The day was vibrant and fresh. The blue exorcist got up and did his hair. He then washed his mouth and dressed. Out from the windowless cottage he exited, and grabbed a fresh cool apple from a tree, munching on it. "What a beautiful day to enjoy... A day to seek out people who are troubled, and help them..." All happily said.
Someone grabbed onto the exorcist's hoodie, and dragged him, as he calmly continued munching on his apple. "(It's too bad I can't enjoy it today)" He thought, while the one dragging him was all pouty. "With your help, I'm going to make sure absolutely nothing fishy goes on there..." The head of the Wangsheng funeral parlor stated.
- Let's rewind back a bit, to last night, and what happened after certain events
Chongyun and Zhongli first headed towards the Bubu pharmacy, dropping off Qiqi who was deep in slumber. Baizhu thanked them, and offered them some Mora, to which Zhongli and Chongyun declined while apologizing. Baizhu was confused as he then saw the two walk away.
Now heading towards the funeral parlor, Hu Tao was of course, waiting impatiently in front of the doorstep. Zhongli passed by her quickly and entered first into the parlor, and Chongyun blocked Hu Tao from following him. Chongyun then began explaining about what happened at the meeting, and Hu Tao was relieved until he mentioned the supposed slap event. Which caused Hu Tao to be enraged, but then curious about what Zhongli did to have that happen to him. Finally wrapping up the whole account of events, Hu Tao now knew about the additional meeting that was going to take place tomorrow, causing her to become even more furious.
Thankfully Chongyun calmed her down, as he put his hand on her shoulder, cooling her off.
Literally, it could almost be seen that smoke was piling on top of her head as Chongyun had his hand on her.
Hu Tao then agreed to calm down about it under one condition. So long as she would spy on the meeting this time. Of course Chongyun argued against that, annoying the head of the parlor even further. Suddenly, she smirked as a remarkable idea struck her. "You're going to be spying with me" She said.
- And now, the present day
"Just how long do I have to be like this" Chongyun asked, crossing his arms as Hu Tao proceeded to drag him on the ground. "Don't worry Yun-Yun, you'll go have fun with the ghosts at the playground when this is over" "Well what if the evil spirits can't wait for me and 'play' with other certain people" "It's not like those ghosts ever do want to 'play' with you anyways, now quit your yapping and start moving" Hu Tao argued, with Chongyun looking unamused.
They finally arrived to bridge of the city. "Now then... Where do you think a 'date' would take place in yun-yun" Hu Tao asked. Chongyun then decided to think, and finally thought of something "I don't know." "Me neither, so we'll be looking around everywhere if you can't think of anything" She said, as she now began her walk around the whole city while dragging Chongyun. "Hey, wait! Isn't this... A bit embarrassing?!" Chongyun questioned.
"If it's about you not being able to think of anything, then yeah, it is" Hu Tao said. "Wha- That's not what I meant! And why do I have to think of a place!" He further questioned questioned her, attracting more people's attention to the two. "..." Hu Tao didn't respond, further confusing Chongyun. "I-I don't know? A restaurant" He said, causing her to stop dead in her tracks. "What type..." She asked, "What?" "I said what type of restaurant?... Describe it for me" She further pressured him.
"I-I uh, well. A calm one at least, perhaps not too popular, but could be peaceful and enjoyable to be at. Maybe the food could be elegant there as well" He said. "So... Somewhere more...Quieter for the two to be at..." She recalled. "Yeah... Quiet... And elegant for... The two..." he said. "D-do... Do you know a place?..." She questioned.
For some reason, Chongyun's heart started beating faster, and he didn't know why. "I... I... I think I-...I think I do" He said.
It was such an odd occurrence, this feeling for him was entirely new, and he wanted to panic, but couldn't. "I think... I think I need a popsicle" He said, realizing that Hu Tao let go of his hood, and stood up to eat the popsicle. He wanted to look away from her now for some odd reason, "(It's because she dragged me all around town, with all eyes on us... That's why)" He said in his mind for why his heart was beating, blaming it on anger. Chongyun then finished, and helped Hu Tao look for some restaurants.
Xiangling's was out of the question, as her's was busier and rowdy every day... "Hey wait... Is that Mr. Zhongli?" Chongyun pointed out in the crowd that was huddling in front of Wanmin, Xiangling's to be exact, as it indeed had Zhongli with a certain other person there next to him. "... (Oh Zhon Zhon...)" Hu Tao sighed at the sight. Zhongli with Ningguang, despite seemingly being a very important person, were actually being slightly pushed around in the crowd as people were really up and ready to reserve for a seat and order some food. No one noticed Zhongli or more importantly, Ningguang amongst them.
Chongyun also felt some slight guilt as he watched the two. Hu Tao came to the realization that either way, whenever they come out from that crowd, those two will easily spot them, and so she dragged Chongyun somewhere again quickly, this time he walked along her and was surprised from her actions. "Get dressed in something different, pronto" She said, "What, why?" "Just do it!" She said, as she let go, and went of elsewhere, "Be back here as soon as possible too!" She said, scurrying away.
For some reason, Chongyun couldn't help but now feel the need to actually help out Hu Tao, and so off he went to get some brand new set of clothes.
Chongyun was the first one to get back at the location. He had a blue kimono on with a white scarf. A blue pad was also on his shoulder, and on top of his head was a bamboo hat. Chongyun never did exactly have a sense for fashion, but wasn't bothered by it. Not too long did he have to wait till his partner also returned. A simple glance made his face feel very warm, as he saw Hu Tao with a sunny hat, a whole white dress that had a v cut to it, And on her waist to hold that skirt was cloth tied up there.
"Well... What do you think? You think they'll notice me?" Hu Tao asked. "..." Chongyun didn't say a word, but kept staring. Hu Tao couldn't help but feel weird, "Uh, yun-yun?" She called out to him. "Eh? Ah, yeah, yeah you seemed like... A completely different person" He said.
The two then looked away from each other for a moment before Hu Tao realized that they had a goal here, and pulled Chongyun again to where the other two people were at.
They then stopped and hid behind a edge of the wall, the duo peeked to look for the two. Finally, they saw them emerge from the bustling crowd, with Ningguang holding onto Zhongli's hand. Upon closer inspection, Ningguang was actually wearing a whole new completely different uniform. A blue sparkling dress at that. "Well then, that was troubling. Our patience however has rewarded us greatly now, for we finally obtained a table" The Funeral Parlor employee said. Ningguang looked annoyed, yet couldn't say anything special. "Let's just, quickly go now" As the two walked towards a building.
Zhongli looked happy while Ningguang looked annoyed, the other duo could tell that things seemed to not be going well at all between the two. "We need to help, whatever they'll discuss in there must be important, but for Ningguang to start it off with a terrible mood is going to worsen that important conversation" Hu Tao analyzed, as Chongyun was eating a popsicle behind her, "Hey, are you listening?" She called out to him.
