When their lips finally parted, Kael looked straight into Ningguang's eyes.
"Lady Ningguang… does this mean my name is cleared now?"
Ningguang's breath was still unsteady. "No. It isn't. You've already affected me, and that alone poses a threat to Liyue."
…That counted?
Kael stared at her, helpless. "Then what am I supposed to do to prove I'm innocent?"
"This."
Ningguang cupped his face again and kissed him deeply.
Outside, standing by the Library door, Baishi heard the noise from inside. Her face flushed bright red.
There was absolutely no need for her to guard the door anymore.
She slipped away silently.
---
The fur blanket from the chaise had ended up on the floor.
Now the two of them lay beneath a thin quilt, sprawled on that soft fur. Kael ran his fingers through Ningguang's long, silky hair, white as pure snow.
"Staying in the Jade Chamber doesn't sound so bad, does it?"
After their earlier… exertion, Ningguang's skin carried a faint sheen of sweat.
"I'm willing to share my wealth with you. As long as you stay here, you'd become the richest man in Liyue without lifting a finger."
Kael almost laughed out loud.
If he said yes, he'd really be nothing more than a pampered pretty boy.
He kissed her forehead gently.
"I know. But that's not what I'm after. Life in the Jade Chamber is comfortable, sure, but I have things I want to accomplish."
Ningguang's eyes dimmed.
She had known he would refuse, but hearing it still brought a wave of disappointment.
She really did want to keep him in the Jade Chamber forever, to have him stay by her side and nowhere else.
She lifted her head and gazed at him with quiet longing.
"I understand. You're free. You can leave anytime you want. But I hope you know that the Jade Chamber doors will always be open to you."
And I'll be here every day… waiting for you.
"Alright."
Kael rolled over, looking down at her as she lay beneath him, breathtaking and irresistible. Then he lowered his head again…
[ Ningguang Pain Value -40. Current Pain Value: 45. ]
---
Kael stayed in the Jade Chamber with Ningguang for a few days.
Normally, Ningguang was a complete workaholic. But these past days, she had her secretaries push all her work aside. She spent every hour with Kael instead.
It really did feel like a ruler neglecting morning court because they'd fallen for a beautiful lover.
Except this time, the role of the beauty… was Kael.
He knew he couldn't stay in the Jade Chamber forever. So these days, he did everything he could to keep Ningguang satisfied.
Until one morning, someone arrived—and their quiet world finally cracked open.
Ganyu stepped into the Jade Chamber with an armful of documents.
The moment she saw Ningguang, her expression froze in shock.
Ningguang was sitting on a man's lap, leaning lazily against his chest as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Ganyu almost couldn't believe her eyes.
All these years, she had never once seen Ningguang this close to any man.
She had never seen the dignified, aloof Ningguang display such intimate softness.
The warm, unmistakably romantic atmosphere between the two made Ganyu shift awkwardly.
Was Lady Ningguang… in a relationship?
Ganyu forced down her shock and spoke in a firm, serious tone. "Lady Ningguang, a large backlog of government work has accumulated these past days. It's starting to affect Liyue's operations. Please address them as soon as possible."
Baishi and Baiwen had dragged her here for help.
The neglected paperwork had pushed them to their limit. And they were too afraid to disturb Ningguang themselves—so they went to Ganyu, the only person who might dare.
They'd told her Ningguang was acting this way because of a man.
Ganyu hadn't believed them at first.
But the scene before her offered undeniable proof.
Hearing her, Ningguang let out a soft sigh from within Kael's arms.
"Ah… I guess that relaxing life is over."
She extended a hand. "Give me the documents. I'll finish everything today."
Ganyu handed them over, then remembered something important.
"By the way, Lady Ningguang, have you seen Lady Keqing recently?"
At the mention of Keqing, Ningguang's expression didn't change, but she glanced subtly toward Kael.
"I saw her four days ago. Did something happen?"
"I have several urgent files that require her approval, but she's been missing for days. Everyone I've asked said they haven't seen her."
Ganyu frowned. "Even Lady Keqing's own secretary hasn't been able to find her. I'm worried something may have happened."
A sharp look flashed through Ningguang's eyes. "Did you check her residence? And the other departments she works with?"
"All checked. Nobody has seen her."
After a moment of thought, Ningguang called for Baishi.
"Any recent movements from the Northland Bank? Bring me all the intelligence reports we've gathered."
Northland Bank?
Kael stiffened inside.
…No way.
Could this be related to the Fatui?
In Keqing's life simulation, he had died at the hands of the Fatui.
Her deranged expression in that simulation was still etched deeply in his memory.
If Keqing had started projecting emotions from her simulated life… would she also project the rage and hatred she felt then?
Had she done something dangerous—and drawn the Fatui's attention?
Worry surged through Kael's chest.
The Fatui always acted in the shadows, leaving no traces.
Keqing had already been missing for days.
What if, by the time Ningguang finished reviewing the intelligence, it was already too late?
He had to act. Now.
But in the real world, he had never even met Keqing. They were complete strangers.
If he showed anxiety now, it would look suspicious.
Kael forced down his panic and kept his tone steady.
"You should focus on your work. I won't distract you. I've been away from Wanmin Restaurant for days anyway, so I should head back and check on things."
Ningguang looked at him deeply.
"Alright."
Ganyu quickly stepped in. "Then please leave it to me, Lady Ningguang. I'll escort this gentleman out of the Jade Chamber."
She wanted him gone as soon as possible, afraid he'd keep affecting Ningguang's ability to work.
"Thank you," Ningguang said.
And with that, Kael was led out of the Jade Chamber…
While urgent danger loomed somewhere in Liyue.