Seeing Lu Heng agree, Xianyun finally felt at ease.
Entrusting Shenhe to someone else—even someone like Zhongli—would have left Xianyun uneasy. The main issue was that others simply didn't understand Shenhe the way Lu Heng did.
Not only did Lu Heng understand her, but he also had the means to help her reintegrate into human society!
So, in Xianyun's mind, handing Shenhe over to Lu Heng was the best choice.
This way, she could finally set off on her travels without worry.
"Oh, right."
Xianyun suddenly remembered something. She pulled out several million Mora and handed it to Lu Heng. "Consider this Shenhe's living expenses."
"What's this about?" Lu Heng chuckled helplessly. "It's just an extra pair of chopsticks—you think I'd take money for that?"
"That may be true, but I can't just leave it at nothing." Xianyun shook her head.
Seeing her insistence, Lu Heng didn't refuse further.
At that moment, Ganyu came out with several boxes of tea leaves.
Handing them to Lu Heng, she noticed Xianyun's beaming expression and couldn't help but ask, "Did something good happen, Adeptus?"
"Heh."
Xianyun smiled. "This old one should travel more often. Now that I've entrusted Shenhe to Mr. Lu's care, I won't have to worry about her while I'm away."
"Oh, and you too."
Xianyun turned to Ganyu with a stern look. "Make sure to take care of yourself in Liyue Harbor. Don't get so caught up in work that you forget everything else and neglect your own well-being."
"Adeptus, I'm not a child anymore," Ganyu replied with a hint of exasperation.
"What does age matter?"
Xianyun huffed. "You might be thousands of years old, but that doesn't mean anything! You and Shenhe—both supposedly grown adults—yet I still have to worry about you constantly!"
Lu Heng couldn't help but laugh.
Xianyun had such strong "parental" energy, especially when it came to Ganyu and Shenhe. The lectures came naturally to her.
It couldn't be helped—Ganyu had been raised by Xianyun, and Shenhe had been taken in and raised by her as well.
But Xianyun was also a tsundere.
Deep down, she worried endlessly about her disciples—whether Ganyu was eating properly in Liyue Harbor, whether her exhausting workload would wear her down.
Yet she couldn't bring herself to say it outright.
She'd already said it too many times before, and Ganyu had grown tired of hearing it.
The child had grown up and had her own opinions now.
It was only because Lu Heng was present that Xianyun allowed herself to grumble, "Anyway, that's that! If you can't take care of yourself, I'll just ask Mr. Lu to look after you instead!"
"Wha—?!"
Ganyu froze for a second before hurriedly waving her hands. "That would be treating Mr. Lu like a babysitter!"
"No problem."
Lu Heng grinned. "If you really can't take care of yourself, I wouldn't mind helping out."
He had no objections to Xianyun's plan.
What could he say? He was just a kind-hearted man who couldn't bear to see a beautiful girl neglecting herself.
"Uuu…"
Ganyu whined softly before quickly assuring, "I'll take care of myself, Adeptus! Please don't worry!"
"Good. See that you do."
Xianyun was satisfied.
Then, clearing her throat, she said, "Mr. Lu, you don't know these two children that well yet, do you?"
Lu Heng immediately recognized the setup for a legendary scene and smiled. "Would the Adeptus care to elaborate?"
"Speaking of these two children—"
Just as Xianyun was about to launch into a full backstory, Ganyu and Shenhe panicked.
"Adeptus!" Ganyu stomped her foot.
"Master…"
Shenhe just stared at her.
"Hmph! If you don't want to hear it, fine! I wasn't talking to you two anyway!"
The tsundere crane, interrupted mid-lecture, was clearly displeased but had no choice.
"That's all I wanted to say. I'll go pack my things now."
"How long will you be gone, Adeptus?" Lu Heng asked.
He vaguely remembered that Xianyun still had some personal matters to attend to—likely tied to her story quest.
"I'll wander around for a few months first. If anything comes up, we can always call."
"Sounds good." Lu Heng nodded, then added, "Not going to try the gacha first?"
Xianyun sighed deeply.
Broke.
She'd just handed all her cash to Lu Heng as Shenhe's living expenses!
Where was she supposed to get Mora for gacha now?
Her plan was to see if she could stumble upon some incidents during her travels—solve people's problems and earn some of that "filthy lucre" she once disdained.
Just thinking about it made the proud crane feel conflicted.
I'm an adeptus!
And yet, even I've been humbled by the times.
"Enough about that!"
Xianyun waved it off. "Everyone's busy, especially Ganyu. She should get back to work soon."
She turned to head back into her abode to pack, but after two steps, she paused again.
"Ganyu! No more blocking me on your social feed! Even if you do, I'll still know you're working overtime!"
"Eh?!"
Ganyu scratched her head awkwardly.
She'd blocked Xianyun thinking her constant work-related posts would annoy her—or worse, make her worry about her health.
