Night.
Gu Chen walked out of Debord Hotel with his hands behind his back.
Zhongli strolled beside him holding a bottle of Fonta, while Azhdaha slung an arm around Venti's shoulders like they were close brothers.
As they walked through the brightly lit streets of the Court of Fontaine, Venti suddenly smacked his lips and sighed:
"Why does Mondstadt feel more and more like the countryside?"
That sudden remark made the other three pause.
"What do you mean?" Zhongli asked, slightly confused.
"Think about it," Venti said, counting on his fingers. "What's everyone's first impression of Fontaine? Advanced, right?"
"Fontaine has its own unique energy systems, plus a whole academy full of geniuses… Not to mention things like clockwork mechanisms—they're ridiculously advanced."
Gu Chen glanced at the adjacent street, where humanoid mechanical constructs marched in formation, their metallic bodies gleaming as they moved with heavy, rhythmic steps.
Compared to that… Mondstadt really did feel a bit rustic.
"Well, great. Now you've made me feel inferior," Azhdaha laughed, patting Venti's shoulder. "Why bring that up out of nowhere?"
"Just a passing thought," Venti shrugged, then grinned. "What, feeling insecure because your nation isn't as advanced?"
"By common reasoning, it hasn't reached that point," Zhongli replied calmly.
Gu Chen just smiled without commenting.
There wasn't much to analyze, really.
Each nation had its own specialties.
Mondstadt might lack obvious "high-tech," but it had Albedo, the Chalk Prince, whose alchemy was incredibly powerful.
Liyue might not seem technologically advanced either, but it had adeptal mechanisms and mysterious constructs like the Jade Chamber.
Sumeru had the Akasha System—practically cheating-level technology.
As for Inazuma… well, Ei's puppet-making probably counted.
"I think he's just drunk and rambling nonsense," Azhdaha said after staring at Venti for a moment. "Be honest—what's your mental state right now?"
Zhongli also turned to look at him.
Gu Chen sized Venti up and chuckled. "Anyone who can switch mental states in seconds probably has some issues… but if it's Venti, that's just normal."
"What kind of statement is that?!"
"Brother Gu, what are you even saying?!"
Venti was instantly offended, the more he thought about it, the more it felt like they were ganging up on him.
"Anyway," he said, changing the topic, "it's still early. Any plans for the night?"
Zhongli thought for a moment and shook his head. "Up to you."
Azhdaha's eyes lit up. "How about we go play cards with Neuvillette?"
"You just won't let that go, huh?" Gu Chen laughed helplessly.
He was genuinely worried about Neuvillette's wallet at this point.
Though… loss came with gain. What Neuvillette would gain might be "experience."
Even if that experience wasn't strictly necessary.
"No, boring," Venti waved it off. "Brother Gu finally got free from his dozen wives to hang out with us, and you want to play cards? How much Mora could that even win?"
Azhdaha scratched his head. "Then what do you suggest?"
Venti grinned. "Let's disguise ourselves as beggars and see who can earn more Mora!"
"…You're insane," Zhongli said flatly.
Gu Chen immediately stepped aside as if he didn't know him.
This kind of "activity" could only come from someone with a few screws loose.
"I'm heading back," Gu Chen said, shaking his head. "The Palais Mermonia is nearby anyway."
"Finally out to hang with us and you're leaving already?" Azhdaha clicked his tongue.
"He has a family, understandable," Zhongli nodded.
Venti leaned in. "You don't even have a partner—how would you understand?"
Azhdaha burst out laughing, pointing at him. "How did he get so good at stabbing people where it hurts?"
"No idea," Gu Chen shrugged, giving Venti a look of pity. "I'm off."
As Gu Chen walked away, Zhongli's expression darkened slightly. He grabbed Venti by the collar with a faintly sinister smile.
"Come. Let's have a chat outside the city."
"Hey, no need! Really, it's not that serious!"
Venti flailed helplessly in midair.
Azhdaha followed behind, laughing.
No fun? No problem—Venti would create it himself.
After walking a few streets, Gu Chen reached the main road leading to the Palais Mermonia.
"Boss Gu!"
He turned to see Paimon flying over with two cups of milk tea. She handed him one and grinned.
"You're back already? I thought you'd stay out all night."
"Probably would have," Gu Chen said, sipping through the straw. "But those three couldn't come up with anything interesting. Venti even suggested we disguise ourselves as beggars and compete for Mora."
"Pfft—"
Furina burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. "That sounds hilarious!"
"I can't even imagine Zhongli doing that!" Hu Tao said seriously, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Lumine rubbed her forehead. "Zhongli is basically perfect… except for forgetting to bring Mora. Hard to imagine what happens if he spends too much time with Venti."
