Genshin Impact ship pairings

After the contract was signed that day, Chongyun took Xingqiu home.

Chongyun's family was initially surprised, and then took great care of Xingqiu. After all, in their eyes, Xingqiu was still a teenager, and looked rather thin.

Xingqiu had expected Chongyun's family to be somewhat difficult to deal with, but to his surprise, they were all very kind to him. Their "difficulty" was in a different way. Xingqiu simply put on a polite facade, and the family treated him even better, becoming even more enthusiastic towards him.

"Chongyun, these are pastries for Xingqiu. Give them to him when you see them." Chongyun's grandmother held Chongyun's hand and handed him a box of pastries.

The elderly woman had a kind smile and was quite sturdy. She treated Xingqiu and Yunyun very well, coaxing her grandmother for a while before she left.

Xingqiu, who had been hiding to the side, watched the old man leave before emerging and walking to Chongyun's side. "Your family is so hospitable. Have I been out of touch with the world for too long? How come humans have become so friendly?"

Xingqiu's sigh reached Chongyun's ears, making Chongyun chuckle. When Xingqiu looked over, Chongyun suppressed his laughter. Don't let Xingqiu's refined, gentlemanly demeanor fool you; when it comes to playing pranks on you, he can be incredibly mischievous. Chongyun didn't want to cause himself any trouble.

“Grandma just wants you to eat more; you look too thin.”

Chongyun had a smile that he hadn't quite managed to suppress. Xingqiu glanced at him and knew what he was thinking, but didn't pay it any mind. He simply took the box of pastries.

Xingqiu looked at the pastry box in her hand, and couldn't help but pinch her arm, muttering to herself, "Am I really that thin?"

Chongyun nodded, but turned his head away when Xingqiu looked over.

Sitting in the courtyard, Xingqiu opened the pastry box. Inside were neatly arranged some hawthorn cakes. Chongyun saw this and a smile appeared on his lips.

“Grandma must have made you hawthorn cake because she saw you weren’t eating much.” As she spoke, Chongyun picked up a piece of cake and brought it close to Xingqiu’s lips.

"Try it, it's sweet and sour, it's delicious."

Chongyun's eyes were full of smiles. Xingqiu looked at him and obediently opened her mouth to take a bite. The pastry was soft and slightly chewy. The taste was indeed sweet and sour, and it was quite good.

Xingqiu ate happily, and Chongyun fed him pastries little by little. Xingqiu's unusually well-behaved behavior brought a smile to Chongyun's face. When Xingqiu ate, his cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel, which was really cute.

The afternoon sun shone brightly on the two people eating pastries. A kitten that had run out of the yard glanced at the two figures entwined together, lazily stretched, and then left.

Xingqiu was quite comfortable by Chongyun's side. Chongyun continued his cultivation, and there was little need for Xingqiu. Every day, Xingqiu simply sat on the stone chair next to Chongyun's practice and watched him cultivate.

There was a lush pear tree in the yard, which bore abundant pears every autumn. But even before autumn arrived, the dense foliage brought coolness to Xingqiu, who was waiting. Sometimes Xingqiu would lie there and fall asleep, and when he woke up, Chongyun's coat would always be draped over him.

Because of his unusual physical condition, Chongyun had few friends since childhood. After forming a pact with Xingqiu, he finally had someone by his side to accompany him. He was no longer alone when practicing martial arts.

One evening, Xingqiu and Chongyun sat in the courtyard. The same flower tea Xingqiu had given Chongyun when they first met was brewed in a teacup. Its fragrant aroma wafted through the air, filling the room with warmth.

"Xingqiu, did you dislike exorcists from the beginning? I always felt that you suddenly became cold towards me after you found out I was an exorcist."

Chongyun looked at Xingqiu, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Xingqiu paused, pouring flower tea, upon hearing Chongyun's words. After a long while, he finally spoke.

"The grandfather I told you about back then was killed by an exorcist."

Xingqiu's expression remained calm, only his golden eyes still held a hint of hatred. "My grandfather was also a demon, but unlike me, he was a banyan tree in the valley."

“That was a long time ago, it feels like it just happened now.” Xingqiu’s face was bitter. “Exorcists can forcibly contract with demons, but my grandfather was unwilling and fought to the death. Before he left, he sent me to the place where demons lived.”

Xingqiu spoke simply, but Chongyun knew it must have been a very difficult past. He held Xingqiu's hand and listened as Xingqiu continued, "That place is inaccessible to humans."

Chongyun was a little surprised; he had clearly gotten close to that place last time. Xingqiu, of course, noticed Chongyun's confusion. "I took you there last time, but you couldn't get in; you could only look at it from a distance. Besides, humans can't find that place. You were just lucky to run into me."

Chongyun nodded to show he understood, and the warmth of his palm transferred to Xingqiu's hand. Xingqiu suddenly felt an urge to cry, but he held back. He simply leaned on Chongyun's shoulder and listened to Chongyun speak to him.

"I will protect you, Xingqiu. We will always be together from now on, you will not be alone."

Yes, although Xingqiu never said he was lonely, Chongyun sensed his loneliness the moment he saw him. Alone in that valley, no matter how beautiful the scenery, he was still lonely. Listening to Chongyun's words, Xingqiu felt a sense of fulfillment. He was grateful for that impulsive night in the valley when he had formed a pact with Chongyun, becoming his partner.

Xingqiu leaned on Chongyun's shoulder for a while, and her mood improved considerably. The courtyard was a bit chilly in the evening, and the originally fragrant flower tea had become much weaker.

The two chatted about other things, including the new book Xingqiu had recently read, which Chongyun had found for him. They also talked about how the kitten in the yard had found its mate and confidently brought her home, receiving a warm welcome from the family.

After talking for a while, Xingqiu looked at the honest Chongyun, his eyes darting around, and poured some other things into Chongyun's teacup. Then, with a smile, he picked it up and handed it to Chongyun.

Chongyun didn't suspect Xingqiu and took the cup, drinking it down. He then discovered the cup contained flower-infused wine. Because of the floral aroma, Chongyun didn't immediately realize what was happening.

After finishing a glass of wine, Chongyun started to feel dizzy. He saw stars spinning before his eyes and, while holding Xingqiu, began to confess his feelings.

"Xingqiu, you're the most beautiful person in the world. The moment I saw you, I knew you were the most beautiful person in the world..."

The drunk Chongyun was irrational, just clinging to Xingqiu and talking incessantly. Xingqiu was reaping what he sowed; he hadn't expected Chongyun to act like this when drunk. He could only frantically hold Chongyun to keep him from collapsing, and listening to his ramblings, Xingqiu wanted to shyly cover his mouth with his. For a moment, he was in a bit of a daze.

Chongyun's mother and grandmother, who were passing by and returning from their walk, covered their mouths and laughed when they saw the two sitting on the stone bench.

“Chongyun has been tricked by Xingqiu again, hahaha.”

The old woman's laughter was strong, and it made the young woman laugh as well. "Chongyun is clearly not stupid, but he always gets fooled by Xingqiu." The woman shook her head, with a helpless smile.

The old woman replied, "It's a matter of one willing to hit and the other willing to be hit."