The Millelith stationed at Yujing Terrace were completely dumbfounded.
Watching Xiangling suddenly throw herself into Ye Xi's arms and start acting so coquettishly made nearly everyone's mental state crumble instantly.
"Holy crap, holy crap!!!"
"This is way too sweet!"
"I'm so jealous!"
"Standing guard at Yujing Terrace is going to give me diabetes sooner or later!"
"Isn't that the head chef of Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling? I heard she was getting engaged recently... it couldn't be to Lord Ye Xi, could it?"
"What am I even seeing? He already has Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing, and now he's being this intimate with Chef Xiangling!"
"If I could marry all of them and bring them home, I could go to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor tomorrow and die a happy man..."
"Is this the power of an Adeptus? I'm not worthy!"
"I apologize for the crime of being born human..."
"Everyone was saying today that Miss Ganyu was the only one who couldn't be caught, but I didn't expect her to also..."
"Waaaah..."
"There is nothing left in this world worth living for..."
The Millelith on patrol at Yujing Terrace were practically weeping. Watching Ye Xi rotate through four different girls in just three days was enough to make anyone die of envy. Now, he was even showing off his public displays of affection right in the middle of Yujing Terrace!
Who could possibly endure this? If he kept up this lovey-dovey behavior every few days, they really wouldn't be able to stay on as Millelith anymore!
Ganyu's hearing was exceptional, so she caught quite a bit of their whispering, which made her look rather bashful. Ye Xi, on the other hand, heard nothing. He watched Xiangling's figure disappear at the edge of his vision before finally looking away.
Back when they were in the Serenitea Pot, Xiangling had changed back into her regular clothes, saying that she would only wear the maid outfit for him alone. Technically, the maid outfit provided an attack power bonus, making it safer to wear outside, but Xiangling could be very conservative at times. She believed that such a look should only be seen by the person she loved.
Such a girl was truly endearing.
"Let's head back to Yuehai Pavilion," he said softly to Ganyu.
"Mm..."
And so, Ye Xi and Ganyu walked past the group of staring Millelith with total composure, entering Yuehai Pavilion. Behind them, the soldiers looked at each other in disbelief.
"I'm honestly curioushow does Lord Ye Xi manage to keep his women so harmonious?"
"If Lady Ningguang found out about today, surely she'd have something to say, right?"
"It's unimaginable. Even if a wealthy tycoon takes several concubines, those concubines usually have no status. But why on earth are Lady Ningguang, Lady Keqing, and Miss Ganyu willing to be treated like concubines?"
"Exactly! Why?! Why would these great figures be so willing?"
"I don't understand!"
"I won't accept it!"
"Rex Lapis, please send down a bolt of divine lightning and punish this man!"
However, Rex Lapis did not grant their request.
Entering Yuehai Pavilion, they went upstairs to Ganyu's office. To their surprise, there were people inside! Three figures were scurrying about the office, looking like they were on the verge of a breakdown.
"Baiwen? Why are the three of you here?" Ganyu looked at the three female secretaries with confusion in her eyes.
Seeing Ganyu return, the three of them felt an immediate sense of relief.
"Miss Ganyu, you're finally back!"
"Yes! Lady Ningguang was getting so anxious she was losing her footing. Where did you go this afternoon?"
"If this paperwork isn't handled soon, we're really going to lose it!"
Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao took turns recounting the day's struggles. Hearing them, Ganyu felt a bit embarrassed. Being with Ye Xi had made her completely forget about work!
"I understand. I will handle these matters immediately," Ganyu replied.
Hearing her answer, the three secretaries looked as if they had been brought back to life, nodding vigorously.
"Then we'll leave you to it. We won't disturb you!"
The three of them left the office in sync, though each of them stole a secret glance at Ye Xi.
"Did Miss Ganyu skip work because of Ye Xi...?"
"As if Lady Ningguang wasn't enough, now he's flirting with Miss Ganyu."
"That man is truly wicked! I have to report this to Lady Ningguang! We absolutely cannot let her fall into the hands of a man like that! Even if he is an Adeptus, it's unacceptable!"
The three of them whispered quietly as they walked down the corridor.
Inside the office, Ye Xi took out the Serenitea Pot.
"Should I put it here?" Ye Xi pointed to an open space.
Ganyu nodded gently. "That's fine."
