"Shao Yun, what did you ask Mona to divine for you?" Lumine asked curiously.
Shao Yun gave a slight smile and replied in a deliberately mysterious tone, "I asked her to divine when I'd finally be able to marry a certain beautiful lady."
Hearing that, Lumine's cheeks flushed slightly. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at Shao Yun, pretending to be angry.
But deep down, she was full of anticipation. After all, she had said before—only after seeing her brother again would she consider such things. Keeping her composure, she asked, "Then what was the result? Tell me!"
Seeing her curiosity, Shao Yun deliberately waved the package in front of her eyes, a bright grin on his face.
"Mona predicted that as long as I give you this outfit, the moment you put it on, you'll willingly agree to marry me!"
Lumine gave him a playful punch, pouting, "Nonsense! Be serious..."
Shao Yun laughed heartily at her reaction. Looking at her, he said, "Hahaha, I was just kidding. As for the divination result... let's just say it's my little secret."
Seeing that he didn't want to share, Lumine gave a helpless smile and didn't press further.
Just then, Old Mr. Goth, after a long journey back and visibly out of breath, finally returned to them.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead, straightened up, caught his breath, and turned to Shao Yun.
"Mr. Shao Yun, regarding your lodging for tonight, I've prepared two options. First, the most luxurious suite at Goth Grand Hotel—elegantly decorated, excellent service, but it's a holiday, so it might be a bit noisy."
"The second is a standard Mondstadt residence in the residential area—quiet, spacious, but not as lavish as the hotel."
After hearing this, Shao Yun turned to Lumine and Paimon with a warm expression.
"Lumine, Paimon, you two decide where we'll stay."
Paimon, recalling the Fatui who had perished in the hotel, gently tugged on Lumine's hand and whispered, "Lumine, let's just stay in the normal residence. Goth Grand Hotel... I'm scared it's haunted..."
Lumine nodded gently. She understood Paimon's concern. Turning to Mr. Goth, she said, "Mr. Goth, we've decided—we'll stay in the residence you prepared."
Receiving their decision, Mr. Goth bowed repeatedly.
"Very well, as you wish. I'll take you there immediately."
...
Goth led Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon to a residence located in the residential district, not far from Amber's home.
The house was a classic Mondstadt-style three-story building, both quaint and elegant.
Upon entering, the spacious, well-lit living room and tidy kitchen came into view. The furniture was placed with just the right touch—both practical and aesthetically pleasing, evoking a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Following the staircase upward, they arrived at the second floor where three cozy bedrooms were laid out, each equipped with a soft bed and thoughtful furnishings.
There was also a spacious bathroom with all necessary amenities for daily use.
Up one more floor was an attic, ideal for storing miscellaneous items.
Back in the living room, Shao Yun nodded in satisfaction and said to Goth, "This place is great. So, old man—how much is the rent per month?"
Goth hurriedly waved his hands and answered earnestly, "No rent, no rent at all! It's an honor to have you stay here. If you need cleaning services, I can even send someone to clean daily."
Lumine felt a little bad hearing this. It seemed Goth was doing too much. She smiled politely and said, "Cleaning isn't necessary—we'll tidy up ourselves."
Shao Yun sighed inwardly. Lumine has no idea how much money this old fox has made off me... But since she spoke, he decided not to argue.
Patting Goth on the shoulder, he chuckled, "Alright then, we'll go with Lumine's choice. Looks like you're saving a lot of money, old man!"
Seeing they were all pleased with the place, Goth prepared to leave.
"As long as you're happy, I'll take my leave."
With that, he turned and exited, leaving Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon alone in the house.
Shao Yun watched him go, his eyes still wandering around the room.
"Free stuff really is the best," he muttered to himself, his voice filled with ease and satisfaction.
And now for the main event.
"Lumine, I can't wait to see how stunning you look." Shao Yun handed her the package, barely containing his excitement. He was certain she'd love the gift.
Lumine accepted it, her fingers brushing over the textured wrapping paper. She met his eager gaze and said, "Alright, I'm going to take a good look at it and see what kind of outfit you picked."
