(Bonus Mini-Chapter Included)
It was a genuinely pleasant night.
Food piled high, laughter filled the air, and everyone chatted casually about this and that.
"So these are the famous opera collaborators—Mr. Cael and Miss Yun?"
Xingqiu smiled as he addressed Yun Jin and Caelg.
"An honor to finally meet you both."
"Haha, 'famous' might be a stretch," Caelg replied modestly, pointing to Yun Jin.
"She's the real deal."
Yun Jin waved her hands lightly.
"I wouldn't dare claim that."
"You're both far too humble," Xingqiu chuckled.
Just then, a hand tugged gently at Xingqiu's sleeve.
"…Xingqiu… it's too hot here…"
Even though the yin-yang hotpot hadn't triggered his condition, after three straight hours of steam and heat, Chongyun was clearly reaching his limit.
"What? Ah—my mistake," Xingqiu said, alarmed, immediately supporting him.
Chongyun's face was flushed, his body limp as he leaned against Xingqiu, cheek brushing his neck as he barely managed to whisper:
"Xingqiu…"
"I'm sorry, Director Hu Tao," Xingqiu said quickly to Hu Tao.
"We'll have to leave early."
He lifted Chongyun onto his back and hurried off to seek treatment.
Hu Tao scratched her head sheepishly.
"…That one's on me."
Elsewhere, someone else had found Caelg.
"So you're Mr. Caelg?"
Tartaglia beamed brightly.
"I've heard plenty about you—said to be just as knowledgeable as Zhongli. Truly impressive for someone so young!"
Caelg simply nodded.
"You flatter me."
Zhongli stepped in calmly.
"This is the Fatui Harbinger 'Childe,' Tartaglia. A man of… upright character. One may trust him."
Caelg immediately understood the emphasis and nodded again.
No explanation was needed—he already knew everything about Tartaglia.
A pawn chasing loyalty, sincerity, and strength…
Destined to be played by forces far above him.
Honestly, Caelg thought, kind of pitiful.
"Are you the Brother Cael that Xiangling always talks about?"
A small figure scampered over—it was Yaoyao, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Based on her instincts alone, she could tell:
Caelg was not ordinary.
Zhongli, she already knew well.
But this one—this one felt different.
Caelg crouched slightly and smiled warmly.
"So you must be Yaoyao. Nice to finally meet you."
Yaoyao nodded enthusiastically.
"Mm! I can tell—you're very special, Brother Cael!"
"…!"
Caelg sucked in a sharp breath.
That intuition is terrifying.
Before things got awkward, Xiangling hurried over and scooped Yaoyao into her arms.
"Sorry about that, Brother Cael!"
Before being carried off, Yaoyao waved excitedly.
"Please take care of me next time!"
"..."
Hu Tao watched the scene with a complicated expression.
"…Why are you so popular with kids?" she muttered.
Caelg instantly sensed jealousy—and grinned mischievously.
"Probably because I'm handsome."
He brushed his hair back dramatically.
Xier immediately chimed in.
"That's right! Brother Cael is super handsome!"
Hu Tao glanced at him again, cheeks warming just a little.
"…He is."