The Traveler receives a call from the Geo Archon
Unknown caller, huh…?
I bet that's Jean. I know she's probably incredibly busy…
Especially with the new… er… Phantom Thief on the loose….
Might be best to just explain everything to her and clear up the confusion.
I mean… I don't want anyone but her to know when I'm returning anyway, so…
Hopefully I'll be okay.
Ack! I forgot to answer!
Gotta call her back real quick…
. . .
Hi, is this Jean? This is Blue!
Wh-wha-?!
Er, no… you don't sound like Jean at all.
Hello, Mr Zhongli.
Nonono, everything is fine!
I've just been expecting a call from a friend in Mondstadt!
Wha-no!
No, I am not dati-why do I even try at this point…
Look, Jean's with this awesome dude named Diluc, and I am not going to break bro code.
She's the acting grand master of the Knights of Favonius, and I'm trying to schedule a visit to Mondstadt. That's why I'm expecting a call from her.
Heh heh. Hey, no harm done, man!
I really do appreciate you looking out for me and wanting me to be happy.
I want you and everyone else to be happy too, you know!
It's really good to hear from you again!
Which, if I may…
I honestly didn't know you had a phone. Or cell service.
Haha! No, it's just that… well… who paid for it?
Ah, Hu Tao. I'm not surprised, honestly.
Did ya remember to thank her? Hahaha!
Oh, you did? Treated her to dinner, huh? No doubt, she paid for that too.
You know, at this point, I'm starting to think that her prankster side has been rubbing off onto you lately.
It's been a while since we sat down for tea…
I know I'm planning on a trip to Mondstadt, but in the meantime, I can still hang out with you and everyone else.
I'd be really interested to hear all the other stories you have!
Hey, so, I wanted to thank you…
For offering to join me and help Ganyu that one time, of course!
It made her so happy…. That time we all spent together was priceless.
Haha! It warmed your heart too, huh?
I'm so glad. It really meant a lot to her.
This is what I'm here for, you know? I get to help other people, and… just seeing them happy is a reward enough for me.
Though, I wouldn't say no to 10K primogems; I'm saving for Kazuha!
Haha! I'm kidding! I'm saving for Ganyu's rerun (MiHoYo, when?!)
In all seriousness, I like to see people smile. I like to make them happy.
I like to brighten their day, even if it's just a little bit.
Heh heh. I know there's nothing in it for me.
I haven't signed a contract, and I'm not getting paid.
And yet, I don't care. Because I get to bring other people joy.
I mean, you saw what we all did for Ganyu, and… we both agree that was very heartwarming.
Huh? What is it?
I've… done a lot for her…?
Eh… heh heh… it's nothing, really. I mean, I've brought her dinner a few times and did a commission for her. And I also helped her with paperwork a few times, including our most recent adventure.
I'm not looking to be called a hero. I just want to help support her. I want to continue to see her happy. That smile is precious, and it must be protected!
I dunno what you're trying to tell me, man, heh heh.
Like her? Of course I do! I like all my friends.
Something tells me we're not on the same page….
Huh?! Oh! No, not like that!
I like all my friends… as friends.
Or rather, as family.
I don't fall for everyone I meet, if that's what you're asking, haha!
But you guys are my family. You all have welcomed me and taken care of me while I've been here in Liyue.
Including you! You've taken on the role of a mentor, and I've learned much from you.
But…
If you're asking me about Ganyu…
I'd be lying if I said that…
That…
Er…
Okay, bear with me, um…
I'm just... a little nervous.
Okay okay, I'm calm. Y-yes, I'm breathing with you.
In… a-and out….
Okay… where was I…
R-right, um…
I'd be lying if I said… that I… um… didn't… that I didn't have a...
That I didn't maybe possibly have a little… er… crush… on Ganyu….
B-but please, don't tell her!
A-and please don't tease me about it either… I-I already feel embarrassed about it.
Look, I'm not helping her just because I like her, okay.
I'm helping her and you and everyone else because I want to!
Of course, I… er… kinda check up on her more often, heh heh….
I know I need to talk to her about it and everything.
But now is not that time. I know I'm not ready.
And I can't rest easy while I still have work to do.
Finding my sister, I mean.
Someday, though. Someday, I will.
And, uh… I'd appreciate it if we kept this between us.
You're very kind to offer to be my wingman, but now isn't the time.
And speaking of the time, it looks like it's nearly time for me to go meet an Unusual Hilichurl, so I'll need to be signing off.
Heh heh. I've been hanging out with him over the past few days, and he's an interesting dude to say the least. Initially, we were cautious around each other, but I offered him some potatoes, and it seemed like we were cool.
We've been sparring too! Yeah, he'll mention a meet-up time and place to one of his hilichurl friends, and they'll pass it on to me. And then, I'll find him and we'll have a little sparring session.
After that, I usually make him dinner and then he heads out to do whatever else he has to do.
Even if my hilichurlian isn't too good, I think we've developed an understanding, and it's pretty nice.
All righty, I'll talk to you later, Mr Zhongli.
Take care!