The morning sunlight streamed through the window, filling the room with a sense of peace and warmth.
Soft rays slipped through the cracks of the window, gently falling upon Lumine's face.
She furrowed her brows slightly, slowly opening her eyes as she sat up groggily.
Just as they had said last night, Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe had all slept together in the same bed.
Paimon's sleeping posture was absolutely dreadful, sprawled out in every direction, lying across Shenhe's stomach without a care.
Meanwhile, Shenhe slept quietly and peacefully, her posture remaining unchanged throughout the entire night.
Lumine carefully got out of bed, gently lifting Paimon from Shenhe's stomach and placing her back in her original spot.
She tidied Paimon's messy hair with great care, chuckling softly as she whispered, "With you like this, how could I possibly let Shao Yun sleep next to me?"
It wasn't just the fear of Paimon being disturbed by their movements at night that kept her from agreeing—Paimon's terrible sleeping habits were an obstacle all on their own.
Paimon mumbled something in her sleep, then rolled over and continued dreaming.
Lumine gazed at her adorable expression, letting out a helpless laugh.
"You really are such a little lazy pig."
…
Stretching her arms, Lumine quickly dressed herself and stepped out of the room.
She gently pushed open the door of the neighboring room where Shao Yun was staying, her face bright with an eager smile.
"Shao Yun, wake up!" she called cheerfully, her tone carrying a playful lilt.
But when she entered, she was surprised to find Shao Yun already awake, sitting at the table in the center of the room.
He was calmly sipping a cup of coffee—black, with no milk or sugar—while attentively reading a light novel.
The book in his hands was none other than the deluxe edition of The Gunslinger Butcher from Fontaine, a gift from Yae Miko.
Lumine, who had been planning to sneak in and startle him, was taken aback to see he was up so early.
"Wow, you're up really early," she remarked, curiously peeking over his shoulder at the book.
Shao Yun smiled bitterly to himself. In truth, he hadn't slept at all the previous night.
Ever since donning the Legend of the East outfit, he had felt brimming with energy, free from drowsiness, fatigue, or hunger. So instead of resting, he had spent the night reading.
Closing the book, Shao Yun finished his coffee in one gulp before turning to greet Lumine with a smile.
"Good morning, Lumine."
At that moment, Lumine noticed the new outfit he was wearing. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and admiration.
She studied his clothes carefully, her expression clearly showing her approval.
Snatching the fine big valley hat from his head, she turned it left and right in her hands before placing it back, asking curiously, "When did you buy this new outfit?"
Shao Yun adjusted the hat and gave a lighthearted laugh.
"Haha, a long time ago! What do you think?"
Lumine nodded with satisfaction, giving his Legend of the East outfit high praise.
"Mm, it looks great. Are you planning to wear it all the time?"
Shao Yun blinked, smiling mischievously.
"Of course! But honestly, I think the outfit I bought for you looks even better. Why don't you put it on again and let me enjoy the view?"
Lumine gave him a playful smack on the back, pouting as she muttered, "Hmph, so that's what you were waiting for."
Shao Yun shrugged, setting the light novel aside.
"Haha, just kidding!"
Then, Lumine suddenly recalled what had happened the previous night.
"By the way, last night Paimon and I ran into Moon Carver."
Shao Yun nodded calmly, his tone flat as he replied, "Oh? Really? Looks like you and Paimon are quite fated with the adepti."
Lumine then began recounting Shenhe's story—the tale of how, as a child, she was abandoned by her father in a cavern, forced to face a terrifying monster formed from the remnants of a god, armed only with a dagger, struggling for days to survive.
When Lumine finished the story, she sighed.
"It's hard to imagine… Shenhe endured such a painful childhood."
Though Shao Yun already knew of Shenhe's past, he nodded for the sake of the mood, feigning a hint of melancholy.
"Yes, it truly is tragic."
Hearing such words from him, Lumine quickly agreed.
"Exactly! So, Paimon and I have decided to change our plans and take Shenhe out to explore Liyue Harbor instead."
"After all, we just helped Ningguang find that elusive Mingxia Floating Stone. It's about time we took a break."
At that, Shao Yun's eyes lit up, clearly delighted by the idea of a day out.
"Alright then, so where exactly should we go?"
Lumine grinned.
"Isn't it obvious? We should go ask Miss Katheryne!"
…
This method never failed. Every time, they would get unexpected but satisfying answers.
When Shenhe and Paimon finally woke, the group ate a quick breakfast before heading to the Adventurers' Guild to meet Katheryne.
Katheryne greeted them with her signature smile.
"Ad astra abyssosque. Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I be of service today?"
Paimon immediately leaned forward, asking eagerly, "Miss Katheryne, are there any fun places to visit in Liyue Harbor right now?"
She clearly hoped Katheryne could recommend something exciting to give Shenhe a memorable experience.
Katheryne closed her eyes in thought, murmuring possible ideas.
