For some reason, hearing Xiangling say that made Ye Xi feel a bit off.
What did she mean by [finishing everything once over]?
Why did these girls always speak in half-sentences?
Wasn't this just setting things up for misunderstandings!
Ye Xi chuckled awkwardly. "Uh, thanks for working so hard today. I feel great."
"Er... I mean, I ate great. I'll definitely visit Wanmin Restaurant more often!"
[Almost got led astray...]
Hearing Ye Xi's heart voice and his words, Xiangling's face turned even redder.
She felt a twinge of annoyance in her heart.
Of course she meant cooking!
What else could it be!?
What a naughty guy!
How could words like "effort" and "comfortable" lead to such misunderstandings!
Where did his mind go!
She quickly changed the subject. "Ye Xi, we'll reach Guyun Stone Forest by noon tomorrow. Since we'll have some free time, how about we go foraging for ingredients together?"
Ye Xi was slightly taken aback.
[Uh... Tomorrow at Guyun Stone Forest, I have things to handle. Bringing her along might not be ideal...]
[But at noon, Xiangling will be cooking for everyone. I can take care of my business during that time.]
[Then come back and go out with her afterward— that could work.]
He figured the Geo Hypostasis challenge wouldn't be too tough for his current strength.
With that in mind, he nodded. "Sure, after you finish cooking tomorrow, we can head out."
Hearing this, Xiangling felt a bit puzzled.
Guyun Stone Forest was a barren place—what could there possibly be to do?
And it was full of dangers: Hilichurls everywhere, plus the high-level Geo Elemental Being codenamed [Primo Geovishap]!
Ye Xi didn't even have a Vision— what if he ran into trouble!?
This world was dangerous!
Without a Vision, even Hilichurls were unbeatable!
The worst were the Hilichurl Berserkers; their giant axes could cleave a person in two!
If Ye Xi accidentally wandered into the Geo Hypostasis's territory, he'd be in real peril!
'No, I'll start breakfast early tomorrow and follow Ye Xi to check things out!'
'If he really provokes the Geo Hypostasis, I might not even be able to protect him!'
With that thought, Xiangling pretended to yawn.
"Yawn—"
"Ye Xi, I'm off to bed! You should rest early too!"
Seeing Xiangling wave energetically, Ye Xi smiled faintly. "Okay, good night."
[This kid's such a lively girl.]
Ye Xi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Back when he was setting up Xiangling's character, her design was inspired by the new interns at the company.
They were full of energy, passionate about the industry, and seemed to have endless vigor every day.
When the game version exploded in popularity, they'd celebrate after work together!
Seafood feasts! Fruit juice! Gaming sessions!
It was their spirited vibe that shaped the current Xiangling.
Xiangling's love for cooking mirrored those adorable juniors' passion for the gaming industry.
It even made him, who had started living a养生 lifestyle back then, a bit envious. At the project's start, funds were tight, salaries low, and enthusiasm waned.
Only after the game raked in profits, with the company splurging on bonuses, did everyone feel content and create that wonderful atmosphere.
Seeing Xiangling was like seeing those juniors from his past life.
Xiangling always felt Ye Xi's inner words sounded like an elder's.
It struck her as odd.
Because Ye Xi clearly looked like a handsome young man!
Pondering it for a bit without answers, and with breakfast to prepare early tomorrow, Xiangling bid Ye Xi good night and returned to her cabin to rest.
Leaving Ye Xi alone, leaning on the railing, gazing at the shimmering waters.
Spending the night on a ship wasn't quite his thing.
This was his first time leaving Inazuma since arriving in Teyvat.
How nice would it be to lie in his own little bed?
[I wonder what Ayaka and the others are up to right now.]
A moment of longing crossed the sea's vast distance.
His distant thoughts landed on the jade flute.
At that very moment, Kamisato Ayaka had just returned home and was missing Ye Xi.
Suddenly, the jade flute glowed faintly, shining brightly in the dark room!
"It's Xi! He's thinking of me!"
Kamisato Ayaka's heart raced wildly.
She hurriedly placed the flute to her lips and, following the rhythm from her memory, blew softly.
The elegant flute melody echoed through the entire Kamisato Residence.
The servants, just settling down to sleep, were drawn by the serene tune.
"It's a flute!"
"I remember— this morning, Lord Ye Xi gave the young lady a flute as a token!"
"Yeah, he said that whenever he misses our young lady, the flute will glow, and if she plays it, he'll respond!"
"And it happened so soon!"
"Talk about sparks flying— their feelings run deep!"
"Hahaha, this proves it: Lord Ye Xi has our young lady in his heart!"
"But this melody... it sounds so melancholic..."
"The young lady must miss Lord Ye Xi terribly. I hope he returns soon!"
In the night, the lingering notes played on for a long, long time.
When Kamisato Ayaka finally set down the flute, her eyes were unknowingly wet.
"When snow wets the heron, thoughts accumulate like frost, heavy sorrow in the heart, pitying."
"Xi, I miss you so much."
Ye Xi sensed the response.
He could feel when the jade flute was played.
At the same time, he could detect her emotions.
It felt like a heavy stone pressing on his chest, making it stuffy.
Looks like he needed to head back to Inazuma sooner!
With that in mind, he stopped lingering at the bow and returned to his cabin to rest.
As soon as he lay down, a ethereal voice echoed in his ear.
[Entering Liyue territory]
[Congratulations on unlocking the Wish System]
[Basic rewards distributed: Primogem quantity: 1600]