"Ah? I… I had something urgent to take care of."
Ganyu hadn't expected Ningguang to be specifically looking for her.
After thousands of years without ever skipping work, the first time she did—and she got caught by her superior.
Although Ganyu held an extraordinary position and had a harmonious relationship with the Qixing, nominally she was still their secretary. Technically speaking, Ningguang was indeed her superior.
"I see. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, Miss Ganyu, please don't hesitate to ask."
Realizing that Ganyu's relationship with Lu Lin had progressed rapidly, some of the questions Ningguang originally intended to ask were no longer appropriate.
Still, she had no intention of giving up. It was necessary to gather indirect information.
"No need, everything's resolved. I'll return to work."
Ganyu felt guilty and just wanted to resume her duties.
But Ningguang stopped her.
"Mr. Lu and I have already met. I now understand the details of the Guili Plains incident. You and Mr. Lu…"
"Lu Lin is a very good person. During this year's Lantern Rite, I plan to take him to Mount Aocang to meet my master."
When speaking of Lu Lin, Ganyu's heart became calm and steady. She openly acknowledged their relationship.
Ningguang felt a headache coming on.
Good person? He's absolutely not!
She wanted to warn Ganyu—but how?
Should she drag her into a private room and reveal the "strawberries" on her own body?
That wouldn't prove anything.
Without solid evidence, interfering could backfire.
She understood very well: trying to reason with someone deeply in love was rarely effective.
"Congratulations on finding your match."
Ningguang smiled.
"Mr. Lu is impressive in bearing and talent, and he contributed greatly at Guili Plains. I'm curious about him. Could you tell me what kind of person he is?"
"You want to understand Lu Lin?"
"Of course. Talent like his is rare. There may be opportunities to cooperate in the future."
"We're having a small gathering at Wanmin Restaurant tonight. Why don't you join us? You can see for yourself what kind of person he is."
Ganyu spoke with full confidence.
What she didn't know was that Ningguang already had a fixed impression of him.
"Then I shall attend."
Ningguang agreed.
She needed another direct interaction.
Only by observing him again could she assess what leverage he truly held.
Inside the Serenitea Pot
Lu Lin slept lightly, waking after half an hour.
Hu Tao, however, still slept soundly in his arms.
The energetic girl was wrapped only in white stockings, most of her fair skin hidden beneath the blanket. Seeing her peaceful sleeping face, Lu Lin restrained himself.
She had just undergone a major milestone today. He shouldn't overdo it.
He turned his attention to the system panel.
Hu Tao's affinity had been at 90%. After their afternoon together, it had reached 100%.
System notifications appeared:
Daily interaction with Hu Tao, providing positive emotional value: +100 pointsDaily interaction with Ganyu, providing positive emotional value: +100 pointsHu Tao affinity reached 100%: +1000 points, +500 EXPSystem upgraded to Level 2Reward: Host Trait — Healing HandsReward: Resident Trait — Silver TongueSerenitea Pot usable area expandedExchange shop updatedNew Traits
[Healing Hands]
Significantly increases host vitality and healing ability.
[Silver Tongue]
Enhances abilities related to speech: persuasion, eloquence, language learning, etc.
Hu Tao's completed affinity pushed the system to Level 2.
Updated panel:
Host: Lu Lin
System Level: 2 (300/10000)
Host Traits: Critical Moment, Keen Insight, Healing Hands
Elemental Attributes: Cryo, Pyro
Points: 2550
After Hu Tao joined, he gained Pyro abilities as well. Both Cryo and Pyro control had noticeably strengthened—likely due to the system upgrade.
The new trait Healing Hands filled his previous weakness in recovery.
As for Silver Tongue—
He already knew who should receive it.
Hu Tao managed Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's entire operation and often had to promote business creatively. She was already skilled in dark, humorous poetry and persuasive speech.
Strengthening that ability would make her even more capable.
He assigned [Silver Tongue] to Hu Tao.
Around five in the afternoon, Hu Tao finally woke.
"Ahh~ that was a great nap!"
She stretched boldly.
Lu Lin's heartbeat quickened again.
Noticing, Hu Tao leaned close and teased softly:
"Lu Lin, you really do have endless energy, huh?"
"You'd better not tease me again. Who was the one begging earlier?"
She stuck out her tongue playfully.
"That's just because I'm sensitive!"
Laughing, he held her waist.
"There's something else I need to tell you."
He explained the trait system to her as well.
"Whoa! Traits can combine like that? That's so fun!"
"You're interested?"
"Of course! I already experienced it once."
"I just gave you a new trait. Want to test it out?"
"Let's!"