ASM769476: Thank you very much!
FirstWinterLight: Can't imagine Xiangling being too happy if she knew what he was doing with Ganyu heh. Thanks as always!
xSnowyy: Wow, "setting a mark on Liyue" huh? What a perfect way of putting it, you nailed everything in your comment.

You know the drill, second and last chapter with no hypnosis. Enjoy~

If there's one thing the main city of Fontaine utterly lacks, it's somewhere you would define as spooky- or even just plain unsettling. Maybe it's the many different ways of entertainment that keeps going regardless of day, or the overall bright appearance with its' white marble everywhere, but either way, we certainly don't have any buildings like the one me and Xiangling are in front of. The multi-layered grey tower, with it's front door smushed between two red metal poles holding up an awning, it gives the whole area a strange, almost unsettling feeling.

Luckily, there is a signboard right next to me, a much better help than Xiangling at identifying my location. "Welcome to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!" it says, in weirdly cheerful handwriting. I wheel around to the perpetrator.

"Of ALL locations to take me first… why here."

"Heheh~" Xiangling laughs. "I want you to meet the director! She's… ok, a little wacky, but she's a real good friend of mine! Plus, her style of humor is right up your alley! …Althoooough, hm, I don't think she'd ever push me into the harbor, so you might just be worse than her!"

…Did she really just call somebody else wacky? Oh whatever, anyway- "Hey, I apologized yesterday!" I actually have to fight back the urge to check out my clothes for any dampness. Naturally since this is a different outfit on the next day, it's completely dry. Same with Xiangling, although you wouldn't be able to tell- her clothes today are the exact same as yesterday! I did manage to convince her to leave her apron back at the restaurant when we left though.

"Yup, no notice or anything~" Xiangling reports a second after examining the door. "Come on in~" She slides the door open, allowing the grateful air to rush right by us. It's quite a chilly feeling… maybe as way to warn us? To keep us from intruding? …Nah, if Xiangling can enter like it's nothing, so can I right?

Well indeed, the chill was a prelude- to more cool air. The inside of the funeral parlor is a bit bigger than it looks from the outside, with a lamented shiny floor reflecting a semi-blurred version of myself back up. Maybe it's the time of day, or the limited lighting in the building, but the whole place seems to have a permanent twilight feel. It's almost like we're walking into another world…! Or, charging in, as Xiangling does.

"Wait…!" I mutter through gritted teeth.

"You scared?" Now, if anybody else asked that, I'd assume they were mocking me and thrown caution to the wind, running in without a care to prove myself. But the way Xiangling words it instead, as just a question with no predetermined motivation to tease, makes me be a bit more honest.

"I mean, we don't have one of these in Fontaine, so…" I've heard that Poisson is slightly unnerving the first time, but there's like a whole community down there. I should visit at least once.

"Ohhh, I gotcha~" Xiangling comes back to the entrance and, without a word, interlinks her hand with my own. The sudden touch sends shivers up my arm briefly, before getting swallowed by a strange warmth. Xiangling wears her addicting smile. "So we don't get separated, you know? If Hu Tao caught either of us alone, pretty sure she would smell blood in the water and scare the stuffing outta us~!"

"And you're friends with this lady? Why exactly?" She pulls me along as I ask, two pairs of feet now scuffing the floor.

"Like I said; she's wacky and a bit creepy with her jokes, but she's a great person! Hear that, Hu Tao?" She blasts that into the empty air, where it echoes and bounces off the floor. "Hu Taaooo…?"

"I feel like you're going to wake the dead…" But my half-hearted pleas fall on deaf ears, as Xiangling just repeats her call over and over, until the name 'Hu Tao' is seared in my memory.

But then-

"Ehehe~"
"….oOohh-gh…haaaah~"

"What was that?!" My head snaps left, instantly putting on a brave front and rooting myself to the spot. This surprises Xiangling, who instead of taking another step forward, slingshots back to my body.

"What was what?"

Oh no, I am not entertaining this cliche! Hand broken with Xiangling's grip, I instead clap both of her cheeks, freezing her in place. "Stop. Listen."

"….H-haaah~ Ohaah~!"
"A-ahann~! A…aaaaahn…."