"Let's see… ever since the Pearl Galley was destroyed, fun places in Liyue Harbor… there's Wanwen Bookhouse in Feiyun Slope, Mingxing Jewelry, hmm…"
Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
"Ah, I know. Have you heard of Yun-Han Opera Troupe performing at Heyu Tea House in Feiyun Slope?"
Paimon tapped her chubby chin, thinking.
"I think I've heard of it… sounds like some kind of theater troupe, right?"
Katheryne nodded with a smile, then elaborated.
She emphasized the importance of Yun Jin, the troupe's leading performer.
"If there is one thing in Liyue Harbor that truly stands out, it's the opera performances of the Yun-Han Troupe."
"Especially the operas performed by Miss Yun—once you hear them, you'll never forget."
Paimon's eyes widened at the enthusiastic recommendation.
"Oh! Thank you so much, Katheryne. We'll go check it out right away!"
Full of excitement, Paimon practically dragged Shenhe along, with Lumine and Shao Yun following, until they reached Heyu Tea House in Feiyun Slope.
As soon as they arrived, Paimon spotted a familiar figure—Beidou, alongside a petite yet commanding young woman.
The girl wore a theatrical cap adorned with white, pink, and green pom-poms, and a pink cloud-patterned shawl across her shoulders. Her outfit was a specially made opera costume.
This was none other than Yun Jin, the star of the Yun-Han Troupe.
Beidou's face lit up with joy as she spotted them, raising her voice in a hearty greeting.
"Well, if it isn't Lumine, Paimon, Shao Yun… and a new friend, too!"
Paimon blinked in surprise at Beidou.
"Captain Beidou? I didn't expect to see you here! And… huh?"
Yun Jin gave a graceful wave, smiling warmly.
"Hello, my name is Yun Jin. I just heard Captain Beidou talking about you all—it's a pleasure to meet you."
The moment Paimon heard her name, her eyes lit up with excitement.
"Ohhh! I've heard about you from Miss Katheryne! You're the star of the Yun-Han Troupe—everyone in Liyue knows your name!"
Yun Jin smiled modestly.
"You flatter me. Those are only empty titles."
Paimon then eagerly introduced Shenhe.
"This is Shenhe. She just arrived in Liyue Harbor, so we wanted to show her around and let her experience the city's charm."
Then she turned back to Yun Jin.
"Miss Katheryne recommended we come here—she said there would be amazing opera performances to see."
Yun Jin gave an apologetic smile.
"Oh, I see. You came for an opera… I'm sorry, but the Yun-Han Troupe doesn't have any shows scheduled at Heyu Tea House right now."
Paimon's face fell with disappointment.
"Ah? What unlucky timing…"
Yun Jin explained gently.
"Yes, because Lady Ningguang is rebuilding the Jade Chamber, many of our patrons are too busy searching for Sunset Vermillionite, the Wonder Core, and Adepti Sigilis. They simply don't have time for opera right now."
"In fact, I'd happily perform for you heroes of Liyue alone, but I've teamed up with Captain Beidou to join the competition for rebuilding the Jade Chamber. So, I'm afraid I can't."
Paimon sighed, still a little downcast, but understanding.
"Ohhh, I see… what a shame."
Beidou, however, saw an opportunity.
"Well, since you're here, why don't we form a team? You're competing too, aren't you? And Yun Jin's got connections!"
Paimon's eyes widened, intrigued.
"Yun Jin, you really have a way? Are you going to call on those regular patrons of yours to help?"
But Yun Jin shook her head, her expression thoughtful.
"My family was never originally in the opera business. We were blacksmiths, forging weapons for generations."
"Then, one of my ancestors grew weary of martial arts and became fascinated with opera. By my time, hardly anyone in the family still worked the forge."
She waved a hand lightly.
"But that's all old history."
Beidou jumped in excitedly.
"Anyway, I've already discussed it with Yun Jin—we're going to track down a Thousand-Wonder Core. It's not that rare. As long as we find a skilled craftsman, we can make one."
Hearing this, Paimon realized the topic had circled right back to rebuilding the Jade Chamber.
With a helpless look at Lumine, she muttered, "I can't believe it… we ended up back at helping Ningguang again."
Beidou planted her hands on her hips, grinning widely.
"So? Will you join us? The more, the merrier."
Paimon scratched her head, hesitating.
"I don't mind, and neither does Lumine… but Shenhe…"
Before she could finish, Shenhe nodded without hesitation.
"I don't mind. As long as I'm with you all, I'm fine with anything."
Paimon turned to Shao Yun.
"What about you, Shao Yun?"
Shao Yun opened his mouth, about to agree.
"I—"
But before he could finish the words no problem, a sudden system prompt appeared.
[Zhongli wishes to speak with you.]
[Reward: Bolt-Action Rifle.]
Startled, Shao Yun turned his head—and sure enough, there stood Zhongli not far away, silently watching him.