Chapter 101
Ganyu…
Xia Zhi "looked" at the blue-haired girl and found the name oddly familiar.
After thinking carefully, he recalled hearing Brother Liu mention it during one of their meals together.
If she was the same person, that would make her the General Secretary of the Liyue Qixing—a significant figure.
What could bring such an important person to wander the docks alone so late? Could she be troubled by something?
With this thought in mind, Xia Zhi joined the others as they walked toward her.
---
Yaoyao had already rushed into Ganyu's arms, her close and affectionate behavior clearly showing the strong bond between them.
"Ganyu, I haven't seen you in so many days! I missed you so much!"
"Mm."
"Are you here to watch the fireworks too, Ganyu?"
"…Mm."
"You look so tired, Ganyu. The work at Yuehai Pavilion must have been a lot today, right?"
At this, Ganyu froze for a moment and then fell silent.
Even Yaoyao noticed that something was off.
"Ganyu? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine…"
Ganyu forced a small smile, reaching out to gently pat Yaoyao's head.
---
By now, Shenhe had approached and softly greeted her. "Senior Sister Ganyu."
Ganyu looked at Shenhe and nodded. "Junior Sister Shenhe, I didn't expect to see you here."
Hearing the way they addressed each other, Xia Zhi was surprised.
Senior Sister and Junior Sister?
So this Ganyu is also one of Cloud Retainer's disciples?
---
"The last time I saw you delivering a letter at Mt. Aocang, you looked much better. Why has your complexion worsened so much in such a short time, Senior Sister?" Shenhe asked softly.
"I'm fine," Ganyu replied.
"Did someone bully you? If so, just tell me, and I'll handle it for you."
Xia Zhi glanced at Shenhe, mildly skeptical of her definition of "handle."
Ganyu shook her head. "No, it's nothing like that. I just haven't let go of some things in my heart yet. Give it time—I'll be fine. Thank you for your concern."
---
Yaoyao looked up at her, worry evident in her innocent eyes.
Seeing this, Ganyu patted her head again, then turned to the unfamiliar faces of Xia Zhi and Zhu Zi standing next to Shenhe.
"And who are these two?"
"We're friends of Miss Shenhe. My name is Xia Zhi, and this is Miss Zhu Zi," Xia Zhi introduced.
"Friends of Junior Sister Shenhe?"
Ganyu appeared slightly surprised but quickly composed herself and introduced herself politely.
"Hello, my name is Ganyu."
Her tone was calm and steady, carrying a gentle politeness, yet there was a faint sense of distance—perhaps a trait developed from years of working in a high position.
---
"Ganyu, did you come here alone?" Yaoyao asked.
"Mm."
"We just finished our walk and were about to head back. Why don't you return to Yujing Terrace with us and Yaoyao?"
"I'm not going back."
"But it's so late! Ganyu, you always have so much work to do. If you don't rest early, you won't have any energy tomorrow!"
"It's alright… I'm actually planning to leave mortal affairs behind."
"Huh? You're not going to be a secretary anymore?"
Yaoyao was visibly shocked.
Ganyu nodded lightly. "Mm."
---
Though her face remained calm, Shenhe was also surprised.
She knew from her master's stories that Ganyu had been the secretary to the first Liyue Qixing when the position was created centuries ago. While the Qixing had changed many times over the years, Ganyu had always remained by their side.
She had performed this role for millennia. Why would she suddenly choose to give it up now?
"Has something happened, Senior Sister?" Shenhe asked.
"Clouds drift, tides rise and fall. It's merely history unfolding," Ganyu replied.
"When the adepti returned governance of Liyue Harbor to the people, I knew it was only a matter of time before I left."
"As someone with adeptal blood, I've never truly belonged in Liyue Harbor. After I delivered my most recent letter and returned, I discovered that my duties had been taken over by Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi."
"This letter delivery might have just been an excuse to send me away. Since the Qixing have given me a graceful exit, it's only right that I accept it."
"But after so many years in Liyue, it's difficult to let go. That's why I've been wandering around, visiting places before I leave."
---
Shenhe considered this for a moment before softly asking, "Where do you plan to go, Senior Sister?"
"Back to Jueyun Karst."
"To seek Master?"
"Mm."
"But Master is in seclusion and won't be seeing anyone for some time."
"…That's alright. I can wait outside until Master finishes."
It was clear Ganyu had already made up her mind. Shenhe, knowing she wasn't skilled at comforting others, decided not to push further.
"Will you be staying at Yujing Terrace tonight, Senior Sister?"
"No. Better not to return—it would only be awkward to meet them."
"Where will you stay then?"
"A simple inn will do."
"Inns are often inconvenient. Why not stay at the place I'm currently staying?"
Ganyu hesitated briefly before nodding. "If it's no trouble, I'd appreciate that."
"No trouble at all. I'll take Yaoyao home first. Senior Sister, you can go with Mr. Xia and Miss Zhu Zi."
"Oh?"
"I work at Mr. Xia's shop now, and we also live together."
"Work? Junior Sister, you came down the mountain to…"
"Master wanted me to reintegrate into human society."
"…I see."
---
With that, Shenhe took Yaoyao by the hand and left.
Ganyu watched them walk away, her expression becoming slightly complicated.
As the Senior Sister, she had spent millennia among mortals but was now preparing to leave. Meanwhile, her Junior Sister, who had always lived in the mountains, was taking her first steps into human society.
What an interesting coincidence.
Still, Shenhe didn't have adeptal blood like her. Perhaps she would fare better in Liyue Harbor.
---
Ganyu turned back to Xia Zhi and Zhu Zi, giving them a graceful smile.
"Thank you for your hospitality tonight."
"No need to be so formal, Miss Ganyu," Xia Zhi replied, shaking his head. He glanced at the golden [0%] progress bar above her head and smiled inwardly.
Miss Shenhe is the perfect assist!
If Ganyu had returned to Jueyun Karst, he wouldn't have had any opportunities to interact with her. But with a whole evening ahead, the situation was entirely different.
"I know your master as well," Xia Zhi said casually. "You could say we're acquaintances. Miss Ganyu, just treat this as staying with old friends."
"You know Master?"
"Yes, we met not long ago. The circumstances were a bit… complicated. If you're curious, you can ask Miss Shenhe when she returns."
"Alright."
"Shall we head back?"
"Mm."
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