Fu Ning had been in Fontaine for ten years.
During those ten years, Fu Ning had witnessed many fascinating things.
For example, in the Opera Epiclese courtroom, there was once an accused man who spoke such utter nonsense that even Neuvillette was rendered speechless.
Or the Anemo Archon who secretly indulged in wine.
Or a teenager, still in his early teens, who crafted a murder weapon and used it to kill his adoptive parents with his own hands.
By the way, he had also recovered to the seventh level of his power.
However, nothing dramatic happened when he returned to level seven—it was simply a natural recovery.
At level seven, Fu Ning was already among the top combat forces in all of Teyvat.
Even several demon gods working together were no match for him.
Only the most powerful of them could pose a threat.
Also, about a month ago, Fu Ning encountered a rather interesting person—and an incident worth remembering for a lifetime.
"Master Fu Ning, greetings. I am Clorinde. I would like to become your disciple and learn how to fight under your guidance."
Fu Ning raised an eyebrow, glancing at the expressionless girl holding a rapier.
Clorinde wasn't very old—she looked to be in her teens—but the calm, composed expression on her face made her seem far more mature than her age. The contrast was jarring.
"I don't accept disciples," Fu Ning said, waving his hand dismissively. He turned and walked off, following after Furina.
Clorinde watched his departing figure thoughtfully.
Day 2
Clorinde stopped Fu Ning again.
"Master Fu Ning, I would like to become your disciple."
Fu Ning looked puzzled. "Huh? Aren't you the girl who came to me yesterday? Why are you back again?"
"Hello, Master Furina. I'd like to take Master Fu Ning as my teacher," Clorinde said, now addressing Furina.
Furina shook her head. "Ugh, I know Fu Ning is popular. In Fontaine, he's the second most famous person after me. Hmph. Though Fu Ning is technically my subordinate, I can't control matters like whether he accepts disciples."
Fu Ning said, "I'll say it again—I don't accept disciples."
Day 3
"Master Fu Ning…" Clorinde once again found Fu Ning and Furina in the street. Before she could finish her sentence, Fu Ning cut her off:
"I don't accept disciples. Stop coming to me."
Furina stared at Clorinde with curiosity.
This girl seemed more persistent than she had expected.
Day 4
"Master Fu Ning, I would like to become your disciple."
Unfortunately for Fu Ning, Neuvillette was also present today.
"It seems that Mr. Fu Ning will soon have an outstanding disciple," Neuvillette said casually.
Clorinde's eyes lit up. "Indeed, Lord Neuvillette. Lord Fu Ning is the strongest fighter in Fontaine. I want him to be my master!"
"Please, speak on my behalf to Lord Fu Ning."
Fu Ning: "…"
Is it really okay for you to say that right in front of me?
"I don't accept disciples."
"And also—when did I become Fontaine's top fighter? Where did that rumor come from?"
Neuvillette: "From me."
Furina: "And from me."
"After all, Lady Furina's divine power has been transformed into the law-compensation hybrid energy, and I'm just a judge—I don't possess your combat strength," Neuvillette added.
"So it makes sense that you're Fontaine's strongest fighter."
"Indeed," Clorinde nodded solemnly.
At the Palais Mermonia, Fu Ning approached Neuvillette.
"What's the deal with that girl Clorinde? She's been chasing me for four days straight, begging to become my apprentice."
"A successor of the Shadowhunters. She's extremely determined—even I admire her perseverance," Neuvillette said. "Even if she doesn't become your disciple, she's bound for greatness."
Fu Ning: "…"
I never asked her to become my disciple.
Day 5
"Master Fu Ning…"
"I don't accept disciples."
Day 6
"Master Fu Ning…"
"Why do you want me to be your master?"
"Because you're the strongest fighter in Fontaine. I believe I could become someone great if you trained me."
"Oh. I appreciate the compliment. But I won't accept any disciples."
Day 7
At the Debord Hotel, Furina happily enjoyed pastries.
"Mmm! So delicious! Limited edition cakes really are the best!"
Fu Ning smiled, watching Furina blush with delight. He had arrived two hours early just to reserve the limited pink cake—only four pieces were made that day.
"As long as Lady Furina is happy."
