Mr. Zhongli always exuded a calm and reassuring demeanor, but at this moment, his sharp gaze was like a dragon being touched on its reverse scale, ready to reprimand anyone as soon as Shen Xing spoke.
Shen Xing was a bit puzzled. How did Zhongli conclude that he had rushed over because he was being bullied? Couldn't it just be a spontaneous urge to run? Still, being cared for by Zhongli made his heart warm and secure.
"No, how could anyone bully me? The people of Liyue are very kind and take good care of me."
Shen Xing smiled, "Besides, Mr. Zhongli, I have a Vision. I'm so powerful that no one can beat me."
Moreover, even if there was someone he couldn't defeat, he could always run. After all, he was an Anemo user, perfect for escaping.
Clearly, Shen Xing thought "bullying" meant being beaten up, but what Zhongli referred to was... ahem.
Zhongli felt relieved. It was best if nothing happened; he didn't want his old friend to be taken advantage of before realizing his own identity.
He nodded, "I was just asking. If anything does happen, remember to bring it back for me to see."
Shen Xing: ?
What does that mean? It sounds like he thinks I have someone outside. Wait... someone?!
Shen Xing suddenly realized the true meaning behind Zhongli's words. Zhongli thought he was being taken advantage of in that way.
He felt embarrassed and quickly clarified his innocence, "No, really, I haven't even held a girl's hand, let alone a guy's! I don't plan on dating in the near future."
After saying that, Shen Xing suddenly chuckled, "Mainly because there's no one I fancy, hehe."
Hearing this, Zhongli's eyes softened with amusement. He picked up his teacup to hide his smile, "That's good."
Indeed, ordinary people couldn't match him; it was normal not to find anyone suitable.
Shen Xing wanted to say something but swallowed it back. Actually... he quite fancied Zhongli.
As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he quickly dismissed it. Such audacity! How could a mere human dare to covet the Geo Archon?
Who wouldn't like Zhongli? So reassuring, handsome, and powerful—a character everyone adored.
However, in his view, Zhongli might remain solitary forever. Otherwise, why hasn't he found someone to accompany him after living for so long?
Hmm, maybe it's a matter of longevity.
Besides a few deities, who could accompany Zhongli for so long? In that sense, not finding someone might be the right choice.
Living for such a long time is a kind of loneliness that no one understands.
Unlike him, Shen Xing, who was lost in his thoughts, rested his chin on the table, not listening to anything. Unlike him, who didn't have to worry, just living happily for those few decades was enough.
Yes, happiness. What's more important than his own joy?
A spark of inspiration hit Shen Xing, and he had a bold idea. His crimson eyes lit up, but the next second, his gaze was startled away.
Tartaglia sat down beside him without warning, and Shen Xing's eyes almost popped out. In that split second, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
Could it be that his lie was discovered? He found him? Why didn't he go to Mondstadt, etc.?
He was even ready to flee.
Then he heard a weary voice, "Mr. Zhongli, do you know how much mental trauma I've suffered recently? I've never felt that a woman's combat power could be so strong."
He was listless, looking as if he had been ravaged, lying weakly on the table.
It seemed he wasn't here specifically to catch him.
Shen Xing calmed his racing heart and observed the Harbinger he met for the first time after crossing over.
Zhongli turned his gaze to Childe, his tone indifferent, "In general theory, a woman's strength should never be underestimated."
The surrounding listeners immediately recognized Tartaglia. With his tall and striking appearance, wearing the same clothes as on the book cover, and his warm orange hair, who wouldn't notice him walking by?
Instantly, they found the book uninteresting and all turned their attention to Zhongli's table, their gazes fervent.
Shen Xing thought this was no big deal. He had seen large-scale fan gatherings in the modern world; compared to that, the current crowd was too small.
Tartaglia lifted his head halfway, gesturing with his hand as if demonstrating, "That book really screwed me over. It publicly revealed my identity, putting me on the spot. Wherever I go, they recognize me at a glance and say... those things, the contents of the book. I wasn't even... ahhhh—"
"My carefully cultivated image, all ruined by a single novel!"
He ruffled his hair in frustration, and after his outburst, he slumped back onto the table dejectedly.
Then, in a pitiful tone, he said, "Don't let me find out who A Jiu is, or else he won't have a good time in the future."
Shen Xing: "..." Bro, please don't.
It seemed he was right; he needed to cling tightly to Zhongli's thigh.
"You know, I went to Inazuma's Yae Publishing House and Mondstadt, but I caught the wrong person. He turned out to be Mondstadt's Anemo Archon! Anemo Archon! How dare that person named A Jiu, I was led around in circles!"
"Too much."
Shen Xing perked up his ears and listened intently. Did he really go to Mondstadt? And caught the Anemo Archon, wasn't that Venti?
How embarrassing. Next time they meet in Liyue, he must offer him a good pot of wine.
Zhongli paused, "Anemo Archon?"
Tartaglia replied weakly, "Yeah, I happened to meet that Doctor guy in Inazuma. The people at Yae Publishing House said the author of that novel was covered from head to toe in a black cloak, even his face was hidden. He was prepared... That person wasn't tall and had an Anemo Vision, said to be from Mondstadt."
