Upon returning to the encampment, Mu Qingge immediately immersed herself in work. She also took care of several pending matters that Feng Yan had been unable to decide on. By the time she finished, dusk had fallen, and her body felt utterly exhausted. Mu Qingge retired to bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
While Mu Qingge slept, Jiang Mumu remained wide awake. By now, she had figured out how to interact with her in-game character in the real world. Not only could she interact with players, but specifically for Genshin Impact, she could even edit the story and add her own storylines.
Previously, she had been uncertain whether she was even part of the main narrative, leaving her actions feeling aimless. Now, however, her operational freedom had expanded dramatically!
If her memory served her correctly, Childe would likely head to the Golden House tomorrow to battle the Traveler, then release Osial from beneath Guyun Stone Forest.
Liyue's storyline had many climactic moments, and Mu Qingge's alias couldn't afford to miss any of the major battles that would follow. Moreover, she couldn't just attend—she needed to shine! There would be plenty of opportunities to leave a lasting impression on the players.
Yet Jiang Mumu still felt it wasn't enough. She planned to orchestrate a minor climax of her own before the main event began—a spectacle uniquely her own. After all, Liyue already had so many grand-scale events; what harm could one more do?
-
That very night, another of Jiang Mumu's aliases—Angie, First Deputy to Capitano, the First Seat of the Fatui Harbingers of Snezhnaya—arrived in Liyue Harbor.
Angie traveled alone, without any companions. Dressed in the same attire she had worn beneath Dragonspine Mountain, she immediately drew the attention of the Millelith upon entering the harbor.
When questioned by the Millelith, Angie explained that she was searching for family. After providing some basic information, she was smoothly granted entry to Liyue Harbor.
As befitting its reputation as a commercial hub, the city seemed even more vibrant at night.
Angie strolled through the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor. She had initially planned to visit Wanmin Restaurant, but it had long since closed for the night.
She settled on a random tavern instead, ordered a lavish feast, and after thoroughly enjoying her meal, retired for the night.
-
The next day arrived swiftly.
Mu Qingge rose early, washed up, summoned Feng Yan, gave him a few instructions, and then left.
She wasn't in a rush to go to the Golden House because the Traveler and Paimon's progress was still far from that point.
That's right, she was now keenly aware of the Traveler and Paimon's progress.
As mentioned before, Jiang Mumu could play the Genshin Impact game.
However, her game progress differed from other players'; it was real-time.
This meant that as long as she kept up with the game, her progress bar in Genshin Impact would directly correspond to Lumine and Paimon's journey across the continent of Teyvat.
Right now, they were still asleep.
The reason Mu Qingge had left so early was to go to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to apologize.
Yes, apologize.
She had previously rescinded the Millelith's arrest warrant for Lumine and Paimon, but inexplicably, one squad hadn't received the order.
Having somehow learned that Lumine and Paimon were with Zhongli and seemed to be quite familiar with him, they had stormed into Wangsheng Funeral Parlor with hostile intent.
This led to a clash with Hu Tao, who promptly ejected them.
Mu Qingge only learned about this incident last night while working late.
After understanding the full story, Mu Qingge punished the Millelith soldiers involved by docking their pay for three months and adding a few lashes to their punishment.
This wasn't personal; the Millelith soldiers had genuinely overstepped their bounds.
Mu Qingge understood their agitation over the Geo Archon's death, but that didn't excuse their dereliction of duty.
In fact, she had already given them a lenient punishment.
The moment Mu Qingge entered Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she spotted Hu Tao sitting listlessly in a chair.
Hu Tao wore a dark, wide-brimmed hat with a red plum blossom and a paper talisman charm, her plum blossom eyes, slender fingers painted with jet-black nail polish. Her long black robe reached her waist, paired with shorts, ankle socks, and black shoes. A red ribbon was tied around her leg, her Vision affixed to her back.
The instant Mu Qingge came into view, the lively Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor leaped up.
"Qingge, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you for ages!"
"You knew I was coming, Director Hu Tao?"
"Hehe, of course! So many people witnessed what happened yesterday. I even thought you'd come last night."
