In front of the Pure Goodness Palace.
Lu Heng turned to the Great Dendro Archon and asked, "Then I'll head back first?"
Shenhe was still waiting at home, and tonight, he was definitely going to be with her.
"All right." The Great Dendro Archon nodded softly, smiling. "Go back early. Don't keep her waiting too long. As for Sumeru, I'll handle everything here. You don't need to worry."
"I'm not really worried," Lu Heng chuckled, shaking his head. "I just don't want you to tire yourself out."
"I won't." She smiled gently.
Watching the two of them, who were supposed to part ways but instead grew more and more reluctant, showing care and warmth for each other with every word, Ying and her companions fell silent.
The air was filled with the sense that they were intruding.
Sorry for interrupting…
"All right then."
The Great Dendro Archon waved at Nahida. "Little Nahida, it's time to rest."
"Okay~"
Nahida ran over happily. As long as the Archon was nearby, she always felt the comfort of a parent's presence.
Even though she was already five hundred years old, she was no different from a child.
"Time to head back. I'll see you off," Lu Heng said, looking at Ying and Paimon.
"Time to go home and sleep!"
Paimon laughed and waved at Nahida. "See you next time, Nahida!"
"See you, Paimon~"
Lu Heng opened a portal, its other side revealing Ying's mansion in Liyue Harbor.
"Good night, then."
With a single step, they returned to Liyue.
Lu Heng looked at Ying. "It's been a long day. You all should rest early."
"We will." Ying nodded, then added with concern, "You too."
"Right, we should all rest. It's late already. I'll head out as well." Lu Heng nodded, then walked off toward the card shop.
As they watched him leave, the faint glow of lanterns softened.
Paimon leaned in close to Ying's ear and whispered playfully, "Turned into a longing wife already?"
"?!"
Ying whipped her head around, her once-gentle expression instantly twisted into one of mock ferocity. "Three days without a beating and you start tearing the roof off!"
"W–wait, wait—!"
Though Paimon wasn't weak, she was no match for Ying.
Ying grabbed her, pressing her into her chest, and ruffled her hair until it stuck up like a bird's nest.
"You dare tease your boss?!"
"Emergency food rebelling against heaven itself!"
Dragging Paimon inside, Ying tickled her instead of actually hitting her.
Paimon burst out laughing, gasping for breath. "I'm sorry! I give up! I won't do it again!"
Ying narrowed her eyes. "You're only behaving now. Next time, you won't let it go, will you?"
That was why she was the best companion—Ying knew her too well.
"I don't care who you are!" Ying jabbed a finger at her. "Give me back that talkative version of you from the story!"
"You're the one possessed!" Paimon pouted, then yawned. "Enough already. Let's sleep. I'm tired."
"You go ahead." Ying shook her head.
"You're not sleeping?" Paimon blinked in surprise.
After all the running around in Sumeru today, she still had energy?
"Soon. I just want to edit a bit of video." Ying waved her off. "Go on, piglet. You've done nothing but eat and sleep."
"Nonsense! If it weren't for me in Port Ormos, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly!" Paimon huffed.
She used to be useless, always eating and napping.
But times had changed! Now she was useful too!
"Whatever. I'm going to bed."
Still muttering, Paimon washed up quickly and flopped into bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
—
Lu Heng returned to his shop.
As expected, Shenhe was there, sitting on the sofa, scrolling short videos on her phone.
She hadn't even noticed him come in.
He leaned closer.
"Watching my videos?" Lu Heng asked in surprise.
"Hmm?"
Shenhe looked back with a smile. "I was missing you a little."
"Why not message me?" Lu Heng chuckled.
Shenhe shook her head. "I knew you were busy. Besides, I was sure you'd come home. Talking now or later makes no difference."
Lu Heng understood, then glanced at the screen. "Why are there so many videos about me?"
"I don't know." She tilted her head. "But the angles are nice. Watching them feels… satisfying."
"Satisfying?!"
That choice of words startled him.
