Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

In the meeting room, only Su Qing and Asta remained.

Asta tilted her small face upwards to look at him. "Su Qing, do you remember? We agreed that I would cook for you forever."

Su Qing promptly denied it, "I never agreed to that."

This needed clarification right away.

Hearing his unwavering denial, Asta pouted, appearing pitifully sad.

After hesitating for a moment, she asked, "Why do you want to leave? Whatever you desire, any ingredients you wish for, I can buy them all for you."

Su Qing shook his head. "Not everything can be bought with money."

Asta questioned, "Such as?"

"For example..." Su Qing paused briefly, "Freedom."

Indeed, he could only provide such a classic response.

Considering the young heiress's wealth, even across the entire universe, there were very few things she couldn't purchase.

[Stelle: Freedom da!]

Freedom...

Asta lowered her head, looking deeply disheartened.

Gradually, a dense fog materialized around her, embodying her heavy emotions. "...Does being with me make you feel trapped?"

Su Qing did not immediately respond. Instead, he lowered his head to observe the spreading gravitational field.

The force first gripped tightly around his ankles, then continued upward, encircling his thighs, seizing his arms, and finally pressing down on his shoulders.

In the end, this overwhelming emotion from Asta, as tangible as it felt, completely engulfed him, firmly anchoring him in place.

With a smile, Su Qing raised his head and said, "Ha ha ha, of course not! Being with you makes me feel very free."

[Stelle: Joyful! Su Qing's expression is just hilarious!!]

[Qingque: Asta: Do you feel trapped when with me? (while securely binding you with intense emotions)]

[March 7th: This is both profound affection and an immeasurably deep... love!]

[Natasha: Little March starts again.]

[March 7th: Love knows no bounds!]

Asta, still looking down, asked softly, "Then why do you want to leave?"

In the past, faced with such intense pressure, Su Qing might have instinctively turned to flee.

But now, having experienced much and broadened his horizons, he remained composed.

When overwhelmed by heavy emotions, panicking only makes it akin to drowning, harder to control oneself.

"It's not that I don't feel free," Su Qing said calmly after a moment of consideration. "Living on the space station is indeed wonderful, but for me, the universe offers boundless horizons."

Asta lifted her head, her usually vibrant eyes losing their sparkle. "Su Qing, please don't leave. I'll do anything; I beg you, don't go..."

[Stelle: It's here! "I'll do anything!"!!]

[Silver Wolf: Compared to Kafka giving up everything, which carries more weight?]

[Himeko: ...I'd say they're about equal.]

Su Qing held her gaze for a long moment before nodding. "Alright, as you wish, I won't leave."

"Really?!" Asta's face lit up with surprise.

Then, Su Qing shifted slightly, breaking free from the gravitational pull. He took a step forward, grasping Asta's arms firmly. "Not only will I stay, but from today onwards, we'll be together forever. Every day, every moment, inseparable, never apart."

Holding her arms tightly, he continued, "No matter where we go, whether eating, sleeping, or attending meetings, we will always be together, okay?"

A hint of confusion flickered in Asta's dimmed gaze, and she tilted her head. "...Eh?"

[Sparkle: Hahahahaha!!]

[Stelle: Oh boy, Asta: Wait, buddy, whose feelings are heavier here, mine or yours?]

"Just like this, it's fine."

Su Qing looked down at her and asked, "Is this truly what you want?"

Ideally, there should have been a pause here to allow Asta time for reflection.

However, seeing the wavering expression on Asta's face, Su Qing began to feel slightly anxious.

Without pausing, he continued, "No! You don't want this! This isn't what you desire!"

The forcefulness of Su Qing's words disrupted Asta's thoughts. "I... I don't want it?"

"Hmm," Su Qing sighed. "Have you experienced life without freedom before? Being constrained by your status, unable to do what you wish, feeling gloomy day after day."

"Truthfully, since arriving at the space station, seeing you happy made me happy too."

"Now, it's my turn to pursue my own path." Su Qing's grip on Asta's arm softened, and his tone became gentler. "We've grown up together since childhood; the first dish I ever cooked was tasted by you. Your feelings matter greatly to me."

Looking deeply into her eyes, Su Qing earnestly asked, "But, would you also want to confine me, just as your elders did to you?"

"No, not at all!" Asta panicked at Su Qing's words. "I haven't, I really never thought that!"

Her once bright eyes gradually filled with mist and tears. "It's just that, I don't want to lose you."

A lump formed in Asta's throat, and she felt close to tears. "I can't bear to be without you..."

Su Qing's voice softened, "No one is truly indispensable."

