(Please speed up the pace, otherwise it's quite frustrating for everyone to keep up with the updates. I've experienced that same pain when reading novels myself.)
This wait lasted for three days.
Two days ago, the ship docked, and the group checked into the Goth Grand Hotel, still using a chain smoker's Mora.
As soon as the wind from City of Mondstadt swept in, Bai You immediately got busy.
During the day, she's so busy she barely has time to breathe.
The little robot from Sandrone goes out early every morning, posting notices all over town, even on the wine barrels in Springvale.
The platform in the center of the square was drawn up in a flash, the timber and ropes were transported there that same day, and it was erected quickly and sturdily.
They just covered it with a large tarpaulin, and from a distance, it looked like they were repairing something important.
Odette had the hardest time. She had to go to Varesa's side every day, begging and pleading, saying that a new dance had been choreographed and they needed to dance it together, and dragging her to dance it over and over again.
As she danced, the melody she was about to sing was gradually woven into her mind, line by line.
"Is this song good?"
"Shall we listen to this one again?"
Varesa had no doubts and let her fiddle with it, truly treating it as a new production for the theater.
Columbina was even more audacious. She walked around the square, hands behind her back, "patrolling" it.
If anyone gets too close, I glare at them and tell them to remember to come to the concert.
The Bai You, on the other hand, runs between two places.
He spent the morning watching the stage in the square, then slipped away to meet with the Northland Bank in the afternoon, and had to come back in the evening, looking at Varesa as if nothing had happened.
On the first day, she managed to keep it in check.
The next evening, she ran back from the square, covered in sweat.
Her hair was all wet. As soon as she pushed open the door, she saw Varesa sitting in her room, flipping through a book by the light of the window lamp.
"You're back." Varesa looked up at her.
"Mmm, mmm."
"What are you doing here? Weren't you rehearsing with Odette right now?"
"I rejected her this afternoon, and I'm waiting for you."
Varesa's gaze swept over her face and landed on the tips of her dripping hair.
"Where did you run off to again? You're covered in sweat."
"Well..." Bai You's eyes darted around, "I just strolled around with Columbina, that's all."
"I took a stroll." Varesa slowly savored these three words, then smiled.
She got up, took a dry towel from the shelf, and walked over.
"Come here."
Bai You obediently walked over.
A towel was placed on her head, and a gentle hand pressed it down, wiping her hair gently, one stroke at a time.
The movement was slow and gentle.
Bai You was encircled by her, smelling the faint, indescribable fragrance on her body. The tension that had been building up all day suddenly eased a little.
" Little Bai You," Varesa said slowly from above her head.
"... Hmm?"
"These past few days, you've been avoiding me a lot."
Bai You's heart skipped a beat.
"No, no."
"Yes." Varesa's fingers ran through the ends of her hair.
When you look at me, your lips are curved in a smile, but you won't say what you're smiling about.
She paused, then leaned down, her lips almost touching Bai You's ear:
"What mischief are you plotting, hmm?"
The heat seeped in through her ears, and Bai You's face instantly burned.
She jerked her neck back, almost crawling out from under the towel.
Varesa chuckled softly.
Hahahahahaha.
The laughter was so close, and he covered Bai You's head with the towel again, wiping it gently once more.
"If you don't want to talk about it, then don't."
Bai You's shoulders tensed, and it took her a while to manage to squeeze out, "... It's not a bad thing."
"I know."
"No, it's not!" Bai You panicked, looking up at her, "I am—"
The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he abruptly stopped himself.
I almost forgot to mention it.
She watched as Varesa's eyes crinkled into a smile.
"Hmm," Varesa nodded, quite seriously, "What are you?"
"I won't tell you!" Bai You turned her head and buried her face in her chest.
It was soft and warm in my arms, with that lovely scent.
She closed her eyes, as if she were being unreasonable.
"Anyway, you'll find out on that day. And don't cry then."
There was a moment of silence above my head.
Then, he gently pulled his arms around her, drawing her into his embrace.
His chin rested on the crown of her head, moving gently down her back.
"Okay."
Varesa's voice was low, falling from above.
"I won't cry."
"I just wanted to tell you—" She paused. The little bundle in her arms listened quietly.
"No matter what you do, I will love you."
Bai You, nestled in her arms, suddenly raised her head.
The tips of their noses almost touched.
Varesa looked at her, her eyes holding a hint of a smile, something Voyanisa couldn't quite decipher.
Varesa raised her hand and tucked a strand of sweaty hair behind her ear. "If you won't tell me, I won't ask."
She paused, softened her voice, and continued:
"Anyway, what you prepare is always good."
Bai You hummed in agreement and buried her face back in her arms.
"So," she said, raising her hand and gently rubbing Bai You's burning cheek with her fingertips.
"My Little Bai You, tonight..."
"Mmm."
The next morning, Bai You stretched her muscles and felt alright...
I was just about to check if there was anything on the stage that wasn't set up properly.
But just as she turned over, Varesa grabbed her with one hand... and pulled her back into her arms.
Then...
(Ten thousand words omitted here)