Everyone is looking at Venti, while Zhongli just smiles on the side without speaking. It seems his temperament has become quite "carefree" after retirement.
That's good too—being able to relax means no major events have occurred, and that's for the best.
Back to the story: the Traveler has already gathered the "sprouting bamboo shoots," but before they can return to Liyue Harbor, they hear cries for help nearby.
The kind-hearted Traveler hurries over and sees that someone appears to have drowned.
There's no need for the Traveler to save them, because someone has already pulled them ashore.
It's a petite figure. Compared to the drowned adult, that tiny figure—who knows if she even had the strength to drag him to the shore.
After all, the drowned person isn't Xiao, who could be carried back by Qiqi.
Unexpectedly, that little girl, not much taller than Conan, actually manages to rescue the drowned adult back to the shore, and it looks effortless.
Readers aren't surprised at all. After reading the prophecy book for so long, what strange things haven't they seen? Isn't it just a kid with a bit more strength?
The kid next door can make bombs, and the one over there is even a ninja.
What's the use of being strong? In this world, it's all about connections—what's your background?
[ The little girl gently comforts in a mild tone: "...Can you see things with your eyes? Did you choke on water?" ]
The tone of this little girl's speech doesn't feel like a child's at all; it's more like an elder.
The rescued person catches his breath and hurriedly thanks the Traveler and the little girl.
Although the Traveler didn't get a chance to go into the water to help, at least she had the intention, so thanking her together isn't wrong.
[ The little girl introduces herself: "Hello, big sisters and uncle. My name is Yaoyao. Yaoyao has manners." ]
An illustration is attached—it's Yaoyao's portrait, allowing everyone to see what this little girl looks like.
She's a little loli who looks no more than seven or eight years old, yet she speaks so logically and politely—truly rare.
Jean's eyes carry a hint of emotion. Why is it that among kids, other people's children are so well-behaved?
Look at her own child: Klee gets along very well with big sister Yoimiya; who knows what they're researching right now—feels like nothing good.
And Yaoyao is there too; she's covering the sleeping Sayu with a blanket, even patting and coaxing her to sleep, in stark contrast to the noisy Klee nearby.
One can only say, classmate Klee, be quiet—don't disturb the sleeping classmate!
But Jean is just sighing a bit; there's no envy in her emotions.
Though Klee is very mischievous, she truly loves Klee from the bottom of her heart. She couldn't possibly envy other people's sensible children and wish Klee were like that too.
In Jean's view, Klee is a bit too playful and causes her quite a bit of trouble, but her liveliness and cuteness are like a little sun, dispelling the "classroom smell" on Jean.
In the story, the rescued person is named Dvorak. He also thanks Yaoyao for dispelling the "dead smell" on him—he almost stank up the sea.
Dvorak tells the Traveler and the others that he's from Fontaine and a musician from Fontaine.
Earlier, he was too focused on the scenery and accidentally took a wrong path, falling into the water.
[ Yaoyao softly consoles: "It's okay, Uncle Dvorak." ]
[ Then she helps cover for him: "The accumulated water splashing from the waterfall makes the stone pavement slippery; indeed, one needs to slow down." ]
[ Finally, she reminds: "If you encounter unfamiliar terrain later, try not to walk while lost in thought." ]
Readers suddenly feel that Yaoyao is clearly a loli, yet she gives off the vibe that she could be my mom.
[ Dvorak scratches his head: "Okay, okay, I'll remember..." ]
He naturally accepts being "lectured" by the little loli, without any sense of incongruity.
After the lecture, Dvorak's stomach growls "gurgle gurgle," clearly hungry.
Yaoyao immediately takes out food to share with everyone—a déjà vu of "just finished scolding you, and now mom calls you to eat."
Speaking of eating, without a doubt, Paimon eats the most.
[ Paimon: "Mmm, tastes really good... I want another one..." ]
[ Traveler casually retorts: "You're clearly the one who ate the most..." ]
She and Paimon have this kind of relationship: Paimon handles the talking, she handles retorting Paimon. That's why the Traveler doesn't wear glasses—otherwise, her true form might actually be a glasses girl.
But regarding the Traveler's retort that Paimon ate the most, Yaoyao naturally defends Paimon:
[ "A strong appetite is a good thing; it means Paimon is growing. I should have made a bit more." ]
No, really, I'm dying of laughter. Rosalyne, look at this—growing so big and still not as good as a little kid.
However, being told by a little kid that she's "growing"... it feels a bit subtle...
Setting aside this subtle feeling, at least Yaoyao's food is very tasty; Dvorak praises it.
While praising, he can't help but laments that he remembers the tastes of Liyue and Mondstadt, but he's almost forgotten the taste of meals from his hometown in Fontaine.
This is mainly because he's been touring with the "Iridescence Tour" for years and hasn't returned to Fontaine in a long time.
This time in Liyue, on one hand, it's to promote the " Iridescence Tour "; on the other, it's for personal reasons.
That's a story passed down from his ancestors.
It tells of how his ancestor once fell into water during a trip and nearly drowned.
At that moment, melodious music drifted over. This beautiful melody dispelled his ancestor's fear, even making his ancestor forget he was in danger, lost in a daze for a moment.
When his ancestor came back to his senses, he was already out of danger, standing on the shore. Not far from him stood a graceful figure—a woman with an otherworldly aura.
Seeing his ancestor safe, the woman said nothing and drifted away gracefully. His ancestor wanted to chase after her to give thanks but couldn't catch up no matter what.
Thinking back now, it was like encountering a fairy; this legendary tale is also called The Lakeside Overlooked by the Fairy.
Furina nods. She's heard of this legendary story too; back in Fontaine, it was somewhat famous.
There were many artistic embellishments along the way, including some operas that Furina liked which adapted it, so she knows the story.
But now, centuries have passed since the legend was popular; who knows how many people still remember it.
Fontaine does still have some people who know the story, after all, it's now become a "script story" for operas and naturally has some fame.
It's just that people nowadays treat it as a fictional tale; only now do they realize it was a real experience.
Not afraid of the script being made up, but afraid of there being pictures and truth at the end!
Why could you be saved by a fairy? I'm going to Liyue to drown right now!
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice-Over · Yaoyao: About Master
"Master she... became so young, really pretty. I wonder if I'll be as pretty as Master when I grow up?"