Ye was naturally curious about Hu Tao.
On one hand, it was because she was good-looking. On the other hand, it was also because she was good-looking. And finally, of course, it was because she was good-looking... Just kidding. Ye wasn't the kind of man so blinded by lust that he could only see her face and nothing else.
If nothing else, the fact that Hu Tao could remain so calm and composed around him was enough to surprise Ye.
A person's character couldn't be fully judged based on information gleaned from a game. Ye wasn't foolish enough to do something like that.
So, finding an opportunity to get to know Hu Tao more deeply was inevitable for Ye.
At the same time, there was another reason.
Five centuries ago, Ye had tried to break free from his restraints and leave the "Honkai world," but he was intercepted by fifteen Aeons outside the world.
This was the main reason why he remained severely injured to this day, his strength diminished to the point where he couldn't even compare to veteran Archons of Teyvat like Raiden Shogun or Morax.
Among those who intercepted him, three Aeons had inflicted the most serious wounds on him. The scars they left still ached faintly, making Ye especially eager for a chance to return the favor.
It wouldn't even be accurate to say he had been careless in that battle, because Ye felt he had been quite cautious. As a mere Emanator who hadn't even reached the level of an Aeon, he had spent thousands of years preparing countermeasures against Aeons before finally making his escape attempt—only to find fifteen Aeons waiting for him outside.
He couldn't even be sure if there were only fifteen. At first, there had been one, then three, then five, then ten, and finally fifteen... Whether there were twenty or thirty more beyond that, Ye had no idea. All he knew was that those people must have been insane.
If not for a shred of self-awareness, Ye might have wondered if he had somehow unknowingly become an Aeon.
In any case, among the three Aeons who had dealt him the most severe injuries, one of them was named... Hu Tao.
Not just the name—even her appearance was identical to Hu Tao's.
Or perhaps it was Hu Tao herself.
Of course, this wasn't particularly surprising.
After all, whether Aeons or Archons, they were all Transcendents who had broken free from worlds of fantasy. Every Aeon and Archon had an origin, so it wasn't shocking that one of the Aeons was a Hu Tao from the Genshin world.
However...
Ye's wandering thoughts came to an end. He decided to set aside matters that were completely irrelevant to the present and focus on enjoying his date with Hu Tao.
"By the way, ever since I first saw you, there's been something I wanted to ask," Hu Tao suddenly said as they gazed at the sea by the harbor. Ye turned to look at her, waiting for her question.
"Did you use some kind of dreamwalking adeptal art on me?"
"No."
Ye denied it firmly, without hesitation, speaking the absolute truth.
Hu Tao raised a hand to shade her eyes as she looked into the distance, smiling nonchalantly. "Really?"
"Really."
Ye's reply was unwavering, sincere, and resolute.
"Then let me rephrase it—have you ever dreamed about me?"
Ye answered truthfully again: "Last night, in fact. Your beauty left a deep impression on me. I hope you'll forgive me for that."
"Oh, as expected of this Hall Master."
After saying that, Hu Tao didn't press further. Instead, she turned to face Ye, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're the legendary Supreme Bishop of Fontaine, aren't you?"
Ye nodded slightly. "Yes. Please keep it quiet."
"So this is what the Supreme Bishop looks like. Hmm, not bad. Fits what I imagined."
As she spoke, Hu Tao took a step forward, rising slightly on her toes to meet Ye's lowered gaze. Their faces were close, breaths mingling.
Then, she suddenly grinned and said, "Actually, I dreamed about you last night too."
?????
For a moment, Ye nearly lost control of his emotions.
Oh, don't misunderstand—it wasn't the urge to lower his head just a little more and kiss those tender lips right in front of him. No, it was the overwhelming flood of what the hell rushing through his mind.
Wait, hold on, what? What did you just say? Say that again?
You dreamed about me last night too? Was it just an ordinary dream, or are you messing with me by claiming you dreamed about me, or—worst of all—have I been completely fooled by Nameless this whole time? Am I still in a shared dream?!
This wasn't right. Not right at all. A hundred thousand percent not right.
If not for Ye's impeccable control over his facial expressions, he would've been utterly doomed right then and there.
Is this never going to end? Do I really have to play it safe and give up this stress-relief method entirely? Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before something goes horribly wrong!
His heart wept bitterly, but on the surface, Ye remained perfectly composed.
He'd settle things with Nameless tonight. For now, he had to smooth things over with Hu Tao.
"What an honor. It seems my feelings aren't one-sided after all."
"True, I'm surprised too. But don't you think this is a bit too str—mmph?!"
Hu Tao's eyes widened in shock.
Ye had lowered his head and sealed her lips, cutting off whatever she'd been about to say.
Can't hear it can't hear it can't hear it can't hear it can't hear it can't hear it!!!
When Ye finally pulled away, his expression was calm, his voice tender as he murmured, "Since we both feel the same way... Hu Tao, will you—"
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!!!!!!!!"
The sudden deafening shout interrupted Ye's words and finally reminded him—
Oh right. I forgot about the two following us.
Furina stormed over furiously, grabbing Ye by the collar and yanking him aside, her eyes blazing with rage.
"You—how old are you?! Have you no shame?!"
"What does age have to do with love?" Ye retorted indignantly. "Love transcends age! So what if I'm a bit older? Sure, I'm not exactly young, but my heart is still youthful! Don't bring up age in the world of 2D, understand?"
His heart had been deeply wounded.
Do I need you to remind me of my age? But what does it matter? What's wrong with being older? Does being older mean I don't deserve to pursue happiness?
Furina narrowed her eyes at him, then gritted her teeth. "In that case, let's talk about how I also 'dreamed' about you. Care to explain?"
"Lady Furina, I understand. I'll reflect on my actions. I should seriously consider the age gap between me and Hu Tao. I'm ashamed of trying to be an old cow eating tender grass. I deserve to die."
...Sorry. I guess I really don't deserve to pursue happiness.