Lu Lin reflected on the day's progress. Things with Keqing had gone fairly well—there was hope of inviting her into the Serenitea Pot in the future. He would soon encounter Lumine as well, another of his intended targets.
As for others, that would depend on fate. There were still many characters he liked whom he hadn't met yet.
Perhaps he could travel to other nations too—Mondstadt, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine… each had plenty of people he admired.
A long road ahead.
Xiangling's Panel
With Xiangling successfully moved in, she now had her own status panel:
[Resident Member: Xiangling]
Age: 18
Greatness Rank: A
Element: Pyro
Exclusive Weapon: Dragon's Bane
Traits: None
Affection Progress: 100%
After some thought, Lu Lin chose not to grant her [Empathic Link] for now.
When he had given it to Ningguang, he realized it was especially effective for more difficult targets. With limited uses, he preferred to conserve it.
Another reason: he was planning to give Ningguang a little "shock" soon. Since the trait had distance limits and Ningguang wouldn't enter the Serenitea Pot easily, he would need to operate within Liyue Harbor.
Giving the trait to Xiangling now might complicate things.
If only trait activation could be toggled at will.
After finishing the residency process, Lu Lin built Xiangling a house beside Hu Tao's ghostly residence—this one featuring an oversized kitchen.
Xiangling loved it and said she would decorate it over the next few days.
"Lu Lin ge, it's getting late. Let's head back to Wanmin Restaurant for dinner~"
He had originally wanted to test the effects of [Skillful Hands] on her immediately, but she still needed to help Chef Mao. There would be time later.
After dinner, Xiangling stayed to work, while Lu Lin wandered to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Hu Tao was still in Qingce Village and wouldn't return for a couple more days.
Perfect.
Tonight, he could proceed freely with his plan.
Picking Up Ganyu
He headed to Yuehai Pavilion to meet Ganyu after work.
She had been working overtime the past few nights but had finally cleared her backlog.
"Shall we go back to the pot?" she asked softly, holding his hand.
They both knew what that implied.
For someone as reserved as Ganyu, initiating that was significant.
"Missed me?" he teased, ruffling her hair.
"Mm~ very much." Her answer was shy but completely sincere.
The directness warmed him deeply.
He pulled her into a hug right there at the pavilion entrance.
"I missed you too. Very much."
"Not here—there are people!" she whispered, burying her face in his chest.
Fortunately, the staff politely pretended not to see anything.
"Then let's go to your place."
"Okay… not the pot?"
"I want to see where you live."
Ganyu's Home
Her residence was a quiet courtyard near Yuehai Pavilion, filled with flowers.
She loved nature and had even written The Yujing Terrace Flora Record.
Her room was simple: a single bed, bookshelves, a wardrobe, and a large desk. No extravagant decor.
She valued duty and responsibility over luxury.
Now, she also valued being with Lu Lin.
The moment they entered, she embraced him.
No words were needed.
Their lips met in a deep, lingering kiss.
This time, she was more proactive—perhaps the two-day separation had intensified her longing.
In a world without phones or instant messaging, distance felt longer.
Their kiss expressed everything.
When they finally parted, a thin shimmering thread lingered between them.
"Were you tired from work?" he asked, sitting with her on the bed.
"Work is tiring… but when I think of you, it feels lighter."
She tilted her head; the small bell at her neck chimed softly.
Adorable.
"Thinking of me doesn't ease physical fatigue," he murmured. "I just gained a new trait. It lets me relieve tension and fatigue through massage. Want to try?"
"Mm~"
She knew his "traits" were rarely innocent, yet she agreed without hesitation.
Testing [Skillful Hands]
He helped her remove her outer garments, leaving only her underlayers, then had her lie face-down on the bed.
"Relax. Don't tense your muscles."
His hands moved across her smooth back, pressing gently.
Truthfully, he wasn't skilled in massage techniques.
But with [Skillful Hands], even basic motions carried surprising effect.
"Mm~ Lu Lin…"
The soreness in her shoulders melted into comfort.
She couldn't help but let out a soft sound.
And Lu Lin realized—
This new trait was indeed powerful.
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