"Ah, yeah, things aren't going well in short" He responded, continuing to eat his popsicle. "Alright, give me one of those, I've always wondered why you like these so much" She said, nabbing a popsicle with an untorn plastic covering it. "Hey! I need that!" "I'll give you one later, now concentrate" As she proceeded to resume peeking at the other two, putting the popsicle away somewhere.
Further observing the couple, it seems like Zhongli is at a standstill on what to do... Which is bad actually. It looked like Zhongli forgot where their table was, as he kept glancing everywhere. Afterwards he'd say something like "Quite an irregular day for the climate to be like this," to which Ningguang thankfully asked him "How come?" Because then he'd go on explaining and dragging on said explanation while trying to remember his table.
That's what Hu Tao would think because she can't actually hear them from her position, only infer from the body movement and facial expressions. "... We have to help" "What? How?" Chongyun became bewildered. "Just follow my lead! Repeat these words after me..."
"Which is where the formula became created... Now then" Zhongli finished up some story he accounted to Ningguang, and turned to a building. "..." He was quiet, and Ningguang noticed the slight silence that occurred. Then all of a sudden, another couple came forward, a bit close to their side but, had their faces sort of hidden because of a certain bamboo hat. Zhongli had his eyes and ears on this while Ningguang's mind drifted off somewhere.
"Now is the time to dine, so, after you, my lady?" A manly voice was heard from the couple. The other giggled, "Why yes" As the woman took his hand, and entered forward. All of a sudden Zhongli gained a confidence boost, "Now then my lady, shall we dine in here like never before?" He said. Ningguang was taken aback by his words, "W-why yes... Let us dine Zhongli" As they walked forward into the building.
Ningguang was about to reach for Zhongli's hand, but noticed that he didn't attempt to reach back, which sort of made her feel something strange. Nonetheless the two entered, and thanks to the confidence boost, Zhongli actually remembered where their table was, making their way to it.
Behind the doors that they opened though was Chongyun and Hu Tao, peeking from the edge of the side. "Did it work?!" Chongyun asked, "..." "Well?" He persisted. "Yes silly, of course it would!" She assured him. "Great, can I have my popsicle now?" Chongyun asked. For some reason his heart was starting to beat like never before after he just finished putting the little act that Hu Tao had asked for him to do.
"Well, I may have been eating this popsicle a bit while doing the act, so if you still want it her-" Seconds weren't wasted as Hu Tao extended out the popsicle, and Chongyun snatched it, eating it without a second thought. Hu Tao stared at this, and didn't how to react. As Chongyun finished up the popsicle, he looked back and saw that she wasn't facing him anymore, "What was it that you were saying?".
"Ah, it was... Nothing..." She said.
It was by then that the two decided to also enter fully into the restaurant. Chongyun almost made a mess along the way, tripping on a chair and bumping into another Person holding some dishes, but the two, successfully without suspicion, managed to secure a seat. Looking over at the other pair, Hu tao was starting to become ticked off again, wondering what the two were discussing.
Eavesdropping now, she managed to get a hold of what they were discussing. "...Mess she was... Wine... Future..." She still couldn't quite make out what they were really discussing, further ticking her off. Chongyun on the other hand wasn't giving that much of a care in the world, ordering his food from Xiangling. "Actually, is that you Chongyun?" Xiangling questioned him.
... Oh right, they were disguised
"*Hack* Chongyun?" Chongyun tried adjusting his voice. "No no, my name is-" He tried looking around for something, and then he saw a family that was just entering. "Let's go and knock out this food father!" The kid said. "Now now Teucer, don't play with your food" The father said. "The name's Teucar, with an A on the 2nd to last letter" Chongyun said.
Xiangling looked at Chongyun peculiarly, "Quite specific... Ah, well my apologies Mr. Teucar, I'll get both of your meals right away!" Xiangling said, hurrying on over to the kitchen. Hu Tao then sat formally on her chair, "We were ordering something?" She questioned. "How else would we not attract the employees eyes on us of all people?" Chongyun questioned. "I guess... Oh! It seems like Zhon-" Chongyun pulled back one of Hu Tao's pig tails.
"Owie owie owie owie! What're you doing!" Hu Tao said in a slightly high pitched voice. "Yiu were gonna blow our cover..." He replied back, observing Zhongli taking a leave. It seems Ningguang was expecting something from him as he left.
"Where do you think he's going?" "Maybe he needed some privacy, yun-yun" "That can't be it, they haven't even eaten anything yet..." Chongyun began thinking, looking off another way. He then thought to himself why he actually had the urge to fully help out Hu Tao (again), and when he turned back to face Hu Tao, she was gone.
"Geh!" Chongun panicked, and saw that Hu Tao was indeed approaching Ningguang. Ningguang took a sip of a tea, and noticed that someone approached her "My my, I never would've thought I would've seen the ever so elegant Ningguang to be here!" She said aloud, and waited.
Hu Tao continued waiting like as if she expected something, and then she looked around to see that this table was a VIP spot, with not too many near this table. Meaning that no one heard her at all. "Um... Yes, it's me, do you have any business here?" Ningguang said, not catching onto the fact that this was Hu Tao.
"(Geh! She's smart, but not that smart!) My my, do I have any business here? Hm?" Hu Tao said. Another pause was made. She was thinking of a type of excuse now to actually answer that. "Um..." "YES! I do, you see I'm actually here to ask of you if you enjoyed this year's Lantern Rite Festival! I'm actually part of a team that record's people thoughts and statements on what they felt could've helped out make the festival much more exhilarating!..." Another pause was made.
"Ahhhh... Where do I begin..." Which caused Hu Tao to feel an immense amount of dread come over her, as if expecting something big from Ningguang, which was precisely it. A whole lecture on what perhaps could've been improved on the festival. Chongyun managed to hear their conversation all the way from his table, despite the bustling sounds around him, "(It seems like she's already having a hard time from what I'm picking up... I thought she said she wanted this whole thing to go smoothly... So why is she picking on the Tianquan of all people...) " He thought.
"(How should I intervene...)" Chongyun was deep in thought, too deep that time passed a bit more quickly than he thought. Stumped on how he could intervene still. It wasn't until Xinagling arrived with his meal that he snapped out. "Ah! Thank you for the meal... Wait" Chongyun realized this wasn't his meal, "I didn't order a mint salad... I wanted a cool Tianshu meat..." He said.
On another table, he could hear someone also seemingly confused, but also ticked off because of his meal being wrong "I specifically ordered mint salad, now look how my bro- I mean! Son is reacting because of how cold his food is" The father said. "M-my apologies mister! We seem to have got your order mixed with someone else because of how similar their names were!" The waitress told the father.
"Who could get confusesd with a name Teucer?" The father said, as he looked around, and saw someone with the dish he ordered. "A-ah, me, m-my name is Teucar... With an A..." Chongyun said, standing up, head down, plate on his hand to deliver to the actual customer. "I apologize if my name caused some screw-ups here" Chongyun said, putting the plate on the table and looking at the father eye to eye.
