“So, what did you want to talk about when you asked me out?”

Qiu Li’er stood on the mall’s top floor, eyeing Xi Xi with a puzzled look.

This was her first time going out alone. Before, she and her roommates had been glued together all day. Leaving Nan Shi and Yuenina behind now gave her a guilty little thrill—like swapping old buddies for a new flame.

She knew they were probably fuming, but what could she do? They couldn’t really punish her later.

At worst, she’d just act cute, apologize… and do it again next time.

Xi Xi sat perched on the railing, her feet clad in white thigh-high socks swinging gently. Dodging the question, she chirped, “How’d your two matches go today?”

“Why’re you asking *that*?” Qiu Li’er blurted, mind drifting to Fischer—the knight girl from this morning.

Fischer felt nothing like Xi Xi, the mischievous loli: upright, polite, gentle. Yet Qiu Li’er had repaid that kindness with a sneak attack.

Yeah, a dirty win. But ambushes were part of strength too, right?

She scratched her ear. “Won both. Pretty easily. Opponents were kinda weak.”

“Hehe, winning’s what matters,” Xi Xi nodded. “Guess you didn’t forget all that martial arts and magic you *supposedly* trained so hard for.”

Qiu Li’er’s lips twitched awkwardly. Could she admit she’d never trained? She’d just gotten lucky—reborn, transmigrated, stuck with this unreliable “golden finger” system.

(Though the quest rewards *were* useful.)

“I hope you keep winning,” Xi Xi murmured, gazing deeply at her. “Then I won’t feel so guilty.”

Qiu Li’er froze. “Guilty? About what?”

After this morning’s matches, that word hit a nerve. Guilty consciences always flinch at sore spots—and snap when poked.

“That’s why I came.”

A faint blue glow flickered in Xi Xi’s eyes. Her form turned slightly translucent, drifting upward before bowing deeply.

“I’m sorry.”

A breeze tousled Xi Xi’s short hair—but left her yellowish-gray coat utterly still. The world hushed.

Qiu Li’er blinked, silent.

“I… don’t know how to explain,” Xi Xi mumbled, poking her index fingers together, voice small. “But the gods’ revelation was right. Someone hurt you—caused your injuries, your amnesia… and that someone was me.”

“B-but it wasn’t on purpose! I was doing a ritual at home… maybe the stray magic messed with your flight, and then…!”

She buried her face, looking utterly pitiful.

*You nearly killed the girl you love most. Left her comatose for a month. Erased her memories.*

*And the reason “Fox-dajia” went on hiatus… was you.*

“I don’t expect forgiveness. Just… wanted you to know the truth.” She avoided Qiu Li’er’s eyes, eyelids trembling. “Do what you want. Don’t think I’ll pay any price.”

She looked like a scolded kitten—impossible to stay mad at.

But she’d spoken. This amnesiac girl deserved the truth.

Qiu Li’er watched quietly, eyes calm.

Not spacing out—listening.

[Ding~ The mischievous loli Xi Xi has *actually* apologized! What’s your choice?]

[Option 1: Forgive Xi Xi, gently pat her head.] [Reward: Xi Xi’s favorability +50]

[Option 2: Forgive Xi Xi, pull her into a hug.] [Reward: Xi Xi’s favorability +50]

[Option 3: Don’t forgive Xi Xi, pinch her cheek firmly.] [Reward: Xi Xi’s favorability +50]

[Option 4: Do all three.] [Reward: Xi Xi’s favorability +50]

Qiu Li’er blinked. “Revert to physical form first.”

“Physical form?!” Xi Xi paled. “Knew it… flirty fox. You won’t forgive me.”

*Why solidify? To beat me easier—like in the library.*

*Only this time… she’s got every reason.*

Xi Xi gritted her teeth, resolve flashing. Her petite form solidified, landing before Qiu Li’er.

She gathered her coat’s hem, turned halfway, cheeks flushed. “O-only one hit! It’s… my deserved punishment…”

Eyes squeezed shut as Qiu Li’er stepped behind her—

*Pfft.*

Arms wrapped around her. Fingers ruffled her hair.

“What’s *in* that mischievous loli head of yours?” Qiu Li’er sighed fondly. “Why weren’t you this sweet when we first met?”

Pressed against the back of her head—two soft, cotton-candy-like mounds. Xi Xi went limp, then twisted back, flustered. “Hah?! Flirty fox—why’re you *hugging* me?!”

“I don’t blame you for any of it,” Qiu Li’er said softly.

Xi Xi froze, then beamed. “Really? I—Mmmph! Hey!”

A light pinch on her cheek. Qiu Li’er grinned. “’Cause I’m still a *little* annoyed.”

[Ding~ Quest reward received: Xi Xi’s favorability +200]

Xi Xi covered her reddened cheek, pouting fiercely. “Flirty fox… you’ve got a death wish.”

“Mmm~” Qiu Li’er nodded, satisfied. “*This* is the Xi Xi I know.”

A mischievous loli suited her. Obedient just felt… off.

“‘The Xi Xi you know’? Sounds like we’re close,” Xi Xi huffed. “Aren’t you mad? I *caused* your amnesia!”

“No point.” Qiu Li’er shrugged. “Past is past. I just wanted the truth.”

Truth was, she’d only investigated for the system’s quest. Without it? Zero effort.

The original little fox girl died because of Xi Xi. So what? Revenge?

Nah. Couldn’t win. Too much trouble.