I see . . . Then, is there anything else that you might be able to tell me?
[Anything is better than nothing! It's all right, Fortune. Who needs to know how many potential allies he'll be starting with, anyway? Certainly not him!]
[That... wasn't what Fortune was expecting to be asked. But after a moment, they giggle.]
I guess you could say I have a sweet tooth. I wouldn't turn down desserts... but, anything is fine. It's the thought that matters, not what you end up giving me. I'm just lucky you're thinking of me at all.
If it's a dessert you want, Qinghua can provide! As An Ding Peak's Peak Lord, I excel in domestic service. Yes, the thought is important, but the sweets I offer will bear my thoughts and more.
[Too bad that, after this conversation, he won't be able to take anything out of the kitchen.]
[He's going to cry so much once the new rule's added.]
But, ah . . . May I ask one more question? We, the participants, were told that we would be returned safely once the contest is over. But what of those who, um . . . get treated more violently than others?
[Fortune sounds... very serious all of a sudden. To be fair, that question has a way of putting a damper on things.]
That was the first thing we made sure of. All of this... it isn't fair that you all are getting pulled into this when you don't have anything to do with us. So we made everyone promise that whatever happens here, it won't be permanent for any of you.
[What is this? Up till now, the contest had been an impersonal event, devoid of personal attachment and filled to the brim with pure competitive energy. This answer is incredibly divine, full of holy whimsy and benevolence! Shang Qinghua's lips tremble before he bows his head.]
This participant has truly found himself in good fortune by coming here.
[He doesn't know what the other gods are like, but he sure likes his!]
I thought... you'd be angry. On some level, you all agreed to come here, but... [Fortune's voice trails off.] If it were me, I'd be mad at gods who did something like this.
[That is, a god like Fortune possesses the bearing and wisdom to judge another god. Shang Qinghua doesn't have such a standing.]
Of course, I would prefer to live than to die. But, like all the other participants within this temple, I agreed to join this contest to see a wish fulfilled. This is a wish that can't ordinarily be realized in my world. And so, to be given this chance and looked after by such a mindful god, I am highly blessed.
...I see. Then, I'll do everything I can to make sure your wish comes true.
[It's a good way of thinking about it, Fortune thinks - perhaps Qinghua is just better at staying positive. They're the god of fortune, not optimism, after all.]
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I see . . . Then, is there anything else that you might be able to tell me?
[Anything is better than nothing! It's all right, Fortune. Who needs to know how many potential allies he'll be starting with, anyway? Certainly not him!]
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[Fortune sounds apologetic, at least.]
But there are things I can tell you if you ask the right questions.
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There's a beat before he smiles sheepishly.]
What kind of offerings do you like . . . ?
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[That... wasn't what Fortune was expecting to be asked. But after a moment, they giggle.]
I guess you could say I have a sweet tooth. I wouldn't turn down desserts... but, anything is fine. It's the thought that matters, not what you end up giving me. I'm just lucky you're thinking of me at all.
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[Too bad that, after this conversation, he won't be able to take anything out of the kitchen.]
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[fortune is shameless, sorry]
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[He's going to cry so much once the new rule's added.]
But, ah . . . May I ask one more question? We, the participants, were told that we would be returned safely once the contest is over. But what of those who, um . . . get treated more violently than others?
[I-if they die, do they stay dead?]
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[Fortune sounds... very serious all of a sudden. To be fair, that question has a way of putting a damper on things.]
That was the first thing we made sure of. All of this... it isn't fair that you all are getting pulled into this when you don't have anything to do with us. So we made everyone promise that whatever happens here, it won't be permanent for any of you.
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[What is this? Up till now, the contest had been an impersonal event, devoid of personal attachment and filled to the brim with pure competitive energy. This answer is incredibly divine, full of holy whimsy and benevolence! Shang Qinghua's lips tremble before he bows his head.]
This participant has truly found himself in good fortune by coming here.
[He doesn't know what the other gods are like, but he sure likes his!]
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[Fortune sounds ... well, surprised.]
I thought... you'd be angry. On some level, you all agreed to come here, but... [Fortune's voice trails off.] If it were me, I'd be mad at gods who did something like this.
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[That is, a god like Fortune possesses the bearing and wisdom to judge another god. Shang Qinghua doesn't have such a standing.]
Of course, I would prefer to live than to die. But, like all the other participants within this temple, I agreed to join this contest to see a wish fulfilled. This is a wish that can't ordinarily be realized in my world. And so, to be given this chance and looked after by such a mindful god, I am highly blessed.
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...I see. Then, I'll do everything I can to make sure your wish comes true.
[It's a good way of thinking about it, Fortune thinks - perhaps Qinghua is just better at staying positive. They're the god of fortune, not optimism, after all.]
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He smiles, though this one doesn't quite reach his eyes. Ah, he can only pray that his wish comes true! It feels like a dream, this possibility.
With an exhale, he rises from his seat and bows in gratitude.]
Then . . . I will go and make myself useful starting now.
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[Fortune doesn't want to keep him, if he has things to do.]
...if you ever have any questions or need anything, just pray to me. I'll answer.