"Hear that?! Ghosts, two of them! Laughing, moaning! They totally know we're here already!"

But Xiangling merely ponders my frantic warning for a moment. "Did you say two of them?"

"Yes…! Those are clearly different voices- now let's get out of here!" I am this close to getting on my knees and begging- or more likely, ditching Xiangling and leaving her here- when the cook just smiles again.

"Oh, I know what's going on here! C'mon~" Before I know it, she's dragging me around the corner, up a set of equally pristine stairs to the second floor. All the while, the cursed moaning, giggling, and strange…encouragement to keep going(?) only grows in volume.

Man… am I so afraid of ghosts because I think they know what I'm doing when I hypnotize someone? Is there another reason? Or am I just trying to tie two unrelated aspects of my personality together for a nice throughline? I'll let that wonder go unanswered though, because Xiangling leads me to a door at the very end of the hall… where the voices definitely lie behind.

"If we get possessed." I warn her. "I want you to know- I hate you."

She rolls her eyes, and knocks on the door. "Hu Tao?" Xiangling, I do not think calling her again will- "Yanfei?"

…Wait, what?

"….E-e-eh? X-Xiangling?!"
"…..Tao, did you leave the door unlocked….?"
"….Oops."

Those voices… sound pretty human actually.

"Um, H-Hu Tao? I brought… a Fontaine friend I wanted you to meet. But you're busy, I-I guess, so…"

"No! It's fine, it's fine~! Yeah, yeah, toootally fine! Just give me- give us!- give us, five minutes! Ok?"

"Ok~ We'll be at the front!" To point out the obvious, this is a pretty awkward situation - we clearly interrupted something important, so I'm grateful that Xiangling whisks us away from that room quickly. I mean, it's all her fault anyway, so it's the least she can do.

"Did you plan for this to happen?" I ask when we're back on the ground floor, to clear denial.

"What? No! How the heck would I know that Hu Tao was with Yanfei now?"

"I'm just saying- the one day you decide to introduce me to your friends is, of course, the one day we nearly barge in on them unannounced, the embarrassment would've been extreme… And wait, who is this 'Yanfei' anyway? Is she even a friend?"

Xiangling shrugs. "Eh, more of a friend of a friend, y'know? I've heard that she's incredibly smart though! I mean, I don't know much about lawyers, but I think you hafta be smart in order to be one right?"

"Oh, a lawyer huh?" I muse..guess that makes sense with the whole 'land of contracts' thing Liyue has going on. Although, with that information, should I show 'interest' in this Yanfei? On the one hand, having a lawyer in my corner would obviously be a nice fail-safe in case something goes drastically wrong. On the other, failing to persuade them to my side might just completely ruin everything because I got greedy, leading towards my name being on a watchlist or something. Shuddering, I decide against doing anything weird for now- besides, Xiangling has already done that for the both of us.

"We're still on track to see the other two places today?" I ask.

"Absolutely~ Suuure you can't stay past dinner…?"

"Xiangling, pouting at me won't change the meeting's time." I smirk right back, making her drop her fake plea with a slight groan. It's true what I'm saying; there is an important appointment for me tonight… so unbelievably critical, that if I hadn't already promised Xiangling to go around town yesterday, I probably would've just stayed inside the hotel.

And naturally, there was only one thing that would carry this kind of weight- a request from Ganyu. Even not having the best memory, I can easily recall what that special letter said, delivered first thing in the morning to my room by some all-too-tired staff.

Good morning,

I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for the sudden request, but please come to the Jade Chamber tonight if you are able. There is an important topic that I would like to discuss. If you accept, show this letter to the Millelith as required.

Sincerely,

Ganyu

Those wondrous forty-seven words have seared themselves in my brain already. I mean, I know I actively caused this situation to happen, but still- Ganyu wants to meet with me…! And that can only lead to one thing; another session (and a chance to redeem myself~). Exciting times surely await! …But for now, let's get out of my mind and focus on the present. Lucky thing Xiangling clearly didn't notice me drifting off, given that she's at the stairs' base.

"Ooh, here they come~"

Alright, time to meet another wacko.

