It was already late morning when Lu Lin finally woke up on the Jade Chamber's large bed.
In the latter half of the night, he had gone downstairs to accompany Lumine for over an hour of "battle," filling her up as well before finally returning satisfied.
After fighting four people in one night and sending them to the peak countless times, even with his current physique, he felt some fatigue.
By the time he woke up, it was nearly eleven.
The girls had already left the Serenitea Pot to attend to their own matters.
Lu Lin glanced at the time and cursed inwardly.
He had bet with Xianyun that he would bring the finished machine by the afternoon — and only a few hours remained.
He hurried out of bed, washed up quickly, changed into clean clothes, skipped breakfast, and rushed to the workshop outside the city where he had previously built the Guizhong Ballistas.
The mechanism Xianyun designed was intricate and required numerous materials — only the workshop had sufficient supplies and tools.
Originally, one full day would have been more than enough.
But last night's indulgence had cost him half of it.
If he lost the bet, it would be embarrassing — and he certainly couldn't explain it by saying he overslept after spending the night with her disciple.
Working at full speed, hands nearly sparking from friction, he finally completed the machine just before five in the afternoon.
Carrying the strange-looking device, he teleported back to Liyue Harbor and returned to Xianyun's courtyard.
Shenhe was meditating in the yard. Hearing him arrive, she opened her eyes.
"Is Auntie Xianyun here?"
"She's in the pavilion, researching mechanisms. The small gadgets she gave you yesterday were well received — she plans to make more to sell."
"Cloud Retainer's creations would fetch sky-high prices on the market," Lu Lin said as he entered the pavilion.
In the Pavilion
Inside, the tall, mature beauty in a black form-fitting dress was adjusting a mechanism.
She didn't turn around when she heard him.
"You're late. Did you finish the machine?"
Lu Lin paused.
The sunset streamed through the window, casting a golden glow across her flawless figure.
Her dress clung perfectly to her curves.
As she bent over her work, her silhouette was nothing short of breathtaking — the fullness at her chest, the taut arc of her hips, long shapely legs.
For a moment, his soul felt hooked by that elegant curve.
The tight dress truly suited her.
Ganyu and Shenhe's fitted styles likely originated from their master — the school of "tight attire" was clearly represented here.
Receiving no reply, Xianyun turned her head — only to find him staring at her openly.
She frowned.
She was familiar with that look — the gaze of frivolous men. She had never been lenient with such individuals.
"The machine is finished. Please evaluate it, Miss Xianyun."
Her frown deepened.
Why was he calling her "Miss Xianyun" again?
She studied him carefully.
He didn't seem to hide certain intentions at all.
Lu Lin ignored her scrutiny and presented the machine.
Its base resembled a lotus, with a round central container sealed by a lid.
It was a flameless popcorn maker — a small invention Xianyun designed simply because she suddenly craved popcorn.
Practical, clever, and safe.
She inspected it thoroughly.
"From the exterior, it looks flawless. Have you tested it?"
"I didn't have corn on hand," Lu Lin shrugged.
In truth, he had rushed and hadn't tested it.
Fortunately, Xianyun had prepared corn beforehand for her own testing.
She poured it in and activated the switch.
Internally, she was already stunned — the structure met her design standards almost perfectly.
He had done this in a single day?
Now came the true test.
Lu Lin, cautious, summoned a Geo shield to protect them both.
"You lack confidence in yourself?" she asked coolly.
"I overslept this morning and rushed it. I'm not entirely certain," he replied honestly.
She scoffed.
Overslept?
With a wager at stake?
Did he treat her mechanism so casually?
According to him, he had built it in mere hours — even Guizhong reborn couldn't manage that!
She didn't believe him.
Bang!
A crisp pop echoed.
The scent of popcorn filled the pavilion.
It worked.
Lu Lin clenched his fist in relief — he hadn't been completely certain either.
Xianyun, however, was shaken.
If what he said was true — if he had overslept and still completed it in roughly five and a half hours — then his talent surpassed even her imagination.
She turned to him.
"You said you overslept. Is that true?"
"Of course. I arrived at the workshop at eleven-thirty. The craftsmen can testify."
There was no reason for him to lie.
Five and a half hours.
She felt a brief wave of defeat — but quickly steadied herself.
"I lost this wager. State your request."
Lu Lin smiled slightly.
"Anything?"
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