Chapter 20
Venti pondered for a few seconds before asking, "Should we send him back to Natlan?"
Zhongli replied, "Let nature take its course."
"I also suggested he travel the seven nations, but he wasn't keen on the idea. He said he wanted to stay in Liyue."
"That makes sense," Venti mused, rubbing his chin. "Your place is indeed nice, full of life. No wonder he doesn't want to leave. Natlan is currently in good hands with the Traveler, and things are progressing smoothly. I'll help keep an eye on it."
After discussing the situation in Natlan, Venti brought up something that puzzled him. "But Shen Xing can use Anemo, yet I don't sense any faith in him. Why is that? It's strange."
"Logically, he's the Pyro Archon. Even if he doesn't have the Gnosis or the Throne of God, he shouldn't be able to use other elements. Could it be he's become my follower?" Venti's eyes sparkled with amusement, his tone playful.
Zhongli glanced at him, saying nothing.
"Are you done?" After a while, Zhongli felt it was time. He poured the tea, signaling the end of the conversation.
As old friends of a thousand years, Venti could easily discern the meaning behind Zhongli's words. He was clearly being dismissed, which displeased him. "I haven't even warmed the seat, and you're already kicking me out. Really."
Quick as a flash, Venti snatched the freshly poured tea, took a sip, and his brows furrowed in distaste. He had hoped it would taste different, but it was still unpleasant, not as good as his wine.
Zhongli poured himself another cup. "Anything else?"
Venti cleared his throat, glancing around furtively. He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Old man, I find him kind of cute now."
Zhongli paused mid-sip, seemingly taken aback by Venti's statement.
His mouth twitched slightly. "Mind your words."
The bard returned to his seat. "I knew you wouldn't get it. It seems the erosion hasn't just worn down your temper; it's also dulled your eye for appreciating cute things."
"He used to be short, just a bit shorter than you, but now he's as tall as me! And he's become so small, tsk tsk tsk. I didn't expect him to look so different after returning, although his face is the same, just a bit younger." Venti spoke boldly.
"I couldn't tease him before, but now I have to make the most of it."
Zhongli: "..."
Venti continued, his tone laced with laughter. "You know, on his first day in Mondstadt, he was so startled by me that he fell off the roof. Luckily, I... caught him. Otherwise, he would have landed flat on his back. Would he have cried because of that, hahaha."
"If I recorded these embarrassing moments and showed them to him later, would he get all flustered, hahaha!"
"He even said he liked me."
Zhongli suddenly interjected, "What?"
Venti raised his chin, eyebrows arched. "He told me he liked the Anemo Archon, which is why he went to Mondstadt."
"I saw how hard he was searching for the Anemo Archon, so I kindly revealed my true identity to him, but he refused to believe it..."
Zhongli fell silent, recalling how the young man had told him he was going to Mondstadt to play. So that was what he was up to. His brows furrowed, his golden eyes fixed on the chattering bard, his aura turning dangerous, forcing Venti to stop talking.
Venti's eyes widened. "What are you doing?"
He quickly crossed his arms over his chest. "There are people around. Don't do anything rash. Let's talk this out. I won't say anything more, okay?"
Zhongli cast a calm glance at Venti.
Venti cleared his throat. "Alright, alright, I get it. I won't go too far."
He looked up at the sky, sensing something. He told Zhongli, "You keep an eye on him for now. I'm heading back to Mondstadt. I'll come stay with you for a while soon. Don't be unwelcoming~"
Zhongli replied coolly, "You don't have to come."
With a personality like his, he shouldn't lead Shen Xing astray.
Though Zhongli's demeanor was steady, as if discussing a trivial matter, Venti could hear the undisguised disdain. "That's not an option."
Before the words, laden with amusement, had fully left his lips, the wind had already carried him away.
Not long after Venti's departure, Shen Xing returned to Liyue. Standing near the alchemy table, he took a deep breath of the air. Liyue was indeed the best.
He felt at ease.
