Historian of the Imperial Historical Cabinet, and author of the best-selling culinary essay collection 'Baizao Cuisine & Food Culture'. Currently a guest at Rhodes Island through the introduction of Operator Blaze.
Immediately performs a heal to all targets within range equal to 330% of Xingzhu's ATK
Mastery 3 · SP cost 10 · Initial SP 8ASPD +50, heals 1 additional target, and the targets of Xingzhu's talent recover HP equal to 20% of Xingzhu's ATK per second
Mastery 3 · SP cost 75 · Initial SP 60 · Duration 30sGrants 12% Sanctuary to 2 other allies within range
Although I know this is beyond the scope of an assistant's duties, I would like to tidy up your desk for you before work. Something as simple as stacking your books into a neat pile helps manage one's inner biases and distractions. Would you like to try, Doctor? Don't worry, I'm here to help. Why don't we start with this little mountain of documents?
Why do I have all these bottles of ink on my desk? Are you an ink enthusiast too? Hehe, of course you can borrow some. I have Ceramic Gray for dignity, Feldspar Gray for simplicity and Cloud Gray for elegance. Which are you most partial to...? Oh, they all look the same to you...? Well, I do have some ink the Logistics Department gave to me. Let's get you started with that, shall we?
Baizao fare is defined by delicacy rather than dearness. The lingzhi mushrooms used in Fortune Soup need three years to mature. Tea leaves need prior removal of stems before they can be made into a bowl of tea soup rice, which imparts a light sweetness to the final dish. Whether a meal is frugal or abundant should not change the feeling with which you cook it. Whether your life is poor or rich should not change the feeling with which you live it. That is the bone and soul of Baizao.
Blaze is spreading rumors that I deal in ancient texts? Aww, this is but a collection of historical records. I simply cannot bear to see them lost in the long river of time. Ballads, proverbs, poems, even accounting ledgers. They all harbor secrets between their lines... Hmm...? Doctor, what was that you were hiding just now? Don't worry, I won't conduct any research without permission. Soooo, what is it you're hiding?
The first time I challenged my superior was over his demand to soften a satirical poem into something more pleasant. Yet to what degree is the truth distorted in the name of this pleasantness? How many narratives massaged? How many people... The chronicles of history cannot be a curated collection of comfortable tales.
The Yanese delight in leaving our mark on history, to accomplish great things worthy of record. But what did Father think? Did he ever feel regret? I cannot say. But how could one label him insignificant? A man like him is not mere marginalia or interlinear space… he is the very page upon which history is inscribed.
You are full already, Doctor? No, you're not. Here, try a Laobing. It's a beastmeat pancake of Yang nature, and best paired with bamboo shoot and lily soup for Yin. Oh, and these seasonal apricot blossom pastries are an absolute must! Haha, I'll chronicle today thusly: 'Springtime wandering with a companion, our bellies full, bathed in apricot blossom shadows, sharing wine beneath rustling branches'. That is true refinement.
Blaze had been busy lately. She had been asking other operators about their hometowns' traditional delicacies, submitted multiple procurement requests, and was paying close attention to the arrival of Messengers. Picking my words carefully, I asked if someone she knew was visiting. While she is normally cheerful and straightforward, I had never heard her talk about her family, so I thought it best to be tactful. Indeed, even such a carefully worded question made her frown and mull over it. In the end, her hesitant answer surprised everyone in the room: 'I guess you could say... my little sister's coming. She finally finished what she's been doing, and she'll be coming back with me to Victoria.' 'Sister?! You have a sister?!' 'Hehe...' 'How old is she?' '...We were born on the same day.' Twins?! Looking at Blaze, clothes still soaked in sweat from a training session, I could only picture someone just like her: loud and cheerful, with the same black ears and eyes. 'Then all those snacks from different countries that you bought...' 'Yeah, she eats six meals a day.' A big eater! But not too shocking, if she's Blaze's sister. 'So you cleaned up your desk because...' 'Nothing gets past her eyes! She'll know everything I don't want her to if I just leave my stuff lying around.' An inquisitive spirit, too. Seeing how busy Blaze was, I decided to help out and prepare a training room for them. Given that she was Blaze's sister, I expected them to have a friendly brawl first thing after meeting up. 'Hey, guys, er... this is my little sister.' My brain froze for a moment. Blaze's 'twin sister' turned out to be a polite, mild-mannered young lady with spotless white ears and tail. The two of them were nothing alike. Indeed, one could say they were polar opposites. 'Who are you calling a little sister?' This 'sister' of Blaze's retorted with a smile. 'We don't know who was born first, do we?' The woman by the name of Xingzhu was friendly and graceful, sharing snacks she brought from Yan with us. As she left the office with Blaze, we all had the same question in our hearts, but none of us felt comfortable asking it aloud— Who actually is this 'sister', born on the same day but sharing not a single thing in common?
