"The ores you are searching for will be in this vicinity..."

Zhongli was tired, and honestly a bit pissed. Behind him the whole journey trekked five rambunctious idiotic buffoons who all followed him up a cave trail that was dark, damp and dingy. His tails were all ore enthusiasts according to their introductions at the start of their excursion, budding individuals who want to revolutionize the ore industry.

Now however, they were separated from each other, due to some happy monsters grateful enough to split the whole group in half. So it was just Zhongli and one—

"Agh, Mr. Zhongli!" screamed a man, the man Zhongli was stuck with. He was named Wong, "Hillichurl! Hillichurl!!!"

Zhongli thought this little outing wasn't something that would be unfruitful, but as it now had been over two days, with nothing but sighing, groaning and complaining from said men who wanted this of him, Zhongli finally felt ties of sanity snap. They asked this of him, yet they blame him again for something they decided.

Wong was running away from a samachurl who bore down on him like a hungry hound. Zhongli was surprised, as these five men seemed to attract danger everywhere they went. Even the normally skittish samachurl was like a bloodthirsty tiger in their vicinity.

"Don't fret," said Zhongli as he swung Vortex Vanquisher, ready to fight.

Wong suddenly shone bright orange as his body was now enveloped by Zhongli's shield, the terrified man didn't notice and stumbled onto his butt still scared of the hilichurl out for his blood. Wong began to squeal louder and louder as he saw the shaman monster come right—

*fwip*

Vortex was swung swift, and it sliced smoothly.

"See. It wasn't much but a mere nuisance." Zhongli smiled down at Wong, offering a hand to the terrified man.

"THANK YOU, THANK YOUUU."

Ugh, Zhongli sighed internally. Wong was by no means a brave man which was a surprise considering how burly and built he was. Zhongli thought manifesting his geo shield would help Wong ease a bit, since the shield wasn't actually needed but used as an attempt to help Wong's irrational cowering. In the end, Wong never even felt secure from the shield given to him at all.

"That monster scared me so much, I'm so happy you're here to help us Zhongli. Ohhh what would I do with you-u-u—" cried Wong who slowly was devolving into an incoherent blubbering, just like a broken motor.

In the end, Wong was just a sitting shining overpowered geo lamp who lay on the ground crying and slobbering all over his pants. Zhongli let him do so, calmly folding his arms behind his back and offering some small it's okay, everything is fine now, here and there.

Zhongli felt like a doting mother, taking care of her oversized bear of a child. Wong was big and huge, but a strong heart underneath all that mass was little to none.

Morax sighed when Wong shrunk into a ball. The former archon coughed into his balled fist, "Your friends will be waiting for you outside. Mr. Wong. As much as I would oblige to a small heart to heart, staying inside this cave will just be more painful for both of us in the end."

"I wanna go, I wanna go. Please carry me there!!!" Wong wailed, "I can't do this! I hate this! To hell with Ore Orgasma! I don't want to be a part of this group anymore!!"

"Yes, well uh," Zhongli grimaced. What wonderful choice of a name for a mineral based group. "I wouldn't want to impose on your little request, but that would mean I would be lacking limbs to protect you with potential dangers that could possibly lie ahead of u—"

"Then I'll stay here!! I'll stay here!!"

"My friend, I do not recommend that—"

"I DON'T CARREEEEE!!"

"Heya Zhongli! How was the— oh my god, your face, are you okay?!"

Hu Tao was quite put off to see Zhongli in a pitiful state. Dark rims around his eyes, a droopy frown and an almost arched posture to his stance. The man looked like a well beaten dough, put in the oven, taken out and beaten again before it got baked and then put in and baked till half cooked and beaten up again.

Nevertheless though, Hu Tao was worried!

"I am fine, Director," chuckled Zhongli in a small smile. "Just a tougher excursion than I originally thought it out to be."

"Eh? What about the guys from Ore Orgasma?"

Zhongli froze. He seemed to stutter in his behaviour, before he looked up at her eyes and smiled.

"That, they are most probably going to not be a real occurrence in the future weeks to come." If Zhongli could look sheepish, this was the best face she ever saw him make of it. "I doubt Wong and his compatriots will decide to pursue their mineral machinations anymore."

Hu Tao didn't fault Zhongli. Actually, she was happy. She hated that company name. Although the director would admit that was a crafty name in itself, it was more deceiving and in the end a more suitable name for other wordly escapades. She was relieved Ore Orgasma met its final legs from its journey. Which was not that long to begin with either; Wong just formed it four days ago. Which was the day Zhongli moved out with them on the little survey/outing/excursion etc. due to the men requesting upon her consultant's help.

Speaking of said man…

"Are you okay though?" Hu Tao grimaced at the dirty clothes and sooty face of Zhongli that he carried to her office. She brought a hand to caress his cheek, rubbing it a little, "You look like you went through a lot."

"I did." Zhongli admitted. Hu Tao brought her hand back and saw her thumb was black from the dirt on his face, "Although, I'm happy this has come to an end. I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to anyone, especially Wong, Feng, Chen, Wu and Hong. But," Zhongli looked at his dirty clothes, and smiled, "as luck would have it, they all decided academics would be where they would shine better. Not in the ore trade."

