Ye Xi was pulled along by Keqing as they left Yuehai Pavilion.
As they passed through Yujing Terrace, a group of Millelith soldiers stared straight at them. Watching their departing figures, the Millelith guards rubbed their eyes one by one, wondering if they were seeing things.
"Was that Lord Yuheng just now?"
"Am I seeing this right? Lord Yuheng is actually leading Lord Ye Xi out of Yuehai Pavilion by the hand?"
"Heavens above, a person as strict as Lord Keqing is actually holding a man's hand? I can't even imagine it!"
"It must be that Lord Keqing has some urgent official business and is dragging Lord Ye Xi along to help!"
"Exactly, it has to be that!"
"..."
They would rather believe their own imaginations right now. If even Keqing were to become intimate with Ye Xi, they truly wouldn't be able to go on.
...
Led by Keqing, Ye Xi left Liyue Harbor and arrived in a desolate stretch of the nearby wilderness. There was no one around, only a dirt road stretching forward.
He opened his map and checked his position. This dirt road passed through Mt. Tianheng and led toward either Dunyu Mound or Lingju Pass. However, it would take quite a trek to get there on foot. The road ahead was long, and further on, they might encounter Treasure Hoarders or Hilichurls.
He didn't understand where Keqing was trying to go. The girl walking ahead of him had a petite and lovely figure; her purple twin-tails bounced as she moved, and her short skirt fluttered with every step. Following behind a girl like her was, in its own way, a form of enjoyment.
Meanwhile, Keqing, walking in front, was feeling conflicted.
Should I take the initiative and ask for it?
But if I do, will I seem too willful?
It's not right to just demand clothes for no reason! I have to offer something in return!
Keqing wanted beautiful clothes too! If they were just the kind one could normally buy in Liyue Harbor, she might not be so expectant. The key issue was that Ganyu and Beidou's clothes were clearly not produced in Liyue. Designs that advanced were something she had almost never seen. Furthermore, since these clothes offered ability enhancements, she was even more eager!
At that thought, she silently cheered herself on.
If I don't strive for it myself, the opportunity will vanish in an instant.
In her eyes, if an opportunity was at hand, there was no need to hesitate. Otherwise, it would slip away, and by then, it would be too late!
Thus, she suddenly stopped and turned around. "Ye Xi, I want"
Before Keqing could finish her sentence, her vision went dark as she crashed right into Ye Xi's chest.
Because it happened so suddenly, Ye Xi couldn't react in time. He only felt his body sink into something soft, and his center of gravity toppled forward. There happened to be a small pond by the side of the road, and the two of them accidentally tumbled right into it.
Ye Xi hadn't expected Keqing to stop so abruptly. He had been distracted, admiring her elegant shoulders and back. In that moment of daze, he had run straight into her.
"Ugh..."
Startled, Keqing squeezed her eyes shut. The next moment, she felt the world spin as she splashed into the small pond.
"Are you okay, Keqing?"
Driven by instinct, Ye Xi had used his hand to cradle Keqing's head, so she didn't hit anything when they fell into the water.
Keqing felt a warmth in her heart from this small gesture. Feeling her head resting in a large, warm hand that protected her from injury made her feel incredibly safe in that moment.
She covered her mouth and coughed twice. "I'm fine. Thank you for protecting me."
"Let's get up first." Ye Xi propped himself up off Keqing, gave her a gentle tug, and pulled her out of the pond.
[ I didn't expect Keqing to be so... well-endowed for her age. ]
[ I really couldn't tell before. ]
Hearing Ye Xi's heart voice, Keqing's face instantly flushed crimson. In truth, she had also felt that Ye Xi's embrace was very warm just now.
Oh my, Keqing, what are you thinking!
It was just a small accident, why are you overthinking it?!
Where has your usual workplace composure and dignity gone?!
Ever since meeting Ye Xi, Keqing felt her thoughts were in complete disarray. Usually, she was very calm when facing problems, but now, a certain figure was constantly appearing in her mind.
The sight of Ye Xi's back from yesterday, when he disarmed her with a single move. The sight of his back as he fried Golden Shrimp Balls for her in the Serenitea Pot. She felt herself thinking of him involuntarily.
She shook her head vigorously, forcing herself out of her imagination.
As a breeze drifted by, she suddenly felt a chill and couldn't help but shiver. Only then did she realize her clothes were completely soaked!
