"Miss Ganyu," she began in a honeyed voice, "I came to discuss the message sent by Lord Geo... but it seems I've arrived at the most opportune moment." Her golden eyes settled on me with a gaze worth a thousand mora.
"You must be the new Adeptus our Lord Geo has appointed," remarked the white-haired woman with a diplomatic smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dan Heng. Or should I say... Imbibitor Lunae."
(Ningguang... ever so formal. Though after playing so much Honkai: Star Rail, hearing that title feels... peculiar.)
"Just Dan Heng is fine," I replied with a slight nod. "This isn't a formal setting—no need for such courtesies."
Beside me, Ganyu offered a timid smile while fidgeting with her gloves. "That's good to know," she murmured softly.
(At least she seems more at ease... though given what I know about her character, she's probably nervous inside.)
Ningguang crossed her arms, studying me with that calculating gaze I'd seen so often in the game. "Very well, Dan Heng. In that case, I look forward to our... fruitful collaboration."
Ganyu resumed the conversation, unrolling a scroll on her desk. "Currently, we've prepared three housing options. One in Yujing Terrace, another near Feiyun Plaza, and a more secluded one in the hills near Mt. Tianheng. The last offers more privacy, though it's farther from the harbor."
I glanced at the map details. "Mt. Tianheng sounds ideal. I prefer tranquility."
"A wise choice," remarked Ningguang, arms still crossed. "It's not uncommon for those bearing ancient power to seek distance from the city's bustle."
"And yet," I added, turning to Ganyu, "it's important to stay close to those who understand this place's essence. You, for instance, Miss Ganyu, seem privy to more than what's spoken aloud."
Ganyu smiled gently, though her eyes still held unresolved tension from Cloud Retainer's letter. "Lady Retainer has... unique ways of communicating. I suppose you've already discovered that."
"More than I'd like." I returned the smile.
Ningguang silently observed our exchange for a moment before stepping back. "I won't interrupt any further. Dan Heng, welcome to Liyue. And Ganyu... make sure our guest has everything he needs."
"Of course, Lady Ningguang," Ganyu replied with a bow.
Once Ningguang left, the atmosphere lightened ever so slightly. Ganyu let out a quiet sigh and offered me a cup of tea.
"I suppose we can speak more freely now."
"If I may be so bold," I said, glancing back at the document, "I think there's something else in that letter that's troubling you."
Ganyu tensed for just a second, as if she'd been expecting the question.
"There is..." she admitted, lowering her gaze. Her tone was no longer formal, and a faint pink tint colored her cheeks. "The master... has her own way of treating serious matters and not-so-serious ones as if they were part of the same strategy."
"May I ask what else she wrote?"
She sighed, visibly uncomfortable. Then she unrolled the scroll and began reading in a measured voice:
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Ganyu, my faithful disciple. By the time you receive this letter, you may have already met the young man named Dan Heng. Though his appearance may not reveal much, he possesses a singular quality: he has inherited—through means even I cannot yet discern—the ability to purify the Erosion imposed upon us ancients by Celestia. I have observed him carefully, and the Lord of Geo has reached the same conclusion: this young man cannot be treated as a mere visitor. By Morax's decree, he has been granted the title of Adeptus.
And you, my dear disciple, shall be his anchor in Liyue. Guide him with wisdom... or with sweetness, if you prefer. Perhaps, if you grow closer to him, you may find in his company something more than mere duty.
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
Ganyu closed the scroll firmly but still didn't meet my eyes.
"You see what I mean?" she murmured. "I don't know if she's joking, testing me... or if she truly believes that—"
"—That we might grow closer," I finished softly.
Finally, she looked up at me, her pupils slightly dilated. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just... wanted you to know what she wrote, so there would be no misunderstandings."
The sincerity in her voice was unmistakable. I nodded with a faint smile.
