"Ah…"
When Fang Li let out a surprised sound and called out to Hotogi Shirayuki, she immediately turned her head, and upon seeing Fang Li, a look of delight appeared on her face. However, shortly afterward, she seemed to remember something, covered her mouth, and anxiously looked around.
Her demeanor was as if she intended to find a place to hide.
"…What are you up to?" Fang Li couldn't help but mutter, then went directly up to her and asked.
"Why are you here?"
"I…I…" Hotogi Shirayuki seemed to be getting more and more flustered, and shortly afterward, her words became incoherent.
"I…I just happened to pass by! I definitely wasn't following you!" She hastily explained.
Fang Li's mouth twitched when he heard this.
Didn't she just blurt it out herself?
Aren't Miko supposed to be incapable of lying?
At this point, Fang Li sighed and asked directly, "Why were you following me?"
"Um…" Hotogi Shirayuki couldn't help but lower her head, looking like a child who had done something wrong. In a quiet voice, she said, "I just wanted to see where you usually go and what you do when you're alone."
"Hmm?" Fang Li furrowed his brows, very puzzled. "Why do you care about such things?"
"Because…" Hotogi Shirayuki's head hung lower, and her voice grew weaker. She said, "Because your fate is very special, and I couldn't just stand by and do nothing about it."
"Is that so?" Fang Li sighed.
Extraordinary people are destined to save the world.
Villains destined to destroy the world.
A single thought can influence the course of the world.
Such a person is undoubtedly someone others have to be concerned about.
However, no one takes this seriously, except for Hotogi Shirayuki.
"It seems you are very confident in your Divination," Fang Li raised his hand, as if to show off his entire body, and said, "But do I really look like someone with a great destiny? Could it be that your Divination has made some mistakes?"
"No, it's not like that," Hotogi Shirayuki raised her head, her gaze no longer timid but very serious as she said, "While I cannot confirm the exact direction of your future, your fate is indeed special. After that, I asked my family's experts to conduct additional divinations, and everyone came to the same conclusion, believing that you will have an impact on the world's future."
When discussing her professional knowledge, Hotogi Shirayuki's seriousness was a stark contrast to her usual gentle demeanor.
At least, looking at Hotogi Shirayuki's earnest expression, Fang Li couldn't bring himself to say "That's a mistake."
Thus, Fang Li could only helplessly say, "So, out of a sense of duty or justice, you followed me here. But as a result, you got lost here, not only unable to find me but almost unable to find your way out, right?"
Hotogi Shirayuki immediately covered her mouth.
That expression seemed to say, "How did you know?"
Fang Li really wanted to tell Hotogi Shirayuki that he could tell just from her previous actions that she got lost. Otherwise, she wouldn't have shown a happy expression upon seeing her target and then panicking shortly afterward.
"But why did you get lost?" Fang Li said, "Even though this place is abandoned, it shouldn't be difficult to find the exit, right?"
"Bu-but, I just couldn't find the way out," Hotogi Shirayuki once again lowered her head, her voice equally soft, as quiet as a mosquito. She said, "Because this is my first time outside."
"This is your first time outside?" Fang Li was taken aback.
"…Yes," Hotogi Shirayuki said softly, "This is my first time outside. Before coming to Butei High, I had always stayed in the shrine and was not allowed to go out. Even after coming to Butei High, I couldn't leave without permission from the shrine."
With just one sentence, the atmosphere around them completely changed and the complex emotions in Fang Li's heart also dissipated.
Looking at the girl in front of him, who seemed embarrassed to face him, Fang Li frowned tightly and said sternly, "What does this mean? Is it possible that in this day and age, people are still restricting others' freedom?"
"Since ancient times, Shrines have existed to protect something, and the Hotogi Shrine is one of the oldest." Hotogi Shirayuki's face showed a gentle smile as she explained, "So, from birth, we Hotogi Miko are meant to exist for the purpose of protection, until forever."
At this moment, despite Hotogi Shirayuki's impeccable smile, Fang Li could see a certain sadness in her eyes.
This made Fang Li realize that he had to say something.
No man could remain indifferent when a woman showed such an expression.
Even Fang Li was no exception.
Thus, he spoke directly, "Can you show me the other two cards you drew when you helped me with the Divination last time?"
Hotogi Shirayuki was initially puzzled but nodded, taking out the cards from her pocket and handing over the ones representing the forest and the river to Fang Li.
However, Fang Li didn't take both cards but only took the one representing the forest. As if speaking to himself, he said, "You said last time that this card represents solitude, indicating that my past is different from others, right?"
"Yes… that's correct," Hotogi Shirayuki confirmed, but her expression showed her confusion. Obviously, she didn't know the intent behind Fang Li's words.
It was only the next moment that Fang Li clarified, "However, this card symbolizing solitude has always been in your possession. It might be too ominous to keep it with you. Now, I'll take it too. From today onwards, you won't be lonely anymore."
Saying that, Fang Li put the card away and scratched his cheek. In Hotogi Shirayuki's astonished expression, he somewhat evaded the subject and continued, "Of course, this card also represents the past, and now I'm taking your past away as well. Your life begins anew from this moment, so enjoy it however you like. After all, you've left the shrine and come outside, haven't you?"
After finishing his words, Fang Li extended his hand to Hotogi Shirayuki, offering a warm smile. "If you get lost, let me guide you."
"So, don't worry."
Hotogi Shirayuki's eyes welled up with a hint of emotion when she heard those words.
Looking at Fang Li's outstretched hand and then his smile, Hotogi Shirayuki hesitantly reached out and took it.
And with that, Fang Li and Hotogi Shirayuki's bond began.
...
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