"To think someone would write a song for me," Yu Xie smiled in surprise. "When was it written?"
"...After you left back then," Ge Chen hesitated before answering.
So that's why there was a sense of sorrow in the song.
"Does the song have a name?" Yu Xie asked.
"Ripples," Ge Chen said softly. "That's its name."
"A beautiful name, it fits the song perfectly." Yu Xie reminisced about the beautiful melody. "It felt like the ripples in the wind."
Ge Chen nodded shyly, a smile tugging at her lips.
After some more casual conversation, Yu Xie left Ge Chen's music shop.
Ge Chen stood at the door, watching him leave, still smiling softly, her eyes following his retreating figure.
......
It had been several days since Yu Xie last visited Wanmin Restaurant and he was missing the dishes cooked by Xiangling.
After leaving Ge Chen's music shop, he arrived at Wanmin Restaurant and was greeted by the familiar aroma. As he was about to enter, he spotted a familiar figure nearby.
"Ke Qing?"
"Yu Xie, what a coincidence, you're here at Wanmin Restaurant too," Ke Qing said with surprise.
"It's quite a coincidence," Yu Xie smiled. "Let's go in. We shouldn't have to wait too long for the food now."
The two entered the hall.
Since it wasn't mealtime, the restaurant wasn't crowded, and there were plenty of empty seats.
"Master Mao, I'll have a portion of golden shrimp balls, please pack it to go," Ke Qing said to the counter.
"Got it," Master Mao replied, then asked Yu Xie, "What would you like?"
"...A portion of Jade Parcels, to go as well."
"Sure, just a moment." Master Mao turned to the kitchen and called, "Xiangling..."
"I heard you!" Xiangling's voice came from the kitchen before Master Mao finished speaking.
Yu Xie and Ke Qing sat at a nearby table and waited patiently for their food.
"Yu Xie, why are you packing your food to go too?" Ke Qing asked.
"I was planning to sit down and eat, but..." Yu Xie's gaze sharpened as he looked at Ke Qing. "Are you packing the shrimp balls to take back because you've been too busy with work and missed lunch? You plan to eat while handling your tasks?"
Hearing Yu Xie's words, Ke Qing froze for a moment. What Yu Xie said was basically true to her situation.
"How did you guess?" she asked.
Yu Xie sighed a little. Although Ke Qing had become more aware of taking breaks, sometimes she still forgot to rest or even eat due to her work.
"It's not about how I guessed, what's important is you," Yu Xie said. "Work is important, but you can't skip meals. You don't want to make yourself sick."
Just then, Ke Qing's stomach growled loudly.
"See, even your stomach is complaining," Yu Xie remarked.
Ke Qing blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed—it was the first time she had "lost her composure" in front of someone.
"I'll be more careful from now on," she said.
Yu Xie smiled, "Just don't say it. Actions speak louder."
He added, "About that earlier question—I packed my food because I thought I might help you with your work so you can enjoy a proper meal."
Ke Qing blinked, her beautiful eyes sparkling. "No need for that. It's my responsibility, I can't trouble you with it. But... do you remember what we agreed on last time?"
"You're referring to... me 'guiding and supervising' your work?"
"Exactly. How about today?" she asked, smiling.
"Sounds good," Yu Xie replied.
Afterward, they left Wanmin Restaurant together.
Though it was supposed to be guidance and supervision, Yu Xie wasn't well-versed in this area, so he could only offer advice from the perspective of an ordinary person. Ke Qing listened attentively.
Ke Qing was such a diligent person, always serious in whatever she did.
At last, after a busy day, Ke Qing's work was done. The sky was painted with golden sunset hues.
Yu Xie and Ke Qing walked side by side along the docks of Liyue Harbor. Their figures were clearly illuminated by the setting sun. The sea breeze gently caressed their faces, carrying the salty air and the sound of the waves. The sea shimmered, sparkling with golden light.
Flocks of seagulls soared in the sky, gracefully sweeping across the horizon, their wings beating the air with crisp sounds. The birds seemed curious about Yu Xie and Ke Qing, often flying overhead before flapping their wings and disappearing into the distance.
"That must be Guyun Stone Forest over there," Yu Xie said, pointing to the eastern clouds and sea.
Looking eastward, they saw several islands standing on the vast ocean, which, according to legend, were created when the Geo Archon threw a rock spear to suppress the vortex demon god.
"Yes, that's Guyun Stone Forest," Ke Qing replied. "It's said to have great scenery, and I agree, but I don't like going there."
"Why?" Yu Xie asked, curious.
Ke Qing hesitated a bit, then spoke, "Have you heard the story of Guyun Stone Forest?"
"I have," Yu Xie nodded.
"Every time I go there, I feel how small humans are, and I'm in awe of the Geo Archon's strength. Sometimes, I wonder if humans can really lead Liyue like the Archon does," Ke Qing said slowly.
"You can do it," Yu Xie said with certainty. "You're the Yu Heng Star, the best Yu Heng Star of all."
Ke Qing hesitated for a moment before turning to look at him.
"Yes, I'll try my best. Let me strive to be like you!" she said, smiling.
Yu Xie, confused, asked, "Why... me?"
Ke Qing, a bit embarrassed, realized that in the heat of the moment, she had let her true feelings slip out. There was no taking it back now, so she quickly gave an explanation.
"Because... you're the General of the Guardians. You fought against many demon gods with a mortal body and protected the people of Gui Li Assembly! I want to be like you, a mortal protecting Liyue, to prove that humans can safeguard Liyue too!" Ke Qing said, her voice filled with determination.
End of chapter
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