Keqing, seeing that her presence was no longer needed, politely took her leave from Shao Yun and turned back to her own work.
In an instant, only Shao Yun and Ganyu remained.
Ganyu gently smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear and asked somewhat awkwardly, "Mr. Shao Yun, would you... like something to drink?"
Shao Yun shook his head with a gentle smile, indicating that it wasn't necessary. "No need to trouble yourself. Go ahead with your work."
Hearing this, Ganyu gestured toward the direction behind her, trying to confirm if Shao Yun really didn't need her. She asked hesitantly, "Then... I'm really going now?"
Shao Yun chuckled heartily. "Go on, get back to your duties. Don't be so hesitant."
Ganyu stepped back a few paces and said goodbye to Shao Yun, "Alright then. I'll be going."
With that, she turned and left, leaving Shao Yun waiting for Ningguang's return.
Not long after, Ningguang returned quickly to Shao Yun, a freshly wax-sealed letter tightly held in her hand.
"Mr. Shao Yun, the letter is ready. Captain Beidou will understand once she sees it."
As Shao Yun took the letter, a faint, elegant fragrance of silk flowers drifted to his nose, and he couldn't help but think of the balm Ying'er had carefully prepared.
Ying'er's handmade balm is quite well-known... no wonder the two seemed familiar with each other during that commission mission back then...
"Thank you, Miss Ningguang."
Ningguang gave a gentle wave, watching Shao Yun depart with a kind smile playing on her lips.
"Take care." she said softly. Then, as if something had just crossed her mind, her voice faltered slightly, tinged with a barely noticeable awkwardness.
"Come back and visit... when you can..." Though said reluctantly, she still kept her tone polite.
Shao Yun gave a slight nod and then turned to leave, departing from Yuehai Pavilion.
Once Shao Yun had gone, Yuehai Pavilion was filled with sounds of labored breathing and hushed murmurs.
"That demon is finally gone."
"Praise the Archon, we survived another day..."
…
After meeting with Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu, Shao Yun decided to visit a special friend—Hu Tao.
Walking through the streets of Feiyun Slope, that familiar and lively voice cut through the noise of the crowd and landed right in Shao Yun's ears.
"Step right up! Big promotion at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—buy one, get one free! The bigger your house, the more temporary it is. But this little box? That's your forever home!"
Hu Tao was standing in the middle of the street, waving flyers with a cheerful grin on her face as she hollered.
Passersby noticed the director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor at it again.
Hearing her, Shao Yun couldn't help but chuckle to himself. This girl actually took my offhand remark and turned it into a sales pitch.
He quickened his pace and approached her, greeting her with a smile.
"Miss Hu Tao."
Hu Tao turned around, and as soon as she saw Shao Yun, the plum blossom pupils in her eyes lit up instantly. She responded excitedly, "Ah, Mr. Shao Yun! Hello there!"
"Why are you so excited...?" Shao Yun asked curiously, though he already had a hunch.
Hu Tao beamed even brighter and explained, "You're our number one 'client provider' at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Every time you visit, we get tons of business. You're practically our lucky charm!"
Shao Yun laughed helplessly and shook his head. "Haha, Hu Tao, you're as humorous as ever. Unfortunately, I'm not here to bring you business today."
Hu Tao composed herself, replying with mock seriousness, "Haha, just joking. So, Mr. Shao Yun, what brings you here today? If you're looking for our consultant, he happens to be off today. I have no idea where he went."
Shao Yun shook his head. He had no desire to see Venti or Zhongli right now.
"No, I'm just here to say farewell to friends in Liyue Harbor. As you know, our journey continues—we can't stay long."
Hu Tao's smile gradually faded, replaced by a look of understanding and well-wishing. She spoke softly, "Ah, I see. Then, safe travels to you. Take care of yourself out there—safety first. I don't want to be doing your business too soon."
Shao Yun nodded gratefully and tipped his hat in thanks.
