The Heyu Tea House in the real world was quite spacious. Its location carried some significance, too. It sat close to the Northland Bank and wasn't too far from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Simply put, being situated in Feiyun Slope spoke volumes about the tea house's prestige. After all, this area was frequented by those with deep pockets or high-ranking officials from the Ministry.
Why did Yun Jin's Yun-Han Opera Troupe choose to affiliate with the Heyu Tea House? The answer was straightforward: location, location, location. Who had the time and money to enjoy a performance? People like Zhongli—those with both wealth and leisure. And Feiyun Slope was teeming with such folks. Tea alone could get a bit dull, so the partnership between the tea house and the opera troupe was a match made in heaven. The tea was exquisite, the storytelling captivating, and the opera performances were widely acclaimed. Together, they drew even larger crowds.
Lu Heng glanced around. The seating arrangement here had been meticulously planned. Naturally, some seats offered a better view than others, but the Heyu Tea House had gone to great lengths to ensure every spot provided an optimal experience. By the time Lu Heng and Zhongli arrived, many seats were already taken. The moment the crowd spotted them, people rose to greet them warmly.
Zhongli had always been a respected figure among the elite, but ever since his true identity as the Geo Archon was revealed, his presence commanded even greater reverence. No question about it—if word got out that Zhongli was coming, the best seats would be reserved for him. Even if the tea house didn't arrange it, the patrons would willingly offer their spots. That was the weight of the Geo Archon's reputation.
"I'm just riding your coattails today," Lu Heng said with a grin.
Riding someone's coattails for a good seat was a first for him.
"You're too modest," Zhongli replied, shaking his head with a faint smile. "Your reputation far surpasses mine."
Lu Heng chuckled, letting the comment slide.
Once seated, Zhongli ordered tea. At the Heyu Tea House, you could choose from their selection or bring your own leaves for them to brew. The staff's expertise was unmatched—unless you brought some rare, otherworldly tea, they could brew anything to perfection. That was what kept people raving about the place and why the elite flocked here. It was a hub for networking, enjoying masterful tea brewing, and, if luck was on your side, catching one of Yun Jin's performances. All for just a handful of Mora. For the regulars, money was no object.
While waiting for their tea, Lu Heng's gaze drifted toward the stage. From his seat, he could catch a glimpse of the backstage area, where members of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe were bustling about. Someone who had spotted Lu Heng and Zhongli rushed backstage, voice trembling with excitement yet trying to stay hushed. "Mr. Zhongli and Mr. Lu are here!"
Zhongli glanced in that direction, a wry smile on his lips. "Ever since my identity was exposed, coming here makes that girl a bit nervous."
He was clearly referring to Yun Jin.
Lu Heng's curiosity piqued. "Care to elaborate?"
Zhongli chuckled. "As you might expect, she was shocked to learn my true identity. Having me in the audience naturally made her anxious, but her skills are solid—she didn't falter."
"I was half-expecting some funny mishap," Lu Heng said with a grin.
That only underscored Yun Jin's talent. Performing under the gaze of the Geo Archon would make anyone nervous. It's easy to overthink—Is this move right? Did I sing that line correctly?—and spiral into mistakes. But Yun Jin held her own, a testament to her skill. No wonder she'd become a celebrated star at such a young age. Her performances were the result of years of dedication.
"I just hope my presence doesn't throw her off," Lu Heng said, sipping his tea.
Zhongli blew gently on his cup, dispersing the steam before taking a sip. "I doubt it. She doesn't know you well enough to be intimidated."
It was like being told someone could destroy the world. You'd feel awe, sure, but without witnessing their power firsthand or knowing their legend, that awe would only go so far. Yun Jin wasn't like Ganyu, who had fought in the Archon War, or Ningguang, whose position gave her deeper insight into power. Compared to them, Yun Jin was just a regular person with an extraordinary talent.
"Honestly," Lu Heng said after another sip, "we should've come earlier to meet her before the show. It might've helped her relax."
"Didn't you just say you weren't worried?" Zhongli teased.
"I'd prefer if things went as I hoped," Lu Heng replied, shaking his head.
Being universally revered was thrilling at first, but it grew lonely. Everyone tiptoed around him, choosing their words carefully. That kind of deference created distance. In a cultivation world, Lu Heng would've been a revered sage by now, but this was Teyvat. Despite its dangers, to him, it was a place to unwind. Respect was fine, but he didn't want people walking on eggshells.
He sighed softly. At heart, he didn't want to burden others, especially not with trouble he caused himself. His upbringing back home had instilled a sense of decency, even if his academic record was less than stellar.
As he chatted with Zhongli, Yun Jin appeared, dressed in her stage costume, face adorned with intricate makeup and hairpins. "Mr. Zhongli, Mr. Lu!" Her voice was clear and melodic, each word perfectly enunciated.
Zhongli nodded with a calm smile.
Lu Heng noticed her slight nervousness and grinned. "I was just telling Zhongli we might make you nervous, and it looks like I was right."
Yun Jin froze for a moment before quickly responding, "I'm truly honored that you both came!"
Zhongli was a familiar face, often attending her performances and well-versed in the art of opera. His praise meant the world to her, and after a couple of visits post-revelation, she'd grown more at ease. But Lu Heng? He was on another level entirely, and as a stranger, his presence was daunting.
"Relax," Lu Heng said, waving a hand with a friendly smile. "You don't know much about me, but I'm quite familiar with you."