Hu Tao blinked, "I mean, Wong seemed like a good fit for—"

"Forgive me for cutting you off, Director. But I cannot disagree more. Wong is best fit to be the next budding scholar for Liyue Harbor. Mark my words, that man will rise to the very top no matter what competition come his way."

"Uhh, okay?" Hu Tao blinked incredulously. She began to muffle loud giggles, " Okay, okay! Oh my gosh, Z-Zhongli you looked so scared when I said that, what happened back there?!"

Giggles were now louder giggles. And loud giggled turned to snickering.

"Uh, pay no heed to that. Director."

Zhongli coughed into his hand, Hu Tao thought he blushed, but his sooty face barred her vision from seeing absolutely anything on the blackened face of his. She cursed internally. She'd have loved to see the stoic man make some sort of an expression like that. Gods, if she had a Kamera it would be even more golden.

"I am tired, Director. Forgive me, but I would like to excuse myself for today."

Hu Tao nodded her head, "Mm! You look beaten and battered enough to have you earn the rest enough ten times over so you know what Zhongli? Take the next three off too!"

Zhongli paused from wiping his face with the tissue, "Uh?"

Hu Tao grinned again, "You take the rest for today old man. Well, technically take it for tomorrow and day after and the day after that too!"

"I cannot help but be suspicious of your intentions Direc—"

"Zhongli! How dare must you assume my utmost care and worry for your health through my goodwill be something that has an underlying malice?!" Hu Tao gasped and feigned a mock heartbreak look, hand to her head and one to her heart, "Oh, you're tearing me apart, why are you so insensitive."

Zhongli didn't seem impressed by Hu Tao's acting even when she dropped to the ground in a quiet sniffle.

Drat, and to think Hu Tao had finally mastered the art of feinting.

"Oh fine!" She got up and blew a raspberry, "I hate you! For that I shall cut off your little vacation by one day! There, only today, tomorrow and the day after shall be your comfort!"

"Of course, I understand. Director."

"Huh? Whas das supposeds to means hm?" pouted Hu Tao, tapping her foot in annoyance.

The man she glared at simply smiled back at her. He enjoyed her spite while taking the spare cloths they keep aside for emergencies and wiped his face with one. Slowly, his face was clearer and clearer to Hu Tao, and she finally could see skin rather than what was just black splats on his face.

Zhongli spoke, "I have no idea, Little Tao. But it is truly sad my days off have been shortened so severely. I wonder what I must do to pass the time now."

Hu Tao was quiet. She stopped her tapping foot and stared at the ground. The girl didn't need to look up to know Zhongli was observing her, she could feel it. In the end, Hu Tao had to admit the man could flesh her out a little too easily.

She made a face, probably. And it was what he was expecting, since he smiled warmly when she shared eye contact with him again.

"Fine," she grumbled, " Maybe this place was a bit hard to manage without you here. I kinda need your help, Zhongli."

"I see," Zhongli closed his eyes, "Is there another commission for us?"

Hu Tao felt herself shrink, "Yes, but no. T-there's three."

"My, why is there so much suddenly. If I recall, you love taking care of our clientele."

"Yeah, but. Well. I mean, Lee isn't here to handle the paperwork, he's out on vacation with his f-family too haha… ehe…"

"You could just write it down yoursel—"

"That's boring! I can't do that!"

Zhongli shrugged, "Well, people must learn someday."

Hu Tao wanted to cut her on the spot declaration of Zhongli's holiday to null.

Sadly for the young woman, Zhongli was long gone. Hu Tao soon realized the next day, that a holiday was what she shouldn't have given him and definitely not when there was so much work to do.

She managed in the end, barely.

They sat together on the beach, talking.

Morax felt foreign to this feeling, but ever since Guizhong appeared, he'd been indulging in the utmost oddities of recreation. Here they were, sitting on a makeshift geo structure on the cobbled beach. The wind was calm, and the sun was slowly pulled down by the reddening horizon.

Guizhong looked to him.

"Morax, what is beauty in your eyes?"

She didn't seem to mind his pensive thinking to her question. Morax knew despite her patience she was clearly giddy, sitting there quietly waiting in anticipation. Like a puppy in all honesty she was.

"I suppose…" he trailed away, "beauty is something, that is appealing to my eyes."

Guizhong deflated immensely. The disappointment was crystal clear in her face, and that said look was directed right at him.

Morax didn't deter from her gaze, "What?"

"Don't what me!" Guizhong splayed her arms around frantically, "How must you survive on such boring ideals?! Morax, you are truly one with the rock, even your mannerisms and nature put the sturdiest of ores to shame!"

"I fail to follow your message, what significance does a rock have to do with beauty—"

"To SHAME."

He winced at the small outburst. Guizhong however did not look at all perturbed, she didn't even give the spooked birds that flew away because of her yell a small glance.

"You are loud. It hurts my ears," sighed Morax.

"Hmph, for one I think you need me to be loud so that sound waves can reach that thick skull of yours."

"If you are insinuating that I have poor hearing, you are very wrong Guizhong. My ears work just fine."

"Oh, I don't doubt that Morax. You do have the ears needed for someone of a bloodthirsty nature such as yours."

