In the serene parlor of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli and Ningguang sat facing each other. The quiet room was filled with a sense of refined tranquility.
Between them rested a delicately crafted blue-and-white porcelain plate, surrounded by a few tasteful antiques, each exuding a timeless, elegant charm.
Zhongli's gaze swept over the objects before finally settling on the porcelain plate. He gave a subtle shake of his head, his voice calm yet resolute.
"There is no need for such a lavish apology, Tianquan—Miss Ningguang."
His tone left little room for discussion.
Ningguang smiled, her eyes carrying a touch of sincerity as she replied softly.
"It was my oversight to have the Ministry of Civil Affairs invite you for tea so abruptly. I heard that Mr. Zhongli has a fondness for antiques and artifacts. I hope you'll accept these as a small token of apology."
As she spoke, she gracefully pushed the porcelain plate and other items toward Zhongli, her gesture refined and respectful.
However, Zhongli made no move to accept them. He gently shook his head again and was about to speak—only to be interrupted by Hu Tao's sudden entrance.
No one knew when Hu Tao had entered the parlor. With a mischievous blink, she deftly scooped up the gifts Ningguang had brought while teasing Zhongli playfully.
"Aiya, Consultant Zhongli, just take these already—consider it compensation for your mental anguish~"
Her voice was light and cheeky, and her movements graceful, like a butterfly flitting through a flower garden.
But after stashing the "apology gifts" in the Wangsheng Parlor's storeroom, her tone shifted dramatically.
"Consultant Zhongli! What are you still sitting there for? Look at your status, and look at the Tianquan! Shouldn't you be getting up and making tea for us?!"
Zhongli: "..."
Pfft!
At the doorway, Shajin couldn't hold back a laugh.
His chuckle broke the delicate tension in the room, adding a dash of levity to the scene.
Ningguang's eyes lit up in surprise.
"Brother Shajin, you're here too."
Her voice carried a hint of delight.
Shajin waved nonchalantly.
"Just got back. Didn't expect to run into you here, Ningguang~"
Pulling over a chair without hesitation, he sat down beside them. Glancing at Zhongli, who was now quietly pouring tea, Shajin suddenly remembered—did Zhongli still owe him a favor?
His eyes gleamed with mischief as an audacious idea formed in his mind.
"Ningguang," he said, voice suddenly serious.
She tilted her head curiously, drawn in by his uncharacteristically solemn tone, and straightened up slightly.
"What is it?"
"See, even though Liyue has officially transitioned into a nation governed by mortals, in Teyvat, no country can truly stand strong without divine protection."
Shajin's words were deliberate, hinting at deeper meaning.
Ningguang fell silent, thoughtful. Something flickered in her eyes.
Shajin pressed on, raising a finger with a glint of slyness.
"But—heh—I have a plan."
"Why not, just like Natlan, appoint a Proxy Geo Archon?"
His words straddled the line between jest and test.
"Now, Liyue no longer needs a martial deterrent. What the Proxy Geo Archon needs is profound knowledge of history and an intimate understanding of every facet of Liyue's culture."
Shajin looked genuinely thoughtful.
"Uh… so what you're saying is…" Ningguang kept her smile.
Zhongli suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Exactly!"
Shajin clapped his thigh and pointed dramatically at Zhongli. "There's no one more qualified than Mr. Zhongli!"
Ningguang's expression darkened—she knew he was about to pull something like this. Shajin turned to Zhongli again, raising an eyebrow.
"So, what do you say, Mr. Zhongli?"
Zhongli gave a polite shake of his head. "Apologies, I…"
But before he could finish, he caught Shajin winking at him, and suddenly remembered—didn't he owe this guy a favor?
Zhongli's eye twitched. Surely he wasn't about to be re-employed right after retiring?
Then again, he thought, wait… that was the Geo Archon—Morax—who owed him a favor. What does that have to do with me, Zhongli?
Smiling gently, he replied, "I appreciate your kind offer, Mr. Shajin, but I must decline. I know I am not fit for such a position. I suggest you seek someone more suitable."
"I understand, Mr. Zhongli," Shajin said, affecting a sincere tone. "You don't want the burden of responsibility. But Liyue needs a Proxy Geo Archon to uphold its image. You could be the very symbol of Liyue! You could rise to the peak of the world!"
He sighed, frustrated by Zhongli's disinterest.
"I am merely a common man. I cannot bear this responsibility," Zhongli said calmly.
"You are a common man now, but that doesn't mean you'll stay a common man!"
Zhongli quietly refilled his tea.
"To an ordinary person, your offer is indeed attractive. But I must decline."
Shajin sighed, disappointed but unsurprised.
So close to the perfect setup—and now it was slipping away. Still unwilling to give up, he pressed further.
"Mr. Zhongli, you're the perfect candidate! No one knows more about Liyue's history and culture."
"In terms of expertise, I—Shajin—would call you the strongest!"
"If you became the Proxy Geo Archon, you'd surely lead Liyue to greater prosperity!"
But Zhongli remained unmoved. Taking a sip of tea, he placed the cup down and smiled faintly.
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Shajin. But I lack the qualifications and renown to shoulder such a role."
Shajin let out a long sigh, finally realizing it was no use.
Turning to Ningguang with a dramatic "bitter smile," he said,
"Well, there goes my brilliant plan~"
Ningguang rolled her eyes. Still the same old Shajin, always playing up the drama.
Then she slowly shook her head and said firmly,
"Brother Shajin, the Lord of Geo's final wish was for the people of Liyue to thrive through their own strength, and to become a nation of true mortals."
"To support a Proxy Archon would be a betrayal of his legacy."
Her voice was resolute.
"So I reject this plan—unilaterally."
Shajin dropped his act and slumped across the wooden table.
"Boooring~"
Then, lifting his head again, he changed the subject.
"By the way, Ningguang, what's this year's Lantern Rite theme?"
Ningguang's lips curled into a soft smile.
"It's Hope~"
_
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