"He'll definitely turn into a chaos gremlin like Venti!" Furina declared.
"Just thinking about it is exciting!" Hu Tao clasped her hands. "Please corrupt Zhongli quickly, Venti~"
"You…"
Gu Chen chuckled, pinching her cheek.
"Hey!" Hu Tao grinned.
"By the way," Paimon said thoughtfully, "Hu Tao wants to open a Wangsheng Funeral Parlor branch in Fontaine. Do you think it'll work?"
"Guaranteed loss," Gu Chen replied instantly.
"Hey! Don't talk nonsense just because you're my husband!" Hu Tao glared, then explained seriously:
"Think about it—now that the Oratrice's energy doesn't need to destroy the Hydro Archon's throne, Fontaine has basically endless energy. That means more machines! I even saw robot dogs. When kids bond with them and they 'die,' wouldn't they want a proper farewell ceremony?!"
"Didn't we say you can just replace the parts?" Furina pointed out.
"No! If you replace the parts, is it still the same one?!" Hu Tao shot back.
Everyone froze.
"…Huh?" Paimon went blank.
"She just has too much energy," Lumine sighed. "You should deal with that tonight. Tomorrow I want to see a completely exhausted Hu Tao."
Hu Tao blushed. "That's cheating—resorting to this just because you can't argue!"
"Doesn't matter what method—as long as it works!" Lumine patted Gu Chen's shoulder. "I believe in you."
"…Not the best topic for public discussion," Gu Chen said.
"There's no one around," Lumine shrugged.
"What about this little one?" he gestured at Paimon.
"Me?" Paimon pointed at herself, then scoffed. "Please. There's nothing in that house I haven't seen!"
"…Is that so?" Gu Chen blinked.
"She's basically a living surveillance system," Lumine laughed.
"Alright, alright. I'll drink three cups as punishment later," Gu Chen said with a grin.
"Stop treating me like a kid!" Paimon huffed. "Just wait till my mysterious background is revealed—you'll all be shocked!"
"Stronger than the Primordial One?" Furina tilted her head.
Paimon immediately went silent.
"Alright, let's head back," Gu Chen said.
"Yay!"
Furina jumped onto his back, using a bit of wind to support herself.
Gu Chen handed his milk tea to Paimon, then wrapped an arm around Hu Tao and carried Lumine as they walked toward the Palais Mermonia.
Paimon looked at the two drinks in her hands, then at the four of them, and sighed.
She should've gotten used to this by now.
Back at the Palais Mermonia, many staff were still working late.
Their glances made Furina a bit shy—but she didn't get off Gu Chen's back.
After all, everyone already knew about their relationship.
Even if… there were three of them clinging to him.
"…She looks so relaxed. Is this what being in love feels like?"
"If I could date Mr. Gu Chen, I'd give up being the most beautiful person in Teyvat!"
"Are you delirious from overworking?"
"…His fans really have questionable mental states."
Fourth floor.
As the elevator doors opened, Paimon sighed—she already knew what was coming.
"You can stay in Focalors' old room," Furina said.
"Got it…" Paimon muttered, flying off.
Then she suddenly turned back:
"Don't forget soundproofing! I want to sleep!"
The elevator closed.
Upstairs—
Furina blushed and whispered, "That night… wasn't it basically a live broadcast?"
Gu Chen raised a brow, smiling. "Relax. I handled it."
"Phew…" Furina patted her chest in relief.
Having someone reliable really made life easier.
"Yahoo~!"
Hu Tao dashed straight into the bathroom.
Lumine set things down. "Let's wash up. The bathtub here is huge—perfect for a soak."
"Me too!" Furina followed immediately.
Gu Chen stretched. "Bathing promotes circulation. Plenty of benefits—save me a spot."
"That applies to normal people. You're not normal," Lumine said, poking her head out.
"Doesn't matter. My intuition says it's beneficial."
"Or maybe you just want to bathe with pretty girls?" Hu Tao teased.
"You're absolutely right," Gu Chen nodded.
The bathroom was enormous—the tub was practically a pool.
Lumine, unbothered, casually undressed and glanced at the other two.
"Ugh!"
Hu Tao clenched her fists, staring. "Why is there such a difference between people?!"
Furina was equally shaken.
Why?!
Lumine, noticing their reactions, smirked proudly.
"This is the composure of the main wife. Got it?"
Then, with a mischievous grin, she reached out toward them—
"My dear consorts, come here~"
Gu Chen shook his head, amused.
But to be fair… Lumine's figure was indeed just right.
As expected of her—charming in every way.
A perfect wife.
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