"Mr. ..." He noticed how dead the father's eyes were, and how he had orange hair as he extended his hand for an apology. "Rue... The name is Rue..." Childe said.
As the two gripped onto each others hands, with an immense amount of force on both sides that even Xinagling and the waitress noticed. The two then seemingly went in for a hug and pat in the back (?!).
"What do you think you're doing here" Chongyun whispered to his ear, as the two continuously patted each other. "My brother here wanted to have some fun and eat up with his idiot brother" Childe responded. "... Why of all places here, and this time..." Chongyun whispered.
Flashback
In the teapot, Chongyun was relaxing, with another guest in front of him. A red-haired person, sitting and brewing some drinks. "So... You don't have evil spirits there on your home?" Chongyun seemingly asked again. "As I mentioned before, it's rare to see that. But I do acknowledge that they've exist, and have had my encounters with them alongside with Aether of course." He said. "I see... Perhaps I could visit you th-" And then the door bust open.
"So let's get this party, started!..." A familiar voice was heard. Aether was standing there with an extremely worried expression next to that familiar person, as if he attempted to stop him before from entering. The other two, upon looking at his face and taking a moment to analyze what just happened, quickly drew their weapons, and had them near the guest's neck.
"What do you think" "You're doing here" The duo said. Childe of course with his smile up, took a moment to also analyze what happened again, and sweated.
The long story short was that
During the event for when Childe had his brother's first visit before, in preperation of needing to deal with potential enemies and ruin guardians, Aether luckily had two good guests in stock at his home. The problem was now that they weren't all too fond of Childe and of what he did before. But upon explaining the situation in detail, and without any misunderstandings left, the two came to empathize with Childe and within each other.
The story went on as normal, except Chongyun and Diluc helped out in dealing with some of the ruin guardians, and helping Childe out with his escape after becoming tired dealing with the ruin guardians in his full 3rd form that put a strain on him. Helped him out in giving the ruin guardian gift to Teucer, and Childe telling the 3 of them of what's needed to be protected in order to continue forward a certain path, for both sides.
This in turn, made Chongyun and Diluc empathize with him, though they still held their grudges, they acknowledged what was, the humanity in Childe. Soon, opening up more opportunities of conversation and stories to be told within themselves. Which is what led to a trio of water, ice and fire to be formed, as what we would call, frenemies.
Flashback end- - - -
"Well, why not help a pal out in this dire situation to get me out of here as fast as you can" Childe whispered back. The patting on the backs continued, and it seemed to have gathered the attention of customers around them. "Why couldn't you just say 'take it to go'" "You can't go up against the wishes of a brother, can you" Childe whispered back. The patting continued, even more furiously, it's as if these two have done this for some time now.
"A-ah... You two... Uh, are you mad at each other?" Xiangling said, trying to analyze the event. "How do we explain this now?!" Chongyun whispered, "Just say you were following along with my cultural greeting!" "But then they'd have even more questions!" Chongyun said. "What's going on here?" A familiar voice was heard.
Chongyun managed to pick up on who that was, as he couldn't face them, but Childe was the one to get an eye on them, that person being Ningguang and a guest beside her who seemed to follow her. The patting became even more furious, that the sounds were more louder than their whispering that they could now talk. "Why is she here!" " That's part of my business to attend to!" Chongyun responded.
Both of them coughed as the hard patting effects were starting to catch up to them. "Okay okay, I'll leave as soon as possible, but you better owe me for this one!" "Before that, we need to think about how we could do that!" The two continuouslly kept patting, it almost looked dangerous to just be near them.
"Listen you two, if you don't stop doing this, I'm going to have to intervene in this matter!" Ningguang said. This enhanced Chongyun and Tartaglia's panic even further to cause them to pat harder. It felt like both of them were beginning to lose sense of touch. Then, miraculously, as if to answer his prayers, Chongyun noticed someone approaching.
Teucer on the other hand got close to the duo, and hugged Childe's leg, "Can you please stop?" He said, calmly and sad. Childe and Chongyun couldn't help but slow down their pats and then stop, but before they broke off, Chongyun said something to Childe "Trip and fall" "What?!" He whispered back.
Chongyun then shoved Tartaglia after Tecuer also broke off from them. Childe then stepped back many times, that he did feel like he tripped on a person's foot, and was about to fall onto his own table. Luckily, the person who accidentally tripped him, grabbed on to Childe's hand "Woah there, be careful" He said. Tartaglia then looked at the person, face to face, the sunlight on Childe's eyes was more than enough to give some life and reflection to his eyes which helped cover up his identity.
The person he saw was Zhongli, and soon as he saw that he figured out, "(That's what's going on here)." Chongyun, dumbfounded at how quick Zhongli reacted to saving him, luckily had a plan B. "Look, a Pidgeon!" He yelled out. Stupidly enough, everybody instinctivly reacted to his callout, and tried to look for a pidgeon of all things. This in turn, also caused Zhongli to let go of Childe, and so, he fell on the table, and received a mess of food on top of him.
"(Ah... What I would do to help repay for all of this)" Chongyun thought, as a big pile of guilt was weighing on him. This was all quite a sight to see, Hu Tao was already devastated about what Chongyun did, but also very curious at the same time for his actions of course. Ningguang then wanted to have a word with Chongyun, and Chongyun felt like he was in for some big trouble.
Following her, Chongyun was able to foresee a room ahead of them, a private room that was provided by Xiangling. Upon entering the room, Chongyun sat down on a seat in front of a table as instructed by Ningguang. Ningguang also sat at the opposite side of the table. "What is your name, sir?" Ningguang shot out the question first. "Ahh, uh he was just an old pal, it's just the way we greet each other (What am I supposed to say?!)" The excorcist was in deep thought.
"Changing the subject I see. Well you're in luck, as the co-owner happened to inform me earlier that you and that other man's son had similar names. Was that really something for you to get all riled up about?" "(He was the one who got mad at m-...Pause Chongyun... Deep breaths)" Chongyun breathed. "Excuse me for my emotional outlash earlier. But I have to say that I did wait very patiently for my food, only to be disappointed that I had to wait even longer for a renewal of it" Chongyun argued.
Ningguang thought about this for a bit, knowing how much of a pickle it is to be waiting for something, like being in a certain line. "But it cannot be ignored that you also caused further property damage because of your actions. Please, at this moment, could you uncover whatever it is from your face? I need to know if you're looking directly at me in the eye, sir"
Chongyun's heart once more was beating faster. "I-I can't, lady Ningguang" He didn't know what to do at this point. "What is it that you hide under there, good sir?" "Noting too important to contribute to this discussion is all" And so it seemed like Chongyun accidentally struck a nerve of Ningguang's.
He saw the geo vision holder seemingly prepare certain energy particles behind her, "May you repeat that once more, sir?" "(Hu, Taooooo! Where are youuuu!)" Chongyun calmly said in his mind.
