Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

We won't go into where FAMAS and Wendy went that night.

As time passed, the deep darkness of Liyue Harbor gradually disappeared, replaced by the faint light of dawn.

The soft morning sunlight streamed through the carved wooden windows in the backyard of the Chamber of Commerce, gently caressing the faces of travelers.

The girl's eyelashes trembled slightly as she reluctantly broke free from her reverie, letting out a lazy, nasal hum.

Like a small animal, she unconsciously rubbed her cheek against the warm quilt, stretched out her fair hand, and grasped at the air somewhat blankly before half-propping herself up.

A few strands of her long, smooth hair playfully stick up, gilded in the sunlight. Her eyes still held a hint of drowsiness from just waking up, and her cheeks bore faint red marks from the pillow, revealing a touch of girlish charm.

"Waaah... Is it dawn yet...?"

On the soft cushion next to him, Paimon, wrapped in a blanket, curled up in a small ball, muttering in his sleep. He turned over, his eyelids struggling to open a crack before quickly closing again, as if resisting the sunlight.

"Paimon, wake up."

The traveler's voice still carried a soft, sleepy tone, but he was already fully alert.

She threw back the covers, stepped barefoot onto the cool, smooth floor, walked to the window, and gently pushed it open.

The sight before my eyes instantly dispelled any lingering drowsiness.

Outside the window, the vast complex of buildings belonging to the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce had already awakened, bathed in the golden light of the morning.

The multi-courtyard residences stand side by side, their upturned eaves outlining lines of majesty and wealth. From the open training ground, one can faintly hear the orderly shouts and the sound of weapons cutting through the air, showing that this business tycoon also values ​​its foundation and security.

In front of the huge warehouse area, a bustling scene was already taking shape, with skilled workers directing the carts loaded with goods to come and go in an orderly manner, the "Flying Cloud" emblem on the crates shining brightly.

The air was filled with the crisp morning dew, the delicate fragrance of tea, and a faint hint of metallic and medicinal scents, creating an atmosphere of bustling prosperity.

"what!"

The traveler suddenly remembered something and gently patted his forehead.

"Oh right, I need to go to Moon Sea Pavilion to see Miss Ningguang!"

The girl hurriedly closed the window, turned around, tied her hair up with a hair tie, and quickly changed out of her pajamas and into her signature travel outfit.

In her movements, the traveler's previous naivety faded, replaced by the composure and competence brought about by her journey and adventure.

"Ningguang, the rich woman!?"

The name seemed to have a magical power, instantly dispelling Paimon's drowsiness.

She suddenly floated up from under the blanket, rubbing her eyes haphazardly with her little hands.

"Yes, yes, yes! Let's go! Maybe the rich lady Ningguang has prepared some delicious snacks for us!"

The little mascot perked up immediately at the thought of delicious food, and its stomach began to rumble.

The traveler couldn't help but smile, and gently tugged at Paimon's scarf: "Let's go."

After passing through the magnificent courtyard and corridor, the traveler thought he should say goodbye to Xingqiu before leaving. So he pulled Paimon, who kept turning back and curiously observing the scene of the merchants coming and going, and led him to Xingqiu's study.

The study door was ajar, and a clear, melodious voice could be heard reciting aloud from inside.

The traveler tiptoed and pushed open the door, only to see Xingqiu standing with his back to the entrance, his posture as straight as a pine tree, holding an ancient book in his hands. The morning light outlined his tall figure with gold. His clear, melodious voice was reciting slowly and deliberately:

"...I strum my sword and sing a long song as I depart, to slay the dragon and swear an oath of blood. My divine light is like a flash of lightning, and my cold blade seems to shatter mountains."

His voice was melodious and varied, carrying the youthful spirit and longing for the chivalrous and tender sentiments found in books.

After he finished reading a paragraph and took a breath, the traveler spoke softly in a teasing tone by the door:
"Good morning, Young Master Xingqiu."

Xingqiu turned around upon hearing the voice, his face still showing the lingering fascination with books, which quickly softened into a gentle smile as he closed the book in his hands: "So it's the Traveler and Paimon... Good morning, did you rest well last night?"

“Great! The blankets are so soft and comfortable!” Paimon replied eagerly, seemingly still savoring yesterday’s hospitality.

"That's good." Xingqiu nodded, his gaze sweeping over the two of them as they hurried off. He smiled knowingly. "Are you two about to head out? Shouldn't you have some breakfast first?" "Yes, it's urgent, so it's best to leave early."

The traveler nodded in agreement, his palm unconsciously brushing against the contract ledger he had carefully hidden in his pocket.

