#and “li” is from the name that zhongli used at the time

[yuesya]

Guizhong blinks, staring out at the mountainous terrain that was formerly Malphas’ territory.

… Or rather, what remained of the mountainous terrain.

It’s… a mess. The mountains? Are just not there anymore. As in, they’re just completely gone. Vanished! Like they just up and disappeared into thin air!

Now, there’s nothing but a sea of lapping waves stretching out as far as the eye can see, drowning out what used to be perfectly good dry land. There’s no telling how long this unnatural flood will persist, as if the scale of damage wrought to the landscape and environment wasn’t catastrophic enough already.

The flood reached all the way to the borders of the Guili Assembly’s territory. It was only thanks to the defenses that they’d previously put into place that they were able to defend against the sudden onslaught of waves at all. A necessary precaution, given their close proximity to the Lord of the Vortex. But Guizhong hadn’t expected to be putting their adeptal spells and devices to the test so soon.

Looking back on it, the first sign of something amiss had been Lige suddenly spinning around and staring in the direction of Malphas’ territory, stock-still with narrowed eyes. Ever since they formed their alliance, Lige had been slowly shedding that shell of unfeeling stone, but there were still times when his behavior was acutely inhuman.

It had been the startled reports that Guizhong received from their citizens that led her to realize that Lige abruptly left on his own, shedding details of his human form in his haste and scaring quite a few people in his wake. So Guizhong had taken it upon herself to calm their people and get them to settle down again; it was part of their contract.

Lige would be responsible for taking care of martial and warfare-related matters, while Guizhong would be responsible for governance and civil affairs, maximizing both of their strengths in a fruitful partnership.

…

After Guizhong had finished calming their citizens… It hadn’t taken long before she’d sensed the stirrings of battle on the edge of her awareness, in wake of Lige’s departure. But even then, she’d been confident that her fellow god had things well in hand.

… Which was before the water level had started rising rapidly at an alarming rate, forcing Guizhong to hurriedly rally together the other adepti to put their protective measures into play, in order to protect the Guili Assembly. It was only after the water started receding and Guizhong was sure that the adepti could hold down the fort that she’d left their territory and followed after Lige’s trail.

Which led to where she was right now: Flying above the waves, and trying to make sense of what was going on.

“Just what in the world happened here?” Guizhong mutters to herself, frowning.

The waves below her remain silent, and do not yield any answer besides the obvious: That a cataclysmic battle had taken place between gods here, and this was the terrifying result.

The goddess closes her eyes briefly, silently mourning over the many innocents who were caught up in this conflict through no fault of their own.

Malphas’ people… while Guizhong held no love for Malphas, who treated humans more like playthings and curiosities than actual people to be cherished for their individuality–

The humans who lived in Malphas’ territory didn’t deserve such a fate, drowned in a watery grave that had no business flooding the land like this.

If this was Osial’s work… then the Lord of the Vortex had much to answer for. Guizhong was sure that Lige would agree with her, and he definitely wouldn’t be the only god to do so.

Speaking of–

Guizhong holds out her hand, where a Geo crystalfly alights gently on her fingertip, tingling with a familiar energy signature. The crystalfly flaps its wings, then lifts up into the air again –and begins flying in a very specific direction.

Follow.

“You’d better have a good explanation for all of this, Lige,” she mutters under her breath.

While Lige is not one to shy away from battle, he is not one for meaningless, wanton destruction, laying waste to anything and everything around him. Guizhong trusts that he wouldn’t have intentionally caused such destruction, but if he had really been pushed to this extent by Osial, then… the Lord of the Vortex was far more dangerous than either of them had suspected.

Concern rises in her chest, coupled with worry and anxiety for her partner.

The emotions do not abate until she finally catches sight of him again. Lige looks… definitely more roughed up than Guizhong remembers seeing him this morning. And he’s also injured, with a particularly serious gash torn diagonally across his chest, still bleeding heavily –even though his expression remains passive and unchanging, as if he doesn’t feel the pain at all.

But Guizhong does.

Tears spring to her eyes, “Lige!”

The Geo crystalfly that had led her to him lands on the other god’s shoulder. Lige blinks, some measure of awareness returning to his eyes and easing his stone visage… and he nods in her direction, relaxing slightly at the sight of an ally. “Guizhong. You’re here.”

“Of course I am!” Had he expected otherwise? Just because Guizhong wasn’t a god who was suited for combat didn’t mean that she couldn’t fight. “What in the world happened, Lige? Is this Osial’s work? Should we be expecting an invasion?”