She hadn't expected to be called out here.
"…Understood!"
With no other choice, Ganyu pulled Xianyun out of the blocklist on the spot.
"Good."
Xianyun was finally satisfied. "I won't keep you any longer. If these two cause any trouble, Mr. Lu, just call me!"
Tattling to the parent, huh?
Lu Heng nodded. "Got it."
"Mm. Then I'll go pack. Little Klee, see you later—don't forget about Auntie Xianyun, okay?"
"Okay~!"
The little girl nodded cheerfully. "Klee will video call Auntie Xianyun!"
"Such a good girl."
Xianyun's mood lifted.
As she disappeared into her abode to pack, Lu Heng turned to the other three.
"Shall we head back?"
"Sorry for the trouble." Ganyu's expression was complicated.
"Alright." Shenhe had no objections.
"Let's go play~!"
Klee, blissfully unaware of any melancholy, was just happy.
"Then let's go."
Lu Heng raised a hand and opened a portal, ushering the three of them back to the shop in one step.
Shenhe glanced around, her curiosity piqued by everything.
Ganyu bowed slightly to Lu Heng. "Thank you again for your trouble."
"How many times do I have to say it?"
Lu Heng sighed.
"I…"
Caught off guard, Ganyu fidgeted nervously.
It was just habit—she was polite to everyone, and Lu Heng was an even more revered figure than Rex Lapis. She couldn't afford to be disrespectful.
"What, I'm not a friend?"
Lu Heng smirked mischievously. "You're done for. Your weight stats are going public this afternoon."
"Ehh?!"
"Please don't!"
Ganyu panicked.
"Just kidding."
Lu Heng shook his head. "Alright, too many thanks make them cheap. You've got work this afternoon, right?"
"I do!"
Ganyu nodded, hesitating before adding, "Can I… treat you to dinner tonight?"
"Sure."
"Great! Then I'll message you later?"
"Sounds good. It's about time for your nap—go rest." Lu Heng checked his watch.
"Mhm."
Ganyu nodded, then turned to Shenhe and Klee. "Shimei, be good for Mr. Lu, okay? Klee, I'll see you later!"
"Understood." Shenhe nodded.
Klee waved. "Bye-bye, Sister Ganyu~!"
After seeing Ganyu off, Lu Heng happily stashed the tea leaves in a drawer.
Shenhe asked curiously, "Mr. Lu, what should I do now?"
"Just call me Lu Heng."
He thought for a moment before shrugging. "Do whatever you like. There aren't many rules here. There are helper robots around, so just keep an eye out for any shoplifters."
Would there even be thieves in Lu Heng's shop?
No one was stupid enough to steal from him.
Even if the shop were left wide open at night with no one around, no one would dare.
So, the task Lu Heng gave Shenhe was essentially meaningless.
All she had to do was stay in the shop and observe the people coming and going.
"I understand."
Shenhe nodded.
She didn't overthink it.
Her master had told her to listen to Lu Heng, so she'd carry out his instructions seriously.
With that, she began carefully watching the gacha players.
"Make yourself at home. There are plenty of rooms upstairs—pick one you like."
Lu Heng thought for a second, then added, "If I'm not around, feel free to eat wherever. Just give my name—no need to worry about money."
"Okay."
Shenhe nodded.
Once he was sure he hadn't missed anything, Lu Heng turned to Klee.
"Going back to the Knights or heading out to play?"
Klee pondered.
It had been a few days since she'd returned.
"Klee will go back to the Knights! Klee helped a lot—gotta hear Acting Grand Master Jean's praise!"
"Praise isn't enough. You deserve a medal!" Lu Heng grinned.
"Woah!"
Klee's eyes sparkled. "Really? Really?!"
"Of course!"
She had just cured Azhdaha, after all.
A simple "good job" wouldn't cut it.
"Come on, let's go find Zhongli!"
"Yay!"
"Bye-bye, Sister Shenhe!" Klee waved.
"Mm." Shenhe waved back.
"Take a seat if you get tired."
Lu Heng reminded her before leaving her to observe the gacha players—their joy at pulling gold and their despair at getting nothing.
Hopefully, these emotions would help Shenhe grow a little.
With Klee in tow, Lu Heng soon arrived at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Zhongli had only just returned.
It was still midday, and since there had been a celebratory banquet at the Jade Chamber, even he had gone to freeload some food.
Azhdaha sat nearby, picking his teeth with a toothpick, looking thoroughly pleased.
When Lu Heng walked in with Klee, Azhdaha immediately stood up.
"Klee!"
"Klee's here!"
At this point, Klee had connections everywhere.
Mondstadt had the Anemo Archon, Liyue had the Geo Archon and Azhdaha, Fontaine had Furina and Focalors, and Sumeru had the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
It was staggering when you thought about it.
