The seven days surrounding the Lantern Rite are all part of the festival.
From the day after their reunion dinner, Luo Qing began dedicating his time to his wives.
Each wife had a unique personality and preferences, requiring him to spend individual days with each one. For Luo Qing, every day felt like a completely different adventure.
There was the wild and unrestrained Shenhe after untying her red ropes, the gentle shyness of Ayaka's noble demeanor, the caring and homely warmth of Bu'er and Makoto, or Theresa's mischievous thoughts that always bordered on teasing.
Every day was a new and thrilling experience.
On the final day of the Lantern Rite, Luo Qing's time to be alone with Ganyu finally arrived.
Since the incident when she had thrown him out of her home, clothes and all, he hadn't had a chance to be alone with her. Makoto and the others had arrived in Liyue shortly after, and Ganyu had been swamped with work leading up to the festival.
Today, however, was the perfect day, with everything aligning just right. Luo Qing wasn't going to let the opportunity slip.
---
Early that morning, Luo Qing arrived at Ganyu's home.
He had taken the time to dress in Liyue-style clothing, resembling the young master of a prominent merchant guild.
Knocking on the door, he was surprised to hear a soft and youthful voice on the other side.
"Coming!"
The door opened to reveal a small girl barely half his height. Her hair was styled into buns, adorned with large jingling bells—a truly adorable sight.
"Hello, sir. Are you here to see Sister Ganyu?"
The little girl gave a polite bow, her manners impeccable.
"Uh... yes. My name is Luo Qing. Could you let her know I'm here, Yaoyao?"
This was his second time meeting Yaoyao, though he wasn't eager to recall their first encounter. That incident was awkward enough to make anyone misunderstand his intentions.
"You know my name?" Yaoyao blinked, surprised. She quickly broke into a bright smile.
"Oh! So you're Luo Qing! It's an honor to meet you. Come in! Sister Ganyu has been talking about you since last night!"
She stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter.
"Thank you, Yaoyao."
Despite this being their second meeting, Luo Qing couldn't help but feel fond of the polite little girl.
It's a shame I didn't bring a red envelope for her...
Making a mental note to gift her a box of supplements later, Luo Qing stepped inside.
He glanced toward the bed, recalling the scene of near-chaos from their previous encounter.
This time, Ganyu sat at her dressing table, her back to him. Her long, sky-blue hair cascaded down her back as she focused on brushing it in front of a bronze mirror.
"Sister Ganyu, Luo Qing is here!" Yaoyao chirped.
Ganyu turned quickly, her expression tinged with nervousness.
"Luo Qing... you're here so early..."
Luo Qing smiled and walked behind her, gently taking the wooden comb from her hand. He gathered her silky hair and began brushing it with practiced ease.
Noticing the faint blush of lipstick on her lips, he teased, "What's the occasion for makeup today?"
"Uh..."
"Because Sister Ganyu wanted to show you her most beautiful self!" Yaoyao teased with a giggle. "Luo Qing, Sister Ganyu kept going on about you last night—she hugged me so tight I could barely breathe!"
"Oh, really?" Luo Qing chuckled. "Sorry for troubling you, Yaoyao."
"It's no trouble at all! I love Sister Ganyu's hugs!" Yaoyao shook her head earnestly, then suddenly gasped.
"Oh no! I just remembered—I'm supposed to help my master arrange flowers today!"
She turned back to them, bowing deeply. "Luo Qing, Sister Ganyu, I'll leave you two alone. Goodbye!"
With that, she grabbed the spear by the door and dashed off in a flash.
"What a kid..." Luo Qing couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
No wonder she's beloved by everyone in Liyue. There's a reason for that charm.
"Luo Qing..."
Ganyu's soft voice brought his attention back to her.
She had turned to face him, still seated at her dressing table. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and she rested her head against his chest.
"I heard from Makoto... that you'll be leaving soon?"
"Yeah..." Luo Qing nodded, his tone calm.
"I have to make a trip to Fontaine."
"And... when will you come back?"
"That..."
Luo Qing hesitated.
He couldn't bring his wives to Fontaine—not until he had control of the situation there. At most, he might have Ei assist him if things got desperate.
Factoring in travel time and the chaos awaiting him in Fontaine, even in the best-case scenario, he wouldn't return for at least half a year.
If he were to come back to Liyue specifically, it might take even longer.
"Ganyu, do you remember the teleportation device I gave you?"
Instead of answering directly, Luo Qing stroked her hair gently.
"I'll use that to visit whenever I can. And you're always welcome to use it to come home to Mondstadt. After all, you're one of the mistresses of our family now."
"Mm..."
Ganyu lowered her head, understanding his words without needing further explanation.
While she had grown fond of their home in Mondstadt, her heart remained in Liyue. If possible, she would've preferred to stay here with Luo Qing.
But being with him meant accepting his reality—a man from Snezhnaya with responsibilities spanning nations.
"Let's not dwell on that." Luo Qing shook his head, offering a reassuring smile.
"Where do you want to go today? Your choice."
"Then..."
Ganyu thought for a moment before replying softly, "Let's go sit at the mountaintop."
The bustling streets of Liyue had long since become familiar to her after thousands of years. Every corner and alley was etched into her memory.
What she wanted now was a quiet place to reflect, gazing at Liyue alongside Luo Qing.
"Tianheng Peak?"
"Mm..."
"Alright."
After Ganyu finished dressing, the two made their way to the summit of Mt. Tianheng.
---
The peak was nearly as high as the Jade Chamber, surrounded by sheer cliffs that made it nearly impossible for ordinary people to climb. It was a perfect retreat for peace and solitude.
Sitting beneath the shade of a tree at the edge of a cliff, the two leaned against each other. Beneath them lay the sprawling, ancient city of Liyue Harbor, its thousands of years of history reflected in its vibrant life.
"When I need a break, I often come here to clear my mind," Ganyu said, resting her head on Luo Qing's shoulder. She gazed down at the harbor with a serene smile.
"Thousands of years have passed. Thank you, Luo Qing."
"For what?"
Luo Qing looked at her, puzzled.
"For sitting here with me, watching over Liyue together," she said softly.
"Luo Qing, will you sit here with me again someday?"
"Of course."
He pulled her closer, his voice tender.
"We have a long time ahead of us, don't we?"
"Mm..."
Ganyu nestled into his embrace, her soft form radiating a delicate fragrance that mesmerized him.
The two sat in silence, content in each other's company, until nightfall finally crept upon them.
"It's already evening..."
Ganyu glanced down at the brightly lit harbor, its streets awash with glowing lanterns.
A sudden thought crossed her mind. She tilted her head up, leaning close to plant a gentle kiss on Luo Qing's lips.
"Luo Qing, how about we continue... what we started last time?"
"Alright."