"First, congratulations. You successfully foiled the Fatui's plot at Stone Gate this time and caused them to lose a great many people."
Yelan was the first to speak to Bai Ye.
The Doctor of the Fatui had actually begun combining adeptal arts with Delusions to develop even stronger soldiers. This was not good news for Yelan, who had always been on the front lines against the Fatui. Fortunately, Bai Ye had discovered it early, so she would be able to deal with it much more easily when the time came.
"Wasn't that easy? Just a few Debt Collectors—I took them out without breaking a sweat."
Hu Tao sounded exceedingly smug.
She had been on the battlefield too. Those people simply had not been worthy of her intervention before Bai Ye dealt with them. But she had been there, so no one could say she had not contributed.
"Oh."
Yelan replied perfunctorily.
She continued speaking to Bai Ye. "After our first operation, plus your exposure of the Fatui's activities this time, you've probably been completely marked by them. Ningguang had you participate this time partly because she wanted you to draw their fire."
Bai Ye would draw attention in the open, making it easier for Yelan to investigate in secret.
"Fine. Thanks for the reminder. I should go ask Ningguang for more money."
"You stingy bastard. Is money all you know?"
"Floating Stone."
"Forget it. I shouldn't have expected anything from you. Bai Ye, the information you gave me last time was genuinely useful. I've been investigating it, and I really caught quite a few people secretly working for the Fatui, along with plenty of Hundred-Binding Scrolls. They were all imitations."
As Yelan spoke, she took out a stack of Hundred-Binding Scrolls from her pocket.
"Though they're imitations, they're still useful. Take a few each; they might come in handy."
Yelan handed several to everyone present.
After distributing them, she clapped her hands.
"Alright, I've told you everything I know. From here on, the overt operations will be up to you and Miss Ganyu."
And after saying that,
she did not forget to remind Bai Ye,
"Be careful. I heard the Fatui successfully pulled something off in Mondstadt, and they're extremely arrogant right now. You don't need to fear Childe, but I heard they'll be sending someone else to take charge. Be careful."
"Isn't it just La Signora? Don't worry, I've got it handled."
Bai Ye said indifferently.
"Hm?"
Yelan froze.
No, which one of us was supposed to be handling intelligence behind the scenes?
Why did you know something I had not even investigated yet?
"I hope your information is as accurate as it was last time."
As Yelan said this, she leaned close to Bai Ye's ear again.
"If it is, I'll give you a reward!"
After saying that,
before Hu Tao could react, Yelan activated her Vision and vanished before their eyes.
Bai Ye's face turned bright red.
Did all grown women like teasing him this much?
Just wait.
Wait until I grew taller!
Bai Ye silently swore to himself.
Once he surpassed Xiao in height and developed a little more, neither Barbatos nor Scaramouche would compare to him.
"That Yelan, why does she keep teasing you?"
Hu Tao said indignantly.
At the same time,
she grabbed Bai Ye.
"Come on, Bai Ye. Join Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. When I see Yelan, this director will stand up for you."
Xiangling heard a rapid clatter of abacus beads beside her.
"No, absolutely not!"
Bai Ye hurriedly waved his hands.
He could go anywhere but Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!
Over there, he would be constantly on edge.
"What's so bad about it?"
Hu Tao raised her brows, ready to persuade him further.
However, Xiangling asked Bai Ye worriedly, "Bai Ye, Miss Yelan said the Fatui have their eyes on you. Will they try to hurt you?"
She knew Bai Ye was powerful, but who could constantly guard against assassinations from the shadows?
"Oh, it won't come to that. The Fatui will keep an eye on me, but they won't assassinate me before making their move."
Ningguang had given Bai Ye an official identity for the investigation. If the Fatui kept trying to assassinate him,
they would be showing far too little regard for the Seven Stars of Liyue.
Once they truly made a grand move against Bai Ye, it would prove that they intended to launch a full-scale operation and no longer cared about the Seven Stars' reaction. Only then would they act against Bai Ye.
Bai Ye explained all this to Xiangling.
Only then did Xiangling relax.
She patted her chest.
"That's good. As long as you're alright, I'm relieved."
If Bai Ye were in danger, she would not even be able to cook properly.
When that happened, those Fatui would have to witness her master's spear techniques!
Hu Tao clapped her hands and said to Bai Ye and Xiangling, "Alright, since we know Bai Ye's safety won't be an issue, let's end today's picnic here."
"Mm."
Bai Ye and Xiangling nodded.
Then the three of them headed back toward Liyue Harbor together.
They first helped Xiangling carry the barbecue equipment back to Wanmin Restaurant. After saying goodbye to Xiangling,
Bai Ye escorted Hu Tao home.
When they arrived at the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Bai Ye always felt that Zhongli was watching him.
So he hurriedly exchanged a few words with Hu Tao before quickly leaving.
After Bai Ye left, Hu Tao folded her arms and turned to look at Zhongli, who was drinking tea by the window.
"Why does he look like a mouse seeing a cat whenever he sees you?"
"I don't know either."
Zhongli set down his teacup and replied to Hu Tao.
The next day,
Ganyu secretly handed those Fatui prisoners over to the Seven Stars of Liyue.
Then she received another assignment: to oversee the security for the Rite of Descension.
She was just about to silently nod and accept it.
However, Ningguang told her some good news.
Bai Ye would be working with her on this mission.
The moment she heard Bai Ye would be working with her, Ganyu's calmness immediately turned into delight.
She did not object to working, but the feeling was completely different depending on who she worked with.
If she was with her junior brother, even working was far more relaxing than her usual rest.
Thus, at Yuehai Pavilion the next day, Ganyu handled her work while eagerly awaiting Bai Ye's arrival.
After working for a while, Ganyu felt that she should report to her master as well.
Master, recently, both of your students have been preparing for the Rite of Descension's security. We will ensure that the Geo Archon's Rite of Descension proceeds smoothly this time. Also, please rest assured that I will help him live better in Liyue and will not let work delay his cultivation.
Because she had so much work to do, Ganyu only wrote a brief message.
Then she entrusted it to one of her subordinates and asked her to find someone to deliver it to Mt. Aocang.
After finishing this, Ganyu sensed a comforting presence approaching.
Following her thoughts, she turned around,
just in time to see Bai Ye examining the surroundings of Yuehai Pavilion as he walked toward her.
"Ganyu, I'm here."
He walked up to Ganyu and said with a grin.
Before you continue