"With authority over a thousand comes responsibility to a thousand." – Ganyu
Zhongli
As Zhongli strolled through the bustling pier of Liyue filled with hundreds of merchants, a unique blend of feelings enveloped him. Godhood, a gift and a curse, has granted him the ability to witness countless generations come and go, while he remained eternally unchanged.
His eyes caught glimpses of familiar scenes that echo with the passage of time as he observed the bustling marketplace. The fluctuating mood of the crowd, the barter and trade, and the merchants' laughter and chatter serve as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence.
Nostalgia washed over him as he recalled the fleeting moments he once shared with friends who have long since passed away. The faces of dear ones he once held dear, now lost to the annals of history, flash before his eyes like fragments of a distant dream. The voices and laughter that once filled his ears now feel like distant echoes, haunting yet treasured.
His heart carried the weight of memories accumulated over centuries. As he passed by each stall, the items on display triggered a cascade of recollections. An intricately carved trinket reminded him of a long-lost friend who crafted it with love and care. The aroma of a traditional food evoked memories of shared meals and heartfelt conversations that time has swallowed.
Amidst the vibrant marketplace, Zhongli walked with a sense of detachment, knowing that he is but a transient observer now in a world that constantly changes. Not the one who leads anymore.
The constant flux of life and the impermanence of human connections tugged at his soul, creating a profound sense of melancholy.
Part of him longed for the simplicity of humans, for the ability to grow old alongside their loved ones, to experience the full range of human emotions without the burden of eternal existence. That part yearned for the fragility of life and the poignancy of fleeting moments, knowing that he can never truly be a part of that transient tapestry.
As he continued their stroll along the pier, the Zhongli was reminded of his profound loneliness. Surrounded by a sea of mortals, and even among the adepti, he stood as a timeless figure, forever separated from the natural cycle of life and death.
In the midst of the bustling coast, Zhongli found solace in his nostalgia and melancholy. These emotions were the threads that connect him to his "humanity", reminding him of the depth and richness of mortal experience. As he walked on, he carried within him the weight of countless memories, a testament to the beauty and transience of life.
"Well, well, well," The voice drawled from behind. "Look, who we have here! Taking a leisure walk during work hours again?"
Sometimes cats know you are allergic to them, and jump right into your lap.
Wise words said by not so wise person. Face with cyan eyes was flashed before him, with his signature "ehe". His mood soured from the image.
He turned and was greeted with the figure of Director Hu winking at him. His mood soured even more.
"To perceive certain qualities in others, one must possess a certain level of discernment oneself," He muttered under his breath.
"What did you say? I couldn't hear your excuse."
"I was just taking a short break, Director Hu," He said, even though it must have been hours since he left his post. "Needed to clear my head."
"Needed to clear your head, huh?" She said considering, like she shouldn't be in her office herself right now. "How about we both ditch the work for a today and take a stroll together?"
It was tempting, but Zhongli was reluctant. Director Hu reminded him too much of Anemo Archon sometimes.
"I appreciate the offer, Director, but we both responsibilities and clients to attend to."
"And instead you are ditching me… But I am your boss!" She said cheerfully. "The funeral parlor isn't going anywhere, a short break won't hurt anyone."
He was certain that it was abuse of one's authority.
"I understand your enthusiasm, but we have a duty to the families who have entrusted us with their loved ones," He said hoping to redirect her energy into other matters.
It wasn't like he disliked Hu Tao or spending time with her. The reason for his unwillingness being each time he decided to be in her company, he inevitably found himself caught up in a series of extraordinary and unexpected adventures.
"I get it, Zhongli," She said nodding. "But sometimes, stepping away from our responsibilities can actually help us gain a fresh perspective and serve our clients better."
Zhongli paused considering her words. She did have a fair point.
"You are right, Director," He agreed. "Our work requires compassion and empathy from us, and sometimes, we need a break to replenish those qualities."
"Great!" She cheered. "You know Zhongli, why not loosen up a bit and just go with flow for a change? Life is too short to be serious all the time, even in our line of work."
"If you so say, Director."
"Ah!" She perked up. "And I know just a drink for this occasion."
"I have no desire to consume any alcoholic beverage, Director," He responded in resolute tone.