A knowing glint flashed in Xingqiu's eyes, then he clasped his hands together and sincerely bid farewell to the two of them:

"Please make yourselves at home. Although the journey is not far, the matter at hand is of paramount importance. I wish you all the best!"

The traveler smiled and, mimicking Xingqiu's江湖气气 (jianghu-like, chivalrous demeanor), clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Thank you for your kind words, I'll take my leave now."

"Really not going to eat breakfast? Okay... Goodbye, Xingqiu! We'll come find you again when we get back!"

Paimon was still thinking about his breakfast after he got up, but under the traveler's gaze, the little guy's voice grew softer and softer, and in the end he could only float listlessly next to the traveler, waving his little hand at Xingqiu unwillingly.

Having bid farewell to Xingqiu, whose scholarly air still lingered, the traveler led Paimon out of the magnificent gates of the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild.

The hustle and bustle of the chamber of commerce gradually faded away, and the cool morning air thoroughly awakened my body and mind.

The traveler, of course, didn't forget Paimon the gluttonous cat.

After casually buying some local Liyue breakfast items from a street vendor, the two, one adult and one child, walked along the clean and wide main road of Liyue Harbor towards the higher ground of Jade Peak.

From a distance, the outline of the magnificent "Moon Sea Pavilion," a building complex that is being redesigned and undergoing large-scale renovations along the mountainside, is clearly visible.

The gentle morning light caressed the newly formed eaves and brackets, casting a dazzling golden glow on the brand-new glazed tiles, silently proclaiming the efficiency and boldness of Tianquan Star in rebuilding its power core.

However, the road leading to Yuehai Pavilion is not yet fully paved.

Travelers had to carefully traverse a makeshift, creaking wooden boardwalk before finally reaching the open square in front of the Moon Sea Pavilion.

The square was also covered with signs of construction, and the stone slabs had not yet been laid out. However, the main hall inside had already begun to operate, and a peculiar scene unfolded.

On one side, construction workers, drenched in sweat and making constant hammering noises, were busy shuttling back and forth; on the other side, staff in clerical uniforms were hurrying along carrying files. The two forces intertwined, injecting an unusually vibrant life force into this power center that was not yet fully completed.

Near the entrance to the main hall, the traveler saw a figure that was both unexpected and yet perfectly logical.

Buyun, the "guide" who led them to the Qunyu Pavilion in the past.

Now that the Jade Pavilion has fallen, he seems to have changed his identity. At this moment, he is frowning and meticulously supervising the carving of the pillars. Dust drifts in from time to time, causing Bu Yun to frown and wave his hand to disperse it. However, his gaze is focused. Compared to the noise outside, he is obviously more worried about every tiny flaw in the building in front of him.

Just then, the heavy doors of the main hall of Yuehai Pavilion creaked open, and a figure gracefully emerged.

She is Huixin, the daughter of Tian Shu Star and the current second secretary of Yuehai Pavilion.

She was dressed in a navy blue silk cheongsam, but her arms were full of documents and letters that almost blocked her view.

Upon seeing Huixin step out of the main hall, Bu Yun's eyes lit up immediately. Almost reflexively, he quickly stepped forward, extending his hand, his face showing a mixture of concern and restraint.
"Miss Huixin, how can you carry so many things by yourself? Come, let me help you!"

Huixin raised her beautiful face and gave Bu Yun a sweet, sunny smile, but her words were like fine needles gently pricking her:
"Thank you, Uncle Bu Yun!"

"However, these are confidential documents that Lord Tianquanxing and Miss Ganyu urgently need to verify. According to regulations, they cannot be handled by others. I must send them over now."

The glimmer of hope that had just ignited in Bu Yun's eyes froze instantly, and his outstretched hand remained suspended in mid-air.

"M... Uncle?"

Bu Yun's fingertips unconsciously, almost painfully, traced the deep lines on his forehead, then touched his chin, which he had shaved exceptionally clean in an attempt to erase some of his vicissitudes. A bitter sadness flashed across his slightly tired eyes.

The courage that had just been mustered seemed to be completely shattered by the term "uncle," leaving only silent embarrassment and disappointment.

Bu Yun forced a smile, but ultimately said nothing. He simply withdrew his hand and watched Hui Xin walk away. Finally, with a slight hunch, he returned to his usual spot by the cement pile, his gaze falling once more upon the flying sawdust and dust.

The onlooker and Paimon exchanged a subtle glance.

Paimon leaned lightly close to the traveler's ear, half-covering his mouth with his little hand, and whispered with the excitement of discovering a little secret:

"Traveler, look! I feel like... Uncle Bu Yun seems to have a special concern for Miss Huixin." (End of Chapter)