"Now it seems the information about being from Mondstadt was false. We searched Mondstadt thoroughly and didn't find a second Anemo youth."
"Now the trail is cold. The world is so big, it's impossible to find him."
As he spoke, Childe's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he straightened up, "There's only one way!"
"Catch him the next time he submits a manuscript—eh, who's this?"
Shen Xing was startled by his sudden movement and saw him staring at him. His comments about staking out made him shiver, thinking how sneaky it was to block his path to making money.
Little did he know, the author himself heard his plan loud and clear.
Zhongli introduced, "His name is Shen Xing. I picked him up after you left Liyue."
Shen Xing stood up abruptly, very politely and obediently greeting, "Hello, I'm Shen Xing."
Tartaglia, however, remained motionless, staring intently at the Vision hanging from his waist. Anemo, youth, all matched.
The Anemo Vision swayed slightly, as if tempting Childe, and it did. His gaze was glued to that Vision, unable to tear away, and Shen Xing clearly felt his expression change.
Now, Tartaglia suspected every Anemo youth he saw of being "A Jiu."
Shen Xing waved a hand in front of his face, looking puzzled, "Childe, what are you looking at?"
His face was innocent, but inside, he was panicking.
Don't panic, don't panic, stay calm—!
"You're Anemo." Childe's tone turned dangerous, scrutinizing the youth inch by inch.
"Yes, is there something wrong?" Shen Xing met his scrutinizing gaze, his fiery eyes filled with confusion, innocent and bewildered, not understanding why he was being questioned.
Suddenly, he recalled when he first arrived in Liyue, his subordinates said the youth Zhongli picked up earned enough Mora to support Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Tartaglia's suspicion deepened. Not to mention his background, all these factors combined made him feel that Shen Xing was the most suspicious.
But he was picked up by Zhongli, and Tartaglia wasn't foolish. He could see Zhongli liked Shen Xing a lot. When he arrived, he saw Shen Xing trying to hold Zhongli's hand, seemingly wanting to pull him away, and Zhongli showed no displeasure.
Very indulgent.
If this youth stayed by Zhongli's side every day, could he really be the author of such a filthy novel?
Even Zhongli wouldn't allow him to write such things.
After some thought, Tartaglia found it reasonable. If this person were truly "A Jiu," Zhongli wouldn't treat him so well.
Childe's prickly gaze suddenly softened, "Haha, nothing."
Shen Xing half-believed and nodded.
Tartaglia continued, "I just have a question you might help me with?"
Shen Xing replied, "Go ahead."
"I heard you made a lot of money, covering all the expenses of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Can you share what you did?"
Tartaglia smiled nonchalantly, "Don't get me wrong, it's just that Zhongli's bills used to be sent to the Northland Bank, and now suddenly I don't have to deal with them. It's a bit of an adjustment."
Shen Xing said, "I take commissions from the Adventurers' Guild."
"...Can you make that much money?" Even the Traveler didn't become wealthy from it.
"Why not? I take on tasks every day, dozens at a time, and do this daily. Mora just comes in." Shen Xing stated matter-of-factly, "If you want money, you need the heart of a corporate slave."
"I work tirelessly for the Adventurers' Guild. I'm so exhausted, can't I at least be a rich man? Is there no justice!" Shen Xing declared.
Fortunately, he was prepared. What he said was true, so even if Childe investigated later, he'd find nothing.
He really did take on tasks every day, and as for how he managed them, there were always people willing to help handle those commissions.
Tartaglia was taken aback, surprised by his work intensity. He had never worked like that...
Is he even human?
Tartaglia asked, "...Can your body handle it?"
Zhongli added, "Shen Xing indeed leaves early every day and returns very late."
Tartaglia: Impressive.
Wait, he suddenly thought of something. Tartaglia immediately became excited, grabbing Shen Xing's bewildered hand and shaking it up and down, "Then you must be strong! Partner, let's have a spar!"
Shen Xing: "..." Passive skill triggered.
"That's not a good idea. You're a Harbinger, and I'm just an ordinary person. How could I possibly beat you?"
He tried to persuade Tartaglia to give up the idea, not wanting to be entangled with Childe.
Childe wouldn't listen, "Simple, I won't use my Delusion. We'll both use our Visions, just to the point."
Shen Xing wanted to say more, but Zhongli had already agreed for him, even encouraging him, "Follow your heart."
"...No—I don't want to fight, don't drag me!!"
An invigorated Tartaglia, completely different from his previous dejected state, grabbed Shen Xing, who looked like he had swallowed a fly, and ran.
The surrounding people, seeing Childe, couldn't wait to gather around. Shen Xing, dragged along, experienced a taste of the "fan frenzy."
This was definitely revenge.
Finally, standing in the outskirts, Shen Xing, panting heavily, had just stopped and was catching his breath when he heard Childe eagerly exclaim, "Partner! Draw your weapon!"
Shen Xing replied, "I don't have a weapon."
Tartaglia: "?"
12+ Chapters already published in p@treondotcom/rosavyn And a lots of cool upcoming features too.