The leaves of wild shepherd's purse become too tough in tofu soup if they are picked too late, making it feel as though one is chewing on dried grass. So grandpa and I uprooted the roses in the garden, and tried our hand at planting them ourselves. But it seemed this vegetable would rather grow on the sides of the street than be cared for by us. The seeds would not sprout properly if not sown well, or if it was too warm, as was the case in our garden. I stopped tending to the garden when grandpa moved out. I fell ill in the winter of that year, and was hardly able to eat anything. The cook brought a bowl of tofu and shepherd's purse soup, but the leaves were too tough, so I took it back to the kitchen. The cook said the shepherd's purse in the garden had sprouted after it snowed, and she picked them from there. She said that grandpa had been in the kitchen, pondering over a piece of tofu: 'What to do with this tofu if there are no such leaves?' We both laughed, and I finished the bowl of soup. On my way back to my room, I stopped by the garden, and laughed again when I realized that grandpa's ways of coaxing me had never changed, even after all these years. The garden was filled with shepherd's purse, but not the type we planted. —Excerpt from the Baizao Cuisine & Food Culture, Volume 3
Yato2★ · Vanguard
Yu6★ · Defender
Zima5★ · Vanguard
Zima the Raging Tide6★ · Guard
Zuo Le6★ · Guard
'Justice Knight'1★ · Sniper
12F2★ · Caster
Aak6★ · Specialist
Absinthe5★ · Caster
Aciddrop4★ · Sniper
Adnachiel3★ · Sniper
Akafuyu5★ · Guard
Akkord4★ · Caster
Alanna5★ · Supporter
Alliance/Supportive Operator4★ · Supporter
Almond5★ · Specialist
Ambriel4★ · Sniper
Amiya5★ · Caster
Andreana5★ · Sniper
Angelina6★ · Supporter
Ansel3★ · Medic
Aosta5★ · Sniper
April5★ · Sniper
Archetto6★ · Sniper
Arene4★ · Guard
Aroma5★ · Caster
Asbestos5★ · Defender
Ascalon6★ · Specialist
Ash6★ · Sniper
Ashlock5★ · Defender
Astesia5★ · Guard
Astgenne5★ · Caster
Astgenne the Lightchaser6★ · Supporter
Aurora5★ · Defender
Ayerscarpe5★ · Guard
Bagpipe6★ · Vanguard
Bassline5★ · Defender
Beagle3★ · Defender
Beanstalk4★ · Vanguard
Beehunter4★ · Guard
Beeswax5★ · Caster
Bellone6★ · Guard
Bena5★ · Specialist
Bibeak5★ · Guard
Bison5★ · Defender
Blacknight5★ · Vanguard
Blaze6★ · Guard
Blaze the Igniting Spark6★ · Caster
Blemishine6★ · Defender
Blitz5★ · Defender
Blue Poison5★ · Sniper
Bobbing5★ · Supporter
Botani5★ · Supporter
Breeze5★ · Medic
Brigid5★ · Sniper
Broca5★ · Guard
Bryophyta5★ · Guard
Bubble4★ · Defender
Cairn5★ · Defender
Cantabile5★ · Vanguard
Caper4★ · Sniper
Cardigan3★ · Defender
Carnelian6★ · Caster
Castle-31★ · Guard
Catapult3★ · Sniper
Catherine5★ · Supporter
Cement5★ · Defender
Ceobe6★ · Caster
Ceylon5★ · Medic
Ch'en6★ · Guard
Ch'en the Dawnstreak6★ · Guard
Ch'en the Holungday6★ · Sniper
Chestnut4★ · Medic
Chiave5★ · Vanguard
