After parting ways with Mona, Yelan crossed the street and made her way toward Yanshang Teahouse.
On the way, she passed by the Summer Shop on Feiyun Slope. Her gaze flicked over toward it.
Today was the fourteenth of the first month, and there was a notice on the door saying the shop was closed for a half-month holiday, so it remained shut tight.
But standing at the entrance was a sweetly dressed young girl, staring up at the notice posted on the door. A large, unidentified parcel sat at her feet.
Yelan paused, quietly assessing the unfamiliar girl.
Twitching cat ears, twin tails, a Dendro Vision…
Yelan instantly recalled the corresponding intel—this was Kirara, a delivery girl from Komaniya Express. She'd previously visited the Summer Shop to drop off a package for Zhu Zi, and had stayed for lunch.
After a moment of thought, Yelan walked toward her.
"Kirara."
"Eh?"
Hearing her name called, Kirara turned around in surprise.
"You are…?"
"My name is Yelan. I'm… a friend of Mr. Xia. I happened to be passing by and saw you here. Do you have a delivery for him?"
"Oh, Miss Yelan, hello! Not for Mr. Xia—this one's for Miss Zhu Zi. Her parents sent more things from Inazuma."
"I see. Bit of unfortunate timing then. Zhu Zi isn't at the shop right now—she's at the construction site with Mr. Xia. They won't be back until the Lantern Rite tomorrow."
"Ah… then, Miss Yelan, do you know how to get to the site?"
"I do. I'll take you there."
"No, I couldn't ask you to—wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
"Not at all. I was planning to head that way anyway. It's on my route."
"Then, thank you so much, Miss Yelan!"
"No need to be so polite."
Yelan smiled and gave a nod.
She'd already wrapped up all the intel work at Yanshang Teahouse. Grabbing a meal along the way wouldn't hurt. Besides, deepening bonds always takes a little extra effort.
---
At the construction site
Kirara stared wide-eyed at the massive Sunset Vermillionite overhead, clearly stunned. "A floating building!"
"That's the school Mr. Xia is building."
"A school!"
"Once it opens, children from all across Liyue will be able to study here for free."
"Free school?! Will there be food too?"
"There'll be free lunch, and Rainbow Juice during breaks."
"That's amazing!"
"Come on, I'll take you over. Mr. Xia is helping out at the cafeteria right now. Zhu Zi should be there too."
"Mm!"
Sure enough, when they arrived at the cafeteria, Zhu Zi was already seated and mid-meal.
"Zhu Zi!"
"Hm?"
She looked up, cheeks puffed with rice.
"Miss Yelan… and Kirara?"
"Miss Zhu Zi! Your delivery has arrived, please sign here!"
"Oh! Okay!"
Zhu Zi quickly swallowed her bite and came over.
"All signed."
"Got it! Your package has been delivered safe and on time!"
"Mm."
"If you liked the service, please leave me a five-star review!"
"Hehe, five stars!"
Yelan shook her head and headed off to get her meal.
Nearby, Xia Ci waved. "Kirara!"
Kirara's face lit up. "Xia Ci! It's been so long!"
"Yeah! Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet."
"Come on, eat with us. My cousin made this."
"Don't mind if I do!"
She was a Dendro Vision holder—naturally attuned to the Dendro Archon. Last time she delivered here, Xia Ci had invited her to stay for hotpot, and she hadn't forgotten the taste since.
Being a youkai, Kirara had no reservations and happily sat down.
Across the table, Xia Zhen watched her with interest. Sensing the gaze, Kirara turned and blinked curiously at the unfamiliar woman. "Who's this?"
"She's my cousin—Xia Zhen."
"Oh! Hello, Miss Xia Zhen!"
"Hello, Miss Kirara."
Not far off, the sound of a package being opened echoed.
"Zhu Zi, what did your parents send this time?"
"Let's see… a letter, and a bunch of specialty snacks…"
"More dried plums and Sakura Blooms."
"Shenhe really loves dried plums."
"There's a scarf and a hat too—looks hand-knit. So thick! Your parents really care about you."
"Hehe…"
Zhu Zi divided the snacks among everyone.
Xia Zhen took a bite of the dried plum, and the familiar tartness stirred something complicated in her expression.
After lunch, Zhu Zi wrote a return letter and pulled a few gifts—including a self-published novel—out from her ring to send back with Kirara.
Kirara's eyes sparkled when she saw the Ring. "You can store things in there?"
"That's right!"
"That's so useful! Where'd you get it?"
"It was a gift from the boss."
"A gift?!"
"It's kind of a workplace benefit."
"That's amazing… If I had something like that, I could deliver way more packages at once!"
She stared at it with open envy—just as a voice called out from behind.
"Indeed."
"Mr. Xia? You're done with work already? Today's lunch was incredible—thank you!"
"Thanks for the praise. Kirara, would you like a ring like that too?"
"Ah, no, not at all! I was just admiring it… Please don't worry about it!"
Kirara waved her hands quickly.
Xia Zhi just smiled without saying more.
"Kirara, do you have any other deliveries today?"
"Nope! I finished them all so I could take tomorrow off and enjoy the Lantern Rite in Liyue!"
"Great plan. So you'll be staying in Liyue the next two days?"
"Yup!"
"Then why not come join us for dinner at the shop tomorrow?"
"Um…"
Kirara looked tempted, but after already scoring a meal today, she felt awkward about accepting again.
"Wouldn't that be imposing…?"
"Not at all. I've invited quite a few friends already. The more, the merrier—it's a festival, after all."
"Then… thank you! I'll definitely come!"
"Looking forward to it."
Xia Zhi turned and walked off.
Zhu Zi wrapped an arm around Kirara's shoulder and whispered, "Listen, don't go snacking on the streets tomorrow—save room! I asked the boss in secret, and he said he's making Gods' Temptation again. That dish is insanely good!"
Kirara didn't fully understand but responded with solemn seriousness. "Understood!"
---
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