Then, as if to answer his prayers, the doors swung open. "Well, I suppose that settles it, come along now Ningguang, it seems like we're going to..." Zhongli stared at the sight that was of Ningguang, about to dogpile Chongyun with geo. "Ningguang!" "Huh?" Zhongli quickly approached her, and held her hand. "Wh-what's the matter?" Ningguang asked. Zhongli carefully observed her, making things just slightly awkward. "Mr. Zhongl-" "If you're going to cause property damage, perhaps have some more mora on stock to uphold that" He said.
...
"(Ahh..)" Chongyun felt like his way to the afterlife was secured even more tightly.
"A-ah.. How, rude of me Mr. Zhongli..." These exact words helped revive Chongyun, but revive him with even more questions in mind and confusion piling up. "It's alright, here, let's focus on the other important matters taking place here" He said, taking her hand, and her following along with him.
Chongyun was left out in the room still, but shortly after a while, he fell on his back, popping out another popsicle and eating it. "I-I... I have no idea, how I was able to maintain my composure throughout all of that..." He said quietly, eating the popsicle. "I don't think I can even keep this up" Finishing the popsicle, and standing up. "If anything, we're just making things worse..." "You think so?" "I know so- Huh? Hu Tao?" Chongyun turned around and saw that it was indeed, Hu Tao.
"Teehee, that's me!" She said, helping Chongyun stand up. "Wh-what happened? Why did that happen?!" Chongyun shot out question after question. "Wellllll, shortly after you were taken into this room, I happened to have filled in Zhongli about what he missed. Shortly after, he told Xiangling that he'd pay for all the property damage! Such a gentleman he was..." "..." "... Ah, that's right" Hu Tao forgot about Zhongli's habits due to all the chaos that unfolded, and pulled down her hat in frustration.
"Give me one second... Hu Tao..." Chongyun said as he stepped out from the room. Hu Tao, curious, observed Chongyun exiting out from the room, and appraoching Xiangling. As he began the discussion, it seems like Chongyun was getting a mouthful, but as he took those words in, and in turn gave out his words, Xiangling became more tame. Chongyun then returned to the room, "What happened?" Hu Tao asked.
"I said that I'm the one who's actually going to pay for all that soon..." "... But Chongyun, it wasn't any biggie, I could've just-" "No, I started it. And what goes around, comes around, so I had this all coming sooner or later. It's nothing for you to worry about, especially when it seems that your business is coming near an economic crisis" He said, licking his popsicle.
"... I..." Hu Tao then pouted, "(All of a sudden so considerate you are now, huh?...)" Hu Tao thought.
As Chongyun filled Xiangling in about how he'd repay her (Since he was still in disguise), Hu Tao saw that the other pair they were eyeing were headed towards Liyue's mountains. "Alright, let's continue forward with following them." Chongyun said. "..." "..." The two seemed to just stare at each other for a while. "Is something wrong?" Chongyun asked. "No, it's just that, you were very against helping me out in the beginning, and now you're on-" "Ah, thanks for reminding me, I'll be taking my leave now" He said as he actually walked off.
Hu Tao on the other hand grabbed onto Chongyun's leg "Wait, please please please continue helping me!" Hu Tao said, proceeding to then hold onto his arm. "(A change in mood all of a sudden... Wonder what got into her)" Chongyun thought, "But why would I wanna do that?! You've been strange saying things like wanting to help out on this 'date'. I thought you wanted to mess it all up, but now you actually want to help them?" Chongyun questioned them.
"No... It's not that, it's just..." Hu Tao then mumbled. "What?" Chongyun couldn't hear her. "It's just that..." She mumbled again. "I'll take my leave the-" "I want her to respect his space!" She said. "Ah... I see..." He didn't actually understand, Hu Tao noticed he was about to take another step, but prevented it by grabbing on to his hood now.
"Yeah... I don't want her to... Have him at the palm of her hand... You know?" Hu Tao said. Chongyun was confused, but could understand Hu Tao in some way. "Okay... Okay, fine... I'll continue helping out" He said. "Now uncover my eyes" He said.
"Mr. Zhongli... Why're we heading out from the city?" Ningguang questioned the man who still held her by hand. "I wouldn't want another commotion happening during our discussion, would I now?" "But the problem was going to be taken care of soon enough..." "Well, having things like those spring up becomes more common on days like these." Zhongli explained to her. "... I... See... I suppose you are right in that part." "I'm glad you understand lady Ningguang... (That I never did bring any mora)" Zhongli thought with relief.
"Ah, it seems like we've arrived" Zhongli said, observing the area, being extremely near the Yaoguang Shoal. An area where there is a lake, having some terrain remain on that lake, and bodies of water being made as homes for fish of all kinds. "Ah... Now I understand" Ningguang said, "Indeed" Zhongli replied, letting go of her hand and seemingly grabbing something from the ground.
"The apples here taste-" "A perfect spot for fishing!" Ningguang cut out Zhongli. "... Ah... What was it you were saying?" She asked him. "Dah, ah, yes! A perfect spot for fishing" He said, turning around and eating the apple whole. "Are you okay?" She asked him, as he proceeded to swallow it as well, struggling however, almost choking too. "Y-yes... Ahhh, fishing, I recall this one rare species of fish that an old friend gave me..." And off he went with his stories yet again.
However, while walking down towards the lake, the pair realized the body of water wasn't deep enough. If they were going to try and pull of som fishing, they were going to need to swim deeper into it in order to find the good stuff. "Hmm... We could always swim of course" Ningguang suggested first. "Indeed, a great idea as though it seems, however, I digress" Zhongli disagreed.
"What makes you think otherwise?" The Tianquan asked. "Well... I've taken a notice of the uniform you brought today, and would think it'd be a shame to have it all wet with natural water... Especially when it could be revealing" Zhongli was honest about it, but turned his head another way as he told her.
"Ah-ah... Yes, you are right" Ningguang replied, feeling warm on her face. This caused an awkward silence until suddenly, they saw a boat approaching them. A couple were actually on it and were surprised to see who it was before them. "Ah, lady Ningguang!" The woman was first to speak, "Wh-what brings you here?" She was nervous. "I am just attending to matters related to business is all, no need to fret. However, it seems like we're in a pickle to get on deeper levels of this lake" Ningguang said.
The couple then turned to where Zhongli was. He was holding onto his stomach for not eating the apple properly, and just swallowing it whole as he faced the consequences. "W-we see... Ah! Our boat could perhaps solve this issue of your's" "Yes! Exactly what I was thinking" The couple said to Ningguang, taking her aback. "W-wait just a moment, but isn't this your boat?" "It is! But it's alright, if it's for the better of Liyue's future, it's fine with us for you two to use it" The woman said, giving Zhongli the paddles, confusing him.
"We'll be off now. We won't wanna disturb you two's private business, so carry on Ningguang! And good luck fellow sir!" The man said to the pair, as the couple then exited off. Ningguang felt her face even warmer, as she was about to go and clear up to the pair on what was really going on, "Very well then, let us get a move on Ningguang" Zhongli said, getting on the boat.