"I've heard as much," Yun Jin said, nodding. She didn't often leave Liyue Harbor, but she kept up with the changing times.
"Is the Yun-Han Opera Troupe keeping busy these days?" Lu Heng asked, curious. The card shop wasn't far, yet he'd never seen her there.
"Not too busy overall, but I've had my hands full," Yun Jin explained. "My father recently entrusted me with his masterpiece, The Divine Damsel of Devastation. I've been struggling with composing the music and choreography, and with several scheduled performances, I've been swamped."
No wonder, Lu Heng thought. Her dedication to her craft and new projects explained her absence from the card shop. Some might call her foolish for not jumping at the chance to engage with the card craze, but that focus was exactly why she'd risen to fame so young. Besides, she wasn't naive—cards cost Mora, and the shop wasn't going anywhere. She could visit after her performances with a fatter wallet.
As for The Divine Damsel of Devastation, Yun Jin was deeply invested in her father's story. He wrote the tale, but left the music and stage direction to her. With her talent and capability, her father trusted she'd create something extraordinary. Yet, she'd hit a creative block—until the story appeared in a game, sparking her inspiration. She'd stayed up late studying it, even oversleeping by two hours that morning.
Lu Heng's warmth put her at ease, and soon she was chatting comfortably. After about ten minutes, he smiled and said, "We shouldn't keep you from your performance. The audience is eager for your show."
"No worries, we have plenty of time!" a wealthy merchant from a nearby table chimed in, his face beaming like a jolly Buddha. Other patrons echoed his sentiment. With Lu Heng and the Geo Archon present, no one minded the delay.
"Still, let's not keep you," Lu Heng said with a smile. "Perform, rest, and then we can chat more freely. Wouldn't that be more relaxing?"
"Reasonable, as always," Zhongli agreed, nodding.
With a polite farewell, Yun Jin hurried backstage. Lu Heng turned to Zhongli. "No need to worry about her now, right?"
"It seems you'll leave here satisfied," Zhongli replied with a smile.
"Most likely," Lu Heng said, nodding.
The performance began shortly after. On stage, Yun Jin's voice was sweet, her appearance radiant, and her movements brimming with emotion. Zhongli, aware of Lu Heng's limited experience with opera, leaned in to explain softly, "She's playing a refined young lady in love, whose beloved later dies in battle…"
Lu Heng, who had only seen The Divine Damsel in the game, found himself captivated. "This is quite an eye-opener," he said with a grin.
Zhongli smiled, saying nothing more.
The performance lasted an hour and a half, ending to thunderous applause. Some fans, knowing Yun Jin would be with Lu Heng and Zhongli afterward, left without seeking autographs. Soon, the tea house was left with only a few patrons sipping tea or discussing business.
Before long, Yun Jin returned in lighter attire, her makeup removed. "I didn't keep you waiting, did I?"
"Not at all. I'm still savoring your performance," Lu Heng said, pushing a cup of tea toward her. "All I can say is: you live up to your reputation."
Yun Jin blinked, then beamed with surprise. Coming from Lu Heng, whose knowledge of Teyvat's characters was well-known, this was high praise.
"As long as the audience is pleased," she said modestly.
"That mindset is top-notch," Lu Heng said, grinning.
"It's why she's achieved so much at such a young age," Zhongli added.
"Please, you're making me blush," Yun Jin said playfully.
Lu Heng chuckled, then asked, "So, what's next? Working on The Divine Damsel?"
"Well…" Yun Jin hesitated. "That was the plan, but now that the story's in the game, fans feel the virtual version lacks the live experience. They're eager for a proper stage performance. I'd love to do it, but I need to get Shenhe's approval first."
"Shenhe, huh?" Lu Heng raised an eyebrow. "Funny you mention that."
Yun Jin looked curious, waiting for him to continue.
"She's at my shop right now," Lu Heng said, explaining briefly how Xianyun had left Shenhe to help out at his store.
"Traveling abroad?" Zhongli mused, intrigued. He'd only briefly visited Mondstadt and Fontaine through the shop's teleportation portal. At over six thousand years old, he figured it was time for a proper trip.
"What a coincidence!" Yun Jin exclaimed. "That's perfect! I'll head to the shop later to talk to Shenhe."
"Why not go now?" Lu Heng suggested.
"Wouldn't that interrupt your tea?" Yun Jin asked.
"Tea can wait," Zhongli said dismissively.
"No interruption at all," Lu Heng added, standing. "Shall we?"
"Absolutely!" Yun Jin nodded eagerly.
"Got any Mora on you?" Zhongli asked with a teasing smile.
"If you're thinking of pulling cards, bring some Mora and skip the line," Lu Heng said. "Consider it my tea fee."
"Oh!" Yun Jin laughed, caught off guard by his foresight. "Thank you, Mr. Lu. I'll make a quick stop to grab some Mora!"
The two sat back down to finish their tea. Ten minutes later, Yun Jin returned, and the trio left the tea house, heading toward the card shop. They hadn't gone far when they saw the line—stretching nearly a kilometer with five columns of people. It wasn't Yun Jin's first time seeing the crowd, but it still left her stunned. The card shop was undeniably Teyvat's hottest spot. If the line moved any slower, she wouldn't be surprised if someone fainted from standing too long.
--------
T/N:
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!
Access 50 chapters in advance on my Patreon : [email protected]/furinaimpact