"Where are you going with this conversation—"

"I'm speaking here," shushed Guizhong with narrowed eyes, "I believe you need to see beauty in a different way. Do away with that narrowness of thought you possess. "

"Meaning?..."

She rolled her eyes at him, "Why should you just label beauty as one of outward appearance, there is far more to beauty than meets one's eyes!"

"I understand your message well enough, you do not need to clarify further," Morax nodded briskly, "Beauty can also mean one's personality. Please, I am not that shallow."

"Huh," Guizhong sucked her lower lip in thought, "I guess you are just simply thick in your words then."

"But you asked me what beauty was. That which I had said to answer you, is the correct definition of beauty."

"Mm, but my, my that is too bland. I don't like the common way people utilize the meaning of the term beauty," spoke Guizhong dreamily, "Why can't beauty also mean one's heart and soul. One's desire and love?"

Morax felt a small grin rise to his lips, "Because that is not beauty?"

Guizhong's foot met his face swiftly.

Although sadly for the Goddess, Morax was still the God who could hold himself strong against a rain of tempestuous thunder and lightning. A small kick could be left unchecked, much like a simple trip from a stone on the ground.

"I hate you Morax," Guizhong growled, "Let me be wishful for once!"

"Alright, alright, I yield," Morax held his hands up in surrender, "Please, get your foot out of my face."

"When I get stronger, I promise that kick will be twice as hard!"

Twice the strength would not do much to Morax. In honesty, given her stature and prowess in battle Guizhong would need at least be ten or fifteen times her ability to even do anything to him. She wasn't strong, no, not at all. That said, power was not her strength like his anyways.

"That said of you," said Morax, "I'm not giving an impression that I deny your claims."

"Well, of course not. Beauty can mean anything to a person." Guizhong looked off at the sunset, "Some find this particular view beautiful, others think less of it. I pity those who don't see beauty in the littlest things."

"To see through your eyes, is an overstretch for people to reach," Morax said as a matter of fact. "You have unique ways to grasp something."

"I know. My head is an oddity, even to me…," laughed Guizhong dryly. "But…"

She continued, "Beauty is something people want to protect, something to hold close and see it pure and untouched, be it from danger or even common hands," The goddess kicked away some rocks that lay on the ground, "Maybe if everyone saw beauty in everything, they'd see what they are hurting and destroying all this time."

"You… refer to the humans' behaviour, don't you?"

"Am I?" Guizhong looked at him with shining eyes that bled perception and truth seeking. Like a hawk.

"Do you refer to me too?" he drawled suspiciously, "Excuse me, but I do no—"

"No, no. I-I'm not." The Goddess of Dust looked away seemingly embarrassed, maybe a little scared. She briskly waved her hands around in denial too. "I just believe all beings are susceptive to beauty and its thorns. So I believe beauty should be something people can understand better, so that they can have it closer to their hearts."

"… Is that so."

"Of course!"

"Mm, well, I see your point. It is truly hard for an individual. Beauty is known for deceit."

"Mhmph, well…" Guizhong snorted. She laughed quietly, "Ah, I don't know where I'm going with this…"

"What do you mean?"

The woman he sat with seemed to scoot off apart a little and turned, looking away from him. She fidgeted with her cloth, rubbing it with her thumb and index. Morax realized she seemed to be embarrassed about something.

"Are you perhaps uncomfortable?" expressed the man with concern. "You do not seem well."

"Eh, no no. You didn't do an-anything."

Morax noted her uncharacteristic stutter; now he was curious.

"I see," was all he said.

She kept quiet too. Now it was just both of them in an eventless standstill, each unsure on what to say. The sun slowly bore down by the horizon, and the sky was turning darker, making the whole atmosphere a little harmony of budding stars and fiery-cold skies. Morax would admit, had he taken time to look at the sunsets more often back then, he'd realize how even more amazing they were right now. Appreciation for art grew with experience.

"It's beautiful." He quietly spoke, not daring to look at Guizhong. "The sky, the sunset."

She giggled brightly, "Yes, it is…" she seemed to pause. "Will your eyes grow tired of these sights anytime soon? I know I won't, but you seem a different case."

Morax pursed his lips a little in thought, "Maybe," he admitted, "but also maybe not at all. I'm not sure."

"Well, I'll just have to make sure you get accustomed to this don't I…"

He felt a cold hand wrap around his own, and white fingernails slowly snaked in the gaps between his fingers. They gripped tight, and so did he in response.

Here she was boldly entrapping his hand with hers with not a care for personal space. Guizhong was an oddity, a little child that had her igh and low mood swings a little too close to each other. She held some semblance of embarrassment a little while earlier, reasons he did not know of but now here sat a different woman, suddenly more confident.

He wondered, since he heard tales of those who were weird yet witty, that maybe Guizhong was one of them as well. She was many years into her life by now, and was never a disappointment when it came to her craft. Her boundless creativity bled with immaculate taste. Yet, for some unexplained reason, Guizhong still could be the wondrous bundle of curiosity wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Anytime, anywhere.

Five minutes… to ten… and now fifteen.

Guizhong never even uttered a word.

