RULES OF WAR

RULE #1: Preparation Part 1

Preparation was a key component to winning every battle. Whether be the adversary a divinity or a low-life treasure hoarder. This was a philosophy Xingqiu had been exposed with ever since during a tender age. He didn't know though if whether he'd read this from out of a book once, or if he simply conjured it up one day after observing his father and his line of work back when he still took him everywhere in his job. Either way, whatever the trigger point may have been, to ready oneself before engaging towards war was always an idea which dwelled within the forefront of his mind. Allowing him instant victory no matter whom the opponent could be.

Preparation. Planning thoroughly. All this proved as his greatest assets throughout the years. Until now, at least…

He acknowledged this scenario the day he asked her out. He'd always known that he would have to one day be stood within a room along with her parents. But he thought it aside. Telling himself that he'll cross that bridge once he gets there. Oh, how a fool he was. But in retrospect, it did appear much easier back when such play was a mere picture that would occasionally pop inside his head. However, that night, upon after a nice evening date by the grand yaksha statues-

"If…it is truly alright for thyself to beckon thou anything, as thou say…then…shall it be fine for mein prince to be acquainted with…my parents?"

Those words haunted him.

And now was the day of their agreement. The archer was clearly expecting nothing less from him. How he still wasn't able to plan anything was a mystery to even him. Though probably it might have something to do with the looming anxiety that kept him up at bed.

For the last week now, he had been like rippling water. Unclear and unsteady. Years of meditation and practicing the Guhua way were rendered into absolute uselessness! He'd faced many powerful people, he'd even faced the Fatui during many several occasions. Why should a mere harmless entreaty from her be so difficult to fathom and fulfill?!

"Hey Xingqiu."

At the beckoning of his name, the teen snapped from his internal brooding. Jolting, shifting gazes from empty space to lock eyes with that of a familiar figure.

"Oh, Big Brother."

"What are you doing?"

Caught in a panic, the boy only just now realized on how long he had been sojourning in this hallway. He stiffed, traveling his golden-orange orbs in order to sought for something to reply with.

Fortunately for him however, he was hitherto a master in weaving believable-yet-fabricated tales.

"Ahh…" He calmed his nerves. Then swallowed. "Oh, nothing in particular. Was just reminiscing on the latest book I've read, that's all."

A smirk soon formed within his lips.

"See, it quite ended in a spectacular cliffhanger. With the protagonist finally finding their lost relative, only to discover that they have been leading the demon army all along. Now, the hero once more was left alone with only their spirit guide. Cursed to bare having more questions than answers. Oh, I cannot wait till the next volume comes out! I'm so excited that I'm crafting up my own theories here!"

And…with that, it appeared that his sibling had lost interest. He nodded slowly-just for courtesy's sake. Smiled. Then patted the teen on the shoulder. Xingqiu watched him whilst he left. Keeping his stare at him until he was no longer reachable within his peripheral sight.

The swordsman sighed.

"You still haven't told them?" In disbelief, a boy in white and blue garments inquired this question to his conversationalist. Eyeballs so widened that they almost appeared like they would drop from their sockets.

"Shh! Pipe it down will you!" He scolded using a hushed tone.

Following his league, and recognizing his mistake, the other youth copied the volume of the other. "Oh. Right. Right. Sorry. But still…" He tried to seek for the right words to phrase. "Would…it be a lot easier for you if you just – you know? Come clean?"

The male with more pigments in his hair let out an exhale through his mouth, then fell his face towards the table in a not-so-light collision. He slumped, as if he had just been defeated in combat. Xingqiu released a groan. "You don't get it. I'm not like you, Chongyun. Unlike you, I have my every actions monitored and surveyed upon as if I was some kind of alien specimen. Every move I do, every sentence I speak, every choice I make, will instantly reflect the reputation of not only the Guild, but my family's as well."

"I thought you didn't care about that stuff?"

"I don't." He clarified. "But I know she would. If word gets out that our relationship is causing me problems, then I am most certain that she would hurriedly blame herself. I… just don't want her feeling guilty, that's all."

At that, Chongyun formed a smile on his face. "You really are serious about this, aren't you?" Which later turned into a smirk. "Ey, 'Prince' Xingqiu."

"Q-quit it."

The exorcist sniggered as the martial artist sat and with flustered cheeks. Avoiding eye contact, yet simultaneously desiring nothing more but to punch that smug look on his colleague's face. They stayed like that for a few seconds, the sea of people continuously going along with their own businesses whilst they passed through the pavement road. It wasn't long till the Cryo Vision bearer re-ignited their discussion.

"So, what are you going to do?"