"I'd rather drink paint than alcohol," Look of disgust formed on her face. "After the last time…"
"Well, anyways, I was talking about something else," She quickly changed the subject.
"And what it would be, Director?" He posed a question.
"Dango Milk!"
"Dango milk?" Doubtful expression crossed his face.
"Dango Milk!" She repeated without missing a beat. "It's like a milk but from Inazuma and with all Inazuman stuff you know?"
"I can imagine that."
"But the most importantly the taste, Zhongli," Director Hu exclaimed. "The taste! Not once in history of Liyue any beverage came close to that, of that I can assure you," Looking over her shoulder she winked.
Cheeky rascal.
"It's hard to describe, but imagine a creamy blend of sweetness with a hint of rice flavor. The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the milk makes it smooth and creamy. Add to that all types of sweet sauces," She eagerly described.
Suddenly Hu Tao turned and pointed at one of many buildings of Liyue.
"To Heyu Tea House!"
With that words she grasped his wrist and hurried ahead, not giving him time to protest.
Sun was already setting down when they reached the tea house, it's last rays bathing Liyue in beautiful orange hue.
Zhongli always found himself appealed by sunsets. All buildings seem to suddenly shine at this time. Their greys, yellows, and muddy reds for a moment losing all their gloominess and with them as if his own very soul clears up and shines.
A new look, a new thoughts...
It's amazing what one gleam of the sun can do to a person's soul.
Director Hu was tugging his sleeve. He looked at her questioningly, only for her to subtly point in the direction of one of tables.
It was located next to railings, farthest table from the stage where respected Master Liu Su was telling one of his new stories. There wasn't anything special to the table aside from the occupants.
Yuheng of Liyue Qixing was animatedly telling something to the Traveler, using all sorts of hand gestures. Traveler himself sat across from her with barely noticeable smile and seemed to be content with just listening her.
"Well, what do you say?" Director quietly inquired of him. "Doesn't it smell like betrayal?"
"Was there anything to betray?" He asked in turn.
"No," She answered looking away. "As for hurt feelings…"
"Was there any feelings?" He asked noticing reddening of her ears.
"Come on, old man!" She whined. "Can't you see what this woman is doing there? Shamelessly laying her paws on him."
"Yes, I see," Indeed, he saw Yuheng occasionally touching Traveler's hand. "But who, exactly, betrayed you? Traveler or Lady Yuheng?"
"Of course Aether! Who else?!" She nearly shouted.
"Are you sure that it's our dear traveler who is being guilty here?"
"Hmm," She gave the impression of thinking about it. "Yes?"
"No," He answered her firmly. "It's you, Director Hu, and nobody else."
His answer left her completely baffled.
"Love is a matter of feelings," He remarked edifyingly. "Not a matter of morality. But feeling knows no betrayal. It might occur, it might change, it might disappear or not be there begin with – where is the betrayal? It's not a contract."
"Besides," He added. "I can't recall you laying claim on him as your suitor or otherwise."
She was silent after that.
"What should I do now then?" She asked in a timid voice.
"Don't whine," He said. "Act on your affection or give up."
"So simple, huh?" She chuckled "Affection… Just look at me, Zhongli. I always try live like granmps, living life without any regrets. Yet when it comes to this, suddenly I become the greatest hypocrite. Isn't that just pathetic?" She laughed humorlessly.
"The heart wants what it wants, or else it does not care," He sighed reciting words said centuries ago. "If you want my advice Director Hu, then act on feelings and fight for your…" He paused for a second and tried to recall what term people use for that nowadays.
"…future boyfriend." Zhongli finished being proud of himself.
"But with what weapon should I fight? Gravestones? Throw coffins at them?" She asked incredulously. "And Purple Lady over there is feeding him with finest dishes of this place. I can write poetry, but I doubt Aether can grasp it fully."
"Then give up, Director Hu," Zhongli answered simply. "Why fight? It's pointless to fight for feelings."
"Is this how?! And why did you advise me to fight just a minute ago?"
"Because today is Friday," Zhongli said. "And we should find a seat, Director Hu. My legs are starting to hurt."
"Your bones must be like of newborn kitten,
~cause, you are always looking for a place to sittin'." She remarked cheekily.