"You're oddly quiet," Morax spoke softly.

"Hm." Her voice was odd to hear after a silence, "well, so are you. You didn't say anything either…"

His body felt weightless holding her hand. Her fingers tightened round his harder.

"I don't usually speak much." He looked at her suspiciously, "But you on the other hand don't stay this mum for long."

"Then let now be one of those times when I'm not regular. Simple…"

"You…" Morax pursed his lip in exasperation, "ah, for goodness sake."

She just giggled mockingly. Soft, but teasing.

Morax didn't dare to look away from the sunset. And he was sure Guizhong was not looking at him either. But he knew, she was feeling the same odd feeling he had in his chest. He could hear her heavy, tight but soft and tender breaths at every little interval. She was always a calm, collected and organized individual, but now it was different, she felt terrified… or nervous? Her breaths were heavy, slow and very soft, but Morax could hear them with his feral ears just fine.

His intuition just said to sit there, and enjoy the beauty of the sunset with her out of respect and care. She did not seem open to speech right now, not that it disturbed him anyways. So he kept quiet with her and stared off to the horizon.

But as time passed Morax found that task growing increasingly more difficult. Quite annoyingly enough he couldn't focus properly at the setting sun.

His eyes felt ticklish, wanting to turn to her.

Morax closed his eyes and breathed out slowly, in a vain attempt to calm his surging nerves to desperately try and focus away from her…

The beauty that held his hand tight.

He would never hear word of it anymore, not when she was already long gone from his life, but Guizhong felt the same thing that day.

"This piece of gem is magnificent. Quite the peculiar piece of an Emperor Scale you have procured."

"Ahhh, you flatter me Mr Zhongli. I had stumbled upon the ore through pure coincidence while my comrades and I thought to anchor on an island after being on sea for too long," said Captain Beidou. She sat across from him on one of the tables inside the Wanmin Restaurant, grinning proudly. "Kazuha takes the cake for this find. Heck, I have no idea how the wind helps his nose find such amazing stuff. Can't complain though haha!"

Zhongli rubbed the ore in his hands, bright focused eyes scanning the little piece.

"It is in wonderful condition, I must say."

"Oh? It is? Well, I… you sure about that? It looks really drab and dingy, save for the little tiger stripes it has. Otherwise I wouldn't have picked it up."

"Why, yes of course," Zhongli nodded briskly. "I wouldn't have said it was in a great state if it wasn't so."

Beidou stifled a giggle, "Right, right, I'm not trying to go against your word here, you're the expert on ores," the Crux captain apologized, "But, if I'm not mistaken, emperor scales are precious gems too, right?"

"Yes, more so than little. They're hybrids, which wouldn't imply a mixed fusion of different substances, but they exhibit characteristics of both metals and precious gems."

The woman was curiously watching when Zhongli proceeded to hold the ore up to the candle light in between them that was placed on the table. Slowly, he held the forest green ore above the flickering flame, and they both waited patiently.

"Oh!" Beidou chirped, "Look at that!"

"Yes," Zhongli laughed, a professional demeanour still holding on to his voice, "Emperor scales fall on an odd spectrum amongst most available minerals we find on Tevyat. As you can see here, they melt just like metals when exposed long enough to appropriate heat…"

As said by the Consultant, the gem did indeed melt slowly. The gem was losing its structure from the dented cuboid it was earlier. From the end that was pointed to Beidou, the gem was warping and drooping steadily downwards because of the constant heat from the candle flame underneath.

"You're an interesting little one, aren't you," remarked Beidou as she leaned her chin down on her crossed arms that were laid on the table. She furrowed her brows with bright eyes still focused on the peculiar gem.

Zhongli smiled feeling a little excitement since the best was yet to come.

"Just wait, captain." He calmly told her, "I am sure you will like this."

They waited, both watching. But suddenly, fzzttt crck! the gem made a fizzled crack which had Beidou go wide-eyed. Zhongli simply snorted through his nose, and watched her reaction with amusement.

The captain stared for a while, but soon began chuckling like a little girl.

"Well, will you look at that!"

The gem's heated part stopped warping. Instead, it solidified, and grew out from the dirty forest green colour of broad cyan stripes into a beautiful emerald crystal that had a cyan light beneath.

"And this is why they are also gems." Zhongli stated firmly, "Emperor scales when heated break into a crystalline form, sharing constitution of a dot to dot similarity with those of other precious gems we find on Tevyat. Not a difference in any aspect, they are simply the same as their precious cousins."

"Damn, that's crazy!" Beidou cooed. She took the gem when Zhongli offered it to her, and marvelled at the shining aura it had against the dusk's moonlight.

"There was a Sumeru god, one who adored gems." The Funeral Consultant spoke as Beidou observed it further, waving it to the sky and out the window to let it shine in the evening gleam. "People say Emperor scales grew from the very desire of the god who loved the gems as if they were a commodity to her life." He rubbed his chin in thought, "She mostly took the form of a scaled eagle, and was the ruler of her own small society. It is simply a little tale. But, hence the name this little piece carries now."

"Emperor's scales. Huh," Beidou nodded in understanding, "Why not empress then?"

"Pardon?"

