Liyue, Jade Chamber.
With the Lantern Rite approaching, even a usually quiet place like the Jade Chamber had begun receiving more visitors.
Nolan teleported to Ningguang's side, but since she was busy arranging the many affairs of the festival, he couldn't speak with her just yet.
So, he decided to wander around on his own.
"Hmph, isn't this our busy man, always making friends with girls? What brings you here with free ti to spare?"
As Nolan turned a corner in the corridor, a snow-white arm suddenly looped around his neck.
His vision darkened, his face sinking into sothing soft and springy, familiar yet suffocating.
Instinctively, his hands drew inward—first pressing against an equally soft curve at her hips, then tracing up along a graceful line to her slender waist.
With that leverage, he lifted his head.
Right before his eyes was a glimpse of snowy cleavage; a little higher, her delicate collarbone; and above that—
"Ouch!"
A sharp sting at his forehead made Nolan cry out before he realized it.
"What are you staring at so intently? My chin can't take your head-butting." Yelan rubbed her chin, amusent flickering in her eyes as she looked at him.
"Ahem… sorry, sorry."
A little embarrassed, Nolan shifted his gaze upward, settling on her pale neck instead.
"Forget it," Yelan said with a sly smile, folding her arms under her chest. "Lucky timing—you just showed up right after Ningguang gave an assignnt.
"As an apology for your rudeness to a lady, you'll co along and help . That way, I can save so travel ti and get off work earlier."
Nolan gave her a helpless look.
"How am I the rude one? You're the one who suddenly grabbed ."
"Hehe. Don't tell —the great legendary adventurer who can stand against gods didn't even notice a delicate woman waiting at the corner ahead, and let her slip her arms around him so easily?"
Yelan laughed softly.
"…Well, everyone lets down their guard sotis. Especially against a beautiful woman like you," Nolan said, forcing out an excuse.
"Oh?" Yelan's faint smile lingered, clearly in a good mood. "Alright, I'll accept that explanation… barely."
[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 360 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.8 (560/800)]
The system prompt on his panel made Nolan brighten with delight.
Yelan's affection level with him was nearly at nine. Once it hit nine, ten wouldn't be far behind—and he was already eager to see what sort of affection skill she would grant.
"Even if I accept your excuse, you'll still have to co with to finish the task. Of course, I'll reward you in return."
Running her fingers through her silky hair, Yelan looked at him playfully.
"Reward? …What kind of reward?" Nolan asked curiously.
"If you're that curious, I could always pay you in advance. But if I do, you won't be allowed to refuse." Yelan's voice took on a mysterious lilt.
"For you, reward or no reward, I'd naturally be willing to help," Nolan said, patting his chest with confidence.
"In that case…"
Parting her soft lips, Yelan leaned forward slightly and pressed them against his.
Nolan froze in surprise. Before he could even react, Yelan pulled away, her lips still glistening as she said:
"Well? Isn't this the kind of reward you like?"
"Of course I like it. But don't you think it was a little too short?"
Wrapping his arms around her waist, Nolan leaned in again, wanting to savor it longer.
Otherwise, with just those few seconds, he still felt a little unsatisfied.
"Glad you liked it. Just think of that as a deposit. Once we get back, I'll give you the balance—and by then, I'll allow you to lean in yourself~"
Yelan pressed her palm against Nolan's lips to stop him from coming closer, her sly smile brimming with mischief.
Of course, after that kiss she'd given him in front of Keqing last ti, she had also found herself savoring the feeling—and even wanted to try going further to see what it was like.
[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 340 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.9 (100/900)]
"Alright then." Nolan showed so regret before continuing, "So, can you tell what Ningguang asked you to do?"
"Nothing major. With the Lantern Rite approaching—and considering how much Liyue Harbor has changed this year, flourishing more than ever—Ningguang wants to make this year's festival especially grand.
"So she asked to invite the Adepti of Three Eyes and Five Manifestations, so that they can co witness the thriving prosperity of Liyue together."
Yelan explained simply.
"I see. So basically, you're going to invite the Adepti to join the Lantern Rite… though with their temperants, I'm not sure they'll even be interested in coming."
Nolan nodded in understanding.
"True. They haven't shown up in past years either. As Adepti, they might not care for human festivities," Yelan agreed with him.
"By the way, what brings you here?" she asked curiously.
"Mainly to get a few more sword manuals from Ningguang, and also to see if she needs any help." Nolan explained simply.
"I see. Ningguang should be free now, so go to her directly. I'll wait outside."
Yelan nodded lightly.
"Alright."
After she left, Nolan went toward Ningguang's office.
At that mont, Ningguang was still assigning her secretaries various tasks for the Lantern Rite. Seeing him arrive, they paused their discussion.
Nolan told Ningguang about the sword techniques he still needed, and asked if there was any way he could help, given how busy the festival preparations seed.
"Mm, wait a mont. I'll have Bai Xiao fetch the manuals for you.
"As for help, I'm not particularly busy right now. But Keqing and Ganyu are—why don't you go check with them?"
Ningguang thought for a bit, then replied.
"No problem. I'll go find them later," Nolan said.
With his ability to teleport through space, visiting a few of the Adepti wouldn't take much ti anyway. He could always do it after finishing up with Yelan.
Soon, Ningguang had Bai Xiao bring back several sword manuals, which she handed to him.
After bidding her farewell, Nolan stepped out onto the platform outside the Jade Chamber, where Yelan stood gazing at the distant view of Liyue Harbor.
Every street below was crowded with people.
With the festival drawing near, the harbor had grown even livelier.
Nolan chuckled and said:
"Let's go. We'll head to Jueyun Karst first."
"Of course, you decide. After all, I'll be relying on you to get us there." Yelan crossed her arms as she spoke.
"Then, if you'd kindly lend your hand…" Nolan reached out his right hand.
Humoring his little whim, Yelan extended her own hand, letting him clasp it in his.
[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 300 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.9 (400/900)]
(End of Chapter)
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