"Umm…"

"You don't have a plan, don't you?" Asked the boy with lighter blue locks. Bewildered by this as well. It wasn't like him to lack in terms of preparation.

"I'm-coming to it." He responded as if like he was defending his own pride. "I'm just…not sure how. This…this is still all way too new to me. I don't even know what to say or what to wear. What if…what if they won't like me?"

This indeed definitely was serious, Chongyun concluded. For to seek a positive opinion from people was something he had never thought he'll witness from his friend. They've practically grew up together, yet he couldn't believe his own eyes. To bare him of all people to act so self-consciously was truly a rare sight to behold.

Suddenly a new person arrived, approaching their seats. Two plates containing warm food resting upon each of her hands.

"Orders ready." She announced in a sing-sang cheery tone, before placing the dishes in front of their respective orderers.

"Thanks Xiangling."

"Yeah…Thanks…"

Quick to notice one of her childhood friend's current mood, the girl instinctively grabbed for a chair and joined them in their table.

"What's wrong?" She was haste to ask.

Before the heir could even answer her puzzlement though, the cryo allogene spoke first and beat him to it.

"Girl problems." He casually told.

"Wha-Chongyun!"

"Well? It's true."

He greeted his teeth. Locking eyes at him as if he were a geovishap that was about to pounce at its opponent. Whether the exorcist was truly this apathetic to his despair, or if he was relishing in the taste of the sweet candy colloquially known as 'payback', he possessed not a clue.

Luckily for him however, Xianling didn't seem like she wanted to tease (outwardly, at least), and instead she merely nodded, having that 'Ahh…' look in her demeanor. A finger, she put under her chin. The gears in her mind seeming to run so to produce something to reply.

Knowing her, she was clearly contemplating of a way to extend a helping hand.

"I-It's fine. Really Xiangling. You don't have to-"

"Why don't you give her a snack!"

His eyes widened. And it all suddenly clicked. Almost like magic,

"W-what?"

She placed a hand unto her chest. "Look, I might not know anything about what being in a relationship is like. But I do know that yummy food can make for any quarrels to go away. So, if you and Fischl are having a fight-"

"Woah there." The bluenette stopped her quick. "Who said anything about us having a fight?"

She blinked, tilting her head to the side. "You're not? Huh? I was almost certain that you two would have had your first fight about now?"

What she said… were kinda true. No. They indeed definitely were true. He and Amy have yet to engage in their first bump after being together. And he would be lying to himself if he told that he wasn't scared once it does come. Will they manage to endure the flames when it arrives? Or will they burn so much that the mere glance of the other would be considered abhorring.

He didn't wish for the latter. But he couldn't just throw if off as a possibility. Not after everything…

So as Chongyun snickered in the corner while containing his yang energy, the boy with the Hydro Vision replied to the cook's query.

"No." He told again with a breath. "We're not having a fight. But… I am heading to Mondstadt later to meet with her... um, her parents though."

"Oh."

"But that's okay. Because you've just given me a great idea."

"I did?"

"She did?"

His usual smug expression once more returned for the first time today. And his familiar confident aura burst forth like the meteors Zhongli sends whenever doing battle with a couple of bandits.

"Mhm. I need a gift."

"Gift?" Chongyun echoed.

"Yup. A gift. Gifts are very effective when trying to please someone. I cannot stress how many times I've seen this during my engagement in the world of trade and businesses. Whenever you wish to strike something like a deal or an investment, gifts are a sure fire way into ensuring that your proposal would at least be heard."

"But… this isn't business, though."

"I know." He responded. "But talking business often equates into pleasing your recipients. And right now, I have two people I want to please. My 'investors', if you will. Investors that I need to coax with by playing with their materialist-side. Show them that I have promise and not just all talk. Of course! Why have I not come at this conclusion before?"

"Are investors really that easy to cajole?"

"It's just an analogy my liege. Now," He craned to his other comrade. "What do you have to recommend?"

Once more, she had to drag her mind out from her confused and puzzled state. Shaking her head vigorously at how absurd his statement was prior to making a reply.

"Well, for you. We-"

"No. No. No. A few bites wouldn't do. I need something that shows more prestige. Something more long lasting. Something that would definitely make them like me."

Xingqiu cast his eyes back unto the young chef.

"I do apologize Xiangling. I hope my ramblings haven't offended you. But I do need something more than just a dish."

Then he thought.

"Or, maybe a dish would do. A golden one. No. 20 golden ones!"

He stood up to his feet and rushed off from out of his seat.

"Hey wait!" The girl cried. Yet unfortunately, her Hydro allogene companion was hitherto lost from sight.

"We just long Xingqiu, haven't we?"

"Pretty much."