At this moment, Lin Mo had also joined the group reading.
He was immersed in the world of the novel alongside his companions from Inazuma.
Time slipped by quietly.
Before they knew it, the evening sun had already set.
Xiao lanterns began to rise one by one over the surface of Liyue Harbor.
On the dining table set for the Sea Lantern Festival's New Year's Eve feast, wine glasses and utensils had already been laid out.
They were just waiting for Liyue's renowned chefs to finish cooking the dishes, and then the long-awaited New Year's Eve dinner could begin.
" Lord Lin Mo~" Just then, Ganyu softly called his name from behind.
" Hm? What is it?
" Lin Mo turned around with a gentle smile.
Ganyu looked toward the main building of the Jade Chamber and smiled. " Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing would like to invite you over.
"
" Hm? "
Lin Mo was a little puzzled.
Ningguang and Keqing were both busy Qixing members who handled Liyue's affairs.
With the New Year's Eve dinner so close, why would they be looking for him now?
Could there still be work matters that needed arranging?
Though Lin Mo was curious, he still nodded and smiled. " Alright, lead the way.
"
...
Soon enough.
Lin Mo followed Ganyu to the main building of the Jade Chamber, stopping before the door to Ningguang's private chambers.
" Hm? The chambers?
" Lin Mo was a bit confused. "
Is there some important personal matter they need me for? "
" You'll find out soon enough, Lord Lin Mo~" Ganyu said with a gentle smile.
Her mysterious demeanor only piqued Lin Mo's curiosity.
Just then, the sound of Ningguang and Keqing talking came from inside the chambers.
" Ningguang, how does it look? "
" Hm, it's stunning. "
" Really~? "
Keqing's voice was clearly delighted.
" And what about me? Help me see if there's anything off?
"
Ningguang's voice seemed a little nervous, with a hint of anticipation.
" It's very elegant and graceful~"
" But... there's too little fabric. That lecher Lin Mo will definitely have his eyes glued to you.
"
" Ahem~! "
Ganyu coughed lightly.
It was a signal to those inside that Lin Mo had arrived.
" Oh? That fast?
" Keqing asked curiously.
" Lord Lin Mo is already at the door with me. Are you two ready?
" Ganyu asked politely.
But no response came from inside.
Then, the next moment—
" Click~"
The chamber door swung open.
The moment the door opened, Lin Mo's eyes briefly lost focus.
There stood Ningguang and Keqing, each wearing a magnificent formal gown, appearing before him.
The deep blue of the gowns was noble and elegant.
Paired with the Qixing's aura, it was a perfect match.
Though the color was the same, the styles were different.
Keqing wore a strapless dress.
Ningguang wore a backless one.
It was clear that both the materials and craftsmanship were top-notch.
Especially when worn by the stunning Ningguang and Keqing, two idioms immediately came to Lin Mo's mind.
— Peerless elegance.
— A pair of unparalleled beauties.
" See? I told you Lin Mo would be stunned~"
Keqing said with a knowing look.
Her slightly flushed face showed her delight, and she was quite pleased with Lin Mo's reaction.
Ningguang smiled calmly and asked Lin Mo, " Lin Mo, what do you think of our new outfits? "
" Beautiful... "
At that moment, no amount of words could express what Lin Mo was feeling.
If their beauty and presence had been a nine out of ten in his heart before they changed clothes.
Then at this moment, they had earned a perfect ten in his heart.
" I'm glad you like it~" Keqing said.
At the same time, the two of them each took one of Lin Mo's arms, pulling him along. " Come on, come on!
It's about to start~"
" Hm? What's about to start?
" Lin Mo asked, puzzled.
Ganyu smiled and reminded him from the side, " It's the grand finale of Liyue's Sea Lantern Festival—the fireworks display. "
Before Lin Mo could respond.
He was already being pulled by the arms to the highest viewing platform of the Jade Chamber.
And the moment Lin Mo stepped onto the platform—
" Whoosh~! "
A streak of crimson light shot up from Liyue Harbor, piercing the sky.
" Boom! "
" Boom! Boom!
"
Beautiful fireworks bloomed one after another over Liyue Harbor.
No—not just Liyue Harbor.
This year's fireworks display was even more spectacular than before.
Looking out, the entire Liyue region was bathed in brilliant, colorful light from the fireworks.
But in Lin Mo's eyes, it wasn't just the fireworks lighting up the sky over Liyue.
He looked down at Liyue Harbor.
Many familiar figures appeared before his eyes.
The chubby painter, Vannier, was selling grilled fish at the night market.
Children were joyfully chasing and playing in the streets.
Couples strolled hand in hand through the night market, their faces glowing with happiness and sweetness.
Among them, one particular couple caught Lin Mo's attention.
Though he didn't know them well.
He had heard their story.
They were members of the Fatui, responsible for guarding the Northland Bank.
The young man was named Vlad.
The young woman was named Nadia.
One day, by accident, the young man picked up a letter the young woman had written to her brother.
He thought it was a letter meant for him, so he replied.
When the misunderstanding was cleared up, their relationship grew warmer over time.
But unfortunately... the young woman worked the day shift.
And the young man worked the night shift.
All year round, they never saw each other.
But on this Sea Lantern Festival reunion night.
Lin Mo saw that they had finally started dating.
The young woman, Nadia, stood at the entrance of the night market, as if waiting for someone.
But Lin Mo had already spotted Vlad rushing through the streets of Liyue.
Finally, panting heavily, he stopped in front of Nadia.
Though Vlad was late and hadn't made it to her side in time for the first fireworks.
Looking at Nadia's eyes, full of deep affection and sweetness.
Lin Mo knew that this small hiccup wouldn't affect their feelings.
Similar heartwarming scenes were playing out in every corner of Liyue.
There was love, friendship, and family.
At that moment, a phrase came to Lin Mo's mind.
— The land is at peace, the people are prosperous.
— The torch is passed, and virtue endures.
In that moment, Lin Mo finally embraced his identity as the deity of Liyue.
He was willing to give everything to protect this beauty and pass it on through the ages.
" Boom~! "
" Boom! Boom!
"
Just then, several massive fireworks, bright enough to light up the entire night sky, burst open in the heavens.
The fireworks display had finally reached its most thrilling moment.
The fireworks were beautiful.
But this beauty left Lin Mo feeling an emptiness in his heart, as if something was missing.
And just then.
A sweet, adorable voice reached his ears.
Lin Mo finally understood why his heart had felt so empty.
" Daddy, daddy! "
" Klee wants Daddy to hold Klee while watching the fireworks! "
Klee's voice came from behind him.
Lin Mo turned around.
There, standing before him, were all the people who should have been at the banquet on the Jade Chamber's platform!
Alice was holding Klee's hand.
Rhinedottir was accompanied by Albedo, Durin (in human form), Sina, and Huahua.
Guizhong and Kun Jun walked side by side.
It wasn't just Lin Mo's lovers and children who had come.
His companions.
His students.
His close confidantes.
All of them had now gathered on the viewing platform of the Jade Chamber's main building, standing by Lin Mo's side.
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T/N:
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