Bonus Chapter!
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Seeing Zhongli's sudden pause, Luo Qing feigned concern."Zhongli, why did you stop and shake your head like that? Did something sad come to mind?"
Zhongli shook his head. "No, I just felt a bit uneasy, that's all."
"Oh, I see..."
Luo Qing nodded slightly, realizing that his emotion manipulation item would only be truly effective on people with a mental strength similar to his own.
Still, the fact that Zhongli had shown even a brief moment of discomfort suggested that it could work on her—the one in Inazuma. It might not be entirely useless, after all.
"Why have you come to see me? If it's about fishing, I'm afraid today isn't a good time," Zhongli asked.
"It's not about fishing," Luo Qing shook his head. "I'm leaving tomorrow. I probably won't be back in Liyue for a long time, so I wanted to come and say goodbye to you both."
During his stay in Liyue, aside from his subordinates, he had spent most of his time with this father-daughter duo from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. They had become something akin to friends, so it felt only right to say goodbye before he left.
"Leaving? Where to?"
Hu Tao put down her book and stood up, her curiosity piqued.
"Back to Snezhnaya. I'm from Snezhnaya, remember? Now that the work here is done, it's time for me to return," Luo Qing explained.
"Oh... right."
After spending so much time with Luo Qing, Hu Tao had almost forgotten that although he had Liyue blood, he was actually from Snezhnaya.
Thinking for a moment, she spoke again with a serious tone:
"Well then, as the saying goes, eat well, drink well, and have a good journey!
Since you're leaving tomorrow, how about we have one last meal together tonight? I'll cook!"
"Uh..."
Recalling Hu Tao's previous attempt at cooking, Luo Qing couldn't help but feel a wave of dread wash over him.
"What's that look for? Are you doubting my culinary skills?"
Hu Tao put her hands on her hips, her voice feisty. "Let me tell you, I've read Liyue Cuisine: From Beginner to Master several times over. I'm sure tonight will be perfect!"
"Well... alright then."
Seeing the determined glint in Hu Tao's eyes, Luo Qing decided to trust her one more time.
...
The Next Morning
At dawn, Luo Qing woke his four subordinates, gathering them on his balcony.
A table had been set up, holding three lit incense sticks, and in front of the incense was a small, elegant box.
Natalia and the others had seen this box once before, back when they were leaving Snezhnaya. It had been a gift from Luo Qing's friend, Belov. Since then, it had never reappeared.
So why had Luo Qing taken it out now?
Did it hold some kind of secret treasure?
As they speculated, Luo Qing stood in front of the altar, facing them with a solemn expression.
"Everyone, today we set off for Inazuma. I'm sure you're all aware of what awaits us there.
So, before we leave, I've brought out a rare treasure gifted by your commander's former superior—Lady Arlecchino herself—as a blessing for our journey to Inazuma!"
The four of them, all natives of Snezhnaya, had little attachment to Liyue's customs.
They were far more intrigued by what could be inside that box—something their commander regarded with such importance.
"Alright, follow my lead. Bow, then light the incense."
With that, Luo Qing turned to the altar, bowing deeply before placing the incense in the ash.
Suddenly, his stomach made a gurgling sound, and he felt an urgent need to use the bathroom.
He figured it was Hu Tao's dark cuisine from last night still making its presence felt.
"Follow my example, each of you take turns lighting the incense. I'll be back after a quick trip to the restroom..."
Before he had even finished speaking, Luo Qing darted away, leaving his four subordinates staring at the small, elegant box.
Natalia exchanged a glance with the others, signaling with her eyes: "Luo Qing's gone. Now's our chance!"
Sergei responded with his own look: "It's a combination lock. I can't open it."
Then he turned to Igor, raising an eyebrow: "Igor, this is your specialty. Hurry, open it up so we can see what's inside."
Igor hesitated, raising an eyebrow back.
"I don't want to have to dance naked on the Jade Chamber before we leave. If anyone wants to open it, they can do it themselves."
Beside him, Theresa chimed in, giving Igor a coaxing smile.
"Igor~ If you open it, I'll introduce you to a bunch of lovely girls from the Hilichurl Exorcist Squad when we get back to Snezhnaya. Pretty, well-built, and sweet ones, too~"
"..."
Igor gulped.
He had seen the quality of the girls in the Hilichurl Exorcist Squad—almost all were stunning beauties. Even someone like Theresa, who was a little... unusual, could charm a whole squad of Snezhnaya's toughest men.
Torn with curiosity, Igor glanced at the other three, all of whom looked back at him with eager, burning eyes.
In the end, he slowly extended his hand toward the small box...
With his background in espionage, cracking a small combination lock was child's play.
With a few deft movements, there was a soft click, and the latch released. The box was open.
The four of them held their breath.
Igor carefully opened the lid...
A flash of golden light burst forth.
The four of them stared at the item inside, as if struck by a heavy blow.
What the—?!
Black... stockings?!
And they looked... used?!
...
Meanwhile, in the restroom, Luo Qing suddenly saw four system notifications pop up:
[Frustration Value +1 from Igor]
[Frustration Value +1 from Natalia]
[Frustration Value +1 from Sergei]
[Frustration Value +1 from Theresa]
Luo Qing was bewildered.
"Huh? What's with those four now?"
...
Finishing his business, Luo Qing returned to the altar, feeling refreshed.
But he couldn't help noticing that his subordinates looked like they were suffering from severe constipation.
"What happened? Why do you all look so constipated?"
"N-Nothing, Sir. We've already lit the incense... so..."
Natalia said with a tense expression, thinking to herself that she never imagined Luo Qing would be that kind of person...
From now on, she would have to avoid wearing black stockings in front of Luo Qing. Her long, fair legs might tempt him into doing something dangerous...
"Everyone's paid their respects?"
"Y-Yes."
They responded in unison, their expressions somber. They had a newfound understanding of their commander.
Noticing their unusual behavior, Luo Qing glanced at the box holding the original Arlecchino stockings.
It looked untouched. Even the numbers on the combination lock were exactly as he'd left them before he went to the bathroom. Shrugging off his suspicions, he decided not to question it.
"Alright then, get your stuff packed. The ship is waiting."
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T/N: I'll miss the father-daughter duo...
If there are any mistakes let me know!
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