In the bustling and vibrant Liyue Harbor, golden sunlight cascaded like a veil of silk, bathing the city in a warm, radiant glow that accentuated its distinctly Eastern charm.
Every street and alley was adorned with brilliant decorations; multicolored flags danced merrily in the breeze, and the air was thick with a joyous, intoxicating festival spirit.
The people, dressed In their finest attire, filled the streets with laughter and cheer. They lined up in neat, orderly rows, eyes brimming with eager anticipation.
All of them were waiting for the arrival of a distinguished guest from afar. Liyue Harbor had transformed into a sea of celebration, brimming with vitality and life.
"Alright, let's hurry, Fufu~"
Shajin walked with confident grace, his figure tall and poised like a pine standing proud in the mountains.
One arm was securely wrapped around the petite, delicate Nahida.
With his other hand, he reached forward elegantly, his long, strong fingers tugging gently at Furina's sleeve as he led her toward the crowd. His flowing garments fluttered in the breeze, adding to his free-spirited air.
"Ack—seriously! You brute, stop pulling so hard!"
Furina's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, like the evening clouds blushing with shy color.
Her starry eyes glinted with mock annoyance, lips parting in a pouty protest. Yet despite her words, her steps unconsciously followed Shajin's lead. Her figure swayed like a flower dancing in the wind, light and graceful.
At the very front of the welcoming line stood Keqing, graceful and poised like a lotus blooming in the mortal world.
She wore an exquisitely tailored gown that accentuated her graceful curves to perfection.
However, when her gaze fell upon the approaching trio, her flawless expression twitched ever so slightly, a barely perceptible ripple crossing her elegant features.
Her sharp eyes locked onto Shajin and the two girls beside him. At first, her expression was filled with shock and confusion, like a tranquil lake suddenly disturbed by a falling stone.
Then, slowly, the light faded from her eyes, and a subtle shadow passed over her face—a complicated mix of loss and bewilderment.
Don't tell me that guy… with the Hydro Archon of Fontaine… and the little one in his arms is the Dendro Archon? No way… this can't be happening… can it?!
Standing beside her, Ningguang exuded calm elegance and poise.
She immediately noticed Keqing's reaction. Raising a hand, her ivory fingers gently pressed against her smooth forehead as a wry smile tugged at her lips, as though sighing at her friend's naïveté.
Then, with graceful steps, she leaned closer to Keqing, her rosy lips brushing near Keqing's ear as she whispered in a voice soft as a breeze brushing harp strings.
"Keqing, do you really not know what kind of man Brother Shajin is? Even if someone offers themselves to him on a silver platter, he might not bite. You think he'd go out of his way to seek others?"
Keqing's dull eyes instantly lit up.
She blinked, a hint of realization and bashfulness in her gaze. Nodding lightly, she replied softly.
"Mm… you're right… that does sound like him."
Ningguang straightened her back and took a deep breath, her calm confidence shining through.
She stepped forward, her flowing sleeves dancing like the wings of an immortal fairy.
Her voice was gentle yet clear and melodious.
"Liyue is honored by the presence of the two divine guests. As it happens, today is the Moonchase Festival. A grand banquet has been prepared at the Jade Chamber. Please, allow me to escort you there."
Furina blinked in surprise, her wide eyes reflecting a moment of astonishment, but she quickly regained composure and replied with poised grace.
"Oh. Very well. Your nation is most thoughtful."
Nestled in Shajin's arms, Nahida gave a soft nod like a kitten snuggling in a warm embrace. Her sweet voice was as soft as a whisper.
"Mm… th-thank you…"
Ningguang looked at Nahida's impossibly adorable, soft pink face, and for some reason, her heart fluttered like a harpstring being plucked.
It took everything In her to resist the urge to reach out and pinch that cherubic cheek. With practiced elegance, she turned and led the group toward the Jade Chamber, every gesture exuding refinement and composure.
Shajin looked up at the noonday sun, its rays highlighting the handsome contours of his face, casting deep, striking shadows that made his features seem like a master's painting.
Silently, he spoke to himself.
The Moonchase Festival… huh. Sister… I will find you all, no matter what.
His voice was low and resolute, as though vowing to the sun itself—or perhaps whispering a promise to distant loved ones.
In the midst of the festive atmosphere, he stood apart, enveloped in a quiet intensity. The surrounding noise seemed distant, drowned out by the depth of his thoughts and the unwavering determination in his eyes.
...
Inside the Jade Chamber, Shajin gently placed Nahida onto a chair beside the banquet table. His every motion radiated care, as if he were handling the world's most precious treasure.
"By the way, Ningguang," he asked, glancing around with a puzzled look. "Where are the others?"
Ningguang blinked, her brows slightly raised. "The others?"
Shajin chuckled, his laughter bright and infectious.
"The more, the merrier, right? They might be gods from other nations, but they're my friends. I came back hoping to gather everyone and have a good time together."
A soft smile curved Ningguang's lips, warm as spring sunlight.
"You're right. I was being too formal. But if we wait too long, the food will grow cold…"
Shajin stepped forward and lightly ruffled her hair.
"You're still as meticulous as ever, Little Ningguang. Don't worry—Guiyi Pavilion will send the food up once everyone's here."
"I'll go fetch the others. You and Keqing take good care of our guests, alright~?"
As he finished speaking, golden light burst around him. In a flash, Shajin transformed into a radiant beam and vanished, leaving only a faint shimmer in his wake.
Ningguang touched her hair in a daze, her cheeks slowly flushing a vibrant pink, like the glow of dusk in the sky.
Keqing stood off to the side, puffing her cheeks in quiet frustration. A subtle trace of jealousy flickered in her eyes, and her lips pouted ever so slightly, silently conveying her displeasure.
Nahida tilted her head curiously, like a little forest sprite, glancing at Furina who was mumbling to herself nearby.
Furina's slender finger drew circles repeatedly on the table in a childish gesture of frustration, muttering under her breath.
"Stupid jerk! Stupid jerk! Stupid jerk!!!"
"Just how many love debts does that jerk have, anyway?!"
Her eyes were filled with annoyance… and helpless exasperation.
_
Read the full book on my Patreon(FINISHED)
Please support my patreon, patreon. com/TravelerDouluo