Original God Zhongli BG Xiao Qinglong traveled through time

Chapter 432: The Secret of the Pillow Jade and the White Fox's Entrustment

The Secret of the Jade Pillow and the Entrustment of the White Fox

The afternoon in Inazuma Castle was bathed in a gorgeous, languid light. Sunlight filtered through layers of crimson cherry blossoms, casting dappled shadows across the elegant courtyard of Kamisato Yashiki. The air was filled with the gurgling sound of spring water hitting rocks, and the sweet aroma of fresh tea and delicate Japanese confectionery wafted from the teahouse.

Lin Huan was sitting opposite Kamisato Ayaka, sipping tea. Yae Kamiko was leaning leisurely against the window, her fingertips playfully teasing a sleek, rounded sparrow, a sly, knowing smile playing on her lips. Ying and Paimon, fresh from their foray into the city, were ushered here by a maid. Like two fish entering a tranquil pond, they imbued this exquisitely elegant space with a touch of lively energy.

After two rounds of tea, the atmosphere was at its most relaxed. Yae Shenzi's eyes flickered, seemingly casually glancing over Xingqiu, who sat upright, before finally settling on a manuscript he had casually placed at his side, a corner of which was exposed.

"Oh?" She trailed off with a slight rise in her voice, like a feather scratching her heart. "Isn't this our teacher Zhenyu who has come all the way here? Could he be preparing some surprise for Rong Caiji's book signing event?"

Xingqiu stiffened imperceptibly upon hearing this. His usual calm smile froze at the corners of his lips, and his ears blushed visibly. He subconsciously tried to cover the stack of manuscripts with his wide sleeves, but his hasty movements betrayed a certain youthful clumsiness.

"Master, you're joking," he cleared his throat, trying to remain calm. "These are just some... ordinary reading notes."

"Really?" Shen Zi rose, her lotus steps soft, the hem of her crimson kimono brushing the polished floor, soundlessly. She didn't force the handwriting, but leaned over, her nail-coated fingertips gently touching the densest patch of ink on the pages. "But I see, the two characters 'Xingqiu' flow like dragons and snakes, with a myriad of auras, each stroke possessing its own unique character... Teacher Zhenyu truly possesses profound brushwork, even mastering a hundred different approaches to the art of signature."

Xingqiu's face flushed crimson, like a ripe violet melon. He cast a pleading glance at Lin Huan. His amber eyes, always smiling, were now filled with a sense of embarrassment, a sense of "I'm done for," and a subtle hint of coquettishness.

Lin Huan received his silent distress signal, and a smile spread across her eyes like spring water melting ice. She naturally placed her hand over the stack of signature practice papers, smiled gently at the Son of God, and spoke in a clear voice like a jade chime, "Master Palace Secretary, your vision is sharp. It's just the ambition of a young man, striving for perfection in front of his foreign friends. It's a trivial matter, not worth mentioning."

Her words were like a gentle barrier, acknowledging the truth and deftly dissolving Xingqiu's embarrassment. Xingqiu glanced at her gratefully, breathing a sigh of relief, but still lowered his head sheepishly, staring at the cloud pattern on his robe, as if he could see flowers.

Paimon was already covering his mouth and falling down laughing in the air. Ying pulled him back and barely managed to avoid ruining the delicate atmosphere.

Shen Zi stopped talking and leaned back against the window, as if she had just mentioned it casually. She turned her gaze to Ying, her tone becoming slightly more formal, but still carrying her unique, elusive charm.

"Speaking of which, Traveler, you've arrived just in time." She lifted the teacup, the lingering steam blurring the sly curve of her lips. "The Rongcai Festival is approaching, friends from Liyue have already arrived, and poems from Mondstadt have also arrived on the wind. Now, all that's missing is that final touch... that decisive 'color,' which lies beyond the azure sea."

She paused, admiring the way everyone was captivated by her words, and continued, "Coordinate the reception, coordinate the needs of all parties, and let these distant guests experience Inazuma's meticulous care... After much reflection, I feel that only you, with your vast knowledge and rapport, can handle this important task. How about this? Will you take on this responsibility of 'cross-border cultural exchange ambassador' for me, for Inazuma?"

Ying was startled for a moment, then understood. This seemingly daunting task actually fell squarely within her capabilities. It was both a sign of trust and a heavy responsibility. She and Paimon exchanged a glance, each seeing a flicker of eagerness in their eyes.

"Don't worry, Son of God!" Paimon rushed to answer, patting his chest. "Leave this matter to us! We guarantee that Albedo and the others will feel the warmest welcome as soon as they disembark!"

Yingye nodded solemnly: "I will do my best."

The tea party drew to a close amidst this atmosphere of diverse yet inexplicably harmonious interactions. As everyone bid farewell to Kamiko and Ayaka and stepped out of Kamisato's house, the setting sun had already dyed the sky a warm orange.

As soon as he turned a corner, Xingqiu let out a long, almost mournful sigh. He looked at Lin Huan pitifully as if all his bones had been pulled out.

"Sister Huanhuan..." His voice was filled with deep regret, "Now my 'lifelong reputation' is ruined in an instant."

Seeing him like this, Lin Huan couldn't help but chuckle. She reached out and very naturally brushed away a crimson cherry petal that had fallen from his shoulder. Her movements were gentle and filled with the doting caress of an older sister.

"Silly child, how can this be considered a disgrace to one's reputation?" Her voice was as gentle as the evening breeze. "It simply proves how seriously our Master Zhenyu takes his readers."

As she spoke, her eyes swept over Ying, Paimon, and Wendy who had strolled over at some point, and a glimmer of understanding flashed in her eyes.

"It seems," she said, her lips curved into a shallow but resolute arc, "before Mr. Albedo arrives, we must first set up a 'Mr. Makutama's Autograph Emergency Team'."

As night falls, the lights of Inazuma Castle gradually light up, stretching out the shadows of the people. A heartwarming prelude to friendship, growth, and cultural exchange begins quietly, amidst the scent of crimson cherry blossoms and tea.

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