Hu Tao stole a cautious glance at Mu Qingge's expression, only relaxing slightly when she saw everything seemed normal. "Just so we're clear, they were the ones who disrespected the deceased first, with their mean words. I was just defending myself."
Mu Qingge wasn't much older than Hu Tao, but despite their infrequent interactions, she deeply admired Hu Tao's spirited personality. Moreover, their business relationship made Mu Qingge a valued client of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
The Millelith's missions often involved considerable danger, such as clearing monsters or confronting Treasure Hoarders, where accidents were all too common.
"I understand the full story now," Mu Qingge said. "I'm not here to accuse anyone, but to apologize on behalf of my subordinates. Director Hu Tao did nothing wrong. I failed to discipline my troops properly, and they—including their leader—have received the appropriate punishment."
Though Mu Qingge and Hu Tao were close in age, their appearances couldn't have been more different.
Mu Qingge seemed poised between womanhood and girlhood, tall but lacking the mature aura. Hu Tao, on the other hand, had the petite frame of a young girl.
"We will also cover the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's losses," Mu Qingge continued. "We only hope Director Hu Tao won't hold a grudge against the Millelith because of this incident."
"Aiya, don't say such things!" Hu Tao waved her hand dismissively.
"I've already put this matter behind me. 'Millelith steadfast, ramparts unyielding; armored guardians of the city, warding off demons and evil.' That saying is famous throughout Liyue! Actually, I was just worried you'd come to scold me. I had no other intentions."
Hu Tao pulled Mu Qingge down to sit, then reached out with her small hand to press on Mu Qingge's shoulder in a gesture resembling a massage.
Feeling the hard, unyielding armor beneath her fingers, Hu Tao silently withdrew her restless little hand.
"Qingge, why are you always wearing that... armor?"
"Things have been hectic lately, and I need to be ready to respond at a moment's notice. Wearing this armor makes it much easier. Besides, it's no ordinary armor—lightweight and surprisingly comfortable."
"Oh, right, Director Hu Tao, is your honorary advisor at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor right now?"
"You mean Zhongli? He left early this morning, before I even woke up. I have no idea where he went. What's up? I hope he hasn't gotten into trouble again?"
"Director, you misunderstand. I need to speak with Mr. Zhongli about something else."
"..."
After chatting with Hu Tao for a while, Mu Qingge left Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
To her surprise, she ran straight into Yelan.
"Yelan?"
Yelan nodded slightly, pulled Mu Qingge aside, and only began to explain after confirming no one was nearby.
Mu Qingge frowned as she listened to the full explanation.
"Hmm... someone you actually lost track of?"
Yelan nodded gravely.
"This individual's behavior is highly suspicious. She registered with the Millelith as Angie, a Snezhnayan. Here's her portrait—keep an eye out."
Mu Qingge took the portrait, glanced at it, and asked, "A mask?"
"She always wears a mask. That's what made me investigate her in the first place, but..."
Mu Qingge tucked the portrait into her robes. The likeness was surprisingly accurate. She wondered who had drawn it, though she doubted it was Yelan.
"Alright, I'll keep an eye out."
After Yelan left, Mu Qingge paused to ponder. So, it was Yelan who had been following me all along.
The "me" she referred to was Angie. Angie had been tailed since leaving the tavern that morning. To ensure the plot progressed smoothly, Angie had spent some time shaking off Yelan.
No wonder she's Yelan. Her skills are indeed formidable. It took considerable effort to evade her.
Mu Qingge wouldn't be participating in the next part of the plot; she had more pressing matters to attend to.
Based on the game's timeline, Tartaglia should already be plotting his move on the Golden House.
I need to find a plausible reason to go at the right time. Tracking Angie would serve as a perfect pretext.
As for whether the Millelith would fall into disarray without her...
Mu Qingge was certain they wouldn't!
She had already made arrangements with the Millelith the previous night. She trusted Feng Yan's abilities and the commanders under her command.
She would go to the Golden House, but she wouldn't steal Lumine and Paimon's spotlight—that was a cardinal sin.
When the time came, she would begin harvesting the audience's emotions. After such a long stretch of calm, it was time for some dramatic flair.
Oh, my foolish dear brother, you'll have to suffer a bit this time. But don't worry, your sister won't humiliate you.