"The god, is a she, right? So wouldn't it be Empress's scales, since she is, well," She waved the ore in her hand around, "a female?"

Zhongli paused.

He coughed quietly, "It is simply a tale."

He didn't want to look at Beidou and sipped his wine again.

"Pfffttt, hahahaha!!" Beidou wheezed, rapping a hand softly against the seasoned wood, "Zhongli, you're a funny man I'll say!"

Zhongli simply nodded, and took a sip of wine from his carved wooden cup, again.

Beidou didn't say more to the man out of respect. But that didn't stop her from grinning like a little girl towards him. So you can get flustered too, huh? She mused in glee.

"Well," she fought a giggle and continued on, "It's funny. One moment this little lump of rock looks like some Geovishap's poop and now it looks like it belongs on Ningguang's throne! If she has a throne, that is. Huh, never asked her bout that funnily enough."

Zhongli hummed, "You should bring that piece to her. The Tianquan will appreciate that find greatly. It is an incredibly large piece, and more so it is incredibly pure as well. That will fetch you a hefty sum no even if you go to the stingiest dealer in Liyue." He looked off and outside, at the sky, where Ningguang's beloved possession presented itself majestically in the air, "in this case, however, the Jade Chamber seemingly might want that particular piece instead."

"Well, I wouldn't usually deal in these financial affairs since I'd leave that to Little Dan-Dan, but the men would want some well deserved partying after I put them through so much pain moving all those cargo from Monstadt to Sumeru over and over. That was a two week escapade! Jeez, I already forgot why I agreed to that work—" The brunette blinked, "ah ," she chuckled, " wait," she grimaced, "it was because of Ningguang's request, never mind."

Zhongli's amber eyes blinked confused, "Why had the Tianquan asked of you to partake in such a long arduous task?"

"Beats me!" Beidou slumped down her chair in a big sigh. She mumbled some soft irritated words before downing a big serving of beer from her large cup. "She's been worried about something, I don't know what. Ever since the whole shenanigans that ensued back in Sumeru with Lesser Lord Kusanali, Ningguang's been under ropes for some reason. Her bright idea was to not have other sailors transport whatever godforsaken cargo she wanted to and entrust all their work of thirty… to me and my men!"

"That just goes to show her great deal of reliance and trust she has on you, captain. You are the best sailor Liyue offers. After all."

The woman blinked, a little put off by his comment. But slowly, her mouth devolved to that of a cheeky grin behind her cup. She didn't say much beyond a simple, "ehhh, I don't know…Maybe. Maybe not?"

"Of course she does." He said again, nodding confidently. "I would've never said so otherwise."

"I didn't mean the Ningguang trusting me part." Beidou stifled a chuckle, "Well, but if you do think that I'm quite the sailor, I really appreciate that. Thank you!"

She coughed into her hand and continued, "Aaaanyways, how much will this little sucker go for anyways?"

Zhongli pondered while Beidou waved the gem around, "That would depend on the dealer."

"Okay, so what if it was the stingiest dealer I was selling this to?"

"That would be easily around one million…"

"Heh? Jeez, I thought it'd be more than that."

"Keep in mind, Beidou. The stingiest dealers offer particular amounts of investments since they themselves want to sell that off at a much higher price. All for a good profit. It is more specifically to those who are not too inclined to cling on to money, where in that way, the greedy dealer gets a good cushion of mora with good investment done, and finally a good night's sleep. It is quite the simple fact."

"I getcha," Beidou thought a little before speaking. "Given that is as it is, what about the others? What will they give me?"

Zhongli returned a smile, "Two and a half million."

"Huh, really?"

"Like I said," Zhongli nodded to himself, once, twice and thrice, "a huge find that you have in your hands. It is very rare to find ore like these in such pristine condition."

Beidou's chuckles were crystal clear throughout the restaurant as her elbows landed on the seasoned tabletop to rest. With her hands cupped below her chin, she smiled like the way she always did everyday.

Big and bright.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhongli, " she winked. "You're one of a kind!"

He looked at Beidou's face of satisfaction in amusement. He nodded. "My pleasure, Captain. It is simply my duty after all— ow…"

She suddenly flicked his forehead. It stung a little.

"Loosen up a little y'know?" Beidou suddenly remarked as she seemingly went solemn, leaning on one hand, "You're always so… stern when we meet all the damn time. Can't imagine that to be good for you."

"Uh, that's just how I am— don't worry too much captain." justified the man as he slowly rubbed the part she flicked.

Odd, it hurt a little more than it should.

"C'mon, that's no fun. One would think you'd be just like that rollercoaster of a Director at Wangsheng, but you're the polar region to her. Always so brooding and sulking, ugh. You're losing your hidden skills like that."

"Hidden… skills?"

Beidou rubbed her chin in thought, he wondered why she stared a little too intensely. "Hmmm," She hummed, "Huh, yeahh," then she smiled in satisfaction as she brought her thumbs out, both stretching the sides of his cheeks upward, pulling a high smile that he never usually did.

"See! That works just fine." Beidou mockingly shot a little eyebrow raise at him, "Let that little Mr. Sunshine out once in a while! I can hook you up with some lovely women I know, and with that killer smile you'll be dropping their eyeballs no sweat."