"Very well then..." Ningguang too boarded it, and off they went.
Elsewhere, Chongyun and Hu Tao in their normal outfits ran towards the Shoal as well. "Why do you think Zhongli would invite her there?" Chongyun asked. "I don't know Yun-yun, but something fishy is definitely going on if they're over there!" Hu Tao said. Then, all of a sudden they came to a halt as they saw a couple walking towards them.
"Ah, it's the head of the Wangsheng Funeral parlor! Ms. Tao!" The woman said. "Hello hello! Just passing by, with my pals, onto grass and water trails!" Hu Tao cheekishly rhymed. Chongyun chuckled a bit, "(That one didn't rhyme)" He thought. The couple then chuckled as well, but then turned to Chongyun. Something flicked with them to make them say "Seems like, everyone's starying to find everlasting life now" The woman said. "Indeed" The man agreed, confusing the pair.
"We also won't disturb you with your private business, please carry on without paying any attention to us!" The woman said. "And break leg for me won't ya?" The man said, patting Chongyun's shoulder, and exiting out with his beloved one. Hu Tao didn't actually pick up on what they meant, but Chongyun on the other hand did.
"Hey, Yun-yun, what do you think they were saying-" As Hu Tao turned to the blue excorcist, she saw that he was already eating a popsicle at his very fastest in order to calm himself down, for some odd reason. "Yun-yun!" Chongyun then got spooked a bit, "Now's not the time to eat! Come on, we need to see what's going on fast!" She said, grabbing onto Chongyun's hand yet again, and rushing towards their goal.
Throughout the rush, there were multiple times that a miracle was invoked upon Chongyun. Not choking once on his popsicle while rushing. But instead, be on the brink of letting the yang energy all out. As Hu Tao finished her rush, and they hid in a bush, Chongyun gobbled down the rest of his popsicle as fast as he could. "Manners, Yun-yun!" Hu Tao whispered aloud to Chongyun.
At this point, he just didn't care. Hu Tao then decided to finally take a peak through the bush to see what the other pair were doing. "Yun-yun! Quick, look at this!" Hu Tao whispered to him. Curious, Chongyun decided to actually see what was going on, and to none of his surprise, didn't see anything but a plain of grass. "Heehee~ Wrong way dummy, you should've known that by now, but you were so preoccupied in hogging up that popsicle you didn't notice" Hu Tao teased.
Chongyun became further irritated, "I now forgot my reason for being here, therefore I will leavee now" He said bluntly. Hu Tao giggled, "Haha, good one Yun-yu-" But then noticed Chongyun stood up tall, and actually was going to take his leave. "Wait!" Hu Tao quickly grabbed Chongyun's hand, and pulled him over.
They never did notice that their bush was actually just behind a slope of grass going down, and as Hu Tao pulled him, she felt the need to actually put in the power when it came to Chongyun. Right she was in doing so, except for the fact that Chongyun didn't actually resist. Therefore, off they tumbled down.
As they landed on the ground, Hu Tao found herself being under Chongyun, she didn't open her eyes, but got the feeling he was over her. "(Ah... Yun-yun's hands are right next to my head... What'll he do...)" She thought, and felt. "(Ohhhh..! Here goes nothing)" She then opened her eyes, and saw that Chongyun was indeed on top of her, however, his head was no where near close to hers. Instead, his head was up and was facing what was behind Hu Tao, paying no attention to her.
"Oh! What do you see!" And then Hu Tao realized that they should've been close to the other pair if they were there, causing her to panic until she actually saw what was it Chongyun was looking at. Zhongli and Ningguang were taking a boat to another small terrain of grass surounded by the lake. "Ah! Zhongli!" Hu Tao then pushed Chongyun away forecfully by his face, stood up, ran and stopped towards the edge of water.
"Zhongliiiiiiiiiiiii!"
"..li..."
Zhongli, rowing the boat felt like he heard something. "Do you happen to hear a small noise Madam Ningguang?" He asked. Ninguang was sat down and replied, "No?" And then she looked around.
"Zhongl-" Hu Tao was then charged at by Chongyun. Luckily there was a plain of grass that seemed to have overgrown a bit, so they layed down there on the ground yet again.
Ningguang looked around, and saw nothing of importance, "Maybe rowing the boat caused something to pop up in your mind in order for you to hear that" "Perhaps..." Zhongli replied, as he continued on rowing.
Chongyun had his hand covering Hu Tao's mouth covered, and yet again wasn't looking at her, but at the other pair. After a while, Chongyun felt his hand very warm, and looked back at Hu Tao who was yet again, having her head turn into a tomatoe and feeling something within her. Chongyun quickly got up, and quickly rubbed off his hand. "S-sorry..." He said.
Hu Tao got up, "No, I just... Panicked... That was all... Thanks.." She was an awkward silence for the both of them until they realized that the other pair that they were chasing, are about to be a few meters away from them by going across the body of water. "What're we gonna do Yun-yun!" "I-I.. I don't know" "Can't you use your element to get us across" She asked. Hu Tao had a point, however there was a flaw to it "I can't, we'd get closer but then we would also get spotted if we did." Hu Tao pouted knowing he had a good reason.
"If only we got here sooner..." Hu Tao said. "Ye-!" Chongyun Quickly got in front of Hu Tao and pulled out his sacrificial Blade. "Look out!" He then guarded against whatever was coming at him, and saw the weapon bounce off from his claymore. Mid-air, falling he saw that it was a green spear with an ancient texture and shape.
He sensed another thing coming, and saw that a person also ran towards him, jumping. Sensing his next move, Chongyun then swung his claymore, and just as he predicted, clashed with that person who had jumped to catch his spear, and strike yet again at him from mid-air.
Due to his buildup, he deflected that person's strike yet again, and resumed his battle stance. The person was pushed back, and also got into their stance. "I never thought I'd see the day someone else would have the abillity to deflect my blows" The person said, before rushing at Chongyun yet again. Chongyun, quickly pushed Hu Tao away, and use his elemental abillities to boost his agillity and speed to clash and guard against the spear's attacks.
"You're...Grh!"Chongyun was pushed back, and his opponent yet again charged at him, this time with an elemental surprise "This is it!" The opponent yelled out. Chongyun in turn activated his ability, whispering "Spirit blade, layered infliction!" And so he swung his claymore, enhanced with even further speed, power and ice inflicted onto it and clashed with the person.
He could tell as the wind that was emitted off by the clash that who he was dealing with was an anemo user, as this wind was harsh. However, he was able to keep up with his opponent for a reason, "Spirit cast: Boundary touch" Extending out his hand and touching the chest of his opponent, he casted something that pushed him away to keep his distance yet again.