Chilchuck5★ · Vanguard
Chongyue6★ · Guard
Civilight Eterna6★ · Supporter
Click4★ · Caster
Cliffheart5★ · Specialist
Closure6★ · Vanguard
Coldshot5★ · Sniper
CONFESS-471★ · Vanguard
Contrail4★ · Specialist
Conviction4★ · Guard
Corroserum5★ · Caster
Courier4★ · Vanguard
Crackborne5★ · Defender
Croissant5★ · Defender
Crownslayer6★ · Specialist
Cuora4★ · Defender
Cutter4★ · Guard
Czerny5★ · Defender
Dagda5★ · Guard
Deepcolor4★ · Supporter
Degenbrecher6★ · Guard
Delphine5★ · Caster
Diamante5★ · Caster
Dobermann4★ · Guard
Doc5★ · Guard
Dorothy6★ · Specialist
Dur-nar4★ · Defender
Durin2★ · Caster
Dusk6★ · Caster
Earthspirit4★ · Supporter
Ebenholz6★ · Caster
Ela6★ · Specialist
Elysium5★ · Vanguard
Enforcer5★ · Specialist
Entelechia6★ · Guard
Erato5★ · Sniper
Estelle4★ · Guard
Ethan4★ · Specialist
Eunectes6★ · Defender
Executor5★ · Sniper
Executor the Ex Foedere6★ · Guard
Exusiai6★ · Sniper
Exusiai the New Covenant6★ · Specialist
Eyjafjalla6★ · Caster
Eyjafjalla the Hvít Aska6★ · Medic
Fang3★ · Vanguard
Fang the Fire-Sharpened5★ · Vanguard
Fartooth6★ · Sniper
FEater5★ · Specialist
Fiammetta6★ · Sniper
Figurino5★ · Specialist
Firewatch5★ · Sniper
Firewhistle5★ · Defender
Flamebringer5★ · Guard
Flametail6★ · Vanguard
Flint5★ · Guard
Folinic5★ · Medic
Franka5★ · Guard
Friston-31★ · Defender
Frost5★ · Specialist
Frostleaf4★ · Guard
Fuze5★ · Guard
GALLUS²1★ · Caster
Gavial4★ · Medic
Gavial the Invincible6★ · Guard
Gitano4★ · Caster
Gladiia6★ · Specialist
Glaucus5★ · Supporter
Gnosis6★ · Supporter
Goldenglow6★ · Caster
Gracebearer5★ · Guard
Grain Buds5★ · Supporter
Grani5★ · Vanguard
Gravel4★ · Specialist
GreyThroat5★ · Sniper
Greyy4★ · Caster
Greyy the Lightningbearer5★ · Sniper
Gummy4★ · Defender
Hadiya5★ · Guard
Harmonie5★ · Caster
Harold5★ · Medic
Haruka6★ · Supporter
Haze4★ · Caster
Heavyrain5★ · Defender
Heidi5★ · Supporter
Hellagur6★ · Guard
Hibiscus3★ · Medic
Hibiscus the Purifier5★ · Medic
Highmore5★ · Guard
Ho'olheyak6★ · Caster
Hoederer6★ · Guard
Honeyberry5★ · Medic
Horn6★ · Defender
Hoshiguma6★ · Defender
Hoshiguma the Breacher6★ · Defender
Humus4★ · Guard
Hung5★ · Defender
Iana5★ · Specialist
Ifrit6★ · Caster
Indigo4★ · Caster
Indra5★ · Guard
Ines6★ · Vanguard
Insider5★ · Sniper
Irene6★ · Guard
Iris5★ · Caster
Istina5★ · Supporter
Jackie4★ · Guard
Jaye4★ · Specialist
Jessica4★ · Sniper
Jessica the Liberated6★ · Defender
Jieyun5★ · Sniper
Ju5★ · Sniper
Kafka5★ · Specialist
Kal'tsit6★ · Medic
Kal'tsit Esperanta6★ · Medic
Kazemaru5★ · Specialist
Kestrel5★ · Vanguard
Kichisei5★ · Sniper
Kirara5★ · Specialist
Kirin R Yato6★ · Specialist
Kjera5★ · Caster
Kroos3★ · Sniper
Kroos the Keen Glint5★ · Sniper
La Pluma5★ · Guard
Laios5★ · Guard
Lancet-21★ · Medic
Lappland5★ · Guard
Lappland the Decadenza6★ · Caster
Lava3★ · Caster
Lava the Purgatory5★ · Caster
Lee6★ · Specialist
Leizi5★ · Caster
