This isn't right.
A profound sense of wrongness settled over Ji An.
From the moment his eyes had met the twin-tailed girl's, his heart had begun an erratic drumming against his ribs. This is bad. A telltale heat was spreading across his cheeks and burning the tips of his ears.
It wasn't that she wasn't striking—she carried herself with a natural grace, her eyes bright and her smile luminous—but that was no justification for this visceral, physical response.
Ji An didn't consider himself a slave to base instincts!
At most, he appreciated the curated beauty of his 2D waifus. His interactions with real girls were usually marked by a healthy degree of restraint... Though, on a technicality, wasn't this the world of Genshin Impact? Weren't they all, in a metaphysical sense, still 2D characters?
His internal monologue was cut short as the girl seemed to sense his stare, her head turning slowly in his direction. Ji An's breath hitched, and he instinctively jerked his gaze away.
Hu Tao's eyes, however, remained fixed on him, studying his profile with an unnerving intensity.
"Director Hu, Lady Ningguang is waiting," Baiwen prompted, turning back when she realized Hu Tao was no longer beside her. "Is something the matter?"
"...It's nothing," Hu Tao murmured, her voice soft and distant, as if pulled from a deep memory. "I was just reminded of something from long ago."
The memory surfaced, clear and poignant: her childhood friend, the very first time they'd met... he had worn that same flustered, shy expression...
A shadow of old sorrow dimmed the light in her eyes. She finally broke her gaze, offering Baiwen a quiet nod before continuing forward, her shoulder brushing lightly against the unfamiliar young man as she passed.
A wave of relief washed over Ji An the moment she was gone. Baffled by his own physiology, he directed a silent query inward. 'System. Explain. Was that you?'
[Host, the recorded physiological responses—increased heart rate, peripheral vasodilation causing facial flushing—are consistent with a standard autonomic nervous system reaction to a subject deemed aesthetically appealing.]
"Right. Of course."
Ji An mentally waved the explanation away, conceding the point. He quickened his pace, eager to put distance between himself and the scene of his inexplicable embarrassment.
At the grand entrance, Miss Baishi was waiting. "Mr. Ji An."
"Miss Baishi." He approached, and she proceeded to brief him with practiced efficiency.
She confirmed that while the recent, widespread disturbances had ceased and the Ruin Guards had lapsed back into their usual dormancy, Lady Ningguang remained vigilant. Her agents had traced the machines' retreat from the ice valley to a newly discovered set of ruins near Tianqiu Valley, now serving as a gathering point for a significant number of autonomous machines. The technology sealing the ruin's entrance was a perfect match for that found on the constructs themselves. Unprepared to breach it, the scouts had returned to report.
"Individuals fluent in that ancient technology are exceptionally rare," Baishi explained. "Within Liyue Harbor, only Master Lu Ban possesses any meaningful knowledge of it. A single expert, however, is a vulnerability. Hence, the recruitment notice for an assistant."
"The expedition departs in five days," she continued. "While there is inherent risk, you need not be unduly concerned. Lady Ningguang has engaged two Vision holders to serve as escorts for the team's security."
Ji An nodded his understanding.
"Until then, Mr. Ji An, consider yourself on retainer. Rest and prepare. Liyue Harbor may not have everything, but it offers a wealth of diversions. As our guest, please, take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the city's offerings."
Three Days Later
Ji An had spent the interim fulfilling his initial, simple ambitions for Liyue Harbor. He had sampled its cuisine, enjoyed its drinks, and soaked in the vibrant tapestry of city life, sating his longing for human connection.
It was during a performance at the Heyu Tea House two days prior that he'd met Zhongli.
Though the man appeared to be of a similar age, his demeanor was a study in contrast to Ji An's own restless energy. There was a geological patience to Zhongli, a profound stillness in his bearing that made the very air around him feel more settled. His conversation revealed a depth of knowledge that Ji An found genuinely awe-inspiring.
In truth, Zhongli was the first person in Teyvat with whom Ji An felt a immediate, effortless rapport. It was a comforting familiarity, reminiscent of late-night talks with his university friends in a life now impossibly distant.
Spurred by this sudden warmth and a touch of nostalgia, a whimsical idea had taken root. He'd turned to Zhongli and asked, half-serious, if he'd care to become sworn brothers.
For a heartbeat, the unflappable Mr. Zhongli had faltered. His wine cup, en route to his lips, halted mid-air before being deliberately set down upon the table.
"By any common measure of social conduct," Zhongli began, his tone thoughtful, "our acquaintance spans a mere three days. What rationale inspires such a proposal?"
"Zhongli, you're overthinking it!" Ji An laughed, draining his own cup of rice wine. "Haven't you heard the saying? 'With a close friend, a thousand cups are too few; with a stranger, half a sentence is too much.' We just click! Three days is more than enough. Frankly, I knew you were good people the moment we started talking."
"..."
Zhongli, who had just retrieved his teacup, carefully placed it back on the saucer.
"Ah, but don't feel any pressure," Ji An added quickly, waving a dismissive hand. "It was just a thought. If it's not your thing, just forget I mentioned it."
The loneliness of being an outsider in a strange world was a constant, subtle ache. Finding a kindred spirit had made him act impulsively, reaching for a connection that felt familiar.
Zhongli regarded him with an unreadable expression, his brow furrowing slightly as if he'd discerned something unexpected in Ji An's words or perhaps his very soul.
"You..." Zhongli's voice was soft, almost to himself. He closed his eyes, a faint, wistful sigh escaping his lips. "I wish to buy osmanthus and brew wine together..." he murmured, the words so quiet they were almost lost, "...only to find an old friend has come."
"Zhongli? What was that? Something about a friend?" Ji An leaned in, unable to catch the poetic whisper.
"It is nothing of importance," Zhongli stated, reopening his eyes and shaking his head. "Let us set aside the notion of sworn kinship. We are friends nonetheless, and that is a fine foundation. There is no reason our paths should not cross frequently."
"Of course! You can't get rid of me that easily," Ji An agreed cheerfully, before his expression sobered. "Although, I'll be away for a bit soon. You saw that Jade Chamber notice? Well, I got the job. I'm heading out with a survey team to some ruins near Tianqiu Valley."
"Tianqiu Valley?" A flicker of recognition and something deeper, older—passed through Zhongli's eyes.
"You know it?"
"I passed through that region...once, a very long time ago," Zhongli replied, his gaze turning inward with memory.
"Right! I keep forgetting you're packing one of these," Ji An said, his eyes dropping to the Geo Vision glowing softly at Zhongli's hip. "That place is probably a walk in the park for you. Hey, want to make some easy Mora? The Jade Chamber has deep pockets. I'm sure they could use another capable escort."
"That will not be necessary," Zhongli declined with a calm finality. "And even at your recommendation, I suspect the Tianquan would be... reluctant to enlist my services."
Why would Ningguang refuse someone of his obvious capability? The question lingered on Ji An's tongue, but he held it back, sensing a boundary he shouldn't cross.
"However," Zhongli continued, reaching into the folds of his robe, "since your path leads you to Tianqiu Valley, there is a small task you could perform for me, if it is no trouble." He produced a small, carefully wrapped object and offered it to Ji An.
"You crafty old fox!" Ji An laughed, a genuine, hearty sound. "I ask you for a favor, and you effortlessly turn the tables!" He took the proffered item, his curiosity now thoroughly piqued.
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A/n: Hey over on my patreon there are currently two for the time being exclusive books which are
Zenless Zone Zero: Loving Daily Life Starting in New Eridu
*Honkai Impact 3rd, I Can Transform into a Valkyrie!*
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