For some reason, Ye Xi found Xiangling's words a bit strange.
What did she mean by "doing everything once"?
Why couldn't these girls just finish their sentences properly?
It was practically an invitation for a misunderstanding!
Ye Xi gave a hollow laugh and offered a sheepish smile. "Um, thanks for working so hard today. I'm quite comfortable."
"Er... I mean, the food was very comforting! I'll definitely be a frequent customer at Wanmin Restaurant from now on!"
[I almost let myself get carried away there...]
Hearing Ye Xi's inner thoughts alongside his spoken words, Xiangling's face turned even redder. She felt a surge of playful indignation in her heart.
She was talking about cooking, obviously!
What else could it have been!?
What a bad guy! How could words like "hard work" and "comfortable" lead to such a misunderstanding!
Where was his head at!
She quickly changed the subject. "Ye Xi, we'll reach Guyun Stone Forest by noon tomorrow. Since we're just idling about, why don't we go looking for ingredients together?"
Ye Xi paused for a moment.
[Uh... I have things to do at Guyun Stone Forest tomorrow. It might not be appropriate to bring her along...]
[But at noon, Xiangling has to cook for everyone. I can use that time to handle my business.]
[Once I'm back, it wouldn't hurt to go for a stroll with her.]
He calculated the risks; a challenge against the Geo Hypostasis shouldn't be too difficult given his current strength.
With that thought, he nodded. "Sure. Once you're done with the cooking tomorrow, let's go for a walk."
Hearing this, Xiangling felt a sense of curiosity. Guyun Stone Forest was a barren place; what kind of "business" could he possibly have there?
Furthermore, Guyun Stone Forest was fraught with peril. Not only were there Hilichurls everywhere, but there was also a high-level Geo Elemental Lifeform codenamed Gimel!
Ye Xi didn't even have a Vision. What would happen if he ran into danger!?
This world was incredibly dangerous! Without a Vision, one couldn't even stand up to a common Hilichurl.
The most terrifying ones were the Mitachurls; a single swing from those massive axes could cleave a person in two! If Ye Xi accidentally wandered into the territory of the Geo Hypostasis, he would be in grave danger!
'No, I'll serve lunch early tomorrow and then follow him to see what he's up to!' she thought. 'If he really provokes the Geo Hypostasis, I might not even be able to protect him!'
Having made up her mind, Xiangling feigned a yawn.
"Yawn—"
"Ye Xi, I'm going to head to sleep now. You should get some rest early, too!"
Seeing Xiangling waving at him with her usual boundless energy, Ye Xi gave a faint smile. "Alright. Goodnight."
[This girl really is a bundle of energy.]
Ye Xi couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental. In truth, when the project for Xiangling was first established, her character design was based on the new interns at the company.
They were full of vitality and possessed an absolute love for the industry, as if they had an inexhaustible supply of energy every single day. Whenever a new game version became a hit, everyone would go out together after work to celebrate.
They would eat seafood, drink juice, and play games!
It was precisely because of that lively and spirited nature that the Xiangling of today existed. Xiangling's love for cooking was a reflection of those cute juniors' love for the gaming industry.
Back then, Ye Xi who had already begun focusing on his health couldn't help but envy them. When the game was first pitched, funding was tight, salaries were low, and spirits were flagging. But later, when the game started making money hand over fist and the company kept reinvesting, everyone's salaries became satisfying, creating that beautiful atmosphere.
Looking at Xiangling was like looking at his juniors from his previous life.
Xiangling felt that Ye Xi's internal monologue sounded like that of an elder. She couldn't help but find it strange, because Ye Xi clearly looked like nothing more than a handsome youth!
She couldn't figure it out, and since she had to wake up early to make breakfast for everyone, she bid Ye Xi goodnight and returned to her cabin to rest.
Ye Xi was left alone, leaning against the railing and gazing at the shimmering water. Spending the night on a ship was something he wasn't quite used to. This was his first time leaving Inazuma since arriving in Teyvat.
How much more comfortable would it be if he could just lie in his own little bed?
[I wonder what Ayaka and the others are doing right now.]
A single thought of longing crossed the distance of the great ocean. That distant yearning settled upon a Jade Flute.
At that moment, Kamisato Ayaka had just returned to the estate and was missing Ye Xi. Suddenly, the Jade Flute began to emit a faint glow, shining brilliantly in the darkened room!
"It's Xi! He's thinking of me!"
Ayaka's heart leaped. She hurriedly pressed the Jade Flute to her lips and, following the rhythm in her memory, began to play softly.
The elegant sound of the flute echoed throughout the entire Kamisato Estate. The servants who had just laid down to sleep were immediately drawn in by the melodious tune.
"It's the sound of a flute!"
"I remember this morning; the keepsake Lord Ye Xi gave to the Eldest Miss was a flute!"
"That's right! He even said that whenever he thinks of our Miss, the flute will glow, and if she plays it, she'll get a response!"
"I didn't expect it to happen so soon!"
"They really are like dry wood and a blazing fire, so full of passion!"
"Hahaha, this just proves that Lord Ye Xi has our Eldest Miss in his heart!"
"Still, there's a hint of sadness in the melody..."
"The Eldest Miss must miss Lord Ye Xi very much. I hope he returns soon!"
"..."
In the night, the soul-stirring sound lingered for a long, long time. When Ayaka finally lowered the Jade Flute, her eyes had unknowingly grown moist.
"When the blowing snow wets the heron, longing builds like frost, and the weight of my heart turns to sorrow."
"Xi, I miss you so much."
Ye Xi felt the response. He could sense when the Jade Flute was being played. At the same time, he could perceive the other person's mood.
It was a heavy feeling, like a great stone pressing against his chest, making him feel stifled. It seemed he would have to return to Inazuma as soon as possible!
With that thought, he stopped lingering on the deck and returned to his cabin to rest. Just as he lay down, an ethereal voice rang in his ear.
*[Entered Liyue Territory]*
*[Congratulations on unlocking the Wish System]*
*[Basic reward issued. Primogems: 1600]*
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