Winter was drawing near.
The crimson hues that once blanketed Ling Shan Bay were fading, leaving the land barren, with a chill lingering in the air.
Even Hu Tao, who normally enjoyed gazing at the vast landscape and reciting poems at will, had hidden away in the warm living room.
"Qiqi, why aren't they back yet? It's already been half a month, hasn't it?"
"I... don't... know..."
Hu Tao and Qiqi were curled up together on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, with steaming tea set on the coffee table. Bored out of their minds, they stared blankly at the dull television program.
Because of the cold, the heater had been cranked up to the maximum.
"It's so hot..."
Qiqi's face flushed red. She sat up reluctantly, longing to retreat into her beloved cold storage. But Hu Tao grabbed her arm.
"You're not allowed to go! The moment you open that freezer, it'll feel like winter's come early! Just stay here!!"
Qiqi had no way to resist Hu Tao and was forcibly pulled back onto the sofa.
"That's more like it... Huh? So cold!!"
Just then, Barbara returned from work, letting in a gust of icy wind as she opened the door.
Hu Tao sneezed at once.
"Ah!" Barbara's blue eyes filled with guilt. "Sorry, sorry!"
She quickly closed the door, but the chill had already lowered the room's temperature.
"It's fine..." Hu Tao said, wiping her nose and waving dismissively.
"You're not coming down with something, are you?" Barbara asked suspiciously.
"Huh?"
At that moment, a flicker of green shadow passed, and Xiao appeared out of nowhere. His sharp gaze locked onto Hu Tao, who was shivering.
"No... right?" Hu Tao said uncertainly. "How could the head of the Hall catch a cold... I..."
Before she could finish, another sneeze burst out.
"The sudden drop in temperature—you must have caught a chill," Xiao said with a frown, then vanished on the spot.
A few seconds later, he reappeared carrying an ancient medicine box.
"During this time, I've learned a great deal about herbs from Lord Zhongli. Let me prepare you a decoction."
"No!" At the mere mention of herbal medicine, Hu Tao's expression changed instantly. She pinched her nose and shivered.
"I'm fine, I'm fine!"
"No. You need medicine now." Xiao reached to pull the stubborn Hu Tao from the corner of the sofa.
"I don't want it! I won't drink it!"
Xiao hadn't expected such a strong reaction.
"When you're sick, you take medicine. That's a rule for humans."
"I won't take it!!"
"..."
As they deadlocked, Yae Miko walked over with a smile.
"Xiao, have you become a doctor after being sick so long? By the way, how's your own health now?"
Xiao glanced at her. "I've basically recovered. Thank you, all of you."
Then, with a helpless look, he gestured toward the hiding Hu Tao. Neither Lu Chen nor Lord Zhongli was around—there was no one left who could rein in the willful Hu Tao.
Miko made an "OK" gesture and stepped up to Hu Tao.
"Hu Tao—?"
"When you're sick, you take your medicine~ Otherwise, you're not a good girl~"
Hu Tao stayed perfectly still, pretending to be dead.
Miko's eyes narrowed dangerously.
She unleashed her trump card. "Since you won't take your medicine, you can finish today's update instead!"
"No!!!"
Hu Tao's little head popped out, her face filled with despair. "I don't want to update! I don't want to write!!"
Miko smiled mischievously. Not long ago, Hu Tao, after a spat with Lu Chen, had volunteered to write The Strange Tales of Liyue. She had nearly burned out her brain cells, scraping together every last ounce of literary flair, until late one night... she delayed the update.
And even swore never to write again.
"Hmph! Did you forget our mission? How did you promise Lu Chen back then?"
Miko smiled slyly. "So even Hu Tao goes back on her word?"
Hu Tao looked miserable. "Miko, Miko-sis! Great Guuji-sama! Please, give me a break... spare me..."
"I've already written everything about Liyue's ghosts and spirits. I really have nothing left..."
Miko couldn't help but laugh at her pitiful look.
Hands on her hips, she declared, "Then go with Xiao and take your medicine!"
Hu Tao stared at the smiling yet intimidating Yae-sama, finally sighing in defeat.
"Fine..."
"Wow!" Barbara, who had been watching, clapped her hands. "Miko is amazing!"
"Of course! Who do you think I am~"
Arms crossed, Miko wore a smugly triumphant expression.