"Asta, I..." She became increasingly desperate, unsure of what to say.

Money, always effective elsewhere, had no impact on Su Qing. Even her emotional outburst was disrupted by his response.

By now, Asta realized that logically, she could not persuade Su Qing nor should she prevent him from leaving. Moreover, his determination made it seem impossible to keep him...

Overwhelmed with distress and anxiety, Asta finally couldn't hold back and burst into tears. "I don't want you to go! I just don't want you to leave!" She threw herself into Su Qing's arms, pleading, "Please don't go, okay?!?"

Seeing Asta cry and become distraught, Su Qing paradoxically felt a sense of relief. This was actually progress.

It seemed she understood there was no changing the situation; she merely needed to vent her emotions.

"Su Qing, I don't want you to leave..." Sobbing uncontrollably, tears flowed like pearls from Asta as she clung to him. "With your family's vast operations, even buying ingredients could lead them to bankruptcy."

"After leaving the space station, you'll undoubtedly immerse yourself in culinary research, barely returning for years. Eventually, you'll disappear while seeking dangerous ingredients, and I'll never see you again!"

Her sobs intensified as she continued, "I don't want this to happen! I can't bear to lose you!"

Su Qing opened his mouth...

Alright, it was indeed somewhat plausible.

People die for wealth, chefs perish for ingredients.

However, that was in the past.

Nowadays, what ingredient could possibly endanger him? Perhaps Lord Ravager?

"Relax, it won't happen," Su Qing reassured her. "I promise to always prioritize safety."

In his embrace, Asta clutched at his clothes, refusing to listen to explanations and sobbing uncontrollably. "I don't want you to go! Please don't leave, okay? Don't go! Stay..."

"It's alright, calm down now."

By now, Su Qing had gained some experience in comforting crying girls. He let Asta cry in his arms for a moment, allowing her emotions to release.

Then, gently, he said, "Stop crying."

With his left hand supporting Asta's waist, Su Qing used his right hand to pat her back before softly stroking her head. Lowering his head, he whispered soothingly, "It's not like I won't return. I guarantee I'll come back to visit you often."

[Qingque: Su Qing, why are you so skilled at this?!]

Asta lifted her tear-streaked face from his embrace, hiccuping between sobs, "Don't...don't touch my head (sob), I'm already...already grown up...?!"

[Herta: Can't hold it together anymore.]

[Sparkle: Aww, how sweet.]

[Stelle: Crying little rich girl is adorable.]

"Alright, alright, I'll listen to you - no more head pats." Su Qing smiled, removed his hand, and gently asked, "What would you like to eat? Before leaving, I can make it for you."

"I wish you wouldn't go..."

"So, nothing to eat then?"

"You... (sobbing) You're mean..." Asta lifted her head from his embrace, trying to hold back but failing as she sniffled, tears streaming down her face. Still crying, she managed to say, "I want your fried rice with eggs..."

[Black Swan: Oh dear.]

[Seele: It's both heart-wrenching and amusing.]

[Fu Xuan: Indeed.]

[Herta: (shaking head) Claiming to be grown up, yet still just a little girl.]

In any case, since Asta could express what she wanted to eat, it meant he had temporarily succeeded in comforting her.

Outside the meeting room door, Stelle and March 7th couldn't help but exclaim repeatedly with surprise and delight—"Ohh~," "Wow!"

Their reactions were similar, feeling utterly captivated by this scene straight out of a drama series.

Herta also expressed amazement with audible clicks of intrigue.

Her astonishment primarily stemmed from Su Qing. Until recently, he seemed like a clueless blockhead only good at cooking. Yet, in the short time they hadn't paid attention, he had transformed into someone capable of soothing even Asta.

Where did he learn these skills? Being able to cook and comfort girls—now that's quite impressive!

Peering through the door crack, Himeko frowned and attentively observed the two inside the room.

After a moment, her brows relaxed slightly.

Childhood sweethearts, huh...

Isn't the chance of success quite low with this trope?

Recent events had heightened Himeko's sense of insecurity. She understood that attracting exceptional girls to Su Qing was not unusual. However, two Stellaron Hunters and the Young Lady of the Interastral Peace Corporation? It seemed overwhelming.

Himeko couldn't help but ponder:

Su Qing, my lover, my true love...

Just what have you been up to all these years?!

Why are the girls who like you so incredibly accomplished?!

[Qingque: Ha ha, Himeko is about to lose it.]

[Stelle: Sister Himeko? Seems like a bit too many formidable rivals.]

[Sparkle: @Himeko, don't worry yet; I suspect there's more to come that'll give you cause for concern.]