"Grh!" The opponent was actually hurt from that to his surprise, landing on his two feet, yet also covering his chest with his open hand. "Curb your fury!" Chongyun yelled to him. Finally, getting a chance to observe the person, he saw what he knew by presence, was a Yaksha. "Oh, please trust me, It's barely scraped anything yet" The person said.
That person, was none other than Xiao, yet Chongyun didn't know who he ever was nor was introduced to him yet.
Chongyun trusting that opponent's words, braced himself even more. "A Yaksha, you are" He recognized what type of person he was, as he saw the mask on his waist hanging. "And an exorcist, that has let down his family name you also are" Xiao in turn said, recognizing the symbols on Chongyun's clothing.
Chongyun kept quiet as he observed Xiao, also in a stance that looked as though he was going to charge again. "Very well, the battle will be decided now" Xiao said, charging yet again and striking. To his surprise, Chongyun deflected that blow again, but didn't foresee himself getting tripped by Xiao.
Needing to carry on the weight of his claymore and being caught off guard, he thought Xiao would go for yet another overhead attack, but to his surprise saw that spear was about to strike him underneath him this time. Chongyun being late on this, managed to also guard against the blow, but was now disarmed as the the sacrificial blade flew from his hands. "It's over" Xiao said, on top of him with a completely new appearance on his face, as he would this time go for a pierce.
Chongyun foreseeing this began thinking at this very moment, "(Please be okay, who)" As he shut his eyes.
...
Instead, he felt like another body was pushed onto him, being sent flying along with it. He felt that the body was in front of him, sort of in a seating position as they were blown by the strike. He hugged whatever was there so that they won't go off getting hit by other things, shielding them from incoming objects. And indeed he shielded them from a wall, making a crack on it from the impact. "Ah... My back..." Chongyun said. He felt like he cracked a rib or two from that impact.
He still was hugging whatever was there. Laying down his head, he felt something soft. It was a hat, and then he felt the clothes and realized, it was none other than Hu Tao with her Starglitter spear on her hands. "A-ah, Yun-yun, are you okay?" She said. He let go of her, and could barely speak from that impact on his back. "Please be okay, please be okay" She said as she hung onto her weapon, and helped, with her spare hand, Chongyun by having him lay on his back.
Chongyun then offered a smile to signify he was good, as he was still short on breath, "Yun-yun!" She said, hugging him. He was gonna be out of breath for real from that hug. "A-ah, sorry" She said. "What're you doing?!" Xiao said.
"Xiao!" Hu Tao called back at him, "Why did you do that?!" Hu Tao continued. "Why did you defend him?! Didn't he harm you?!" Xiao called out. "NO, XIAO!" Hu Tao shut him down, and Xiao was taken aback.
"Then what was all that I saw?" "What did you see?" Hu Tao questioned him. "Him pinning you down multiple times, and you trying to get away from him!" He said. Hu Tao then felt flushed, "(A-ah... It may have seemed like that huh) Well it's not what you think Xiao! He's a good person, and he was only just trying to help me in something!" She said. "Now look what you've done!" As Chongyun was still trying to catch his breath from that impact.
Xiao then thought about this. "... Oh dear me..." He said, as he quickly disarmed himself, and went up to help Chongyun. "Don't!" Hu Tao said, blocking him. "..." Xiao stood there quietly. Hu Tao then dropped her spear and rushed to Chongyun's aid again. "Listen Yun-yun, this isn't going to feel good, but it'll help you feel better. You can trust me on this as I've done this many times before" She put her hands on Chongyun's chest. "On the count of 3, I'm going to inflict something inside you, so brace yourself... 1... 2... 3!" And indeed, Chongyun felt something extremely warm within him.
An adrenaline rush was happening, letting out air at a more steady pace but also inhaling it much more faster, slowly but surely. His heart beat faster, and he opened his eyes wider to see Hu Tao's worried expression. He felt like he could finally breathe normally again, and Hu Tao observing this stopped whatever she was doing to him.
Chongyun stood up and grabbed his chest. Hu Tao on her knees, put her hand on his back, "You okay?" "Yeah.. Back still hurts but I can breathe just fine... Now, who is this person?" Chongyun asked. Hu Tao helped him slowly stand up, "That's a friend of mine... Xiao... Otherwise known as 'Alatus'" Chongyun upon hearing the 2nd name, was taken aback. His clan of exorcists have had records upon this Yaksha, and books recounting it's struggles and events that it went through. He knew that he was a force to be reckoned with, "I-I see..." Chongyun was still however processing this.
"Now apologize!" Hu Tao told Xiao. Xiao had his arms crossed and was facing away from the two, "Why should I, he's all good now" "He wasn't good going through all that pain that you just inflicted upon him seconds ago now, was he?" Hu Tao countered him. "He was able to stand his ground" "And you were able to do something uncalled for, now apologize!" She told him once more.
"Fine..." Xiao said, as he turned to Chongyun. "I apologize for invoking thes actions that were unbefitting of me, upon you. I'll be hopeful on your recovery" He said, bowing down. Chongyun couldn't help but feel strange, yet not strange at the same time. "A-apology... Accepted" Chongyun said. "Very well then, off I go" Xiao said, as he was going to jump. However, Hu Tao grabbed onto his necklace to stop him from doing that.
"Ah, ah, ahhhh. You're gonna need to owe us a lot more than that for what you've done" Hu Tao said. "What's done has been done, therefore I shall take my leave" "After you've also done us this favor" She continued.
Xiao confused, asked "And what is this favor of yours?" Which made Hu Tao actually pause to think about it. However, Chongyun was there to help her out, and so he pointed with his eyes to that certain grass terrain that was on that body of water. "You'll help us fly over there!" She said, pointing at it.
"... No" Is what Xiao would wanna say, but he couldn't help but feel like he did owe them this. "Very well... I will only generate this anemo gust for you once, and off I'll go" He said. Hu Tao then smiled and turned towards Chongyun, "Thank you Yun-yun..." "Ah, no worries" "No... I mean, thank y-" "Alright, it's up" Xiao said, cutting off Hu Tao as he created the heavy yet extraodinary gust of wind. "Knowing you have windgliders, you should be okay on your own, "Yep! Now of we go..." Hu Tao's vocie died down. All of a sudden Chongyun now felt worried yet again, along with Xiao.
"I... Didn't bring mine..." Hu Tao said. Xiao then sighed, "Wait" Chongyun said. "Use mine" As he held out his icy themed wind glider to her. "Wh-what? But what about you?" Hu Tao asked. "My backs' not really feeling it... Which is why you'll also carry me there, won't you?" He said, calmly. All of a sudden Hu Tao yet again felt flushed, "F-fine by me!" As she put it on. "So how'll I carry you?" Hu Tao asked, only to see Chongyun turn around, and lean on her front by just a bit. "I-I see!" She said, trying to act amused, when she could barely hold it together.