At that moment, Ye Xi noticed it as well. Because the fabric was wet, it had become somewhat transparent and clung tightly to her skin. Suddenly, Keqing's exquisite figure was displayed before his eyes without any concealment.
[ Lips like cherries, a waist like a willowwhat a perfect figure! ]
[ I didn't expect Keqing to have developed so well despite having just reached adulthood. ]
He marveled sincerely in his heart. When he saw Keqing shivering, he couldn't help but associate her with a kitten shaking droplets of water off itselfit was quite adorable!
Hearing his thoughts, Keqing subconsciously crossed her arms over her chest, her face burning. Those compliments and praises had actually struck a chord deep within her. Forcing down the shyness in her heart, she lowered her head and said timidly, "My clothes... they're all soaked..."
Hearing Keqing's muffled, trembling voice, Ye Xi snapped back to reality. If she were caught in the wind like this, she would likely catch a cold.
He suggested, "Come with me to the Serenitea Pot first. I'll take you to soak in the hot springs to warm your body!"
As he spoke, he retrieved the Serenitea Pot from his inventory and placed it on a nearby rock. Opening the lid, he and Keqing entered the Adeptus Abode.
However, not long after they entered the pot, several Treasure Hoarders arrived by the road.
"Whoa, Boss! Look, there's a treasure!"
A masked Treasure Hoarder lackey pointed toward the edge of the pond. The leader looked in that direction and his eyes went wide the moment he saw the Serenitea Pot. The pot was radiant and ornate; one look was enough to know it was incredibly valuable!
"Holy crap! This business is getting easier and easier. Pick it up, quick!"
The leader felt a surge of feverish excitement. They had only come out today for some petty theft or to mug a passerby. Who would have thought they'd find a treasure just sitting by a pond!
A grunt quickly stepped forward and hugged the Serenitea Pot to his chest.
"Aiyah, Boss, this pot looks like a real gem!"
"There's an immortal aura about it. It must be worth a fortune!"
"We're rich! Hahaha, we're rich!"
The lackeys crowded around the pot, each one overjoyed.
The leader waved a hand and commanded, "Brothers, we can report back to the higher-ups today! We're going straight back to drink! Send this pot to the warehouse at headquarters!"
Having obtained such a magnificent treasure so easily, the leader didn't overthink it. The lackeys were ecstatic, shouting "Long live the Boss" as they began their journey back. Before long, they returned to their camp, and the Serenitea Pot was placed inside a warehouse filled to the brim with the Treasure Hoarders' "spoils of war."
...
Having entered the Serenitea Pot, Ye Xi was completely unaware of what was happening outside.
With a single thought, the temperature in the realm became warm and cozy, as if summer had arrived. With the sun shining down, Keqing immediately felt much warmer.
However, Keqing let out a sigh.
If the weather were a bit colder, I could have sat by a fire with Ye Xi.
Maybe we could have even kept each other warm...
Aiyah, what on earth am I thinking again!
Keqing patted her cheeks to keep herself awake. At that moment, Ye Xi's voice reached her ears.
"Master Keqing, take off your clothes."
"Taketake off my clothes?!" Keqing crossed her arms over her chest and subconsciously recoiled. She didn't understand how they had suddenly jumped to this step, and she felt a surge of fear.
Ye Xi chuckled and explained, "I mean, go inside the house and change out of those wet clothes. There are bath towels inside. You can go soak in the hot springs in the courtyard. As for clothes, I'll give you a new set."
Keqing's face turned even redder.
Was I overthinking it again?
It must be my own problem. What is wrong with me?!
Misunderstanding once or twice was one thing, but if she overthought it every single time, then it was definitely her fault! She nodded subconsciously and stepped inside the small Western-style house.
"The design of this house... is so unique!"
Upon entering, Keqing was immediately drawn to the furnishings. Many things inside were incredibly fascinating.
Ye Xi nodded. "I designed this place myself. It's the style I like."
Unfortunately, it couldn't compare to the houses from his previous life. The most critical issue was the lack of electricity. If there were electricity, he wouldn't have to use candles and could use electric lights insteadassuming he could manufacture lightbulbs.
Keqing looked around, her eyes full of curiosity. "I love the design here. Living here must be very comfortable," she couldn't help but exclaim. Though she came from a prestigious family, she had never seen such a novel architectural style.
Ye Xi smiled and said, "You can move in if you like. I have plenty of space here."
