A cheerful and adorable voice echoed from the courtyard.
Xianyun pushed open the small building's window and waved downstairs, an unconscious smile appearing on her face.
Lu Lin looked down as well.
In the courtyard stood a cute girl dressed in green, with brown hair braided into twin plaits that were looped like butterflies, large bells hanging on each side. Her delicate doll-like face beamed with sunshine-bright joy. A small basket rested on her back as she waved enthusiastically.
"That is Madam Ping's youngest disciple — Yaoyao," Xianyun introduced gently.
Lu Lin already knew, of course. One of the adored juniors among the Adepti. It was only natural she'd come to a housewarming.
Beside her stood Xiangling, also Madam Ping's disciple.
"Is that Big Brother Lu Lin next to you? Hello! I'm Yaoyao!" she called warmly.
"Hello, Yaoyao," Lu Lin replied with a smile.
With guests arriving, they set aside discussion of mechanisms and returned to the courtyard.
"Cloud Retainer, we came to help!" Yaoyao turned slightly to reveal her basket full of fresh vegetables and fruits. Xiangling carried additional ingredients — clearly prepared for a feast.
"I am living in Liyue as a mortal," Xianyun said. "Please call me Xianyun Auntie."
She glanced briefly at Lu Lin, who had earlier called her "Miss Xianyun."
"Understood, Auntie Xianyun!" Yaoyao and Xiangling quickly complied and headed to the kitchen.
"I… am not skilled in cooking," Xianyun admitted. "Ganyu and Shenhe are accustomed to simpler meals. Today I must trouble you two."
"No trouble at all!" Yaoyao's voice alone brightened the courtyard.
"Xianyun… Auntie, if there's anything I can help with, just say the word," Lu Lin added, correcting his address.
"The living room still needs decorating. Shenhe lacks experience with such matters. Please guide her."
She then spoke more softly:
"Shenhe has lived long in the mountains, distant from worldly matters. She lacks many common-sense understandings. But she is human, and she wishes to reintegrate. Lu Lin, you are sociable and broad-minded. Please look after her."
"Of course. We're already friends," he replied warmly.
Shenhe murmured quietly, "Friends… that feels new."
After arranging decorations, Lu Lin took Shenhe out for a short stroll to help her grow familiar with Liyue Harbor and continue teaching her everyday interactions.
By the time they returned, Xiangling and Yaoyao had finished cooking. The aroma filled the air.
At sunset, Ganyu arrived — along with Lumine and Paimon, invited by her.
Everyone took their seats.
Ganyu sat to Lu Lin's left.
To his right were Lumine and Paimon. Beside Paimon sat Xiangling and Yaoyao. To Ganyu's left was Shenhe, and beside Shenhe, Xianyun.
"This is not a special occasion," Xianyun began with dignified composure. "But Shenhe has arrived in Liyue. It is good for young people to gather, support one another, and grow united."
Everyone nodded.
"Enough lecturing. Let us taste Xiangling's cooking."
Despite her words, conversation flourished.
After several rounds of food and wine, Xianyun set down her chopsticks with a glint in her eyes.
"Speaking of which, Ganyu had many amusing moments as a child…"
Ganyu's heart skipped. "Cloud Retainer—!"
Too late.
"As a child, she loved having her horns stroked before sleep."
"Really?!" Paimon stared curiously at Ganyu's horns.
Lu Lin smiled faintly.
Ganyu caught the look on his face and flushed deeply.
Under the table, he gently took her hand.
He considered teasing her further but restrained himself.
Then—
He glanced right at Lumine.
A new idea formed.
Without warning, he lowered his chopsticks and slid his right hand beneath the table, slipping it under Lumine's skirt.
She jolted softly, face instantly blooming pink.
Before she could react, he moved past the fabric barrier and traced deeper, fingers finding a sensitive point.
The sudden intrusion made her instinctively arch slightly.
So many people were present.
She absolutely could not let anyone notice.
Yet the risk itself brought intense stimulation.
Within barely a minute, her body tensed, and warmth gathered rapidly.
His fingertips felt unmistakable dampness.
So this… must be Lumine's "water."
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