There are good times to be right (read: most of the time actually), and bad times to be right. And this definitely falls in the latter category,

Sure enough, I couldn't sleep normally. Before my body tapped out, the date succeeded in turning over to the next. I was just too excited at my goal finally coming to fruition! …well, ok, hopefully. There are still some circumstances that need to occur first in order to be totally convinced this will work. Obviously the major element is that for Ganyu needs to actually show up at the harbor- I pray that Keqing is able to stoke her curiosity enough for that to happen. If I misjudged the relationship of the two women, it's possible my message may not even get to her at all…

Also, when/if Ganyu does arrive, I do still need to be careful in my approach. I can't let her thinking that I set this whole thing up; she was only put into a trance after all. On the bright side, I can always tell her that I preformed a magic show for Keqing, that should serve as an effective 'in'.

And finally, I must be cognizant of my own desires and their plausibility. Say tonight's activities do go off without a hitch and I'm staring at a mindless Ganyu- I still won't be able to really act just yet. No matter how deep the hypnosis, victims will fight outrageous commands the first time. And the second time. And the third time, and the- you get it. As frustrating as it'll be, Ganyu's mind has got to be pretty much normal after I'm done.

However! Despite all of those qualifications and restrictions, I just can't stop my heart from pumping madly. It'll be so exciting to at least have some room in Ganyu's mind…! Maybe I can get away with a simple command? 'Turn around'? That should work just fine, pretty sure her *cough* outfit leaves a lot to be desired from that angle. I'll also definitely, absolutely, with 100% certainty say the same thing with Keqing and make her have a higher opinion of me. And after that, it should be no problem setting up another meeting, giving me the third opportunity, and the spiral just keeps going!

So yeah, I'm staring at a huge turning point, so great I wish daytime didn't exist and evening would just be here. But as I'm a simple magician, the light of the Liyue day must pass first.

I was made aware of something while waiting though. I have no idea how to stall for time here. Fontaine has shows, trials, fashion shops, coffee shops, the Steambird Office for reading. Meanwhile Liyue has…I don't know.

So where do I go…?

Well, before I realized it, my legs were already carrying me to Wanmin Restaurant. Xiangling may be a crazy weirdo, a hyperactive little monster, but she's also the only person I know by name. Well Ganyu and Keqing too, duh, but I'm sure they're busy- and it's not like I could see them either way.

But instead of an objectively cute girl, I'm greeted with a very not cute adult male behind the counter. He looks wimpy.

"Um, hello?" His eyes meet mine, before closing them and smiling respectfully. "Ah, welcome to Wanmin. Here for some brunch? Do take a seat~"

"Oh, no thanks I was actually looking for… hmmm, Xiangling Mao?"

"My daughter?" Oh right, Xiangling did say that her father and her worked together. How nice~ "…And what do you need her for, hm?"

How not nice~ That suspicious tone…do NOT tell me he thinks…

"Woah no no no no NO!" Quickly I wave his implications off. "It's not like that…!"

"Merely a joke son~" Yeah the deathstare from you REALLY communicates that, thanks. "I assume you're her new friend then? From Fontaine? She mentioned something along those lines yesterday."

Don't really know about the 'friend' aspect, but I'll take it. "Yes sir. The thing is, being a newcomer to Liyue and all, I sorta realized I don't really know how to spend my time. I was hoping Xiangling might have some ideas."

"Is that so?" Chef Mao answers slowly, bad news ready… but a sudden sparkle in his eyes changes the mood. "Well, Xiangling is out on errands for the restaurant, so she won't be back for some time. However, if you need something to fill in your schedule, I have an idea."

"Really? What is it?" "In a moment, if you would…" His finger points behind me, and just like that, I'm reminded that I'm in a line of hungry people, all giving impatient stare downs. Thankfully Chef Mao (Mr. Mao? Eh.) lets me come into the restaurant while he handles the new orders.

Back inside Wanmin, the only thing to really do is people watch again. The silver-haired boy from last time isn't here, although I am starting to wonder if not being from Liyue was the only reason his hair color wasn't completely inane… The people I do see however-! I mean, this marks the fourth person I've seen with blue hair already! Ganyu, Xiangling, and now these two guys in front of me… Well, actually, one of them might be a girl, with their hyper-neat ocean-blue hair and black outfit hiding any distinctive features. The other one though, he's definitely a guy, with some kind of pure white jacket and light-blue hair.

Wait a sec. Black and white clothing? Is that on purpose or just pure coincidence? How close are these two?

