The group chatted and laughed merrily. Guizhong's "resurrection" had clearly lifted everyone's spirits.
After spending some time with Guizhong, Lucian noticed that she and Hu Tao were quite similar in certain ways. Both were talkative, lively, and petite. The main difference was that Guizhong wasn't as mischievous as Hu Tao—though she seemed just as playful around close friends.
When the group returned to Liyue, a new issue arose: where would Guizhong live?
After some discussion, since Cloud Retainer, Madame Ping, and Zhongli had all chosen to reside in Liyue Harbor, Guizhong also decided to stay there.
Unsurprisingly, it was eventually agreed that Guizhong would move into Lucian's home. After all, he was already teaching Shenhe about human society's norms—what was one more student?
In the end, even Streetward Rambler decided to move into Lucian's house. With Cloud Retainer, Zhongli, and Guizhong all living there, how could she stay away?
Lucian had no objections... or so he pretended.
The expanded house only had six rooms. Adding one more person was manageable, but if both of them moved in, where was he supposed to sleep?
It seemed this problem would have to be solved by the adorable Director herself... Lucian decided to "call" the wealthy Miss Hu.
The adepti had already begun crafting their own little spaces within Lucian's home. Each of the six rooms had a distinct style.
Lucian's room was nothing special—just filled with books, mostly light novels.
Shenhe's room was the most minimalist, with hardly any decorations save for a few photos taken during their time at the Jade Chamber.
Lumine had moved into a new room, though it was mostly empty since she was always out adventuring and hadn't returned yet.
Zhongli's room was filled with antiques, Cloud Retainer's with inventions, Streetward Rambler's with musical instruments, and Guizhong temporarily shared a room with Streetward Rambler.
While the group was busy playing "Minecraft" to decorate their rooms, Lumine and Shenhe returned home—only to freeze in shock.
They'd only been gone for a short while, so why were there two additional women in the house now?
They recognized Cloud Retainer, but who were the other two?
"Lucian, what's going on here!?" Paimon flew over to Lucian's side.
"Why is the house so much bigger now? Can we plant some tasty stuff in that empty plot over there?" Paimon pointed at a vacant patch of land, her eyes sparkling.
Their adventures had kept them away so long they hadn't even noticed the house expansion.
"Paimon, forget the house—shouldn't we be more concerned about the two extra people?" Lumine said.
Shenhe nodded. She could sense that one of them was an adeptus, but the other was unfamiliar.
"Let me introduce you—this is Granny Ping," Lucian said, pulling Streetward Rambler forward.
"?"
"?"
Question marks floated above Paimon and the Traveler's heads.
The woman before them had long, azure-blue hair tied up in a bun. Aside from the somewhat kindly smile at the corners of her lips, what part of her looked like Granny Ping?
Was this the same Granny Ping they knew? The difference was staggering.
"Hello there," Madame Ping greeted warmly. It seemed reverting to her younger appearance had rejuvenated her demeanor as well.
"In a few days, once Yanfei returns, she can craft a 'Serenitea Pot' for you. Then Paimon can plant whatever she likes to eat," Madame Ping said.
"It really is Granny Ping!" Paimon gasped. "Wait, no—should I call you Sister Ping now?"
"Paimon can call me whatever she likes," Madame Ping replied, reaching out to pat Paimon's head.
"That tone is so Granny Ping!" Paimon was even more convinced.
Now that they knew this was Granny Ping, the initial awkwardness faded.
Lumine turned her attention to the other beauty, who was also studying her curiously.
Guizhong held her hands up in front of her chest, her long sleeves draping downward, making her look like a ghost—or perhaps a rabbit.
Having just been "resurrected," Guizhong had spent the entire journey catching up with old friends. Naturally, the Traveler had come up in conversation.
But she hadn't had time to read Lucian's books yet, so she was still unfamiliar with Lumine, only knowing of her existence.
"This is Guizhong," Lucian said.
Guizhong's rabbit-like demeanor made Lucian want to pat her head. But since they hadn't known each other long, his hand hovered mid-air without actually touching her.
Guizhong noticed the motion and stood on her tiptoes, pressing the top of her head against Lucian's hand.
Then she greeted, "Hello there~"
Lucian froze.
Oh my god, can you believe this? She just used her head to touch my hand! She totally took advantage of me!
The latter thought was a joke, but Lucian's stunned reaction was genuine. He hadn't expected Guizhong to do that.
It wasn't that Guizhong particularly liked Lucian—it was just her nature.
Someone like Ganyu would never do this. The closer Ganyu was to someone, the shyer she became. Even if you patted her head, she'd blush for ages, let alone initiate contact herself.
"And this is Shenhe," Lucian continued introducing.
Shenhe stared blankly at Lucian before slowly walking toward him.
Just as Lucian wondered why she was looking at him so intently, Shenhe stopped in front of him.
"Thank you," Shenhe said. She had read the story Lucian wrote.
Lucian smiled faintly, patting her head without a word.
"Hello," Shenhe greeted Guizhong.
Being head-patted before greeting someone left Lucian both amused and exasperated. The sheer destructive power of a natural airhead was terrifying.
"Mmm... It's good to express gratitude properly. Shenhe did well," Cloud Retainer said approvingly.
Streetward Rambler glanced at Cloud Retainer but said nothing.
Lumine grinned at Lucian.
Lucian looked back, suddenly realizing something. He tried to convey a message with his eyes: Don't mess with me!
So what if I like patting heads? I'll stop, okay?
Lumine understood and replied with a gleeful look: What should I do about it, then?
I'll trade you info about your brother! Lucian mouthed, offering a deal she couldn't refuse.
Fine. Lumine nodded. She accepted.
With their silent negotiation complete, Lucian introduced, "And this is Lumine and the white floating creature, Paimon."
"Hello, Miss Guizhong," Lumine said politely.
"Hey! Why am I the only one who gets a weird introduction?" Paimon complained.
Everyone else got proper introductions, so why was she just "the white floating creature"?
"Because Paimon is special," Lucian explained gently.
"Oh! You're absolutely right!" Paimon puffed up proudly, hands on her hips.
"Pfft." Guizhong covered her mouth with her sleeve, giggling like a sneaky little ghost.
"Paimon is so adorable. Come here, let me hug you," Guizhong said.
"Okay!" Paimon immediately flew into Guizhong's arms, and the two adorable beings embraced.
Just then, Zhongli returned, followed by the other adepti and Xiao.
Turns out, he had gone out earlier to inform them of Guizhong's resurrection.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice: Guizhong — About Lucian
"He saved my life, yet he seems to lack nothing. How should I repay him?"