A moment later, he entered the Serenitea Pot and brought out all the stolen goods. Seeing the mountain of scrolls and files on Ganyu's desk, Ye Xi sighed. "This work is so heavy. It must be painful for you."
Ganyu shook her head and said softly, "No, because spending the afternoon with you made me very happy. Now, I can focus entirely on my work."
She meant it. She had truly relaxed this afternoon. Originally, she should have returned immediately after taking the treasure recovered from the Treasure Hoarders out of the Serenitea Pot. Instead, she had leisurely traveled to Inazuma with Ye Xi.
They had shared a boat. They had walked together on the beach. They had gathered Sea Ganoderma together.
Such a carefree time felt like a luxury, but it made her very happy. She truly hoped for more opportunities to stay by Ye Xi's side like this in the future.
Ye Xi smiled faintly. "I enjoyed our time together too. I'll be heading back now."
After saying his piece, he put away the Serenitea Pot and prepared to leave. Looking at the blue-haired girl sitting back in her chair, he couldn't help but feel emotional.
[I really hope I can come and touch her horns again in the future.]
[Ganyu probably shouldn't be disturbed while she's working from now on.]
[Those three secretaries had weird looks in their eyes earlier!]
[The look of someone wanting to stab you is impossible to hide.]
Suddenly, Ye Xi felt a tug on the hem of his clothes. He looked back to see a small, fair hand gripping his garment. It was, of course, Ganyu's hand. She looked up at him, her gaze as gentle as autumn waters.
"Ye Xi... please come and see me often. It would make me very happy."
A breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass blew in through the window, fluttering the papers on the desk and stirring the girl's blue hair. Her gentle voice blended with the wind, making it feel as if time had frozen in that moment. Her voice was soft, but incredibly pleasing to the ear. That tone of entreaty was simply impossible to refuse.
Ye Xi didn't even think about what she was saying; he was already nodding subconsciously. If Ganyu asked him to pluck a new star from the sky right now, he would have agreed without hesitation!
He quickly snapped out of it and laughed. "Of course. I'll be coming every day to touch your horns."
Ganyu's face turned bright red, and she covered her head. "If you do that... it will be very troubling..."
Ye Xi laughed and waved goodbye. After leaving Ganyu's office, he sighed with genuine feeling.
[I have to find a way to marry this woman.]
Hearing his inner thoughts from outside the door, Ganyu buried her face in her arms, her face burning. Even though no one was around, she was too shy to lift her head. Her heart felt so warm that she desperately wanted to call out to him.
'As long as you're the one asking, I'll marry you!'
Ye Xi planned to head back to the Qixing Mansion to make dinner, as it was about that time. As he rounded a corner after heading downstairs, he suddenly heard the sound of someone running. Before he could react, he collided head-on with someone.
It appeared to be another secretary from Yuehai Pavilion. Seeing it was Ye Xi, the secretary apologized profusely. "Lord Ye Xi, I am so sorry!"
Ye Xi waved it off. "It's fine, just a blind spot. What are you in such a rush for?"
The secretary's eyes lit up. "I was bringing medicine to Lady Keqing, but since I ran into you, why don't you take it to her? I think she needs you more than this!"
With that, the secretary shoved a jar of ointment into Ye Xi's hand.
Medicine? Ye Xi suddenly remembered. Keqing had slipped earlier today and twisted her ankle. This was likely a topical ointment for her. Thinking of this, he didn't refuse. He carried the medicine to the door of the Yuheng's office.
"Come in."
Upon pushing the door open, he saw Keqing bent over her desk, writing intently. It seemed she had quite a few documents to process. In her work state, Keqing was meticulous, truly embodying the image of the Yuheng star.
As he approached, Keqing didn't even realize he was there.
"Keqing, I've brought your medicine."
The familiar voice startled her. When she saw it was Ye Xi standing there, her face lit up with a brilliant smile.
"Ye Xi, you're here!"
She tried to stand up, but a sharp pain in her foot made her stumble, and she fell right into Ye Xi's arms. Being in that familiar embrace made her feel an immediate sense of peace, as if she were snuggling into a warm bed.
"You're injured right now, you need to be careful."
Ye Xi tried to help her back to her chair, but he suddenly felt two hands wrap tightly around his waist. She clearly had no intention of letting go. If Ye Xi couldn't take a hint this obvious, he might as well not be alive.