Forget it, it's none of my business. And so I take an unmarked seat at an empty table and just space out, refusing to let myself feel nostalgic for something that happened yesterday.

And so, after an unknown amount of time.

"Sorry for the wait. Let's make this quick, shall we?"

Xiangling's dad is back in front of me, as unremarkable as before. The kind of father that only makes his daughter stand out all the more by his sheer lack of presence. He doesn't even have blue hair!

Although he is carrying something interesting- a long, wooden pole with string. If I remember correctly-

"A fishing rod for you- this should keep you occupied for the day, young man." Yup, guess that makes sense with the harbor life here- although I wonder if Chef Mao here is using his knowledge of Fontaine to guess what I'd like.

But this is just fine, may as well make sure though. "Is this really ok for you to give out? I'll return this-"

"No need son. I have plenty of rods myself." Hm, now that I examine this one closer, the wood does appear to be chipped and faded in some areas. Beggars can't be choosers I guess.

"Then I'll accept it gratefully, thank you very much." With a bow to Chef Mao, I grab the rod in hands and head out. But not before the father tells me something as well.

"Ah yes, we also have a bookstore, if you're interested."

Oh so NOW you tell me.

And that's how I end up back on Liyue Harbor before nighttime. Of course I'm as far away as possible from any fellow port-goers, just huddled off to the far side, with nothing but a simple line in the sea attached to a simple rod. I also made a pitstop to the very bookstore Chef Mao mentioned, picking up The Teyvat Travel Guide- just in case.

But I've never actually fished before, despite my love of water and home region, so I was excited. Why bother fishing when you can dive and capture right?! Ok I never really did that either, despite it being my father's job, so I can't comment.

If you noticed though, the key word in that sentence was…well, 'was'. As in, past tense. As in, if I don't get a bite soon, I will die from atrophy.

I think I've found the reason though. I can look all around the harbor and see five boats in any direction- they're the ones snatching up all the fish, long before I even have my shot. What idiotic seabass is going to avoid all those complicated traps and lures, only to get snagged by my dinky little fishing rod? Answer: One that doesn't exist. Oh well, time for plan B.

I leave the rod dipped in the water, grab the book, open it up, lean back, and cover my face with printed words.

Yup, 'Plan B' is a midday nap. I'm tired~ No one will disturb me here….

Wonder if this is how Keqing felt yesterday~

Wait….do I need….a fishing license…anyway…?

…..

"And when I open this box…! Ta-dah! Ganyu is no longer inside!"

The applause is deafening, the whistling is a full blare, and the kids in the front row clearly can't believe their eyes.

"WOAH! Where's Miss Ganyu?!"

"Mister what did you do?"

"That was epic!"

"Now now kids, Ganyu is ok. A good magician never reveals his tricks after all~. You'll see her soon!"

Soon for them is now for me clearly, as I turn around and the scene melts and reforms. I am no longer outside surrounded by adoring fans, but inside an extremely basic room, back to the door.

With Ganyu in front of me.

"You were spectacular, Master."

"Thank you." The hairs on my neck stand on end, I can feel it. "You weren't bad yourself."

"Ah~ No Master, I still have an awful lot to learn. This world of entertainment is all new to me…" Aww, how cute~ Her hallow purple eyes dip down, like a lost puppy.

"Well no need to rush it, hm? We'll get there."

"Yes Master. By the way-" Suddenly my hand feels incredibly cold, but also really nice? I look down and see that Ganyu has taken my hand in her own gloveless one.

"I was hoping you could help me learn another 'trick'."

The cold feeling from my arm erupts in my chest as well, covering me in jitters. But behind Ganyu, I notice that a bed has already formed, signing my intent before I could even speak.

"It would be my honor-" ….Wait, something's off, my nose just twitched… "Hey, why do you smell like squid?"

…

"Mmm…I can almost…taste…? Wait…" I have my hand go up to my face, paw around and grab The Teyvat Travel Guide, and blink my eyes a few times.

There's…a fire? Off to my side, roasting an absolutely skewered fish that looks like it has seen better days. But I didn't catch anything, so-

"What's going on?"

"Oh hey! You finally woke up huh?" That peppy, energetic voice can only be-

…The population of Liyue Harbor is apparently a whopping 3. I know this, because I'm staring at the back of Xiangling Mao's head, again, as she faces the water.

"Please stop following me."

"What- hey!" Oof, she did not appreciate that jab. "Is that seriously what you say first?! You were the one who went to my dad, asking for ideas on what to do! I knew he would recommend fishing, so I go to the harbor, and who do I see? You! Sleeping on your lazy…butt, just letting dinnertime pass by!"