He found Zhongli at the Wangshu Inn, his eyes bright as he rushed over. "Mr. Zhongli, I'm back!"
Zhongli was indeed more reassuring.
Look at that posture, that straight back, that graceful demeanor.
Recalling his series of unfortunate encounters with Venti in Mondstadt, Shen Xing quickly took a few more glances at Zhongli, banishing the bizarre image of Venti clinging to him.
No worries, he had already left Mondstadt. He wouldn't see him again.
Finally, he didn't have to keep up the lie!
Zhongli looked at him. "You're back. What did you do in Mondstadt?"
Shen Xing: "..." Nothing much, just worked on an outline.
But he couldn't say that.
Why was he being questioned upon returning?
He racked his brain. "I saw the pigeons at Mondstadt's city gate, lots of them. Then I visited the Knights of Favonius... library, and also went to the famous local tavern. Nothing much else."
Zhongli nodded, and as Shen Xing relaxed, Zhongli asked again, "Did you meet anyone?"
In an instant, Shen Xing's guard went up. Zhongli's question clearly implied he was asking if Shen Xing had met Venti.
Shen Xing: "Yes! As soon as I arrived in Mondstadt, I met a bard named Venti. He startled me from behind and made me fall."
Zhongli thought the bard had indeed mentioned that, so it seemed true.
The next moment, Shen Xing added, "Originally, I landed on my feet, but he didn't, and he almost knocked me out!"
Shen Xing omitted the dramatic kiss, his words animated as he complained.
Zhongli paused.
After venting, Shen Xing felt a bit guilty about tattling to Zhongli. "But we ended up becoming friends. He's actually quite nice."
How could he not be? It was a friendship forged from a dramatic kiss!
He had discarded such a clichéd plot in his novels, yet it had happened in real life. Truly, reality was stranger than fiction.
Back in his room, Shen Xing dove into writing, fueled by a detailed outline. He wrote non-stop until dinner time, when he went out to buy his usual meal.
The night was when inspiration flowed most freely, the perfect time to write the indescribable.
Shen Xing touched his face, recalling Venti with a grin, and began to describe the Anemo Archon's beauty, chuckling as he wrote Venti as the one on the bottom. As compensation, he tried not to break character, writing Venti as perfectly as possible.
With no one around, Shen Xing's imagination ran wild. He envisioned Venti undressing, and as the story progressed to the bed, his descriptions grew bold and unrestrained.
Hehehe.
The Venti in his story would surely give him a big surprise.
Completing a novel was a physical task, and Shen Xing missed the modern convenience of a computer. His typing speed couldn't keep up with his thoughts, and writing was slower than typing. He longed for his keyboard.
After penning the final word, he reviewed for any typos, then hurriedly went to bed. He couldn't risk Zhongli checking on him for not turning off the lights, like a parent watching over him.
The next morning, Shen Xing stepped out to find the streets filled with Fatui, all gathered around bookstores or stalls selling books. Curious, he spotted an unmistakable head of orange hair and approached. "Childe, what are you doing?"
Childe was surprised to see him. "You're back."
"I thought you'd stay in Mondstadt for a while." He gestured to the Fatui carrying stacks of books, looking dejected. "I'm buying books."
"You know about that novel. It's affected me too much. I can't stop it at the source, so I'm buying them all when they go on sale."
Childe crossed his arms. "To stop the book from spreading further, I'm buying them all."
Shen Xing didn't know how to respond. Should he commend Childe's wealth? He felt a bead of sweat on his forehead and twitched his lips. "So you come here every morning to wait?"
Childe nodded, his expression sour.
"I've had my subordinates keep a close watch on Yae Publishing House. Once I catch the author, I'll make them understand the pain I've been through!"
Shen Xing: "..."
The Fatui, each carrying a tall stack of books, skillfully moved toward Childe's residence. It was clear this wasn't their first time.
Shen Xing scratched his head, sneaking a glance at Childe's dark expression, and coughed a few times, unable to suppress a laugh.