He ignored her and headed to the table closest to stage. Master Liu Su was already preparing to start his next story.
Just as he was about to pull chair to sit, his form was forcefully yanked. Before he knew it he was being forcefully dragged to the that table.
"Director Hu, there is no place for us there right now."
"But there is plenty of room to share!"
Zhongli hesitated. He didn't mean it in that sense. Nor he meant to take a fight at this very moment.
"Hey! Hey!" She greeted, waving at them. "My dear assistant having a dinner with member of Qixing! Call me surprised."
"Traveler, Lady Keqing," He nodded at them. "It's been some time since I've seen you together. It was during previous Lantern Rite, if my memory is not failing me."
Hu Tao let out unpleasant noise.
"It's good to see too, Mister Zhongli," She rose from her seat, kicking the Traveler to do the same. "You as well, Director Hu."
"Yo," Aether gave a little wave.
"Don't mind us," Zhongli swiftly apologized as he noticed Yuheng's intention to deliver another kick. "We simply came to offer friendly greetings."
"Or maybe we could join you?" Hu Tao suggested. "We couldn't possibly resist the allure of your captivating conversion, table seemed quite lively from a distance."
"Is that so?" He heard Yuheng muttering under her breath, her ears going slightly red.
"Oh, we couldn't deny you a seat, but –" Traveler looked at Yuheng. "Is that alright with you, Keqing?"
Yuheng appeared hesitant. Her amethyst eyes darting between Traveler and them.
"Of course," she agreed reluctantly.
"We don't want to impo-" He began only to be interrupted.
"Splendid! Splendid!" Director clapped her hands. "Linling, could you bring two more chairs to this table?"
"Coming, right away!" Young woman with short brown hair and hazel eyes, who used to work for Qixing Commerce Guild as registrar, responded.
As he and Director Hu found themselves seated they decided to place an order. Zhongli ordered a simple Bamboo Shoot Soup with some tea, meanwhile Director opted for Stir-Fried Shrimp with novelty of this establishment – Dango milk.
It didn't take a long for conversation to renew after that.
"So…" Hu Tao drawled. "What were you guys talking about?"
"Ah!" Aether brightened. "Keqing here was telling me about her recent outing with Ganyu and Shenhe."
"Aether!" A hand was shoved down his face. "It's embarrassing!"
"Walking around the city for hours with a painted face is the ultimate embarrassment, nothing can top that!" Hu Tao assured. "Isn't that right, Zhongli?"
As all eyes shifted toward him, he maintained his silence. Meeting each gaze in return, he held it for two seconds and only then he answered.
"If you say so, Director."
"Well, the point I'm trying to make is that it may not be as embarrassing as you imagine it to be." Hu Tao said sipping her milk.
"And we promise not to laugh!" Aether added.
"On that I can give you my word," He promised.
Director nodded in agreement.
Chewing her food thoughtfully, Keqing pondered their words. With an audible gulp, she nodded in agreement.
"After our shift, Ganyu asked me to come over to her friend's house. She called it a 'Girl's night out' or something like that, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to make new friends outside of work, so I happily agreed," Keqing recalled, sipping her own Dango Milk.
"Shenhe was quite the character, and we had some great conversations between three of us."
"All was going fine, until it was time to eat," She shuddered. "So, there we were, sitting around the table adorned with flower baskets, waiting for a food to arrive. Or so I thought."
Traveler and Director leaned in, their curiosity piqued.
"Without batting an eye, Ganyu casually picked up a flower from the basket and began to eat it as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. I knew Ganyu eats flowers, but I have never seen her eating one, so it was still quite a shock to me," She said. "And to my astonishment, Shenhe followed suit, savoring the petals with a nonchalant expression on her face. I was taken aback, unsure of what was happening."
Keqing's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and amusement as she continued her story. "In that moment, I felt a wave of uncertainty. Was this some sort of cultural tradition that I had somehow missed? Did they know something I didn't? With both of them being disciples of Adeptus it was quite a possibility. Not wanting to appear ignorant or disrupt the camaraderie, I hesitantly reached for a flower and took a bite."
