After cuddling with Xiao for a few more minutes I decide to get dressed and go downstairs to eat.

I'm guessing that I'm limping while going to the kitchen for foo because Verr struck up a conversation.

"So whats it like to do it with an adeptus ?"

"... That's for me to know and you to find out. But not with Xiao ! He's mine. Go do it with Moon Carver or something..."

Verr snickers at my comment and limp my way into the kitchen. I see Yanxiao cooking some food for some guests downstairs and I go up to him to ask for food. He seems to be avoiding my gaze though...

"Smiley Yanxiao ! What's wrong ? Why won't you look at me ?" I say with crossed arms and a pout.

I catch a glimpse of his face which seems to be beet red.

"Fine ! If you won't tell me I'll ask Verr."

"No— that'd be even more embarrassing..."

"Better hurry up and tell me before I change my mind then~"

"Last night I heard you and Xiao came home without eating dinner so I decided to cook your favorite meals... but when I got to your rooms I heard some... questionable sounds... but I didn't want you two to sleep on an empty stomach so I slowly opened the—"

"Ahehehehehehahaheheheh... you don't need to say more—"

Yanxiao nods and goes back to cooking. He tells me to just reheat the food he made for us last night and I do just that. I make myself some coffee ( a/n : or tea, if that's what you prefer ), shortly after, Xiao walks down the stairs and kisses my forehead before taking a seat in front of me.

We chat for a while and decide it's best we go back to Liyue Harbor and stay there. We finish our breakfast and I start getting read for the trip. All of my things are still in the house back at the harbor so I just clean my clothes, take a shower, and have Xiao use some anemo to swirl my pyro just enough to dry my clothes.

And then we were off.

The walk wasn't too dreadful, Xiao could still make it to Liyue Harbor in probably 5 minutes since he's still really fast, but can't carry me with him so we walk together.

I do some foraging along the way since I'm planning on cooking a feast for us tonight. To commemorate my revival and our first time. Well, my first time.

———

We make it to the the harbor just before sunset and I decided to buy some medicine from Bubu Pharmacy in case we get sick. I walk Xiao home and grab some money from our 5 million mora reservoir, courtesy of Guhua Geek.

Along the way to the pharmacy I see the small child that saved me from those hilichurls that one time, just wandering around like she's lost.

"Hey, are you lost ?"

"Qiqi is not lost, just taking a stroll around the harbor. Hmm... where has Qiqi seen your face before ?"

"Oh you saved me from some hilichurls on the outskirts of Liyue Harbor one time !"

"Qiqi... does not remember... but I am glad I was able to help you."

She's too precious... I wonder what it would take to adopt her...

"Well, I have to get going now ! I'm going to Bubu Pharmacy to buy some medicine."

"Oh, Qiqi works at Bubu Pharmacy. Qiqi will take you there and handle your order."

".... Didn't expect you to be working there but thanks !"

"Follow me."

I do as Qiqi says and follow behind her. Even her running is cute...

"We have made it. What would you like to buy ?"

"Oh just some medicine to treat coughs or the flu... oh also some Violetgrass ! I found out how to make tea with it and wanna try it out."

"Qiqi ! I'm back."

I turn around to see a tall man with green hair and a snake around his neck smiling and waving to Qiqi.

"Baizhu. Do you have the coconut milk ?"

"Yep ! Here you go."

Qiqi takes the milk without hesitation and drinks it... honestly I don't get a good feeling from Baizhu... something about him doesn't seem genuine... Oh well, that's a mystery for another day.

"Ah hello there... Mr... Bai... zhu ? Can I call you that ?"

"Baizhu is fine." His smile when he said that is unnerving...

"So, what do you need ?"

"Oh I just want to ask, are you Qiqi's dad ?"

"No, I'm just her guardian since she doesn't have a family."

"Ah so she's an orphan ?"

"You could say that... but maybe the word 'zombie' would be better used to describe her."

"Zombie ?!"

"Yes, she died who knows how many years ago, and I assume was revived by the adpeti. And now she's under my care."

Hm... kinda like... me.

"Ah... is that so... well, here's the payment for the things I bought ! Oh and uh.. if you don't mind, do you think I could speak with Qiqi some other day ?"

His face turns neutral and a tad bit too serious. Such a change in demeanor from his usual smiling face... but right after he smiles bright again and replies.

"Sure ! Just let me know when you would like to talk to her."

"Thank you."

I walk back home with several questions in mind. Xiao should have them... right ?

I speedwalk into the house and bust open the door.

"Xiao ! Do you know something about a... zombie child ?"

🧟