Mr. Zhongli, we can't slack off anymore!

The crowd surrounding him surged like a tidal wave, with cheers and congratulations rising and falling in waves.

Zhongli frowned slightly, a hint of helplessness in his golden eyes.

A warm, jade-like rock elemental shield quietly unfolded, gently separating the crowded people. Golden light flowed in the night, as if opening a quiet passage for the two. The shield's surface was covered with fine rock patterns, faintly visible in the moonlight.

Where do you want to go? Stepping out of the crowded throng, he looked down at the nearly unconscious traveler in his arms, his deep voice carrying a unique calming effect.

His arms steadily supported her legs and back.

"Hotel." The traveler, her mind hazy, managed to utter these two words, her thick, long eyelashes, covered in stage makeup, trembling slightly. As if remembering something, she hurriedly added in a weary voice: "I'm staying at the Golden Leaf Hotel."

As she spoke, she unconsciously snuggled closer to him, as if searching for a more comfortable position.

Having just arrived, I don't know the way. Are there any alternatives? His answer was unexpected, a barely perceptible smile flashing across his lips.

His fingers gently smoothed her slightly disheveled hair, his movements as tender as if he were handling a rare treasure.

Hearing this, the traveler immediately became more alert, her previously dazed eyes suddenly clearing. She slightly widened her eyes, alarm bells ringing in her mind.

I almost forgot, staying by his side is the place where I absolutely cannot let my guard down!

The traveler forced himself to straighten his originally languid body.

I need to reload my save and choose my options again. This time, I want to attend the victory celebration, then go back to the hotel alone to rest and recuperate before facing this man who always catches her off guard.

If only there were remnants of the Reincarnation Demon God at this moment...

It seems the effects of the Reincarnation Demon God are ineffective against him... Damn it...

I...suddenly I'm not sleepy anymore. The traveler forced himself to stay awake, trying to make his voice sound more convincing. She gently pushed away his chest, trying to create some distance.

I suddenly remembered I had a victory celebration banquet. Guest Elder, you've just arrived, you should go back and rest too. As she said this, she suddenly recalled that the letter from Walnut clearly stated that they should arrive at Omos Port tomorrow and enter Sumeru City the day after.

After saying this, the traveler tried to break free from his embrace and stand back on the ground.

Zhongli did not stop her, but slowly released her hand, his well-defined fingers still resting lightly on her waist, just enough to help her stand firm.

His movements were so natural, as if he had no extra thoughts, that they seemed deliberate.

Where is the master? Also, you shouldn't arrive in Sumeru City until the day after tomorrow. The traveler awkwardly adjusted her thin dance costume, her slender fingers frantically smoothing out the wrinkles on the hem, trying to wrap her body tighter with the ornate fabric to avoid the gazes that might fall on her and make her feel hot.

The sect leader is preoccupied with worldly affairs and cannot leave the hall for the time being. Zhongli's voice was as steady as ever. He nodded slightly, and the tassels of his earrings swayed gently: "According to the departure regulations of Liyue Harbor, I should have traveled with the merchant ship... However, due to the urgency of the matter, I traveled day and night and arrived ahead of time." As he spoke, his gaze remained gently fixed on her, observing her every reaction.

Hu Tao's got something going on again? I don't think she misses me at all, humph.

As for what he said, it was probably some kind of trap, so she decided not to ask any more questions and deliberately avoided his probing gaze.

"Oh, I see." The traveler turned his head and replied perfunctorily, his fingers rubbing the bits and pieces on his clothes.

The deputy head of the hall had been out of contact for over ten days, and the head of the hall had been worried about him day and night. As a guest advisor, it was only right that he share the head of the hall's burdens. Even though the traveler did not intend to ask further, he still subtly explained the reason.

The traveler keenly sensed that this was likely another carefully designed trap.

If she shows even the slightest concern and asks, "Aren't you worried about me? Then why did you come two days early?" the distance between them will immediately shrink.

Miss Lu! We've finally found you! Members of the Zuber Troupe ran over from not far away, their voices filled with urgency: The celebration banquet is about to begin! Little Grass God suggested that everyone wait for you to arrive before starting, so don't be late!

The traveler quickly agreed, as if grasping at a lifeline, and his voice unconsciously rose a few decibels.

"That's excellent." Zhongli nodded slightly, his fingers, encased in leather gloves, rubbing his chin: he could both inquire about the deputy hall master's whereabouts and make acquaintances with his old friends. These two early days hadn't been wasted.

"Huh? You're going?" The traveler suddenly felt uneasy.

She suddenly remembered the less-than-honorable thing she had done earlier using the name of the Rock King... If he found out...

Thinking of this, her fingers unconsciously tightened, her knuckles turning slightly white.

"Does the deputy hall master have some concerns?" Zhong Li keenly noticed her hesitation, leaned slightly forward, and looked at her.

In short, you are not allowed to go. The traveler hurriedly stopped him, his voice tinged with panic.

Could it be that he already knows what I did and is just waiting for an opportunity to confront me?

This thought made her unconsciously take a half step back.

"Oh, right, Miss Luren." The troupe member turned back and added, "Little Grass God said you must bring your Liyue friends with you."

Since it is an invitation from the deity Sumeru, it is only right to accept. Zhongli calmly replied, making an elegant gesture, the gold thread on his sleeve shimmering in the moonlight.

Uh... The traveler was momentarily speechless, his delicate eyebrows furrowing tightly.

He insists on going, right...? Or should I not go if he goes, and then run away overnight?

But he'd find out sooner or later. All he had to do was make a few inquiries in Sumeru City...

She even began to consider whether she should use the power of the World Tree to erase everyone's related memories.

This thought made her miss the stragglers—only he could help her sneak around and cause trouble.

"Ahem, I have something to say to you, Mr. Zhongli." The traveler softened her tone, trying to make one last effort. She raised her eyes, trying to make her expression appear sincere.

Oh? This must be no small matter. His gaze seemed to see through everything, as if he had already read her mind, and he was patiently waiting for her to confess to the crime.