Qiqi arrived at the bathhouse and quietly opened the door.
Steam billowed out in white clouds.
"Eh? Qiqi's here?"
"I'm here to bathe."
"Qiqi can bathe now?"
"I can."
She shyly undressed and slipped into the water.
Warmth wrapped around her small frame—it felt incredible.
Qiqi closed her eyes, content.
Warmth… scent… family…
All the things she thought she'd lost forever were now hers again.
How wonderful…
Master…
Opening her eyes, she noticed everyone staring at her with curiosity.
Flustered, she covered herself with her hands, cheeks bright red. "D-Don't look at me…"
"It's fine!"
"We're all girls here."
"Whoa, Qiqi's figure is even better than Hu Tao's!"
"Lies! I have the best figure!"
"Diona's about to cry again."
"Am not! Chi Yu! You're the worst!"
"Come here, let me comfort you."
"Nooo!"
The bathhouse burst into laughter and cheer.
Shenhe handed her towel to Qiqi. "Here you go."
"Thank you."
Wrapped up, Qiqi felt much better.
It was her first time bathing with so many people—she wasn't used to it yet. She'd also forgotten to bring her own towel.
But once she did this a few more times, she'd probably get used to it.
Meanwhile, Hu Tao got out of the bath, wrapped in a towel, and headed straight to the back room.
"Mr. Xia!"
"Ah, Director Hu."
"I want a massage!"
"Of course."
"Just like last time!"
"Got it."
Midway through the massage, Hu Tao, eyes closed in bliss, suddenly opened them and let out a long sigh toward the ceiling.
"What's wrong, Director Hu?"
Xia Zhi looked confused.
"Is something uncomfortable?"
"No, no, the massage is amazing. It feels wonderful."
"Then…?"
"I just remembered you're going traveling soon… And I won't be able to come for massages anymore. Makes me kind of sad."
"We'll be back."
"Chi Yu said you're heading to Mondstadt, then Inazuma, and maybe even Sumeru and Fontaine. Might not return until next year, right?"
"Hard to say."
"See! A whole year! That's prime development time for a girl's body—what if I miss it?!"
"You're misunderstanding."
"So Chi Yu was wrong?"
"No, I meant… we might not even make it back next year."
"!!!"
Hu Tao's face fell, absolutely devastated.
"No hope… no hope left…"
Xia Zhi chuckled.
"Director Hu, there's really no need to stress over your figure."
"…"
"Small is cute, too."
"!!"
"Of course, if you prefer bigger, well, that can be arranged."
"Please teach me!"
"It's quite simple. You cook, right?"
"Ah…"
Her expression stiffened.
Back when they first met, they'd gone to eat at Wanmin Restaurant, and Xia Zhi learned she was close friends with Xiangling.
He'd asked if she could cook. She nodded solemnly and said, "Of course I can cook."
But with his perspective, he'd seen the flash of guilt in her eyes. Clearly, that statement had… generous margins of error.
Now, it was the perfect thing to tease her about.
"Did you lie to me back then?"
"N-No! I can cook! Just not as well as you or Xiangling!"
"As long as you can cook, it's fine."
"What do you mean?"
"I've got a secret recipe. It's a medicinal dish with, let's say, enhancing effects."
"A miracle dish like that actually exists?!"
"It's technically a medicinal soup."
"Oh! That makes sense!"
"It's very simple—mainly some fruits, plus a few other ingredients, simmered gently."
"Sounds easy enough!"
"Right? If you want, I'll write the recipe down. That way, even if I'm not here, you can still make it."
"Yes! Please!"
"No need to get excited. Let's finish your massage first."
"Okay!"
"Turn over, please."
"Mm!"
The towel didn't offer much coverage.
She really did need some… support.
Once they finished, Hu Tao hurried over with pen and paper, eyes shining.
"Mr. Xia! The recipe!"
He laughed and took the paper, jotting it down.
The recipe was indeed effective.
Not the original version—it had been improved using his medical knowledge. A few extra herbs gave it a stronger effect.
The only downside?
The taste.
With added medicine, the flavor was more muddled. Xia Zhi could balance it out with his Culinary Mastery.
But Hu Tao… probably not.
"Done."
He set the pen down.
Hu Tao held the sheet like a sacred relic, tucking it away with utmost care.
"Thank you, Mr. Xia!"
"Don't mention it. It's just a recipe."
"That's no way to put it! I owe you a huge favor!"
"Well then… consider it payment for borrowing Zhongli as a guest consultant."
"Deal!"
They both laughed.
---
At the teahouse, Zhongli paused mid-game, frowning faintly.
The two Adepti looked over. "uh, Mr. Zhongli?"
He waved it off. "Nothing. Let's play."
---
After Hu Tao's massage, Miss Ganyu arrived.
Her progress bar was still platinum.
Big.
And white.
Very… tempting to look at.
"Mr. Xia."
"Miss Ganyu. Please, lie down."
"Um… about the [Hundred Herbs Broth] from lunch…"
"Did you enjoy it?"
"I loved it! It was the most delicious thing I've ever eaten!"
"If you liked it, I'll make it again next time."
"Okay… thank you, Mr. Xia. Also… um… because of that dish, I've… officially become an Adeptus."
"I know."
"You do?"
"I sensed it."
"As expected… Mr. Xia really is amazing. I… I owe you a huge favor."
Another one?
Xia Zhi chuckled.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Oh, nothing. Just… something happy."
---
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