Leizi the Thunderbringer6★ · Guard
Lemuen6★ · Sniper
Leonhardt5★ · Caster
Lessing6★ · Guard
Leto5★ · Guard
Lin6★ · Caster
Ling6★ · Supporter
Liskarm5★ · Defender
Logos6★ · Caster
Lord/Sharp6★ · Guard
Lucilla5★ · Supporter
Lumen6★ · Medic
Lunacub5★ · Sniper
Luo Xiaohei4★ · Guard
Lutonada4★ · Defender
Magallan6★ · Supporter
Manticore5★ · Specialist
Mantra6★ · Caster
Marcille6★ · Caster
Matoimaru4★ · Guard
Matsukiri5★ · Vanguard
Matterhorn4★ · Defender
May4★ · Sniper
Mayer5★ · Supporter
Mechanist6★ · Defender
Melanite5★ · Sniper
Melantha3★ · Guard
Meteor4★ · Sniper
Meteorite5★ · Sniper
Midnight3★ · Guard
Minimalist5★ · Caster
Mint5★ · Caster
Misery6★ · Specialist
Miss.Christine5★ · Caster
Mitm5★ · Vanguard
Mizuki6★ · Specialist
Młynar6★ · Guard
Mon3tr6★ · Medic
Morgan5★ · Guard
Mostima6★ · Caster
Mountain6★ · Guard
Mousse4★ · Guard
Mr. Nothing5★ · Specialist
Mudrock6★ · Defender
Muelsyse6★ · Vanguard
Mulberry5★ · Medic
Mutsumi Wakaba5★ · Specialist
Myrrh4★ · Medic
Myrtle4★ · Vanguard
Narantuya6★ · Sniper
Nasti6★ · Supporter
Nearl5★ · Defender
Nearl the Radiant Knight6★ · Guard
Necrass6★ · Caster
Nian6★ · Defender
Nightingale6★ · Medic
Nightmare5★ · Caster
Nine-Colored Deer5★ · Supporter
Noir Corne2★ · Defender
Nowell5★ · Medic
Nyamu Yūtenji5★ · Guard
Nymph6★ · Caster
Odda5★ · Guard
Orchid3★ · Supporter
Pallas6★ · Guard
Paprika5★ · Medic
Papyrus5★ · Medic
Passenger6★ · Caster
Penance6★ · Defender
Pepe6★ · Guard
Perfumer4★ · Medic
Perfumer the Distilled5★ · Supporter
Phantom6★ · Specialist
Philae5★ · Defender
PhonoR-01★ · Supporter
Pinecone4★ · Sniper
Pith5★ · Caster
Pith6★ · Caster
Platinum5★ · Sniper
Plume3★ · Vanguard
Podenco4★ · Supporter
Poncirus5★ · Vanguard
Popukar3★ · Guard
Pozëmka6★ · Sniper
Pramanix5★ · Supporter
Pramanix the Prerita6★ · Caster
Projekt Red5★ · Specialist
Provence5★ · Sniper
Proviso5★ · Supporter
Ptilopsis5★ · Medic
Pudding4★ · Caster
Purestream4★ · Medic
Puzzle5★ · Vanguard
Qanipalaat5★ · Caster
Qiubai6★ · Guard
Quartz4★ · Guard
Quercus5★ · Supporter
Raidian6★ · Supporter
Raidian6★ · Supporter
Rangers2★ · Sniper
Rathalos S Noir Corne5★ · Guard
Ray6★ · Sniper
Record Keeper5★ · Medic
Reed5★ · Vanguard
Reed the Flame Shadow6★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Caster3★ · Caster
Reserve Operator - Caster4★ · Caster
Reserve Operator - Defender3★ · Defender
Reserve Operator - Defender4★ · Defender
Reserve Operator - Guard4★ · Guard
Reserve Operator - Logistics3★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Medic4★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Melee3★ · Vanguard
Reserve Operator - Sniper3★ · Sniper
Reserve Operator - Sniper4★ · Sniper
Reserve Operator - Specialist4★ · Specialist
Reserve Operator - Supporter4★ · Supporter
Reserve Operator - Vanguard4★ · Vanguard
Ripresa5★ · Caster
Roberta4★ · Supporter
Robin5★ · Specialist