Clorinde hid not far away, watching their interaction. She touched her chin.
She understood now.
The plan forming in her mind might actually work.
She stepped forward and completed her daily task.
"Master Fu Ning, I would like to become your disciple."
Fu Ning's face darkened.
"I don't accept disciples."
"Okay, Lord Fu Ning." Clorinde turned and left without any reluctance.
Day 8
"I'm sorry, Mr. Fu Ning, the cake was already bought by someone else," the clerk said apologetically.
"Huh?" Fu Ning was stunned.
It was only 3:30?!
Furina was clearly displeased. She pouted and poked Fu Ning's cheek inside the Debord Hotel, venting her frustration adorably.
Fu Ning hadn't gotten the limited cake today.
Someone had beaten him to it—despite him not having slept all night.
Looking at Furina, she looked like she was about to cry.
Then Clorinde suddenly appeared, stepping past Fu Ning and approaching Furina.
"Lady Furina, this is the limited-edition cake from the Debord Hotel. I bought four pieces for you."
Fu Ning: "…"
So it was you.
It was easy to guess.
Furina's eyes lit up as she eagerly accepted the cake.
She placed it on the table, picked up a fork, took a bite, and smiled happily.
"Mmm~ Yes, that's the taste! It's absolutely divine!"
"You're so kind, Clorinde! Would you like to join me and enjoy these pastries together?"
Clorinde smiled. "No need, Lady Furina. If you like them, I can get them for you every day."
She then turned to Fu Ning.
"Hello, Master Fu Ning."
"I…" Fu Ning guessed what was coming, but Clorinde interrupted him:
"Hello—and goodbye."
Unexpectedly, she turned and left without hesitation.
Fu Ning: "Ah?"
Day 9
"Lady Furina, here's a bag of limited edition cakes. I know you love pastries, so these are for you."
Clorinde had again bought all four slices.
Furina's eyes sparkled. "Wow! Clorinde, you're amazing! I really like you!"
(Why does this feel like ntr 💀)
"Fu Ning, we shouldn't accept gifts without giving something in return. Tell me, Clorinde—if you have a wish, I can have Fu Ning help you!"
Furina flipped her hair, clearly forgetting what she had said days ago about not interfering in Fu Ning's private matters.
Clorinde's eyes lit up.
If Lady Furina gave the order, becoming Fu Ning's apprentice might actually be possible…
But Clorinde hesitated for a while, then made up her mind.
"No."
She turned and left.
She understood the principle of patience—playing the long game to catch the big fish.
Fu Ning: "…"
Furina gave Fu Ning a sharp look.
"I bet you made her mad by refusing her for nine straight days!"
"I command you, as the Hydro Archon: Tomorrow, if Clorinde asks again, you must accept her as your apprentice!"
"What a wonderful girl Clorinde is! Even Focalors can't help but praise her!"
Fu Ning: "…"
"Yes, Lady Furina."
Day 10
Clorinde arrived with four slices of cake, spotting Fu Ning's anxious face and Furina's pouty expression as she kicked her legs in frustration.
She smiled to herself.
The plan had worked.
She walked forward and handed the cakes to Furina.
"Lady Furina, here are today's cakes."
"Also, there's a new drink on the market—I'll get it for you as well."
She didn't even look at Fu Ning.
Furina's eyes lit up. "I've been waiting for you, Clorinde!"
Then Furina gave Fu Ning a meaningful glance.
Clorinde finally looked at Fu Ning, who seemed hopeful. She knew the timing was right.
"Also, Master Fu Ning, I want to—"
Fu Ning's heart stirred. "Yes, you must want to…"
"I want to…" Clorinde dragged out the words.
"I want to be your disciple."
Fu Ning let out a long breath and quickly replied,
"Okay, okay, Clorinde, right? I'll accept you. I've decided to take you as my apprentice…"
Clorinde smiled in triumph and bowed. "Yes, Master."
Fu Ning was speechless.
You really changed your tone that fast.
Clorinde would never tell Fu Ning—
That the baker at the Debord Hotel was her uncle.
Otherwise, how could she possibly get up earlier than Fu Ning, who hadn't slept all night?
***
I'm back…I was sick plus I started playing NieR Automata (it's not a gooner game) 😭