Ye Xi took a few deep breaths. Every time he saw Yae Miko's alluring smile and that seductive pose, he couldn't help but curse her inwardly—a damn fox! These past three years, he'd been exhausted for real!
Don't think having a fox spirit beauty around is all fun and games!
This fox loved nothing more than teasing people.
And for some reason, this woman was like a worm in his belly—she could read his every thought!
No matter what he schemed, he could never escape the palm of her hand!
He'd always wanted to turn the tables, but not once had he succeeded!
Still, he'd long since lost his temper about it. If not for the grace of the head editor of Yae Publishing House, he never could have become the author of their bestseller light novel, complete with his own illustrations.
So, all he could do was be grateful.
"I've got some ideas for the new work. Give me two more days, Head Editor."
Ye Xi spread out the lunchbox on the stone table in the pavilion.
A meal was best enjoyed with a beautiful view, and this little haven overlooked the stunning scenery of the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Cherry blossoms for company, a gentle mountain breeze—how delightful!
*(Absolutely not because a certain fox was bathing nearby.)*
Ye Xi shoveled three bites of rice into his mouth in quick succession.
*Down the hatch—!*
At that moment, Yae Miko naturally overheard Ye Xi's inner thoughts and secretly chuckled to herself.
In truth, she knew Ye Xi was a man of strong principles.
He'd never done anything improper toward her.
And it was precisely because of that, that she kept testing the boundaries, wondering just how far his limits went.
Splash—
In the hot spring pool, ripples danced across the emerald water, a full moon swaying in its reflection.
The steamy mist of minerals dispersed as Yae Miko emerged from the pool.
When he looked again, she was already wrapped in her pristine shrine maiden robes, her fluffy tail giving a spirited shake behind her, sending droplets flying.
With a surge of demon power, a fresh, dry scent wafted over.
"Mmm, this aroma—it's fried tofu from Wu You Pavilion!"
Yae Miko seemed like a completely different person as she sidled up eagerly.
*[She was always the type to be lured in by fried tofu. Looks like that trait hasn't changed.]*
Ye Xi muttered to himself inwardly.
Back when his juniors were crafting Yae Miko's character design—aiming to make her a fan favorite—they'd even come to him for advice.
So, he knew her inside and out.
Though he hated to admit it, he really was just a character his juniors had created, toyed with at their whim! After devouring a piece of fried tofu with a delighted *nom nom*, Yae Miko's eyes sparkled mischievously as she brought one of her tails forward.
Fresh from the bath, it was now dry and fluffy, looking irresistibly soft.
"Such fine fur on this tail—want to give it a pet?"
Ye Xi clicked his tongue and ignored her.
After all, this sly fox's next line was sure to be something teasing like, *In your dreams~!*
But to his surprise, the very next second, he felt a tail brush teasingly across his back.
The fluffy sensation swept over him, leaving a faint itch in its wake.
He instinctively arched his back, nearly sending the bowl in his hand flying.
When he turned, a bit annoyed, to glare at Yae Miko, he found the playful woman with her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
Then it hit him.
*[This woman's setting... her tail is super sensitive, right...?]*
*[That's why she usually keeps it hidden...]*
She'd gone too far!
Yae Miko quickly retracted her tail, her heart pounding wildly.
She always acted so nonchalant when teasing Ye Xi, but it was all just talk.
If things got real, she was still scared.
She stole a glance at Ye Xi's handsome face—those starry eyes and pearly whites—and hurriedly stuffed a piece of fried tofu into her mouth, pretending to be calm.
The subtle tension left Ye Xi at a loss for words, unsure what to say.
So he just buried himself in his meal.
The Grand Narukami Shrine was empty at this hour, save for a few fish blowing bubbles in the pond.
The air hung heavy and humid.
Ye Xi sighed, shaking off the stray thoughts.
*[Getting all worked up over a character I helped create with my juniors? There must be something wrong with me!]*
Hearing Ye Xi's inner voice, Yae Miko suddenly felt an inexplicable emptiness in her chest.
She was a little annoyed!
What was wrong with being fond of a character you'd made?
Back when you were playing Genshin, didn't you name your ID something ridiculous like [Hubby]?
Getting called "hubby" by Liyue's Ganyu, by the Jade Chamber Star Keqing!
Even Klee...
Just as a twinge of jealousy stirred in her, she heard more.
*[By my calculations, the story should be kicking off soon.]*
*[In this world, is it Lumine or Aether?]*
*[Is this protagonist a player-controlled character, or do they have their own consciousness?]*
*[If it's not player-controlled, will they even be able to beat Stormterror?]*
*[I'm a bit worried...]*
*[Maybe I should head to Mondstadt? Get in touch early?]*
Seeing Ye Xi's furrowed brow of concern, Yae Miko pondered to herself.
She'd overheard this from his thoughts countless times already.
It seemed a new protagonist was about to take the stage, destined to save the seven nations.
This protagonist could be set by a "player."
Some chose the brother—Aether.
Others picked the sister—Lumine.
If something happened to them, the world itself might grind to a halt!
*[Sigh, I drew the original artwork for Aether and Lumine myself, and I even helped with their modeling.]*
*[These two siblings feel like my own kids.]*
*[Without a player guiding them, will they be in danger?]*
When Ye Xi had first joined the Genshin project team, he'd made real contributions.
Now, facing Aether and Lumine, he felt like a weary old father.
Amid the weariness was deep worry.
*[I've got some decent strength now. I should go to Mondstadt and see if I can lend a hand.]*
*[Even if I can't help directly, I could protect them from the shadows...]*
*[Yeah, that way, it'll be foolproof!]*
Ye Xi made up his mind.
Setting down his bowl and chopsticks, he said, "Head Editor, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Guuji?"
Yae Miko was already stunned by his decision.
Ye Xi was leaving Inazuma?
But what about her?
She couldn't bear to imagine life without him.
Ei was lost in her obsession with eternity, sealing herself away in the Plane of Euthymia.
Leaving her utterly alone and lonely.
Besides, she'd grown completely used to having Ye Xi by her side.
A sudden parting like this...
No, absolutely not!
What if Ye Xi left Inazuma and ended up with all those women out there!
The thought of him pining for Ganyu, Eula, Keqing, and so many others made her heart feel like it was soaking in a vat of vinegar!