Seeing Shenhe's unwavering resolve to buy a new house the very next day, Yi Chen panicked and quickly grabbed her hand in return.
"No no no! Senior Sister! There's really no need!"
"I won't even be in Mondstadt for long anyway. Once the Dvalin return ceremony is done, we'll head back to Liyue together, right?"
"And besides, this place was Kaeya's goodwill gesture. It'd be rude to just abandon it!"
"Let's just make do for a few days—no need to go house-hunting!"
Trying to divert her attention, he pulled her up.
"Come on, Senior Sister, I'll show you the other rooms! You can pick whichever you like for tonight—there are plenty of empty rooms!"
Shenhe allowed herself to be led for the moment, postponing the real estate plan. Still, her eyes swept over each door, silently assessing their sturdiness and security—judging whether they met the standards required for enclosing (protecting) her junior brother.
They toured several clean, cozy guest rooms.
Yi Chen enthusiastically explained things like, "This one gets good sunlight," and "That one's quieter, farther from the stairs."
Shenhe merely glanced at each, offering no comment.
Finally, after the last guest room, she stopped.
Turning around, as if having made a firm decision, she asked directly:
"Junior brother. Which room is yours?"
"Huh? Mine?"
Yi Chen blinked, momentarily confused, then pointed down the hallway to the slightly ajar door at the end.
"Uh… the last one. Why? Senior Sister, do none of the guest rooms suit you? I can—"
Before he could finish, Shenhe had already started walking toward the room he pointed at.
Still bewildered, Yi Chen followed out of habit, continuing to talk.
"My room's nothing special, really—just a bit bigger. There's a balcony, and the morning sunlight's nice—"
Shenhe pushed the door open.
The room was just as he described—simple, casual, and slightly messy.
Clothes draped over a chair, odd gadgets and books scattered across the desk. The bed was neatly made, but clearly smoothed in a hurry.
It was full of everyday life.
Full of Yi Chen's presence.
Shenhe's gaze slowly swept across the room, finally settling on the spacious double bed. Her eyes flickered slightly.
She turned to face Yi Chen, who was still mid-explanation.
"No need to look further."
"I will sleep here tonight."
Yi Chen: "...???"
His brain stalled for several seconds.
Then, taking her words at face value, he nodded blankly.
"Oh? You like my room? That's fine! I'll sleep in a guest room then—this bed is pretty comfortable—"
Shenhe shook her head gently, stepping closer until she stood directly before him.
Her voice was calm, clear, and decisive.
"What I mean is—"
"You and I will sleep here together."
"…Isn't that a bit… inappropriate?"
Yi Chen scratched his head awkwardly.
"I mean, back at Mt. Aocang we shared a cave-dwelling, sure—but it was huge, and Master was there. This is just one room… one bed… it feels kind of… weird."
He wasn't rejecting her—just instinctively uneasy.
Shenhe shook her head again and sat gracefully at the edge of the bed, as though she were the rightful owner.
"Sharing a room without impure thoughts can be considered a form of mental cultivation."
"Junior brother need not be constrained by worldly views… nor should you allow your mind to wander."
She paused ever so slightly on the last phrase.
Yi Chen folded his arms and thought for a moment.
Then his eyes lit up.
"That makes sense! And since I'll eventually help you completely resolve the karmic affliction, building trust and coordination now will make future dual cultivation smoother once we're back at Mt. Aocang!"
Shenhe nodded in approval and remained seated silently, her gaze never leaving him.
The room fell into a brief silence.
After a moment, Shenhe spoke again, her tone calm—but with a barely detectable hint of expectation.
"Junior brother… I did not bring spare clothes."
She lowered her eyes slightly.
"May I… borrow yours for the night?"
"Of course!"
Yi Chen answered without hesitation, heading straight to the wardrobe.
"How about these pajamas? They're a bit big on me, but should fit you. And this inner shirt—it's brand new, never worn…"
He selected several clean, soft pieces and handed them to her.
Shenhe accepted the clothes still carrying his scent. Her fingers curled slightly.
"Thank you, junior brother."
She held them close.
"You should shower first," Yi Chen said, pointing toward the bathroom.
"All the towels are new."
"Meanwhile, I'll step out for a bit. Got something to do."
Shenhe froze mid-motion.
At night? He had just returned—what urgent matter required him to go out again?
Yi Chen only smiled mysteriously.
"Hehe, secret~ I'll be back soon!"
He waved, turned, and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Click.
The sound echoed clearly in the silent room.
Shenhe sat alone on the bed, Yi Chen's clothes still in her arms.
The faint warmth she felt moments ago shattered instantly.
She slowly lifted her head and stared at the closed door.
The temperature in her eyes plummeted.
Secrets?
With whom did he now share secrets?
The suppressed possessiveness and cold fury surged like unrestrained karmic energy, silently spreading around her.
Her fingers pressed into her knee, turning white.
After a long moment, she finally stood and walked toward the bathroom.
But her retreating figure carried the heavy pressure of an approaching storm.
Meanwhile, Yi Chen strolled cheerfully out the door, humming—completely unaware of any of it.