"What are you laughing at? Partner, you have no idea how creepy it feels to be stared at with those eyes whenever I go out!"
Childe's face was ashen. "The book's reach is beyond my imagination. At first, only women liked it, which was fine. But while you were away, men started sneaking into my room when I wasn't there!"
Shen Xing: "..." Whoa, big news.
Childe's eyes blazed with fury, clearly infuriated. He couldn't understand why these people, inspired by the novel, had developed wicked thoughts about him. It was absurd.
Even more outrageous was that the person he threw out had looked pleased and even asked him to step on them. What a pervert.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Childe grabbed Shen Xing, who sensed something was off and tried to slip away. "Fight with me."
"No! You're just looking for a punching bag."
"Let me go!"
Shen Xing struggled, thinking he was crazy to fight Childe now. He'd surely be mistaken for the author and become a target of Childe's frustration.
Though he was indeed the author.
Pushing against Childe's chest, Shen Xing didn't use much force. Childe's orange head drooped, his blue eyes filled with longing. "Just this once, just once. Let me stretch my muscles. I promise I won't ask you again."
"No." Shen Xing turned his head. He'd be crazy to fight now. There would be plenty of opportunities to fight in the future.
He was mentally prepared to face Childe and the Doctor. Childe had said he had eyes on Yae Publishing House. The next time Shen Xing submitted a manuscript, it wouldn't be smooth sailing. In the worst-case scenario, there would be a fight.
Shen Xing shivered at the thought, pushing and pulling with Childe.
The two argued on the street, pushing and shoving, one shouting "just this once," while the other, a handsome young man, seemed cornered, repeatedly saying, "No."
The onlookers' gazes changed, casting excited looks at the two, their smiles full of aunt-like affection.
Especially since one of them was the recent sensation, Childe, who was now holding onto this young man.
In an instant, their minds conjured up all sorts of dramatic scenarios, their eyes growing brighter as they imagined a real-life couple. The black-haired youth was quite attractive, very pleasing to the eye, hehe.
It wasn't until the stares became more obvious that the two realized something was wrong. They turned to face the green-eyed fangirls.
Childe: "..." It was that look!
Shen Xing: "..." Wait, you can't just ship anything!
The two immediately distanced themselves, fleeing the scene.
"Huff, huff—"
Childe panted heavily after running to another street, looking at Shen Xing, who had experienced the same ordeal. Childe's gloomy mood lifted, and he spoke like a seasoned veteran:
"It's okay. After a few times, you'll get used to it. They only dare to watch from afar, not approach."
Shen Xing's face took on a strange expression. Had Childe gone mad? He actually said to get used to it.
"Hello, is that novel about the Harbinger sold out here too?" A young voice from afar caught Shen Xing's attention.
That voice sounded familiar—it was Xingqiu!
Shen Xing looked up.
It was indeed the person he thought it was. Xingqiu, wearing his in-game outfit, was asking the stall owner about the book.
Xingqiu wanted to read his novel too?
"Yes, that book was bought by the Northland Bank early this morning." So many people had asked about it that the owner immediately knew which book they wanted.
"Alright, thank you."
Xingqiu nodded, about to leave, when Shen Xing called out to him.
"Wait, are you Master Pillow Jade?"
Shen Xing approached Xingqiu, blurting out his pen name. Xingqiu's eyes widened slightly, and Childe also came over. Normally, he didn't read novels, so he didn't know the person in front of him was also an author.
Xingqiu, after recovering from his surprise, looked delighted. "I am. Have you read my novels?"
Shen Xing nodded. "Master Pillow Jade's martial arts novel, 'Autumn Sword Chronicles,' is very popular in Inazuma. I had the pleasure of reading it. It's excellent."
"Really? You really think it's good?"
Shen Xing nodded.
Xingqiu couldn't contain his joy. Finally, someone appreciated his novel. He had a fan.
Shen Xing asked, "What book are you here to buy, Master Pillow Jade?"