"It doesn't bother me. In fact, I find some comfort in knowing I'm not the only one Cloud Retainer enjoys putting in awkward situations."
Ganyu let out a small, genuine chuckle, and the tension seemed to ease slightly.
"Then... are you still considering Mt. Tianheng as your best option?"
******
The afternoon had begun to gild with golden hues when I departed Yuehai Pavilion, following an assistant sent by Ganyu. The journey was quiet, interrupted only by the distant songs of birds and the whisper of wind through the mountains.
The residence wasn't a palace or an ostentatious mansion. It was a simple yet sturdy retreat, built from dark wood and local stone, nestled among bamboo terraces. From here, the sea stretched like a sheet of silver under the open sky.
Upon arrival, the assistant handed me a carved jade key and a brief note from Ganyu:
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"I hope you find this place suitable for your rest. Should you need anything, don't hesitate to send word. —Ganyu"
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I pocketed the key and pushed open the door.
The interior greeted me with unexpected warmth. The main room was modest yet inviting: a brazier sat at the center, ready for cold nights; a pair of empty bookshelves seemed to wait patiently for someone to fill them with books or mementos. By a large window framing the horizon, a light wood desk beckoned one to sit and lose themselves in thought.
But what truly caught my eye was a small altar in the corner, meticulously arranged, dedicated to Morax.
"Morax, huh...? If only they knew he now mooches off others and never carries a single mora on him..."
(Honestly... I'd have preferred one of the Shogun. Far more imposing.)
I shook my head, as if to dispel those pointless thoughts, and stepped further inside. Dropping my belongings in a corner, I collapsed onto the futon... and let sleep pull me under.
******
Early in the morning, I opened my eyes.
(I thought sleeping with these horns would be uncomfortable... but surprisingly, I didn't feel any difference.)
I stretched with a yawn as I slowly sat up.
"Come to think of it... I should check where the Traveler is in the story right now."
I extended a hand before me.
"Rasiel"
I tried summoning one of my angels, but the moment I called for it, I felt an intense gaze weighing down on me. Rasiel never fully manifested.
"What was that...?"
(Wait... Teyvat has the Irminsul. It's this world's memory system. And Rasiel, in seeking absolute knowledge, must have tried accessing Teyvat's true history directly... But the Irminsul isn't exactly a passive observer. When someone attempts to alter or interfere with its records—like Dottore in Sumeru, or Rukkhadevata—the system reacts. It defends itself to protect its version of reality.)
I frowned, piecing it together.
"So the Irminsul intervened... and that gaze I felt... was Nahida's."
(Meh... looks like the Smol Cabbage is actually doing her job. I could force Rasiel to manifest, but... better not. If I push it, Irminsul might corrupt the data Rasiel retrieves, showing lies or incomplete records. After all, Irminsul doesn't seek absolute truth like Rasiel... it exists to maintain the coherence of the reality it protects.)
A soft knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts.
I turned automatically, alert.
"Mr. Dan Heng?" Ganyu's voice came muffled through the door. "May I come in?"
I opened the door to find Ganyu standing there, dressed in a simple qipao of pale blue and white—perfect for a morning stroll. She held a small cloth bag in her hands, and her violet eyes shimmered with a mix of anticipation and shyness.
"Good morning, Mr. Dan Heng," she said with a slight bow, the golden bell at her neck chiming softly. "I hope I didn't wake you."
"I was already up," I replied with a gentle smile. "Is something the matter?"
Ganyu clutched the bag to her chest, as if gathering courage.
"I thought... perhaps you'd join me for breakfast," she offered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know a wonderful place in the city... Wanmin Restaurant. It's quite famous for its home-style cooking."
(Ganyu recommending Wanmin Restaurant? The venerable Cloud Retainer must be behind this.)
I nodded. "It would be my pleasure."
Ganyu smiled, clearly relieved. "Then let's go!"