…When I first lay my eyes on this newcomer, I silently joke that the only reason Xiangling is her friend is because she's one of the few people shorter than the cook. At least, that's how it appears- tough to tell exactly with this girl's black hat. I mean, I know this is a director of a funeral parlor, but there are other colors besides black you know? Black top, black long sleeves, and black short shorts. At least her hair is different, brown with extremely long twin tails, but it isn't much.

"Um, nice to meet you?" I bow, feeling stupid a second after beginning.

In response, said director takes a moment- and then whistles. "Woooo boy~ Xiangling, Xiangling, Xiangling~ I'm impressed! Tall, foreign, polite, and…hm~ not bad looking at all~ You sure know how to pick 'em!"

Xiangling and I just share a look of confusion, making me clear my throat.

"Ah, where are my manners?! Greetings stranger, welcome to Liyue and Wangshang Funeral Parlor alike! I'm Hu Tao, the 77th director of this fine establishment- and may I just say, you sir, have impeccable timing! We're currently running our best end-of-year sale ever! Buy any coffin you want at 60% off~ I'll even take off an extra 10% for shipping to Fontaine~ A killer deal, if I do say so!"

….Where do you even start? Well, if you're me, at the end. "Um, buying myself a coffin? Why would I ever do that?! Also, did you just make a pun?"

In response, Director Hu Tao jumps towards me, allowing me to see the… flower petals in her eyes? I mean, I know Lady Furina has something like that too, but- "Why the surprise friend? We've all got to go someday- why not make the journey as comfortable as possible? That's the Wangsheng motto by the way! But if you're buying for a family member, might I suggest our 'buy 1, get 1 at 40% off' deal instead? Great for cutting down on Mora- ah, but this deal will only stick around for one more week! Can't advertise too heavily during the Lantern Rite season after all!"

"He~" Yup, that stifled laugh came from Xiangling, clearly wanting an 'I see what you mean' look from me. Fortunately for the both of us, another voice rings out.

"Jeez Tao, calm down~ You'll scare him off!"

Man, forget Xiangling's outfit being a body suit… it's a REALLY freaking good thing Ganyu doesn't wear the clothes of this new girl, I literally wouldn't be able to focus.

Description time, yes. This woman's flowing pink hair, green eyes, and incredibly fancy red… headwear, I guess… do a great job at taking my attention. Good thing too, as otherwise I would be hit by a triple shot. Legs? Exposed. Stomach? Exposed. Chest? Mostly covered, but there is a sliver of skin showing. This is a freaking lawyer? Although…now that I look closer…

"Is something wrong, sir?"

"You're… an adeptus, aren't you?" Those white sticks emerging from her hair just seem strange to me.

Someone whistles, and the adeptus smiles. "Ooh, impressive, you've done your homework haven't you? Well yes, my name is Yanfei, top legal expert in Liyue. And for the avoidance of doubt-"

"No one else comes close!" Hu Tao suddenly chirps in, completing the bit.

"Nice to meet you Yanfei." I bow again, feeling less dumb this time. "I know some people in Fontaine who definitely need your services." Land of Justice and all that.

"Hm, you don't say? Well, take this then-" A moment passes before my hand meets a small slip. "My business card."

Yanfei, Legal Advisor

Commercial Litigation, Civil Mediation, Criminal Lawsuits, and more.
Flexible Appointments, Negotiable Rates, Satisfaction Guaranteed*

There's some fine print I don't care to read, so I thank Yanfei and put the card in my pocket. "Thank you. I'd offer one of mine, but I'm just a magician heh. No official business here."

"Wow, a magician…" Hu Tao interrupts again, seemingly impressed. "Hey, does that include the good old 'cutting people in half' trick?"

"Y-yeeesss…..?"

"Perfect! If you wouldn't mind then, we're running a bit low on space in the basement, so if you could just open a few coffins up-"

"Tao."Wow, this Yanfei can put on a commanding voice- but the director doesn't seem to mind.

"Oh come on now Fei, I was just joking~ As a token of goodwill, here's my business card as well."

Hu Tao, Wangsheng's Funeral Parlor 77th Director~
Offering preparation, services, and last requests at a killer deal!

I think I know which one is the serious gal in this relationship.

"So?" Yanfei asks. "How did you and Ms. Mao meet?"