After Xiao dragged Hu Tao off, Diluc returned from work. The group chatted idly about performances and the tavern, until Barbara suddenly muttered in confusion, "Come to think of it, Lu Chen and the others have been gone a long time..."
"Why aren't they back yet? Could something difficult have come up over there...?"
"Could they be in danger?!" she added anxiously.
"Relax," Miko shook her head. "You know Lu Chen's strength. And he's not alone, either."
"Mm." Barbara nodded. "That's true..."
Just then, ripples distorted the air in the living room.
"Speak of the devil!" Miko chuckled, looking over.
As the spatial fluctuation settled, Lu Chen appeared.
Seeing him, Miko's smile deepened.
"How did it go over there? We were just talking abou—"
Before she could finish, Lu Chen strode forward and pulled her into a fierce embrace.
"Eh?!" Miko's smile froze.
Everyone in the room was stunned.
"You... what's wrong with you... what are you doing..."
No matter how she struggled, Miko couldn't break free from his grip. His arms clamped around her like iron, squeezing so tightly she could barely breathe.
It was as if he feared she might vanish at any moment.
Instinctively, she glanced at the others, then at Ei, and her delicate face flushed scarlet.
"Let go of me! Everyone's watching..."
"Lu Chen, what's gotten into you?"
Her cheeks burning, Miko looked up at his handsome face just inches away—only to freeze.
His gaze wasn't normal. It was a complicated, indescribable look—sorrow and joy entwined, with something else hidden within.
"You're alive..."
"You're still alive..."
Lu Chen closed his eyes tightly, as if something infinitely precious had been lost and miraculously returned.
"Thank the heavens."
His heavy forehead rested against her shoulder, his voice low and trembling, with a faint catch.
Miko stood there, bewildered, allowing his embrace. Then she noticed—her shoulder was damp.
Was he... crying?
She didn't know what had happened, but in that moment, she couldn't bring herself to push him away.
She shook her head and sighed softly. Her slender fingers slipped into his black hair, gently stroking as if comforting a child.
"If something's troubling you, you can share it with everyone. Look at yourself..."
"Just like a child..."
Lu Chen murmured, muffled against her, "It's so good to see you."
"Good is good, but do you really have to be this dramatic?" Miko rolled her eyes. "Anyone watching might think I'd already died!"
Lu Chen lifted his head with a tearful smile. "How could the beautiful and wise Yae Miko possibly die?"
"Hmph..." Miko said softly. "You still owe me a wish. How could I just die? That'd be such a waste..."
At last, Lu Chen released her.
Miko let out a breath of relief. The room grew quiet, but she found herself at a loss for words.
The two gazed into each other's eyes, the warm glow of the living room surrounding them, maple leaves drifting past the window outside.
Though everyone else was brimming with curiosity, none dared disturb the serene moment.
Barbara, baffled, nudged Nahida, who had just returned.
"What's going on with them?"
"Lu Chen and Miko..."
"What's between them...?"
Nahida's eyes widened. She looked at Barbara's innocent face, disbelief flickering across her own.
Barbara blinked, growing even more confused.
"Um..." Nahida glanced around. It seemed she was the only one who hadn't noticed their secret.
"Well... that's a long story..."
"What?!" Barbara was about to lose it. "What is it? Tell me already!"
Nahida looked again at Lu Chen and Yae Miko. If this were an anime, pink bubbles would already be floating around them. She couldn't help but smile knowingly.
"It's adult business. Children shouldn't pry."
"Huh??" Barbara was even more confused.
She glanced over at Hu Tao, bundled in a blanket, face twisted after finishing her medicine. Gossip was never something Hu Tao would miss—she was so gleeful that even her snot bubbles were showing.
"Even Hu Tao knows!! You've all been keeping this from me!!" Barbara puffed out her cheeks in protest.
Venti chuckled, amusement clear on his face. Seeing too many onlookers gathering, he waved his hand.
"Alright, scatter, scatter! Don't disturb them!"
Nahida tugged the reluctant Barbara away, and the others in the living room slowly dispersed. Scaramouche lingered for one last glance at Ei's expression.
Her violet eyes were soft, her lips curved in a gentle smile.
"Sadness and joy... they've never been such a hard choice."