"Thank you for your blessing. And may you stay healthy. As for the 'thriving business' of the funeral parlor... well, let's hope there's not too much of that…"
…
After saying goodbye to Hu Tao, Shao Yun headed east from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and arrived at Chihu Rock, one of the bustling areas of Liyue Harbor.
Just as he was about to go meet Lumine and Paimon at Wanmin Restaurant, a sudden thought made him change course.
He recalled Yi Xuan and Yi Zhu—those two innocent, yet unfortunate children—and a deep sense of attachment welled up in his heart.
Following a faint yet warm memory, Shao Yun arrived in front of their small home.
He knocked gently and called softly as he knocked, "Yi Xuan, Yi Zhu, it's me, Shao Yun. I came to visit..."
But only an empty echo answered him.
Just then, a kind old woman happened to walk by. Seeing the situation, she paused and said, "Young man, no need to knock. Those two kids are at school. They won't be back until evening."
Shao Yun turned quickly and asked with concern about the children's well-being.
The elderly woman thought for a moment before speaking slowly, "The Millelith have really been taking good care of those two. Just recently, they helped move in a lot of new furniture and even had the house properly renovated. I heard the Ministry of Civil Affairs promised to support the siblings until they come of age."
Hearing this, Shao Yun nodded softly and offered the old woman his heartfelt thanks.
After watching her leave, he turned his gaze back to the siblings' home.
Shao Yun stood there quietly for a while, his expression complex as he looked upon the place. Eventually, filled with comfort and blessing, he turned and walked away.
…
Shao Yun entered Wanmin Restaurant. The morning was unusually quiet, with only a few patrons scattered around.
His eyes quickly found Lumine and Paimon in a corner, waiting leisurely.
He waved and called out, "Lumine, Paimon, I'm back."
Paimon flew over excitedly, grabbing Shao Yun's hand and pulling him toward the table.
"Shao Yun, perfect timing! We ordered a whole table of food—come eat with us!"
Once seated, Shao Yun asked with concern, "So, what did Atsuko say?"
Lumine began recounting the situation in Inazuma—its oppressive atmosphere under the isolationist policies, the harshness of the Vision Hunt Decree, and the rejection of foreigners.
The conversation soon shifted to how they might travel to Inazuma. Lumine brought up the famed Crux Fleet and its flagship, the Alcor, which was docked at Guyun Stone Forest.
"We're planning to visit Captain Beidou after lunch and see if we can ride her ship to that sealed-off land."
Shao Yun nodded in agreement.
"I see, that's what Miss Ningguang suggested as well. She recommended we seek Beidou's help."
As he spoke, he pulled a sealed letter from his coat and showed it to Lumine and Paimon.
"Look, this is a handwritten letter of introduction from Lady Ningguang. With this, we'll have a smoother time securing Beidou's assistance for our journey to Inazuma."
Paimon's eyes widened with admiration.
"Wow, Shao Yun, you're amazing!"
Shao Yun wore a calm smile and put the letter away. "Just a small matter, not worth mentioning."
Just as he stowed the letter, Xiangling's cheerful voice rang out.
"Food's ready!"
She emerged from the kitchen, holding two heavy trays stacked with colorful, aromatic dishes.
The smell wafted over, instantly making mouths water.
She carefully set bowls and utensils before each of them while energetically introducing the dishes.
"Wanmin Restaurant's signature dishes: Squirrel Fish, Triple-Layered Consommé, Lotus Seed and Egg Soup, Stir-Fried Filet. And here are three steaming bowls of Dragon Beard Noodles, plus a complimentary cold appetizer—hope you enjoy!"
Paimon's eyes sparkled at the sight of the feast, as if she'd found treasure.
She grabbed her chopsticks and cheered, "Yay! Time to eat!"
Her excitement was downright adorable, completely immersed in the joy of the upcoming meal.
Seeing Paimon's eagerness, Xiangling couldn't help but smile warmly.
Then she turned to Shao Yun and greeted him enthusiastically.
"Mr. Shao Yun! Long time no see! How have you been?"
Shao Yun waved with a smile. "Indeed, it's been a while. Everything's been great. Thanks for asking."