At this, Xingqiu's smile faded. "That novel that's taken the seven nations by storm, 'Yandere Experiment Maniac and His Runaway Executor.' At first, I didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just another new release. But I didn't expect it to be so popular."
"I couldn't resist coming to buy a copy today, but it's sold out."
Xingqiu looked curious. "Who is this A Jiu? I'd love to make friends and exchange writing insights."
Shen Xing: "..." Better not. We're on different tracks. I'm afraid your face will change after reading it.
At this point, the bookstore owner recognized Childe and quickly told Xingqiu, "He's the one. The Northland Bank's representative. All those novels were bought by him. If you want one, you can ask him."
After speaking, the owner dared not meet Childe's eyes, fearing a beating.
Childe, coldly glancing at the owner pretending to be a quail, ignored Xingqiu's eager gaze and turned away, refusing, "Sorry, those books aren't for sale."
Shen Xing thought, of course not. He bought them to prevent others from reading, probably to destroy them afterward.
Xingqiu sighed. "Alright."
"It seems fate hasn't brought us together. I'm Xingqiu from the Feiyun Commerce Guild. And you are?" Xingqiu asked Shen Xing.
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Shen Xing."
"Nice to meet you."
The two young men shook hands amicably in front of Childe.
Childe: "..." He moved a bit further away.
After a while, Childe returned, pushing Shen Xing's shoulder. "You said you'd spar with me. Let's do it now. I can't wait."
Shen Xing was pushed forward. "When did I agree to that?"
"Now."
"?"
"I never said that."
"You did."
"No sparring." Shen Xing spread his hands, refusing outright. Childe had no way to deal with him.
Shen Xing suggested, "If you want to fight, why not spar with Mr. Zhongli? I saw a spear in his room. He should be quite skilled."
This stumped Childe. Spar with Morax? Would that even be a fight? It would be a one-sided beatdown, and Morax himself wouldn't engage him.
Childe laughed awkwardly. "He's too old. I'm a gentleman; I won't fight him."
"..." I heard that. You dare call Zhongli old.
"I prefer sparring with energetic young people like you. So, are we sparring or not?"
"No sparring." Shen Xing refused.
Childe was about to say something when a loud shout startled him, making his pupils quake. He turned abruptly.
"Brother—"
Shen Xing blinked, curious about Childe's shocked expression. He followed the voice and saw a girl in a dress rushing over, throwing herself into Childe's arms.
"Tonia?!!"
Perhaps it had been too long since they'd seen each other. The girl's blue eyes, identical to Childe's, brimmed with tears. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she buried her face in the young man's chest, nuzzling affectionately.
Seeing it was his long-lost little sister, the orange-haired young man was a bit flustered. He quickly caught her, smoothing her twin ponytails, concerned. "Why are you here? Did something happen at home, or is it Dad..."
"Everything's fine. Father is okay too."
Childe let out a breath, his heart settling. "That's good."
The girl suddenly looked up, her eyes still misty, her emotions a bit agitated. "Good? It's not good at all! Brother, do you know how long it's been since you came home?"
"...We all miss you, especially Anton." She pursed her lips at this point.
Shen Xing slowly moved his feet. What a perfect opportunity. If not now, when?
"But you never come home!" Tonia accused.
Childe, flustered, said, "I-I'm sorry... I've been busy. Didn't I write to you saying I'd be home soon..."
"Brother, you're a liar."
Tonia said, "You said you'd be back soon, but it's been years! We've all been worried about you, afraid you'd encounter danger or something you couldn't handle. You said you'd 'pluck the seven stars of Liyue for Her Majesty the Tsaritsa' and then come home. I thought you meant real stars. I thought my brother was amazing, able to pluck stars from the sky. But recently, I found out that's not true!"
"Brother, you're doing something dangerous, aren't you? Tell me, what is this?"
Tonia pulled out a crumpled novel and shoved it in his face, demanding an explanation. The cover depicted him and the Doctor. Her face was full of tears, angry and almost crying again over her brother's supposed mistreatment.
Childe's body trembled.
"No, Tonia, let me explain..."