Yao Huizhong hastily wiped his mouth and silently cast a cleaning spell to get the tea stains out of his white robes.

“A- A- A- Song,” He stuttered, “C-could you repeat your question again…? Shizun must have misheard you…”

Song Qingge felt like she was about to start Qi deviating again, but somehow she still managed to repeat herself.

“Shizun…do you know…how to get someone to fall for you…?” She said through gritted teeth. 

So I didn’t mishear her! Yao Huizhong thought,

It seems like my disciple really has grown up!

Almost the entire Fenhui Sect knew that Song Qingge had a crush on her Shixiong, and as her Master, Yao Huizhong was also well aware of this fact. However, like with the matter of Song Qingge’s misbehavior, he had taken a hands-off approach to any matters of love between his disciples. Song Qingge was still young, after all. It was normal for her to have a crush, and he thought that this was probably just a phase that would pass as she grew older.

But now it seemed like his disciple was about to get serious about pursuing her Shixiong!

Yao Huizong felt a bit conflicted. On one hand, he was glad that Song Qingge was determined to achieve something and wanted to help her succeed, but on the other hand, he knew how dense his eldest disciple could be when it came to matters of love and wanted to tell her to reconsider.

But in the end, his young disciple actually trusted him enough to ask for help in matters of love! Yao Huizhong couldn’t help but feel a bit flattered by this, so in the end, he decided to offer Song Qingge some words of advice.

“Ahem, well, if you want someone to fall for you, A-Song, the first thing you need to do is get closer to them.”

“How so?” Song Qingge asked, mentally preparing to take notes in her head.

“Just spend some more time with them. For example, you could practice cultivation together,” Yao Huizhong said while giving Song Qingge a ‘knowing’ smile.

“You could also help them with the daily chores, or go on adventures down the mountain together. The point is to build trust between each other.”

“You see, trust is the foundation of love, A-Song. Without trust, love is bound to end in tragedy.” Yao Huizong said sagely. He felt quite pleased with himself for coming up with that on the spot! He looked at Song Qingge excitedly, half expecting her to be wearing an expression of awe.

Unfortunately for him, Song Qingge’s face was full of despair!

Trust is the foundation of love?! But Wei Yaozu doesn’t trust anybody!

How can I get Luo Jie to fall for him without trust?!

Seeing Song Qingge’s face full of anguish, Yao Huizhong gently placed a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.

“A-Song, trust takes time to build, so don’t despair. You can just start slowly.” He said with a soft smile.

Shizun is right, Song Qingge thought, I just need to do what I can for now!

Shizun's other ideas sounded doable…

Song Qingge stood up suddenly with renewed vigor. She cupped her hand in from of her and bowed to Yao Huizhong before saying:

“Thank you, Shizun, for your guidance! This disciple will do her best!” and without giving Yao Huizhong a moment to reply, she ran right out the door.

Finally alone once again, Yao Huizhong sighed.

I’m still a bit worried about that disciple of mine… he thought to himself, but before he could fret anymore, there was a knock at his window. Yao Huizhong quickly opened the window to reveal a shadowy figure waiting outside.

“Trust is the foundation of love, hm?” The shadowy figure said somewhat mockingly,

"You're one to talk about trust…”

A light blush appeared on Yao Huizhong’s face at the shadow’s harsh words.

“Don’t tease me, and just come back inside.” Yao Huizong said somewhat sharply.

 The shadow didn’t push him any further and obediently crawled back inside the bamboo house.

___

When Song Qingge opened her eyes the next morning, she was greeted by the sight of Wei Yaozu sitting at her dining table.

“What the f-” Song Qingge quickly stopped herself mid-sentance, she couldn’t afford to offend the villain, after all! She quickly cleared her throat before continuing.

“Ahem, I mean, Shidi, what are you doing here?”

“In private, you should address me as Lord Wei,” Wei Yaozu said coldly, “And you already know why I’m here, or have you forgotten our deal already?” 

He gestured to the Fate-Controlling dagger lying on the small bamboo table in front of him, sending involuntary shivers down Song Qingge’s spine.

“Ah, no Shid- Lord Wei, I haven’t forgotten.” Song Qingge said, swallowing the last bit of her pride.

“Then out with it, what’s your plan?” Wei Yaozu snapped.

Can I not even get out of my nightclothes before talking to you!? Song Qingge thought bitterly,

Wei Yaozu, you’re really such a villain!!!

Despite her internal grumbling, Song Qingge had no choice but to begin explaining her plan.

“Lord Wei, the first step of the plan is for you and Shixiong to spend some time alone together!”

Lord Wei : “...”

“...”

“...How will that make him fall for me?” Despite already having extremely low expectations for Song Qingge’s plan, Wei Yaozu couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

Is this girl even stupider than I originally thought? Should I just kill her…?

Seeing the flash of killing intent in Wei Yaozu’s eyes, Song Qingge hurriedly began to explain:

“ Ah- Lord Wei! You see, the secret to making someone fall for you is getting them to trust you! And the more time you spend alone with Shixiong, the more he’ll begin to subconsciously trust you!”

If Yao Huizhong had been there to hear Song Qingge’s words, he would have felt there was something off about her phrasing. Unfortunately only Wei Yaozu was present, and in his mind…

…Her words seemed to actually make sense?

“So, if Shixiong trusts me, he’ll start to fall in love with me?” Wei Yaozu asked somewhat innocently.

“...Something like that.” Song Qingge replied somewhat hesitantly.

It looks like he’s satisfied with my plan, at least for now…

“So, how do you plan to get me and Shixiong alone together?” Wei Yaozu asked excitedly.

Spending time alone with Shixiong…! Just the thought of this made Wei Yaozu’s heart start to beat faster, and he was anxious to hear how Song Qingge would make it happen.

“Right!” Song Qingge said, determination filling her entire body with energy.

“My plan starts like this…”