Your support has carved the path for these bonus chapters—may they bring you joy.
---
Meanwhile, Luo Qing found himself once again subjected to the unpredictability of random teleportation, as he hadn't yet installed the stabilizer on his Interstellar Flush Toilet.When his vision cleared, he realized he was in an unfamiliar bedroom.
Out of the four potential destinations for his teleporting toilet, two were accounted for: one in Sumeru and another in the Plane of Euthymia. That left two others:
The Fatui safehouse in Mondstadt.
The one he had whimsically left with Kamisato Ayaka in Inazuma.
The tea table and tatami flooring immediately told him which destination it was.
Under the pale moonlight streaming through the window, the room's simple decor came into view: a neatly arranged tatami mat, a wooden tea table, a katana stand, and, of course, the toilet he was currently sitting on.
Turning toward the tatami, Luo Qing noticed the rise and fall of a futon's blanket, suggesting someone was asleep beneath it.
The sleeping figure had alabaster skin and long, flowing light-blue hair. Her neatly folded kimono lay beside her. The sound of soft, rhythmic breathing filled the room.
"..."
He remembered joking with Ayaka during their last meeting, suggesting she place the toilet in her bedroom for a "surprise" someday.
Who would've thought she'd actually do it?
Is this a surprise—or a problem?
"Maybe I should leave quietly..."
Ayaka looked utterly serene as she slept. Although the sight was alluring, Luo Qing knew their relationship hadn't reached that level yet.
We've only held hands, kissed a little, and maybe touched... a bit.
He couldn't risk waking her up now. He'd have no explanation.
Quietly, he pulled a stabilizer from his inventory and began installing it on the toilet. With slow, deliberate movements, he crouched and worked on the stabilizer, keeping his back to Ayaka.
---
However, as fate would have it, Kamisato Ayaka stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open as she stared at the dark ceiling, recalling the dream she'd just had.
In the dream, she and Luo Qing had been deeply in love. But then he turned to her, his expression heavy with regret.
"Ayaka," he said solemnly, "I've already fallen for someone else. You shouldn't contact me anymore—I don't want her to misunderstand."
With that, he pulled away, leaving her behind as he walked into the distance.
No matter how hard she tried to catch up, she could only watch his back grow farther and farther away.
"...That dream again..." Ayaka sighed softly. She had dreamt variations of it countless times ever since Luo Qing admitted he loved other women besides her. The thought had become a shadow over her heart.
Feeling warm and restless beneath the futon, she sat up, planning to get some water before going back to sleep.
That's when she noticed someone crouched in the corner, fiddling with the toilet Luo Qing had given her.
An intruder?
Suppressing her unease, Ayaka quietly reached for the katana on its stand. Using the futon to cover her chest, she tiptoed toward the figure.
"This dim lighting's such a pain... Which way does this piece go?" Luo Qing grumbled under his breath as he fumbled with the stabilizer.
Just as he was about to secure it, a blade came to rest against his neck.
"Thief! Don't move!"
Ayaka's soft yet firm voice cut through the silence.
"..."
Why does this feel so familiar? Luo Qing thought wryly.
He slowly turned his head and saw Ayaka standing behind him, one hand holding the futon over herself and the other gripping her blade.
Her eyes narrowed until recognition dawned.
"Luo Qing?!"
Her voice rose an octave, equal parts disbelief and joy.
"Ah... Long time no see, Ayaka," Luo Qing greeted awkwardly, coughing lightly.
---
A few minutes later, the two sat opposite each other at the tea table. The cups between them held only leftover cold tea from the previous night.
Luo Qing found himself at a loss for words. Ayaka was clearly delighted by his presence, but her radiant smile made his unplanned intrusion all the more embarrassing.
She had been sleeping so soundly—how did she wake up so quickly? He was sure his movements had been as quiet as possible.
"L-Luo Qing... When did you get here?" Ayaka's cheeks flushed as she glanced downward, her voice tinged with shyness. Her heart, however, brimmed with excitement.
"I just arrived," Luo Qing replied, doing his best to sound casual.
"Don't worry, Ayaka. I didn't see anything I shouldn't have."
"That's... That's fine."
Ayaka's blush deepened, her eyes darting away. If it's Luo Qing... even if he did see something, it wouldn't be so bad...
"Luo Qing... Did you come here using that thing?" Ayaka asked, gesturing toward the corner where the toilet stood.
"Pretty much," Luo Qing admitted. There was no point in hiding it.
"So that means..." Ayaka looked up, her eyes sparkling with hope.
"I could use it to visit you too?"
"..."
"Well, in theory..." Luo Qing nodded reluctantly.
"Really?!"
Her excitement was palpable. Her bright eyes gleamed with anticipation as she leaned forward.
"Can you teach me how to use it right now?"
"Uh..." Luo Qing hesitated. He had intended to slip in and out unnoticed, but Ayaka's eager expression made refusal impossible.
I guess showing her how to use it won't hurt...
After a moment of thought, he nodded.
"All right."
"Mm!"
Ayaka stood quickly, moving to his side with an eager smile. She took his hand and led him to the toilet.
"What do I do?" she asked, her voice brimming with curiosity.
"It's simple."
Luo Qing sat on the toilet, patting his lap.
"Come on, sit here. I'll show you."
Ayaka hesitated for only a moment before blushing deeply. Gently, she turned and perched herself on his lap, her back pressing against his chest.
"See this screen?" Luo Qing pointed at a small display. "You choose your destination here, then pull the flush handle."
A soft gurgle followed the sound of running water.
In the next instant, they disappeared together.
---
Greetings, esteemed Readers,
Your steadfast support throughout this journey has been as constant as the tides and as enduring as stone. In the spirit of gratitude, I am pleased to announce the release of bonus chapters, a reflection of your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.
Should you wish to continue fortifying the foundation of these tales, WiseTL's efforts can be supported here:
[patreon.com/WiseTL].
Even the humblest contribution becomes part of an enduring legacy, a cornerstone for tales yet to unfold.
With utmost sincerity,
— Zhongli