Above Liyue Harbor floats a magnificent palace in the sky.
This is the Jade Chamber (Yujing Pavilion)—the residence of Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing and the most powerful merchant in Liyue.
As Tianquan, Ningguang handles immense affairs daily and knows more about Liyue than almost anyone.
"The Ningguang who knows all of Liyue's secrets is Liyue's greatest secret."
— Said by the Kaiyang Star of the Qixing.
Jade Chamber – Ningguang's Office
Dressed in a silk night robe, white hair cascading over her shoulders, Ningguang sat at her desk.
Two urgent intelligence reports lay before her.
Dawn had barely broken. She normally wouldn't wake this early—but these reports required it.
Even in sleepwear, her graceful figure was unmistakable.
She picked up the first report.
Report: Observation of the Mondstadt Dragon Crisis
"Recently, Mondstadt suffered a dragon disaster caused by the former Anemo Archon's familiar, Stormterror Dvalin…
A mysterious blonde girl played a significant role in resolving the crisis and was granted the title of Honorary Knight.
Intelligence suggests she plans to travel to Liyue soon."
Ningguang set it down and picked up the second.
Report: Guili Plains Monster Rampage Incident
"Recently, a large amount of black mist appeared in Guili Plains, causing monsters to riot. The source has now been identified and resolved…"
Resolved?
So quickly?
Did Rex Lapis intervene?
Or perhaps Ganyu?
Or that enigmatic Conqueror of Demons?
…
Wait.
Who is Lu Lin?
Ningguang's gaze sharpened.
Why is this report so vague?
Back in Liyue Harbor
The report was vague because Ganyu had omitted certain details.
Although she and Hu Tao dealt the finishing blows to the Abyss Heralds, Lu Lin's contribution was crucial.
Without him dispelling the black mist from their bodies, the outcome might have been very different.
But his method…
…was difficult to explain.
Lu Lin didn't care much about credit—but according to Ganyu, resolving such major incidents came with substantial material rewards.
As a newcomer in need of funds, he certainly didn't mind "collecting some wool."
After clearing the monsters, the group returned to Liyue Harbor.
They agreed to gather the next evening at Wanmin Restaurant.
But Ganyu and Lu Lin stayed behind.
Because—
They went shopping.
Furnishing Her New Home
Bedside table. Vanity. Large writing desk. Bookshelves. Sofa. Wardrobe…
Furniture wasn't cheap.
Even 1.5 million Mora felt limited.
But Ganyu insisted on paying.
"It's my home."
Seeing her shop so happily, smiling nonstop, was worth it.
As Ningguang's secretary, Ganyu knew every shop in Liyue. They finished purchasing everything within half a day.
Lu Lin transported each item into the Serenitea Pot.
Soon, the once-empty room felt alive.
Afternoon
"I… I'm sleepy. I'm going to nap…"
"Sleep well."
She had rushed into Guili Plains overnight and fought for nearly two days straight.
Now she could finally rest.
Later
She woke up refreshed.
Perhaps because this place felt like home.
"Awake? Hungry?" Lu Lin asked, sitting at the desk with a book—though he was actually browsing the exchange shop with 300 points.
"Mm… I am."
"Freshen up. I made something."
He brought up a bowl of steaming tangyuan.
Sweet red bean filling—perfect for her vegetarian tastes.
She sat at the desk, pulled a chair closer, and patted it.
Then opened her mouth slightly.
She wanted him to feed her.
The elegant girl acting this cute made him laugh.
"Hurry~ I'm hungry."
"Alright, you little glutton."
He blew gently on a tangyuan and fed her carefully.
"Careful, it's hot."
She ate it in one bite, cheeks puffed like a hamster.
"So good! Did you make it?"
"I just boiled them."
"Then you made them."
After three, she seemed satisfied.
Then her eyes sparkled mischievously.
"One more."
This time she held the tangyuan lightly between her teeth instead of taking it.
She leaned forward.
He understood.
He leaned closer.
She passed the tangyuan from her lips to his.
Their lips brushed briefly.
She giggled.
"Is it good?"
"It's sweet… but…"
"But?"
"I want something sweeter."
He set the bowl aside, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her into his embrace.
Lowering his head, he captured her soft, sweet lips once more.