Xiao then sighed again, "Look I don't want to waste my time here, so get to it you two" He said, hurrying them. Hu Tao then nodded, and hugged Chongyun. "Hey, before you two depart" Xiao started. "You inflicted something upon me that won't be going away anytime soon... Because of that, you also owe me something, exorcist" Xiao said. Chongyun became curious, "Another duel someday" Xiao said.
...
"Very well then, just know I'll be prepare whenever that day comes" Chongyun said. "Oh I know, so don't get ahead of yourself, and do your family proud..." Xiao said, as he took his leave. Vanishing.
"... Yun-yun.." "Let's go Hu Tao, we need to focus on what's happening over there as well" Chongyun said, helping her focus better. The two then flew off.
As Xiao sat alone once again on a cliff, he continued thinking. "What's the deal with that man... I know I could've struck harder than that, and he was lucky he wasn't able to witness my full strength... But I just can't help but feel like... I was weakened heavily there" Xiao said, thinking about Chongyun.
"What a strange one I've seen, oh how times have changed these years..." Xiao said, as he once again vanished elsewhere.
Ningguang and Zhongli have been fishing on that terrain. Two trees were also standing up tall and strong on that terrain as the two continued fishing. "Quite a peculiar day it is. I never suspected the wind would be acting up at such a beautiful time like this" Zhongli noted. "Indeed, perhaps it'll help blow some fish in to here for you to catch" Ningguang noted, having reeled in yet another fish.
Truth was Ningguang was already making a decent pile of fish, while Zhongli wasn't having any better luck at all. "Ah, patience madam, for sometimes all that matters is the bigger fish" Zhongli said, continuing to wait to reel in at least something. "Well, you better reel in something good, and fast." Ningguang commentated. "I'm going to set up a fire here with some sticks and stones that I see are lying around here" Ningguang then took her leave from her fishing position, and did what she said.
Zhongli turned back to the body of wateer. "Any time now..." He said to himself, waiting. This one of the many reasons why Zhongli also disliked fish overall, as he never really seemed to ever attract any of them at all. Though as he waited, he might as well appreciate the sight that is Ningguang's fish pile. "What a curious trait to also have..." Zhongli told himself. He then looked behind him and also saw Ningguang easily setting up an easy fire. "... Too similar" Zhongli told himself.
He then felt like he saw a shadow pass by him, and so he looked up and saw a figure. He couldn't quite make out what it was due to the sun blinding him just a bit, but right before he could make out what that figure was, he was pulled in by his pole. Quickly he retaliated, pulling back harder, but surprisingly the fish also retaliated much more harder.
"You are putting quite the fight you fish, but all things must come to an end" Zhongli said, putting in more strength to it as well. Both man and fish were equal in power when it came to their pulls, "I'm afraid now is the time fish!" Zhongli said, reeling it in this time with his enhanced strength. And so he reeled it in, pulling it upwards. The fish was now flying for a few seconds, and it was big... Way too big actually.
And it kept flying, and flying. Zhongli looked ahead of the direction it was flying towards, and it was at Ningguang with the fire. "Ningguang!" Zhongli warned her. Ningguang turning towards Zhongli, noticed the fish, but was too preoccupied with more sticks and stones on her hands.
"Gather!" Zhongli yelled out, forming a small pillar, but also forming shields for him and Ningguang. The fish hit Ningguang's shield, bounced off, and ruined the setup of the fire. Not only that, but the water and liquids around the fish came off, and wet Ningguang, bypassing the shield.
Zhongli was speechless, "Ah... Lady..." He didn't know what to say.
- A few couple minutes before that
Hu Tao hugged tight Chongyun, but was also concerned by his bacck pain that she could only hope it wasn't worsened. "Yun-yun... Sorry" "Don't be, I suppose Xiao had a point in defending you" Chongyun replied. "But now you're hurt," "And now am in a stable condition. Qiqi could fix me up soon after this, so don't worry. However on another hand of our concern, why didn't you bring your glider?" Chongyun asked.
"I didn't think it'd be required. Zhon-zhon didn't look the type to take his guests to much more diverse places." Hu Tao answered. "I see... I never also thought you'd ever know the Yaksha of all people..." Chongyun said. "Ai-ai-ai... I never thought the day would come when you'd see him..." Hu Tao said.
Chongyun was an exorcist, therefore he'd exorcise demons, evil spirits, youkai and all such things. Whether it be a Yaksha or not, he would still need to exorcise them."You hide a lot of things, don't you" Chongyun asked her. Hu Tao remained silent, "Very well then, I suppose I'll give my thanks to him whenever I also see him another time" Chongyun said.
"What for?" Hu Tao asked. "For looking out for you" He answered her. All of a sudden Hu Tao felt strange, and for being strange, Chongyun took in the effects of that strangeness. "Ah- Hu Tao, -eh!" Chongyun mumbled a bit. "You're kind of, hugging me a lot harder!" He said. Hu Tao then snapped out of it, and apologized.
As the two got closer to the terrain, they started discussing their landing spot. "Either tree would work fine" Chongyun said, "Well then, we'll try landing a bit deep inside the terrain, so we'll have to go with that tree" Hu Tao said.
That tree being the one that was over the fire Ningguang was making.
They landed just in time for them to hear the ruckus of Zhongli's huge fish that he reeled in. Blending in with the leaves, the pair observed the other pair.
"Lady... Ningguang, I" "Nice catch Zhongli!" Ningguang told him happily. "I think this is my first time seeing this type of fish as well! I'll perhaps have to look in my encyclopedia of fishes whenever I get home to recognize this one" Ningguang said, "Do you think it's fins are edible? Oh! Perhaps we'll have to cook this one in a different way than the normal rotating around method with the fire. You think it's scales are valuable?" And so Nigguang went on and on about this fish.
Zhongli just stared and observed, along with the other pair that were hiding. After a while, Ningguang then finally caught herself on what she just did, and had her face begin turning red. "O-oh.. I... Apologize... For that... I'm sorry for making you hear all tha-" "Don't be" Zhongli cut her out, as he fixed up the fire and actually started it, "I think it was all interesting to hear. I never knew you were quite the fan of sea life" He said, chuckling.
"Y-yes... I am..." Ningguang felt ashamed, But Zhongli found this amusing on the other hand. "No need to worry Ningguang, we all have our moments to appreciate something deeply" He said, as he continued to further amplify the fire's structure. Ningguang didn't bat an eye to him yet, but sighed.
"However, it appears dusk is about to hit, and after all that's been splashed on you, I suppose I owe you a small debt" Zhongli proceeded to take his coat off, and put it on Ningguang. This surprised her at first, but she decided to listen to him, feeling comfortable now. "But I must say, I suppose that fish of mine beats out your pile, doesn't it?" Zhongli asked cheekily. Ningguang grew embarrassed, "It doesn't!"
The fire grew fiercer, and the fish bathed on top of it. Zhongli and Ningguang sat next to each other as they observed the fish being grilled. "I take it you also have quite the history with sea life." "Ah yes, I do indeed have it..." "Would you mind recalling about it then" Zhongli said. Ningguang looked at him, and became just a bit ruffled. "First, I want to discuss about yesterday" She said, "And that extraordinary request that I still can't believe I..." But the more she looked at Zhongli, the more calmer she began to be as she observed his calm composure.
