Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [112]
After all, in an official event like this, musicians would get a generous payout—and even more importantly, a chance to leave an impression on Mondstadt's elite. As long as they could keep the tune and not sound like they're struggling with the basics, it's almost guaranteed that their popularity within Mondstadt would soar. And with that fame, their pay would rise too!
In Mora-chasing, fame-obsessed Liyue, Venti's approach would make any Liyuean deeply regretful. Even imagining it was enough to frustrate Gu Sanqiu, who grumbled about the lack of a certain free-spirited bard.
"Forget it," he muttered. "Rather than worry about that, let's come up with a way to get that match with Kaeya."
Neither of them had bothered changing for the event. Childe found it unnecessary, while Gu Sanqiu thought any regular formalwear couldn't compare to the one he was already wearing—and laziness got the better of him.
Just as they were about to start on some food, the music began, their plates vanished, and the dance floor opened up—leaving them no choice but to stand aside and watch.
"Tch, two stars off—no Eula in sight," Gu Sanqiu grumbled, though he figured as much. The chances of spotting Eula dancing at a public banquet were slim, better odds to catch her bathing in Dragonspine's hot springs.
Expression darkening.
"Hey, let's slip away," Childe suggested, glancing at the glinting gems on Gu Sanqiu's outfit. "Didn't you say the drinks at Angel's Share were good? It's on you, of course."
"Sure, but we're unlikely to get away so easily."
With a blank expression, Gu Sanqiu replied, "The Millelith are all occupied, drinking their weight in wine at the barracks. I bet your fellow Fatui aren't much different. Think we can sneak off now?"
"If we'd already danced, maybe we could've claimed exhaustion as an excuse. But as two men standing off to the side, we probably draw more attention than those in the middle. You get what I'm saying?"
"..." Childe grimaced. Here he thought Kaeya, by helping find them a place to spar, was at least a reliable ally—even if a bit tricky. But it seemed he'd been hasty in his judgment.
"Excuse me, are you two having some trouble?"
From behind a pillar engraved with mysterious symbols, a girl dressed in white with twin pigtails peeked out, waving at them with a subtle, excited smile.
"This way, over here."
?
The two exchanged glances. Regardless of where they got their intel, they instantly recognized the girl in front of them—Barbara, tonight's main vocalist.
"Ahem, Miss Barbara, if you're away from your band for too long, wouldn't it cause trouble for Mondstadt's event?" Gu Sanqiu asked, aware that this innocent girl looked up to her older sister, the acting Grand Master, and constantly strove to meet her example.
"It's fine! This is actually break time," Barbara assured them with a wink. "Besides, both the dancers and musicians need to rest too, right?"
She smiled at the two. "I think I understand why you both aren't dancing."
Gu Sanqiu and Childe both let out a breath. Then they looked at each other.
Childe: You go.
Gu Sanqiu: Give me one good reason.
Childe: You're the charming one.
Gu Sanqiu: Fine.
In an instant, Gu Sanqiu put on a warm smile, as disarming as the Liyue sun and carrying a comforting charm that drew people in.
"Miss Barbara, would you mind helping us—"
"Don't be discouraged, okay?"
Barbara clenched her fists in a firm, supportive cheer.
"There are all kinds of unfair judgments out there, with people who think there's no place for people like you. But this is Mondstadt, a land of freedom under the Anemo Archon's care. You don't need to worry about pointless rumors and gossip!"
"Love is sacred and noble. If you've found the one in your heart, then no matter how hard the road may be, stay strong! We have a saying in Liyue: True lovers will unite in the end."
Barbara's smile was radiant as she clasped her hands together. "Even though we just met, I'll be cheering you both on!"
"Go for it!"
ヾ(≧∇≦)/
...
Gu Sanqiu's freshly warm smile froze instantly, switching to a look of pain. Meanwhile, Childe's face might have stayed stoic, but his clenched jaw and the crackling from his Vision hinted at his barely restrained frustration.
Holding back the urge to fight.JPG
"The path of love between two men isn't always blessed by others," Barbara continued encouragingly. "But if you've both found your person, then make this life count for yourselves!"
Barbara pressed her palms together and winked again. "Sorry, I overheard a few friends chatting and felt I just had to come over and give you both some encouragement. I hope you don't mind!"
Gu Sanqiu shot a glance at Childe. "What's going on?"
"You think I know?"
Childe's expression shifted as he struggled to contain himself. "Anyway, don't you think it's time to set things straight with her?"
This was insane! All they'd done was stand together to complain about the boring event they couldn't leave early, yet somehow the gossiping girls turned that into some epic love story!
After an awkward ten minutes of clarifying with Barbara, who seemed to be processing at record speed...
(￣△￣;)
Wait—she'd misunderstood?
And... in front of two honored foreign guests, no less!
"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Barbara squeaked, bending into a hurried bow of apology, face flushed with embarrassment. (＞人＜;)
"I didn't realize they were just rumors! I can't believe I interrupted you both with something so inappropriate—I'm terribly sorry!"
"It's alright, it's not your fault," Gu Sanqiu said, smoothing things over with a reassuring smile. "In fact, I'm quite touched by your sincerity, Miss Barbara. You went out of your way to support us—it's refreshing to meet someone with such a genuine heart."
"Your kindness shines brighter than any gemstone," he added, giving her a kind nod.
Gu Sanqiu shot a glance at Childe, who was now handing Barbara a handkerchief with an ever-so-slightly tender smile.
Oh, wonderful. So I'm the bad guy, while Childe over here is a hopeless romantic?
Cue the chase from Barbara's fan club and the Acting Grand Master.
But... it dawned on him. Perhaps the girls around them had fabricated this entire love story for a different reason.
If they wanted some time alone, all Childe had to do was pretend he didn't know how to dance, achieving a "foot-crushing spree," while Gu Sanqiu would hang back, looking distinctly annoyed.
Anyone who noticed his "jealous" expression would be convinced he was sulking, and Childe would be "forced" to withdraw... leaving them to enjoy their night as a duo.
...
(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
What in the world had led those girls to imagine such an absurd story?
Everyone in Mondstadt must have a hidden novelist inside them!
---
T/N: The OTP has been revealed!
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