As we walked toward central Liyue, the crisp morning air was refreshing, and the streets were beginning to fill with merchants setting up their stalls. The early bustle was different from the midday rush—more relaxed, more intimate.
"Wanmin Restaurant is run by Xiangling's family," Ganyu explained as we walked. "She's a very talented chef. Though sometimes her dishes can be... a little experimental," she added, blushing slightly. "But her father handles the traditional breakfast menu. It's safe."
"I trust your judgment," I said, matching her relaxed pace.
Wanmin Restaurant came into view, its red lanterns still lit, the aroma of fried rice and freshly steamed buns drifting through the air.
Inside, Chef Mao—Xiangling's father—greeted us with a broad smile.
"Welcome, Miss Ganyu! And who's your companion?" he asked cheerfully, wiping his hands on his apron.
"A... new coworker," Ganyu replied, lowering her head slightly, her cheeks tinged pink. "His name is Dan Heng."
"Ah, a new friend! Please, take a seat!" he urged, gesturing to a table by an open window where the harbor breeze drifted in.
We sat across from each other. The morning light spilled over the table, making the lavender hues of Ganyu's hair seem to glow.
Chef Mao quickly brought us two bowls of vegetable congee, steamed buns, and freshly fried dumplings.
I picked up my chopsticks, took a bite, and raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"This is excellent," I said.
Ganyu giggled softly, lifting a bun to her lips. "Told you so."
We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, savoring the simple yet comforting flavors of Liyue cuisine. The congee was perfectly seasoned, and the steamed buns practically melted in our mouths.
(The food here is way better than the cup noodles I used to eat in my apartment...)
At one point, Ganyu delicately set her chopsticks down on the rest and looked at me with a more serious expression, though a faint blush still colored her cheeks.
"Mr. Dan Heng..." she began, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve, "what plans do you have for your stay in Liyue Harbor?"
(Plans? More like a lack thereof...)
I took a sip of tea before answering. "For now, I thought I'd explore the city to familiarize myself with it. Though..."
My gaze drifted to the documents peeking out of her work bag.
"...I suspect the Qixing already has a 'suggested itinerary' prepared for me, don't they?"
Ganyu cleared her throat, suddenly very interested in rearranging the empty dishes in front of us.
"Well... it's true that the Commerce Chamber prepared a small outline of important places that might... interest a new Adeptus," she admitted, pulling out an elegant pamphlet stamped with the Qixing's seal. "But it's not mandatory, of course."
(A 'small outline'? This looks more like a full-blown tourist itinerary.)
I flipped through the document, raising an eyebrow at the meticulous scheduling that included everything from dock visits to formal dinners.
"I see they've been... thorough."
Ganyu leaned forward with sudden enthusiasm. "But there are so many things not on the official itinerary! Like the best grilled fish stall near the southern wharf, or the perfect sunset spot on Mt. Tianheng..."
Then, noticing the time, she discreetly checked a small pocket sundial.
"Ah... I should return to Yuehai Pavilion before they notice I'm gone," she said with a guilty smile, standing up with the grace of someone who'd done this a thousand times. "But, Mr. Dan Heng... if you have time later, we could visit one of those places I mentioned. If you'd like, of course."
"I'd love to," I replied, rising as well.
She lowered her gaze, her cheeks faintly flushed. Then, with a slight bow, she took her leave.
"We'll see each other soon, then," she said before disappearing into the tide of merchants and citizens filling Liyue's morning streets.
I stood for a moment, watching her silhouette fade into the distance until the chime of her bell could no longer be heard.
(...Guess I'm on my own now.)
I turned toward the docks, letting my feet guide me without a set path. The sea breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean, mingling with the fragrant incense from nearby shrines. Each step echoed against the ancient stones polished by generations of merchants, fishermen, and travelers.
Liyue Harbor was a living symphony—the songs of sailors, the sound of nets cast into the water, the laughter of children darting between crates of goods.
