Midday in Mondstadt, the bustling streets were full of life. Hiroshi walked leisurely, holding Wugeng Liuli's hand. Behind them, Klee was happily riding on Beibei, the now-grown panda, which had grown significantly over the past month due to Klee's nurturing magic, standing almost a meter tall now.
Excitedly swinging her legs, Klee sang, "Liyue, Liyue, Klee is going on a big adventure with Brother Hiroshi and Sister Liuli! Big adventure!"
Watching Klee's enthusiastic leg swings, Wugeng Liuli smiled at Hiroshi and said, "Klee is really happy, isn't she?"
Hiroshi glanced back at Klee's eager face and chuckled, "Klee's mom is an adventurer, after all. Little Klee, who admires her mom, loves adventures as much as anyone can. When I told her we'd be taking her to Liyue, she was so excited she practically lost herself in joy."
Stopping to prevent Klee from bumping into him, Hiroshi squatted down and smiled at her. "Am I right, Klee?"
"Hmm?" Tilting her head, Klee swung her little legs, her face full of curiosity. "Brother Hiroshi, do you need to ask Klee something?"
"Hmm..." Hiroshi stared at Klee for a couple of seconds before shaking his head, smiling gently. "It's nothing. I was just wondering if you were hungry."
"Not hungry!" Klee raised her hand proudly. "Brother Hiroshi, are you hungry?"
"No, not really..."
"Then let's hurry up and go see Acting Grand Master Jean to get permission to go!"
"Okay..."
Klee rode on Beibei, charging ahead with Yuan Yuan, eager to reach Jean before anyone else. Hiroshi stood up and glanced at Wugeng Liuli, who was covering her mouth, giggling softly. He scratched his head awkwardly, pulled her into his embrace, and leaned in close.
"Hey, Hiroshi!"
A sudden tug interrupted him. Hiroshi, with Wugeng Liuli still in his arms, turned around to find Diona standing there, her tri-colored cat ears twitching in annoyance. Puffing her cheeks, she pointed at them. "Don't get all lovey-dovey in front of my tavern, you're blocking the entrance!"
"Ah! Sorry, sorry!" Flushing with embarrassment, Hiroshi released Liuli and waved to Diona. "Long time no see, Diona."
"Yeah, long time no see, Hiroshi." Diona eyed Wugeng Liuli, her tail swishing with curiosity. "Is she your girlfriend? She looks kind of familiar, like I've seen her somewhere before, meow."
With a slight blush, Wugeng Liuli bowed politely. "Hello, my name is Wugeng Liuli. I think we met at Hiroshi's gathering last time."
Diona examined her carefully before her ears perked up in recognition. "Oh, right, I remember now! We did meet back then."
Her ears twitched twice, and her tail wavered nervously. "I still remember how those drunks drank until they were wasted during that gathering—especially that guy named Kazuma Satou. He was terrifying when he was drunk!"
"Haha..." Wugeng Liuli let out an awkward laugh as she remembered Kazuma's antics from the party. "I've heard all about it from Hiroshi. He also told me how grateful he was for your help when he first arrived in Mondstadt."
She bowed again, sincerely. "Thank you very much."
"No, no, it's nothing!" Diona waved her hands quickly, looking bashful. "I only recommended some good places for food, and Hiroshi is also my friend. Helping him wasn't a big deal at all."
She looked at Liuli with admiration. "But you must be a great person, thanking me even though I helped Hiroshi."
She patted Hiroshi's arm. "You better cherish her, Hiroshi, or I'll get mad!"
Hiroshi chuckled, ruffling Diona's hair. "I didn't expect you to like Liuli so much, Diona, considering this is only your second time meeting her."
"Hmph." Diona placed her hands on her hips and glanced at Liuli. Her tail swayed with a certain pride as she said, "My Kätzlein bloodline tells me this girl is kind-hearted and wonderful. Plus, I feel like we'll get along really well. So, Hiroshi, you must never let her down!"
"I'm not as good as you're saying..." Wugeng Liuli blushed shyly, her eyes softening. "But thank you for your kind words, Diona. Please, just call me Liuli."
Liuli extended her hand. "I also think we'll get along well, Diona."
Seeing Liuli's offered hand, Diona's face turned pink. She gently placed her hand in Liuli's and said softly, "Then I'll call you Liuli, and you can call me Diona."
Looking at the bashful Diona, Wugeng Liuli squeezed her hand warmly. "Nice to meet you, Diona."
"Yeah." Diona nodded, still shy. But seeing Liuli's smile, she couldn't help but smile herself.
"Nice to meet you too, Liuli, meow."
Seeing the two get along so well so quickly, Hiroshi also smiled warmly.
"Alright, Liuli, you two have a nice chat. I'll go take care of some business with the Knights of Favonius and get permission for Klee's leave."
"Alright, Hiroshi. Go on ahead. I'll chat with Diona for a while."
Pulling Diona along, Wugeng Liuli smiled and waved at Hiroshi before sitting at a nearby table with Diona.
"Brother Hiroshi, Sister Liuli, what are you doing?" Klee's curious voice called out. Hiroshi turned and smiled at her. "Your Sister Liuli is going to chat with Diona for a while. How about we go to Acting Grand Master Jean together?"
Klee poked her head out from behind Hiroshi's waist, looking toward Liuli and Diona. Seeing Liuli wave at her, Klee patted Beibei and pulled her head back, her face brightening. "Sister Liuli made a new friend! Let's go see Jean now, Brother Hiroshi."
"Alright, let's go." Hiroshi took Klee's hand, waved goodbye to Diona and Liuli, and headed for the Knights' headquarters.
Watching Hiroshi and Klee walk away, Diona's ears twitched slightly. She turned to Liuli curiously. "Liuli, how did you meet Hiroshi?"
"Hmm, that's a long story." Liuli smiled mischievously. "But how about you do me a little favor, and then I'll tell you all about it."
Diona's tail swayed in curiosity. "A favor? What is it, Liuli?"
With a glint in her eyes, Liuli moved closer to Diona and hugged her. "Let me touch your cat ears."
"Um..." Diona wriggled a bit, staring at Liuli's curious expression. Her tail swished back and forth, conflicted. As a fellow girl, Diona was deeply curious about her friend's romantic life.
After a moment of hesitation, she whispered, "Just for a while then, Liuli... meow."
"Hehe, don't worry, just a moment!"