Xiangling perked up even more. "Lumine told me you're heading off to another country soon? That's amazing! I hope you meet many interesting people and have safe travels. And don't forget—no matter where you go, don't skip meals!"
Shao Yun gratefully accepted her blessing and returned a sincere one of his own.
"Thanks. I wish Wanmin Restaurant booming business and continued success."
Hearing this, Xiangling felt a wave of warmth in her heart. She smiled sweetly and said, "Heehee, thanks for the compliment and the kind words. I'll get back to the kitchen—enjoy your meal! Let me know if you need anything!"
With that, she turned and went back to work.
…
After enjoying a delicious meal, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon made their way toward the docks of Liyue Harbor.
Since Shao Yun was with them, Lumine and Paimon couldn't use teleport anchors and opted for a boat instead.
Ever since the Pearl Galley was raided by Shao Yun and later handled by Yelan, the Qixing had left it abandoned on the port's edge. Now, the once-opulent ship was a decaying shelter for seabirds.
Pinghai, who used to shuttle guests to and from the ship, had lost his golden job.
Now he scraped by—sometimes taking people fishing, other times offering sea tours. But the pay was unstable and a far cry from the past, filling him with frustration and helplessness.
At this moment, he lay on his fishing boat's deck, his straw hat covering his face, grumbling in annoyance.
"That bastard, seriously... doesn't watch opera, doesn't gamble, doesn't heh heh... what the heck was he even doing there?"
"Ay, the good days are gone for good... damn it. If I could take him in a fight, I'd twist his head off and use it as a ball!"
He smirked smugly under his hat, thankfully hidden from view.
Just as Pinghai was basking in his self-pity—
"You, the one I kicked into the sea last time—get up!"
Shao Yun's voice crashed down like thunder. Upon hearing it, and recalling his earlier muttering, Pinghai instinctively tried to dive into the sea.
But Shao Yun was faster. He yanked Pinghai back effortlessly, leaving him no room to resist.
Pinghai collapsed to his knees, trembling and pleading.
"Grandpa! I was wrong, I was wrong! Please spare me!"
Mistaking Shao Yun for seeking revenge, he was paralyzed with fear.
Shao Yun put on a puzzled face. "What exactly did you do wrong?"
That only made Pinghai more terrified. He continued to grovel.
Seeing this, Shao Yun got to the point, pointing toward Guyun Stone Forest.
"We need to get to the Alcor docked at Guyun Stone Forest. You're taking us."
Upon hearing this, Pinghai immediately straightened up and respectfully gestured to the boat.
"At your service! This way, please!"
Lumine watched Pinghai's fawning behavior and turned to Shao Yun, asking softly, "Shao Yun, what exactly did you do to him before to make him like this?"
Scratching his head sheepishly, Shao Yun replied, "Last time I needed to retrieve Miss Nianhua's belongings from the Pearl Galley. He was the only one who could take me, but he was unwilling. I got impatient and... kicked him into the sea. Then I commandeered his boat to get there."
Lumine gave Shao Yun a once-over, clearly skeptical. "That's it?"
Shao Yun grinned and patted the revolver at his waist. "Oh, and I pointed this at him too. That convinced him."
Shao Yun had used the legendary 'Hold Right Click to Calm Civilians' tactic.
"That... your methods are…" Lumine was momentarily speechless.
Shao Yun quickly changed the subject.
"Alright, alright. Let's get aboard and go meet Beidou."
He took Lumine's hand and helped her and Paimon onto the boat.
Then he walked up to Pinghai, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and leaned in.
"Since you were smart today, I'll let it slide. But remember—next time you talk behind someone's back, make sure they're not around. Got it?"
Pinghai, already sweating bullets, nodded fervently, trembling. "I won't dare ever again..."
Shao Yun nodded in satisfaction and gave Pinghai a light pat on the cheek before turning back to the boat.
Pinghai, now returned to his old job of ferrying passengers, was doing so for people he absolutely dared not offend.