[ The bed can be made very large, too. ]
A few impractical, naughty thoughts crossed his mind.
"Eh?"
Keqing was shocked. Her face turned red from the bottom up, looking like watermelon juice being poured into a glass.
A large... bed...
No, no, no! Moving into a boy's house? How could that be okay!
We aren't even married yet, how can we live together?
Even if we were to live together, it would have to wait until after the engagement...
Keqing felt she was thinking far too far ahead again. By the time she snapped out of it, she had already entered the bathroom.
"Master Keqing, there are towels in the bathroom. Just leave your wet clothes to the side for now; you can take them back later. I've already prepared new clothes for youthey're right by the hot spring."
Ye Xi's voice drifted in from outside the door.
"Understood!" Keqing replied before starting to look around. She soon saw the bath towels hanging to the side.
The furnishings in this room also struck her as very strange. However, she didn't think too much about it and began to undress. After all, staying in soaked clothes was an easy way to catch a cold.
Outside the door, Ye Xi was quite looking forward to the "scenery" inside. Hearing the rustling sounds coming from the room was enough to make him want to eat three bowls of rice! Soon, the door handle turned.
The door slowly opened, and for a moment, Ye Xi felt as if a golden light was radiating from within! It was as if the gates to heaven had opened!
Immediately after, a stunning figure peeked out. Keqing emerged timidly, her body wrapped in nothing but a single, thin bath towel.
Her elegant shoulders, neck, and jade-like arms showed a faint hint of cherry-blossom pink at the joints. Below the towel were two slender, porcelain-white legs. Her delicate ankles met her smooth, radiant feet. Every toe was plump and petite, like little beans. This was the first time he had seen those beautiful legs without her thin stockings!
[ Truly perfect! ]
Ye Xi marveled repeatedly in his heart.
Hearing his heart voice, Keqing felt her cheeks burning. Like a startled cat, she bolted from the bathroom and ran toward the hot spring in the courtyard.
Ye Xi chuckled and entered the bathroom himself to change into a clean set of clothes. He was also damp, though not as badly as Keqing.
In the courtyard, Keqing stole a glance back. Seeing that Ye Xi hadn't followed, she hurriedly ran to the side of the hot spring to look at the new clothes. When she saw the beautiful JK Uniform, she felt a surge of joy.
It's so pretty! I really want to try it on!
She couldn't wait to wear it. After soaking in the hot spring until her body was warm, she climbed out and changed into the new outfit.
A white accordion-pleated short-sleeved shirt, a "water cloud" plaid pleated skirt, knee-high thin white socks, and a pair of small leather shoes. Once she put them on, she felt she was radiating the aura of a young maiden.
"So beautiful!" Keqing looked at her reflection in the hot spring and couldn't help but gasp in wonder. She had never seen this style of clothing before, but wearing it made her look incredibly cute. Moreover, she felt as if her body had become much lighter.
However, wearing this to Yuehai Pavilion would be very strange. I feel a bit shy.
Once she was ready, Keqing went back into the house to find Ye Xi. He happened to have finished changing as well.
"Ye Xi, I really like these clothes." Keqing walked up to him and did a quick pirouette, her short skirt fluttering upward.
Ye Xi's eyes lit up.
[ This fits too perfectly, doesn't it? ]
[ I never imagined Keqing would look this good in a JK Uniform. ]
[ Though, it would be even better if the skirt were a little shorter. ]
Keqing's previous outfit had been very elegant, but this new attire made her look youthful and full of vitality. Hearing Ye Xi's heart voice, Keqing subconsciously pressed down on the hem of her skirt, feeling a bit embarrassed.
This guy... why is he always thinking about naughty things?
Ye Xi cleared his throat and smiled. "If you like them, they're yours. This outfit will make you faster and more agile."
Keqing felt a surge of happiness and said gratefully, "Ye Xi, you're so good to me. From now on, I'll only wear this for you~"
"Then let's go out and practice. There's still the lecture today!" She couldn't wait to test the speed bonus the clothes provided.
Ye Xi nodded. "The space inside the Serenitea Pot isn't very suitable for practice. Let's head outside."
Keqing didn't object and followed Ye Xi further into the house. On a cabinet sat a small teapot. By opening this pot, they could leave the pocket dimension.
Ye Xi opened the lid, and the two of them returned to the continent of Teyvat. However, the scene before them left both of them stunned.
Keqing couldn't help but cry out in shock, "Mora! So much Mora!"
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