"Well I-"

"She ran into me with a box of fish." I cut Xiangling off, getting a pair of wild looks- and protest from the third person.

"What- Hey! I apologized for that already!"
"Yes, just like how I apologized for the harbor mishap, and you brought that up earlier."
"Misha- mishap?! You totally meant to do it, that's the difference!"
"It was a momentary lapse in judgement, where the desire for entertainment outweighed my typical outstanding moral character. I can not be held responsible for my weakest point."
"Bringing out the nonsense huh? I can't believe you…-You're even smiling!"
"I am not Xiangling."
"You totally are! Look at this guy Hu Tao- Hu Tao?"

I look back to the two new ladies and see both director and lawyer with a wide grin. Yanfei's trying her best to remain calm, Hu Tao isn't, clearly giggling.

"Man oh man~" The shortest one here speaks up. "Finally~ Xiangling's own jokester! It's about time~"

"Be that as it may," Yanfei steps forward to me. "I would like to know more about this 'harbor pushing' incident? Is this true?

"Of course it is- MMPH!"

You foolish cook! Not in front of the lawyer!

I instantly (but lightly) clasp my hand over Xiangling's mouth, and grab her shoulder with my other one. "Well, this has been a pleasant time and all that- thanks for the cards by the way - but we really must be going~ Isn't that right, Xiangling?!"

"…..Mm-hmmm!" Yanfei does kind of start moving again to interrupt, but is stopped by a giggling Hu Tao's outstretched arm.

"Best wishes to you two, we'll let you get back to doing… whatever it was you two were doing!"

"Mmye Mu Mmao! Mmye Mmnmei!" Xiangling's free arm waves excitedly at the two newcomers to me, muffled and all. You know, I'm starting to actually understand why she is friends with the director- both seem to be very unique.

As soon as the sun gracefully beams down after leaving, I release Xiangling who smiles once again. "…Where to now?"

"C'mon slowpoke~ Step it up~ We're almost there!"

My muscles are full of hatred… and it's all directed at Xiangling, for having the planning skills of a hillichurl. Ok maybe that's a bit mean, but it's tough not to feel that way as we went north to Wangsheng, only to immediately fall back down south to the port part of town. From there, we have taken several windy roads upwards, scaling the side of the mountain. But between my lungs being exhausted yesterday and my legs getting a workout today…siiiigh… On the other hand, Xiangling seems to have no problem, but what else is new?

I'm just about to let loose on another vocal tirade when we reach the top and- woah.

"Ta-dah~ Welcome to the Feiyun Commerce Guild!"

An absolutely massive building lies in front of us, as wide as the freaking Palais Mermonia back home… though, nowhere near as tall. It has that same distinct Liyue-style as the buildings in town, a strange multileveled look as if multiple one-floor spaces were just smooshed together, but made all the more prominent by its' isolation. The two front doors show off their magnificent shade of red, with gold decorations streaking across the top and bottom, grand and opulent handles on each side being the same color.

"Impressive, right?!" Xiangling, noticing my gaping jaw, speaks. "This is one of the biggest guilds in alllll of Teyvat~ They sell everything, from silk to ore to wood to…. Uh, fabric…to, uh….."

I can't help but notice that the materials she listed have absolutely nothing to do with being a chef. And given what we just did-

"Do another of your friends own this place?"

"Bingo~! Well, close. One of my best buds, actually- Xingqiu, is the youngest son of the business."

I whistle, both for the unknown person and at the fact that this chef apparently has just all of the connections. Like, how? "Going to introduce me again?"

But Xiangling shakes her head this time. "Can't. They won't let us in without an appointment."

"But your friend-"

"Isn't here, silly. Just left for Inazuma with Chongyun yesterday actually. They'll be back in time for Lantern Rite, I can't wait for you to meet them!"

"Um, so why did we come here?" Also who the heck is Chongyun?

"W-well… the view is impressive if you turn around, right?"

…Ok yeah, she's right. The sun is overhead, so the classic 'sparkling ocean at sunrise' look is out, but it's still impressive to see out for presumably miles and miles. I can even make out some ships, including one big one that dwarfs all others… that must be the Crux huh?

Suddenly I feel a strange tap on my shoulder. I turn and- there's meat in my face.