…Dinner? Oh shit… Though the new panic only lasts a minute, as I look around the now orange-tinted harbor. Phew, no Ganyu. How long was I asleep then?

Also, wait-

"Yau could have just woken me up, you know." Well actually, that means she probably saw me slept- I don't really like imagining that.

"What are you saying?" Her shoulders tense up. "Wake you up, just to leave? No way- Eating is always better with good company!" Oh so she thinks herself as 'good company' does she? "I do have to say sorry though. I checked to make sure you were actually asleep, and ended up losing your page in the book. My bad~"

It's hard to tell if she's actually sorry thanks to the sing-song way she said that. But I couldn't care less about where I was and tell her that.

"Oh, good then! Alright so- ah~!"

Hm? That was a weird sound to make- until I look closer and see Xiangling's fishing line bending into the water at a suspicious angle. Meaning….

"You got a bite?" I ask, rising up.

"Yuuup~! And it's a big one too, hahah! Nice!" Some people just have all the luck…despite the line constantly jerking around as whatever she caught tries desperately to escape, Xiangling appears unfazed and doesn't move in tandem, no doubt thanks to her weirdly-high strength. She instead taunts the fish, pulling on the line a bit at a time, like playing tug-of-war with a dog.

As for me? Well- It's so strange, I don't need to help her reel in her prize, of course. And yet-

"Huh? What are you doing?"

"Just…on three?" I suggest awkwardly, with my hands on her shoulders. But luckily she looks back and nods with excitement.

"One… Two… Three!"

We pull backwards, in not-quite-sync. And a mere moment later, a very audible splash comes from nearby, with the ocean erupting up their chosen sacrifice for Xiangling. Speaking of the chef, she snaps into action, skillfully catching the, well, the catch.

"This is terrific!" Xiangling cries out. "The scales are nice and wide, making this guy all the plumper! This is going to taste… so good….mmm…!"

"Um-"

"Ah, sorry, I've started salivating! Anyway, thanks a lot! We can start cooking now, hehe!"

…I have never met anybody with such incredible passion before. It's a little overwhelming to be honest, but I guess that's part of her charm. As for me, I just have to eat with her, say farewell, and wait out for Ganyu! This side distraction has been nice, but my true desire awaits.

Plus, I got a free dinner, so what the hell am I complaining about?

Bonus Scene: Xiangling's Special Day

"Ahh…that was even more delicious than usual~!" Yeah, I can't say anything weird here to kind of jokingly oppose her, that'd just make me a liar. This girl can COOK. It was obvious in hindsight with how good yesterday's Shrimp Balls were (I should probably thank her for that huh?), but wow…. the pufferfish just melted in my mouth, it's already-golden skin gently turned over and warmed to perfection, an even amount of heat lathered throughout, the sheer crunch I felt when taking the first bite… mmm mmm Mmm! So freaking good~ When Xiangling was cooking, it was incredibly apparent how much she just loves doing this- the whole process really, from catching to eating and everything in between. Honestly she could barely keep herself from drooling, while SHE was making it!

Gross, but harmless.

I should really let her know this. "Hey!" Wait, that wasn't my voice-

"I said hey! Wanna come back to Wanmin?"

…..Wait, what? Is Xiangling seriously asking me to come over? "Uhhh, I'm busy…" Busy lurking out here waiting for Ganyu, hehe~

"Oh don't worry~ This will only take a second!" Her simple enthusiasm is contagious, I'lll admit. Of course though, the clincher is her literally clenching my arm and forcing me to either get up, or get dragged across Liyue.

Curse you, weird strength.

"Alright, alright, what is it?" I should still have some time left after we go do whatever she want, it'll be fine…

"Well Keqing told me yesterday that you haven't met Gouba yet. So I want to fix that!"

"Oh yeah. Right." That weird name… "So who is that?"

"You'll see. Now come on!" And with that, I'm being pushed up the nearby stone steps by a bouncing Xiangling. Whoever this is must be important to her I assume. 'Gouba'…it sounds like a pet name. Could also be an affectionate nickname for somebody...although I can't think of any name that could be shortened to such a goofy-sounding one.

"And here w…e….are…?"

As Xiangling's smile fades, I see what she sees. And it's a weird one- Wanmin Restaurant, pitch black inside but with the front door as unobstructed as ever.

"Did you guys close for the day?"

Xiangling quickly shakes her head. "No way, we still have the late-night rush! Dad wouldn't leave the store unattended anyway… hey Dad?" She goes to move inside, and I dimly follow.

"…Daddy? Anyone? Hello?"

