"If there's no solid evidence, you really can't just arrest people without cause. Focus on tracking down the real suspect, and don't make this kind of mistake again."
Ganyu's expression was apologetic as she addressed Zhang Deshuai and his men.
"Y-Yes, Miss Ganyu..."
Though Zhang was still frustrated with Luo Qing and his group, he couldn't afford to contradict Ganyu. Taking the chance she'd offered them, the Millelith squad quickly retreated to continue their investigation.
"Miss Ganyu, thank you so much!"
Luo Qing feigned deep gratitude as he eagerly shook Ganyu's hand. The adeptus, slightly flustered by the contact, gently pulled her hand away with a polite smile.
"You're from Snezhnaya?" she asked.
"Yes, we're all upstanding citizens working for Northland Bank!" Luo Qing declared with enthusiasm.
"..."
Ganyu remained puzzled by how this obviously Liyue-blooded man claimed to be from Snezhnaya, and how he seemed to know her. But she kept her tone gentle.
"Things have been... a bit unstable recently. I hope you can forgive any inconvenience caused," she said.
"Oh, it's no trouble at all, not when Miss Ganyu is here!" Luo Qing replied smoothly.
"Well, if that's all, I still have other duties to attend to. Please excuse me," Ganyu said with a polite nod before turning to leave.
The moment Ganyu was out of sight, Luo Qing's three subordinates could no longer contain themselves. Natalia was the first to speak.
"Luo Qing, do you... like that adeptus?" she asked with curiosity.
"Huh? What makes you say that?" Luo Qing responded, puzzled.
"Just now, when you shook her hand, your eyes were practically glowing," Igor teased.
"You don't get it—that was all an act, to win her sympathy," Luo Qing said dismissively.
"Pfft, sure," Sergei scoffed. "You were practically drooling."
"That's nonsense! I did it on purpose!" Luo Qing shot back indignantly.
Meanwhile, not long after walking away, Ganyu had calmed down. Yet, she sensed a familiar aura lingering in the air—an aura that reminded her of that night in the bath when the window blew open.
She carefully scanned her surroundings but found nothing out of place.
Raising her hand, the aura intensified, and she realized it was coming from her own fingers.
Bringing them to her nose, she took a hesitant sniff.
Her adeptus blood granted her senses far sharper than any mortal's, capable of picking up even the faintest scents. In the crowd earlier, the mingling of people had masked it, but now, alone, she recognized it.
That scent...
The realization hit her. That night wasn't a fatigue-induced delusion—someone really had burst into the bath, seen her and Yaoyao, and left just as swiftly...
That person was... him?
Ganyu's face flushed a deep red. She glanced back towards where Luo Qing and his companions had stood, only to find them gone.
"W-What should I do...?"
She looked in the direction they had left, hesitated, then turned back towards Yujing Terrace, bouncing slightly on her toes.
She wanted to go back and confront Luo Qing, but with the Archon's death, the Ministry of Civil Affairs was in chaos. Her workload was overwhelming, and she couldn't leave her post.
I heard he works at Northland Bank... maybe I'll find him there later.
Resolving herself, Ganyu took a deep breath and hurried back to her duties.
Elsewhere...
Despite the little hiccup, Luo Qing's plans continued undisturbed. He dismissed Natalia and the others, giving them some free time, before heading to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
As he stepped inside, he saw Zhongli calmly seated at a table, sipping tea and reading a book, seemingly unperturbed by the news of the Geo Archon's demise.
"Hey there, Luo Qing! Off to fish with Mr. Zhongli again? By the way, did you attend the Rite of Descension today?"
Hu Tao's curious voice greeted him from behind the counter. Ever since Luo Qing had started inviting Zhongli to go fishing every other day, he and Hu Tao had become quite familiar with each other.
"I did. Why do you ask?" Luo Qing replied, intrigued.
"So it's true? The Geo Archon really died?" Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned closer to him.
"Uh..." Luo Qing hesitated, glancing at Zhongli, who remained composed and focused on his tea.
"I mean, he looked pretty dead to me. Why are you asking, though?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Hu Tao replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is the best in Liyue when it comes to funeral services. Isn't it only right that we handle such a significant send-off?"
It dawned on Luo Qing. "You want to be the one to send off the Geo Archon?"
Zhongli's hand paused, his teacup hovering mid-sip, and his eyes briefly flickered toward them.
Then he resumed drinking, turning a page in his book as if nothing was amiss.
"Who else would be better at such a job? When it comes to funerals, no one does it better than us!" Hu Tao stated confidently.
"You really are something, Hu Tao..." Luo Qing chuckled.
"Hmph! Of course!" Hu Tao tossed her pigtails, clearly pleased with herself. "Back in the day, when Grandpa was in charge, we even hosted the Rite of Parting for the adepti!"
"Let me guess, but it's not like that now?" Luo Qing teased with a grin.
"Hey! We're not 'declining'! We're... conserving our strength for a big comeback!" Hu Tao pouted, puffing out her cheeks in irritation.
"Maybe I should have a chat with Ningguang the next time I see her," Luo Qing suggested. "Put in a good word for you to handle the Geo Archon's farewell ceremony."
"Really?! You'd do that for us?" Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with hope.
"Not a chance," Luo Qing said bluntly.
"..."
[+1 Frustration from Hu Tao]
"Hmph! You and Zhongli can go fishing then—I've got business to take care of," she snapped, sticking her tongue out at Luo Qing before turning away. With a quick farewell to Zhongli, she dashed out the door.
Even with Zhongli away, other staff remained to manage the funeral parlor, so there wasn't much to worry about.
Once Hu Tao left, Zhongli set down his cup, made brief eye contact with Luo Qing, then silently went upstairs to fetch his fishing rod.
Under the Liyue Bridge...
Luo Qing and Zhongli sat on one of the stone supports, rods in hand, eyes fixed on the rippling water.
"Mr. Zhongli, our dear Lord Tartaglia will probably be coming to see you soon. Don't forget to string him along," Luo Qing said, grinning.
"I have my own methods, Mr. Luo Qing. There's no need for concern," Zhongli responded calmly.
"Good. By the way, did you stay to watch the scene unfold at Yujing Terrace today?" Luo Qing asked.
"There are wise individuals among the Qixing. To avoid complications, I returned here to Wangsheng as soon as I cast off my guise, making no unnecessary moves."
"Pity you missed it. You should've seen it—so many people were crying their hearts out. They cursed the would-be assassin's entire lineage!" Luo Qing's hand flourished dramatically as he exaggerated the story.
"Humans will continue their lineage, but as an ancient god of a bygone era, even I am destined to fade one day. I cannot protect Liyue forever—this day was inevitable. Liyue must learn to stand on its own," Zhongli mused, eyes fixed on the bobbing line in the water.
Luo Qing's theatrics couldn't shake him. Zhongli's thoughts were far away, contemplating Liyue's future as he watched the currents below.
Fishing, it seemed, was quite a pleasant pastime.
He'd have to make it a habit.
---
T/N: Oops I forgot the +1's were supposed to be in italics... ohh well ദ്ദി(｡•̀ ,<)~✩‧₊
If there are any mistakes let me know!
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