Hearing Bonanus's words, the guards scratched their heads awkwardly. They really shouldn't have acted that way. It was quite rude.
Even though they were rough men, they still understood basic manners. They didn't even know her, yet they were asking so many questions, especially in front of an adeptus.
Seeing everyone fall silent, Bonanus crossed her paws and shook her head with a forced smile.
"So, can I go in?"
The guards exchanged troubled glances. This was tricky.
They could ignore the reporters earlier, but this was an adeptus!
If they tried to stop her, they would definitely get into trouble.
Not trouble from the adeptus herself—they had heard this one was very approachable and forgiving.
But their friends, neighbors, and the people here would care. They would be drowned in spit and criticism.
Ugh, what a headache. What were they supposed to do?
They were just working-class folks trying to make a living. If they let someone in without permission, they would get fined.
Would their boss even agree?
Seeing their troubled expressions, Bonanus silently sighed. She wasn't the type to make things difficult for others.
She took a deep breath, keeping a pleasant expression, and said in an understanding tone,
"Don't worry about it. I'm not that kind of person. If it's not possible, I'll just come back another time."
With that, she turned and walked away. If she couldn't see who she wanted, there was no point in staying. Today's opera session was a bust.
Watching the adeptus leave, the guards shook their heads with regret. Too bad they didn't get to chat more with an adeptus. What a missed opportunity!
Still, they knew it was already generous for an adeptus to interact with mortals like them. They wouldn't ask for more.
Right now, they just needed to focus on work, earn money, support their families, and strive for a better future.
...
Leaving Heyu Tea House
Bonanus found a shady spot under a tree and sat down, hugging her knees to hide from the sun. Since Yun Jin's place was off limits for now, she wasn't about to just sit idle.
But at this time of day, where could she find something interesting to do? Should she go back to sleep? No thanks.
She rubbed her chin, thinking about visiting the other adepti in Jueyun Karst. But the thought barely crossed her mind before she dismissed it.
To see them, she would have to leave Liyue Harbor. And her little brother would definitely scold her for it.
"Ugh... I shouldn't have agreed to Alatus's request." Bonanus propped her chin on her paws, looking bored.
Take care of the lonely elderly. Give them more company and love.
For some reason, that phrase popped into her head. Well, she was technically elderly now. Over a thousand years old.
She rubbed her chin again and ran through everyone she knew. Finally, her thoughts landed on Rex Lapis.
That's right. Zhongli. At this hour, he was probably enjoying tea at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The man never took afternoon naps.
In her impression, Rex Lapis was the most free person of all. When he wasn't drinking tea, he was listening to opera. When he wasn't shopping, he was "freeloading" goods.
With that thought, Bonanus stood up and teleported to the rooftop of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in an instant.
All five Yakshas had one habit in common: they didn't like using the front door. They preferred the rooftops.
...
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Outside the Courtyard
Zhongli sat at the stone table, which was set with a full tea set and a chessboard.
He held a book in one hand, reading intently while pouring himself tea with the other.
Seeing this, Bonanus tilted her head. She jumped down from the rooftop and sat down across from him.
"Rex Lapis!" Bonanus grinned.
Hearing the sound, Zhongli looked up briefly. Upon recognizing her, he lowered his head again.
"You're here. Have some tea. Freshly brewed." Zhongli said calmly. He didn't seem surprised at all. Perhaps he had expected her.
"Hehe, thank you, Rex Lapis!" Bonanus continued smiling.
"What brings you here?" Zhongli asked, taking a sip of tea. His eyes still hadn't left the book.
"I'm bored. Today's my day off. I have nothing to do, and since it's the middle of the day, no one else can play with me. So I came to you." Bonanus said sheepishly.
Her gaze drifted to the book in his hand. She was curious about what he was reading.
"Oh, Rex Lapis, what book is that?" Bonanus asked curiously.
"This one is called The Story of Stones. I heard the author is a true connoisseur of stones, so I became interested." Zhongli replied calmly. He closed the book and set it on the table.
"No one knows stones better than you, Rex Lapis." Bonanus tilted her head. He was the God of Contracts, the god of this rock nation.
"Not necessarily. I am not all-knowing." Zhongli shook his head. One should never underestimate human wisdom.
"Anyway, since you're bored, why not play a game of chess with me?"
Zhongli pulled out two boxes of black and white stones from under the table, each stored in wooden cases.
"Rex Lapis, don't bully me..." Bonanus rubbed her head. Someone as smart as him must be unbeatable at chess.
She was terrible at it. How could she dare compete with a master?
"It doesn't matter. It's just for entertainment. Winning or losing is irrelevant." Zhongli took another sip of tea.
"Alright, I'll give it a try!" Bonanus cracked her big paws. If she somehow won against Rex Lapis, she could brag about it forever.
Maybe there would be a miracle. Worth a shot.
...
After a fierce contest...
On her 53rd defeat, Bonanus slumped over the stone table, sighing in despair. This was impossible! There was no way to win!
It was pure torture.
She should never have walked in with any hope of winning. Now her confidence was completely shattered.
What was she thinking, asking for this kind of punishment?
"Rex Lapis, you didn't even go easy on me." Bonanus said miserably.
"You need more practice." Zhongli said flatly. Her chess skills were a complete mess, like a child who had just learned to play.
Something was wrong. He remembered her being better than this. Strange.
He shook off the thought, poured another cup of tea, and continued.
"You probably have other things to do. It's been a while already."
Hearing that, Bonanus looked up at the sky.
Wow, it really was late. She hadn't realized how much time had passed just playing a few games of chess. It was almost dark.
There was something magical about playing chess with Rex Lapis. Time flew by fast. Even if it bruised her ego...
With that thought, she slowly stood up and smiled at Zhongli.
"Rex Lapis, I should be going. I do have other things to do."
"Very well. Get home safely." Zhongli said calmly, picking up his thick book again and reading quietly.
Watching him return to his reading, Bonanus shook her head. Someone like her, a study slacker, would never understand the joy of reading books.
She took a deep breath and walked away without looking back. Time to complete Yanfei's task.