As time slipped by, the evening sun streamed through the tavern windows, its golden rays refracting off glasses and bottles in dazzling brilliance.
Shao Yun sat at the counter of Angel's Share, his gaze fixed on the tavern's clock. The appointed hour with Noelle was fast approaching.
He took out the envelope she had given him, carefully opened it, and murmured, "It's about time. Let's see this invitation."
Inside, the letter bore only eight characters.
"At the main gate of Mondstadt." Shao Yun read the words softly.
Familiar time, familiar place—he instantly understood Noelle's intention.
Pocketing the note, he stood and told Diluc, "I need to go."
From beneath the counter, Diluc produced a finely packaged drink, handing it over as he explained, "Give this to Noelle for me. Consider it my congratulations on her becoming a knight."
Shao Yun accepted the bottle, feeling the delicate engravings and cool touch against his palm. It was clearly valuable. Diluc truly did care for the younger generation of the Knights.
Tucking it safely away, he replied earnestly, "Alright. I'll make sure she gets it."
As he turned, his eyes brushed the doorway—and there sat Venti, strumming his lyre.
Shao Yun narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of something complicated passing through his gaze. Then he turned back, pulled out enough Mora for two bottles of dandelion wine, and said, "Two more bottles, chilled."
Diluc didn't hesitate. He opened the ice-chilled cabinet, took out two frosty bottles glistening with droplets, and placed them before him.
"Here. Do you need them wrapped?"
Shao Yun didn't answer. He grabbed both bottles and strode toward Venti.
He stood silently before the bard, staring at him without a word.
A creeping unease welled in Venti's chest under that unrelenting gaze.
Quietly, he lowered his beloved lyre, fumbling for words. "M-Mr. Shao Yun…"
But before he could finish, Shao Yun suddenly raised one bottle high—and with all his strength smashed it down on Venti's head.
"Bang!" The impact rang sharp as the glass burst apart, cold liquor spraying everywhere, shards scattering through the air.
Venti was left drenched, his hair dripping with cider, his face streaked with stinging cuts of glass.
The tavern froze. Even Diluc was stunned into silence by the sudden violence.
Were it anyone else, he would've thrown the offender out on the spot. But with these two…
Venti didn't retaliate. He only stood there silently, motionless, despite the bottle that had just shattered against his skull.
Shao Yun jabbed a finger at his nose, snarling, "That was for what you said the night before last!"
Then, with a furious snarl, he shoved the second cold bottle into Venti's arms. "And this one is because… because… ah, to hell with it! I've gone mad!"
With that, he stormed toward the tavern doors, leaving Venti clutching the icy bottle in silence.
Venti looked down at the gift in his arms and gave a bitter laugh.
At least Shao Yun hadn't killed him. At least he hadn't stormed off to join the Abyss Order out of spite.
A bottle to the head? That he could endure.
Just then, Diluc approached with a broom in one hand and a clean towel in the other.
"Here. Dry off. Don't catch a cold… though your odds of that are near zero."
Venti glanced at him. "Thanks, Master Diluc. But I can dry myself."
Wind stirred around him—pure, gentle, alive. It whisked away the wine and glass shards clinging to him, leaving only the faint scent of alcohol in the air.
Soon, the tavern returned to normal. Diluc stood behind the counter; Venti resumed his song.
…
By dusk, the last rays of the sun draped soft light over Mondstadt's walls.
The golden glow mingled with the weathered stone, lending the gate a quiet majesty.
The mountains beyond stood like the backbone of the land.
Nearer, Cider Lake rippled with glinting reflections, casting brilliance far and wide.
A gentle breeze brushed through, carrying cool relief and fresh, clean air.
Suddenly, Noelle's clear voice rang down from atop the wall.
"Mr. Shao Yun, I'm up here!"
Startled, Shao Yun looked up. There she was, waving joyfully, her figure bathed in the glow of sunset.
He waved back, smiling.
When he joined her atop the wall, his eyes widened at the sight awaiting him.
A simple table. Two chairs. Nothing extravagant—yet arranged with warmth and quiet romance.
On the table lay dishes carefully prepared by Noelle.
A vibrant salad jeweled with fruits and vegetables.
A fish roasted crisp and golden, beside thick cuts of meat releasing mouthwatering aroma.
A bubbling stew still steaming, its fragrance rich and inviting.
And before his seat, the highlight: Noelle's specialty dish—"Lighter-than-Air Pancakes."
Taking it in, Shao Yun asked, "Why here, on the wall? And why just the two of us?"
At his question, Noelle brushed a strand of her silky hair back with her fingers.
Her lovely face brightened with a mix of happiness and nervous restraint.
"No one else. Just the two of us." Her eyes glimmered with shy sweetness.
Shao Yun studied her expression, then reached into his pack.
He set Diluc's gift in front of her. "Enough of that. Here—this is from Master Diluc, his congratulations."
Startled, Noelle quickly accepted it and set it carefully on the table.
Then she beamed, beckoning him eagerly.
"Sit down. I made plenty. Everything's for you—I hope you like it."
Shao Yun gazed at the spread, smiling. "Looks incredible. You're a great cook."
As she moved to pull out his chair, he waved her off. "No need. I can manage."
Noelle gave a small laugh, her eyes still warm with care.
…
They sat facing each other.
Shao Yun narrowed his eyes, memory flickering. Their last meal together on these walls—nearly half a year ago now. So much had changed.
He glanced out toward the open fields beyond Mondstadt, a wave of nostalgia rising within him.
Half-joking, he said, "Let's hope Amber doesn't fall from the sky this time. It'd ruin the whole spread."
He added with a chuckle, "Don't you dare tell her I said that."
Noelle laughed brightly, her cheeks flushing pink.
"Hahaha… I doubt it. But if the hilichurl hordes attack again, you can't just knock me out cold and send me back to headquarters like last time!"
…
At last, her smile softened into something more solemn. "Mr. Shao Yun, before we begin… there's something I want to say."
Seeing her earnestness, he too let his smile fade, his tone growing serious.
"I also have something to tell you."
Her eyes brightened with hope. "Then… could you let me go first? Maybe we're thinking of the same thing."
But Shao Yun shook his head firmly. His gaze locked with hers.
"I suggest you hear me first."
Her brows furrowed in hesitation, but at length she nodded.
"…Very well, Mr. Shao Yun. You first."