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

The thick velvet curtains were drawn tightly shut, dutifully blocking out all light that tried to seep into the room, creating a dimly lit space perfect for sleeping. This was the perfect time to embrace dreams and enjoy a lazy morning nap.

"Vice Hall Master, two young masters are waiting downstairs. They say they have important matters to discuss with you." Jin Moli's voice came clearly through the heavy door after a few soft but persistent knocks.

"Hmm..." The sleepy traveler mumbled a response, instinctively burying his head deeper into the fluffy, soft pillows and blankets, trying to block out any external disturbances.

Two young masters?

I don't want even a "young master"!

See no one! All of them, see no one! Let me sleep!

"Excuse me." Outside the door, Jin Moli's voice, which lacked any real apology and instead carried a sense of entitlement, rang out again.

Immediately afterwards, the internal spring of the door lock made a crisp "snap" sound as it opened.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a drop of ice water falling into the traveler's chaotic lake of consciousness, instantly clearing her mind.

Wait... I definitely locked the door last night... How come she...?

Before the traveler could even process what was happening, the doorknob had already turned, and the door opened with a click.

Without the slightest hesitation or delay, the intruder's footsteps traversed the small living room outside, heading directly towards the luxurious king-size bed in the bedroom, which was said to offer a "cloud-like touch."

Blanket barrier! Protect me!

The traveler silently cried out in his heart, wrapping himself up even tighter, trying to build a last line of defense with the soft down comforter.

However, this "intruder" clearly ignored any form of barrier. A steady and strong hand reached out, grabbed the corner of the blanket without hesitation, and then—suddenly yanked it off!

The sleepiness from being enveloped in warmth was instantly dispelled, replaced by the slightly cool touch of the morning air, which caused small goosebumps to appear on the traveler's skin.

"Vice Hall Master, it's getting late, it's time to get up and deal with important matters." Jin Moli stood by the bed, leaning slightly forward, with an impeccable gentle smile on her face and a soft curve at the corner of her eyes.

"No..." the traveler mumbled with his eyes closed, reaching out to grab the blanket that had been thrown to the foot of the bed, but Jin Moli quickly threw it even further away.

Jin Moli glanced up at the classically styled wall clock, seemingly realizing that the time allotted for the traveler to "slowly wake up" had run out. Without another word, she bent down, slipped her arm under the traveler's neck and knees, and with a slight effort, scooped the traveler, who was trying to curl back into bed, from the soft mattress and held him securely in her arms. She then turned and walked steadily toward the ensuite bathroom, the whole process flowing smoothly and seamlessly.

"Vice Hall Master, let me take you to wash up and wake you up." Her voice remained calm.

"I don't want to... put me down..." The traveler was forced to wrap his arms around Jin Moli's neck to maintain his balance, his entire upper body leaning on her shoulders, and he could feel the soft touch of her chest.

She struggled in vain for a few moments, only to find that her strength was insignificant in the other person's firm embrace, and she could not change her fate of being "held hostage".

Only after being placed on the cool, smooth marble countertop of the washbasin did the traveler gain a little "autonomy".

Sitting at this height, she was finally able to look Jin Moli in the eye, and her gaze involuntarily drifted into the other woman's eyes, which held a faint smile.

The face was undoubtedly gentle and beautiful, but at this moment the traveler was focused on her eyes. Compared to her overall outstanding appearance, those eyes seemed... somewhat too "ordinary".

It's not that they're unattractive; it's just that on the continent of Teyvat, whether they are Eye of God holders or important NPCs, almost everyone's eyes have been carefully sculpted by fate or an artist. They are either as bright as stars, as deep as an abyss, or as clear as the bottom, and they all have a unique and unforgettable charm.

Jin Moli's eyes are a very standard, classic beauty—gentle and soft. They are beautiful, but lack that "storytelling" or "uniqueness."

"Hmm..." The traveler was staring intently at those eyes, trying to pinpoint the source of that fleeting sense of familiarity, when in the next instant, a soft towel, soaked in warm water and wrung out halfway, covered her face, obscuring all her vision. The warm steam, mixed with the faint scent of sunshine unique to a clean towel, gently wiped her face.

"Let's start with washing our faces, Deputy Hall Master," Jin Moli's voice came through the towel.

At that moment, I suddenly realized that the person Hu Tao had sent me was not some assistant to manage affairs, but a personal, all-powerful... maidservant.

But... Hu Tao did a great job!

I think... I really need a maid like that!

……

During the subsequent washing and grooming process, the traveler almost completely gave up on "taking care of himself".

