Lumine was surrounded by this sudden force, her cheeks flushing pink. She spoke softly, a little embarrassed.
"Don't worry."
Shao Yun gently lifted Lumine into a princess carry and kissed her.
"I can't wait too long. Let's go!"
With that, Shao Yun carried Lumine and strode toward the bed.
As they approached, Lumine's eyes drifted gently to Paimon, who was sound asleep beside them. A flicker of worry passed through her heart.
"Keep your voice down. Don't wake Paimon—it'd be so embarrassing." She reminded Shao Yun in a hushed tone.
Upon hearing this, Shao Yun didn't hold back. Instead, he chuckled more brazenly, a hint of mischief in his laughter.
"As long as we're not embarrassed, Paimon will be. She sleeps like a rock—she won't know a thing about our little secret."
As he spoke, he freed one hand and gently nudged Paimon inward, creating a cozy space just for the two of them.
Lumine lay quietly on the soft bed, a blush blooming across her cheeks like the season's first peach blossoms.
Her clear eyes were half-veiled with shyness, occasionally sneaking glances at Shao Yun, who was carefully untying the bath towel around her.
"Don't let Paimon wake up..." Lumine's voice was no louder than a whisper. "If she really sees, she'll be scared."
Hearing that, Shao Yun lowered his voice and even tempered his breathing, afraid of disturbing the small, snoring Paimon.
"Don't worry. I'll be careful."
Just when the atmosphere was simmering and everything seemed perfectly in place, Lumine suddenly reached out with her right index finger and gently pressed it against Shao Yun's lips.
"By the way, before we start, I have something to say." She looked very serious. "If you don't agree with me, then get dressed and leave."
Shao Yun's heart tensed instantly. He asked urgently.
"What is it? Is it really that serious?"
Lumine took a deep breath, clearly about to make an important decision. Her tone carried weight.
"From now on, what I give you is yours. If I don't give it to you, you can't take it. This is our agreement—do you understand?"
She spoke subtly, but the meaning was crystal clear: If I let you go, then you may go. But if I don't, you can't take anything by force.
Shao Yun responded with a look of innocence.
"What do you mean? I don't understand what you're saying."
Lumine glared at him, feigning anger.
"Don't play dumb! If you're not going to follow this agreement, then get off now!"
Seeing her so serious, Shao Yun quickly grabbed her delicate hand, his eyes full of sincerity and warmth.
"Don't be mad. I promise."
Lumine nodded, closed her eyes, and said softly.
"Come on, I'm ready."
Shao Yun looked at her and asked curiously.
"Why are your eyes closed?"
Lumine kept them shut tightly, a trace of fear in her voice.
"I… I'm a little scared..."
Shao Yun sighed softly.
"You're acting like I'm forcing you to close your eyes. Why not just open them… Please, Lumine..."
"Really..." Lumine murmured helplessly.
Slowly, she opened her eyes—those luminous golden eyes, like the purest rays of dawn, warm and dazzling.
Her face, from this angle, completely captured Shao Yun's attention. Every subtle expression tugged at his heartstrings. At that moment, a stirring warmth bloomed in his chest.
Unable to hold back, Shao Yun leaned down and kissed her. Lumine responded in kind.
That night, Paimon slept fitfully, but Lumine and Shao Yun found comfort in each other.
...
At dawn, Shao Yun slowly opened his eyes. Before him was a hazy gray-blue sky, and nestled in his arms, Lumine was curled up, sleeping soundly.
He couldn't help but feel tender toward her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. The kiss was as light as the morning breeze brushing a flower petal.
Lumine seemed to feel the warmth even in her dreams. Subconsciously, she tightened her embrace, pulling the two of them closer.
Shao Yun felt the warmth radiating from her, and his heart filled with the sweetness of the previous night's memories.
Though in the beginning, Lumine's grip on his back had caused him a bit of pain...
That had only been a brief interruption in an otherwise warm and beautiful night.
He carefully moved Lumine's arms off him, then sat at the edge of the bed, his eyes resting softly on her face.
Shao Yun reached out, gently smoothing the slightly tousled hair on her forehead, tidying each strand with care.
"Have a good rest, my sharpshooter girl." His voice was low and full of affection. He whispered, careful not to wake the dreamer. "You worked so hard last night."
With that, Shao Yun began to dress slowly and deliberately.
He moved gently, making sure not to disturb Lumine's sleep.
Once dressed, he picked up his shoes and tiptoed out barefoot, avoiding any noise his shoes might make against the floor.
After quietly shutting the door behind him, he put his shoes on in peace.
...
The sky was beginning to brighten as Shao Yun stepped lightly onto the deck of The Alcor. He made his way to the ship's east side and leaned against the wooden railing.