I stopped at the edge of the dock, where the waves gently lapped at the wooden beams.
Resting a hand on the railing, I let my gaze drift to the horizon, where the sky was beginning to glow with golden hues.
As I walked along the dock, still lost in thought, I suddenly felt a gust of wind rush up behind me.
"Boo!"
I turned instinctively, reflexively falling into a defensive stance.
Standing before me, grinning from ear to ear, was a young woman with reddish-brown hair, dressed in a dark uniform embroidered with red and gold, a traditional hat tilted playfully on her head.
(Director Hu Tao... head of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. She acts just like in the game.)
"Heh heh. No jumping or screaming! You're the tough type, huh?" she said, clasping her hands behind her back as she leaned forward to study me.
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes, and her mischievous smile widened dangerously.
"Well, well... You're no ordinary mortal, are you?" Her tone was a mix of teasing and genuine wonder. "Look at those horns, those subtle scales... that wise-dragon gaze! You're a walking rarity!"
"I wouldn't call myself anything so flashy," I replied, my voice calm.
"Not flashy?" Hu Tao burst into laughter, spinning around me like a little whirlwind as she scrutinized me from head to toe. "You're like a walking masterpiece! I bet if you stroll through the harbor, everyone will give you two glances... maybe even three!"
(She's exaggerating... though technically, she's not lying.)
"I'm Dan Heng," I said, keeping the introduction simple.
"Dan Heng, Dan Heng..." she repeated, as if savoring the name. "It's got a nice rhythm! Though... I could call you 'Handsome Great Dragon' if you prefer. Sounds more fun!"
I stared at her silently, and Hu Tao giggled again.
"Alright, alright, don't look at me like that. Dan Heng it is," she conceded with a playful wave. "I'm Hu Tao! The 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor." She cheerfully extended her hand, as if announcing herself as a funeral director was the most normal thing in the world.
"So tell me, what's a draconic Adeptus as impressive as you doing wandering the docks alone? Looking for adventure? Planning a personal mausoleum? I could help with that!"
"Just exploring," I replied, crossing my arms.
Hu Tao giggled, clasping her hands behind her back as she spun on her heels.
"Exploring's great! Though, if you get lost, I can offer you a special tour! Includes the best cemeteries, forgotten crypts, and spots where spirits supposedly dance in the mist~."
There was something utterly disarming about her demeanor—no malice, just genuine enthusiasm mixed with a dash of mischief.
"I don't think I'm in the market for cemeteries today," I answered with a faint smile.
"What a shame! You'd have had fun," she declared dramatically, pressing a hand to her forehead as if swooning. Then she peeked at me with one eye. "Well, if you need help... or a discount on funeral services—heh heh!—just come find me."
She waved goodbye, skipping away and disappearing into the market stalls like a playful gust of wind.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where she'd vanished, wondering if it had really happened.
(Definitely... this world is full of unique characters.)
I shook my head slightly, letting out a quiet chuckle, before continuing my stroll along the docks—with the distinct feeling that my stay in Liyue would be anything but boring.
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
Author's Note:
Whew! This is definitely the longest chapter I've written so far. As you may have noticed, Dan Heng's romantic interest will be Ganyu (my reason for starting Genshin Impact in the first place—no shame!).
Right now, I'm stuck in that eternal creative dilemma:
Should I give the protagonist a harem like any proper light novel MC?
Or should I keep Ganyu as the sole love interest to preserve their sweet dynamic?
About Ganyu's behavior: I'm writing her as the calm, slightly shy girl we all know. That said, with Cloud Retainer playing the role of her meddling aunt (you know, the one who asks at every family gathering, "So when are you settling down?"). This leaves Ganyu acting extremely flustered around Dan Heng—though she's aware of him, she hasn't shown any feelings (at least not yet…). It's that classic embarrassment of being set up with the neighbor's son.
P.S. Cloud Retainer remains Liyue's top unofficial shipper.