What happened last night

In his dream, Teyvat had only just come into being.

Heaven and earth mingled in chaos, gods and monstrous beasts roamed the shattered world, and frail humans struggled to survive in the cracks.

When the scene suddenly shifted, a man and a dragon king occupied half the sky, their presence striking awe into all below.

The one fighting the gods should have been Zhongli.

But in this dream, Lin Yi stood atop Azhdaha's head, still dressed in black and white, his hood drawn over his head and his aura mysterious and powerful.

His braid was tied loosely behind his head as the golden light of dawn rose.

A host of gods stood before Lin Yi, only accentuating the pale brown aura of imposing might that enveloped him.

His gaze rested on the distance-on Teyvat, on Liyue, on everything he had protected throughout the long river of time.

After a dream of fierce battle, only seventy-two gods remained.

Before the dream could continue, Lin Yi jolted awake.

"Ah...!"

"What's... what's happening to me?!"

Chirp?

Lin Yi's upper body was bare, and the towel used to cool his fever still carried Ningguang's distinctive fragrance.

Turning his head, he found Guoba, who should have been with Xiangling, keeping watch beside his window instead.

With those lively eyes and that endearingly dopey appearance, it was hard to imagine that Guoba might also be one of the seventy-two gods.

"Hehe, come here, Guoba. Give this god a hug!"

Without waiting for Guoba's permission, Lin Yi gathered him into his arms and gave him a thorough cuddle despite his struggles.

Seeing that it was getting late, he put Guoba down, got up to wash and groom himself, and glanced at his reflection.

Whether it was his imagination or the influence of Geo, he felt that his appearance was beginning to look more composed and solemn.

Guoba could trot off and return to Xiangling on his own.

As Lin Yi recalled what had happened last night, he cursed himself for failing at the crucial moment, but also felt that he had been too impulsive and might have frightened Ningguang.

"Even though we're married now, we don't have much of an emotional foundation. And I got carried away last night. I'd better go explain."

He imagined Ningguang looking furious, perhaps even wanting to kill him.

Though the thought unnerved Lin Yi, as a man, he naturally had to take responsibility.

To govern Liyue, he first had to put his own household in order. Only with peace at home and a virtuous wife could he devote his full abilities to greater matters.

The Jade Chamber was lavishly decorated.

Every brick and tile bore witness to Ningguang's painstaking efforts.

He vaguely remembered how, when the Fatui had come looking for him, Ningguang had kicked the doors away without a second thought to come to his aid.

Before he knew it, he was standing outside Ningguang's office.

His raised hand hovered in midair, but after hesitating, he still did not knock.

"Tsk, would going in now just add fuel to the fire? But if I don't..."

While he wrestled with the decision, a voice called from inside.

"Lin Yi? Come in."

He opened the door and sat down in one smooth motion.

"Report to me in order of urgency and importance. In commercial warfare, a perfect hunter leaves no trace."

On closer inspection, Ningguang was discussing business with traveling merchants from other regions.

In commercial warfare, she was almost flawless.

Finding a way to tear apart a rival's business was difficult, but she always managed it and extricated herself without a scratch.

When Liyue Harbor needed large amounts of money and supplies, she was equally generous, having even poured one Jade Chamber after another into the cause.

Strictly speaking, Ningguang was a wealthy woman, but on this continent, money alone was not enough.

"This must be Lin Yikesi, Liyue's new Geo Archon and the husband of Lady Yuheng? A pleasure to meet you!"

"That's me. A pleasure."

The merchants took the initiative to show goodwill, naturally hoping to leave a good impression and perhaps secure more opportunities for trade in the future.

If Lin Yi wanted to develop Liyue's infrastructure, he would naturally need more friends in business.

Even with his divine office, he could not overstep his bounds and simply bypass Ningguang.

She was both his wife and a figure representing Liyue's authority and law. Her words carried considerable weight.

Precisely for that reason, he had several considerations to weigh.

After exchanging brief greetings, Lin Yi turned his gaze toward Ningguang.

Ningguang gave him a captivating smile, but quickly reined it in. She was probably just putting on a show for the outsiders.

After all, they had not talked things through last night, and Lin Yi's surprise advance had nearly succeeded. Ningguang was still in a somewhat foul mood, though her attitude toward him had changed considerably.

In that case, Lin Yi had nothing to worry about.

He chatted freely with the merchants present, briefly exchanging views on future development.

It was noon, the appointed time to meet Zhongli at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

The merchants were tactful enough to leave early, leaving Lin Yi quite a few introductory gifts before they went.

"These fellows know how to behave. But I have no use for these flowers, plants, and expensive ornaments. They're all yours, dear."

Ningguang: ...

Lin Yi: ???

The atmosphere felt a little strange, and Lin Yi cleared his throat twice.

"What happened last night was my fault."

"Nothing happened last night, and you know nothing about it."

Ningguang's tone was cold. It seemed she really was angry.

Yet as he dimly recalled last night, she had seemed to be anticipating something too.

That contrast was still within Lin Yi's expectations.

"Yes, nothing happened last night. I went back and fell straight asleep. It's about time now, so we can head to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

Lin Yi seemed to remember the ground rules they had agreed upon: until their relationship progressed further, they were to maintain an appropriate distance.

But when she saw Lin Yi take the initiative to open the door and leave, waiting for her outside the Jade Chamber,

Ningguang could not help thinking, How could something that has already happened be so easy to forget?

A mischievous smile curved her red lips.

On the way, Ningguang was surprised to discover that Lin Yi knew the route to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor even better than she did.

Business was business. Lin Yi could not afford to lose himself in tender comforts now.

The infrastructure function he had unlocked by constructing the Rock-Cast Spear seemed capable of helping him develop Liyue faster.

Before long, they spotted a familiar figure outside the funeral hall, pitching products to passersby.

"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's regular customer appreciation sale! Buy one, get two free! Buy two, get three free!"

Spotting Lin Yi beside Ningguang at a glance amid the crowd, Hu Tao jogged straight over and spoke with a playful smile.

"Lord Geo Archon, would you like a coffin, just in case?"

At that, not only Lin Yi but Ningguang beside him also covered her mouth and chuckled.

Even a top-tier Pyro damage dealer had to work hard at sales to make a living. What excuse did he have not to work hard himself?

"Ahem, I only just took office. Don't curse me. Take me to Zhongli."

"Oh! So Lady Ningguang and Lord Lin Yi are looking for that fellow who never pays his bills. Come with me!"

Skipping out on bills at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?

Lin Yi and Ningguang exchanged a look.

He recalled a little of Zhongli's established background: while wandering the mortal world at leisure, Zhongli really could not produce any Mora from his pockets, and often needed Childe and others to cover his expenses.

At a table in the hall, old Zhongli was not alone.

Looking farther inside, they found that Childe of the Fatui was there too.

"Hey there, everyone~"

"What are you doing here?!"

Ningguang immediately went on guard, even preparing to deploy her Jade Screen for battle.