He took out a cigar from his Legend of the East satchel, lit it, and smoked leisurely.
Bathed in the morning light, he exhaled a slow curl of smoke, basking in the blooming sunrise overhead.
In this calm and beautiful moment, Kazuha approached quietly. He stood beside Shao Yun and greeted him with his usual gentle tone.
"Mr. Shao Yun, you're up very early."
Shao Yun smiled faintly, exhaled another puff of smoke, and replied leisurely.
"Yeah… I don't know why, but I couldn't fall back asleep. So, I came out here to enjoy the breeze and this rare peace."
Kazuha's sharp eyes noted the subtle shifts in Shao Yun's expression and the new aura he carried. He understood immediately, but said nothing. Instead, he gracefully changed the subject.
"Mr. Shao Yun, Captain Beidou is expected to set sail for Inazuma today."
Shao Yun wasn't especially excited by this news. He answered calmly.
"Is that so? That's great..."
As he spoke, he casually offered the cigar in his hand to Kazuha.
"Want one?"
Kazuha gently declined with a small shake of the head.
"No, Mr. Shao Yun. I don't smoke. And, if I may say, encouraging others to do so isn't exactly polite behavior."
Shao Yun laughed heartily and quickly apologized.
"Hahaha, you're right. That was thoughtless of me. Sorry, Kazuha—I'll be more mindful next time."
He stubbed out the cigar, flicked his fingers, and was about to toss it into the endless sea—but paused, recalling what Xiao had once told him.
He took out a piece of cloth from his backpack, wrapped the cigar stub carefully, and tucked it into his Legend of the East satchel.
Then, he pulled out a mint, placed it in his mouth, and slowly chewed it. The cool flavor washed away the lingering taste, leaving his breath refreshingly clean.
Shao Yun swallowed the mint, glanced at Kazuha, and asked gently.
"I plan to watch the sunrise here quietly. What about you? Any plans?"
Kazuha considered a moment before replying.
"Nothing urgent. I'll join you in enjoying the view."
The two of them stood side by side, watching as the fiery red sun slowly rose over the horizon. The golden light danced across the sea, shimmering with breathtaking beauty.
As the sun climbed higher, Shao Yun broke the silence.
"Shall we chat a bit? Kazuha, you're from Inazuma—tell me about your homeland and its customs."
Kazuha smiled and nodded, sharing his thoughts.
"Inazuma may not be as vast or prosperous as Liyue, but it has a charm all its own. Take Konda Village on Narukami Island—idyllic countryside. There's also the Narukami Grand Shrine on Mt. Yougou, where many go to pray. And Kannazuka Island often hosts lively festivals."
Shao Yun listened intently, curiosity piqued.
"Everything you mentioned is on Narukami Island. What about other places in Inazuma?"
Kazuha gave a small shrug and chuckled.
"Those are enough to explore for now. As for the rest—why not go see them for yourself? You might discover even more surprises."
Shao Yun nodded in agreement.
"True. Seeing is believing..."
Their conversation shifted to Inazuma's present state.
"I've heard things are pretty tense there lately. Foreigners seem to be restricted to the outlying islands..."
Kazuha responded with an easy smile.
"You don't need to worry. Captain Beidou's made arrangements—someone will look after you once you arrive."
Hearing that, Shao Yun relaxed. The story hadn't deviated.
Otherwise, if no one were there to help, he would've had to fight his way through with Lumine and Paimon.
Feigning a sigh, he said.
"I understand. Please thank Miss Beidou for me."
A cheerful voice called from behind him.
"Oh! You're welcome, great hero who saved Liyue. It's the least I can do."
Shao Yun turned and saw Beidou smiling warmly.
"Hello, Miss Beidou. Thank you for everything you've done for us."
She grinned broadly and waved it off.
"Haha, it's nothing! There'll be a man named Thoma meeting you. If he gives you trouble, just let me know—I'll straighten him out."
Shao Yun's lips curled into a sly smile.
"If he really gives us trouble, well… he won't have to wait for you to do anything, haha..."
Beidou immediately caught his meaning. Scratching her head awkwardly, she quickly clarified.
"Haha, uh… Mr. Shao Yun, I was just joking! Thoma's a good guy—please don't kill him! He's our ally in Inazuma..."
Shao Yun saw her flustered expression, waved dismissively, and reassured her.
"Just kidding. Since Miss Beidou cares so much, I'll give him some leeway."
Beidou sighed in relief, clasped her hands, and nodded gratefully.
"Then I thank you in advance."
If Shao Yun did kill Thoma, trade with Inazuma would be in real danger...