Yuehai Pavilion.
A light still burned in one of the offices.
"Lady Ningguang, it's very late. You should rest."
"Rest? I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I tried. Might as well work overtime and get more paperwork done."
"If you can't sleep, perhaps you could try lighting the calming incense Mr. Xia gave you."
"It's not the incense. The thought of Mr. Xia leaving tomorrow has robbed me of all desire to sleep."
"..."
---
Yujing Terrace.
In Madame Ping's home, a light was also still on.
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper sat at a table, brushes in hand.
"Wait, that was also Ping's idea?"
"Of course. Didn't you know?"
"I always thought it was Cloud Retainer..."
"Pfft. Cloud Retainer doesn't have that kind of devious mind."
Mountain Shaper stared at the words on the paper, then fell silent.
"...Suddenly, I think it's for the best that she's so well-behaved now."
"Weren't you the one who said she looked too worn out?"
"Worn out? She's been nothing but leisurely! If she went back to how she used to be, the very thought is terrifying..."
"Still... Ping knows all this too. Even if we don't say anything now, she'll tell Mr. Xia eventually. If we speak up first, we might earn some goodwill—wouldn't it be nice to get invited over for more meals?"
"Well..."
"Besides, no matter how unruly Ping gets, can she possibly compare to Mr. Xia's cousin and elder sister? With so many rivals around him, Ping's energy will be tied up dealing with them. When would she even have time to torment us?"
"Fair point."
"And besides, fierce women often become much gentler after marriage."
"True."
---
The next morning.
Zhu Zi woke up unusually early.
Her door creaked open quietly, then shut just as softly.
Then came the faint sound of footsteps descending the stairs.
She had no choice.
It was just too embarrassing.
How could I have that kind of dream again?
Blushing, Zhu Zi clutched her pajamas and bedsheet, tiptoeing to the back of the shop to wash them.
Only to find a small figure already crouched there, scrubbing away.
Though Zhu Zi's steps were light, the other girl's sharp hearing caught them instantly.
Her ears twitched, and she whipped her head around nervously. "Who's—? Oh, Senior Zhu Zi?"
"Diona? Why are you up so early? Doing laundry?"
"I—"
Diona's face turned crimson. She didn't know how to answer. Her eyes drifted to Zhu Zi's arms, spotting the same pajamas and bedsheet—even the same telltale damp spot.
"Senior Zhu Zi, why are you up so early doing laundry?"
The two girls exchanged awkward smiles, as if understanding something unspoken.
Then Zhu Zi crouched down and soaked her clothes in the water.
Together, they began washing in silence.
----
The day of departure.
When Xia Zhi came downstairs after waking up, he found the lobby already filled with friends.
Ningguang, Yun Jin, Baizhu, Hu Tao, Keqing, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Zhongli, Chef Mao, Charlotte, Mona, Baishi…
They had all come to see him off.
"Morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Mr. Xia!"
"I assume none of you have eaten breakfast yet?"
"Not yet!"
"Then I'll make a bit more so we can all eat together."
"Sounds great!"
Xia Zhi went to the back of the shop to freshen up, then headed to the kitchen.
This morning, Zhu Zi and Diona had gone to the market and brought back a large haul of fresh ingredients—more than enough to feed everyone.
At one point, Mountain Shaper even stepped into the kitchen and handed Xia Zhi a small notebook.
"What's this?"
"A little travel guide Moon Carver and I put together. It might be useful for your journey."
"Thank you. You two are very thoughtful."
Seeing Xia Zhi tuck the notebook away, Mountain Shaper's expression relaxed slightly. He glanced at the noodles simmering in the pot, swallowing a barely noticeable mouthful of saliva, then turned and left the kitchen.
---
After the delicious breakfast and a short rest, Xia Zhi and his group prepared to set off.
"Mr. Xia, have a safe journey."
"Thank you all for your kindness. Lady Ningguang, I'll leave the shop in your hands."
"Don't worry, I'll manage it well."
Ningguang took the keys he handed her, standing at the shop's entrance with a light smile. But in her eyes, there was a trace of longing and anticipation that tugged at the heartstrings.
"Come back soon."
Her tone and posture were uncannily reminiscent of a wife seeing her husband off, waiting eagerly for his return.
Xia Zhi nodded with a smile. "Of course. Well then, everyone, goodbye."
"Goodbye, Mr. Xia."
Zhongli paused, then added, "If you happen to meet my old friend, please pass along my regards."
"Of course."
Xia Zhi knew Zhongli's "old friend" referred to Azhdaha, the Earth Dragon.
And likely also Barbatos, the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt.
The greetings were secondary—what really mattered was getting his hands on the diamond-tier treasure chests they carried.
Xiangling waved at Chef Mao. "Dad, I'm off! Take care of yourself while I'm gone!"
"Mm. You too."
"I will!"
"Woo!"
Since everyone had spatial storage items, their luggage was neatly tucked away, making the journey much lighter.
As Xia Zhi and the others disappeared down the street…
Baizhu bid farewell to the group—he still had to return to Bubu Pharmacy to continue extracting antibiotics.
Moon Carver glanced at Zhongli. "Teahouse for a round of cards?"
Zhongli shook his head. "I still have some school matters to attend to. No time for cards. You two go ahead."
Mountain Shaper also looked at Zhongli. "School affairs… Do you need our help?"
"Unnecessary."
Zhongli left for the school alone.
The two adepti soon took their leave as well.
Hu Tao returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to catch up on sleep.