Maybe it's just my imagination, but it just feels like someone else is here with us, hiding in the darkness. Maybe I should let Xiangling know-

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

-But then again, maybe not.

The lights suddenly flash back on without warning, making me reflexively shield my eyes. But one blink later, and I see three new faces, all rapidly surrounding Xiangling. One is a girl with dark skin, WILD spiky dark hair pointed up and separated by…spiked collars?! What the hell!? She's also dressed in a black top with red along her sleeves, though there's not much of a bottom half to speak of. In comparison, the other girl is absolutely covered up, head to toe with an outfit that screams "fancy". For example the hat she wears is more like a bonnet, with pink and blue fluff balls for decoration. The pink is also in combo with a purple shirt and skirt, which really brings out her pale skin, dark-purple hair, and red eyes. She almost looks like a porcelain doll.

The third stranger…is an orange teddy bear, tottering to Xiangling's legs.

…What kind of circus did I just walk into?

"Xinyan! Yun Jin!" Oh friends of Xiangling? I mean she just gushed that, so I assume so. Meaning, is the little bear…Gouba?

And wait, it's Xiangling's birthday?

"It's your birthday?" I ask, accidentally making myself known to everyone.

"Who's this Xiangling?" 'Spiky' asks.

"Oh, he's my new friend from Fontaine!" There's that word again… "His name is-"

"Oh my ARCHONS!" The same girl rushes to me, eyes shining. "Yer from Fontaine?! Quick, you hafta tell me what music is popular there! Is it still rock'n'roll?!"

Oh right. Fontaine invented that style. Does she like it?

"You'll have to forgive Xinyan." The other girl, Yun Jin I think, places a calm hand on the person now invading my space and peels her off. "She's a huge fan of rock." Yup I knew it. But this one isn't done as she bows after. "My name is Yun Jin, director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe here in Liyue. It's wonderful to meet you, the pleasure is mine."

Wow, what a proper lady…I'm in awe of how she's friends with a couple of crazies. Speaking of-

"That's Gouba I take it?" Xiangling now holds the bear in her arms when I ask, making her look both cuter and more normal. Take a guess which one is a lie.

"You know it~ Say 'hi' Gouba!"

"Piiiin!"

I feel myself really not weirded out by the fact that a bear just hummed at me. After all, we have the Melusines back home, and some of them are the freaking police. A cook's assistant being a tubby teddy bear? Why not.

"Excellent. Welp, guess I'll go then~ Happy birthday-"

But just as I turn around, I find the entrance to Wanmin- and my exit- blocked by Xinyan. Does she really want to hound me for that earlier info?

"Ohhhhh, no ya don't~ What kinda person leaves a birthday party before cake is even served?!"

…Shit. My one weakness.

"C-cake?" I ask, unintentionally at the same time as Xiangling, because she continues. "You guys didn't have to do that you know, I could've-"

"Aw, fiddlesticks Xiangling!" What the heck… "Ya cook enough for us, it's about time we do the same! Now come on!" And with an extremely familiar burst of weird as hell strength, Xinyan effortlessly steers me to a seat. Yun Jin does the same to the birthday girl actually, and before I know it, Xiangling is touching my shoulder.

"S-Sorry about this…" She gives a strange embarrassed smile.

"Um, no problem. I can go after cake."

…Yeah that doesn't end up happening. I'm actually not entirely sure what does end up happening, to be honest. All I remember is that when Xinyan and Yun Jin return, it's with not only a giant chocolate cake with white frosting dazzled across, but it's only with a weird bubbly drink that these two gals save for "special occasions". And with successful taunting, they get me and Xiangling to take the first sips. It's indeed very bubbly in my mouth, slightly warm, smells like berries, and tastes like really bad berries. Yet for some reason, I "order" another glass, as does Xiangling… Then after a slice of cake, we both have another… and another…

The last thing I remember hearing is some cute snoring next to me some time after that. And the annoying giggles of the two girls I just met. The word "Finally…" sticks in my mind for some reason.

Of course, that's a bit of a lie. The actual last thing I remember happening is me waking up on the floor of Wanmin in the middle of the night. The restaurant is a mess, my head feels like splitting, and everything is very dream-like. I can't even get up, but the reason for that is very real.

Xiangling lies across me, completely asleep. Moving her would be hard to do… and rude. Just catching a glimpse of her smile is enough to kill any motivation.

So I resign myself to sleeping for a bit longer. I mean, it's what Xiangling wants.

And honestly? It's quite nice here- at least until Chef Mao sees this and throws me out anyway.

…Eh, happy birthday Xiangling.