What made it even more outrageous was that this wasn't just a clothing design! Xianyun had even sketched a model wearing the outfit. Though it was just a simple ink painting, the model's figure and demeanor were unmistakably Zhongli's.
Despite being a brush painting, Xianyun's skill was remarkable. With just a few strokes, she had captured the model's figure in a way that was undeniably alluring.
The thought that Lucas had seen this image and suddenly found renewed vigor left Zhongli feeling a mix of emotions.
"Ahem..." Seeing Zhongli's expression shift, Xianyun awkwardly added, "Was this joke a bit too much? If you're upset, I can apologize."
"No need to apologize. Also..." Zhongli said calmly, "How long would it take you to make this outfit?"
"For an ordinary tailor, it would take at least three to five days," Xianyun said proudly. "But for me, it'll take no more than an hour."
"Then start working on it now," Zhongli said expressionlessly. "It should be ready by the time he wakes up."
"By the time he wakes up..." Xianyun seemed to realize something, her eyes widening slightly. "Wait, are you planning to..."
"I am, after all, the Geo Archon," Zhongli said with a faint smile. "If I break my word, wouldn't I deserve the punishment of eating rocks?"
"Leave it to me!" Xianyun's fighting spirit was instantly ignited. She turned to leave but paused after two steps, glancing back. "By the way, can I make the cutout on the chest a bit larger?"
"Try it and see?" Zhongli's tone was more of a statement than a question.
"Got it~"
Xianyun vanished as if carried by the wind, leaving Zhongli alone with the unconscious Lucas in her arms. She gazed at him, her thoughts drifting. "This man... might truly accomplish things even we cannot."
---
[Skill Acquired: Rain of Stone Spear Technique - Modified]
[Rain of Stone Spear Technique - Modified]
[Rank: S]
[Effect 1: The heavier the weapon used, the faster the attack speed and the greater the power of the technique.]
[Effect 2: Can be executed with dual-wielded weapons. Effect increased by 100%, stamina consumption increased by 100%.]
As the system notifications chimed in his mind, Lucas slowly woke up. His body felt sore and weak, and he groaned softly. Looking around, he realized he was in a guest room at Ganyu's residence.
Though Lucas had stayed at Ganyu's place for some time, due to his "special status," he had always shared a room and bed with Ganyu. He didn't have his own room.
This guest room was clean and spacious, with tasteful decorations and paintings, clearly meant for esteemed guests. In the center of the room stood an antique screen, and through it, he could vaguely make out a slender figure.
"You're awake?"
The voice was unmistakably Zhongli's!
Lucas was momentarily stunned. He rubbed his eyes again. Zhongli's figure, though always well-proportioned, was usually hidden under her straight, formal robes. But the silhouette behind the screen looked far more... revealing.
"I'm awake..." Lucas replied instinctively. "What... what happened to me?"
"You passed out from exhaustion. Forcing yourself to use a technique you just learned, it's a miracle you only fainted," the voice behind the screen said leisurely. "Still, you deserve praise. It's been a long time since anyone has managed to touch me in a fight."
"It was just a spar..." Lucas said modestly. "Not a real battle."
"Even in a spar, I give it my all," Zhongli continued. "Also, I honor my bets."
"Honor your bets?" Lucas finally remembered and felt a surge of nervousness. "Wait, are you saying..."
Before he could finish, the screen was slowly pulled aside.
Standing behind it was Zhongli, now dressed in the outfit Xianyun had designed.
The style, the design, the boldness that defied conventional fashion—it was unmistakably Xianyun's work.
Moreover, perhaps because her usual robes hid her figure so well, Zhongli's proportions had always seemed modest. But now, in this form-fitting outfit that seemed like a combination of Ganyu's and Shenhe's attire, Lucas realized something.
The Geo Archon, like Liyue itself, was a land of vast "resources." Her peaks were towering, her valleys deep, and the landscape was nothing short of breathtaking.
The diamond-shaped cutout on her chest, framed with gold, was a perfect match for the Geo Archon's aesthetic. And it took someone with Zhongli's figure to pull it off—any less, and it would have fallen flat.
"This is to fulfill our bet," Zhongli said without a hint of shyness, stepping closer to Lucas. "Since your request was to see me in this outfit, you may take a closer look if you wish."
Lucas wasn't sure if Zhongli was being overly rational or completely irrational by saying this.
As she spoke, Zhongli turned around, her cascading black hair revealing glimpses of her snow-white back, all the way down to the subtle dimples at the base of her spine.
It was said that only a rare few, or those with exceptional figures, had these dimples.
For Lucas, these two adorable indentations seemed like the perfect place to rest his thumbs.
Without thinking, Lucas reached out. By the time he realized what he was doing, his hands were already around Zhongli's waist, his thumbs pressing gently into the dimples.
"What are you doing?" Zhongli asked, her tone calm and unbothered.
"N-nothing!" Lucas quickly pulled his hands back as if burned. "I just... your dimples are really nice, so I couldn't help it... I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"
If he had angered the Geo Archon, he wouldn't have been able to protest even if she smote him on the spot.
To his surprise, Zhongli didn't seem upset at all. She simply touched her lower back, murmuring thoughtfully, "So I have these, do I?"
Most women were quite conscious of their figures. Even someone as scatterbrained as Ganyu took great care to maintain her physique.
"So..." Zhongli glanced sideways at Lucas. "What do you think of me in this outfit?"
"It... suits you really well," Lucas stammered. "If anything, I feel like... I've hit the jackpot!"
---
Author's Note:
Also we reached 300 chapters!!!