After leaving Liuli Pavilion, Shao Yun made his way to the port area of Liyue Harbor, surrounded by a cacophony of vendors' cries and the lively murmur of passersby.
Sunlight slanted across the wooden structures of the port, casting shimmering patterns that swayed with the tide. As he descended the stairs, Shao Yun reviewed his objectives in his mind.
Weaving through layer upon layer of shops and stalls, he finally arrived at his destination—Wanyou Boutique.
The shop, tucked away on the lowest level of the port, was so hidden it looked more like a warehouse than a storefront to the untrained eye.
Pushing the door open, he was greeted by a faint scent of incense. Inside, the shop brimmed with rare trinkets and curiosities, dazzling to the eye.
Shao Yun swept his gaze around the room, his eyes locking on a corner where a middle-aged man stood, mustached and smiling broadly. Despite the grin, his eyes remained sharply alert.
It was the shopkeeper—Bolai.
Seeing Shao Yun enter, Bolai approached with a sly grin.
"Hello there. Looking for something rare?"
The man's shifty demeanor made Shao Yun feel like he'd stumbled into a black market. He half expected to be offered amulets and cursed talismans.
Without pleasantries, Shao Yun said flatly, "Let's keep it simple. I need Silk Flowers—'Golden House Maiden,' 'Valley Weaver,' and 'Fate's Yearning.' All in the highest quality."
Bolai's smile froze momentarily. He gave Shao Yun a once-over, surprise flashing in his eyes.
He hadn't expected a seemingly ordinary customer to know such insider terms. In Liyue, only a select few knew the coded names of those prized herbs.
"You don't look like you're from around here. How do you know that terminology?" Bolai asked, intrigued.
Shao Yun frowned, clearly irritated by the probing. "Just answer the question. Do you have them or not?"
Bolai, sensing Shao Yun's growing impatience, quickly dropped his curiosity. "Yes, yes, of course. We've got everything. I'll get them right away."
He turned and carefully fetched three elegantly wrapped bundles of Silk Flowers, as if handling priceless relics.
"Here they are. Now, about the pay—"
Before he could finish, Shao Yun cut him off coolly.
"Bill it to the Northland Bank. Name your price."
Bolai's face drained of color. He stared at Shao Yun like he'd just heard something preposterous.
"T-The Northland Bank? You're… not joking?"
Shao Yun smirked. "Why would I? It's not like I'm robbing you."
To me, asking the Fatui for reimbursement is about the same as robbery… Bolai thought.
Trying to calm himself, Bolai sighed and muttered, "But… but that's the Fatui's business. Who would dare ask them for reimbursement?"
Shao Yun nodded understandingly, then promptly snatched the boxes from Bolai's hands.
"If the bank gives you trouble, go to the Adventurers' Guild. Ask for Tacitus Kilgore. He'll sort it out."
Given Shao Yun's intimidating build, Bolai hadn't dared resist. Now that the goods were gone, he had no choice but to swallow his fear and go through with it.
"Alright…" he muttered, watching Shao Yun head for the exit.
Just as Shao Yun reached the door, hand on the handle, he suddenly turned back, a sharp look in his eyes.
Bolai, in the middle of organizing a shelf, felt the weight of Shao Yun's glare and looked up nervously.
"By the way, if you sold me trash, I'll come back and toss you into the sea."
Under that intense gaze, Bolai forced a smile and nodded furiously. "Please rest assured, sir! Everything in Wan You is top quality. We pride ourselves on honesty and excellence!"
Shao Yun gave a slight nod, though his expression remained stony.
"Let's hope I don't have a reason to return. I keep my promises."
As he pushed open the door, Bolai called out, struck by a sudden concern.
"Wait, how should I explain the expense to the Northland Bank?"
Shao Yun paused, still facing away. "Say it was for the Rite of Parting. They'll understand."
Bolai froze in place, then called out desperately, "The Rite of Parting? Wait—sir!"
But Shao Yun had already shut the door behind him, his voice echoing faintly as he disappeared into the crowd.
"Let the Fatui pay. You name the price. I've got things to do!"
Bolai rushed out, but Shao Yun was long gone.
"Ai… seems the Archon really is gone… Oh, Rex Lapis…"
…
Outside Scent of Spring, Shao Yun spotted a woman in plain robes standing by the entrance—the owner, Ying'er.
As soon as she saw him, her eyes lit up, clearly impressed by his striking appearance. She looked him over as though trying to see straight through him.
"Hello, and welcome to Scent of Spring."
Her voice was like a spring breeze—gentle, welcoming, and warm. Her smile bloomed like a spring blossom, lifting the mood effortlessly.
The famous Flirting Queen of Liyue. Even her tone can charm the soul...