She sat motionless like a giant doll, feeling the delicate cleansing foam applied to her face and then being carefully wiped clean by a warm, damp towel; when a toothbrush with a refreshing mint flavor was placed to her lips, she simply opened her mouth obediently, enduring the slight itching sensation from the bristles brushing against her gums, and letting the other person complete the cleaning process.

The entire morning's washing and grooming process was completed efficiently in this half-awake, passively accepting state.

"Do you... know how to help others with their hair and makeup?" the traveler asked vaguely, suddenly having a thought, thinking he might as well skip this step altogether.

“Of course, Deputy Hall Master.” Jin Moli was gently wiping the water droplets from the traveler’s face with a soft towel. Hearing this, she smiled slightly: “Although I haven’t been here the longest, I am, after all, a trained ritual attendant of the Hall of Rebirth. Basic grooming is my duty.”

Oh...yes.

It would be strange if the ritual attendants at the funeral hall didn't know how.

Sure enough, the feeling of being waited on hand and foot without lifting a finger... is really comfortable. Although it's comfortable, a faint sense of death is also quietly spreading in my heart.

But at the very least! I'm determined to change my clothes myself! This is my last act of defiance!

*

In the hotel lobby, sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting dappled shadows.

Jin Moli walked ahead of the traveler to the two men waiting in the rest area, giving a graceful nod and speaking politely: "Gentlemen, you've been waiting for a long time. The deputy hall master has finished washing and dressing and is ready to receive guests now."

The traveler who followed her out paused slightly upon hearing the announcement, which sounded like something out of a palace drama. He suddenly felt that he didn't seem like a weary adventurer at the moment, but rather like some reclusive, important figure who needed to be announced before he could be seen...

"Hehe, good morning." The traveler composed himself and greeted Seno and Elhesen, who had clearly been waiting for a while.

It's those two again!

And very early in the morning...

"We had some preliminary results from last night's interrogation, but the relevant leads need to be verified on-site. We're going to leave the city today to investigate." Seno's words were concise and to the point, demonstrating the disciplinary officer's usual efficiency.

“I’m picking you up on my way to work. Let’s leave now to avoid being late,” Al-Hysen calmly stated his arrangements.

"Huh?" The traveler stood there stunned, looking at the serious-looking Seno, and then at the composed Elhesen.

These are two completely different and conflicting directions!

Sino, why did you assign me a wilderness mission that requires me to leave the city so early in the morning?!

Elheisen, you too! We have such important and urgent things to do right now, why are you adding to the chaos?!

“I’m sorry, Mr. Elhesen.” Before the traveler could make up his mind, Jin Moli stepped forward, blocking his path slightly to the side, and gave Elhesen a polite but distant smile: “The Vice Hall Master has important matters to attend to today, which take precedence over yours. Your schedule will likely have to be postponed. Once the Vice Hall Master has more free time, he will certainly consider your invitation first.” Her words were clear and appropriate, directly and politely turning away Elhesen’s “invitation along the way.”

"Who is she?" Elhesen's gaze swept past Jasmine and landed directly on the traveler's face as he asked in a flat tone.

“My servant… cough!” The traveler almost blurted out what she was thinking, and quickly corrected herself: “My subordinate, Jin Moli, was just transferred from Liyue to assist me.” After introducing her, she immediately followed up on Jin Moli’s words: “Well, just as she said, your matter… let’s wait a little longer.”

"Are all Liyue people like this?" Elhesen glanced at Jin Moli, who was standing gracefully behind the traveler, and then looked at the traveler who had a "I have to follow orders" look on his face. It seemed like he was just making a casual remark.

"Huh? What do you mean?" The traveler didn't quite understand what he meant.

Elhesen shook his head, indicating that she didn't need to delve into what he had just said, and then changed the subject: "Since you have other work today, and I happen to be free, I'll go with you."

"Eh? Since you've volunteered to go, then I think I should..." The traveler's eyes lit up. She knew all too well Elhesen's terrifying work ability and analytical efficiency; having him join the investigation would be like adding wings to a tiger!

“No.” Seno and Elhesen refused almost in unison. The former cited the confidentiality and disciplinary requirements of the Disciplinary Officer’s mission, while the latter… had no clear reason.

"Okay..." The traveler deflated quickly like a punctured balloon, helplessly accepting reality.

She turned to Jin Moli and said listlessly, "Then... I'll leave the work of coordinating the branch design drafts with Kavi to you, Moli. If he stays up all night again, remember to remind him to rest, and also... make sure he eats on time."