After chatting for a while, the tea was almost gone.
It was about time for everyone to say their goodbyes.
Xia Zhi cleared his throat, stood up, and spoke.
"I wonder if everyone has some free time this afternoon?"
The Adepti nodded. "We do."
Ningguang and Ganyu also nodded. "We do."
No one else seemed particularly busy either. "Mr. Xia, is there something you need?"
Xia Zhi's expression turned solemn. "Today is the last day of the year. A time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. So I'd like us all to go to Yiyan Hall and offer incense to the Geo Archon, asking for health and good fortune in the year to come."
Hu Tao immediately nodded. "Yes, we definitely should! Zhongli, don't you agree?"
"..."
The Adepti stole a glance at Zhongli.
He paused, then nodded. "Yes. I agree."
After all, this wasn't his first time.
Before construction started on the school, Xia Zhi and Xia Ci had dragged him to Yiyan Hall for incense offerings too.
One more time wouldn't hurt.
No one objected.
Xia Zhi smiled. "Then we'll go together later. I've already made some incense myself, so there's no need to buy any. That'll show our sincerity to the Geo Archon."
Zhongli watched as Xia Zhi pulled out a whole handful of handmade incense sticks and handed them out.
He accepted a few sticks in silence.
You really are serious about this.
At Yiyan Hall—
It was as crowded as always.
Everyone lined up to offer incense before the statue.
Xia Ci had started her usual chant.
Zhongli gave her a glance, then looked over at Xia Zhen.
"…"
Zhongli turned back around, face blank.
Raiden Makoto…
The Dendro Archon really has corrupted her.
The incense sticks caught flame, sending wisps of smoke curling through the air, carrying with them a calming, soothing fragrance.
Xia Zhen couldn't help but take a deep breath. It smelled a lot like the incense wafting from the back room during her cousin's massage last night—a scent that had an oddly special pull on beings like her, who walked among gods and spirits.
Inside Yiyan Hall, someone recognized Ningguang and Keqing and approached them with a mix of eagerness and politeness.
The two esteemed Liyue Qixing immediately put on their professional, slightly distant smiles, nodding politely in response.
Charlotte, ever quick on the uptake, discreetly lifted her Kamera and captured the moment.
After offering incense, everyone exited Yiyan Hall and began saying their goodbyes.
"Half a month from now is the Lantern Rite," Xia Zhi said. "If everyone's free then, why not gather at my little shop again for a meal?"
"Definitely! We'll be there!"
—
Baizhu returned to Bubu Pharmacy.
On the way back, the snake Changsheng, coiled around his neck, spoke softly, "The [Vitality] in your body is overflowing now."
"Mhm. In the next few days, I'll go out and offer free consultations," Baizhu said. "Before the Lantern Rite begins, I'll try to treat as many patients as possible. Then I can head back to Mr. Xia's place to recharge."
"Sounds like a good plan."
----
Ningguang headed back to Yuehai Pavilion.
Along the way, her three secretaries were still animatedly chatting about the [Gods' Temptation] they'd had for lunch, sighing wistfully at the end, "Who knows when we'll ever get to eat something that delicious again?"
Ningguang turned back, smiling lightly. "We'll probably get another chance in half a month."
"Huh? How does Lady Ningguang know?"
"I'm just guessing."
"Ah?"
"Most of Mr. Xia's close friends in Liyue were there today. But someone was missing—our most exceptional intelligence officer."
"Lady Yelan!"
"According to Mr. Xia's divination, Yelan should be back from The Chasm before the Lantern Rite. She'll make it in time for the next gathering. And knowing Mr. Xia's gentle nature, he'll surely remake the [Gods' Temptation] for her. Naturally, we'll get to enjoy it again too."
"Lady Ningguang, you're so insightful!"
"Lady Ningguang really understands Mr. Xia!"
Ningguang merely smiled and said nothing.
----
Xiao bid farewell to Zhongli.
"Lord, I'll return to Wangshu Inn."
"Mm."
Mountain Shaper, standing nearby, added, "Xiao, make sure you come back for the next gathering in half a month."
Xiao hesitated slightly.
Zhongli looked at him and said, "You should come. Mr. Xia's cooking is no ordinary fare—even Adepti benefit greatly from it."
Xiao was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Understood."
"The karmic debt on you has grown heavy. I'll find a chance to ask Mr. Xia about it. Perhaps he has a way to help purify your burden."
"!"
Xiao's eyes widened in genuine surprise.
Mr. Xia could possibly do what even the Rex Lapis himself could not?
"But not today," Zhongli continued calmly. "Mr. Xia seems quite happy right now. Let's not spoil his mood with such matters."
Xiao turned to look deeply at Xia Zhi one more time.
Then, his slender figure dissolved into the wind, disappearing from sight.
Moon Carver chuckled. "Xiao has always kept his distance from others, but he doesn't seem to mind Mr. Xia."
Mountain Shaper nodded. "When I first met Mr. Xia, I couldn't explain it, but I felt strangely close to him too."
Moon Carver vaguely recalled that—Mountain Shaper had said something back then about Mr. Xia giving him the peculiar sense of meeting a kindred spirit.
"Why didn't I get that feeling?" Moon Carver grumbled.
"Maybe I'm fated to be closer to Mr. Xia than you are," Mountain Shaper teased.
"…"
Moon Carver turned to Zhongli. "Rex Lapis, shall we go to the tea house for a round of cards?"
"Mm."
----
"Senior Sister, aren't you heading back?"
"No rush. I finished all my work this morning. With the Secretariat handling things, taking a half-day off won't hurt."
"Boss, where are we going this afternoon?"
"Let's go shopping. We should pick up some bedding and personal supplies for my cousin."
"So thoughtful, little cousin!"
Xia Zhen said this with a tone full of tender appreciation.
Xia Zhi was caught a little off guard.
Wait—why did that sound… strangely sweet?
And since when did she get this into character?
Last night during our co-op game in the dream, when I gave her my last healing item, she didn't even say anything. Now, after one meal, she's acting all doting?
Hold up—could it be the [Gods' Temptation] effect?
Xia Zhi covertly "looked" at Xia Zhen.
"Well, since you traveled all this way to see me, it's only right that I take good care of you, Cousin."
"You're the best, Cousin!"
On the side, Xia Ci expressionlessly rubbed her arms.
Tch. Traitor. Some bestie you turned out to be.
---
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