Carrying the package, she headed upstairs with Paimon following eagerly behind.
Moments later, a sudden shout came from above.
Shao Yun looked up toward the staircase, curious.
"Lumine! This is way too pretty! Ahhh! I'm gonna faint from excitement!" Paimon's voice was filled with amazement and joy—completely captivated by Lumine's new outfit.
Then Lumine's voice followed.
"Whoa, seriously—tailor-made outfits just hit different."
Hearing that, Shao Yun's anticipation skyrocketed. He called out, "Come down and let me see! Don't keep it all to yourselves!"
No sooner had he spoken than Lumine descended the stairs, wearing a brand-new outfit.
Black silk long gloves clung to her slender arms, adding a touch of elegance.
A wide-brimmed Fontaine-style cowboy hat sat atop her head, its brim slightly tilted, highlighting her bright golden eyes.
Around her waist, a vivid red sash was tightly fastened, striking against her beige trousers.
A dainty belt pouch hung at her side, the silver buckle gleaming under the room's light.
A red silk ribbon tied at her collar added a lively charm to her ensemble.
Her white dress shirt accentuated her fresh beauty, while the beige trousers showed off her tall and graceful figure. On her feet were sturdy silver riding boots.
Shao Yun's eyes locked onto Lumine. He was stunned by the sight before him, jumping up in excitement.
"Lumine, damn! I'm losing it! You look amazing!" His voice brimmed with pure joy and admiration.
Just then, Paimon added with a grin, "And that's not all—there's a coat too!"
She held up a black leather coat adorned with golden embroidery.
Lumine gently accepted it and draped it over her shoulders, completing the look.
The gold patterns shimmered in the light, a dazzling contrast to the coat's dark base.
Shao Yun looked at her, utterly overwhelmed.
She's without a doubt the most beautiful girl in the world.
Driven by a wave of excitement, Shao Yun rushed forward and swept Lumine into a flawless princess carry.
Caught off guard, Lumine squirmed.
"Shao Yun! What are you doing?! Put me down—don't get so worked up!"
But Shao Yun just grinned broadly, holding her tightly like he was afraid she'd vanish.
"Lumine, I'm taking you out to show you off! You look too stunning—I have to let the world see your beauty!"
Without giving her a chance to object, he strode out of the house with Lumine in his arms.
Paimon, intrigued, followed to see where Shao Yun was headed.
Through the quiet streets of Mondstadt's residential district, Shao Yun carried Lumine in his arms, cutting a striking figure.
Lumine struggled, protesting, "Shao Yun, calm down! It's the middle of the night—where are you taking me to 'show off'? Let me down!"
But Shao Yun seemed deaf to her objections. With a proud grin, he declared, "Hahaha! Wherever there's a crowd—that's where we're going! Everyone must see how beautiful you are!"
Seeing how determined he was, Lumine had no choice but to give in.
"Fine... but at least let me walk..."
Still, Shao Yun held her tightly and marched on.
...
They arrived at Angel's Share—the busiest place in Mondstadt at night.
Gently, Shao Yun set Lumine down, took her hand, and led her inside.
Paimon followed behind curiously.
At the bar, Kaeya and Rosaria—the usual slackers—were having drinks. Hearing the door, they turned.
Kaeya's eyes immediately locked onto Lumine's new outfit—it was clearly tailor-made for her, elegant yet lively, enhancing her natural charm.
His eyes lit up as he waved and called out cheerfully, "Honorary Knight! Shao Yun! Paimon! You're back in Mondstadt! It's been ages! Oh—and your new outfit, it's stunning!"
Lumine lowered her head slightly, brushing back a strand of hair as she smiled softly. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Kaeya."
Seeing Lumine's joy, Shao Yun felt even happier. He laughed heartily and said, "Kaeya, you've got great taste—I like that. Tonight, your drinks are on me!"
Kaeya was pleasantly surprised by Shao Yun's generosity.
"Hahaha, Mr. Shao Yun, you're incredibly generous! Then I shall happily accept!"