Rockrock5★ · Caster
Rope4★ · Specialist
Rosa6★ · Sniper
Rose Salt5★ · Medic
Rosmontis6★ · Sniper
Saga6★ · Vanguard
Saileach6★ · Vanguard
Sakiko Togawa6★ · Guard
Sand Reckoner5★ · Supporter
Sankta Miksaparato6★ · Defender
Santalla5★ · Caster
Saria6★ · Defender
Savage5★ · Guard
Scavenger4★ · Vanguard
Scene5★ · Supporter
Schwarz6★ · Sniper
Senshi5★ · Defender
Sesa5★ · Sniper
Shalem5★ · Defender
Shalem5★ · Defender
Shamare5★ · Supporter
Sharp5★ · Guard
Sharp6★ · Guard
Shaw4★ · Specialist
Shining6★ · Medic
Shirayuki4★ · Sniper
Shu6★ · Defender
Sideroca5★ · Guard
Siege6★ · Vanguard
Silence5★ · Medic
Silence the Paradigmatic6★ · Supporter
SilverAsh6★ · Guard
SilverAsh the Reignfrost6★ · Vanguard
Skadi6★ · Guard
Skadi the Corrupting Heart6★ · Supporter
Skybox5★ · Sniper
Skyfire5★ · Caster
Snegurochka4★ · Vanguard
Snow Hunter5★ · Sniper
Snowsant5★ · Specialist
Sora5★ · Supporter
Specter5★ · Guard
Specter the Unchained6★ · Specialist
Spot3★ · Defender
Spuria5★ · Specialist
Stainless6★ · Supporter
Steward3★ · Caster
Stormeye5★ · Sniper
Stormeye6★ · Sniper
Surfer5★ · Vanguard
Surtr6★ · Guard
Sussurro4★ · Medic
Suzuran6★ · Supporter
Swire5★ · Guard
Swire the Elegant Wit6★ · Specialist
Tachanka5★ · Guard
Taraxacum5★ · Medic
Tecno5★ · Caster
Tequila5★ · Guard
Terra Research Commission1★ · Sniper
Texas5★ · Vanguard
Texas the Omertosa6★ · Specialist
Thorns6★ · Guard
Thorns the Lodestar6★ · Specialist
THRM-EX1★ · Specialist
Tin Man5★ · Specialist
Tippi5★ · Specialist
Titi6★ · Medic
Toddifons5★ · Sniper
Tomimi5★ · Caster
Totter4★ · Sniper
Touch5★ · Medic
Touch6★ · Medic
Tragodia6★ · Supporter
Tsukinogi5★ · Supporter
Tulip5★ · Vanguard
Tulip6★ · Vanguard
Tuye5★ · Medic
Typhon6★ · Sniper
U-Official1★ · Supporter
Uika Misumi5★ · Supporter
Ukusik5★ · Medic
Ulpianus6★ · Guard
Umiri Yahata5★ · Specialist
Underflow5★ · Defender
Utage4★ · Guard
Valarqvin5★ · Supporter
Vanilla3★ · Vanguard
Varkáris5★ · Guard
Vendela5★ · Medic
Verdant4★ · Specialist
Vermeil4★ · Sniper
Vetochki5★ · Defender
Vigil6★ · Vanguard
Vigna4★ · Vanguard
Vina Victoria6★ · Guard
Virtuosa6★ · Supporter
Viviana6★ · Guard
Viy6★ · Caster
Vulcan5★ · Defender
Vulpisfoglia6★ · Vanguard
W6★ · Sniper
Waai Fu5★ · Specialist
Wang6★ · Specialist
Wanqing5★ · Vanguard
Warfarin5★ · Medic
Warmy5★ · Caster
Weedy6★ · Specialist
Whislash5★ · Guard
Whisperain5★ · Medic
Wild Mane5★ · Vanguard
Wind Chimes5★ · Guard
Windflit5★ · Supporter
Windscoot4★ · Guard
Wiš'adel6★ · Sniper
Wulfenite5★ · SpecialistMy relationship with Blaze isn't nearly as harmonious as you say. She's far less well-behaved with me than she is with you. I've apologized to her. After all, she could have led a peaceful life. What did she do? It was a forehead flick. With such force as to leave you dazed for hours. But thanks to that, I've found the courage to maintain our relationship thereafter.
