Liyue Harbor at night and during the day are two completely different worlds.
During the day, Liyue is primarily focused on trade, with merchants hurrying along with their heads down, not lingering for a moment due to the beautiful scenery.
But at night, the busy citizens begin to shed their burdens and relax.
Families come out for walks, and the streets are lined with a variety of stalls.
The city is dazzling, quiet, and beautiful.
At this moment, Makoto was walking down the street with a group of Little Ones, along with Venti and Taroumaru.
Makoto kept looking back, afraid that the Little Ones would run off while playing.
But fortunately, the Little Cuties were all very well-behaved and obedient, staying close to Makoto's side.
However, this closeness seemed a bit excessive.
Because the Little Ones held Makoto's hands tightly, or tugged at his coattails without letting go.
If they accidentally separated midway, the Little Ones would immediately grab Makoto again.
Their anxious little expressions were as if they were afraid Makoto would abandon them.
Looking at such adorable Little Ones, Makoto let them do as they pleased.
This also meant Makoto couldn't free his hands to hold Taroumaru's leash.
Taroumaru himself was holding the leash in his mouth, quietly following at the back of the group.
Many passersby stared at Taroumaru, then showed surprised expressions.
They never expected this dog to have such strong self-management awareness.
Sara, holding Makoto's coattail, looked around intently.
This was her first time visiting Liyue's night market.
She felt it was very lively and interesting, even livelier than Inazuma.
Is this the city where Brother Makoto usually lives?
She felt she was slowly integrating into it.
After fully integrating into Liyue, would she understand Brother Makoto better?
Sara didn't know, but she wanted to do it.
As they walked, Makoto suddenly stopped.
Because he saw a familiar figure: Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's Hutao.
Although only Hu Tao's back was visible to Makoto, those bouncing Horsetails were so smooth that no one else in all of Liyue had them.
At this moment, Hutao was standing on her tiptoes, trying to squeeze into a very popular shop.
Because of her small and agile body, Hutao easily reached the shop owner.
She pointed to the signature dish inside the shop and said to the boss, "Please give me a serving of Boiled Fish and Shrimp Dumplings!"
Boiled Fish with Shrimp Dumplings are Hu Tao's favorite food.
Every time she eats Boiled Fish and Shrimp Dumplings, Hutao's plum blossom-like eyes would flutter and become exceptionally bright.
The joy in her heart seemed to overflow, and she would even sing impromptu doggerel.
Hutao came out of the shop, holding the packed Boiled Fish and Shrimp Dumplings, and met Makoto's gaze.
"Good evening, Brother Makoto! Hmm? Qiqi is here too!"
Seeing Hu Tao walk forward, Xiao Qiqi immediately hid behind Makoto.
She slowly poked out her little head, looking at Hu Tao nervously.
"Don't take Qiqi away..."
"Qiqi wants to stay... by Makoto's side... Is that okay?"
Qiqi blinked her peach blossom-colored eyes, her adorable face, coupled with her pleading tone, immediately stumped Hu Tao.
Qiqi was so cute it was almost against the rules.
"Qiqi, don't worry, I won't take you away again."
"If you want to stay by Brother Makoto's side, then stay by his side."
After learning about Qiqi's situation, Hu Tao no longer had the idea of letting Qiqi rest in peace.
She just regarded Qiqi as one of the few, extremely special cases.
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Xiao Qiqi weakly said, "Really? Hu Tao really won't take Qiqi away?"
Hu Tao nodded repeatedly: "Mm-hmm, of course it's true, I keep my word."
"Thank you... Hu Tao..." Qiqi sincerely thanked Hu Tao.
Hu Tao, however, waved her hand and said casually, "You are Brother Makoto's friends, so you are my, Hu Tao's, friends too! Why say thank you? There's no need to be so formal."
"Friend..." Qiqi repeated the word.
"Hu Tao is Qiqi's friend..."
"Makoto, Qiqi has a new friend..."
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