"You're here? Take this back with you later." Zhongli held up a blanket.
"Huh? Isn't that mine?"
Lu Heng eyed the gacha-themed blanket in confusion.
"Director Hu slept over at your place once, remember? She brought it back to wash."
"That meticulous, huh?" Lu Heng chuckled, opening a small portal to toss it back into his shop.
Then he got to the point.
"Anyway, I'm here to get Klee a medal…"
"Medal?" Zhongli looked puzzled.
After Lu Heng explained, Zhongli laughed in understanding.
"Right, she should get one. I'll make one now."
In moments, Zhongli conjured an exquisitely crafted medal with his divine power and placed it around Klee's neck.
"This is the Azhdaha Commemorative Medal, symbolizing Klee's friendship with Liyue and her great contributions. Let's give her a round of applause!"
As everyone clapped, Klee giggled and scratched her head, a little embarrassed by the praise.
"I'll take Klee back later," Azhdaha offered. "Perfect chance to mooch some wine off Venti."
"That guy's already broke—barely scraping by on others' generosity. If you go mooch off him, you won't get much," Zhongli remarked.
"Doesn't matter how much—it's the thought that counts," Lu Heng said with a grin.
"Exactly! Klee, ready to go?" Azhdaha smiled.
"Yep!"
Watching Azhdaha leave with Klee, Zhongli turned to Lu Heng.
"Feel like catching an opera? No dates today, right?"
"None today, but I've got dinner plans tonight."
"With who?" Zhongli's curiosity was piqued.
"Your eternal workaholic," Lu Heng teased. "What, wanna freeload another meal?"
"Ganyu?"
Zhongli chuckled, then struck a pose. "Do I really seem like the kind of freeloading layabout who'd do that?"
"Old man's even cracking memes now." Lu Heng shook his head in amusement. "Let's go—I've never actually listened to an opera before."
"After you."
Zhongli led the way.
2:00 PM – Liyue Harbor, South Wharf
The massive new Crux Fleet flagship, the Alcor, slowly docked.
Beidou hadn't attended Ningguang's victory banquet—mainly because her contribution had just been firing a few cannon shots. The real heavy hitters hadn't been her, so she'd felt too awkward to go.
Besides, her crew was still on the ship. It wouldn't be right to leave them behind.
Ganyu, having received Beidou's message, was already waiting.
After exchanging a few words with Beidou, she turned her attention to the new arrivals.
Spotting Yae Miko disembarking, Ganyu waved eagerly.
"Miko! Over here!"
"Sister Ganyu!"
Though Beidou had already told her who'd be meeting them, Yae Mino's eyes still lit up.
Most Liyue-Inazuma affairs were handled between her and Ganyu, but since the Sakoku Decree, even letters had been impossible to exchange.
"It's been a while," Ganyu said warmly.
"It has." Yae Miko sighed nostalgically before smiling. "I brought plenty of Inazuma specialties for you, Sister Ganyu. I'll be relying on your hospitality during my stay."
"You're too kind." Ganyu smiled. "There are two of you, right?"
"Yes. This is General Gorou from Watatsumi Island."
In a formal setting, Yae Miko avoided mentioning the resistance, but she made sure to highlight Gorou's official title.
"Hello!" Gorou stepped forward.
He couldn't help but marvel.
Lady Yae is truly impressive—she's even got connections in Liyue. And the person meeting us is clearly someone important!
"Hello."
Ganyu nodded. "Accommodations have been arranged. Since Miko and I are familiar, we'll stay together for convenience. Would the diplomatic guesthouse work for you?"
"Of course!" Gorou wasn't picky.
Besides, Liyue's diplomatic quarters were quite comfortable—after all, they were meant for foreign guests. Anything less would reflect poorly on the nation.
"Then follow me. Let's get you settled first."
"One moment."
Yae Miko and Gorou quickly thanked Beidou.
"No worries! You've got my number—keep in touch!" Beidou waved them off.
"Absolutely."
"Then we'll be going."
"Take care!"
As Beidou returned to overseeing the unloading, Ganyu led Yae Miko and Gorou toward the guesthouse.
Though the new Alcor was steadier than its predecessor, life at sea still couldn't compare to solid ground.
"How about resting in Liyue Harbor for tonight?" Ganyu suggested. "It'll give you time to learn more about your destination."
"I'll follow your lead, Sister." Yae Miko nodded.
"Sounds good." Gorou agreed.
Now that they were in Liyue, there was no need to rush. Better to avoid any accidental breaches of etiquette.
He tended to be impulsive, but before leaving, Kokomi had reminded him to stay calm and think things through.
As they chatted in the guesthouse…
Elsewhere, Lu Heng and Zhongli arrived at Heyu Tea House.
Though everyone was tightening their purse strings these days, the opera house was still packed whenever Yun Jin performed—proof of her unparalleled skill and reputation.
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T/N:
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