to sit facing each other, close enough that their knees touched.
The Qi pull was immediate, stronger than yesterday.
[System auto monitoring activated. I'm still muted, but I'm tracking Qi flow for optimization purposes. Proceed.]
They pressed their palms together.
The synchronization clicked into place faster this time. Fire and lust, yang and yin, spiraling together in perfect rhythm.
Mei's eyes widened. "It's stronger."
"Because we talked and we established trust."
Their Qi merged more deeply, and Lin Wei felt something he'd never experienced before— he could sense Mei's emotions through the connection. Her nervousness, her excitement, her genuine affection for him.
And she could feel his.
"Oh," Mei breathed. "This is..."
"Intense," Lin Wei finished.
They held the connection for five minutes. Ten. Fifteen.
By the time they finally broke apart, both were glowing with Qi—literally, a faint luminescence clung to their skin.
[Synchronization rate: 89%]
[That's EXCEPTIONAL for two sessions. You two are MADE for dual cultivation.]
[Notifications unmuted: Both of you gained +15 Qi Purity, +5 Elemental Control, +0.5 Attraction Rating (each)]
"I feel amazing," Mei said, flexing her hands. Fire Qi danced across her fingers— under control and beautiful, no longer volatile.
"My meridians feel like they're actually healing, not just patched up, healing."
They looked at each other.
"We should do this every day," Mei said.
"Agreed."
"And eventually... when we're both ready... we could try deeper synchronization."
Lin Wei's mouth went dry. "How much deeper?"
He was trying to be funny or flirty?
"The texts mention full-body energy circulation, synchronized breathing patterns during extended contact. Advanced resonance techniques."
"That sounds like it would require..."
"Significant physical intimacy, Yes."
They sat with that information.
"Not yet," Mei said. "But eventually, when we're both comfortable."
"When we're both comfortable," Lin Wei agreed.
Mei stood up in a quiet rush, gathering her things. "Same time tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
She paused at the cave entrance. "Lin Wei? Thank you again... For being patient, For being honest, For not pressuring me."
"Thank you for trusting me."
She smiled and left.
Lin Wei sat in the empty cave, heart racing.
[Well, that went SIGNIFICANTLY better than expected.]
"We're taking it slow."
[You're taking it SMART, building genuine connection, establishing trust. This is actually TEXTBOOK good partnership development.]
[Also, your Attraction Rating just hit 7.0. Emotional vulnerability is VERY attractive.]
Lin Wei checked his status screen:
[PARTNERSHIP STATUS: Mei Ling]
- Synchronization Rate: 89%
- Trust Level: High
- Emotional Connection: Developing
- Physical Comfort: Moderate (progressing)
- Cultivation Compatibility: Exceptional
[Predicted Timeline to Advanced Techniques: 2-3 weeks]
"Two to three weeks."
[At current progression rate, yes. Faster if you both commit to daily practice, slower if you freak out and self sabotage.]
"I won't self sabotage."
[Good! Because I have PLANS for you two, GREAT PLANS. Slightly perverted plans but ultimately beneficial plans!]
Lin Wei shook his head and started putting out the lanterns.
Two to three weeks.
Until what, exactly?
He wasn't sure.
But he knew he was willing to find out.