“An invasion…” Lige mutters, amber eyes hardening. “It is possible. Although it won’t be happening for quite some time, I’d imagine.”

Guizhong frowns. “Are you certain?”

“Yes,” Lige nods. Then, in that infuriatingly unchanging cadence of his, “He just lost five of his six heads. I’d be surprised if he regains enough strength to lead an invasion and wage war anytime soon.”

The Lord of the Vortex is one of the oldest gods! One of the most powerful Hydro gods on this side of the ocean! And he just–?

Guizhong gapes at him, “You–?!”

Lige shakes his head. “I claimed two heads. The other three were her work.”

And so saying, the god gestures to the side. At this point, Guizhong finally focuses on the others who’d also been present this entire time –a heavily injured bird spirit who watches the two of them separately, clutching tightly onto an unconscious girl in his arms.

No, not just a girl. That was… another god?

The bird spirit shifts uneasily under Guizhong’s attention. Were it not for his wings being all but shredded, she has no doubt that he would’ve taken flight perhaps the very instant that she’d arrived–

“There’s no place for you and your new god to go to even if you run,” Lige says. “Osial may have been dealt a grievous blow, but his armies remain. His influence stretches wherever the water reaches, and it will be quite some time before the waves subside. You’ll only be endangering the both of you, if you run.”

The bird spirit says nothing in response.

“We’re not going to hurt you,” Guizhong says gently, crouching down to the young spirit’s height. Lige’s words might be a little scary, but Guizhong can read him well enough by this point to know that he’s legitimately concerned for these two. “Let us help you and your god, please?”

The bird spirit still says nothing. But his gaze wavers, flickering between them and the bloodied god that he clutches in his arms.

“I promise that we will not harm you or your god. Come with us to the Guili Assembly, and we will get you treated,” Guizhong tells him. Then, reaching out a hand and pointing towards Lige, “You know who he is, right?”

“… The Groundbreaker.”

“That’s right,” Guizhong says encouragingly. “He’s also the God of Contracts. So if I make a promise before the God of Contracts, then know that my words can be trusted, and that I will not act in bad faith to you or your god, alright?”

[water-to-drink]

If Only I Can Turn Back Time

(Pairing): Zhongli x gn!reader x Childe (separate)

(Synopsis): After taking the life of his lover thousands of years ago, Zhongli finds your current incarnation with another lover

(Tags/Warnings): Angst no comfort, blood, pet names (sunshine, darling, & babe), non consensual touching, not beta read (wrote this instead of sleeping), might feel rushed, (if I missed something lmk)

(Word Count): 1.1k

(A/n): It’s sad bitch hours folks

𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍𓂃 𓈒𓏸𑁍

“Morax…? Why?” You gurgled due to your blood coming up to your mouth due to the gaping hole in your stomach

“I’m sorry it had to come to this, but I told you I would do anything for my people.” The god you used to call your lover replied coldly

You grit your teeth to say something to the stone god, but you decide against it instead opting to let tears run down your face as your vision gradually fades

The mystery of what you were originally planning on being your last words still plagues Morax to this day, in his new life stepping down from his role as archon and living the rest of his days as the mortal known as Zhongli. Were your final words going to declarations of love or hatred? He wouldn’t blame you if it was the latter, he would hate himself too

For years he tried to justify it by telling himself that it was the best for his people, but after the years of self reflection he realized it was only to protect himself. Truly thinking that if you died by his hands then it would save him from the heart break Osial’s betrayal caused him

Letting his paranoia get the best of him after Osial’s betrayal and Guizhong’s death he killed the last pillar holding up his life

“Hey! Are you listening?” The familiar voice of a ginger haired man brought Zhongli out of his bout of self-loathing

“Oh, I’m sorry. Please continue.”

“As I was saying my amazing wonderful beautiful fiancé is coming to Liyue!” Childe smiled and continued. “Their boat is arriving today and I’m so excited, I wish to have them in my arms and listen to talk!”

Zhongli sipped his tea as the young man continued to gust about you and how much he misses you. Reuniting with your lover is beautiful thing, he remembers the times where you would run into his loving embrace. Spinning you in his arms, hearing your melodic laughter, seeing your precious smiling face, feeling the softness of your lips. Sweet memories that will always be close to his heart

“Ah! Their boat is arriving now!” Childe looked at his watch and quickly ran down to the harbor, leaving his tea on the table. From his seat he spotted the distinctive mop of ginger running to the docks as a boat arrives to port

Though he is not a nosey person, Zhongli couldn’t help himself to hone his hearing onto Childe. Who is this person that captured the bloodthirsty man’s heart and made him giddy like a schoolboy? His curiosity was peaked

“Sunshine!”

