The group returned to Liyue Harbor.
Lumine stretched her body, letting out a big yawn. "Mmm—"
"Liyue Harbor, we're back!"
It wasn't just Lumine; Paimon also had a great impression of Liyue.
Or rather, an infinitely great impression of Mu Yang.
After all, Mu Yang had never let them feel wronged.
The trio first headed to Chihu Rock.
[Three Bowls Won't Cross the Harbor] had become the hottest shop in the area.
Whether you drank alcohol or not, you could find a beverage to your liking here.
This was something unthinkable back when that old man Degui was the boss.
The three went up to the second floor.
Now, Shenhe was the true boss of [Muyu Snow City].
She could handle things on her own.
Under Mu Yang's manual's guidance, violent incidents were only occasional.
Some people just asked for a beating, and there was nothing you could do about it.
"Master, Lumine, and Paimon, welcome back."
"Long time no see, Shenhe." Lumine walked to the counter. "Looks like you've settled into the shop manager role."
Shenhe nodded honestly. "You taught me well."
That was the truth.
But Shenhe's own incredible ability was also undeniable.
During the time Mu Yang returned to Chenyu Vale, Lumine took care of Shenhe, teaching her to adapt to the role of [Muyu Snow City]'s manager.
At first, Lumine had a headache.
But she had to admit, the talent brought by Lonesome Destiny and Calamitous Fate was truly terrifying.
Shenhe basically mastered things after seeing them once.
So, within a few days, Lumine could relax.
Of course, this was also because Shenhe didn't want to disappoint Mu Yang.
It was her first time spending the Lantern Rite eve with her Master.
She had no idea when he'd return to Liyue Harbor.
So she had to get the hang of things quickly.
Paimon giggled. "Shenhe, we brought you gifts!"
She pulled out some Inazuma specialty snacks.
Lumine gave her a look. "I knew I shouldn't have let you pick…"
Paimon was very displeased with Lumine's attitude.
"What do you know? These are Paimon's carefully selected treats. They're delicious!"
Lumine teased, "Is there anything not delicious in Paimon's world?"
"Hmph, who asked you? These are for Shenhe."
Paimon pushed the snack box toward Shenhe.
"Shenhe, try them!"
Shenhe ate some cooperatively. "Very tasty. Thank you."
Paimon proudly put her hands on her hips. "See? My choices are never wrong."
Shenhe lowered her head and mixed a drink for Paimon.
"The snacks are heavy. Try this drink afterward."
Paimon followed her advice, eating the snacks and then sipping the drink.
She instantly felt refreshed.
"Wow, really! Hehe, Shenhe, you're amazing!"
Mu Yang was very satisfied. It seemed there was nothing to worry about.
Afterward, he and Lumine also gave their gifts to Shenhe.
After chatting with Shenhe, the group set off to deliver gifts to others.
Xinyan, who came to work, just missed them.
But she caught a rare sight—
The usually aloof and distant Miss Shenhe was smiling softly, gazing at the small gifts in the box…
Dinner time.
The group had wandered around, delivering most of their gifts.
Paimon's stomach started growling.
They happened to be at the foot of Bubu Pharmacy.
Mu Yang thought about it and decided they might as well eat there tonight.
Ascending the steps, they saw Bubu Pharmacy's door slightly ajar.
Mu Yang knew Baizhu was out on house calls again.
He was probably resting in his room now.
Pushing the door open, he asked the apprentice Agui, and sure enough, that was the case.
So, Mu Yang wrote down some ingredients and asked Agui to buy them.
He also called Shenhe over for dinner.
The trio tidied up, closing Bubu Pharmacy for the day.
In the backyard, Qiqi was brewing medicine.
"Oh, you're here."
Qiqi no longer needed her notebook to remember Mu Yang, Lumine, and Paimon's names.
Lumine and Paimon went to help her.
Mu Yang knocked on the door and entered Baizhu's room.
Due to overusing the Life Transference Technique, Baizhu was in an extremely weakened state.
As the medium for the technique, Changsheng wasn't much better off, though not as bad as him.
Mu Yang raised his hand, channeling Adeptus energy into Changsheng.
She instantly felt much lighter.
As for Baizhu, Mu Yang didn't dare act recklessly.
Baizhu had a mortal body, and in his current weakened state, forcibly injecting Adeptus energy could make him explode.
That would put Changsheng in danger.
Of course, Mu Yang wouldn't just watch him suffer.
He admired doctors like Baizhu, who saved lives at the cost of their own.
The ingredients he'd asked Agui to buy were for making a medicinal meal to help them recover.
But in front of two doctors, Mu Yang didn't show off.
He could cook and control the process precisely, but he still handed over the medicinal recipe for Baizhu and Changsheng to review.
Changsheng slithered up Mu Yang's arm.
"Let him rest. I'll guide you in the kitchen."
Baizhu's voice was faint. "Thank you, Changsheng, and the Adeptus."
In the kitchen, Changsheng looked at the medicinal recipe.
"This wouldn't happen to be one of my old recipes, would it?"
Mu Yang didn't deny it.
These were two medicinal dishes he'd found in his memories, suitable for their needs.
They were Changsheng's research from her cave days.
Changsheng thought for a moment and made some improvements to the recipe.
The scene felt just like back then…
Dinner proceeded in a warm, lively atmosphere.
It was a bit noisy, but Baizhu didn't mind.
After eating the medicinal meal, he'd recovered significantly.
Shenhe, too, was getting used to such occasions.
Everyone slept well that night…
The next day, Lumine went for a walk and ran into Ganyu.
Ganyu brought her some major news.
It was about the recently reopened Chasm.
After careful consideration, the surface of the Chasm had been reissued mining permits.
The first batch of miners had arrived not long ago.
She'd seen a report last night.
Some miners had witnessed dazed-looking Hilichurls entering the depths of the Chasm, never to return.
Among them was mention of a blond man in black.
Ganyu said, "I don't quite understand the Hilichurl situation, but that blond man's movements…"
"Thank you, Ganyu."
"You're welcome. I'm off to work now."
Lumine returned to [Three Bowls Won't Cross the Harbor], told Mu Yang, and set off.
When it came to Abyss matters, Lumine clearly didn't want Mu Yang involved.
Perhaps she thought her brother and Mu Yang still had unresolved grudges.
If they met and fought, she wouldn't know how to explain it.
Mu Yang didn't say much.
He only told her to be careful, not to rush in, and to call him if there was trouble.
Mu Yang knew this was related to the Abyss.
He wasn't keen on facing Dainsleif right now.
That guy hadn't fully shown his strength yet.
Who knew how strong he really was?
(Mu Yang crossed over at the end of 4.4; Dainsleif's fight with the Abyss Prince was in 4.7.)
Besides, he had something else to do.
That was to uncover the mystery of his own origins.