Seeing Yae Miko's unusual melancholic expression, a departure from her usual mischievous self, it was not just Ayaka who found it unbelievable, but even Kuki Shinobu, who had served as a shrine maiden under her. Was this really the Guuji Yae she knew, the one who always loved to tease people?
"Little ones, what is with these looks? Can this Guuji not have a few worries of her own~"
With that, Yae Miko smiled slightly, and the melancholy on her face completely vanished. Hu Tao, standing nearby, pursed her lips. She certainly remembered that this person named Yae Miko had teased her quite a bit on the phone.
Seeing Hu Tao pursing her lips, Yae Miko's eyes lit up. Like a child who had just found a new toy, she reached out and pinched Hu Tao's cheeks. Hu Tao's fair and tender little face was pulled and tugged in Yae Miko's hands.
"What a cute little girl. Would you be interested in becoming a shrine maiden, little one? The benefits for shrine maidens are quite good, you know~"
"A shrine maiden? Forget it. This Director still has a whole staff of employees to feed. If I went to be a shrine maiden, my subordinates would starve to death."
As she spoke, Hu Tao did not forget to glare at Zhongli. Yae Miko looked Hu Tao and Zhongli up and down a few times, as if she had figured something out, her eyes revealing a hint of amusement.
"If Mr. Zhongli does not mind, he is also welcome to work part-time at our Grand Narukami Shrine. Given Mr. Zhongli's knowledge and perspective, I am sure the shrine maidens under me would greatly admire him."
"Hey, hey, hey! You old hag, poaching staff right from under this Director's nose? Do you really think I have no temper?"
Old hag? The expression on Yae Miko's face froze. How many years had it been since she last heard those words? She never expected to hear them from this little girl's mouth today.
The corner of Zhongli's mouth lifted slightly. Being able to make Yae Miko suffer a setback meant his education of his "child" was quite successful. However, to prevent Yae Miko from teasing Hu Tao further, Zhongli still voiced his opinion.
"Thank you for the invitation, Guuji Yae. I am quite comfortable staying at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. As for working at the Grand Narukami Shrine, I will pass."
"Is that so? What a pity. If Mr. Zhongli ever changes his mind and wants to work at the Grand Narukami Shrine, you can come find me anytime~"
With that, Yae Miko walked into the festival. It was not easy to hold a festival, and she did not want to miss out on the food. She remembered that one stall sold incredibly delicious Fried Tofu, and it was the perfect time to go taste whether the owner's skills had declined.
...
Seeing Yae Miko leave, Kuki Shinobu also bid farewell to the group. Even though Itto still wanted to stroll around the festival, he was ruthlessly dragged away by the ear by Kuki Shinobu.
Hu Tao and the others exchanged glances. They had been busy at Tsurumi Island all day and were just waiting to eat something good at night. So, after bidding farewell to Su Bai and Ayaka, the three of them also headed toward the festival.
...
Before long, the originally bustling place was left with only Ayaka and Su Bai. Ayaka, who had already given up hope on her confession plan, instantly became excited again. The quiet surroundings, the sparse pedestrians, and the idle Su Bai—it was truly a sudden turn for the better.
Placing both hands on her chest to calm her excited heart, Ayaka's eyes became resolute. This was a perfect opportunity granted by the heavens, and she could not afford to miss it again.
"Um, Su Bai, I..."
"Ayaka, Su Bai, so you are here! We have been looking all over for you."
Before Ayaka could finish her sentence, Paimon's silly and cute voice interrupted her. Ayaka's heart instantly sank. Was it really that hard just to spend some time alone with Su Bai and confess her feelings?
"Huh? Ayaka, what is wrong with you? Why does your face look so pale? Are you sick?"
Paimon used her little hand to feel Ayaka's forehead. It was not hot at all. Feeling Paimon's concern, Ayaka forced a smile that looked worse than crying.
"No, I am fine, little Paimon. Are you guys done with your tasks?"
"Of course! With the Traveler and me here, any commission can be completed quickly. After all, we are the golden duo."
"If I remember correctly, I was the only one doing all the work just now, right? Little Paimon, you were just standing on the side eating dango, cheering for me and Thoma, and occasionally checking the change from the vendors."
Lumine, who walked over with Thoma, could not help but tease Paimon a bit. Paimon gave a silly chuckle and defended herself.
"Checking the change is also very important work! If we do not check, what if those bosses shortchange our Mora?"
"Haha, you can rest assured about that, little Paimon. If anyone really dares to embezzle the Kamisato Clan's Mora, the Clan Head will definitely make them face the consequences."
Thoma had mostly digested the udon noodles in his stomach by now, so he spoke with full vigor. His words were filled with immense admiration for his Clan Head, which made Lumine a bit curious about what kind of person this unseen head of the Kamisato Clan actually was.
"Speaking of which, Ayaka, were you trying to tell me something just now? I thought I heard you call my name."
"Um, Su Bai, it is nothing. I just wanted to say that if you have time, you can come visit the Kamisato Estate. Even though my brother is very busy, I will make sure to entertain you."
Looking at Lumine and Paimon, the shy Ayaka still did not have the courage to reveal her feelings in front of others. Because their relationship was so familiar, Su Bai did not think in that direction either. However, Lumine, who was drinking an iced beverage nearby, noticed the clue.
She looked at Su Bai, then at the shy Ayaka beside him, her eyes full of teasing. It seemed she had another important mission on this Inazuma trip. If she could successfully play matchmaker for these two, would she not be able to walk around with absolute impunity in both Liyue and Inazuma in the future?
Thoma also sensed something was off at this moment. His Young Lady had not confessed yet? Did that mean he had eaten all those udon noodles for nothing???? In that instant, Thoma suddenly had the urge to curse, but his excellent self-control managed to suppress the thought.
"Judging by the time, it should be almost nine o'clock. The fireworks show Yoimiya prepared should be starting soon."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a colorful firework shell shot straight into the starry sky. From a distance, it did not seem any different. Just as everyone wondered if Yoimiya's skills had declined, the firework shell in the sky suddenly exploded.
Fireworks resembling a fiery tree spread across the sky. The branches constantly expanding outward from the fiery tree frolicked in the sky for a few seconds before slowly fading into the night, as if they had never existed. Yet, it was precisely in those few seconds of fading into the darkness that the mid-air fireworks gathered their strength to burst forth into an even more brilliant pattern.
Gazing at the beautiful scene in the mid-air that resembled a waterfall of starlight, Ayaka quietly moved closer to Su Bai, pressing tightly against his arm. At this moment, Ayaka wished more than anything that time could freeze right here, allowing this beautiful moment to last forever.