“Gingersnap!” A familiar voice rings throughout the dragon’s ears

Hesitantly turning his head he sees a sight that he thought he would never see again. There you are, walking and talking like how you used to before the war. Even the smile he vividly remembers is still the same, only that it’s made for someone else

The Harbinger you’re currently hugging

Still in a state of shock Zhongli didn’t register that you and Childe were making your way up the stairs, until the both of you were right in front of him

“As I told you before, this is my fiancé (Y/N).” Childe introduced

Your name was different but still beautifully matched you, a name he wouldn’t dare shorten it to a nickname. A name that every syllable should be worthship whenever it rolls off his tongue

“Zhongli, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Pleased to meet you, Tartaglia has told me a lot about you.”

As the days progressed he got to learn more about this current incarnation of you, there were many things that remained the same yet, some things different. Learning about your new likes felt like he was falling in love with you all over again

“You know Zhongli, it feels like I known you for a long time.” You mention offhandedly

Oh how much he wants to hold your hand and tell you it’s because the two of you were lovers in the past. To beg for forgiveness for what he did to you and promise that he would devote his entire existence to protecting you

Despite priding himself on his patience Zhongli feels it wearing thin with each pasting second. There’s a constant conflict going on inside of him, one side wanting to leave you alone and let you enjoy your new life and the other side wanting you to remember the time where the two of you were lovers. It feels like a kettle that’s about to explode

“Goodbye, Zhongli.” You said, heartbreakingly similar to the way you said your last goodbye to him

Against his better judgement he reaches towards you and wraps his arms around you in a tight embrace

“H-hey! Let go of me!” You said as you struggled against his grip

“Please. Please, remember.” He uncharacteristically pleaded as he began to use some Adeptal magic on you to share some of memories with you

Memories of your first time meeting, your conversations that would last til the sun sets, him confessing his feelings to you, your first time being intimate with each other. Every memory that he has involving you being shared, from the first moment to the last

Slowly you stopped struggling against him and he releases you from his grip. You pushed him away and turned to face him, your eyes had a glint of recollection yet confliction to them signaling that your old memories are flooding back into your mind

“Morax…”

“Darling.” Zhongli whispers as he opens his arms and slowly approaches you

Extending your arm out you stop the former archon from coming closer

He wanted to asked what was wrong but the look of betrayal on your face, the same expression you wore the day he used his spear to strike you down, told him everything that he needed to know

You don’t love him like you did before

Rapid footsteps alerted the two of you to the upcoming presence of another. A mop of orange hair pops up before the harbinger makes his way up the stairs and kisses you on the cheek

“Hey babe, is something the matter?” Childe asked, sensing the tension between the two of you

“Oh I was just saying goodbye to Mr. Zhongli.” You stated with a smile to your lover

Heartbroken he watched as the two of you walked down the stairs, your words getting out of ear shot

You turned to glance at your former lover one last time before returning your attention to the young man

[22ayla21]

Hi, could I request a Xiao x reader family headcanons or fic? He's so cool and one of my faves. Also, if it's not too much, maybe also do Venti and Zhongli too? I love them also.

Call of Light through Karma

His long loneliness after many years of battle and loss, now has a lighter shade, a happier one.

From the author: Zhong Li and Venti will be made separately.

The evening over Liyue Harbor gently bled into gold and crimson, the skies breathing a peace that Xiao still sought within himself. He stood at the foot of Wangshu Inn, near the old tree whose shade had once offered respite after brutal battles. Now, however, he had come not after a fight, but after the first laugh of his son.

Xiao still marveled at his fatherhood. Could there truly be someone who called him "Papa" with such a sincere, untainted smile? Not out of fear, not out of a sense of duty, but simply... out of love.

When his wife first spoke of the child, Xiao remained silent for a long time. A very long time. Words seemed stuck in his throat, and his heart pounded as if in battle with an ancient demon. But he was not afraid of them – he was afraid of himself.

"My karma... it will surely..."

She simply took his hand. "Morax has blessed us. You are not alone."

He didn't reply then. He merely stayed by her side, guarding her sleep through sleepless nights, warding off nightmares – not hers, but his own.

The birth of his son was both the greatest joy and the deepest fear. For the first few days, Xiao didn't dare touch him. The baby was so warm, with tiny soft hands and astonishingly piercing eyes – too bright. He was like a living ray of light in a world where Xiao had grown accustomed to existing in the shadows.