Shao Yun offered a brief nod and handed her the three packets of Silk Flowers.
"I'd like three salves made—one from each of these."
When Ying'er heard his request, her eyes widened in surprise.
"Three salves? Are you sure?"
Shao Yun chuckled softly, nodding. "Yes. Three."
Ying'er's expression shifted as she took the flowers from him. She examined each with care, their fragrances telling silent tales.
Raising her gaze, she teased with a playful smile, "Golden House Maiden, Valley Weaver, and Fate's Yearning.… Those aren't just ordinary flowers. Planning to dazzle a few hearts?"
Shao Yun frowned slightly. "What's that supposed to mean? I just need three salves."
Ying'er laughed, shaking her head. "Making these three all at once? Sounds like you're chasing three different loves."
Shao Yun gave an exasperated sigh. "You've got the wrong idea. I'm just following orders."
Ying'er's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? So, they're not for three special girls?"
He scratched his head awkwardly. "They're for the Geo Archon's funeral. Not for any girl."
Ying'er burst into laughter at his flustered reply. "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing. But I'll warn you—pulling off a triple romance? That'll either kill you or get you killed."
Three lines in and she's already speeding off. Timaeus from Mondstadt wouldn't survive this woman.
But Shao Yun's voice turned firm, cutting through her jesting.
"Listen, I'm in a hurry. Please skip the teasing and make the salves. I've got urgent business."
Ying'er was taken aback by the shift in tone. She sighed lightly.
"You're no fun at all."
Shao Yun softened a little. "This is a serious task. But if there's a next time, I'll bring the girl I love. You can test your charm skills on her then."
Her eyes danced with curiosity. "Oh? And how many girls might that be?"
Shao Yun's expression darkened.
"Just one. If she even likes me back, I'll be grateful."
Seeing his seriousness, Ying'er dropped the matter. She turned away with a meaningful smile, carrying the flowers into her workshop.
"Men always say that. Let's hope you're the exception."
She disappeared to prepare the salves herself.
If she'd asked him to help, Shao Yun would've said: "If I came to a restaurant and the chef asked me to cook, the place wouldn't last a week."
Soon, she returned with three ornate boxes, each wafting a distinct fragrance.
"All done."
Shao Yun approached, reaching for the boxes.
But Ying'er tucked them behind her back, grinning slyly. "Mora first!"
He paused, then sighed, realizing she wasn't joking. "Put it on the Northland Bank's tab—"
"Nope. No credit here. Pay up."
With no other option, Shao Yun handed over 100,000 Mora.
"Will this cover it?"
Ying'er accepted the bag with glee. "Thank you for your generosity. For such a handsome sum, I'll give you a breakdown of what these salves do."
She gestured to the first bottle—pink and dreamlike.
"This one's sweet and dreamy. Like a first crush. Innocent, charming—perfect for bright, playful girls."
Then to the second—golden and regal.
"This one exudes luxury, like a noble in court. It's elegant, refined—a favorite of heiresses."
Finally, she touched the third—green, subtle, and serene.
"This one's soft and lingering. Like a misty forest at dawn. It's beloved by mature women for its calm, lasting scent."
Shao Yun studied the three, then fixed his gaze on the first.
He murmured, "Should've asked for two of that one."
Ying'er narrowed her eyes, playful again. "Planning to romance four girls now?"
Shao Yun rolled his eyes. "I want four horses, not four girlfriends…"
"I'm not that charming. Just… thought that scent suited someone special. I should've brought more."
A thought struck him.
"Ying'er, I need one more of the first salve."
Ying'er hesitated. "I sell ceramics. Salves are just a side hustle. I'm not sure I have the material…"
Shao Yun smiled. "Money's not an issue. I'll pay whatever it takes."
He handed her another heavy Mora pouch.
Eyes lighting up briefly, Ying'er nodded. "You've got yourself a deal."
She leaned close and whispered, "Actually… I've got a secret remedy. Said to boost stamina—perfect for juggling multiple lovers…"
She's speeding again… I swear, this is out of control.
Shao Yun's smile vanished.
"Look—I'm in love with one girl. Now and always. Unless she rejects me—and I don't think that's happening."
Ying'er was stunned by his conviction. She stared at him thoughtfully.
"Most men change their minds. Who's to say you won't?"
His eyes turned cold.
"If that ever happens, I'll consider it your curse. I'll feed you to the fish—then shoot myself somewhere no one will find me."
Ying'er paled. "I… was just joking."
Shao Yun immediately flipped the mood, grinning like nothing had happened.
"Me too. When the salve's ready, send it to Yunlai Inn, at Feiyun Slope."
Ying'er nodded quickly. "Understood. I'll make sure it's perfect."