Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

The dock was bustling with people.

Upon hearing Famas's sigh, Zhiyi paused in his introduction, seemingly wanting to steer the conversation back to the core of the probing, and casually added:

"After all, such a large investment is involved, and the reconstruction of Liyue Harbor cannot afford the slightest mistake... I wonder what you two guests from afar think of this new state of the port? Do you find it satisfactory?"

This question, seemingly casual, actually concealed a needle, subtly probing the positions of FAMAS and Wendy.

The boy seemed oblivious to the probing question, answering flawlessly with a touch of detached aloofness:

"Foreign travelers, new to the place, how can they possibly find the source of their joy?"

FAMAS had a faint smile on his lips as he gazed at the myriad lights reflected on the distant sea.

"We are just passersby who are looking at the scenery. The Liyue people will solve the Liyue's problems. Whether things go smoothly or there are undercurrents, it is ultimately the Liyue people's own business."

These words sounded both humble and absolving, leaving Zhiyi momentarily at a loss for what to do next. The conversation then drifted back to the scenery and interesting stories of the pier, carried by the sea breeze.

The three continued along the brightly lit pier.

Zhiyi still wore that perfectly timed, warm, and knowledgeable smile, and his introductions remained captivating as he briskly guided the two tourists through the sights and sounds of Liyue.

However, if someone could look directly into the depths of his eyes, they would find that the searching light not only did not diminish in the slightest, but instead, like an undercurrent beneath the surface of water, became even more turbulent.

He meticulously wove a web of words, beginning with admiration for the prosperity of Liyue's maritime trade, transitioning to the free spirit of Mondstadt poetry, and even subtly alluding to the ingenious use of Winter Mechanics.

Every seemingly casual topic, every seemingly lighthearted leading question, even the seemingly unintentional but actually deliberate probing about the delicate positions of the two countries' merchants in Liyue… all the seemingly aimless chatter and detours ultimately pointed to a single, cold, and urgent goal that burned in his nerves:
Why did that magnificent cloak belonging to Lord Pantalone end up in the hands of these two unidentified strangers?
Especially FAMAS, who seems unyielding, what kind of connection exists between him and the executive who controls the vast wealth of the Winter Emperor?

Was it found by chance? Was it a deliberately sent signal? Or was it some kind of warning urging him to act quickly?

The sudden appearance of this executive's personal insignia was nothing short of a thunderbolt to anyone involved in the game and familiar with the methods and power of the wealthy.

Even though it was lying quietly in Wendy's arms, it felt like a red-hot iron, burning her so much that she couldn't sit still.

After all, it was a plan he had meticulously crafted, using all his wisdom and cunning. His bright future and even his life depended on it, not to mention that the rich man was now in Liyue.

However, FAMAS's silence and Wendy's innocence acted as a barrier, silently dissolving all his overt and covert probing.

Most of the time, FAMAS would simply nod slightly, listening attentively, occasionally responding with a profound and enigmatic smile. His few words seemed meticulously calculated and impenetrable.

Wendy, on the other hand, cooperated perfectly. When FAMAS remained silent for too long, the little poet would begin to ask questions with childlike curiosity, instantly disrupting the carefully crafted rhythm and traps of the conversation.

One was quiet, the other relaxed; a silent understanding flowed between them, steadily blocking the probing waves that Zhiyi was launching from all directions. Zhiyi's painstaking efforts were like striking a deep-sea reef, shattering and dissolving in vain.

Aside from the identities of the Prodigal Son of Famasmond and the Wendy Bard, Zhiyi obtained almost no useful information.

Before we knew it, the moon was high in the sky, casting its clear light over the harbor.

The hustle and bustle of the dock gradually subsided, leaving only the soft sound of waves lapping against the shore and the faint groans of cargo ships carried on the wind.

"It's getting late. The night view from this dock is beautiful, but the dew is heavy and the wind is cold. You two must be tired from your journey, so you should find a place to rest."

Zhiyi stopped at a small fork in the road leading to the outer edge of the dock area, turned around and gave the two a concerned smile. His words were so considerate and natural, as if he were simply thinking of his visitors. There was still plenty of time; there was no need to rush the testing.

As long as Famas and Venti remain in Liyue, Zhiyi will always find a way to understand their true intentions.

Of course, Zhiyi had considered using some methods, but when his gaze swept over the two God Eyes on Famas and Wendy's waists, which were filled with the faint glow of elemental power and had intricate patterns, the thought melted away as quickly as ice and snow.

In these turbulent times, Zhiyi had no intention of testing whether the glass beads tied around their waists were decorative or genuine divine eyes.

"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Zhiyi."

Famas's tone remained calm.

At that very moment, FAMAS made an unexpected move.

He reached out, not to say goodbye, but to reach directly for the cape that had been the center of attention in Wendy's arms.

Wendy seemed a little confused and puzzled, but Famas winked at the little poet, who then obediently let go.

Famas steadily picked up the luxurious winter cloak, his fingertips brushing over the cold velvet and intricate patterns as if handling an ordinary object.

Then, under Wendy's slightly surprised gaze and Zhiyi's suddenly contracted pupils, Famas casually handed the cloak to Zhiyi.

"This little trinket looks quite good to match Mr. Zhiyi's outfit today."

Famas spoke in a flat and unremarkable tone, as if he were talking about the most ordinary gift.

"It is indeed a bit cold in Liyue at night. Take this as a thank you for keeping me company tonight."

Zhiyi almost instinctively caught the heavy cloak. The cool, smooth, top-quality wool felt incredibly clear to the touch, and the cold edges of the emblems pressed against his palm, bringing a strange, prickly sensation.

He was now completely certain that this cloak was the one Lord Pantalone often wore.

Seeing Zhiyi's slightly stiff movements, Famas's faint smile seemed to deepen. He leaned forward slightly, taking half a step closer, and his deep voice clearly reached Zhiyi's ears, each word striking a heavy chord in the other's heart:
"I wish you all the best on the chessboard of Liyue."

"If you encounter any problems that you can't solve, try calling my name. I'd be happy to help."

Before Zhiyi could respond, Famas had already turned around nimbly and walked towards the side path on Feiyun Slope.

Wendy quickly followed, and as she passed Zhiyi, a hint of curious inquiry seemed to flash in her large, blue eyes. But in the end, she didn't ask anything. Instead, she quickly made a playful face at the young man who was holding his cloak and standing frozen in place, and then jogged to catch up with Famas.

Zhiyi stood alone in the sea breeze, clutching the cloak that felt like a hot potato.

Beneath the wide-brimmed hat, all the gentleness, humility, and even the slight stiffness that had been detected on the young man's face vanished.

In the depths of his eyes, hidden in the shadows, only a cold scrutiny and an intense, unyielding suspicion and fear remained. He stared at Famas's retreating figure as he disappeared into the dark alley, as if watching a sudden, unpredictable, fatal move in a game of chess.

In Liyue, responding to sounds and sensing emotions is a technique used by the immortals.

The sea breeze swept across the empty dock, seemingly carrying away a faint, metallic, and icy sharpness. (End of Chapter)