"Your Chicken-Mushroom Skewer, good sir~" Xiangling pushes it into my hand, with an identical item in her other. How thoughtful of her to make snacks.

"Thank you very much." There is no talking for a bit here, as we both heartily scarf down the meat and vegetables. She's a LOT faster than me though.

"By the way, about this 'Xingqiu' person?" I don't know why this stood out to me, but it did.

"Yes?"

"Are they a guy or a girl?"

"Guy, both he and Chongyun are boys."

"Oh thank the gods!" I wipe imaginary sweat off my brow.

'Huh?"

"Well, between Hu Tao and Yanfei, and Keqing earlier, I was concerned that you were only going to introduce me to girls."

"Rude!" Xiangling puts her hands on her hips. "I've got plenty of guy friends too!"

I don't back down. "Let's start with girls first then. How many? Feel free to count your 'friend of a friend' Yanfei too."

"Alright~" There's a certain shine in Xiangling's eyes. "Hu Tao and Yanfei, Xinyan and Yun Jin, Captain Beidou, Keqing, Ganyu-" Oh dear, that feeling may not be mutual~ "-Shenhe-" There's that name again… "Yaoyao. Hmmm, should I count Master…?"

"If they're important to you, go for it."

"Ok then. Master! And that's it, I think? …Oh wait, duh! Lumine! Ok, THERE we go~"

"Wow, eleven female friends~" I clap. "Now males?"

"Xingqiu, Chongyun, Xiao…uh, oh, Mr. Yanxiao! Hm…Mr. Zhongli….? But I'm always just asking him stuff, so I don't know if that-"

"So…five? Well, that's still not bad at all."

"Can we count Gouba and my dad too!?"

"…After both of them tried to kill me? I mean, you can, but…"

"A-ahahahah…" Xiangling's fingers swipes at her cheek. "Let's leave them off then…"

"Ok then, 11 to 5. So, can I talk to any of the guys?"

Now the same finger creeps up to her temple, drawing tiny circles. "Umm… Xingqiu and Chongyun aren't here, Xiao would probably get really mad if I called for him, Yanxiao works at Wangshu, and I have no idea where Mr. Zhongli goes off to. So…um…no?"

"….Xiangling, do these people really exist."

"Of course they do! Besides-" She suddenly huffs. "I have another guy friend- you!"

"Heheh, thanks for the inclusion." I bow, but she's not done yet.

"Hey, what about you?"

"What about me what?"

"Your friends, duh! I've told you mine-"

I shake my head with a smile. "You're far too forthcoming with this~ But for me, that's classified information!" It was intended to get a light reaction out of Xiangling as always, but instead-

"Uggh…! Come on, that's not fair!" She suddenly turns away from me, crossing her arms. God damn it, I was too difficult.

"Fine, fine. I'll do you one better though- I'll tell you about my inspiration."

"Oooh, an inspiration?" Xiangling swivels back, disappointment gone.

"Yeah! If you ever go to Fontaine, look for the guy with platinum hair wearing a top hat. His name is Lyney, and his magic shows are in-cred-i-ble!"

"Platinum hair…top hat…Lyney, got it."

"He's always performing for a big crowd too, so look for people gathering around someone. Not to mention, he's with his sister Lynette- you can easily find her by her long cat tail…even though she's not actually a cat."

"Heh~" Xiangling chuckles. "Just like Keqing huh?"

"Oh? So she's not an adepti?" I ask to a quick shake of the head. "And you're not one either right? Because of the…" I pinch the air above my head, exactly where Xiangling's braid curls into the 'bear ears'.

"Nope, I'm not!" As she's about to say something else, she looks up to the sun instead. "Ah, we were here too long! Gotta go to the final stop!"

"Alright fine." And as she leads the way down the mountain, I'm suddenly hit by a swell of relief. Am I ever glad that I was able to take her mind off the friend numbers.

After all, how I supposed to discuss friends with a girl that has sixteen of them- when I'm rocking a big, fat zero?

