Honkai: Star Rail, Marrying Acheron Upon Landing

Tingyun watched Lin Shuang and Acheron's interaction with great interest.

She had some guesses about the relationship between the two.

"Why don't the two benefactors first accompany this humble one to the merchant group's stronghold? I'll treat you to a rest there. This starship isn't a suitable place for conversation right now."

Seeing that the Minghuo Merchant Group members had already tidied up their belongings and bandaged their wounds.

Tingyun then spoke, inviting Lin Shuang and the other to disembark with her.

Acheron naturally didn't mind, and Lin Shuang, with the intention of 'flirting' with the little fox, of course chose to agree.

"Okay."

Lin Shuang and Acheron followed closely behind Tingyun. The group weaved and turned, finally exiting the starship.

They arrived at a desolate, ravaged valley.

The valley was barren, and the air quality was very poor.

Lin Shuang immediately couldn't adapt and started coughing.

Just then, a pair of delicate fingers gently touched Lin Shuang's neck. With the activation of the life support device, Lin Shuang felt much better.

Then, a warm and charming voice sounded in her ear.

"This is a life support device. Are you more comfortable now, benefactor? Although it can purify the outside air, it's best to enter the city as soon as possible."

Lin Shuang turned her head and saw Tingyun smiling, bending over, holding a hand to her mouth, acting as if she were whispering a secret.

She was truly alluring.

"Cough... Thank you, I'm much better."

Lin Shuang coughed twice, stood up straight, and put a little distance between herself and Tingyun, leaning on Acheron's arm.

In her heart, she secretly thought that Tingyun, this little fox, was supposed to be tactful and resourceful, so why did she feel like she was watching a show?

I'll pinch your ears and give you a good scolding sooner or later!

Lin Shuang secretly noted this down in her mental notebook, her gaze sweeping towards the distance.

The atmosphere of this planet had a rather brilliant hue, with several colors intertwined, making it quite beautiful.

It was just that the bare wilderness and the towering giant warehouses in the distance marred this natural beauty.

Earlier, when looking down from high above, Acheron had told Lin Shuang that this was not a habitable planet.

Only the modified cities and spaceports were centers of life.

Most of the other areas were used as large warehouses.

And in the direction of the city, everyone could already see the escort ships that had arrived late.

Perhaps seeing that the situation here had been resolved, the escort ships clearly accelerated their speed and soon landed before them.

While Tingyun went forward to negotiate.

Lin Shuang tiptoed slightly and leaned against Acheron, saying:

"How did I do just now? Can I get a passing grade?"

"Just now?"

Acheron blinked, tilted her head, and stared at Lin Shuang's face, which was close at hand. After thinking for a moment, she said:

"Miss Tingyun has a good impression of you, and she probably recognized me. By claiming to be my companion, she likely took you for a Pathfinder and will probably invite you to visit the Xianzhou Luofu."

Acheron spoke so logically that it stunned Lin Shuang.

She curiously turned her head, staring intently into Acheron's gem-like eyes.

Compared to their first meeting, Lin Shuang couldn't tell if she had just gotten used to Acheron's eyes or what, but she felt that there was a bit more humanity in her gaze.

"What's wrong?"

Lin Shuang's confused expression also made Acheron confused. Had she said something wrong?

Judging by the current direction of events, Tingyun inviting Lin Shuang to the Xianzhou Luofu was a natural progression, wasn't it?

Lin Shuang was speechless.

"I wanted to ask about my performance during the fight. Who asked about that..."

"..."

This time, it was Acheron's turn to fall silent for a moment.

She withdrew her gaze and looked in Tingyun's direction, saying:

"Not bad. Your sword strikes were decisive, and you always left room for follow-up moves. It looks like you didn't slack off playing games during those few days on the spaceship."

"Hmm... How did you know I was playing games the whole time?"

Suddenly being called out for secretly playing games for several days made Lin Shuang blush a little, but Acheron didn't seem to care.

"A few times when I looked for you, you didn't respond when I knocked. When I went in to check on you, I found you playing."

"Eh, if you were looking for me, you could have just woken me up."

"You worked hard for over ten days on that planet, so it's normal to relax a bit. I didn't want to disturb you."

Hearing Acheron say this, Lin Shuang felt a bit embarrassed.

She felt a subtle guilt for prioritizing her own enjoyment and neglecting the company of those around her.

Volume 1: Chapter 21 Tingyun: This humble one truly wishes to bring her benefactor home.

In Lin Shuang's opinion, what could possibly be happening on that spaceship?

Acheron coming to find her surely couldn't be anything important; she was probably just looking to chat.

After escaping the ruins and settling into a stable environment, she'd been too excited and had ended up overlooking Acheron.

Or perhaps, Lin Shuang had almost forgotten her initial impression of Acheron. While Acheron hadn't changed drastically over the past half-month, the improvements were noticeable.

Both her slightly wooden demeanor at first and her taciturn style had improved to some extent.

"If you want to find me in the future, you can just wake me up. Even if we're temporarily separated, you can send me messages. I'll respond to anything concerning you, Acheron, right away."

"Mm."

Acheron nodded, acknowledging the statement, but said nothing further.

At this moment, Tingyun, having finished her negotiations with the guards, returned. With her pleasant smile, she announced the good news.