"That's very unnecessary honestly," He calmly removed her hold on his face chuckling, "I am fine the way I am."

"Jeez, well suit yourself old man," Beidou leaned back in defeat, "Not my fault you die single in the future with that drab package of a personality you have."

Zhongli went quiet at that. Beidou curiously watched him think hard, while he minutely tapped the hardened wood with a finger. Very, very shortly his eyes looked up to her satisfied.

"I prefer someone who loves me for who I am. Not who I can be."

"Oh really, how romantic."

"What is beauty to you, Captain?"

Zhongli felt internally amused when Beidou blinked at him like a confused puppy to his sudden question. It was an odd response especially for one who was a hardened sailor of the raging tides. Cute, honestly.

"Beauty for me?" Beidou scratched her head with small short diggings, " Jeez, I don't get you at all, where'd this come from seriously?"

"Just a thought, just a thought . But that's my answer."

Beidou was more confused now. He found that funnier again.

"Jeez, you're one of a kind. You and your archaic words bore me." Beidou laughingly scoffed, downing more beer. "Ugh, it's late, I gotta go. The crew need my help with something, so I need to be there for them."

"No rest for the hardworking. It seems."

"Nah, my time with you was rest enough! Don't worry old man, you're not a bore like you think haha!"

"I never implied that I was a bore—"

"I know." Beidou grinned, and then he couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness.

"I'll pay the bills, take that as thanks for your help," Beidou motioned to her ore and then to him, "not to forget your great company."

"That won't be necessary. It is all covered."

"Wait, really?"

Zhongli gave an answering nod, "Of course. It is my proper etiquette I should uphold to pay for a lady's expenses during dinner together. Is it not?"

"Aww you actually remembered to bring your wallet you old dog!" Beidou slowly got up roaring in laughter, "Thanks so much! Better yet, who knew you could be such a womanizer, do I now need to keep my feet rooted so I won't get swept away by your chivalry?"

Zhongli met her teasing look at him with little reaction. He just smiled happy at the fact that she was cheerful, maintaining his professional manner.

"Hmm, I doubt what I did was that much of a gentlemanly action, but thank you for your compliment."

"Anytime, old man!" Beidou rapped her hand in his shoulder as she began to trail off. "I'll remember to pay you back soon. Can't have you one up me like that for too long!"

"I appreciate that gesture, captain. Thank you."

"No problem! I'll hit you up with the news when I sell this little sucker soon enough. Till we meet again you relic."

Like that, she was gone from the place. It suddenly felt quieter, only some chatter from the night owl drunkards at the corner remained.

Zhongli sipped his wine, still amused at the interactions of their dinner. Beidou was an amazing woman who was incredibly capable at whatever she did. Children loved her presence, where she to them was a cool and loving personality, even though she might resent the claims of her being adoring she was in fact one. Though she was pretty terrifying, Beidou was a lovely, lively, little soul.

"Well, as cute as it was… are you done with your little date— Morax?..."

Zhongli jerked up very quickly. Cold sweat travelled down his spine in alarm when he looked around.

No one was here to hear that. Other than some drunk men. He was safe.

…

Dead blue eyes met amber ones.

"Childe. A coincidence you are here," Zhongli barely held back his anger, and in the end couldn't manage a soft drop of his cup to the table. It clunked down with a brittle ring.

He breathed softly, maintaining his posture. "You should know not to say such dangerous words out in public."

Childe didn't seemingly care and just flat out ignored Zhongli. Something felt off.

Zhongli stood against Childe's peering cold, collected gaze with distaste. The Harbinger harboured some unsatisfactory feelings towards him apparently. The consultant didn't say anything and watched the ginger drag Beidou's chair and overturned it roughly.

"It's nice to see you." Childe leaned his clearly tense arms against the back frame of the wooden chair. His sickly sweet smile made Zhongli uncomfortable.

They sat quietly for some time. Nobody was there to witness their little uncomfortable spectacle, so Zhongli felt ease at that. Childe, on the other hand, scanned Zhongli like a calculating predator. Watching, waiting.

"What business do you have? I doubt you need some help with—"

"No, none of that." Childe shook his head briskly in a small giggle. " Why you ask…? Can't I have some needed free time— with my friend?"

Zhongli felt stings at his arms, asking him to get up and defend himself. There was no danger, none at all. But such was Childe's ability to seemingly throw such vulgar amounts of bloodlust, even when he was docile. Zhongli was not dumb enough to not be able to discern Childe's moods— not when they were friends who knew each other well.

This time, he was here to talk. Zhongli was sure.

"Morax, you lied." Childe sneered at him, the Harbinger's voice was deathly low, "You were a God all this time… and I had no two clues as to what you were, I don't like the trust we're building here, At All…"

"You know that's confidential. To others, and to you. Take little Hu, she doesn't have a smitten idea of what my background is, but she is my good friend."

Childe didn't speak, only sinking into his laced arms with a strong look of disdain.

"What you are angry about… is that I held the gnosis, something you as a Fatui greatly desired. Was it not."

"Tch, and I lost that to Signora, mind you. What a liar you goddamn are— you're a liar, aren't you?"