There's a certain saying that I believe everyone learns eventually, especially when they're starting a new career- "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

And standing in front of, of all places, the fucking Jade Palace with Xiangling next to me is a great reminder of that. Somehow, someway, a chef is able to take me to one of the most famous locations in the region. I mean, it's a floating building! Hm, I wonder if Lady Furina would be interested in constructing one of these for herself…! Maybe the Chief Justice could talk about it with her if I bring it up-

"Heh~ I can tell you're impressed." The local points out the obvious.

"Yeah, it's still an amazing sight…" I nod in awe- while also keeping one eye on the front door, praying that Ganyu doesn't miraculously come out on break or something. That might lead to a mess with the girl next to me.

"Mm-hm! I know what you mean- wait, what?" Xiangling turns to me. "You said 'still'? Have you seen this place before?"

Oh, forgot to tell her that I guess. "Yeah, when I first arrived in Liyue, I had to come here first in order to get permission to perform at Lantern Rite."

"Dang it…I thought I was going to be first…" She looks disappointed- for about half a second before positively bursting into my face. "Wait! You're performing at Lantern Rite?! Congratulations~"

Forgot to tell her that too. "Thanks I guess~ It won't be much though, just some magic tricks for anyone who wants to see 'em."

"Well, I'll definitely be sure to visit!" Yaaaaayyyy, I can tell she means it. So at least there'll be one member of the audience I know. Regardless, she backs up to restore my personal space, allowing me to ask where we're going here.

"Close your eyes and grab my hand~"

"…Xiangling, there is NO WAY I'm doing that!"

"Don't trust me? Well, I, unlike you, won't push their friend~"

"My push was into the ocean. If you push here, I will literally die from the million miles I'd drop. Seriously, how high up are we….?"

"Fine, I can tell you won't budge on this. So just take my hand and um, look down slightly!" I roll my eyes, but agree to her terms via a small nod, and am promptly led by the hand to the side of the Jade Chamber. There are chairs, tables, and a folding screen, oh my! Perfect place for the elite class to sit and literally look down on everyone else~ Xiangling tells me that these were initially put out for her friend Yun Jin's performance for a past Lantern Rite. I guess the city is already beginning to discuss decorations, huh?

"Open sesame!"

Eyes aren't closed Xiangling. Though that snark doesn't reach my lips as I look up and see… well, Liyue. But like, what feels like the entire southern half of the region.

The gigantic, humongous, epic mountains and stone pillars that climb into the sky, the flat plains that lie in between said mountains, old ruins of who-knows-what and… I think that's the Chasm out west? Jeez, what a trip THAT place was. The entire land is wrapped in the comfortable afternoon sky… who knew being five bajillion feet in the air would result in a view this great! If only we were more north, I'm sure I'd be able to make out the mythical land of Mondstadt…!

"Hehehe, yup~ When I saw your eyes sparkle at Feiyun, I knew this had to be the final place we visited!"

"Gotta give to you. This is an amazing view, yeah."

"Isn't it?! Sometimes I come up here to just 'take it all in' y'know?" Xiangling walks past me, going right up to the edge of the platform. I won't even make a joke about pushing her, I'm hanging back here thank you~ "Like, there's so much of Teyvat here! And so much more beyond! And one day, I'm definitely going to go out and see it for myself!"

"Ooh, is that your dream?" Might as well egg her on, she's on a roll.

"Nah. THAT is to serve everyone in Teyvat's the tastiest food they've ever had!" Of course it is. "I want my future restaurant to be the best in the whole world~!" She turns to me again. "What about you? What's your dream, or is that 'confidential' too?"

Well, I do have something like that- but of course, I'm not going to be truthful duh, you wouldn't like it. "Hmm…I guess it's to perform magic shows in every region; get invited to festivals, surpass Lyney, that kind of thing."

"Mmm, that's great!" Xiangling nods enthusiastically. "Hey, I just thought of something."

"What is it?"

"Can you do a trick right now? Like, for me?"

"….I'd love to, but our trip to the harbor yesterday…um, kind of destroyed my playing cards. I'll need to buy another deck soon actually. But for now, I'm out."

"Aww, really…? That's a shame."

…Yes it is a shame. And it's also a lie…I do have another trick with me, of course. The trick that I never go anywhere without. Almost unconsciously, my hand slips into my pants pocket to confirm a familiar sensation. The cool touch of metal against skin serves as the answer.