He looked down and saw Keqing remaining silent in his arms. She just held him, her gaze wandering to some unknown point. Ye Xi couldn't help but chuckle, asking knowingly, "Keqing? What's wrong?"
Panic flashed in her beautiful eyes, but she didn't know how to answer. Truthfully, she was just so happy to see him that she had forgotten about her leg! She thought she was going to fall, but ended up in his arms instead. In that moment, she found herself unwilling to leave. She felt as though if she let go, she might never get an opportunity like this again.
So, fueled by some unknown courage, she had simply hugged him. Now that he was asking her directly, her sense of shame reached its peak.
Ye Xi knew that if he kept asking, she might run away like a spooked rabbit. Instead, he slid his arm around her slender waist. A fragrant scent wafted from her; her waist was slim and soft, like a little kitten's. If this kept up, he'd really get used to holding her.
Feeling his response, a wave of joy surged through Keqing's heart. That powerful, warm sensation made her feel incredibly safe. Subconsciously, she tightened her grip, as if wanting to melt into him. Ye Xi silently added a bit of strength to his embrace as well.
Like waves on the shore, their affection flowed back and forth. Keqing looked up, a playful glint in her eyes as she squeezed him a little tighter. The two of them were enjoying their silent rapport.
"Today... I informed the Feiyun Commerce Guild about the capture of the Treasure Hoarders." Keqing buried her head back in his chest, blushing as she changed the subject. She greedily inhaled his scent, feeling a total sense of security.
It was as if this man already belonged entirely to her. "That jade box is a family heirloom of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. Their young master has been looking for you everywhere to thank you!"
Ye Xi made a few mental notes.
[The Feiyun Commerce Guild? I think that's Xingqiu's family business.]
[They're probably one of the top families in Liyue, right?]
[If I do business in Liyue in the future, with the support of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, it would be hard to go bankrupt!]
[This is a good chance to make a connection. More friends mean more paths forward.]
In Ye Xi's view, doing business was more profitable than physical labor. How much could one really make from adventure commissions? Plus, it required constant traveling. Doing business wouldn't be nearly as difficult.
Thinking this, he nodded. "I'll meet with them when the time comes."
Hearing his thoughts, Keqing realized Ye Xi wanted to start a business. As the Yuheng, the one in charge of land and construction, she could indulge a bit of selfishness and help him find a prime piece of real estate.
Actually, was it really selfish? Given their current relationship, they'd be married soon enough. A member of the Liyue Qixing had every right to keep an eye out for useful land for her future husband. She felt a surge of secret pride at the phrase "future husband."
She quickly found another topic. "Those Treasure Hoarders have been indicted. The Ministry of Civil Affairs will hold a trial soon. You might need to appear as a witness. Will you come with me?"
"Of course."
As they chatted, several secretaries carrying documents suddenly knocked and entered the office, catching them right in their embrace. Everyone froze. Keqing blushed and tried to break away, but it was too late.
"Sorry! Pardon the intrusion!"
"Lady Yuheng, we'll bring these documents back later!"
"We'll take our leave now!"
The secretaries bowed and apologized, fleeing the office as if their lives depended on it, terrified they'd be held back for a lecture. Keqing was mortified. To be seen by her subordinates... wouldn't this be all over Liyue by tomorrow?
Ye Xi chuckled. "Let's get that medicine on first, otherwise you won't be better by tomorrow."
Keqing covered her face with her hands, looking as if steam were rising from her head. She willfully extended her leg, suppressing her shame to whisper, "Husband... won't you... help me apply it?"
[Husband?]
[Did I hear that right?]
[It feels a bit strange, but that was certainly a bold way to address me.]
[This girl, she's already calling me husband after just one hug.]
[Oh well, applying medicine for my wife is a husband's responsibility...]
Looking at the beautiful legs clad in thin stockings, the corners of Ye Xi's mouth curled up. Hearing his inner thoughts, Keqing became even more bashful, though she was secretly delighted.
'He called me wife!'
'But... why does he think it's strange?'
Curiosity got the better of her, so she couldn't help but ask, "Husband... do you not like that name?"
Ye Xi crouched down and took Keqing's small foot in his hands, smiling faintly. "Don't call me husband. Call me hubby!"
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