Night fell over Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Inside the hall, most of the younger funeral attendants had already returned home to prepare for the Lantern Rite Festival.
Only a few of the older attendants remained.
Old Meng was still there, as well as the young attendant girl.
In truth, the Lantern Rite had already begun.
The few days leading up to it were also considered part of the celebration.
But three days from now would be the true Lantern Rite.
If there were no funeral matters to handle, even the remaining attendants would return home to celebrate.
For now, however, their workday had already ended.
So inside the hall remained only Qiu Nian, Hu Tao, and Zhongli.
"Ah, another day finished."
"Before we know it, the Lantern Rite is here again."
Hu Tao pushed open the door and stepped outside, looking out at the bustling streets with a hint of nostalgia.
Qiu Nian and Zhongli followed and stood on either side of her.
"Hmm…"
Qiu Nian looked out at the scene with curiosity.
When he first came to Liyue in ancient times, it had been three thousand years ago, and he had stayed for only ten years.
Back then, the Lantern Rite did not even exist yet.
He had seen the festival in the game before—but this was the real world.
The scale and liveliness were far greater than anything in the game.
More than that, he could now personally experience the Lantern Rite.
That feeling…
Looking down the endless street, whose far end he couldn't even see from here, Qiu Nian smiled faintly.
Suddenly, a gentle rain began to fall.
Standing beneath the eaves, raindrops dripped steadily from the roof.
A breeze carried the scent of damp earth, trees, and faint flowers.
The fresh air made Qiu Nian take a deep breath.
At night, under the rain, Liyue Harbor glowed softly, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Another year has passed."
Zhongli extended a hand and caught a falling raindrop as he murmured quietly.
"This rain came at just the right time."
"The air tomorrow morning will be wonderfully fresh."
Hu Tao placed her hands on her hips and took a deep breath with a smile.
"Consultant Qiu Nian, why do you look like it's your first time experiencing the Lantern Rite?"
"When you lived in Jueyun Karst before, didn't you ever come to Liyue Harbor to celebrate?"
Hu Tao asked curiously.
"When I was very young, I celebrated the Lantern Rite in Liyue Harbor once."
"But that was a long time ago."
"After that, I spent every Lantern Rite in Yilong Wharf."
Qiu Nian replied calmly, effortlessly making up a story on the spot.
"I see."
Hu Tao didn't find it strange.
After all, Liyue was enormous.
Just like how many people in the outside world never even left their province.
"In that case, old friend, you must enjoy the Lantern Rite in Liyue Harbor properly this year."
Zhongli crossed his arms and gazed at the rain-covered streets.
By now, he had become completely immune to Qiu Nian's instant storytelling.
Qiu Nian simply nodded.
Because of the rain, most pedestrians had already returned home.
Only a few people remained outside, holding oil-paper umbrellas as they walked through the streets.
"I'll go for a walk."
After saying this, Qiu Nian returned briefly inside the parlor.
He retrieved a red umbrella, then stepped back out.
Under Zhongli and Hu Tao's watchful gaze, he opened the umbrella and walked into the distance.
"Qiu Nian really loves strolling, doesn't he…"
"It's raining and he's still going out."
Hu Tao looked at his retreating figure with confusion.
If it were just curiosity, that wouldn't make sense.
After all, in the past few months, Qiu Nian had probably already walked through every corner of Liyue Harbor.
"Zhongli, why exactly would Qiu Nian go out even when it's raining?"
Hu Tao asked.
"Night."
"Lantern Rite."
"Rain over Liyue Harbor."
"I believe that is reason enough for my old friend to take a walk."
Zhongli replied thoughtfully.
"So you mean…"
"He just wants to see Liyue Harbor in this atmosphere?"
Hu Tao asked.
"I believe so."
Zhongli nodded.
"Alright then… I'm going to rest."
"Three days from now is the Lantern Rite."
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor should also start preparing decorations."
Hu Tao turned and walked back inside.
She truly couldn't understand Qiu Nian.
A young man like him—handsome and knowledgeable—should have countless pursuits.
Yet he seemed completely without desire or ambition.
Almost like a monk.
Even elderly people probably weren't this detached.
Perhaps even the adepti themselves weren't this carefree.
It was as though nothing in the world truly mattered to him.
Meanwhile, Qiu Nian walked slowly along the street.
One hand held the umbrella.
Raindrops tapped softly against its surface.
The buildings on both sides of the street glowed warmly with lantern light.
Pedestrians passed by beneath umbrellas.
Qiu Nian simply walked forward with a faint smile, quietly feeling the atmosphere.
He had no destination.
For him, the scenery passing before his eyes was the destination.
He truly loved this feeling.
In his mind, images of Liyue Harbor three thousand years ago began to surface.
Before he realized it, an entire hour had passed.
When the rain finally stopped, Qiu Nian stopped walking as well.
He folded the umbrella and turned around.
The wet streets reflected the lantern lights from both sides of the road.
Qiu Nian smiled faintly.
Then he followed the same road back.
The walk itself might seem meaningless.
But to Qiu Nian now—
it was one of the most enjoyable things in the world.
When he returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Qiu Nian went upstairs to the loft and lay down on the bed.
Closing his eyes.
When he opened them again, morning had already arrived.
Since the Lantern Rite would take place the day after tomorrow—
Qiu Nian, Zhongli, Old Meng, the attendant girl, and the other older attendants all helped Hu Tao purchase festival supplies.
Qiu Nian's assigned task was to buy ingredients.
Time passed bit by bit.
By the time everything was finished, evening had already arrived.
Qiu Nian stood below the harbor.
His gaze lifted toward the glowing statue of Mountain Shaper, which towered above the city.
"Mountain Shaper…"
Scenes from three thousand years ago surfaced in his mind.
Time had changed everything.
"Old friend, shall we have some tea together?"
Zhongli's voice sounded beside him.
Qiu Nian nodded.
Then the two of them walked off together through Liyue Harbor.
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