A ripple of laughter spread through the table, and even he couldn't help but find the situation amusing. Encouraged by their reaction, Keqing continued, "The taste was unexpected, to say the least. It was a combination of bitterness and a peculiar texture that I had never encountered before. However, I maintained a composed facade, determined not to make things awkward."
She paused for a moment, reflecting on the memory. "Looking back, it was a lesson in acceptance and the lengths we go to in order to fit in. Eating those flowers may have been an unusual experience for me, but in that moment, I wanted to embrace the shared connection with my friends, even if it meant venturing into unfamiliar territory."
As Keqing finished her story, the table erupted with laughter. Her cheeks flushed once more, but smile tugged at her lips.
"G-Guys," She tried to gain attention. "You promised…"
The dinner carried on, laughter and heartfelt conversations echoing around the table. With Director persisting in her mischief, Traveler weaving tales of adventure and mystery, and Yuheng adding her own two cents when needed, and even he found himself partaking in some discussions. Though the dinner table had unexpected guests, it became a melting pot of personalities.
Until the Director leaned towards the Traveler and whispered something in his ear. Traveler perked up, abruptly rising from the table along with the Director.
"Sorry guys, but we got to go," He said apologetically.
"It was great seeing, Zhongli," Traveler nodded at him. "Until text time, Keqing."
"But –"
Traveler swiftly scooped up Hu Tao, and with a quick motion, they leaped from their position. Just as they were about to hit the ground, Traveler unfurled his glider, effectively slowing down their descent.
As Zhongli sat there, he observed a scene that tugged at his heartstrings. Yuheng watched silently as the man who has captured her affections walked away, hand in hand with another.
His gaze shifted between the woman and the departing duo, sensing the emotions that fill the air. He saw the yearning in the Keqing's eyes, the longing etched upon her face, and the faint traces of sadness that shadow her features. It was bittersweet moment.
He can feel the weight of her unspoken emotions, the invisible thread of her affection that binds her to the man who now walks away with another. His own heart ached with empathy, recognizing the delicate dance of hope and disappointment that accompanies such a moment.
Zhongli noticed her vulnerability, the rawness of her emotions laid bare for all to see. He sensed her silent plea, wishing against the odds that the Traveler would turn back, that he would recognize the depth of her feelings and choose a different path.
He also recognized the complexity of human connections, the choices and circumstances that intertwine lives and shape destinies. He knew that sometimes, despite the fervent desires of the heart, love does not always find its way to fruition. It is a painful truth, but the truth nonetheless.
As they sat there, he can't help but feel a sense of admiration for the woman's strength. He recognized the courage it takes to silently witness the departure of the one who holds a special place in her heart, to accept the reality of a love that may never be reciprocated.
He should probably say something to her, comfort women with broken heart. But his eyes just could not drift away from them.
His gaze was focused on the departing couple, studying the dynamics of their affectionate bond. He witnessed the tenderness in their touch, the way their eyes reflect a profound affection, and the shared laughter that dances in the air. It is a love story unfolding before his eyes, one that evoked memories of his own past encounters within field of Glaze Lilies.
Zhongli was curious, and his curiosity is not just about the future of the departing couple.
In his curiosity, he contemplated the resilience of the Traveler. He wondered if this fellow timeless being will find solace in his own eternity living for fleeting moments like this, or if he too will bear the weight of everlasting loneliness.
As the departing couple faded into the distance, Zhongli took sip of his tea.
The other occupant had already left her seat.
The tea was cold and bitter, mirroring his own state of mind. Perhaps opting for this Dango Milk would have been a better chose.
However, the words uttered by the approaching waitress sent a chill down his back. Fear seized his heart, reminiscent of the battles fought in a long-forgotten war.
"Are you prepared to settle the bill, sir?"
Zhongli can be quite dramatic, so you might want to take what he thinks with a grain of salt.
The initial draft centered around Zhongli's grand exploration of Teyvat, now he is without his Gnosis. Encountering new people and discovering new places. However, I ran out of ideas after the first 5K words, causing the story to be abandoned in a folder for over half year. But then my friend decided to bribe me with some snacks to make some Aether/Hu Tao romance out of it.
God knows when the next chapter will be out.
Constructive criticism is welcome!