"Ah yes, I do apologize but this wasn't exactly the scenario I pictured we'd be in. Nonetheless, we are alone now to discuss it too" Zhongli explained a bit. The pair on top of that pair then felt just a slight bit of guilt, but Hu Tao was still too eager to hear about this.
"I'd like to apologize for how I went straight to the point there asking you on doing another meeting, but rather calling it a 'date'. I suppose my mind was a bit off track that day as I observed something that influenced my mind to command that." He continued explaining. Chongyun hearing this felt a bit unease, yet strange as well.
"Truthfully, I wanted to discuss about a thing I have in my possession" Zhongli finally began.
Ningguang and the pair hiding had their curiousities provoked. "What do you mean?" She asked him. "Before I show it to you, I have just a bit of history to recount to you about this thing" He said. Ningguang followed along and gave her his agreement to listen. "This item, is quite the precious one to me. An old friend gifted it to me, yet, I never knew how to use it. Time after time, I have grown frustrated with it, yet can't help but feel as though I'm required to decipher this item. Though I know this gift was specifically for me, can it really be a gift to me if I am yet unable to use it? Though I know, you too have a lot on your plate to get to when it comes to Liyue, I have but one selfish request to you about this gift. I've yet to solve this gift, therefore I require the assistance of the all-knowing Tianquan." Zhongli explained.
Everybody was now silent, not a word was said, and the wind was calm. The leaves rustled bit by bit, and the water waves were tame. "This memory of mine, I will share to you, yet the truth of it being sealed away is what'll be solved by us two" He then brought out, a strange geo dumbbell.
Observing it, Ningguang didn't quite know what to make out of it, nor did the other pair. "Please." Zhongli pleaded. Ningguang was at the same time confused but was in accordance to his request. "... Very well..." Ningguang accepted.
"Hm? I thought you'd take a bit of some consideration to it" "Would it please you if I did?" "Haha, very well then" Zhongli again felt humored. Ningguang then extended her hand slowly to grab the dumbbell from Zhongli, for some odd reason the atmosphere became intense as she did so. Something about this dumbbell felt...
"Familiar..."
And so, she grabbed it.
All of a sudden, it's as though a wave or presence passed by every single person. The moment she grabbed it, the atmosphere completely changed, everyone felt a strange pressure onto them. The pair on the tree felt it too. Hu Tao was taken aback by it, and almost fell off her branch, luckily Chongyun aided her and grabbed her hand, pulling her back in. He hugged her with his right and hung on to another branch for safe measures, not minding it and was moreso concentrated on the dumbell.
Hu Tao felt twice as strange, but also was more concentrated on the dumbbell too.
The atmosphere and pressure slowly deceased, and all was normal again. But Ningguang hid her face as her head leaned more down onto the dumbbell.
"..." "..." The pair near the fire were silent. "Ningguang..." "Zhongli... Would it be alright if I leaned on your shoulder" She asked him.
"..." He didn't respond, but offered it to her. She did as she said, and continued hiding her face by her hair. "Are the fish ready?" She asked. Zhongli then grabbed one stick, and blew on it. He ate a part slowly "I believe so..." He said. "Then let us dine, as it seems nightfall will strike soon" Ningguang said. "Please pass me a stick" "Very well" And so the two ate.
And ate, slowly. Every bite counted, especially for their safety. A fish is known to be something one should have patience with as one could have the chance to eat a bone. It's recommended to not. With every moment, perhaps it'd be more joyful eating it with another, just as this pair.
"So good..." She said, "So delicate... So bold..." She continued saying as she ate it. "Yes..." Was all Zhongli could say. The pair on the tree couldn't quite believe what they were seeing at all. "May I ask a question, Zhongli." "..." He didn't respond but nodded. "Maybe, eating a fish with another... Was a good idea after all" She said, continuing it. "Maybe it is" He responded.
The pair observed Ningguang crying.
Nightfall was about to strike. Ningguang was passed asleep on Zhongli's shoulders. He stood there, looking off onto the descending sun that will soon disappear for the night. He slowly carried Ningguang back to the boat, and laied her there with his coat acting as a pillow for her. He then took the fish as well, encasing it in his own self made Geo Box. And rowed away with all them.
Chongyun observed all this, along with Hu Tao, however Hu Tao was putting up quite a fight to keep her eyes open. Something about this event made her feel tired. As for Chongyun, he for some reason still felt a lot more energized than her. Noticing that she was about to fall asleep, and waiting 'till Zhongli departed, he descended slowly down, with Hu Tao on his hands.
He then carried her piggy back style, and saw just how far the two would need to travel to get through this body of water. But then he looked back at Hu Tao's sleeping face, and saw her shiver a bit. "Cold..." She said.
But stopped shivering, and began smiling, "Yes..." She said. Chongyun then looked back, at the lake, and sighed. He then took his first step onto the water. Where his feet stepped, an ice block formed, "Let's see their departure as well" Chongyun said to himself, as he walked.
The moon gleamed, and as it gleamed, each ice step Chongyun left behind glistered more and more before it's time came to and end, melting away.
Chongyun made it in time at Liyue Harbor to see how Zhongli would leave Ningguang. He saw that he crossed the bridge and made it to Ningguang's work place. Zhongli couldn't quite of course made it to the floating jade chamber, for he'd require assistance, which is why he chose her work place. But of course, as he passed the gates, the guards surrounded him, as they saw him with her back.
Chongyun suspected something like this would happen, but didn't have a plan in hand to prevent a problem from escalating. Thankfully, a certain member of the Qinxin happened to be around the area. He quickly and steadily made his way towards her. Ganyu noticed the pair, along with Hu Tao who was in deep slumber. Chongyun then asked if Ganyu could do him a favor, and she agreed. He then whispered something to her, and so she quickly made her way to where Zhongli was, about to clear the air.
Chongyun then now felt like it'd be time to head home, and so he left the rest to Zhongli. First heading towards the funeral parlor, it seemed no one was in at work this time around strangely enough. Chongyun made his way in, trying to figure out if there was a place for Hu Tao to rest. He found it, layed her down, and took off her hat to place it on another table. Before he departed, he couldn't help but feel like he heard the words "Thank you" before he shut the door.
The tired exorcist then made his way to his own home. He felt like he could now actually knock out at any moment as he made his way through the plains of grass. But then another figure happened to be passing by. It was Shenhe. Shenhe observing Chongyun felt as though something was wrong. Chongyun tried explaining an excuse to her saying that he's alright, but in truth she knew he wasn't.
She decided to also piggyback her nephew, making him feel troubled. She also gifted him a popsicle to calm him down. He really did need it after this whole event that has happened to him.
And so, they made it home. Shenhe would then take care of Chongyun the next morning.
Chapter Complete!