If possible, Ken still hoped to help Azhdaha.
In the real world he didn't know Azhdaha, but as a transmigrator and Genshin player, he felt many regrets over these characters' fates.
"If it's possible, I'd be most grateful."
Sealing Azhdaha with his own hands—Zhongli's bitterness was unknowable. But one can imagine sealing a comrade-in-arms; it cannot feel good.
Ken said nothing, only raised his cup.
All understood without words.
They drank until night. Gazing at Blue Star's splendor, the adepti were reluctant to leave. No wonder Yaoyao liked it; even they felt their hearts waver.
Not greed for Blue Star's riches, but that without leaving one's home you could know the world's news, and pass time through phone, computer, TV, seeing many curiosities.
Even that game, Genshin Impact, recorded their events so clearly—fascinating.
By contrast, their caves in Jueyun felt empty.
So, when they left, Ken thoughtfully gifted them a set of board games and playing cards.
"This adeptus refuses to play such games with Mountain Shaper; he's always cunning."
Cloud Retainer sniffed first.
"…" Mountain Shaper's mouth twitched.
If not for the Archon, he'd have snapped back.
Cloud Retainer was fine in all ways—save her sharp tongue. Just because a thousand years ago he exploited a rule in play, she remembered till today.
"No problem, play with Xiao," Ken suggested helpfully.
Madame Ping clapped. "Good idea… Xiao is taciturn, not versed in such things—perfect to fleece him."
Far away in Teyvat, Xiao sneezed.
Yaoyao: "…"
Yaoyao suppressed a laugh. Why did it feel like when her master returned to her youthful form, her personality changed too?
In truth, it wasn't the form; around her old friends, Madame Ping could reveal herself freely.
In the end—
The adepti left with the card games, promising to visit Blue Star again.
Shenhe stayed. The solitary cold beauty sat on the sofa watching We Bare Bears with Yaoyao, sometimes frowning, sometimes thoughtful—quite a contrast.
Ken thought once Lumine recovered, he'd have her show Shenhe around Liyue Harbor.
There was time before Beidou's Crux fleet voyage; Lumine needn't rush to Inazuma. Enjoying Liyue in the meantime would be nice.
…
After the adepti left, the villa became quiet.
"Mm… I plan to reside on Blue Star long-term; please arrange a place to live."
Zhongli stood on the terrace, looking at the blossoming garden, calm.
Erosion from Heavenly Principles is especially painful for gods.
Azhdaha is the best example.
Since Blue Star could greatly reduce erosion, Zhongli would live here long-term; only then could he watch over Liyue longer.
Of course, even living here, he'd still go back periodically—just not staying there year-round as before.
"I've already prepared one—the villa next door, same layout. You and Barbatos can live there. Food and such—handle it yourselves."
Ken handed over the keys.
For gods, eating was a ritual; optional—no need to fuss.
Besides, if living on Blue Star, occasionally dining in Teyvat wasn't a bad approach.
"Thanks." Zhongli took the keys, smiling. "If you need help, just ask."
Ken didn't stand on ceremony. "Help me with a livestream in half a month—Genshin will run your banner then."
"Very well." Zhongli was interested.
He'd decided to play Genshin seriously.
After sorting it out, Zhongli went to the next villa. The place was large—more than enough for Zhongli and Venti.
Two old friends cohabiting—also a kind of solace.
After all, only the two of the original Seven remained.
…
Night fell.
Ken turned on his computer and got to work. He'd been absorbed in Liyue matters; work had slipped a bit.
He considered picking a suitable woman among his circle to help run the company.
Save him from reading reports.
Thanks to a successful preview event, Genshin's playerbase had surged; Venti's banner revenue far surpassed Klee's.
Ken was pleased. With Dragonspine's story ready, he'd launch it alongside the next banner—let everyone feel how hellish Dragonspine was.
For Zhongli's promo video, he'd told the staff: first emphasize the War God's might, then the helplessness sealing Azhdaha, and finally a Wangsheng Funeral Parlor rock jam.
Make players hyped, heartbroken, and laugh—miHoYo's usual.
Ken would carry forward those fine traditions.
The Chasm map was done; Inazuma's was mostly ready. By Zhongli's banner, he expected to invite Inazuma characters.
He reviewed the anime con plans.
The company had already booked a booth. He'd told them to prepare; now the summary looked grand. He figured he'd bring a few little lolis to have fun.
After finishing work, a partner pinged him on Discord.
The goods he ordered had shipped; he needed to pay the balance.
They were for a Crux Fleet collaboration; early shipment meant he could work with Beidou sooner.
He paid, then was about to head to bed when he glimpsed a slim figure in the garden.