Before he could react, Shenhe reached for his hand. "Now that you're here, I don't need to just imagine anymore."
Lu Heng scratched his head. "Are you feeling better?"
"Better than ever," she said with a bright smile.
How could he back down after that?
A true warrior faces any challenge head-on.
Lu Heng smiled faintly. At that moment, he could already glimpse the outcome with his eyes of past and future—another inevitable defeat.
The next morning.
As he expected, his body's regenerative abilities had fully restored him.
It was almost unfair.
Not just Shenhe—even if all the women in his home teamed up, none could match him now.
"Ah…"
Lu Heng sighed, his expression tinged with the loneliness of someone too strong.
Shenhe was still asleep when he slipped out of the room.
On the table sat a plate of desserts and a note.
Navia: Breakfast made with Furina. We're heading to Poisson Town today for a little vacation.
"Going to Poisson?" Lu Heng tucked the note away, eating as he thought.
It wasn't like Navia to waste time playing.
Most likely, while taking Furina along, she'd also deal with some Spina di Rosula matters.
That was good.
He didn't want his wives to live like caged birds. Having their own pursuits made life richer.
Just then, his phone buzzed nonstop.
[ Yae Miko ]: [Picture] [Picture] [Picture]
[ Yae Miko ]: Oops, slipped. (smirk)
Nine photos.
Lu Heng opened them and zoomed in.
Without a thought, he long-pressed to save them.
When it came to photos of beautiful legs, he had no resistance.
[ Lu Heng ]: Whoops, slipped and saved them. (grin)
[ Yae Miko ]: Oh? Up so early? That's strange… Did no one keep you company last night? Or maybe there were too many, and you lost your nerve? (teasing)
Lu Heng frowned.
This bold fox was clearly questioning his ability.
[ Lu Heng ]: On the contrary! I'm so strong that I still wake up refreshed at dawn.
[ Yae Miko ]: Really? (surprised)
[ Lu Heng ]: The truth can't be faked. Only those who've tried it themselves can speak with authority. Want to test it?
[ Yae Miko ]: I actually had something serious to discuss~
Something serious?
[ Lu Heng ]: I know you want to talk business. But hold on. Finish the fun topic first. As for the serious stuff, even if we miss the timing, I'll bend time itself to fix it for you!
[ Yae Miko ]: What topic? I don't remember~
[ Lu Heng ]: I'll be in front of you in seconds. If you can run, I'll give you a thumbs up. If not… thumbs down.
[ Yae Miko ]: ???
At Narukami Shrine.
Reclined lazily in her chair, Yae Miko sat up straight in surprise at his message.
At that very moment, two hands landed on her shoulders.
"!"
Her eyes widened.
Lu Heng pulled over a chair, sat beside her, and smiled. "So, what's this serious business?"
Yae Miko blinked, then laughed. "I thought you…"
"Of course the serious matter comes first." Lu Heng shrugged. "But if you want to keep chatting about the other thing, I don't mind. It's just… summer winds can be a bit too warm."
Rolling her eyes, she teased, "If I catch fire, I'll need the fire brigade~"
"You know it." Lu Heng grinned. "My dream job is being Inazuma's firefighter. So if you ever burn, you'd better call me."
"Who else would I call?"
She handed him a cup of tea and continued, "I've already done the quest involving Hanachirusato."
Lu Heng paused, sipping his tea. "How do you plan to handle it?"
Yae Miko's playful air faded. After a moment of thought, she said, "If possible, I want to keep Hanachirusato alive."
"Keep her?" Lu Heng raised an eyebrow.
"She was born from Kitsune Saiguu's memory. But I don't see her as just a memory." Yae Miko shook her head. "Kitsune Saiguu's essence wasn't consumed by calamity—it transformed into something new. I won't treat Hanachirusato as a mere echo of her. She's a new life. Do you understand what I mean?"
Lu Heng pondered.
Hanachirusato had indeed been born from memories.
Born from corruption, yet unstained.
