Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

Mao Cai Gong's voice continued to come out.

"But you don't need to worry about that. Even if Master Chang Jiu doesn't sell, I can just buy it from someone else."

The debt collector spoke to Mao Cai in a threatening tone: "That would be best. As I said before, the Fools only care about results. To complete the order, the Fools can give you some support, but if you don't finish on time... our good intentions won't be free."

"Understood, understood. I am deeply grateful for your care, how could I possibly let you down?"

"Then we'll see how you do then."

After the debtor issued his ultimatum, Mao Cai Gong turned around, abandoning his humble demeanor, and began to curse and swear.

"Hmph...that damned old Chang..."

Given the debt collector's keen observation skills, it was impossible for him not to notice someone nearby. However, since this was a public place, he didn't consider Ying's actions as eavesdropping.

Paimon and Yingmei whispered to each other, their faces close together, in a voice only Yingmei could hear.

"This 'Master Maocai' is indeed colluding with the Foolish Clan! I wonder if there's been any progress on Xingqiu's side. Let's go tell him."

Huiyuan, possessing the heart of the Wind God, no longer needed to eavesdrop behind the screen; he could clearly hear Paimon's whispers. Even though the debt collector had keen senses, there were many people and voices around, so naturally, he couldn't hear Paimon's voice clearly.

Only by using the heart of God can one block out other sounds and eavesdrop on such subtle sounds.

......

Back at Yujingtai, seeing Xingqiu leaning against the stone railing, engrossed in reading, Pai Meng was furious.

"You said you had other things you wanted to know, making it all mysterious... but you just changed your reading spot, didn't you!"

After making their complaints, Ying and Paimeng told Xingqiu about the information regarding Maocai Gong.

After listening, Xingqiu put away his book and began to speak.

"I see, that's pretty much what I guessed."

Did you really guess...?

Ignoring Paimon's grumbling, Xingqiu continued, "I have a plan in mind. I have a letter here; please take it to the servants of the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild. They know what to do. Due to some unspeakable difficulties, I cannot accompany you. As for the contents of the letter, you don't need to read them; when the time comes..."

Before Xingqiu could finish speaking, Paimon and Ying opened the letter.

"Wow, the handwriting is so ugly! Even if I look at it, I still won't understand it."

After Paimon finished his rant, Ying followed with hers.

"Encrypted ciphertext?"

After Ying finished her rant, Huiyuan followed suit.

"Ah...this..."

Xingqiu lowered his head, somewhat embarrassed, then looked away, scratched his head, and began to speak shyly.

"So you don't need to check, it won't matter if you don't look!"

He quickly masked his shyness, shifted his gaze to Ying, and continued speaking.

"That person can read this letter."

"But, should we ask the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild for help? That's one of the most famous merchant guilds in Liyue. There's no reason for them to help us, is there?"

After Paimon finished his questioning, he noticed that Ying seemed unaware of the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild, so he began to explain.

"Since coming to Liyue, I've heard this name a lot. It seems like they dominate many, many businesses. It would be great if a large merchant guild like that were willing to help, but would they really help?"

Huiyuan was about to explain that Xingqiu was the second young master of the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce when Xingqiu gave her a wink, signaling her to keep it a secret for now, so she shut her mouth.

"Don't worry about that. From what I know, they all have the same chivalrous heart as me. After reading my letter, which is full of reason and emotion, they will definitely lend a helping hand."

"Does it really work?"

Ying tilted her head, her expression slightly questioning.

Xingqiu began to explain.

"To teach Maocai a profound lesson, it is not enough for us to do it alone."

Turning to face the fence and looking into the distance, Xingqiu continued.

"And I don't want anyone to know that I did it."

"Why? Wasn't it to repay Master Chang?"

After Paimon finished asking, Xingqiu crossed his arms and looked up at the sky.

"To leave without a trace after accomplishing one's task, concealing one's identity and name—this is the essence of chivalry, a virtue that leaves a lasting impression. A drop of kindness deserves a spring of gratitude in return, but this is merely repayment; I desire neither favor nor reward."

"You make it sound so cool, but you just want to keep reading your book, don't you?"

Neither denying nor paying attention to Paimon's criticism, Xingqiu continued.

"Then I'll trouble you two to deliver the message to the servants of the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild. He should be near the Glazed Pavilion right now."

Paimon stomped his foot angrily: "Don't ignore me!"

......

After tricking Paimon into leaving, Huiyuan stayed by Xingqiu's side.

The two stood together by the fence, and Xingqiu asked, "Miss Lingling, aren't you coming along?"

"We'll follow them later."

Using Lingling's succubus-like, adorable voice, she whispered in Xingqiu's ear and began to tease him.

"Speaking of which... Brother Xingqiu, it's not really just because you want to read, is it?"

The sudden sweet voice made Xingqiu break out in a sweat.

(Looks like he was right. I never expected Paimon's casual remark to actually be true...)

"Haha... Sister Lingling, you flatter me..."

"It's alright. The more we learn about Xingqiu, the closer our friendship becomes."

Xingqiu put down his book, turned around, and looked at Lingling, who was tilting her head and showing a sweet smile. He felt a chill run down his spine.

(How did I just realize that Sister Lingling already knows my secrets? Oh no, could I have been fooled by her innocent expression? No, I have to make her keep it a secret, but I don't trust her to just agree verbally... Right, let's do what they say in novels and become sworn brothers.)

His tone became tense.

"If I want to become sworn brothers with you, let's go to the altar of the Ancient Hua Sect in Jueyun."

Huiyuan: ?

(What's going on? Our friendship has soured? I just teased you, and you've fallen for me and want to become sworn brothers and wives right away?!)

Seeing Lingling's wide eyes, Xingqiu quickly waved his hand and began to explain.

“Sister Lingling, you’ve misunderstood. What I mean is... now that you know my background, you also know the true self that I’ve been hiding all along... I can’t let you go.”

Huiyuan looked like she wanted to refuse and turned to leave.

(Sister Lingling, you've misunderstood! I only wanted to become sworn brothers because I was worried, so that the ancestral master could witness it!!!)

Xingqiu instantly appeared and spread his arms to block.

"No, you can't refuse. I can't let you go. Unless... you promise I won't abandon you!"

Xingqiu suddenly realized the meaning of the words; something seemed a little off.

(Oh no, this is completely inexplicable!)

--------

Publicly available intelligence

Hunyuan is not Nantong, so I'm not interested in that kind of thing.

This bizarre misunderstanding was merely the wicked whims of some three-dimensional being.

This misunderstanding was inspired by Xingqiu's voice lines in the game: "About our sworn brotherhood."

--------