A day off? Instantly their best friend.
Even people in Teyvat needed breaks.
Especially in a workaholic nation like Liyue.
Everyone loved the idea of a holiday.
Except Keqing.
When Jiang Chen announced the break, Keqing visibly winced.
Clearly, she disapproved.
They were in the middle of a critical project—what was this "day off" nonsense?
But since these weren't her subordinates, she kept her mouth shut.
Jiang Chen was their boss—she had no say.
"Let's head back."
"Havria's preparing dinner."
"Let's just hope it's not too salty tonight."
Jiang Chen couldn't resist the jab.
Havria was the God of Salt, after all—her cooking tended to be extra salty.
Like, "preserved for centuries" levels of salt.
He sometimes wondered if every part of her was salty.
Maybe he'd find out someday.
Guizhong stifled a laugh.
"You really shouldn't let her cook."
"But ever since you complained, she's been practicing steamed dishes."
"It probably won't be inedible this time."
The last time Havria cooked was… the last time.
Jiang Chen had banned her from the kitchen since.
Hopefully, she'd improved.
The group began the trek home.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Yaoguang Shoal transformed into a golden paradise.
From Mingyun Village, the view was breathtaking—an endless stretch of shimmering ocean.
"What a sight!"
"After centuries of mountain views, the sea is refreshing."
"Shenhe, we're building a house here tomorrow."
Mid-stride, Cloud Retainer made her declaration.
She wanted a beachfront property.
Right next to Guizhong.
Jiang Chen grinned.
"Sure."
"I own this entire stretch."
"If you want to build, pick a spot near my place."
"There's plenty of empty land."
"Otherwise, you'll have to pay for it."
"Even adepti aren't exempt!"
His smirk widened.
This bird was broke.
"This one has to pay?!"
Cloud Retainer's eyes bulged.
This was unthinkable.
They had fought for Liyue—and now they had to buy land?
"What's the matter with being an adeptus?"
"Times have changed!"
"This is the age of law—even immortals must follow the rules."
"Heck, we might even repossess your mountain abode someday!"
"Right, Keqing?"
Jiang Chen delivered this blatant provocation with a straight face.
Immortal exemption?
Dream on.
No money? No land.
Keqing wanted to strangle him for dragging her into this.
Don't ask me!
This adeptus has a temper!
And Jiang Chen—are you trying to get smote?
...
Cloud Retainer seethed.
Guizhong and Madame Ping bit their lips, struggling not to laugh.
Look how mad she is!!
"OUTRAGEOUS!"
"If you dare confiscate this one's abode—"
"—This one will personally teach you respect!"
"A mortal threatening an adeptus?!"
Cloud Retainer ranted the entire way home.
You Liyue Qixing are absolutely outrageous!!
How dare you even consider seizing an adeptus's home?!
Jiang Chen and Keqing barely held back their laughter.
This was gold.
The group returned amidst Cloud Retainer's incessant grumbling.
"Enough—he was joking."
"Couldn't you tell?"
Guizhong finally intervened.
Stop. It was a prank.
And you fell for it hard.
Cloud Retainer harrumphed.
"This one thinks he meant it."
"The Qixing are oppressing the adepti!"
"No respect for their elders!"
She was genuinely offended.
"Fine, my bad!"
"Let me make it up to you with drinks."
"This is Barbatos' personal stash."
Jiang Chen produced a bottle of Venti's finest wine as a peace offering.
If Venti knew, he'd scream.
Using my alcohol to bribe people?!
The audacity!
That drunkard was probably still passed out somewhere in Liyue.
Or maybe washing dishes to pay off his tab?
He never carried Mora.
In reality, Venti was currently mooching off Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
What kind of Archon would starve while visiting an old friend?
Zhongli, meanwhile, was living his best life.
After helping Hu Tao with her "procurement mission," she'd rewarded him generously.
The wood he'd acquired (read: made Childe buy) was top-tier—
Enough to keep Wangsheng's coffin production running for years.
Hu Tao, oblivious to the Snezhnayan funding behind it, had been thrilled.
Free materials? Yes.
When Venti showed up, she assumed he was Zhongli's guest—
And graciously handed Zhongli a stipend for "hospitality."
"Can't have you embarrassing Wangsheng by being broke!"
Thus, Zhongli now had spending money.
He'd considered kicking Venti out—
But then realized: this was perfect.
With Venti around, Hu Tao would keep funding him.
And how much could one drunkard possibly drink?
Cheap tavern wine would keep him buzzed all day.
His daily expenses were less than Zhongli's single meal.
Plus, Venti's presence guaranteed future handouts.
Would Hu Tao eventually get fed up?
Probably.
But for now—profit.
In short, Hu Tao had peaked.
She was housing the Geo and Anemo Archons.
Who else could say that?
Her connections were unmatched!!
...
Cloud Retainer finally calmed down after Jiang Chen offered the wine.
Back at the house, she immediately began critiquing the interior mechanisms.
"This design is flawed."
"That mechanism is subpar."
"If this one had done it, it would be perfect."
"Is this really your best work?"
Now it was Guizhong's turn to fume.
Did she forget who built this?!
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