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko realized that as his girlfriend, she indeed held significant advantages, but at times, she felt quite vulnerable.]

[After all, others could only ascend further, while she stood at the peak—one misstep, and she risked being overtaken.]

[Firefly: Not just two Stellaron Hunters, but three!]

[Sparkle: Relax, @Firefly, don't jump to conclusions either.]

Su Qing continued comforting Asta for a while longer.

Asta needed some time to recover, her eyes red from crying.

Finally, Su Qing pushed open the meeting room door and stepped out first.

The eavesdroppers outside hastily dispersed, pretending they hadn't been spying.

Herta picked up a sand timer from the windowsill. "Hmm, this sand timer—what a typical sand timer it is."

Stelle and March 7th leaned closer to each other.

"Wow!" Stelle exclaimed, surprised. "Your camera actually takes pictures!"

March 7th, unsure of what she was saying herself, chimed in, "Yes, yes, I didn't expect that at all!"

[March 7th: ? Ha ha ha ha ha!!]

[Bronya: You're laughing at yourself?]

[March 7th: Yep! Looking back at my past silliness is quite amusing!!]

[Silver Wolf: Laugh now. Just wait until you confront your true dark history; then, you won't be able to laugh anymore...]

[Fu Xuan: Indeed, some understand this deeply.]

Amidst everyone's reactions,

only Himeko sat calmly in a chair slightly away, her head lowered as she looked at her phone, appearing the most composed.

[March 7th: When did she do that?! I didn't even notice!]

[Black Swan: Right after Su Qing let go of Asta, Himeko turned and walked towards the chair.]

[Qingque: Anticipated Move]

[Seele: Awareness]

[Stelle: As expected from Sister Himeko, truly impressive!!]

Su Qing scanned the room and roughly guessed what had happened. However, he paid it no mind. Clapping his hands to grab everyone's attention, he announced, "With everything resolved, next... it's time for the banquet."

[Stelle: Yay!]

[March 7th: Let's dig in!]

["March 7th: Finally getting to taste Su Qing's cooking!!"]

***

Su Qing's culinary skills, bolstered by theoretical deductions and the new inspirations from his Growing Genius ability, had achieved another breakthrough after a long time.

[Culinary Skills: LV 4 (10/100)]

At Level 4, each point of experience brought significant improvements. Breaking through to 10 points marked a substantial leap forward.

Having endured multiple simulations, the Antimatter Legion invasion, and Asta's incident, Su Qing could finally relax and joyfully prepare food again.

[Stelle: Cheerful, Asta: Alright, alright, so you equate me with the Antimatter Legion, huh?]

[Seele: Hahaha, for Su Qing, dealing with the former might actually be easier.]

The occasion called for a banquet, and it had been a while since Su Qing fully dedicated himself to cooking.

One scientist claimed that upon lifting the dish covers, they briefly saw shimmering golden effects, though it was so fleeting, likely a mere illusion.

Asta had slightly recovered.

Su Qing specially presented her with several dishes prepared just for her.

With her right hand shielding her reddened eyes as if blocking out sunlight, she said, "Su Qing, don't look at me yet..."

Only now did she realize how embarrassing it must have been, sobbing uncontrollably in Su Qing's arms!

To think she had cried so uncontrollably in front of her childhood friend! Asta was genuinely a young lady; even from as far back as she could remember, she never shed such embarrassing tears before her parents.

Feeling extremely embarrassed, she composed herself somewhat after eating the fried rice with eggs.

The contrast between her reddened eyes, still puffy from crying, and her expression brightening like a blossoming flower created an endearing yet pitiable sight.

After taking just one bite, Asta exclaimed in delight, "Has your cooking improved again?!?"

Su Qing's lips curved into a smile, feeling quite pleased. "Can you really tell?"

"Of course!" Asta puffed out her small chest confidently. "As your childhood friend, I can definitely taste these changes!"

Stelle chimed in, "It's absolutely delicious!"

Having tasted Su Qing's dish, Stelle clutched her chest, saying, "Ah... my propulsion unit feels so warm. This food is so good, it might make me develop human emotions."

[Silver Wolf: Joyful, Stelle's Law: Becoming Human.]

[Seele: ...Too abstract.]

[Fu Xuan (shrugging): To exhibit this reaction right upon waking up, what should we say?]

[Qingque: That's pure talent!]

March 7th forked a piece of cake and popped it into her mouth. She couldn't help but close her eyes, her short pink hair seemingly fluttering in an invisible breeze. The cake melted instantly on her tongue, its sweetness unparalleled.

