Genshin Impact: Awakening in the Darkness

Xuanqing gazed at Xuanyue gently, but Xuanyue noticed Kong and Paimeng's teasing looks and immediately turned away, coughing to ease the awkwardness.

"Wow~" Paimon smiled with half-closed eyes: "Qingyue, didn't you say you didn't remember anything? How come you picked up the conversation so quickly as soon as Jin Xuan opened his mouth?"

"You're such a smooth talker." Xuan Qing neither denied nor explained.

"Hehe, I knew it. Grandpa Qingyue remembers everything about Jin Xuan better than anyone else, how could he possibly forget?" Paimon put his hands on his hips, puffed out his chest, and looked smug. He even gave Kong a sneaky glance, as if waiting for someone's praise.

"Hmm, that's a good analysis." Kong, who dotes on his own guide, is well aware of Paimon's little schemes.

"That's right, but it's all very formal and I can't understand it. So, have your wishes come true?"

Paimon's eyes sparkled as he looked at the two of them, making it hard to refuse. Xuan Yue smiled and put a finger to her lips, saying it was a secret. Xuan Qing, however, smiled wryly. He felt someone's hand on his waist, gently kneading his soft flesh, making him speechless.

Swah——

As the group was playfully fighting, all the streetlights suddenly went out. The once bustling Liyue Harbor fell silent in an instant.

"Enemy attack?!" Xiao immediately became alert and took out He Puyuan to investigate the situation.

Xuan Yue was quicker than him, pulling him back to reassure him: "Don't worry, Xiao, it should be almost time to release the lanterns. Only in this dim light can you see the clearest view and have the best visual experience."

“Hmm, look.” Xuanqing showed the little golden roc his surroundings. The terrace, which was not crowded before, was now packed with people, and many more were gathering in their direction. “The fact that the crowd is not causing any disturbance means that everyone is used to this situation, so there is no need to worry.”

"Hoo..." Xiao took a deep breath and then exhaled, calming himself down. He retrieved He Puyuan and nodded to Xuan Qing and Xuan Yue, saying, "Thank you, Heavenly Lord, and Lord Xuan Yue."

"Huh?" Paimon looked left and right in the crowd, but couldn't find the person he was looking for: "Where's Zhongli? Where's Ruotuo Dragon King? I just saw them browsing the antique puppet shop, where did they go?"

"They must have been temporarily separated by the crowd, that's why they can't see us. Shall we wait a little longer? Or would you like to buy some more snacks, Paimon?" Kong teased, poking Paimon's bulging belly with a smile.

"No, no, I really can't eat anymore. I feel like my stomach is going to explode if I eat any more!"

"Hahaha…"

Paimon's witty remarks livened up the atmosphere again.

As for the two who disappeared, they had already left the bustling streets and arrived at a pavilion near Liyue Harbor. A figure in green was relaxing on the pavilion roof, sipping fine wine and enjoying a leisurely rest.

"Grandpa, you've finally arrived." Wendy swirled the last drop of wine in her glass, then jumped down from the gazebo roof, casually brushing the dust off her clothes. "I've already delivered the things."

"Thanks a lot." Zhongli put down the bag of candy he was carrying and rubbed his slightly sore wrist. "I'll need your help later, old friend."

"Haha, it's just wind, no big deal. But you'll have to let me take a few jars of your Liyue's old wine with me later." Venti blinked, looking determined.

Zhongli did not refuse: "Today is the Lantern Festival, and all guests are welcome. Please make yourself at home."

“It’s been a long time, Barbatos.” Ruotuo put down the items in his hands and took a rare breath: “You probably don’t know how terrifying Morax’s shopping talent is.”

"Whenever they see something that interests them, they want to buy it all, pack it all up, and they never even try to bargain. From small paintings and calligraphy that can be found everywhere, to large bottles and jars on antique stalls, just look at all of them..."

"All of this is his?" Wendy felt a chill run down her spine looking at all the things on the ground. How much Mora would that take?

Ruotuo shook his head and said, "He only bought one-third."

"..." (How terrifying.) Wendy looked at the pile of stuff on the ground and couldn't help but calculate the price in her mind how much dandelion wine she could buy with it.

Zhongli then belatedly realized, "Huh? I didn't even notice when I bought them. Did I really buy this much?"

Ruotuo: "What do you think?" (←_←)

Wendy: "..." (Am I asking for too few jars of wine?) ( ′?w? )

————The following plot will continue in a moment.