I could do it right now in fact…

She would never see it coming…

But you know, me, hypnotize Xiangling? Pffft- hahahah! C'mon, just look at her! Like I would ever do that~ No matter how easy it would be (and it would be extremely easy, she already trusts me after all), there's nothing to gain from it! She's Xiangling Mao; harmless and innocent.

"Alright, let's get going." I say after a few more minutes of taking in the sights, releasing the watch in the process.

"Yeah ok~ What would you like for dinner anyway? We got some brand new super-spicy Jueyun Chili too!"

"…Can I just have some noodles."

"Boo! You're no fun!"

"Hey…"

SLUUUUURP. "Ah….oh, what's up?"

"Well, you know..." Xiangling lets an unnatural pause occur- how rare… what is she planning now- "I just wanted to say thanks."

Oooookay. "For what? You- hold on, sorry." I pull the noodles out of my mouth, letting them flop to the bowl below. "You were the freaking guide, in case you forgot. I should be the one saying thanks actually."

"Well… it's more of a thanks for putting up with me, I guess."

Oh.

She catches my apprehension and quickly waves her hands out in front of her. "I-I didn't mean it like that! We just talked about my friend amount! But um, I know I'm not the best person for this, so it really…you know, makes me happy that you stuck with me for the whole day."

More silence, as I'm still formulating a response. Unfortunately Xiangling takes that wrong.

"H-Hey…! Say something, will you! You never run out of things to talk about normally."

Ok, got it. "Ahem… Liyue is truly a crazy place. A funeral parlor, a massive commerce guild on a mountain, and a freaking castle in the sky! When you look back, those are some weird locations to take a stranger too, huh? The guide truly has to reflect their hometown."

"…Did you just call me crazy and weird."

"Who knows? But I can only speak for myself- and well, I had a pretty great time today. Thank you Xiangling."

Yeah, that's the truth, it was quite fun all in all. Now how will she respond-

…Alright, why in the world did she just BOLT around the building at Mach 10?

Blinking and suddenly alone, I decide not to pursue, focusing on the noodles and space around me instead. In case you forgot, this tour was hopefully also going to give me some new locations for hypnotizing in peace- and it didn't look good for a bit. Wangsheng wouldn't work unless I 'dealt with' Hu Tao and probably Yanfei first, Feiyun is pretty inconvenient to get to, and the Jade Chamber is a hard no- obvious accessibility issues and just plain too many eyes. But here, behind Wanmin Restaurant, it's honestly not too bad. We have good cover, multiple ways to leave/escape from, and after the place closes it becomes pretty empty.

Plus, it's fun thinking this would be an act of revenge on Chef Mao, however unrelated he is.

But speaking of the Maos, I'm finished with the noodles his daughter cooked for me… delicious as always. Although, without her here, I awkwardly pick up the bowl from the makeshift table we set and carry it around to the front.

I don't quite get that far though, not before I see her coming from inside.

"What's up?"

"I-I just had to check in on Gouba!" Obvious lie is obvious.

"Ok." I hand the bowl back. "Need any help?" There is no way she's going to take me up on that.

"Nope, it's all fine here." Knew it. "Thanks for everything! Suppose you have your own thing to do now?"

"Yup." I nod happily. "See you around!" And wave quickly, before turning around and charging to the north of town. Nighttime fun awaits!

I can tell the Millelith are thinking I'm an annoying person. First I show up with an excited Xiangling, causing some semblance of wonder and fun for the first time in their boring lives, and now I return Xiangling-less (Xiangless) but still carrying an air of invulnerability. There's a pep in my step, a distinctly smooth rhythm to my walk, and I make damn sure to let them know it, shoving Ganyu's invitation in the face of any guard who gets uncomfortably close. Eventually I'm let into the Jade Chamber for the second time, which I feel like must be a rarity. But rather than taking in the grand shiny aura of this place again, I immediately beeline for a certain adeptus office.

*Knock-knock*

"Hello Ganyu? I received your letter this morning, and have arrived as requested."

A pause. And then- "Yes, everything is in order, come in."

And so I do~ Finally, after a bit of impatience, it's time to-!

…..

…Why do I let myself EVER be happy?

To think I wrote "Hopefully the first chapter is the longest one". Good times~