Guizhong quickly set out to find Ganyu and also to contact Cloud Retainer, who was residing in Mt. Aocang. At the moment, Cloud Retainer was feeling quite frustrated. After Guizhong's resurrection, aside from their initial reunion and a brief gathering, Guizhong had gone off elsewhere. This left Cloud Retainer feeling neglected. Had Guizhong forgotten about her dear friend? However, the proud and tsundere Cloud Retainer didn't want to seek her out directly. So, she confined herself to her abode, focusing on her research. But her mind was clearly elsewhere, distracted and unfocused. Shenhe, watching her master in this state, was puzzled. Ever since their last gathering, her master had been acting strangely. What was going on? Shenhe was deeply confused.
Just as she was pondering this, Cloud Retainer seemed to receive some news, and her entire demeanor lit up with excitement.
"Guizhong is asking for my help?"
"Hmph!"
"So, you finally need me, do you?"
Though her words were dismissive, her delight was evident. Good, good. Immediately, she transformed into her human form.
"Shenhe!"
"We're moving!"
Hearing this, Shenhe was filled with questions.
Huh?
"Master?"
Shenhe was utterly bewildered.
What was happening? Why were they suddenly moving?
"Hmph!"
"Guizhong contacted me through a secret method, asking for my assistance."
"Of course, the newly returned Guizhong would need my help."
With that, she began packing up, looking like someone preparing for a joyous trip. Shenhe could only watch her master with a mix of amusement and helplessness. But moving down the mountain? At this thought, a flicker of emotion passed through Shenhe's eyes.
"What are you standing around for? Pack your things!"
Seeing Shenhe motionless, Cloud Retainer urged her on. She was in a hurry to meet Guizhong. What was wrong with her silly disciple?
Hearing this, Shenhe snapped out of her daze.
"Alright!"
With that, she headed to her own quarters to gather her belongings. If her master said so, she would follow. With this in mind, Shenhe returned to her abode to pack her things. In truth, she didn't have much—just a few changes of clothes. Once packed, everything could be stored in her Vision. Her possessions were fewer than anyone else's. By the time she finished packing, Cloud Retainer was still busy moving things. Seeing her master seemingly preparing to take the entire abode with her, Shenhe was stunned.
"Master, are we not coming back?"
Packing so much—did she not plan to return?
"Rarely!"
"From now on, we'll be settling in Liyue Harbor."
The message Guizhong had sent her was an invitation to collaborate on mechanical research in Liyue Harbor. They needed to prepare for a long-term stay. So, of course, she had to bring all her belongings, including her past creations. When Guizhong had visited last time, she hadn't had the chance to show them off. Now that the opportunity had arisen, she naturally wanted to bring them along to showcase her inventions to Guizhong.
Alright.
Hearing this, Shenhe understood. Once everything was packed, Cloud Retainer transformed into her giant bird form and carried Shenhe as they set off for Liyue Harbor.
Meanwhile, Guizhong had already secured her research institute. It was located right next to the alchemy workshop that Ningguang had prepared for Albedo. From now on, this would be the Mechanical Research Institute. At the moment, Guizhong was directing the workers Ganyu had sent over to clean up the place. As for the other items, Cloud Retainer would surely bring them when she arrived. Guizhong had already informed her.
By the time they finished clearing out the space, Cloud Retainer had arrived.
"Guizhong!"
Cloud Retainer descended from the sky with Shenhe in tow. Seeing Guizhong, she couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
"Cloud Retainer, you're just in time."
"Come and help."
"This will be our research space from now on."
Guizhong began explaining the setup to Cloud Retainer. Hearing this, Cloud Retainer nodded. The location didn't matter much to her. As long as she could research alongside Guizhong, she was content. Other details were unimportant.
Suddenly, Cloud Retainer noticed the person standing beside Guizhong. Ganyu was looking at her with a mix of exasperation.
"Oh?"
"Ganyu, you're here too."
...
Finally noticed, huh?
At this moment, Ganyu was feeling quite frustrated. Her master had arrived and immediately ignored her. It seemed her master's eyes were only for Guizhong. Although she knew her master and Guizhong were close, she hadn't realized just how close they were. Perhaps it was because Guizhong had just returned?
"Ahem!"
"Ganyu, I'll need you to look after Shenhe for a while."
"This child has been living on the mountain for too long. Her personality is a bit too reserved."
"Now that she's coming down to the human world, her nature might cause some difficulties."
"You'll need to take care of her."
Cloud Retainer spoke seriously to Ganyu about Shenhe's situation. The issues with Shenhe's temperament were a significant concern. Now that she was entering the human world, Cloud Retainer hoped these problems could be resolved. The red ropes binding her had sealed away the malevolent energy within her, but they had also suppressed her emotions.
Hearing this, Ganyu glanced at Shenhe and nodded.
"Alright."
"I'll take good care of her."
As her junior sister, Ganyu would naturally look after Shenhe. This went without saying.
"Good, good!"
"Then take Shenhe with you."
...
So, Cloud Retainer was essentially kicking them out, huh?
For a moment, Ganyu didn't know what to say. Shenhe was equally speechless.
Ganyu and Shenhe exchanged glances, both feeling a deep sense of helplessness.
"Alright, Shenhe, come with me."
"We'll head to Jiang Chen's place first."
"I have some things to deliver to him."
Since that was the case, she would take Shenhe and get her settled. But before that, she needed to visit Jiang Chen.
"Jiang Chen?"
"That's the person who resurrected Guizhong, right?"
Hearing this name, Cloud Retainer perked up. At the same time, she thought of Shenhe's unresolved issues. Could this outsider from another world have a solution to Shenhe's lingering problems? The moment this thought crossed her mind, Cloud Retainer couldn't sit still.
"Yes, Master."
Ganyu nodded. It was indeed him.
"Since you're going over, why don't you ask him if he can... never mind, I'll go with you."
"Guizhong, are you coming?"
After some thought, Cloud Retainer decided it would be better to go herself. She might as well meet this Jiang Chen who had brought Guizhong and the Yakshas back to life. With her decision made, she transformed into her human form and set off with Shenhe and Ganyu toward Jiang Chen's office.
At the moment, Jiang Chen was leisurely enjoying his free time. With his subordinates handling the work, he was comfortably sipping tea in his office. It had to be said—being in charge was quite comfortable. Jiang Chen had truly grasped the essence of leadership.
"Hey, hey, hey."
"Jiang Chen, is this how you work?"
Paimon and Lumine were also in Jiang Chen's office. The two of them were utterly baffled by Jiang Chen's behavior. Was this how he worked—just drinking tea? Well, no wonder he wanted this job. Thinking back to their encounters with Acting Grand Master Jean in Mondstadt, Lumine had an epiphany.