Rosaria, from her seat, looked at Lumine with rare admiration. She gave a subtle nod and said coolly, "Indeed. That outfit suits you. Beautiful."
Hearing praise from Rosaria only made Shao Yun happier. He laughed, "Hahaha! Miss Rosaria, I love hearing that! Your drinks are on me too!"
Then he firmly held Lumine's hand and led her to a table. Raising their hands high, he shouted confidently.
"All eyes on me! Look here—look!"
The bar fell quiet as the patrons turned to face them.
"This is the one—the one and only love of my life! Tell me, isn't she breathtakingly beautiful?!"
For a moment, silence reigned—then the tavern erupted in thunderous cheers.
Someone waved their mug and shouted, "Absolutely gorgeous! A real beauty!"
Another whistled loudly. "By the Archons, is this real?! She's stunning!"
The cheers rolled like waves. Shao Yun's face beamed with pride as he basked in the attention—and in the praise for Lumine.
With a bold sweep of his hand, he shouted, "Tonight, everything's on me!"
The announcement exploded like a bomb. Cheers and applause roared louder.
Shao Yun led Lumine off the table and walked to the entrance, handing a heavy bag of mora to Six-Fingered José.
"Play something lively—I want to dance with my beloved tonight!" he said to José.
José accepted the mora and nodded, mentally composing a cheerful melody.
As his fingers strummed the strings, music filled the tavern.
Shao Yun took Lumine's hand, ready to dance. She leaned in and whispered, a bit nervous, "Shao Yun, I don't know how to dance..."
Shao Yun chuckled, "That's fine—I don't either. We don't have to be perfect. Let's just enjoy it."
...
Together, Shao Yun and Lumine began to dance.
With José's bright and rhythmic melody as their guide, their steps grew lighter and freer.
Shao Yun felt nothing but pure joy. He nearly wanted to shout, "Lenny!"
Some guests, already tipsy, were drawn into the festive air and stood up to join the dance. Their steps were clumsy, but their spirits were high.
Those who remained seated hummed along with the melody, their voices mingling with the music, adding a touch of warmth to the night.
At the bar, Paimon sipped a fizzy sour berry juice, her gaze fixed on the dancing pair, a joyful smile on her face.
Kaeya, sitting nearby, watched them quietly.
He sighed, then turned to Paimon and asked, "That's the first time I've ever seen Shao Yun this happy. Have you?"
Paimon shook her head. "It's my first time too. He really is happy tonight."
Just then, Shao Yun's voice rang out.
"Everyone, let your passion loose! Let's enjoy this beautiful night!"
Cheers, clapping, and laughter once again shook the tavern.
Watching the dancing figures, Kaeya's lips curled into a faint smile. Then he looked toward Paimon, who was still sipping juice.
He cleared his throat, catching her attention.
"By the way, Paimon—what brings you all back to Mondstadt?"
Paimon swallowed her drink, excitement lighting up her face.
"We got an invitation—to the Mondstadt Winery Gathering! That's why we came back!"
Kaeya laughed.
"Hahaha! The Winery Gathering? That festival used to be called the Weinlesefest Festival."
Paimon blinked.
"Weinlesefest Festival?"
Kaeya nodded and began explaining.
"Yep. Long ago, it was a time when every family brewed their own wine. The best wine would be selected and offered to Barbatos. But over time, private brewing was banned, and it turned into a commercial competition between wineries. Even so, it's still a grand event."
Paimon wasn't interested in wine—she cared about food. Festivals meant feasts.
"Kaeya, will there be delicious food at the Weinlesefest Festival?"
Kaeya chuckled. "Tons of it. Acting Grand Master Jean said it'll be as big as the Windblume Festival and the Ballads of Breeze. So, you'll definitely get to taste all sorts of gourmet dishes."
Paimon practically leapt with excitement.
"Really?! That's amazing! I can't wait!"
Seeing her so thrilled, Kaeya smiled as well.
He added, "You can go talk to Acting Grand Master Jean tomorrow for the details. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you all."