Ever since the Traveler arrived on Inazuma Island, the storm there had become far more intense.
In contrast, everything in Liyue remained calm and peaceful.
When the first rays of morning sunlight illuminated Liyue Harbor, every Liyue resident who stepped out the door, as usual, marveled at what a beautiful day it was.
Then, leisurely, they went off to work.
Though nowadays everyone had enough food and money, having moved beyond basic worries,
finding a job wasn't just about Mora—it was also about having something to do, something to pursue.
In the past, Liyue residents worked to survive.
Now, Liyue residents worked to cultivate their character.
In short…
they went to work no matter what.
That morning, Ryen also pushed open the door and stepped out, stretching lazily.
Like all Liyue residents, he remarked:
"What a beautiful day…"
Ganyu followed behind him, strolling out slowly, her cheeks still flushed with a radiant glow.
Clearly, her morning training had been quite thorough.
Nahida approached, holding a piece of bread, eyes full of expectation:
"Ryen! Breakfast!"
Ryen smiled gently and ruffled Nahida's hair.
"Thanks. Milk with bread—what a way to start a good day."
"Milk?"
Nahida paused, puzzled:
"Ryen is drinking milk?"
Ryen smiled meaningfully, glancing at Ganyu, who looked a bit flustered, and shook his head:
"No, I've already had it. To be precise, it wasn't milk—it was coconut milk."
Nahida didn't understand, but for some reason felt a little annoyed.
Ganyu quietly pinched Ryen's waist and leaned close to whisper:
"I told you not to mention this in front of others!"
"Nahida doesn't know, don't worry."
Ryen chuckled silently.
Besides Hu Tao, who had been with him before, no one knew about Ganyu's special quirks.
Which was why, no matter who else was hungry, Ryen could never bear for Ganyu to go hungry.
If Ganyu went hungry, then he would go hungry too.
Ryen wasn't particularly picky about food in Teyvat, but if he had to choose, Ganyu's special treats were his favorite.
Klee had already woken up and was running around the courtyard, chasing butterflies.
Ever since Ryen's world had become Klee's testing ground for explosives, she hadn't set off a bomb in Teyvat for a long time.
Jean exclaimed that Klee had become so sensible.
A Klee who didn't throw bombs was the perfect obedient daughter.
After sitting in the courtyard soaking up some sun for a while, the others gradually arrived one by one.
Ryen glanced at Jean and softly asked:
"Did the Traveler and Paimon not return last night?"
Jean nodded slightly.
"Judging by the timing, they probably just arrived in Inazuma yesterday afternoon. It makes sense they didn't return at night."
Ryen didn't think much of it. With Ayaka and the Traveler gone, and knowing Beidou's usual style, there would probably be some big moves again.
Previously, when Beidou brought Ayaka out, they almost caused a fight in Inazuma. This time, with so many valuable items on her ship, Beidou would surely be tempted to try them out.
But she wouldn't go overboard—Beidou always had limits.
It was just that, wherever the Traveler went, trouble tended to follow.
Inazuma probably wouldn't have a quiet moment for a while—but then again, it was already chaotic there; with or without the Traveler, it wouldn't make much difference.
"Looks like, in the short term, the Traveler won't be back."
Lisa, smiling, leaned against Ryen's shoulder and nuzzled his face.
"So, are you planning to slow down your progress and wait for her?"
"What nonsense!"
Ryen rolled his eyes.
"My plans are all real-time. If I slow down, I'd have to rethink what to do next."
"No big deal, though. The Traveler is already very familiar with my world. Even if she falls behind a bit, one or two days of catching up would get her back on track with everyone else."
Lisa wasn't surprised by Ryen's answer, but she teased him:
"You really are a heartless man."
"I call it foresight!"
Ryen laughed and pinched Lisa's cheek. She leaned close to his lips and whispered:
"I haven't received your morning greeting yet."
Without hesitation, Ryen kissed her.
"Now are you satisfied?"
"Hmph… it's okay, I guess."
Lisa pretended to be proud, pouting slightly, but the happiness in her eyes couldn't be hidden.
Especially in front of Jean, her best friend who understood her so well.
Jean had once thought Lisa might never fall in love, but unexpectedly, it happened so quickly.
Seeing Lisa so happy, Jean felt both full of blessings and a touch of envy.
Lisa's current romance was exactly what Jean had once dreamed of.
But since becoming acting Captain, Jean hadn't thought much about such things.
Her life was devoted entirely to Mondstadt.
That said…
if she could have a partner who understood and supported her, Jean thought…
that wouldn't be so bad.
Like Ryen and Ningguang: Ningguang manages Liyue, and Ryen occasionally offers advice.
When Ningguang feels tired, she can find Ryen to recharge for a bit.
Supporting each other, relying on each other—that seemed like what true love was.
Of course, ignoring the fact that Ryen was surrounded by many admirers, the situation was actually quite beautiful.
Whether it was:
Lisa and Ryen in the passionate phase of romance, inseparable, doing everything together, stealing kisses now and then;
Ryen and Ganyu sharing quiet mutual understanding, knowing each other's thoughts without speaking;
Ningguang and Ryen supporting each other and moving forward together;
Or Hu Tao's mischievous, playful relationship with Ryen—
Each relationship had its own kind of romance and charm.