Liyue Harbor
Though darkness had fallen, people hadn't yet retreated to their dreams. The hour was still early—enough time for children to play a while longer.
The atmosphere wasn't as lively as Lantern Rite, but it was still bustling. Lamps illuminated everything. This was, after all, a major commercial hub, and people were always busy.
Having completed the Millelith commission and gathered Qingxin flowers, Yanfei and Bonanus returned to Liyue Harbor. They'd made good time, encountering no obstacles along the way.
How did they return so quickly? The answer, naturally, was the Anemo Archon's famous words: "Flying is faster than running—ehe~"
Upon reaching Liyue Harbor, Yanfei suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. This adorable fifty-something-year-old young woman just wanted to go home, take a hot bath, and sleep soundly.
She just hoped Sister Bonanus wouldn't insist on cuddling tonight. She didn't mind being held, but last night, she'd struggled to breathe with those two soft pillows pressed against her face.
Today's commission had also brought unexpected complications, not to mention all those family disputes she'd mediated. Her mind was tired.
"Thank you for accompanying me today, Sister." As they walked toward Yujing Terrace, Yanfei suddenly smiled.
Though Sister hadn't offered much guidance today, she'd still helped in many ways. Having her around made everything feel easier.
She usually handled matters alone, but this new experience wasn't unpleasant.
"It's what I should do." Bonanus smiled back. The day had passed so quickly. She'd hardly earned any karmic debt at all.
She'd gotten the karmic debt from those four Abyss Mages, but it wasn't enough. She needed to gather at least one hundred thousand to bring back Bosacius and Xiao's remaining family.
"Anyway, I'd like to treat you to a meal sometime to show my appreciation. Please don't refuse!" Yanfei nodded firmly.
Hearing this invitation, Bonanus covered her mouth with a light laugh. We're living together now—how could I refuse?
Her room was just across the living room from Yanfei's. They could visit each other anytime.
"Alright! But I'm very picky about food, you know." Bonanus smirked playfully.
She was only joking—she'd eat just about anything.
"Don't worry! I'll make sure you love every bite!"
Yanfei said confidently. She'd lived in Liyue Harbor for years—she knew which restaurants served the best food.
Though Bonanus was older, she'd only just returned. Even with Zhongli guiding her through the city, one trip wasn't enough to remember everything!
They could explore the streets on their way to dinner, reinforcing her memory. Perfect!
Just as they were chatting happily, Bonanus suddenly closed her eyes and touched her ear, growing quiet.
Yanfei looked at her curiously, her expression asking, "What's wrong?"
After a moment, Bonanus slowly opened her eyes. It felt like someone was calling her—like a summons in her mind.
She recognized the feeling. Bosacius was summoning her. It seemed he wanted her to come to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and Xiao would be there too.
So they'd returned. They'd all gathered just yesterday. Were they so eager to meet again? Not that she minded.
Feeling apologetic, Bonanus looked at Yanfei. She'd meant to walk back together, but now she had somewhere else to go.
"Sorry, little Yanfei. Bosacius is calling me. You'll have to go back on your own."
Understanding immediately, Yanfei nodded sympathetically and smiled sweetly. No need to worry.
"Alright, Sister. If you need anything, I can wait for you."
Hearing this, Bonanus wanted to applaud. This girl was practically the ideal wife!
So obedient it was touching. Though with Yanfei's personality, if some jerk did marry her, she'd definitely wear the pants.
"No need for that. We're both tired after today. Go home and rest properly. Don't worry about me." Bonanus smiled back.
They nodded to each other, exchanged a few words of caution, and parted ways.
Watching Yanfei leave, Bonanus teleported to the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. She hadn't expected what she found.
At the doorway stood boxes of all sizes piled on both sides—the things she'd bought earlier. She hadn't realized there were so many.
It was a small mountain! How terrifying...
The Wangsheng employees were hauling boxes back and forth. They'd never imagined they'd be doing such heavy labor.
Seeing this, Bonanus smiled sheepishly. She hadn't thought she'd bought that much when she went shopping with Xiao. Strange!
It must have been Bosacius! Though he was the leader of the Yakshas, he was naive and easily tricked. Some unscrupulous merchant must have taken advantage of him!
She nodded to herself. All Bosacius's fault—these employees were working hard well past dark. How inconsiderate.
She approached, greeted the hardworking employees, and walked inside.
They didn't stop her. They weren't surprised by an adeptus's arrival anymore. One already lived here. If they were surprised every time they saw an adeptus, they'd be dead by now.
The news of an adeptus staying at Wangsheng had brought some trouble—it was big news, attracting journalists and curious crowds.
But it had also brought many new business bookings. Not bad at all. Though Wangsheng had the savings of over seventy generations of directors, you could never have too much golden Mora.
Seems an adeptus's influence was more effective than the director's marketing...
Someone who also never had too much Mora was a certain Tianquan Star. And that short merchant in Sumeru. Actually, all merchants were like that—more accurate to say.
In this world, everyone loved money. Everyone knew that to get what they wanted, to make progress, you needed Mora.
There were always exceptions, though. Mr. Zhongli was the perfect example—he always said, "Money is just an external possession."
No one knew that Zhongli himself was practically walking Mora. Most of the world's Mora carried this man's essence.
---
Inside, Bonanus found Bosacius and Xiao sitting together, deep in discussion. From their expressions, it didn't seem serious.
Looking elsewhere, she saw Hu Tao sitting on a stone step, whistling boredly. Beside her floated a strange little ghost.
Huh? She hadn't noticed that ghost before. Had Hu Tao been hiding it?
And where was Zhongli? Still out galavanting?
She shook her head. Why overthink it? She had business here. She needed to find out why Bosacius had called her.
Quickening her pace, she approached with a gentle smile.
"Bosacius, you were looking for me?"