Genshin Impact: After Getting Married, Something Changed in My Body Chapter 38 - 38 – You’ve Been Single for Thousands of Years!

"Keqing isn't at the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Nothing happened over there, right?"

Ningguang looked to Baiwen. The Ministry handled most of Liyue's internal affairs—ssy, complicated work. Leaving it without soone in charge wasn't exactly ideal.

"Ningguang-sama, nothing happened," Baiwen said. "Everything's running smoothly."

Then she added, "When Ryou left, he gave them a warning. If they can't handle the small stuff, then when he cos back tomorrow, they can pack their things and get out. They've been on edge ever since, so they've been taking every task seriously."

"The Ministry doesn't get that many major incidents on a normal day," Ningguang said. "The smaller matters aren't hard to push through once the groundwork is done. He already wrapped up the core paperwork, so doing this is… reasonable."

She stared at the docunts on her desk for a long mont before she spoke again.

"Invite Keqing and Ryou to the Jade Chamber for dinner. That issue from last ti still hasn't been finalized, and there are details I want to ask him about in person."

"Yes, Ningguang-sama!" Baiwen answered at once, then hurried off.

Once Baiwen was gone, Ningguang's eyes returned to the paperwork. Envy flickered there, sharp and unmistakable.

"Keqing really is lucky. Ryou's capable—well-read, sharp. You can tell just from these files. He has his own way of seeing things."

Her fingers tapped the page once.

"If I'd known earlier, I wouldn't have let him slip away. Now Keqing gets the bargain."

…

Mt. Aocang.

"Ganyu, you've been staying in Liyue Harbor—why did you suddenly co to see this one?"

Cloud Retainer was clearly pleased to see her, but the surprise showed too. Ganyu was usually buried in work and rarely returned to Mt. Aocang, yet today she'd co back out of nowhere, distracted and unsteady, like her thoughts had gone missing.

"Cloud Retainer… you've seen so much. There's sothing I want to ask you." Ganyu lowered her gaze. "It's been troubling . I don't know what to do."

The mont she stepped onto Mt. Aocang, the scene at Ryou's house ca back to her in a rush. The more she turned it over, the less sense it made, until she finally gave up and ca here.

"Go on," Cloud Retainer said, leaning in. "What's troubling you? If one can help, one will."

That only made her more curious. Ganyu had spent thousands of years in Liyue Harbor, tempered in every way. Very little could truly shake her. If she'd co here for advice, it ant this wasn't sothing she knew how to face—sothing personal.

Could it be…?

Warmth spread through Ganyu's chest at that tone. Her cheeks flushed, and she spoke softly.

"Cloud Retainer… today I t soone. When I saw him, my heart started racing, and my breathing sped up. I… I couldn't stop looking at him. I even got a little lost in it. This kind of thing… what does it an?"

Cloud Retainer froze, then stared at her as if she'd just heard the most unbelievable news in a millennium.

"Ganyu—this is obvious. You like him!"

Her eyes lit up.

"Wonderful, wonderful! So you did take one's words to heart. Good. Very good!"

She leaned forward, voice brimming with certainty.

"If you like him, pursue him. Once you make a move, it's practically settled. One refuses to believe anyone in this world can withstand your charm!"

"B-But…" Ganyu's face went hot all the way to the ears.

If he were single, if his character was good, if everything lined up… then maybe, for that sudden spark in her chest, she could have tried to take a step.

But he wasn't single.

He was soone else's husband—Keqing's husband.

A friend's husband—how could she possibly do that?

"But what?" Cloud Retainer cut in, not letting her dodge. "You've been single for thousands of years. When you finally stumble into a feeling like this, you grab it with both hands, do you understand?"

Her words ca faster, more and more excited.

"Feelings like this will make you grow. Listen—win him over, then bring him to Mt. Aocang. One wants to see him."

Cloud Retainer's eyes shone with an almost radiant ambition.

"One will teach him adepti arts and let him live long in this world. Then the two of you can leave behind a few children—this abode won't be so cold and empty anymore."

She lifted her chin, pride practically sparkling.

"And hear one clearly—one is excellent with children!"

Ganyu's face burned even hotter. Before she could stop it, her mind had already painted the scene Cloud Retainer described, vivid and impossible to ignore. For one dangerous second, the idea even tempted her.

Then reality slamd back in.

But Ryou was married!

Ahhh… how was she supposed to tell Cloud Retainer?

Note: Chapters up to 50 are available on my Patreon FOR FREE. I'll keep working on this fanfic as long as it's getting enough support to justify continuing.

[End of chapter]

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