"Little Klee, aerial mode—launch!"
After hearing Jiang Chen's suggestion, Klee was beyond excited.
Yes, yes! If she could fly, then no one could catch her!
"I'll ask Big Brother Albedo to make one for me as soon as I get back!"
Klee's eyes burned with determination.
If Big Brother Albedo refused…
She'd just ask her mom.
Mom would definitely help.
Because Mom loved Klee the most.
Seeing Klee's serious expression, Jiang Chen couldn't help but laugh.
Hopefully, Jean won't blame me for corrupting her.
With that thought, Jiang Chen led Klee into the Jade Chamber.
Acting Grand Master Jean and the others had already finished lunch and seemed to have settled some matters.
Judging by the atmosphere, the discussions had gone smoothly.
When Jean saw Jiang Chen and Klee return, she immediately stood up and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Jiang Chen!"
"Klee must have caused you a lot of trouble this time."
Jiang Chen waved it off.
"No problem. She's adorable!"
"If possible, I'd love to take her home and keep her."
He couldn't resist joking.
If only he could actually adopt Klee…
Hearing this, Jean looked torn between amusement and exasperation.
But she could tell—Jiang Chen genuinely adored Klee.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have said something like that.
"Master Jean!"
"Big Brother Jiang Chen introduced me to so many friends today!"
"There's Big Brother Xingqiu, Big Brother Chongyun, Sister Hu Tao, Sister Xiangling, and Sister Shenhe!"
"But most importantly—I met Big Brother Albedo's younger brother!"
"Now he's my brother too!"
As Klee rattled off her adventures, Jean and Lisa froze.
Especially at the last part.
"Albedo's… brother?"
Lisa raised an eyebrow.
Since when did Albedo have a brother?
Jean was equally stunned.
"Yes, Albedo Less."
"Albedo's younger brother."
Jiang Chen saw no reason to hide Albedo Less's existence.
It would come out eventually anyway.
When Jean and Lisa heard the name, their faces twisted in confusion.
Wasn't that name… a little too on-the-nose?
"More" and "Less"?
What kind of naming sense was that?
Though shocked, they didn't press further.
They could always ask Albedo later.
Jiang Chen returned Klee to Jean and prepared to leave.
"You can continue your discussions."
"I'll take my leave now."
"If anything comes up, just let me know."
With that, he turned to go.
"Bye-bye, Big Brother Jiang Chen!"
Klee waved enthusiastically.
Today had been so fun—she'd met so many new people!!
Jiang Chen nodded and headed back to his office below.
Using a communication talisman, he informed Lumine to prepare dinner for two fewer people, then got back to work.
The sooner he finished his tasks in Liyue Harbor, the sooner he could go home.
At home, Lumine was startled by Jiang Chen's message.
Guizhong and Havria weren't coming back?
They were going to a gathering?
Beside her, Paimon's eyes lit up.
"They're having a feast?!"
"Paimon's so jealous! Paimon wants to go too!!"
A gathering had to mean good food, right?
Paimon needed in.
Hearing this, Lumine had an idea.
"Then go."
"You and Havria get along well anyway."
"Find her now, and she can take you along later."
Paimon considered this.
It made sense.
Out of everyone, Paimon did have a great relationship with Havria.
Havria adored her.
And Paimon loved Havria's… generosity with food.
"Really? Paimon can go?"
Her eyes sparkled with hope.
If this was allowed, she was so there.
"Of course."
"It's not a big deal."
Lumine shrugged, feigning nonchalance.
The sooner Paimon left, the better.
"But… what about you?"
As much as Paimon wanted to go, what would Lumine do?
Wouldn't she be lonely without Paimon?
"Jiang Chen will be home soon."
"So it's fine."
"You go ahead."
"Tonight… Jiang Chen can keep me company."
That was the real goal.
Go away, Paimon. Tonight is our night.
She had plans for Jiang Chen—whispered plans.
And the biggest third wheel needed to disappear.
"Ohhh!"
"Then Paimon's going!!"
Paimon didn't overthink it.
With Lumine's blessing, her mind was now fully occupied by visions of tonight's feast.
"Go, go!"
Lumine shooed her away.
Without another word, Paimon zoomed off to find Havria.
Feast, here Paimon comes!!
Once Paimon was gone, Lumine's lips curled into a smirk.
She was delighted.
Checking the kitchen, she realized their ingredients were lacking—so she headed out to shop.
Tonight's dinner would be special.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen soon spotted Paimon rushing over.
Confused, he raised an eyebrow.
"Paimon? What are you doing here?"
"Something wrong?"
Where was Lumine?
This was unusual.
"Hehe!"
"Paimon's going to the feast with Havria!!"
"So tonight, it's just you and Lumine at home!"
Paimon cheerfully announced her plans.
...
After hearing her explanation, Jiang Chen fell silent.
This glutton…
Havria, overhearing, chuckled.
"Actually, this works out."
"I'm not too familiar with the others."
"Having Paimon along will be nice."
Havria didn't mind—in fact, she preferred it.
Aside from Guizhong, she wasn't close to the other adepti.
Having this little glutton as company sounded perfect.
"Do whatever you want."
Since Havria was fine with it, Jiang Chen dropped the subject.
Shaking his head, he returned to work.
Paimon stuck with Havria for the rest of the day.
By evening, Jiang Chen finally headed home.
When he arrived, Lumine had already prepared dinner.
And… it was lavish?
Staring at the spread, Jiang Chen was baffled.
"There's only two of us. Why so much food?"
"Are we feasting just because Paimon's not here?"
He suspected Lumine was up to something.
Taking advantage of Paimon's absence to indulge?
Hearing this, Lumine blinked—then nodded solemnly.
"Yes!"
"No one's here to steal our food tonight."
"Let's eat!"
She'd never reveal her true intentions.
But this excuse worked just fine.
Jiang Chen, oblivious, dug in without further questions.
Once they finished, Lumine cleared her throat.
"I'm going to shower."
Jiang Chen's brow furrowed.
This early?