Collei hadn't seriously expected Keqing to agree to a night of camping, but the Yuheng readily accepted the offer to hike across Sumeru. Now, they lugged their knapsacks through the rainforest, getting sprinkled with a light mist.

The Yuheng managed better than Collei would've expected. As they journeyed across Apam Woods, she easily kept pace with the junior forest ranger. Her violet eyes studied the distant canopies.

"So, this is Sumeru Forest," said Keqing, observing the treetops. "Incredible. I never knew trees could grow so tall. How old are they?"

"Um… I don't know. Master says some trees here are older than Sumeru City."

"Interesting. Some of Liyue's mountains and ores are older than the Harbor. I suppose that shows nature has been around before us all and will probably outlast us. If only we could make society so permanent."

They set up camp around the lake. Collei was surprised when Keqing expertly set up the tarp. They went fishing next, enjoying some light conversation as they caught a meal. Her shock only grew when Keqing whipped out a knife and descaled their fish like a pro before starting a cooking fire. The fish roasted on a whirling rotisserie, letting out this wonderful crispy smell.

"Wow," said Collei. "You're really good at this."

Never taking her attention away from the fish, Keqing responded, "What? At camping?"

"Well, yeah," she said. "I didn't know you were so good at roughing it outdoors."

Keqing said, "I often go outside of the city and find uninhabited places to test myself. Liyue is a prosperous city, but I don't want to become complacent."

"What's 'Complacent?'" asked Collei.

"That means showing smug satisfaction with one's achievements," she explained. "I have responsibilities as a Yuheng. I can't afford to be careless."

They ate their fish skewers to the sounds of forest birds, frogs, and rishboland tigers. Collei observed how Keqing tore chunks off with her teeth. After eating, Keqing helped clean up the mess and doused the fire herself. For such a high-class lady, she really didn't mind doing the menial tasks or getting down and dirty.

"You're amazing too, Collei," said Keqing as they settled down for the night.

"Nah. I'm not as smart as you."

"I disagree," said Keqing. "I think we're similar. You're never complacent either."

"How do you mean?"

"A few months ago, you wouldn't talk to most people in the Teapot, but that's changed. I see you stepping out of your comfort zone to talk to Rosaria, Arlecchino, and the others. Today, you invited me out here. It seems to me that you're trying to grow, too."

"I guess so," she murmured. "But I'm not doing it for my nation like you. I just want to … change from who I used to be."

"Don't minimalize your accomplishments. The fact we're here at all is a testament to your change. That's why I respect people like you, Collei. You don't accept things; you keep pushing the boundaries of what people think you can be."

"Huh?"

"Basically, I think it's cool that you stepped outside your comfort zone to invite me. Thank you."

"Well, thanks for coming." Collei brushed back a strand of hair in her face. "Do you…really respect me?"

"Absolutely," said Keqing. "I respect anyone willing to fight against complacency."

"I guess that's us. Anti-complacency warriors."

They stayed up, chatting for a while, before settling down. Collei fell asleep with a warm feeling in her chest. Keqing's acknowledgment made her so proud. More than that though, the fact Keqing accepted her invitation and gave her this chance to grow meant more than words could ever say.