"I'm planning to write a novel," Gu Baizhou admitted, clutching the small wooden box.
"You write novels too?" Chongyun blinked in surprise, eyes wide and clear. "If you hit it off with Xingqiu, then my little 'victims' alliance will be down to just me!"
"Don't worry—it won't come to that."The lively calls of street vendors swirled around them as they walked. "So, what kind of person is Xingqiu?" Gu asked.
"Uh…" Chongyun thought hard. "He's warm-hearted and reliable. He often gathers intel on demons for me and fights for justice. And he's… wait—how can someone be that good?!"
He furrowed his icy brows, a row of question marks practically popping over his head.If he's so nice… why did I even want a victims' alliance?
"Sounds like a fascinating guy," Gu said with a small laugh.
They reached a quiet courtyard. "Here we are," Chongyun said.
A modest plaque over the gate read Chong Residence.Gu followed him inside. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves; stone walls carved with old motifs gave off a tranquil air.It was a classic three-section siheyuan, each courtyard nested within the next.
Passing through the screens and gates, they entered a spacious training yard filled with wooden stakes, stone weights, greatswords, and talismans.
"My family's been exorcists for generations," Chongyun explained. "Father and Mother are away on a demon-slaying trip. The west wing is the guest room—you can stay there as long as you like."
"I'll gladly impose for a few days," Gu replied. His small stash of Mora wouldn't keep him in inns for long; finishing his novel quickly and selling it in Liyue was the smarter plan.
"Make yourself at home," Chongyun said. "When noon comes, shall we train together?"
"With pleasure."
They stepped into the courtyard—only to find a graceful young man already there.
"Who's this?" the newcomer asked.
He was striking: neat indigo hair just brushing his brows, amber eyes shining like liquid honey, and long flowing robes of deep blue trimmed with bronze patterns. White-lotus layers bloomed at his cuffs. In one slender hand he held two paper-wrapped popsicles.
Handsome and heroic, Gu thought with genuine admiration.
"This is Gu Baizhou," Chongyun said quietly to the newcomer. "He helped me fight demons at Yaoguang Shoal and even rescued the son of the Rongfa shopkeeper from the Fatui. He's new to Liyue Harbor and doesn't know the city yet."
"I'm Xingqiu," the boy said with a bright, confident smile. "A pleasure to meet you."
He offered one of the popsicles. "Care for one? The other's for Chongyun. I'll pass."
"Thank you," Gu said politely, accepting it.
"No need for thanks." Xingqiu handed the second to Chongyun and added, "I heard that Master Yun is performing a new play at Heyu Tea House today. Since Brother Gu is new here, why not come to Feiyun Slope and get to know the city?"
"I'm fine with that," Gu replied.
Chongyun peeled his wrapper carefully, revealing a sky-blue frozen treat. Recognizing it, he popped it into his mouth and sighed in cool delight.
"Lead the way," Gu agreed.
They stepped back onto the bustling streets. Gu unwrapped his own popsicle and let the sweet chill soak through him.
"Let's see…" Xingqiu mused. "Liyue Harbor has much to offer: the grand library at Wanwen Bookhouse, the storytelling and opera at Heyu Tea House, the famous dishes of Wanmin Restaurant… Hard to pick just one."
Crack!
The sharp sound made Xingqiu flinch. He glanced at Chongyun—who was still calmly licking his treat—and relaxed.
He leaned close to Gu and whispered, "Don't bite it…"
Gu smirked and murmured back, "If he can handle it, I'll turn a blind eye."
They exchanged a conspiratorial smile. Gu watched Chongyun with amused concern—his tongue was already tingling from the icy heat of the treat. Having traveled together for days, he knew Chongyun avoided hot or spicy foods. Could he really handle this "ice-and-fire" popsicle?
Xingqiu muttered under his breath, "I guess he's fine…"
Then Chongyun suddenly spoke, startling them both. "Weren't we heading to Feiyun Slope to hear Master Yun sing? Why are we going this way?"
"Taking the scenic route," Xingqiu said smoothly, perfectly serious. "To show Brother Gu the whole city."
"Oh. Makes sense." Chongyun nodded.
Xingqiu quickened his pace. "Let's hurry, Brother Gu. If it gets too late, we'll miss the performance."
They climbed the red-wood stairs as distant music grew louder—fiery female vocals backed by pounding rock rhythms.
"Is this… a concert stage?" Chongyun asked, a bit dazed. The popsicle's hidden heat suddenly surged, his thoughts muddling.
"Not enough passion!" a woman's voice cried from the stage.
The music crashed over them like waves of sparks. Dizzy and flushed, Chongyun surged forward, shouting back:
"Not enough passion!"
Xingqiu doubled over laughing, shaking with mirth. He shot Gu a sly glance, then stroked his chin in mock concern.
"So… his pure-yang constitution has worsened to this point?"
Gu finally frowned, but Xingqiu added with a mischievous twinkle,"Still, that kind of dramatic scene would make a great plot twist."
His amber eyes lit with curiosity. "Brother Gu, do you enjoy reading novels?"
"I do," Gu replied easily.
"Wonderful. One day you'll see my own work at Wanwen Bookhouse," Xingqiu said, eyes shining. "Though… not just yet."
"You write as well?" Gu asked, intrigued.
"Something like that." Xingqiu smiled, then pointed ahead. "Speaking of Wanwen Bookhouse, shall we visit?"
"And Chongyun?"
"I'll just go greet Xinyan first," Xingqiu said lightly.