Chapter 30

The silent night sky was filled with a brilliant sea of stars.

The stars twinkled brilliantly. 

Nathan, who had lived in the urban steel forest in his previous life, couldn't remember the last time he had seen such a magnificent night sky.

Here at the peak of Tianheng Mountain, only he and Ningguang were present.

"Nathan... let me ask you, who do you think is more beautiful - me or this night sky?"

A subtle night breeze passed by, lifting the girl's light white bangs.

"I think... you're more beautiful, Ningguang!"

Nathan wasn't completely dense when it came to matters of the heart. 

When a girl asks such a question, insisting on choosing the former answer would truly show a lack of romantic sense.

Besides, even with the brilliantly lit Liyue below and the twinkling stars above, such scenic beauty couldn't compare to even half of Ningguang's allure.

On this deserted mountaintop, this romantic atmosphere was Nathan's alone to enjoy.

Having received her desired answer, the corners of Ningguang's lips curved into a slight smile.

She turned around, leaning half her body towards Nathan.

Because they were almost the same height, her fragrant shoulder perfectly rested against his.

"You speak so well, but I wonder how many girls you've sweet-talked with this technique!"

Carrying a faint fragrance, Ningguang actively rested her head against him.

Her delicate hair strands kept tickling Nathan's lower forehead.

"I've never sweet-talked any girls, Ningguang, don't falsely accuse me!"

Feeling the water-like tenderness, Nathan couldn't help but protest.

In his previous life, he had been rather introverted and rarely had any interactions with the opposite gender.

His first intimate contact with a girl only happened after crossing over to Teyvat, thanks to the life simulation system's settings.

"Is that so? Then what about Ganyu?"

Mentioning the name of the Yuehai Pavilion's secretary, Ningguang's head twisted slightly.

This was a girl's coquettish expression of dissatisfaction.

For Nathan, activating the life simulator's ability meant a month passed in the blink of an eye.

But for Ningguang, it was spent in intense fulfillment.

During this month, she had frequently clashed with her future colleague Ganyu over matters concerning Nathan.

Strangely enough, while Ganyu was dedicated and responsible in her work and generally easy-going in life,

she seemed to become a different person whenever Nathan was involved.

"Ganyu and I truly met for the first time; we had absolutely no connection before."

Faced with such misunderstanding, Nathan could only respond helplessly.

In reality, he hadn't even met Ganyu yet.

In the life simulation, the simulator's predetermined life trajectory had no records about Ganyu.

He was innocent - he had never sweet-talked Ganyu.

"Even though you say that, Nathan... it doesn't mean Ganyu feels the same way..."

Ningguang frowned slightly. 

Women had an innate talent for sensing these kinds of relationships between each other.

"Ningguang, let's not talk about this anymore! Congratulations... you're finally about to ascend to the position of Tianquan!"

If they kept dwelling on this topic, it would only lead to endless grievances, so Nathan wisely changed the subject.

The handover ceremony for the Liyue Qixing was scheduled for tomorrow.

On this last night before becoming Tianquan, Ningguang had invited Nathan here under the pretense of taking a walk.

"Yes... soon we can reshape Liyue into what we want it to be!"

Leaning against Nathan's shoulder, Ningguang slowly raised her right arm.

She opened her palm as if trying to grasp the stars above.

"Ningguang... do you already have plans?"

"Yes... The first thing I want to do is build a floating palace above Liyue."

"A floating palace?"

"This palace will become Liyue's symbol, rising above all the great houses, ushering in a more beautiful future!"

Actually, Ningguang hadn't revealed everything. 

The true purpose of this floating palace was to have a place where she could be intimate with Nathan without interruption.

This was the plan she had formed in her mind after being constantly interrupted by Ganyu during this period.

"Nathan... can you help me name this palace?"

"How about... Jade Chamber?"

The wheel of destiny rolled forward as Nathan spoke the name he had known all along.

"However, Ningguang... I might not be able to accompany you until the Jade Chamber's completion!"

His tone shifted, carrying hints of farewell.

Because just a second ago, the life simulator had echoed in his mind again.

[Simulation ending soon, preparing for final conclusion!]

This message's appearance meant he would soon leave this life simulation.

"What... why?"

Ningguang was clearly startled by Nathan's words, straightening her posture as if shocked by electricity.

"I have to... go somewhere far away for a while!"

"No... why are you leaving just when things have stabilized?"

"This is something beyond my control, but I believe in your ability, Ningguang. You'll definitely complete the Jade Chamber!"

( Guys sorry to interrupt but this scene is emotional )

Nathan held her hand, helplessly trying to comfort Ningguang.

This was just a life simulation created by the simulator, essentially no different from a game, and it would eventually have its ending.

"Then... after I complete the Jade Chamber, will you return, Nathan?"

Ningguang leaned forward, bringing her entire face close.

Her crimson eyes made direct contact with Nathan's.

"Yes... I suppose so!"

To prevent Ningguang's emotions from exploding, Nathan told a not-quite-lie.

After leaving the life simulation and returning to reality,

Ningguang would indeed become one of the Liyue Qixing and build the floating palace called the Jade Chamber.

However, their reunion then might not have this life's memories.

"Then let's make a promise - when I complete the Jade Chamber, you must unconditionally grant me three wishes!"

"What if... what if the wishes involve breaking principles, like murder or arson?!"

His lips moved, and Nathan suddenly felt this conversation had gone off script.

"Pfft, don't worry, Nathan. How could I waste them on such meaningless things..."

She laughed softly, and Nathan could only feel Ningguang's face getting closer and closer.

So close that he could count her eyelashes.

"It's promised then. I'll always look forward to the day of our reunion!!!"

Before her words faded, Nathan's lips were covered by something soft.

That momentary contact, that cool sensation, penetrated straight to his heart.

[Simulation ended. Life simulation "The Tianquan Who Veils the Moon!" completed, achieving ending - "Promise Under the Night Sky"!]