"Caelg! When did you get back?!"
Dressed in casual clothes, her long lavender hair flowing smoothly down her back, Yun Jin stood before him. Without stage makeup, her bare face looked even more lively and adorable.
Caelg hadn't expected to run into her here either, and greeted her with a smile.
"Long time no see, Yun Jin. I got back this morning."
Suddenly, Yun Jin stiffened—as if she sensed danger.
"Oh no—Yun Ning's coming!" she whispered urgently. "Please help me! Don't let her find me!"
"Yun Ning?" Caelg immediately understood.
That was the Yun-Han Opera Troupe's manager.
He crossed his arms. "You didn't sneak out again, did you?"
"Shhh!" Yun Jin panicked, clasping her hands together.
"Please, please! Just this once! We've known each other forever—help me out!"
Despite her elegance and professionalism, at heart Yun Jin was still a young woman. Being trapped in endless rehearsals day after day would drive anyone crazy.
Caelg sighed and pointed to a nearby corner.
"Over there. That spot's good for hiding."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Thanks! You're the best—partner~!"
And with that, she darted off.
"…Partner, huh?"
Caelg chuckled. He didn't mind the title.
Sure enough, not long after, a stern-looking woman with a ponytail approached, scanning the area.
When she spotted Caelg, she paused in surprise.
"Mr. Cael?! You're back from Mondstadt?"
He nodded politely. "Hello, Miss Yun Ning. Been about a month—how have things been?"
"All well," Yun Ning replied with a professional smile.
"You were impressive—resolving the dragon disaster in Mondstadt."
He scratched his head, looking embarrassed.
"I just did some planning. No combat ability to speak of. The others carried the fight."
After a brief exchange, Yun Ning got to the point.
"Mr. Cael, have you seen Yun Jin? We can't seem to find her."
"Yun Jin?" Caelg widened his eyes, looking genuinely surprised.
"I just saw her heading toward the commercial district in a hurry. Thought something was up—guess she snuck out."
Yun Ning sighed awkwardly.
"Thank you. Sorry for the trouble."
She bowed lightly and hurried off.
Only after her figure vanished did Yun Jin peek out from hiding.
"…She's gone?" she asked cautiously.
"Long gone," Caelg replied.
Yun Jin finally stepped out, exhaling in relief.
"Honestly, rehearsing all day every day—can't I take a break once in a while?"
Caelg laughed helplessly.
"Don't make a habit of it. I won't always be around to cover for you."
"Okaaay~" she smiled sweetly. "Next time for sure!"
"…Sure."
With the crisis resolved, Yun Jin brightened again.
"I'm going to find Xinyan to hang out—come with me! Let's enjoy some rock music!"
Caelg shook his head.
"Not today. I just got back and haven't even returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor yet. I need to see Hu Tao and the others."
"Aww, what a shame."
She looked disappointed for a moment, then smiled again.
"Alright then. Next time!"
"Deal. See you."
"See you~!"
Watching her leave, Caelg resumed his walk home.
This time, the road was peaceful—aside from a few fans asking for autographs.
Finally, he reached Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door opened from inside.
Standing there was Xier.
"Aga—! I mean—Brother Xiaocheng!!"
Her eyes sparkled with joy. She'd been about to go look for him herself.
"Eh?! You're back already?!"
Before he could answer, Hu Tao came rushing out—
—and threw herself straight at him.
"You're finally back!!"
"Alright, alright," Caelg sighed, patting the back of her head.
"It's only been a month."
Hu Tao pouted.
"You don't get it! I was so bored while you were gone! Zhongli's cooking is bad, nobody eats what I make—ugh!"
After months together, Hu Tao had grown more dependent on him than she realized. One month felt unbearably long.
Xier, however, was not amused.
Seeing Hu Tao cling to him without letting go, jealousy flared.
"Director Hu Tao! This is improper—get down already!"
She tugged at Hu Tao's clothes, cheeks puffed up.
Hu Tao glanced sideways at her.
"Oh? I know exactly what you're thinking, little brat."
Xier wasn't fazed in the slightest.
She cleared her throat and said sweetly:
"Director Hu Tao… if you keep doing this, you'll press against Brother Xiaocheng."
"…?"
Hu Tao blinked—then looked down.
Her chest was practically flush against him.
Meaning became painfully clear.
Her face exploded red.
"YOU—!"
She leapt off him instantly, grabbing her polearm.
"You little menace! Eat my Staff of Homa!"
Xier smirked. Mission accomplished.
Caelg stared at the chaos, utterly speechless.
Then Hu Tao suddenly remembered something.
"So—how long are you staying in Liyue this time? Still heading to Inazuma?"
Xier turned to look at him too.
Clearly, both cared deeply about the answer.
Caelg rubbed his chin.
"Probably… not too long. But even after Inazuma, I'll come back. Don't worry."
Hu Tao nodded, satisfied.
Perfect, she thought.
I'll just open branches in every nation. Wherever he goes, I go.
Genius.
Meanwhile, Xier clenched her fists.
"Then… I want to go adventuring with you too. I want to see the outside world."
Hu Tao glanced at her, surprised.
She hadn't expected Xier to feel the same way.