Liyue, Chihu Rock, Wanmin Restaurant.
A large group of sailors gathered inside Wanmin Restaurant, their hearty laughter echoing throughout the bustling hall. Among them, Klee excitedly held a large bowl of wine above her head, looking up at the spirited woman with long hair and a red eyepatch.
"Big Sister Beidou, I brought you the wine!" Klee exclaimed.
"Oh!"
Beidou set down her empty bowl and took the one Klee offered with a grin. "Good job, little one!"
Patting Klee's head, she laughed heartily. "You've got potential! When you're older, join me on the high seas. The ocean has plenty to show to someone with your adventurous spirit."
Klee's eyes sparkled, but she shyly shook her head. "I can't leave Brother Hiroshi and everyone else. But…"
Looking up eagerly, Klee said, "Can I bring everyone along for an adventure with Big Sister Beidou?"
"Hahaha."
Beidou downed the wine in a single gulp and stood up. "For someone as promising as you, I'll make it happen. Let me know when you're ready to set sail, and I'll show you the wonders of the ocean."
"Okay!" Klee cheered, nodding enthusiastically.
"What are you so excited about, Klee?" Hiroshi's voice came from behind her as he entered the restaurant with Zhongli, who was carrying Li.
"Hiroshi, you're back!"
Wendy, sprawled over a table and reeking of alcohol, waved lazily at them. He hiccupped before lifting his head to look at Zhongli and Hiroshi.
"Meet my new drinking buddy," Wendy slurred, gesturing toward Beidou. "She's got an impressive tolerance and a hearty spirit! She invited me for a drink after hearing my music."
Fumbling clumsily, Wendy pawed at Hiroshi. "Quick, give me that bottle of dandelion wine I gave you. Today's a day for celebration—Zhongli has a daughter, and I found a drinking companion! Let's toast to that!"
With a sigh, Hiroshi tossed the inebriated bard onto the table. Watching Wendy pass out, he muttered, "I don't know how Jean maintains her faith after learning who Wendy really is."
"Brother Hiroshi!"
Klee hugged Hiroshi's leg and pointed to Beidou. "This is Big Sister Beidou. Yaoyao introduced her to me today. She's really nice and invited us to go on an adventure at sea. Can we go with her?"
"If Klee wants to go, of course, I'll join you," Hiroshi said, lifting her into his arms and ruffling her hair. "But shouldn't you ask Jean for permission first? She'd be worried if you left without telling her."
"Oh, right!"
Klee nodded vigorously. "Thank you, Brother Hiroshi!"
Curious, Klee looked at the girl in Zhongli's arms. Waving a small hand, she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Klee. What's your name?"
Hesitantly peeking out from Zhongli's embrace, Li shyly replied, "Li… my name is Li."
Klee's eyes lit up. She extended her hand to Li. "Li, will you be my friend?"
After a brief pause, Li placed her small hand in Klee's. "Li likes Klee. Li wants to be friends."
"Heeheehee," Klee giggled, holding Li's hand tightly. "Then we're friends now!"
Looking up at Hiroshi, Klee wiggled in his arms. "Brother Hiroshi, can I take Li to see Qiqi and play with her?"
"Just make sure to take care of her," Hiroshi said, placing Klee on the ground. "No mischief, and come back soon."
"Okay!"
Grabbing Li's hand, Klee darted out of the restaurant. "Qiqi, I made a new friend! Let's go play!"
Spotting Qiqi entering the restaurant, Klee pulled her along, the three children disappearing toward Liyue Harbor.
Watching them vanish, Lumine smiled softly and sat beside Hiroshi. "Was that Zhongli's child?" she asked.
Zhongli nodded, gazing at the departing children. "Yes, Li is like a daughter to me."
"Congratulations, Mr. Zhongli. She's adorable," Lumine said, covering her mouth with a laugh. "You look like a natural father."
"Haha," Zhongli chuckled, his calm demeanor unwavering. "It's my first time being a parent. I admit it's a little nerve-wracking, but seeing Li make friends brings me joy. With Klee's lively personality, I'm sure Li will become more outgoing."
"So her name is Li," Beidou said, her booming laugh filling the room. "I like her already. Mr. Zhongli, would you let her call me Big Sister Beidou? I'll look out for her."
Shaking his head with a smile, Zhongli replied, "Thank you for your kindness, but that's a decision Li should make when she's older."
"Hahaha!"
Beidou sat back down. "Fair enough. I'll wait. She reminds me of Klee—both such spirited little ones."
Turning to Hiroshi, Beidou slammed her hand on the table. "You must be Klee's brother. I can see why she likes you so much. Wendy told me you have some good wine. Let's celebrate our meeting with a toast!"
"A room full of drinkers," Hiroshi muttered, shaking his head with a smile. He retrieved Wendy's dandelion wine, pouring the clear, faintly glowing liquid into bowls.
Raising his bowl, Hiroshi declared, "To Li's birth and to the friends we've made today. Cheers!"
"Hahaha! Sharing such a treasure, Hiroshi, you've earned my respect!" Beidou roared. "Cheers!"
The group clinked their bowls and drank deeply. Lumine, her cheeks tinged red, glanced at Wendy, who was still sound asleep, and smiled.
From the kitchen, Xiangling emerged carrying a steaming dish. Catching the scent of the wine, she exclaimed, "I want some too!"