Eula's turn came next. Her gaze toward him was… complicated.
"Do your best at the school," Xia Zhi told her. "Your family name will shine again one day."
"Mm."
"Don't shoulder everything alone. You can go to Jean—or call me."
"Mm."
"And maybe hold a few less grudges."
"I know."
"Are you still short on money? I can lend you some so you don't have to work part-time anymore."
"I'm fine now. I won't take side jobs anymore."
---
After Eula left, Xia Zhi wasn't expecting the next visitor—Sucrose.
Without her glasses, she looked unexpectedly pure.
And her figure… was better than he'd realized.
She just blushed far too easily.
Every gentle touch made her let out soft little sounds, like a kettle about to whistle.
He had to keep the massage brief—any longer and she might've fainted right there.
She simply wasn't used to it yet.
A shame, really. If she'd had more sessions, she probably wouldn't have been so shy by now.
---
The last one to come in was Rosaria.
Xia Zhi had been about to call it a night, but when she walked in, he sighed and stayed up for one more session.
Her figure put even Sucrose's to shame—like a perfectly ripened fruit—and yet her skin was pale as porcelain.
She chose the Essential Oil Massage.
The entire time, her face remained impassive.
At most, she let out a quiet hum when the pressure hit a particularly tender spot.
Total opposite of Sucrose.
Curious, Xia Zhi asked, "What made you come by tonight?"
"I wanted to try it," she said softly.
"Oh? How was it?"
"Not bad."
"Glad to hear it. Shame this is the last one. I'm leaving the tavern in your hands from now on."
"You can count on me."
When the session ended, Rosaria noticed something—every scar on her body was gone.
She froze, then silently wrapped a towel around herself.
She'd never cared much about those scars.
She'd never thought of her body as something meant to please anyone.
But now that they were gone… she had to admit, her reflection looked a little easier on the eyes.
She murmured a quiet "thank you" and left.
Xia Zhi chuckled to himself.
Cryo types really did have a knack for being tsundere.
---
Later that night, Xia Zhi was helping Cloud Retainer "train the flexibility of her tails" when her phone on the bedside table started ringing.
She glanced at it—Ping.
Her brows furrowed slightly. She bit her lip, looking at the screen in hesitation.
"Should… I answer?"
"Up to you," Xia Zhi said.
"Then… forget it."
She set the phone back down.
Ping let it ring for a while, then gave up.
When their "training" was finally done, Cloud Retainer stretched lazily and said, "Seems Ping's still hung up on that guqin piece."
"Probably," Xia Zhi said.
"I'm not giving it to her."
"Fine by me."
Xia Zhi smiled. He really didn't mind either way.
----
The next morning, everyone woke early and started packing up their rooms.
After staying in the dorms of the Favonius Cathedral for so many days, it was finally time to check out.
Noelle came by again that morning, though instead of sparring with Yaoyao like usual, she went into the Serenitea Pot to help Xiangling prepare breakfast.
Jean showed up too, along with a few other friends.
Even the Dragon King and the others came to see them off—and, naturally, to mooch one last meal.
Xia Zhi talked with Xiao about escorting Collei back to Sumeru.
Xiao agreed with a silent nod.
After breakfast, they stepped out of the Serenitea Pot and bid farewell to Barbara and the other sisters of the church, thanking them sincerely for their hospitality these past few days.
Outside the Cathedral, in the plaza, they ran into Fischl—and her parents.
"Little Amy, remember to behave yourself on the road, alright? Don't throw a tantrum."
"I know, I know! I'm not a kid anymore, I can take care of myself!"
"Make sure to call home every day."
"Got it, got it."
"Mr. Xia, we're entrusting our daughter to your care."
"Rest assured," Xia Zhi said with a polite nod.
"Safe travels, then."
"Thank you."
Fischl joined their group, saying her goodbyes to the rest of her friends before they all split ways.
When they reached the city gate, the guards on duty were different from the ones who had welcomed them into Mondstadt, but they still recognized Klee immediately—the one and only Spark Knight.
"Klee, heading out to blow up fish again?" one of the knights teased.
"Nope! Klee's going traveling this time—with big brother and everyone else!"
"Oh? Traveling? Where to?"
"To Inazuma! For the Summer Festival! There'll be fireworks!"
"Inazuma? That far?"
"Mhm! Mhm!"
Once they were outside the city, Xia Ci summoned the Hovercar. "Alright, everyone, hop in. The journey's about to start."
Technically, they'd still be staying inside the Serenitea Pot.
Aside from not being able to wander the streets, their daily life wouldn't be much different.
The hovercar lifted smoothly off the ground and shot southward at high speed.
They had to cross a vast stretch of land before reaching the ocean.
Charlotte couldn't sit still—she had her Kamera in hand, snapping shots of the scenery outside the window.
It was Fischl's first time traveling so far from home, and she was just as excited, leaning out the window to feel the wind.
Two hours later, though, the novelty wore off.
"The scenery looks the same everywhere…" she sighed and retreated into the Serenitea Pot to join the others in a round of mahjong.
Now that was much more entertaining.
---
After Xia Zhi and the others departed, Xiao and Collei said their own goodbyes.
Then, in a flash, both of their figures vanished.
Collei had already experienced this "high-speed aerial transport" once before, so she wasn't quite as dizzy this time.
She'd assumed Xiao would drop her off at Liyue Harbor but instead, he flew her straight past The Chasm and all the way to Gandharva Ville.
When she spotted the familiar buildings in the distance, she froze for a moment before quickly bowing. "Thank you, Master Xiao."
"It's nothing," Xiao said flatly. "For me, it's only a few extra steps. Since we've arrived, I'll be on my way."
Collei nodded. "Safe travels, Master Xiao."
Xiao's form vanished into the wind.
Collei touched the black hairpin on her head, then turned and walked toward Gandharva Ville.
---
In Fontaine, Kirara had already said her goodbyes to Furina.
She and Chiori were now making their way back to Inazuma together.
---
After several days, the hovercar had passed through Windrise, glided over Falcon Coast, soared past Cape Oath, and finally reached the endless stretch of open sea.
Charlotte was the first to upload her photos to the group chat.
Nobody reacted.
Fischl and Klee were pressed against the window, marveling at the vast blue expanse.
But a few minutes later, even they got bored.
Near noon, Xia Ci parked the hovercar and took a short break.
Xia Zhi brought out the [Inescapable Net] and went fishing in the sea, hauling in a large pile of fresh seafood.
That afternoon, they had an incredible barbecue feast.
Charlotte posted pictures of it in the group chat—and this time, the chat exploded.
Row after row of drooling emojis filled the screen.