Shao Yun didn't know when he had fallen asleep, but he woke up because the sunlight streaming through the window was too bright, practically blinding him.
"What time is it?"
He sat up in bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes. The room was so bare that there wasn't even a clock. Judging by the sunlight outside, it was probably late.
"System, what time is it…"
[Current Time: 12:27]
[Core Health: 100%, natural depletion time: 120 hours.]
[Core Stamina: 100%, natural depletion time: 120 hours.]
[Core Dead Eye: 100%, natural depletion time: 120 hours.]
Not bad. As long as he didn't overexert himself, with these stats, he could go three or four days without eating and not feel hungry.
Seeing the sun high in the sky and the time displayed by the system, Shao Yun couldn't believe how late he had stayed up last night.
"Ah, it's already noon?" Shao Yun stretched lazily.
He found it strange that no one had come to wake him up.
After putting on his Gunslinger outfit and rubbing his shoulders, Shao Yun opened the door with a sense of curiosity.
Amber's house was eerily quiet, with no one else around.
"Anyone home?"
His voice echoed through the empty house, met with only silence. No one was home.
Walking down to the living room, he spotted food laid out on the dining table.
Upon closer inspection, there were three notes. Each was signed by Amber, Paimon, and Lumine.
He picked them up and read them one by one to see what messages they had left for him.
---
From Amber:
"Shao Yun, I went to wake you up this morning, but you were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to disturb you. Thank you for the Iced Hook Hook Juice yesterday. Even though it made it hard to fall asleep, I still appreciate the gift. I left breakfast for you—make sure to eat it!"
---
From Paimon:
"Hehe, Shao Yun, this morning Paimon worked really hard to make a delicious grilled steak under Lumine's guidance. Paimon was really mad (＃｀д′)? when Paimon saw you were still asleep, but Paimon let it slide because of the drink you gave to Paimon yesterday. Make sure to enjoy the meal Paimon prepared for you! — The Best Guide in All of Teyvat."
---
From Lumine:
"Shao Yun, Paimon and I went out to explore. Amber mentioned that the Adventurers' Guild is recruiting new members, so we decided to check it out. Don't forget about tonight's plans."
---
Wow. Looking at the little drawing Paimon had left, Shao Yun could almost imagine her pouting face.
He lifted the covers on the plates. On the table were three dishes: a Teyvat Fried Egg, a Radish Veggie Soup, and a slightly burnt Grilled Steak.
The first two were clearly Amber's work—perfectly normal. But the Grilled Steak… it was of questionable quality.
Staring at the oddly colored steak, Shao Yun wondered if eating it would poison him.
Even though he didn't need to eat right now, it was the thought that counted. He couldn't disrespect Amber and Paimon's efforts.
He quickly devoured the cold Teyvat Fried Egg and Radish Veggie Soup, then turned his attention to the questionable steak.
At least it was cooked, even if it was a bit burnt. He could eat it.
Shao Yun steeled himself. If things went south, he'd just chug a healing potion!
Biting into the steak felt like chewing on a rock. His taste buds were screaming in protest, but he forced himself to swallow.
After finishing, Shao Yun felt… off. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The steak was overcooked, tough, and under-seasoned.
Sitting at the table, trying to ignore the discomfort in his stomach, he began to think about what to do next.
Should he look for Lumine? No, she had gone to the Adventurers' Guild early in the morning to take on commissions. She was probably busy with her tasks.
Besides, Mondstadt was a big place. How was he supposed to find her?
[Current Task: Wait for Angel's Share to close.]
[Hint: You are free to spend your time as you wish.]
[Recommended Task: Lisa's afternoon tea at 2:30 PM.]
Ah, Lisa's afternoon tea? That's right—she had invited him. Calculating the time, it would take him just enough time to get from Amber's house to the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
---
Shao Yun left Amber's house, the midday sun warming his skin. It felt nice.
Walking through the streets of Mondstadt, he saw people bustling about, each absorbed in their own tasks.
Compared to the quiet of night, Mondstadt during the day was truly lively.
Bards sang poems on street corners, children ran around playing games, and small vendors set up stalls in the residential areas.
