"How long did you spend getting ready today, Almis?"

Loren sincerely asked her.

Even though he didn't understand why he was asking, he still followed the Love Guru's instructions.

To Loren's surprise,

the Bingxue Witch was genuinely stunned.

"..."

The Bingxue Witch's response from Loren was completely different from what Sigrid predicted.

And what does "How long did she spend getting ready today" mean?

Doesn't it imply that she spent a long time looking good specifically for Loren today, and by incessantly questioning herself earlier, doesn't it mean she's quite concerned if Loren is satisfied?

[S: There's something here, didn't see it in this kid Loren.]

Sigrid's voice came through the Bingxue Witch's earpiece.

But this spurred Sigrid even more.

The other side was probably just lucky with that line.

[S: Tell him, you didn't even dress up today, this is how you naturally look, and the issue is his over-self-awareness.]

Sigrid commanded.

"I didn't even dress up today; this is my original look. It's your over-self-awareness, Great High Priest Loren."

The Bingxue Witch, being a mecha, wouldn't have any independent will and completely follows the pilot's instructions.

"Sorry..."

Loren recalled the Bingxue Witch's cold demeanor from the very beginning.

It really wasn't right to say these things to the Bingxue Witch.

He shouldn't have asked her any more questions.

[Guru: Feel a little wronged; if she rebuked you, just follow the flow and don't talk anymore. You don't need to change or find a topic, wait for her to care for you actively as compensation.]

The voice of the Love Guru came immediately.

It was as if this opponent wasn't simple.

"..."

Loren tried hard to control his expression, following the Guru's instructions to lower his gaze and move away from the Bingxue Witch.

He understood this time.

The Guru wanted him to play pitiful.

But is the Guru really using the male playbook?

On the other side.

The Bingxue Witch's earpiece fell silent for a while.

[S: Ask him again, you're trying to convey—is this a sign that you inherently fit his aesthetic?]

Sigrid perked up too, her tone becoming serious.

"My real intention is, does this indicate that I inherently meet your aesthetic standards?"

The Bingxue Witch asked, her gaze never leaving Loren's face.

[Guru: Agree.]

Since the step down has been given, just go along with it.

"I won't deny that..."

Loren responded, looking at her.

"Then this might be the will of the Goddess of Destiny, crafting us into the ideal versions of each other. Since it's the deity guiding us, I hope you'll enjoy today's date, and that we can forget our colleague relationship, viewing each other as destined by the Goddess."

The Bingxue Witch spoke to Loren according to what Sigrid had taught her.

"Wait..."

Loren felt something was off upon hearing the Bingxue Witch's words.

Is this really the thought Almis would present?

How did team building suddenly transform into a date adhering to the Goddess of Destiny's will?

Moreover, the hidden implication of Almis's words might also be suggesting that their roles as Great High Priest and Lady of Divine Choice could be potential partners chosen by the Goddess, meaning the team building today is actually aimed at marriage?

But he didn't dare to ask, for if he did, Almis might coldly tell him again that it's "his over-self-awareness as Mr. Loren".

She had already warned him once before.

Loren was confused inside, completely unable to comprehend Almis's thoughts.

[Guru: Tell her that today we will act according to the Goddess of Destiny's will. If the deity wishes to give us a romantic connection, you naturally won't resist.]

The Guru spoke seriously as if facing a formidable opponent.

"..."

Such ambiguity in words, Loren found hard to utter.

Wouldn't it suggest responding to Almis, implying today is both team building and a romantic date?

[Guru: Cowards will only be spun like tops, since the other party has already shown their sword, you need to engage head-on until the end!]

The Guru seemed to have seen through Loren's hesitation and said to him forcefully.

"Today we'll follow the Goddess of Destiny's will. If the deity wishes to give us a romantic link, then I naturally wouldn't resist."

Loren, as if making up his mind, took a deep breath and smiled at the Bingxue Witch.

He felt the Guru was clashing with a worthy opponent, so he shouldn't drag behind, and simply abandon his doubts, fully following the Guru's plan.

"Got it."

The Bingxue Witch's eyes wavered for a moment, cheeks slightly flushed, as she nodded.

If it weren't for Sigrid aiding her today, she wouldn't have known how to communicate with Loren.

Indeed, seeking Sigrid's help in advance was a wise choice.

"Right, Almis, please wait a moment, I'll head to Yelleville Pastry Shop to buy some snacks and desserts. There's one I want to recommend to you."

Loren glanced at his watch.

It's already 7:42.

Juliana was probably waiting for him at the pastry shop entrance.

The Guru had helped him investigate the Bingxue Witch's food preferences, learned supposedly from the Bingxue Witch's disciple whom she loved dearly. The Bingxue Witch enjoyed soft glutinous cakes made from wheat flour and snow dew, the kind that softly pressed would give out a faint floral fragrance.

Yelleville Pastry Shop conveniently offers fruit and cream-filled cakes with a snow-white appearance topped with fruit syrup and candy; buying these cakes, Bingxue Witch would surely love them.

"Then I'm looking forward to it."

The Bingxue Witch agreed and waved at Loren.

She also needed some time to chat with Miss Sigrid.

Despite appearing calm earlier, she was nearly thrown off by Loren's words, and now is the perfect time for a recap with Sigrid given Loren's departure.