Xiao was pacing along the rooftops of Liyue Harbor one evening, watching the people go about their end of the day tasks. He had wanted to venture into town, alone, for a specific quest, but he was having a hard time finding the courage to do so.

His quest: to find and speak with Xiangling. His motive? Well, outside of the idea of trying more of her food, he had something he needed to ask her. It was an embarrassing question, but a question that needed asking.

Xiao finally perched himself on a rooftop across from Wanmin Restaurant so he could watch Xiangling serve up orders. He waited long enough for the customers to leave before finally jumping to the ground.

"Xiangling," Xiao said, trying to grab the girl's attention as she was doing some cooking prep work for the next day.

Xiangling let out a startled gasp and turned around. Her eyes widened with recognition. "A-adeptus Xiao!" She yelped.

"Do not fear my presence," Xiao commanded. "I am not here to bring judgement on you."

"W-why are you here?" Xiangling asked. She gave a smile, but Xiao could tell she was intimidated.

"Am I…that terrifying without the traveler here?" Xiao said, his voice betraying a bit of hurt.

Xiangling seemed to relax at the mention of the traveler. "Oh! No, sorry! I just was a bit startled, is all! Also you've never come by yourself before, so I was just a bit confused. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Xiao also relaxed at Xiangling's normally cheerful voice. "Yes, I would like to sample another dish of yours…if it is not too much trouble. But…uh…" Xiao's face reddened. "I do have another request."

At the mention of food, Xiangling already was putting together a plate of leftover snacks and desserts that hadn't been served that day, along with a cup of tea. "Oh! What kind of request?" She placed the food down at the bar in front of the restaurant.

Xiao took a seat. "Where would I go to find out more about humans?"

The moment the words came out of his mouth, he felt incredibly stupid. Xiangling was the only human he regularly interacted with, so she seemed the best choice to ask. He debated originally asking Ganyu this, but he knew he intimidated her and she barely knew anything about humans herself.

Xiangling looked taken aback by the question, but then began to ponder it for a bit. "Well…other than interacting with people like you do when you take walks with the traveler…I think you might find your answer in a book!"

Xiao blinked. "A…book?"

"Mhm! I have a friend who is obsessed with books. He talks about them all the time, about how the people who write them all share their different perspectives."

Xiao listened to her words carefully. Of course! If he read volumes written by humans, he could begin to understand how they think and their motivations behind their actions.

"Where might I obtain books?" Xiao inquired.

"Wanwen Bookhouse!" Xiangling replied. "But they're closed right now. You'll have to wait until morning to get anything."

Xiao finished eating his snacks. He tried to offer what little Mora the people at Wangshu Inn made him carry when he was out, but Xiangling refused it, saying he was her "friend" or something along those lines. Xiao almost told her he wasn't her friend, he was an Adeptus, but his fear of what the traveler would say made him hold his tongue.

Xiao returned to Wangshu Inn for the night, pacing around more than usual. He scoured the inn for books or any kind of writing, but he found nothing of notable interest. Eventually he gave up his restlessness and picked fights with hillichurl camps that got a little too close for comfort to the Inn. Oh, how Xiao wished he could sleep like the humans did.

When the sun finally began to peek over the horizon, Xiao made a beeline for Liyue Harbor. He waited impatiently on the rooftops for someone to show up at the Bookhouse so he could begin pestering them with questions.

He began reciting a sort of script in his head for what he should say. Should he introduce himself as an Adepti? Surely they would immediately respect him and do as he commanded. But…they would fear him and treat him as an Adeptus, not a customer. Should he then pretend to just be a normal human man? How would a normal man inquire about the lives of humans?

Xiao noticed a boy dressed in an elegant blue outfit approach the Bookhouse. Curious, Xiao dropped off the roof and approached this young man.

"You," Xiao said, grabbing the boy's attention.

"Hm?" The boy turned to face Xiao. He had a pretty face and a distinguished air about him.

"Are you the owner of this place?" Xiao asked.

"Oh! No," the boy said. "I was just excited for a new book release that I came early to make sure I obtained my copy. My name is Xingqiu, and you are?" The boy smiled pleasantly.

"Xiao," Xiao said without thinking.

"Like the lantern?" Xingqiu inquired. "Or the…Adeptus…" His eyes widened.

"It was foolish of me to reveal myself," Xiao sighed, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I can't believe I didn't recognize you right away! The traveler speaks often of you," Xingqiu said with a cheerful voice.

"Sh-she does?" Xiao blushed.

"And I've seen you with her in the harbor before," Xingqiu continued. "But it always seems like you're having such a lovely date together, I never wanted to intrude."

"D-date?" Xiao's voice cracked a tinge.

"What brings an Adeptus here? Are we in danger?" Xingqiu's expression turned serious as he asked the question.

"No, I'm here on…personal business," Xiao said awkwardly.

Xingqiu raised his eyebrows. "At the Bookhouse? Could it be…you also were waiting for the new volume of Fish and Sword?"

Xiao tried to process what Xingqiu had said, but the string of words were completely lost on him. "I want…to read books," Xiao managed.

Xingqiu's eyes lit up. "Oh! Well I have so many recommendations! I'm not sure what would be worthy of an Adeptus but--"

"Refrain from calling me that in public. I'm here quietly and wish to not be revealed," Xiao ordered. "I want to experience your human books. I care not if you think they are worthy of an Adeptus. I wish to read them all."

Xingqiu looked delighted. The moment the Bookhouse opened, he could not cease speaking.

Xiao began to feel overwhelmed by the steadily growing stack of books. Good thing he didn't sleep. It could pass the time, surely.

Xingqiu stopped suddenly, looking conflicted.

"You've slowed down. Is something wrong?" Xiao asked.

"I'm debating over this book," Xingqiu said sheepishly.

"I told you, no book is beneath me," Xiao said, holding out his hand expectantly.

Xingqiu carefully placed a volume into Xiao's hand. "'A Legend of Sword'. Why hesitant? It looks like all the others."

"Oh it's... it's nothing. It's just a bit controversial," Xingqiu blushed.

"Controversial?" Xiao's interest was piqued.

"Well, it has mixed reviews in Liyue," Xingqiu explained. "But it's quite popular in other regions I've heard...so..."

"A book that is popular where it shouldn't be. Interesting," Xiao said, beginning to be lost in his own thoughts.

"You should start with that book then," said Xingqiu, doubly excited over this book.

Xiao was a bit confused as to Xingqiu's reaction to this book, but he decided it was probably the best choice to get started. He wanted to buy the others, but he realized he only had enough Mora to buy the one.

Xingqiu followed Xiao out of the bookstore. "Of you need any more recommendations, I will be glad to help!"

"You have my thanks," Xiao said politely. "I will depart now."

And with a puff of Anemo wind, Xiao was gone.

As Xiao sat perched on the roof of Wangshu Inn, a new book in hand and a plate of almond tofu next to him. As he opened the pages and began to read, little did he know just how much of a grasp the story would have a hold on him.

~~end~~