When Jiang Ning was about to part ways with Zhongli, the latter suddenly asked a question:
"Jiang Ning, I hear that in your original world, there were no gods, and humans governed themselves... You've mentioned this before, but could you perhaps enlighten me about some specific historical details when you have the time?"
Jiang Ning was momentarily stunned before smiling and replying, "Of course, Mr. Zhongli. Whenever I'm free, I'll tell you everything I know."
Zhongli nodded slightly: "Thank you, then."
Jiang Ning quickly responded, "No need for thanks. After all, Mr. Zhongli, you've taught me spear techniques, given me equipment, and blessed me with Geo Vision - it's all thanks to you. This is the least I can do."
Zhongli shook his head and said, "One matter at a time. Those were merely welcoming gifts, as you are Cloud Retainer's disciple and thus my junior..."
"In Liyue, we believe in contracts, which are another form of equivalent exchange. How about this - I'll provide compensation for your knowledge. Though it won't be much, it should suffice."
Before Jiang Ning could object, Zhongli turned and left.
Jiang Ning stood there for a moment, scratched his head, and then headed home. After all, why refuse what an elder offers?
...
"Senior Sister, I'm back... mmph!"
As soon as Jiang Ning returned, Shenhe immediately embraced him, pressing his head against her chest.
Jiang Ning found himself enveloped in softness, surrounded by Shenhe's unique fragrance.
Nearby, Ganyu, who was holding a plate, once again lost the light in her eyes.
After being on guard for so long, she had forgotten Shenhe was returning today...
Was she deliberately ignoring her warnings right in front of her?
Ganyu smiled with her mouth but not her eyes as she patted Shenhe's shoulder and said:
"Junior Sister, shouldn't you release Little Junior Brother? He can barely breathe."
Shenhe glanced at Ganyu, using her height advantage to look down at her: "No."
Ganyu felt that Master's education had truly failed, having raised Shenhe to become someone who knowingly broke rules.
"Let go first, Little Junior Brother really can't breathe!"
Ganyu pulled at Shenhe's arm, but it was useless.
If Jiang Ning hadn't tapped Shenhe's arm to ask her to release him, Senior Sister Ganyu might have really lost her temper.
[Fight! Fight now!] The System enjoyed watching the chaos.
After this small incident, the three sat down to eat.
None of them were skilled at cooking, so dinner was takeout from Wanmin Restaurant.
They briefly shared their experiences from the day.
Ganyu continued her diligent work as usual, though the preparations for the Rite of Descension were nearly complete, giving her some rare free time.
Usually, Ganyu would have started on post-ritual work early or helped others with their unfinished tasks.
But with a "potential criminal" and a "potential victim" at home, Ganyu had no choice but to take a reluctant break.
As for Shenhe, there wasn't much to say - she had beaten up some hilichurls and slimes, and destroyed a few Ruin Guards along the way.
Jiang Ning enthusiastically described his day of exploring Liyue Harbor and learning about it.
Shenhe listened attentively, while Ganyu watched her little junior brother with a "loving" gaze.
However, when Zhongli was mentioned, Ganyu furrowed her brow.
"According to what you've said, Little Junior Brother, this Mr. Zhongli should be an old friend of our Master... Is he perhaps an adeptus living in seclusion in Liyue Harbor?"
Jiang Ning asked, "Senior Sister doesn't know who Mr. Zhongli is?"
Ganyu shook her head: "I only know of him as a knowledgeable and refined consultant in Liyue Harbor... Many of Master's old friends live in seclusion, and there are many I'm not familiar with, so it's understandable..."
She assumed he must be one of the adepti who had followed Rex Lapis.
If Jiang Ning had mentioned the stone table where Zhongli sat drinking tea outside the cave dwelling, Ganyu would have realized immediately.
After all, every friend of Cloud Retainer knew that stone table wasn't to be sat at casually.
"However, receiving his teachings is quite fortunate," Ganyu said.
The true transmission of an adeptus's spear techniques was a rare opportunity, especially since their master wasn't specialized in spear arts.
"Hehe, I'll work hard," Jiang Ning said.
While eating, Ganyu asked, "Little Junior Brother, I heard you can absorb others' elemental power and make it your own?"
Jiang Ning nodded: "Yes, this is what I absorbed from Senior Sister..."
As he spoke, one hand showed Cryo power, the other showed Shenhe's lonely death qi.
"How fascinating..." Ganyu was surprised, then seemed to think of something and quickly asked, "Then, could you try absorbing my Cryo power again?"
"We can try." Jiang Ning was also expectant.
The Cryo power of a qilin should be quite formidable.
"Let's wait until after dinner," Ganyu said.
"Senior Sister, speaking of dinner, why do you only eat vegetables? Your figure is already great."
"...I'm of the qilin clan. We drink only sweet dew and eat only finest grain."
Jiang Ning didn't question it and nodded.
Ganyu sighed in relief, her tense heart slightly relaxing. It seemed the Master hadn't said anything unnecessary...
After the meal, the three went to the courtyard.
Ganyu cupped her hands, and a lotus flower made of Cryo energy appeared in her palms.
"Junior Brother, try it."
Jiang Ning nodded and silently placed his hand on the Cryo lotus.
Under Ganyu's amazed gaze, the Cryo energy was completely absorbed.
Then, Jiang Ning summoned an identical Cryo lotus.
"It indeed carries my essence... and in your Cryo power, there seems to be both the presence of lonely death qi and something of our qilin clan..."
Ganyu marveled.
"My Cryo abilities feel stronger too."
Jiang Ning was very happy. His senior sister seemed very powerful, able to give him a visible improvement in Cryo control and strength.
It seemed he should absorb more things in the future.
Jiang Ning silently decided.
[Host, aren't you afraid of getting sick from eating random things...]
"Shut up."
[Okay!]
Beside them, Shenhe was somewhat dissatisfied.
For some reason, the Cryo power within Little Junior Brother, which originally only carried her essence, now had Senior Sister's essence mixed in, and it felt...
Her neck felt heavy, and she was very unhappy.
Looking at Ganyu and Jiang Ning smiling at each other,
Shenhe silently made a decision.