Amid lush flowers, a lithe form like a swallow on a beam wielded a spear with heroic presence.
White hair lifted by the night wind, adding a touch of allure to the valiant beauty.
"Not resting?"
Ken walked into the garden, addressing the figure practicing spearwork.
Shenhe's face was calm. "I can't sleep."
She said no more, but stopped practicing, gazing at the fragrant blooms. Her mood differed from Jueyun Karst.
Drinking dew in Jueyun was tranquil, at peace with the world.
Blue Star's bustle left her a bit lost.
"If anything confuses you, ask," Ken didn't mind her attitude—she had her reasons.
Shenhe thought a moment, sat on a bench, looked at the red ribbon at her hair tip, and said, "Blades and spears are blind. The red string's power is limited. That's why I dislike crowds."
Upon coming to Blue Star, Shenhe felt the red string's power slacken.
It stirred emotion in the ice beauty.
She was never good at socializing. This abrupt remark was her way to explain why she preferred Jueyun Karst.
To most, it might sound odd; fortunately Ken, with God's-eye perspective, understood.
"All things have fate. More contact with the mortal world may not cause what you fear."
Ken looked up at the dark sky, meaningful.
He rarely admired Blue Star's night—moonless, starless, dim. But perhaps due to mood, tonight seemed beautiful.
Shenhe didn't quite understand. She pondered earnestly, brow furrowed.
Ken said nothing more, simply listened. She was his future Liyue shop manager; with time, he was willing to hear her heart.
Unbeknownst to them—
The scene fell into Lumine's eyes.
…
"Lumine, want some durian puffs? They're yummy."
On the third-floor balcony.
Paimon hadn't seen Lumine all day and worried; when Lumine appeared that night, she followed her up, chirping at her side.
"No."
Lumine, unable to accept durian's smell, kept her gaze on the garden below, a vague unease in her heart.
She hadn't even gone to Inazuma yet, and girls already circled Ken.
If she left for Inazuma… wouldn't he be surrounded by girls?
She knew a man like Ken wouldn't have only one woman.
But if someone stole her man right under her nose, she wouldn't accept it. At least lately, the marital duties should be hers alone.
After all… after all, she and Ken were water flowing into a channel; even without a ceremony, they were newlyweds, right? For these few days, Ken should be hers.
"What are you looking at?"
Paimon followed Lumine's gaze, then realized, "Ah, watching Shenhe and Ken. What's there to see? He's surely counseling her. Shenhe's odd—doesn't really get social stuff."
"Hmph, you don't get it," Lumine huffed lightly.
She had no issue with Shenhe; even pitied her.
But as a girl—and a new bride—she felt a funny competitiveness. She'd have to ensure Ken was… not squeezed—no, she'd have to win his favor!
Thinking so—
Lumine stood and called, "Aren't you two resting? It's late. Miss Shenhe, please rest first. Ken, you promised to discuss massage techniques—still coming?"
"Mm, all right," Shenhe said coolly.
Watching Shenhe's retreating silhouette, Ken glanced helplessly at Lumine—jealous indeed, but only that; she wouldn't go too far.
Lumine was kind at heart—merely in a girlish mood now.
"What massage? Can Paimon join?"
Paimon's eyes shone with curiosity.
"You're too little; you don't need massage." Lumine shooed Paimon away, smiling triumphantly.
Don't think you'll steal my man under my nose!
As Ken closed the door, Lumine slipped off her robe.
The room was dimly lit by a single lantern, casting warm shadows that danced across the walls. Lumine stood there in her undergarments, her cheeks flushed with a mix of anticipation and playful mischief.
The massage was just a pretense, and they both knew it—the air between them crackled with unspoken desire.
Ken's eyes met hers, a knowing smile tugging at his lips as he approached, his hands gentle yet firm.
"Lumine," he murmured, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine. "If this is about reclaiming what's yours... I'm all yours already."
She stepped closer, her fingers tracing the edge of his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath.
"Then show me," she whispered, her breath warm against his neck. "Start with the basics... and don't hold back."
Ken pulled her into his arms, their lips meeting in a slow, lingering kiss that quickly deepened.
His hands roamed her back, exploring the soft curves of her body as she pressed against him, her heart racing with excitement.
Lumine's fingers worked at the buttons of his shirt, undoing them one by one until she could slide it off his shoulders, revealing the toned muscles beneath.
She trailed kisses down his chest, her touch light and teasing, eliciting a soft groan from him that made her pulse quicken.
He reciprocated, his fingers deftly untying the strings of her undergarments, letting them fall away like whispers.
Lumine gasped as the cool air met her bare skin, but Ken's warm hands were there immediately, caressing her breasts with a tenderness that built into something more urgent.