Zhongli felt a little attacked at Childe's comments. He didn't show it practically, but it still lingered in his head. He shook it off, focusing at Childe's saccharine smile that pierced his composure.

His eyes seem deader than before.

"Is something wrong my friend?"

"No, nothing at all. I'm just a little out of it these days." Childe snorted, looking off at the distance. His gaze felt almost… lost, like he wasn't fully there in Zhongli's presence. "I feel sick to the bone," He ended with a hard, long sigh.

Zhongli wondered what had conspired when they had lost touch with each other. He didn't dare ask the Harbinger however, the man sat in front of him was clearly volatile.

"Do you need a place to stay for the evening, I can ask Director Hu to make some accommodations for you to rest—"

"Hah, no need. I have my own place where I can rest…" Childe smiled eye to eye, "I just wondered what possibly could someone like you be doing at a restaurant with a drop dead gorgeous woman. She wasn't half bad, I'll admit; she had me look once twice, and thrice."

"Don't be mistaken, Beidou was simply needing my assistance for evaluation of an ore she had procured. It is no date as you claim."

"Ah, shame. She was the Crux Captain, wasn't she? Two of you would've made quite the dashing pair. Albeit the hilarious one as well."

"Flattered."

Childe eyed him suspiciously. He huffed, then smiled mockingly. "You have someone already. Don't you, Morax…?"

Zhongli froze. Childe knew he got it right.

"Dawwww, who is it? I bet she's the most beautiful thing ever, kind, soft and caring. It would suit you too— to have a wife who loved your everything. Every single thing about you!"

"Wife… ?" Zhongli locked a hooded gaze at Childe. "That's a grandiose assumption."

Childe blinked childishly, "Oh? Seems I'm a little too ahead. Okay then, girlfriend it is."

Zhongli didn't say anything.

"Oh come on, Morax. Tell me— your very best friend… about everything! We are friends, aren't we?"

"You would be wise to stop calling me by that name, Ajax."

Childe's eyes widened in horror, and he paused in disbelief.

But—

"My my… you never cease to surprise me… Morax."

Zhongli watched Childe suddenly change expressions in a heartbeat. The Harbinger slowly devolved to a laughing fit again after seemingly brushing the shock off and sunk further into his sloppy seating position, chuckling softly.

Zhongli felt unnerved by the sight.

Something is wrong with you, isn't it.

"Is it a god as well?" snapped Childe with a glare.

"Childe, you seen sick."

"Am I? Maybe I am." Scratching his head, Childe grimaced at something— something that was bugging him. Zhongli didn't say anything. "It itches, my head itches. Oddly."

"Do you need hel—"

"Just answer my question and we'll be fine. You know?"

"I—" Zhongli grimaced at the notion, "Why are you asking this?"

"Is it a certain Guizhong?"

Zhongli never stood up faster. Hand on the table, stiff and gripping. Childe was revelling in it, the ever grinning maniacal stare directed right at Zhongli.

"Bingo!"

"Where …" Zhongli gripped down hard on the wooden surface, "where— did you hear that name?

Childe was mocking him, and enjoying it deeply.

"Here sits Guizhong. Here sits Morax. Here sits Cloud Retainer! Simple as that." said person winked at him, cheekily grinning.

Zhongli stiffened, cold sweat slid down the back of his neck. He looked around the restaurant warily, before he sat down again and shared the challenging gaze Childe bore down on him.

"What do you want?" demanded Zhongli, "I gave you my Gnosis. The contract is done and sealed in stone. I have no other reason to humour any other of your little plans."

"Why, I'm just here to talk with you, comrade!" Childe laughed jokingly, "Y'know, when I went to that mountain, Cloud Retainer was nowhere to be seen. Only a woman. She was not bad at fighting, quite the strong adversary."

Zhongli knew who Childe spoke about, but just kept on listening.

"Her art with the spear was commendable, I almost lost a head back there!" The Harbinger laughed like it was nothing, " Although, her aura seemed different— not like a regular human, she seemed to have a quirk about her that I could not place."

"She is not who you assume."

"Oh? That woman isn't Guizhong?" Childe blinked, "Well, that sucks. I thought I had it in the bag."

"I'm sorry to say that is so."

"Tch, ehhh… fine." Childe's incessant scratching continued, "See you later Morax."

Zhongli looked up in suspicion, "Are you simply just parting ways like that…? What plans are you and the Fatui now conspiring against me, young Childe?"

"Heh, young Childe. How ironic. Switching vocabularies now that your identity is out?"

"I still, and will consider you a valuable friend, Childe. Make no mistake." Zhongli clarified as he looked up at his companion in confidence yet still concerned. "However, that thing you hold is killing you."

Childe's eyes burned into his patronizingly, "Not amused at all, comrade. I'll be taking my leave now."

The Harbinger didn't storm off even though he was riled, but Zhongli very well knew what Childe was feeling as he watched the man go out into the chilly winter air. His posture seemed tense as he trudged, slowly, out the restaurant with shuffled steps.

Childe paused at the doorway and shared, one, final, glance with Zhongli. The man complied, challenging the ginger with his own, unnerving look.