"I have some good news! All expenses for the Minghuo Merchant Group in the city this time are complimentary, so if either of you benefactors wants to play or buy anything, this humble one is at your beck and call."

Tingyun, holding her folding fan, spoke with her usual refreshing tone, smiling warmly at the two of them.

In reality, for the Minghuo Merchant Group, this wasn't exactly good news. Most of their cargo had been destroyed, resulting in a massive loss.

What use was this complimentary service when many of the goods weren't even available here? More importantly, the deficit on the other side of the transaction needed to be addressed quickly with help from the Xianzhou.

Of course, Tingyun wouldn't mention these matters to Lin Shuang and the other.

However, amidst her smile, she subtly furrowed her brow, displaying a hint of pitiable distress and a touch of difficulty.

This was a very clever way to convey that the Minghuo Merchant Group was in trouble. Those with keen eyes would naturally understand their predicament.

It wasn't that she expected Lin Shuang and Acheron to offer any specific help.

After all, Pathfinders were skilled in combat, but perhaps not so much in business.

It was simply her way of leaving a stronger impression on her benefactors, hoping they would think of her more and perhaps extend their stay here. That would achieve her objective.

Lin Shuang blinked, meeting Tingyun's gaze with a smile.

She made another mental note: she had to find an opportunity to thoroughly "discipline" that big tail!

"Thank you for your kind offer, Miss Tingyun. We were actually thinking of staying here for a few days."

"That's wonderful. May I accompany you, my benefactors?"

Just then, Acheron suddenly spoke:

"You were saved by Lin Shuang. You don't need to call me benefactor; just call me Acheron."

Tingyun readily agreed, nodding with an even wider smile. Although they had lost a batch of goods this time, they had also gained two powerful friends.

Perhaps this was what they meant by fortune and misfortune being intertwined.

After the matter was resolved, the attitude of the people at Port Star immediately improved.

Not only did they specifically assign an aircraft to take everyone to the city, but they also took responsibility for collecting the abandoned starships and storing them in a nearby warehouse for handover to the Xianzhou.

They even assigned a guide, and any needs could be directly communicated to this guide.

Lin Shuang and Acheron's act of abandoning the ship and jumping out was naturally glossed over.

Soon, Lin Shuang stepped into the massive steel city.

A thin, transparent protective layer covered the sky above the entire city. When the sunlight hit it at the right angle, a brilliant halo could be seen.

On the city walls and ground, numerous uniquely designed air purifiers were operating at full capacity, tirelessly.

They provided abundant and clean air for the life within the city.

Of course, the air composition required by each species wasn't the same. In fact, many cities on this planet were divided into different zones to accommodate various species.

Compared to the desolation outside the city, the interior was bustling and vibrant.

Vegetation was abundant everywhere, pedestrians came and went, and small aircraft shuttled through the air.

Buildings of diverse styles were scattered throughout the city, creating a rather eclectic and aesthetically pleasing mix.

Wide, straight roads extended from the city gates into the distance, beyond sight.

"Benefactor, Miss Acheron, please follow me."

After delegating the merchant group's affairs to others, Tingyun personally came to host Lin Shuang and Acheron.

Of course, while calling it hosting, Tingyun maintained a good sense of propriety.

After arranging for the two to stay at the most luxurious hotel under the banner of the Minghuo Merchant Group, Tingyun prepared to take her leave.

"Benefactors, this is my contact information. If you need anything, feel free to contact me anytime."

Her pale, delicate fingers held a jade token, and she offered a QR code to Lin Shuang.

Along the way, Tingyun had gathered that most matters could be discussed directly with Lin Shuang. Acheron seemed indifferent to what they did or where they went.

Successfully adding Tingyun's contact to her list, Lin Shuang smiled and said:

"Then thank you in advance for your kindness, Miss Tingyun."

Tingyun, however, clutched her phone, her expression showing a hint of grievance:

"Benefactor, you jest. It is I, this humble woman, who owes you a debt of gratitude. How could I possibly accept your thanks? Moreover, calling me 'Miss' feels too distant. If you don't mind, please just call me Tingyun."

Lin Shuang had never dealt with this type of girl before.

Perhaps sensing Lin Shuang's good nature, Tingyun's words became increasingly charming and bold.

This made Lin Shuang feel a little overwhelmed.

"...Alright, as you wish."

Seeing Lin Shuang's somewhat shy demeanor, Tingyun's eyes sparkled with amusement, her gaze towards Lin Shuang almost lingering.

"Benefactor, you are truly adorable. Not at all like the valiant warrior who was so fearsome earlier. If it weren't inappropriate, I would truly love to take you home with me."

Seeing that if she let this little fox continue, who knew what else she might say, Lin Shuang quickly interjected:

"The merchant group probably still has many things to handle, right? Why don't you go take care of them, Tingyun? I'll contact you if I need anything."

"Hmph hmph~"

Taking out her folding fan again, Tingyun covered her face with a smile. Although she wanted to tease a bit more, the merchant group indeed had many matters requiring her attention, and she couldn't linger here.

"Benefactor is truly considerate. I've already instructed the staff. If you need anything, feel free to ask."

"I shall not disturb Benefactor and Miss Acheron's rest any further. I'll take my leave now."

Tingyun closed her fan, bid farewell to Lin Shuang, and left alone, her steps hurried, clearly not as relaxed as she appeared.