Sweet daily life of Little Tanuki and Qin Che in Love and Deep Space

"If winning was easy, why would I even be here?" He took your hand, which was hanging in mid-air, and pressed it against his cheek.

A warm and delicate sensation spreads across your palm.

Are you expressing disappointment?

"No, I was just curious..." You leaned closer to his face, your fingertips gently tracing the skin of his face, where there was a large bruise that must have hurt a lot. "If you lose, will you ever be afraid, for a moment, that your strong image in my mind will crumble...?"

“A little.” Qin Che’s large hand covered the back of your hand. “But there are always things more important than winning or losing.”

The red talisman pouch that had been there earlier was now hanging leisurely between his fingers; it was unclear where he had conjured it from.

"Didn't you ask the Bodhisattva for help? Besides..." He lowered his eyes, glanced at the bouquet, and then looked up at you.

"If I lose, will you not send the flowers?"

"Of course not!" You cupped his face, your eyes crinkling into a smile. "Flowers aren't just for the champion; they're just a gift I give to my beloved. As for your image collapsing, I've seen you in all your worst state. It's just a competition, what does it matter? Don't you agree, honey?"

"His mouth is full of sweet talk..." Qin Che commented, raising his eyebrows.

"Hehe... as long as you like listening, that's fine." You stood up, took his hand, and said, "Come on, hurry up and take a shower and change your clothes. You're all sticky and uncomfortable for me. The competition is finally over, and the rest of your time is mine, so we can't waste it..."

Outside the venue, Qin Che, who had already showered and changed his clothes, was given a black baseball cap by you.

The black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose obscured his sharp features.

"Where are we going?" Qin Che asked curiously.

“I just received a message in the fan group. Your fans are still cheering outside the venue. I’ve already made a plan. In a little while, we’ll pretend to be passersby and walk around in their direction so they can all get a glimpse. Consider it a perk I, as their sister-in-law, have secured for them.”

"Is it really necessary to dress up so...exaggeratedly?" Qin Che chuckled as you led him along.

"We're just trying to keep a low profile. After you've shown your face, we'll leave, and then I'll tell them it was you. That way, we'll be safer..."

"You even joined a fan group?"

"Is that the point?" You glanced at him.

"Isn't that right? I'm not a celebrity, I don't need their support."

"Oh, so you know what cheering is..." you teased, your eyes lighting up.

"Is this the important point?" Qin Che tapped your forehead helplessly.

"Oh dear, being a fan is tough. They're just expressing their love. Some fans can't get tickets and can only stand outside and join in the fun."

"Hmm, okay..." Qin Che nodded, but his expression remained indifferent, still not particularly interested.

You suddenly stopped in your tracks, realizing what you had done. Qin Che was the one who had worked the hardest; he had just finished the competition, and you had dragged him along to satisfy your "kindness."

"I didn't think it through. Forget it, let's not go. Let's go home."