Grandfather cherished his garden, though the two persimmon trees he nurtured bore fruit perpetually astringent, fit only for drying. We would wash the harvest, then spread them out to dry, finally dusting them with a sugar coating as delicate as freshly fallen snow. The sweetness would mask the bitterness, deceiving the tongue, rendering them unexpectedly palatable... Ah, what a pristine snowfall.
Perfect, what a flawless moment… each of us working quietly, our focus undisturbed. How about we go for a warm meal and a break? Say, in two hours' time?
Oh, I've already been introduced? Please, don't believe a word Blaze says. The girl still insists I'm a folk singer. I am Xingzhu, a historian of Baizao. If you happen upon any intriguing ballads or proverbs, I'd be delighted if you would share them with me.
How very educational. I've learned something new today.
This medal in my hand represents your recognition that more than casualties are worth recording on the battlefield. At times, there may also be primroses in full bloom.
There is a saying I am fond of that goes: the unofficial history is built verse by verse, lyric by lyric. When I think about how I myself will be a verse in the mundane saga, I find it pleasing.
A spot of field research? How wonderfu—*cough* I will keep safety in mind.
Bring forth all your prowess. My pen shall stand witness.
It's a golden opportunity to gather folk material myself. Is there anything I should take note of?
*Sigh* One cannot discuss ice with an insect of summer. However shall I explain this to you?
Very well. I'm on my way.
The road ahead is bumpy. Do take care.
A glance is all I need to comprehend.
There is much to be recorded.
My ink and pen may never rest, my stack of papers put to test.
A humble scholar's duty is all I claim, the way of life that leads not to shame.
Cross mount and river, night of gale and snow, all blankets any whisper of my home.
Here, some poprice candy. Just a little while longer, okay?
I can finally breathe easy. Why don't we get something to eat, Doctor, once you're finished with work? I said after work. The hawker stalls aren't going anywhere.
Hmm… Let me ponder how best to commend your exceptional leadership. Yes, a Compendium of Extraordinary Talents would undoubtedly be less vivid without your story.
I've already meticulously documented the physical characteristics of the escapees. Would you prefer to handle this immediately, or take a brief respite first?
I don't think you need to be bolstered by those 'rallying' folk tales right now. Here, this should do the trick. Delightfully sweet and sour, isn't it? Feeling a bit better now?
May I ask how to get to the archive? Oh, so it's not in the dormitories... Then could you please tell me where the library is?
Oh my! Please, keep the jests in moderation…
There was a girl, with words so sweet, who stole two chops of burden-meat. She made two biscuits, oiled them neat, then gorged so much she had to bleat: 'Oh! Ouchie-Eek!'…
Arknights.
I used to detest the clamor of the new year, but now, I find myself with rather more complicated feelings, sitting alone in this courtyard. So I ended up writing a poem on the wall. Instead of wallowing in misery, I would rather whimsically spill my ink. Are the splashes not like silent fireworks, Doctor?
Have you eaten yet, Doctor?
Oh, Doctor, I dropped my notebook at the noodle house. I need you to come along with me and—Why do we need to go together? Look, ah… erm… well… Sorry, I meant this as a birthday surprise, to offer you a Yanese longevity noodle. It's remarkably challenging for one who despises dishonesty to tell such white lies.
Doctor, we have a tradition of gifting each other books on commemoration days at the academy. I thought long and hard about what you needed before deciding on this: 'Calligraphy: From Amateur To Adept'—It sounds like homework? Nonsense. Just one page a day, and you'll learn to love the tranquility of mastering your strokes.
