Maybe it was because Ganyu had learned about Luo Qing's position as a Harbinger, but on the way back to Liyue, there seemed to be a slight distance between them.
No matter how Luo Qing tried to tease her, Ganyu remained hesitant, keeping a noticeable distance as if reluctant to get too close to someone associated with the Fatui.
Luo Qing didn't take it personally. After all, most of the unrest in Liyue was due to the Fatui's meddling, so it made sense that Ganyu would be cautious around him.
Several days later, Liyue Harbor finally came back into view. But unlike before, the floating Jade Chamber had shifted locations, no longer hovering above the Golden House but positioned closer to Liyue Bridge. Additional Millelith guards were stationed on the bridge as well.
From a distance, Luo Qing spotted a familiar figure with lavender hair, directing the crowds.
As the two of them approached, that figure stepped forward to greet them.
"Ganyu, you're just in time. Ningguang is waiting for you on the Jade Chamber. You should head there immediately... and who might this be?" Keqing asked urgently, her eyes flicking over to Luo Qing. She recalled that Ganyu had mentioned taking a break for some relaxation. So, who was this man beside her?
"Hello, Miss Keqing. I'm Ganyu's friend, Luo Qing," he introduced himself.
"Luo Qing..." Keqing's brow furrowed. She remembered Ningguang mentioning this name, categorizing him as someone to watch closely—especially because of his position as a Fatui Harbinger.
"This area is currently under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Civil Affairs," Keqing said in a measured tone. "If you have no official business, Luo Qing, I suggest you return to the city for your own safety."
She didn't openly acknowledge her knowledge of his identity. For now, handling the arrival of the Adepti was a higher priority.
"Uh... Keqing, what's happening here?" Ganyu asked, eyeing the Millelith moving equipment in the distance, her voice tinged with concern.
"The abandoned Guizhong Ballista was repaired, and Ningguang wants it brought to the Jade Chamber just in case," Keqing explained tersely.
Ganyu fell silent, feeling a pang of sadness. There was a clear sense of tension in Keqing's words. The Adepti only recognized the Geo Archon and the contract, not the Liyue Qixing. If the Adepti came with hostile intentions, conflict wasn't out of the question.
And in such a scenario, where would that leave her—someone who was neither fully human nor Adeptus?
"I'll have a good talk with Ningguang," Ganyu said firmly. Then, remembering that Luo Qing was still beside her, she turned to him politely. "Luo Qing... I have to go back to work now. I'll see you next time."
"Alright, next time then," Luo Qing replied, waving as Ganyu left. A twinge of disappointment lingered in his heart.
I finally went from 'Mr. Luo Qing' to just 'Luo Qing'... and now I'm back to 'Mr. Luo Qing' again.
The Fatui's reputation is really just too terrible.
Before long, Luo Qing returned to the Northland Bank.
Even before entering, he could feel several eyes watching him. With a quick glance down the street, his years of experience in intelligence work allowed him to spot several plainclothes spies monitoring the bank's entrance.
Inside, Natalia was busy talking to a customer at the counter. When she noticed Luo Qing enter, she rushed to his side, clearly concerned.
"Luo Qing, where have you been the past few days? We thought something happened to you!"
"I just went on a little vacation," Luo Qing said with a shrug. "But why are there so many eyes on us now?"
"It's because of Lord Childe," Natalia explained. "Ever since the research camp replicated enough Sigils of Permission, he's been spreading rumors non-stop."
"Rumors that the Adepti in Jueyun Karst are furious over the death of the Geo Archon and are planning to come to Liyue for answers. If the Qixing can't give them what they want, they'll supposedly take matters into their own hands and 'reset' Liyue with force."
"The Tianquan is furious, so she's been restricting our movements. Even ordinary Snezhnayan merchants are under surveillance now."
"Do you think the Qixing would really fight those Adepti?" Natalia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"That's Liyue's business, not ours," Luo Qing replied nonchalantly. "Stay out of sight unless absolutely necessary, got it?"
"Yes, Luo Qing," Natalia nodded obediently.
After a few more instructions, Luo Qing made his way upstairs.
The moment he opened the door, he felt that something was off. Walking to the balcony, he called out:
"It's cold outside. Why don't you come in?"
As soon as he spoke, a water-thin thread of elemental energy dropped from the roof, attaching itself to the railing. In the next moment, Yelan gracefully flipped down onto the balcony.
Luo Qing didn't seem surprised. He walked back inside, casually preparing tea as he spoke.
"What brings you to me again?" he asked. His tone was calm, yet the implication was clear—why had she decided to spy on him so openly?
"Orders from above. I'm just following instructions," Yelan replied, taking a seat at the tea table.
Luo Qing chuckled. "Even now, your Lady Ningguang still has time to worry about me?"
Pouring a cup of tea, he placed it in front of her.
Yelan took a sip without hesitation. "As much as I'd like to investigate your Lord Childe, I was told to focus on you. So, I have to follow orders."
"Oh, I'm just a law-abiding citizen," Luo Qing said with a grin. "There's nothing interesting here. But how long do you plan to keep your little spies on me?"
"Until the matter with the Geo Archon is fully resolved, and... until the situation with the Adepti is settled," Yelan said matter-of-factly.
"Ugh, sounds like a headache," Luo Qing said, rubbing his temple as he glanced out at the ocean. Then, he leaned forward, a playful glint in his eyes.
"You know... my bed is big and comfy. Why don't you stay the night?"
"..."
[Irritation +1 from Yelan]
"That won't be necessary. I have my own arrangements," Yelan replied with an unreadable expression.
"Oh? Aren't you worried I might sneak out while you're sleeping? How can you be so sure?" Luo Qing pressed. "I really think you should sleep with me tonight. That way, if I move, you'll know right away. I won't have a chance to slip away. Completely foolproof!"
"..."
Yelan stared at him, utterly speechless. After a long moment, she muttered, "You're insufferable," before downing her tea in one gulp and vanishing over the balcony.
Of course, she didn't stop her surveillance—she simply didn't want to engage with Luo Qing any longer.
Now sitting on the rooftop alone, Yelan rested her chin on her hand, staring out at the distant ocean. She was waiting for this whole mess to end.
Ningguang's reason for sending her to watch Luo Qing was simple: because Luo Qing wouldn't retaliate against her. Anyone else would likely have ended up bound and thrown into the sea by now.
Luo Qing called out a few more times, but when Yelan refused to respond, he lost interest.
No matter how long she watches, she won't find anything worthwhile, he thought to himself.
As long as Childe keeps stirring up trouble, I just have to sit back and wait.
Judging by the current progress, it wouldn't be long before Osial came looking for him for revenge.
I wonder if Ningguang and the others will be able to handle it when the time comes.
---
T/N: He hasn't received any +1 notifications from Ganyu...Omg are they the OTP?
If there are any mistakes let me know!
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