The seven days surrounding the Lantern Rite are all part of the festival.
From the day after their reunion dinner, Luo Qing began dedicating his ti to his wives.
Each wife had a unique personality and preferences, requiring him to spend individual days with each one. For Luo Qing, every day felt like a completely different adventure.
There was the wild and unrestrained Shenhe after untying her red ropes, the gentle shyness of Ayaka's noble deanor, the caring and holy warmth of Bu'er and Makoto, or Theresa's mischievous thoughts that always bordered on teasing.
Every day was a new and thrilling experience.
On the final day of the Lantern Rite, Luo Qing's ti to be alone with Ganyu finally arrived.
Since the incident when she had thrown him out of her ho, clothes and all, he hadn't had a chance to be alone with her. Makoto and the others had arrived in Liyue shortly after, and Ganyu had been swamped with work leading up to the festival.
Today, however, was the perfect day, with everything aligning just right. Luo Qing wasn't going to let the opportunity slip.
---
Early that morning, Luo Qing arrived at Ganyu's ho.
He had taken the ti to dress in Liyue-style clothing, resembling the young master of a prominent rchant guild.
Knocking on the door, he was surprised to hear a soft and youthful voice on the other side.
"Coming!"
The door opened to reveal a small girl barely half his height. Her hair was styled into buns, adorned with large jingling bells—a truly adorable sight.
"Hello, sir. Are you here to see Sister Ganyu?"
The little girl gave a polite bow, her manners impeccable.
"Uh... yes. My na is Luo Qing. Could you let her know I'm here, Yaoyao?"
This was his second ti eting Yaoyao, though he wasn't eager to recall their first encounter. That incident was awkward enough to make anyone misunderstand his intentions.
"You know my na?" Yaoyao blinked, surprised. She quickly broke into a bright smile.
"Oh! So you're Luo Qing! It's an honor to et you. Co in! Sister Ganyu has been talking about you since last night!"
She stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter.
"Thank you, Yaoyao."
Despite this being their second eting, Luo Qing couldn't help but feel fond of the polite little girl.
It's a sha I didn't bring a red envelope for her...
Making a ntal note to gift her a box of supplents later, Luo Qing stepped inside.
He glanced toward the bed, recalling the scene of near-chaos from their previous encounter.
This ti, Ganyu sat at her dressing table, her back to him. Her long, sky-blue hair cascaded down her back as she focused on brushing it in front of a bronze mirror.
"Sister Ganyu, Luo Qing is here!" Yaoyao chirped.
Ganyu turned quickly, her expression tinged with nervousness.
"Luo Qing... you're here so early..."
Luo Qing smiled and walked behind her, gently taking the wooden comb from her hand. He gathered her silky hair and began brushing it with practiced ease.
Noticing the faint blush of lipstick on her lips, he teased, "What's the occasion for makeup today?"
"Uh..."
"Because Sister Ganyu wanted to show you her most beautiful self!" Yaoyao teased with a giggle. "Luo Qing, Sister Ganyu kept going on about you last night—she hugged so tight I could barely breathe!"
"Oh, really?" Luo Qing chuckled. "Sorry for troubling you, Yaoyao."
"It's no trouble at all! I love Sister Ganyu's hugs!" Yaoyao shook her head earnestly, then suddenly gasped.
"Oh no! I just rembered—I'm supposed to help my master arrange flowers today!"
She turned back to them, bowing deeply. "Luo Qing, Sister Ganyu, I'll leave you two alone. Goodbye!"
With that, she grabbed the spear by the door and dashed off in a flash.
"What a kid..." Luo Qing couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
No wonder she's beloved by everyone in Liyue. There's a reason for that charm.
"Luo Qing..."
Ganyu's soft voice brought his attention back to her.
She had turned to face him, still seated at her dressing table. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and she rested her head against his chest.
"I heard from Makoto... that you'll be leaving soon?"
"Yeah..." Luo Qing nodded, his tone calm.
"I have to make a trip to Fontaine."
"And... when will you co back?"
"That..."
Luo Qing hesitated.
He couldn't bring his wives to Fontaine—not until he had control of the situation there. At most, he might have Ei assist him if things got desperate.
Factoring in travel ti and the chaos awaiting him in Fontaine, even in the best-case scenario, he wouldn't return for at least half a year.
If he were to co back to Liyue specifically, it might take even longer.
"Ganyu, do you rember the teleportation device I gave you?"
Instead of answering directly, Luo Qing stroked her hair gently.
"I'll use that to visit whenever I can. And you're always welco to use it to co ho to Mondstadt. After all, you're one of the mistresses of our family now."
"Mm..."
Ganyu lowered her head, understanding his words without needing further explanation.
While she had grown fond of their ho in Mondstadt, her heart remained in Liyue. If possible, she would've preferred to stay here with Luo Qing.
But being with him ant accepting his reality—a man from Snezhnaya with responsibilities spanning nations.
"Let's not dwell on that." Luo Qing shook his head, offering a reassuring smile.
"Where do you want to go today? Your choice."
"Then..."
Ganyu thought for a mont before replying softly, "Let's go sit at the mountaintop."
The bustling streets of Liyue had long since beco familiar to her after thousands of years. Every corner and alley was etched into her mory.
What she wanted now was a quiet place to reflect, gazing at Liyue alongside Luo Qing.
"Tianheng Peak?"
"Mm..."
"Alright."
After Ganyu finished dressing, the two made their way to the summit of Mt. Tianheng.
---
The peak was nearly as high as the Jade Chamber, surrounded by sheer cliffs that made it nearly impossible for ordinary people to climb. It was a perfect retreat for peace and solitude.
Sitting beneath the shade of a tree at the edge of a cliff, the two leaned against each other. Beneath them lay the sprawling, ancient city of Liyue Harbor, its thousands of years of history reflected in its vibrant life.
"When I need a break, I often co here to clear my mind," Ganyu said, resting her head on Luo Qing's shoulder. She gazed down at the harbor with a serene smile.
"Thousands of years have passed. Thank you, Luo Qing."
"For what?"
Luo Qing looked at her, puzzled.
"For sitting here with , watching over Liyue together," she said softly.
"Luo Qing, will you sit here with again soday?"
"Of course."
He pulled her closer, his voice tender.
"We have a long ti ahead of us, don't we?"
"Mm..."
Ganyu nestled into his embrace, her soft form radiating a delicate fragrance that srized him.
The two sat in silence, content in each other's company, until nightfall finally crept upon them.
"It's already evening..."
Ganyu glanced down at the brightly lit harbor, its streets awash with glowing lanterns.
A sudden thought crossed her mind. She tilted her head up, leaning close to plant a gentle kiss on Luo Qing's lips.
"Luo Qing, how about we continue... what we started last ti?"
"Alright."
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