At this moment, Ganyu was sitting halfway up the mountain, her expression full of worry. Anyone could tell at a glance that she was lost in thought.
Seeing this, Nahida tugged at Idris's sleeve and whispered mischievously,
"Grand Sage, look—another distressed maiden."
Judging by her expression, she might as well have written scheming all over her face.
Idris rolled his eyes, then casually tucked Nahida under his arm.
He honestly had no idea who she was learning these bad habits from. Every time they went somewhere new, she acted like he was there to flirt.
That kind of reputation really wasn't helpful for international cooperation.
Just thinking about his recent negotiations with Inazuma—
that fox woman had looked ready to show up in full armor.
Ganyu, lost in her worries, hadn't noticed them approaching.
On one hand, she had come here to visit her master.
On the other hand, she dreaded what would come after.
After all, once she returned, her master would inevitably start asking questions—
Whether she had found someone she liked in Liyue Harbor.
Whether she had any romantic prospects.
Just imagining it made her head hurt.
Idris carried Nahida over and stopped in front of Ganyu. Nahida had been squirming and protesting a moment ago, but suddenly froze, blinking her big eyes at him as if to say:
Hey, we're outside—this is embarrassing for the God of Wisdom!
Only then did Idris put her down.
He walked up naturally and greeted Ganyu.
Ganyu was still staring at the scenery until she heard his voice. She turned around in surprise.
"Grand Sage Idris? Why are you here?"
"Just enjoying the view," Idris replied calmly.
"And experiencing Liyue's tradition of wandering the mountains in search of the Adepti."
"I see…" Ganyu lowered her head apologetically.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't greet you at the harbor earlier. Work was too busy today. Please don't take offense."
She felt awkward—after all, she'd been caught spacing out.
Given Idris's status, comparable to Ningguang, skipping the reception and getting caught like this felt… improper.
"No need to be so formal," Idris waved it off.
"I don't mind."
What did catch his attention was her earlier expression.
"Miss Ganyu, you seemed troubled just now. Is something bothering you?"
She had braced herself for criticism—but hearing concern instead made her look up in surprise.
Wasn't the Sumeru Grand Sage supposed to be a dangerous villain?
Why did he feel… gentle instead?
"Ganyu, you're spacing out again."
Nahida chimed in, though her small stature made it sound like her voice came from near the ground.
"Ah—sorry, Lady Nahida."
"I was just thinking about something."
She hesitated, then sighed softly.
"I'm going to visit my master… but he worries too much about my personal life."
At first, Ganyu had planned to brush it off.
But facing Idris—and with Nahida right there—lying felt pointless.
"Worry can be a burden too?" Nahida tilted her head, confused.
Of course she wouldn't understand.
As the God of Wisdom, she didn't deal with nosy elders.
But Ganyu did.
"It's about relationships," Ganyu admitted.
"My master keeps hoping I'll find someone I care about. He says it would put his mind at ease."
"But I'm always busy with work… it's not that easy."
She sighed.
Idris instantly understood.
This was the classic parental interrogation.
How's work?
Got a partner yet?
When are you getting married?
Just hearing it was exhausting.
He was about to let Ganyu fend for herself when—
"This is easy!"
Nahida suddenly bounced forward excitedly.
Idris froze.
Ganyu widened her eyes.
"You mean… Grand Sage Idris?"
"Exactly!" Nahida nodded enthusiastically.
"Just let the Grand Sage pretend to be your boyfriend!"
"Act a little in front of your master, and the problem's solved!"
"If your master knows you like him, he'll definitely stop asking!"
"And really—Grand Sage Idris? You couldn't find a better candidate even if you tried!"
Nahida spoke with absolute confidence.
Ganyu felt her heart skip.
She looked at Idris's face, her heartbeat unconsciously speeding up.
Of course she had imagined things before.
Even with her busy schedule, she still longed for someone who cared.
And Idris—someone who stood on equal footing with gods—
How could she not be tempted?
But… would he ever choose her?
Her cheeks flushed.
Idris immediately sensed danger.
He bent down and lightly tapped Nahida on the head.
"Are you stirring things up again?"
But Ganyu had already steeled herself.
She looked up at him, nervous yet hopeful.
"Actually… Lady Nahida's suggestion makes sense."
"If my master knew my partner was the Grand Sage, he wouldn't question me anymore."
She hesitated, then asked softly,
"Grand Sage… would that be alright?"
She was prepared for rejection.
After all, someone like Idris—
How could she expect him to agree?
Idris fell silent for a moment, then spoke calmly.
"It's not impossible."
"But pretending to be your boyfriend takes effort."
"Your master's questions could last all day."
"So asking for compensation isn't unreasonable, right?"
"Of course not!" Ganyu answered quickly, eyes lighting up.
"I thought you'd refuse!"
Nahida crossed her arms, indignant.
"Grand Sage, that's really mean!"
"A beautiful, mature woman agrees to let you be her boyfriend, and you still want conditions?"
"Aren't you worried you'll be single forever?"
Flustered but happy, Ganyu hurriedly defended him.
"It's fine, Lady Nahida! I'm the one asking for help."
She turned back to Idris, cheeks burning.
"Grand Sage… what kind of compensation do you want?"
"As long as it's within my ability… I'll agree."
Her face grew even redder.
After all—
Some rumors about the Grand Sage's preferences were rather… well known.
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