The warm morning sun greeted our faces, like an affectionate caress that soothed the soul.
The wind blows gently on my face.
I was already exhausted from training this morning.
And I still hadn't been able to hurt her since the first day of training.
While Keqing was still as usual, she didn't break a sweat.
This time we took shelter under a tree together.
What was different from yesterday was the fact that she didn't leave here after sword training.
"Want to hear something?"
"What is it?"
"It's a story. A man, ummm this story I got from Fontaine."
Keqing's mouth opened instantly, her face seemed to be thinking about something. She smiled, then giggled. "So it's a story about you."
"Let's just say it is.
"Well, I'm not good at telling stories. I'm not a great story teller, so I hope you'll forgive me if I tell you a boring story."
"Life. I've always wondered what life is. My back leaned against a cushioned chair, my eyes staring at a glowing screen in the pitch darkness for hours with a blank mind. Then, I decided to look up out of boredom. I stared at the ceiling with every insincere breath... however, it wasn't the ceiling I was staring at. Then what? It was emptiness.
In a sea of loneliness, I often compared my life with my friends...." I was about to add virtual, but I quickly shook my head.
"I don't have any talent like them. Unlike them who are good at writing, editing, public speaking, even the little things they have. That difference really hurts me. They get jobs so easily, just a connection, that's enough to create an opportunity. While me, I don't even deserve to be accepted into a job. I didn't even try to find talent. In the end I can only lament this unfair life while cursing the cruel world."
I chuckled. "Isn't it funny that the world is innocent and I curse it. I am a sinner.
"Well, flowing water. That fits the analogy of my current life. I'm trying to find a job because life requires food. Eating requires money. So inevitably I tried to apply for a job... unfortunately I was rejected on the spot when I first applied.
"Thinking about it, it's a shameful story. Disgrace, heh."
I looked down. This story... was a story that I said with my mouth, not made up. Although I made some of it up, some of it I told the truth.
This is the memory I dug up from the days when I was still on earth. That's right, this memory is my story before I arrived in Teyvat. This memory has been buried deep down. Of course, those were the moments before I got the job.
I looked over at Keqing. She hadn't spoken since I told her the story. Her face was coloured by the light of the sun that had just woken up.
Her mouth opened, then closed again.
Perhaps she was confused about what to say.
She might also be wondering why I suddenly told her about the hard times I had in the past.
But that was enough for me. My story being heard by her already made me smile happily.
I didn't need pity. After all, I told a story that was a bit exaggerated.
"I heard from Yanyan," I said calmly. I changed the subject.
I'd get sick of this awkward atmosphere. I'd better make it more interesting and mysterious. After all, there were still things I was curious about.
"Is it true that some people in Liyue suddenly disappeared?"
Keqing's eyes widened. While her mouth continued to remain silent. Then she nodded. "We are still looking for them today." She paused, shaking her head. "Haven't found them yet.
"If you know anything, please report it to me. Please, we, Liyue Qixing, are really troubled by this case. There is no end to it."
"How long has it been?" I paused. "Their disappearance."
Keqing unfolded her fingers one by one, counting the days. "One week ago."
This happened before I came to Liyue Harbor...
I breathed a sigh of relief.
I thought it had something to do with me coming here.
That means I'm safe. At least I'm not suspected of being the perpetrator.
If this isn't luck then what is?
How could I have thought that the world was unfair to the point of cursing it... how embarrassing.
Well, it's lucky that it happened a week ago, whereas I only arrived in Liyue three days ago... if the time coincides, it can't help but be related to my arrival in Liyue. The cause could be anything. Maybe it was the boss, or maybe it was William.
In other words, I was the problem. I brought disaster to Liyue. If that's the case it's only a matter of time until I'm deemed suspicious for my arrival at the same time as this case.
"Alright. If I get any clues, I'll let you know.
"Looking back to last year. Before the Lantern Rite Festival for example. Was there ever a similar incident?"
After asking this, I paused for a moment, then hurriedly added. It seemed suspicious to me to suddenly ask about that without any reason!
"Emmm, I'm just curious. There might be a connection."
"Last year's festival..." Keqing pondered, then shook her head. "I also suspected that this happened in the previous year. Unfortunately, after I checked the newspapers and asked certain people, there were no replies and contents that mentioned similar kidnapping cases."
"What a dead end." I sighed, pondering. "How many people are missing now?"
"Twenty-three last time. Now... I haven't checked."
"Twenty-three ...." I muttered while holding my chin.
I'm not going to say wise words like this festival should stop or say that it's inappropriate for us to be happy on top of the suffering of others who lost their loved ones.
It's true that for me solving this problem is more important than fleeting happiness like enjoying a festival. We may be happy. But for people who have lost their loved ones... this is just an insult.
For them, it's hell. If I were in their shoes. I would curse this festival as if it doesn't care about the misery of losing their loved ones. It's a means of provocation.
After this, Keqing suddenly recounted her difficulties at work. She didn't mention many glaring things like demonising the workers, she just resented their lazy-like performance.
I listened enthusiastically, sometimes agreeing with her opinions on human nature that she mentioned.
"You can ask me for help if you're having trouble," I said sincerely.
However, Keqing shook her head.
Moments later, a Quest notification popped up.
[ GOING OUT WITH SOMEONE ]
It was a normal quest.
***
Please throw a power stone to keep me motivated!
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How long has it been since I've written? 1 month. Sorry for not updating since then. Very busy... that's life. Struggling with them is normal.
Anyway, I'm very grateful to you guys for always waiting for the continuation of the story. Even though the story is like this, I'm still glad you guys keep reading it hehe.
Well, since I haven't written for a long time I almost forgot about the story... "how can a author forget the story he made? How stupid."
That's how it is. Luckily, I still have the draft so I don't have to reread this story from the beginning š¬
A little note, maybe I'll forget the characteristics of the characters I wrote, such as their attitudes, actions, habits, and ways of speaking.
Please forgive me if there is a sudden change in their character. Why? I have explained above š