"Watch your head, be careful wherever you tread. Eyes are everywhere these days," Childe calmly slid his hands into his pockets and shot a suspicious grin, "and they're more then ready for your precious life."

"What do you mean?"

No answer at all.

Zhongli swore that Childe's eyes flickered with life for just a moment, a split second of a moment. The Harbinger looked away before he could look twice.

"But," Childe sighed a long and breathy sigh. It sounded tired but restless. "You can be sure that I am not one of them..."

"—So Rest Easy..."

Wait… What?

A gleam of purple flashed bright in the foggy outskirts.

He found himself storming out the building and scanning round the Wanmin building's vicinity, concerned. But he saw no one. Amber eyes darted round searching again, but saw nothing but the bright lovely lights of Liyue's streets, which were the classic orange-yellow and shined with class.

Childe was gone. Long gone. Gone after leaving quite the unnerving message.

His gloved hand clenched the doorframe tightly. Zhongli pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long frustrated sigh that almost sounded like a growl.

The moonlight gently caressed his face coaxing him to look up at the sky. Where the stars shone so wonderfully, enveloping the dark blanket with wondrous white notations all over it that twinkled—

"—Just like they're laughing. Aren't they Morax! Look up! Look up!"

Zhongli snorted a little at the thought. Wistful thoughts that invaded his head every now and then. He wished they'd go away but wanted them to still stay.

"Yes. They very much are, aren't they…" He looked up at the sky again, sweet, sweet melancholy taking over. "It's beautiful."

Maybe now, Zhongli decided that it was best to retire for the night.

The three of them were in disbelief. All breathing heavily, scared for their lives with heads and hearts bursting in pure raw excitement.

" I-I-I, that…" One of them, a girl, squeaked out weakly, "N-n-no way, is it?!"

The other two who were boys shared nervous glances with each other. They both looked as terrified as the girl, and like her were as completely confused and clueless.

"I-I believe that there is a reasonable explanation to all this!" One boy with navy blue hair weakly proclaimed, tightening the hold on his basket even more out of subconscious apprehension. "I doubt t-that it's—"

"What did we just hear then!" The other boy squawked at his friend who in turn had nothing to say. "M-my ears don't deceive me and I know what I just heard and experienced!"

"I know what you just heard!! I heard that too!"

"Then why ar—"

The girl stifled a whimper as she punched the two softly, "G-guys don't fight! Not the time for this aghh!" Her hands desperately rubbed her temples out of pure spite and ended with a hefty sigh, " B-but Xingqiu! You have to admit Chongyun is r-right!"

"Miss Xiangling, you couldn't possibly believe this is true?!"

"I-I-I— I don't know!"

"What if it is?" The other two shared his mortified expression, "T-that Harbinger just mentioned fighting my a-aunty. H-he knows something about Mr. Zhongli that none of us don't, n-not even Director Hu Tao who's supposedly t-the closest to him…"

Xingqiu felt his eyes twitch at the absurdity, "You're telling me that Mr. Zhongli, is Morax…?"

"W-we heard their voices just now." Xiangling meekly cradled herself and looked off in thought, "That was definitely Zhongli and the Harbinger. A-and why would the Harbinger say things like that to Zhongli? Someone like him wouldn't spout such r-ridiculous lies, u-unless—"

They all felt queasy.

Xiangling breathed out a whimper, "—u-unless t-t-they were… true."

Both boys didn't say anything. Their faces said enough.

The three of them sat down on the roof of the Wanmin Restaurant in revelling despair and realization as they all clung to their wooden baskets that all contained, oddly enough, bamboo shoot sprouts filled to the brim.

Xiangling began to hyperventilate, "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you guys to help me pick these sprouts. I-it's just that the place was running l-low on supply and I just was scared that it was getting dark a-and I didn't want to go out alone a-and-then-I-saw-you-two-so-I-asked-you-g-guys-t-t-to-h-help-me-if-I-got-ambushed b-by some p-predator and, and—!"

"Miss Xiangling!!" Xingqiu and Chongyun chorused, they both felt jolted by the shared yell with confused glances thrown at each other. Both brushed it off and turned to the malfunctioning girl in front of them.

"We're fine. Do not worry!" Xingqiu coughed and looked away, "I will admit it is a little surprising, but I-I myself never expected such a revelation to come so suddenly this night when I agreed to helping you. I-it is not your fault."

"Right!" Chongyun rapidly nodded his head and sat cross-legged on the cold hard roof. It was attempt to look calm but it was in vain given his exasperated face.

Xiangling looked to the two of them for a moment, sharing glances with the two boys who also experienced the heart wrenching revelation as well. They noticed her gaze and looked at her in understanding. The three of them very well knew the grandiose situation they had all landed themselves in. And the serious secret they all shared that could very well decide Liyue's future.

Their God was still alive.

I don't know a good schedule to upload. But it's hell not going to be weekly, I need time to get plot bunnies into a nice flow that I would like.

Stay tuned for the rag-tag Scooby Doo team of the XXCG, (Xiangling, Xingqiu, Chongyun and Guoba) escapades next chapter. Yes I didn't forget about Guoba, don't worry.

Also, Childe. My man, what happening to you :v