With each bite, March 7th felt as if she were transported back to her purest state within the hexaphase ice.

If asked to choose a few representative memories since waking up...

This experience would undoubtedly be one of them!

On the side, Himeko was taken aback. As she savored the food personally prepared by Su Qing, she gently covered her mouth with her right hand to conceal her astonishment.

Himeko couldn't help but feel that the mysteries surrounding Su Qing just kept piling up. Thankfully, unlike the previous ones, this revelation was purely delightful...

[Qingque: Aaaah! Watching you all eat makes me so envious! What does it taste like?]

[March 7th: S-s-super delicious!! It's like having shaved ice made from hexaphase ice!]

[Stelle: It's absolutely divine, akin to a Stellaron explosion!]

[Qingque: ???, What a unique comparison!]

Welt remarked that while he had tasted numerous delicacies, Su Qing's culinary skills stood out among the best.

Dan Heng nodded, feeling that this dish was worthy of inclusion in the knowledge bank entries.

Not forgetting Pom-Pom on the train, they ensured to share plenty of these delectable treats with her as well.

After the banquet, the crew of the Astral Express gathered together.

Once again, Himeko brought up inviting Su Qing aboard the ship.

Naturally, everyone expressed their enthusiastic welcome.

Stelle also nodded, "I'm all for it!"

[Seele: ? Who asked you?]

[Seele: Stelle, since when did you sneak into the Astral Express Crew's gathering?!]

[Stelle: What do you mean by 'sneak in'?!]

[Stelle: I've been part of the Astral Express crew from the start!]

[Himeko (smiling): After waking up, Stelle was promptly invited by little March to join the train.]

Upon receiving the invitation,

Su Qing pondered briefly. Considering his relationship with Himeko, the warmth he felt towards Stelle, the Trailblazer's good reputation, and the fact that they were about to depart the space station, there was no reason to decline. He gladly accepted.

[Stelle: Alright, alright, alright!]

[Stelle: Now we can feast on gourmet meals every day!]

[March 7th: And just like that, Sister Himeko hits another Tian Hu jackpot!]

[March 7th: Train journey, shared quarters, kindred spirits, exploring the stars... hehe, what a perfect start, right?!]

[March 7th: With this opening move, victory is assured!]

[Himeko: ...While I don't wish to jinx it, little March, let's not be too overconfident.]

Shortly after, the Astral Express was about to depart from the space station.

With tears welling up, Asta clung to Su Qing's sleeve. "Su Qing, you must remember to come back and visit me."

"I will."

"Once a day, okay?"

"That's really not possible."

"How about once a week?"

Herta gently pulled her away. "Now, now, everyone is watching."

Reluctantly, Asta let go of Su Qing's sleeve and waved goodbye.

The train slowly departed from the space station.

Asta looked somewhat crestfallen but remained quiet, surprisingly subdued.

Herta was taken aback, thinking perhaps she had truly matured.

However, just as the train cleared the platform...

"Well then, since we've been apart for some time already," the little heiress solemnly took out her phone, "let's start with a video call to Su Qing."

Speechless, Herta exclaimed, "...Hold on! It hasn't even been a minute yet!"

[Seele: Hahahaha!!]

Inside the train carriage...

Conductor Pom-Pom, exuding authority, was about to announce their next destination when suddenly, light flickered, and a graceful figure materialized on the train.

It was Kafka's holographic projection.

Himeko immediately muttered with a hint of annoyance, "...Tch."

March 7th's eyes widened; she thought she just heard Sister Himeko click her tongue? But as she turned to look, she found that Sister Himeko maintained her elegant demeanor, showing no sign of any outburst.

Kafka, holding an umbrella, walked through the center of the train, her voice soft and melodious. "Greetings, everyone aboard the Astral Express. I am Kafka."

With her right hand crossed over her chest, Himeko didn't glance at Kafka but instead examined her own left-hand nails, displaying her disdain. "No need for such charming introductions. Stellaron Hunter."

"Chuckle..."

Smiling, Kafka raised a finger and addressed, "Himeko, isn't it?"

Himeko didn't respond verbally; instead, she gave Kafka an expressive look, leaving her to interpret its meaning.

[March 7th: Ha ha ha! Sister Himeko's expression seems to say: Stop pretending already!]

Following this exchange, both Kafka and Himeko subtly glanced at Su Qing in unison, displaying remarkable tacit agreement.

Su Qing met their gazes briefly before nonchalantly looking out the window.

[Stelle: Joyful, Su Qing: This universe... is just too cosmic!]

After their customary minor dispute, Kafka got straight to the point: "I've come here today to request that you change your destination."