While the main commercial street near the city gate was the busiest, smaller businesses thrived in other parts of the city too. The Good Hunter and Mondstadt General Store couldn't possibly meet all the city's needs.
Arriving at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, the guards at the entrance recognized him from Kaeya's explanation the other day and let him in without a word.
Shao Yun made his way to the library, pushing open the heavy doors.
Inside, Lisa was busy preparing the afternoon tea. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over her as she worked. Her face was lit with a smile, as if she were anticipating something wonderful.
When Shao Yun appeared at the door, dressed in his Gunslinger outfit, Lisa turned and saw him. Her expression shifted from surprise to delight.
"Well, well, the tall and handsome gentleman has returned?" Lisa's voice was filled with playful curiosity. "That outfit suits you. Does it come with a charm to attract ladies, or did you spray some kind of potion to pique their interest?"
Shao Yun smiled, looking around to confirm they were alone before replying, "It's all natural charm. I only attract ladies with good taste."
"Oh, thank you for the compliment. You're quite the charmer," Lisa replied with a laugh.
"Back to business. You mentioned inviting me for afternoon tea yesterday, so I came to see if you were serious. I didn't expect you to actually prepare it. Did you foresee my arrival?"
Lisa gestured to the carefully arranged tea set with a hint of pride.
"Indeed, I was just preparing the tea. Since you're here, why not join me?" She led him to a seat and placed a freshly brewed cup of tea and some pastries in front of him.
"Please, enjoy."
Shao Yun gestured for Lisa to sit as well.
"After you."
The two sat around the tea table, savoring the delicious treats.
Shao Yun picked up a white porcelain cup adorned with purple rose patterns. Inside was a deep red tea. He blew on it and took a big gulp, treating it like water.
Instantly, a bitter taste overwhelmed his senses. It wasn't the bitterness of medicine, but a sharp, lingering taste that seemed to rush straight to his brain.
Lisa watched him with interest. "How is it?"
Shao Yun closed his eyes, trying to recover, then grimaced. "I'm not much of a tea expert, but… could I get some sugar?"
He held out his cup to Lisa.
"No, no. This isn't coffee. Adding sugar would ruin the flavor," Lisa said, refusing his request. She poured him another cup of tea instead.
"You need to savor it slowly." She demonstrated, taking a small sip and letting the tea's aroma fill her mouth before swallowing.
(TL/N: hehe swallow)
Shao Yun mimicked her actions. The bitterness was indeed tempered by the tea's fragrance.
"Okay, that's better."
Lisa set down her cup and began to explain the intricacies of tea culture, particularly from Liyue.
"Tea isn't something you drink like water or alcohol. In Liyue, they say that tea must be savored. The act of savoring is the essence of tea…"
She went on with a lot of profound and esoteric knowledge, leaving Shao Yun thoroughly confused.
"That's a bit too deep for me. I don't know much about tea, but I've had matcha-flavored cake before."
At the mention of cake, Lisa remembered something. Afternoon tea wasn't complete without snacks.
She pushed a purple cake toward Shao Yun. "Speaking of cake, try this. I made it myself. The main ingredient is Wolfhook Fruit."
Shao Yun picked up the small cake, giving it a careful sniff. It had a faint milky sweetness, with pieces of purple Wolfhook Fruit on top.
He took a bite. The sweet flavor spread instantly, the cake's texture smooth and just the right amount of sweetness.
"Mmm! This cake is delicious."
As they sipped tea and ate cake, the conversation flowed easily. Lisa shared stories about Mondstadt's interesting spots and her student days.
Before they knew it, the tea was gone, and the pastries were finished. But the conversation only deepened.
"Your past is truly fascinating, Miss Lisa. It's a shame I didn't get much education. Some of those terms are beyond me."
Listening to Lisa's tales of her time at the Sumeru Akademiya was genuinely interesting.
But all good things must come to an end. It was time to go.
Shao Yun stood up, brushing off his clothes.
"Thank you for the afternoon tea, but I think it's time for me to leave. I appreciate your hospitality."
As he turned to go, Lisa called out, not in any hurry to let him leave.
"Don't rush off, Shao Yun. It's not evening yet. Don't you all plan to meet at Angel's Share after it closes?"