I have gotten into the habit of reading Xingzhu's gourmet reports. There is a simplistic charm to her writing, true to her experience as a historian, and her accounts are filled with interesting anecdotes. March 7th. Upon trying a fin dish, she recalls that one of her strengths when she was little was being good at getting small finbones out of her mouth. May 8th. After an argument with her supervisor about whether to include a certain entry in the historical records, they awkwardly shared a table at a snack stand in front of the Imperial Historical Cabinet's office. After biting into some unripe green plums, she looked up to see her supervisor's face scrunched up from the sourness. They both looked at each other and laughed. She attached delicate sentiments to food, and reading her gourmet reports is like reading a slice of life. Interestingly, by searching her pen name I also found a number of side accounts. It did not take long to understand why she used them: Xingzhu's writing style is reserved but also straightforward, mincing no words if there are any deficiencies in the ingredients or the preparation of a dish, which unsurprisingly earned the ire of more than a few restaurants. Xingzhu herself seems entirely unconcerned though, occasionally poking fun at it in her books before continuing to write her blunt and honest reviews, perhaps under a different account. Following the trail of pen names, I found another account by the name of 'SpringNightsBanquet' on a novel website, which had numerous novels published—and was getting far more Likes than her gourmet reports. Yet Xingzhu never once mentioned that she wrote novels, nor was there anything in her onboarding files. I started browsing through one, expecting a historical novel or perhaps a food essay, only to be increasingly bewildered by what I was reading. Wait, is this a... I scrolled up and took a good look at the title. 'The Twin Moons Playing With a Flower'?! Wait, so the moons are...?! And the flower?! Oh dear. Last update... last night, right after Xingzhu submitted her work report. I closed the webpage, took a deep breath, and decided not to search for her side accounts anymore. —Anonymous HR Operator
What you did deserves to be recorded in the history books—these were the words of encouragement a worried Xingzhu had for Blaze after a particularly dangerous mission. For her part, Blaze did not think what she did was especially notable, but she was curious what kind of people tend to get their names in the history books. 'The Imperial Historical Records? People who have affected the livelihoods and thoughts of the masses. The greater their influence, the more people they affect, the bigger the mark they leave on history.' Since the people who left a mark in Xingzhu's eyes were massively influential, Blaze was sure she was just joking when she said that she deserved to be in the history books. One day, they sat down together for a drink. With hazy eyes, Xingzhu spoke as if muttering to herself: 'The nanny who brought me up died when I was in school. On her deathbed, I told her I wanted to write her epitaph. She said it wasn't necessary, that she was just an ordinary person, after all. I begged and begged, and at long last she agreed. 'I sat by her side, and together we recalled the major events of her life. I filled an entire notebook, but even then I felt it wasn't enough. I didn't want to leave anything out. But the first thing I saw when I left her room was the tombstone her family had prepared for her. 'That's when I realized I could only fit a brief description on it, a few events from her entire life, and I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. 'Then... I started writing about the little people, the ones the history books leave out. I wanted my pen to remember you, all of you.' Listening to this, Blaze remembered Xingzhu's words, and laughed. 'So it wasn't a joke after all.'
The baby-delivering fowlbeast asked the black and white cats, born on the same day, which one to send to the family that had produced generations of government officials. The white cat knew her destiny did not lie there and shrank back, so the fowlbeast took the black cat. The black cat was confident and strong. The fact that she was the 'stray kin' of a distant clan did not make her timid, and her star shone bright even in a family full of such stars. She went into the Tianshi Bureau, found those she wanted to protect, found what she wanted to change, and never strayed from her path. The white cat drifted to a distant land. Timid and cautious, she did not know where to go when she got Oripathy, so she took a notebook and traveled the land. It turned out that this life was not so bad, and she began to write book after book about her travels... All was as it should have been, as they should be. —Excerpt from a draft of a novel, discarded by Xingzhu 'If we were never swapped—I can't even imagine it! Where would I be, if not here? You should keep writing! Now I'm curious.' Xingzhu shook her head. 'We've already embarked on a path that doesn't belong to us. No amount of words can make things right...' Blaze's eyes went wide. 'What do you mean, make things right?' 'I always felt like I owed you... ow!' Xingzhu covers her forehead with a hand, wincing in pain. She looks up to see Blaze with her hand raised, preparing to flick her forehead again. 'S-Stop, my eyes are already tearing up from the pain...' 'Then I owe you an apology. And now we're even.'