He kneaded gently at first, his thumbs circling her nipples, drawing out moans of pleasure from her lips.
"You feel incredible," he breathed, his voice thick with arousal.
Lumine's body arched into his touch, a wave of heat spreading through her core, her skin tingling with every brush of his fingers.
They moved to the bed, Ken laying her down gently before shedding the rest of his clothes.
Lumine watched him, her eyes wide with admiration and desire, her body aching for more. He joined her, their bodies intertwining—his lips exploring her neck, her collarbone, down to her stomach, each kiss igniting sparks of ecstasy.
She tangled her fingers in his hair, guiding him lower, her breaths coming in short, needy gasps.
When his mouth finally found the most sensitive spot between her thighs, Lumine cried out, her hips bucking involuntarily as waves of pleasure coursed through her.
"Ken... oh, gods, that feels so good," she whimpered, her voice laced with raw satisfaction.
He didn't rush, building her up slowly, his tongue and fingers working in harmony until she was trembling on the edge.
Lumine's first orgasm hit her like a storm, her body convulsing with intense bliss, a moan escaping her lips that echoed in the quiet room.
She clutched at the sheets, her eyes fluttering shut as euphoria washed over her, leaving her breathless and glowing.
Ken rose up, positioning himself above her, his own arousal evident and pressing against her.
"Ready?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for confirmation.
Lumine nodded eagerly, pulling him closer. As he entered her slowly, they both gasped at the sensation—the perfect fit, the overwhelming fullness that made her feel complete.
He moved with a steady rhythm, each thrust deepening their connection, her legs wrapping around his waist to pull him in further.
The pleasure built again, intense and all-consuming.
Lumine's nails dug into his back, her moans growing louder with every motion.
"Faster... please," she begged, her voice a mix of desperation and delight. Ken obliged, his pace quickening, their bodies slick with sweat and moving in perfect sync.
She felt every inch of him, the friction sending jolts of ecstasy through her nerves.
His groans matched hers, expressions of pure satisfaction rumbling from his chest. "You drive me wild, Lumine," he panted, his forehead resting against hers.
Their climaxes built together, a crescendo of shared passion.
Lumine came first again, her second orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave, her inner walls clenching around him in rhythmic pulses that heightened his pleasure.
She cried out his name, her body shuddering with overwhelming satisfaction, every nerve alight with fulfillment.
Ken followed moments later, thrusting deeply one final time as his release overtook him, a deep, guttural moan escaping him as waves of ecstasy pulsed through his body.
He collapsed beside her, both of them panting, wrapped in each other's arms, their skin flushed and hearts pounding in unison.
They lay there for a while, basking in the afterglow, exchanging soft kisses and whispers of affection.
Lumine felt a profound sense of contentment, her earlier jealousy melted away in the warmth of their intimacy. Ken held her close, his touch now soothing, tracing lazy patterns on her skin until sleep finally claimed them.
…
A night passed in twists and turns.
Ken woke refreshed. His body now far surpassed ordinary people's.
Even frequent all-nighters left no strain.
Just the two of them felt constrained.
Ken figured when the time was right, he'd bring Jean and others.
Seeing Lumine still asleep, Ken washed up. After breakfast, he escorted Shenhe back to Liyue Harbor.
Given her temperament, Blue Star didn't suit her; Liyue was better. Ferrylady knew the shop well and could guide Shenhe.
Slowly easing her into crowds would help.
"Ganyu?"
Just after settling Shenhe, Ken looked up to see a clear, adeptus figure approaching at the door.
At the sound of his voice, Ganyu blushed.
Having worked through the night and missed the Archon's dream-visitation, Ganyu remained stuck in grief over his "passing," absent-minded lately. Even after talking with Ken last time and feeling relieved, some things take time.
Today, standing by a Yuehai Pavilion window, the scent of Qingxin on the breeze carried her to Liyue Specialty Store.
But seeing Ken reminded her of an awkward past.
Every time she ate Ken's dishes and went back, she'd feel… swollen.
Later, reading ancient texts, she learned those things were qilin essence.
Only produced when an adult qilin is healthy, well-nourished, clear-headed, and in a joyful mood.
Though the manner of production… was hard to speak of.
"Why did I come here again…"
Thinking she might not resist Qingxin and Glaze Lilies again—and produce more essence—Ganyu wanted to die of shame.
And Ken had seen her and greeted her.
"Um…" Ganyu, flustered, said, "M-Mr. Ken, I really can't eat today, I'm going to ove—"
She cut herself off.
She'd gotten nervous and embarrassed and was spouting nonsense.
Heavens… Ganyu, what are you saying?
She wished she could crawl into a hole.
…