Her devotion to Kitsune Saiguu's ideals led her to willingly undertake the Great Sakura Cleansing, even at the cost of her existence.
For such a life to vanish—it was truly a pity.
Lu Heng drained his cup and replied firmly, "I understand."
"I wanted your opinion first." Yae Miko smiled.
"Oh?" Lu Heng chuckled. "So I shouldn't interfere?"
"Eh!"
She leaned against his arm, eyes gleaming mischievously. "With your help, it would be even better. Though… that means I'll owe you another debt."
"I see!" Lu Heng smirked. "You're worried you'll never pay it off, huh?"
"Mmhm." Yae Miko nodded, smiling. "But debts don't matter when you've already given up escaping. However you decide to collect, I won't run."
Lu Heng studied her face.
She was serious.
That was enough for him.
His smile widened. "Then… how about you cosplay as Changli?"
"Changli?" Yae Miko's eyes narrowed dangerously.
She pinched him. "So the wise and beautiful Guuji Yae has to play another woman just to please you? How heartbreaking."
Her pitiful, wounded expression was almost too convincing.
Lu Heng had no choice but to surrender.
"But…"
Her tone shifted.
Hope lit up his eyes. "Great Guuji, say it!"
"Hmph~"
She tapped his forehead with her finger. "Since I already owe you, I'll grant your wish."
Lu Heng shot to his feet, thrilled beyond words.
"Though the outfit, you'll have to prepare yourself."
"Of course! Leave it to me." His eyes shone with determination. Whether handmade or fabricated with technology, it was no problem at all.
"When do we start?"
"You're so impatient." She shook her head with a laugh. After glancing at the time, she said, "Let's go now. It takes a while to reach Konda Village."
"Why waste time on the road? I'll just open a portal."
Her gaze darkened slightly, her tone carrying a faint hint of longing. "But this is our rare chance to walk together, just the two of us…"
Realizing his mistake, Lu Heng quickly changed his stance.
"You're right. Today is clear and beautiful. We should stroll, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the time together."
Seeing his sincerity, Yae Miko couldn't help but smile. She lifted her hand. "Shall we?"
He took it, and together they headed toward the shrine gates.
Narukami Shrine wasn't large, but not small either.
As they crossed the courtyard, Lu Heng noticed something amusing.
Under the eaves, shrine maiden Kano Nana stood with a forced smile, staring at a small figure scarfing down breakfast.
"Huh? That's Sayu. And she's been caught by Kano Nana?" Yae Miko raised an eyebrow.
Lu Heng laughed at the sight of the little ninja trying to eat as fast as possible.
They stopped to watch.
Sayu finished and tried to sneak off, looking for a quiet place to nap.
But the moment she turned and saw Yae Miko, her legs locked up.
"Come here~"
Yae Miko crooked a finger, her smile both gentle and ominous.
"Ugh…" Sayu trudged over, shoulders slumped.
"Lady Guuji, Mister Lu!" Kano Nana greeted respectfully.
"Carry on," Yae Miko waved her off, then turned to Sayu.
The little ninja's face radiated resignation.
She hated having her head patted.
But if it was Yae Miko… resistance was unthinkable. Something terrible would happen if she dared.
And of course, Yae Miko loved patting her head.
Poor Sayu wanted to cry.
As she reached her, Yae Miko bent down and stroked her hair.
Sayu longed to scratch her, or even bite her hand.
But she didn't dare.
She endured in silence.
The sight gave Lu Heng a strange feeling.
"Want to try too?" Yae Miko asked him.
"My hands are itching a little." He smiled. "Sayu, may I?"
Sayu tilted her head up. Why was he so tall?!
"He's more powerful than the Shogun herself," Yae Miko murmured, her voice soft and entrancing. "A touch from him brings good fortune. Maybe even a growth spurt."
Grow taller?!
Sayu's eyes lit up.
She stood firmly before Lu Heng, her voice ringing with determination. "Please, pat my head!"
--------
T/N:
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