"Huh? Shenhe, you've returned?"
A voice filled with surprise echoed through the air. Cloud Retainer descended from the heavens and landed gracefully at the entrance of her abode. Seeing Shenhe standing there, she sounded genuinely astonished. The child had only just left, yet she was back already.
But a second later, Cloud Retainer's gaze shifted to the figure standing behind Shenhe. It was a large, white robot — Baymax. Her beak nearly dropped open in confusion.
What in the world is that? How is it moving on its own?
And it wasn't just the white robot. Buzzing above Shenhe's head was a strange mechanical bird, a drone whirring with unfamiliar energy.
What are these things?
Despite her vast knowledge of mechanics and adepti arts, Cloud Retainer did not recognize a single component of Shenhe's new entourage. She was completely baffled.
"Yes, Master," Shenhe replied respectfully. "I wanted to come back and tinker with Baymax."
"Baymax?" Cloud Retainer looked at the puffy white robot curiously.
However, before she could ask more, she suddenly remembered her own errand. "Ah, Moon Carver summoned me! I only returned to fetch something. They are waiting for me."
With that, Cloud Retainer rushed into her abode, grabbed what she needed, and flew back out in a flurry of feathers. Moments later, she was gone, disappearing from Mt. Aocang as quickly as she had arrived.
Shenhe stood there, her expression shifting slightly. She had originally planned to ask her master about the strange feelings welling up inside her. But seeing her master in such a rush, she didn't have the chance.
Since Master is busy, I might as well return to my own cave first.
She had come seeking answers about her internal state. Ever since visiting the Jar Shop, meeting the shopkeeper, and opening those jars, something had changed. In her interactions with Felix, a long-dormant and unfamiliar emotion had begun to surface. It felt like something deep within her fate was loosening its grip. It was incredible. Terrifying, even.
Over the past two days, she had keenly felt her emotions fluctuating. She was confused and needed guidance.
I will just have to ask next time, she thought.
While Shenhe descended the mountain, back in Liyue Harbor…
Inside the cinema, Hu Tao grabbed Felix's arm, gasping "Wow!" and "Ooh!" at the screen every few seconds. "It looks so magical!"
Watching the movie, Felix felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. The only downside was Hu Tao's constant commentary in his ear. Beside her, Xiangling was much quieter, completely absorbed in the story.
When the movie finally ended, Hu Tao was still buzzing with energy. "That was amazing! Shopkeeper, do you know what happens next?" She shook Felix's arm eagerly.
"I have a rough idea," Felix smiled faintly. "But I don't like spoilers. If you like it, come back tomorrow. Knowing the ending in advance ruins the fun."
"That makes sense." Hu Tao paused, then nodded in agreement. The shopkeeper was right.
"So, Director Hu, what are your plans now?" Felix asked. "If nothing else, I'll head back to the shop."
"Hmm, I'm going with Xiangling to find Yanfei," Hu Tao said, tilting her head. "We checked her house earlier, but she wasn't there. We need to discuss our trip out of Liyue in a couple of days."
"Alright then."
Felix nodded, parted ways with the girls outside the cinema, and headed back to his store. Hu Tao and Xiangling set off toward Yanfei's place to try their luck again.
Just as Felix left, a man from Fontaine walked out of a nearby inn, stretching his arms comfortably.
"Liyue really is prosperous."
Looking at the bustling streets, Xavier's face lit up with a brilliant smile. Following Kujou Sara out of Inazuma had been the best decision of his life. He was so excited he could barely contain himself.
Once Sara had left with Ganyu, he was free. He immediately found an inn, took a long bath, changed into fresh clothes, and came out to explore. Looking at the freedom around him, he wanted to cry tears of joy.
Finally, I'm out of Inazuma. I will never go back to that hellhole as long as I live.
As he strolled, he overheard the locals chattering excitedly.
"I can't wait for tomorrow's movie! I wonder if Sun Wukong will lead his monkeys to conquer territory?"
"Probably! He learned immortal arts, after all. The movie is incredible. I wonder how Lady Ningguang filmed it?"
"I heard she's planning to film new scripts and will recruit actors. I think I could give it a shot."
"You? Dream on. Do you even know what acting is?"
"I meant as an extra! Don't look down on extras!"
"True. Just thinking about appearing on that giant screen makes me excited."
Xavier paused, his expression turning to one of shock.
Liyue has movies? Impossible.
Movies were a Fontaine invention! Even the cameras in Liyue were only popular because Fontaine merchants had brought them over. He had visited Liyue a year ago, and there hadn't been a single whisper about movies.
The whole reason he went to Inazuma was to scout locations for his film. He wanted to capture unique environments, make a masterpiece, and then return to Fontaine to make his peers jealous. Those hacks only filmed in Fontaine. He, Xavier, was different. He was going to film in Inazuma, Liyue, and Mondstadt!
But then the Sakoku Decree happened. When he received the news, it was like a bolt from the blue. Pure despair. He couldn't leave. Filming was useless if he couldn't get the footage back home. Worse, the Tenryou Commission suspected him of hiding fugitives and raided his house constantly. It was a nightmare.
Now that he was out, he planned to enjoy Liyue for a few days before resuming his location scouting with the Adventurers' Guild.
But now… someone was saying Liyue had movies? And a cinema?
His curiosity piqued, Xavier decided to check out this "Liyue Cinema." He walked over and soon stood before the building.
"Uh…"
Xavier stared at the massive structure, dumbfounded. This cinema is bigger than the ones in Fontaine!
Is this the wealth of Liyue? Even their cinemas are gigantic.
But if it was this big, how did they focus the light? The projection distance would be too far!
His professional curiosity burning, Xavier bought a ticket and entered. Inside, he took a deep breath. The space was vast. But what truly shocked him was the screen.
That screen… it's huge! How is that possible?
"Everyone, please be seated. The movie is about to start."
Xavier sat down, suppressing his questions. Soon the lights dimmed and the movie began.
A scene of crashing waves appeared, accompanied by the thunderous roar of the ocean. Then a stone exploded, and a monkey leapt out.
"This realism…" Xavier muttered. "And… wait… IT'S IN COLOR?!"
His jaw dropped. He was utterly thunderstruck.
Liyue's movie wasn't just realistic — it felt like he was physically standing on the shore. And more importantly, it was in color!
Fontaine movies were still black and white!
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