He stood in the corner of the room, silently watching his wife gently cradle the child in her arms. Sometimes, when the boy fell asleep, she would place him beside him, under a protective charm. Xiao sat motionless, like a statue, his gaze following only the quiet breathing of his son. His heart ached with the terrible thought: "What if my darkness passes on to him?"

But one day, the baby woke up and, without hesitation, reached for his face.

"Pa-pa," he lisped in a weak, still indistinct voice.

For the first time in centuries, Xiao gasped not from physical pain, but from a sudden rush of feeling for which there was no name in the language of the yakshas.

Since then, he had been learning.

He was clumsy in his new role. He didn't know how to hold him properly, how to speak in a gentle tone, how to show tenderness.

He protected as he knew how – not with his spear, but with his silent attention, his constant presence nearby. He learned to weave protective charms onto his son's toys, his cradle, the windows of their home.

When the boy fell, Xiao was there instantly, even if he had been miles away just moments before.

When his son was sick, he brought the rarest herbs from Qingyun Peak, under the watchful gaze of the Cloud Retainer.

And sometimes, when his wife fell asleep, Xiao would sit by the crib and whisper stories. Not his own – there were almost none in his life. He retold the stories he had heard from her, simple and kind ones.

The child would fall asleep, holding his finger tightly. And in those moments, Xiao felt like... a human.

One day, his son asked:

"Papa, why are you always so sad?"

Xiao knelt down beside him. He didn't know what to answer. But the boy had already wrapped his small arms around him. Without a trace of fear.

"I will protect you," he said seriously. "Just like you protect us."

For the first time in many long years, Xiao allowed himself to cry. The tears flowed silently, not from agonizing pain, but from something entirely different. He was no longer alone. He had ceased to be just a yaksha. He had become a father.

And that turned out to be a light capable of eclipsing even his karma.

Family had not lifted the burden of his past, but it had made it lighter. With each passing year, he looked less often at the sky in search of enemies and more often at the ground where his son grew. He remained the guardian of Liyue. But now he had another, far more important purpose: to be there. To learn to live again. To learn to love.

And perhaps, in these hands that once gripped a spear, there would now be room for happiness as well.

[rabbitinashell]

So, the artist for this piece of art is on the art itself, I'm too blind to decipher what their name is :,)

Zhongli in the Sheets: Devoted, Patient, and Utterly Inescapable

Zhongli does not rush. He does not falter. Every touch, every glance, every movement is deliberate—an act of worship as much as possession. With him, there is no chaos, no uncertainty. He moves with the confidence of a man who has lived for millennia, who has seen and experienced all, and who knows exactly how to leave you trembling beneath him.

He is not cruel, but he is in complete control. He takes his time, savoring every sound, every shudder, every whisper of his name as if it were a rare and precious treasure.

And when he does decide to break you? He does so thoroughly, with the patience of a god who knows time is irrelevant when it comes to claiming what is his.

1. Poised, Patient, and Completely Unshakable

Zhongli never rushes. He enjoys the slow unraveling, the way anticipation coils tight in your stomach as he draws out every touch, every sigh, every desperate plea.

His hands glide over your skin with practiced ease, his golden gaze never breaking from yours. He waits—watching, studying—until the moment you can no longer hold yourself together.

“Patience,” he murmurs, voice like smooth amber. “We have all the time in the world.”

2. A God Who Demands Reverence

There is no question of who is in control. Zhongli expects your surrender, your trust, your complete and undivided devotion. He does not need to command it—it is simply a truth, an inevitability.

He worships as much as he dominates. His voice is soft, yet unyielding, each word sending a shiver down your spine.

“Let go,” he whispers, lips grazing your ear. “There is no need to think—only to feel.”

3. Overwhelming Strength, Used with Care

He does not manhandle—he doesn’t need to. His grip is firm, steady, unshakable—a reminder of the sheer power that lies beneath his calm exterior.

Zhongli holds you as though you are both fragile and unbreakable, as though he knows exactly how much pressure to apply before you crumble in his hands.

“You are shaking,” he observes, amusement flickering in his gaze. “Shall I ease your burden, or let you endure it a little longer?”

4. The Slow, Merciless Art of Ruin

He drags it out—the anticipation, the tension, the pleasure. There is no urgency, no reckless abandon. Zhongli is patient, so painfully patient, keeping you on the edge for what feels like an eternity.

His touch is methodical, his pace agonizing, his voice a constant presence in your ear, grounding and overwhelming all at once.

“There is no need to rush,” he soothes, fingers teasing, guiding, keeping you precisely where he wants you. “You will have everything… in time.”

5. A Lover Who Engraves Himself Into Memory

Zhongli is not fleeting. He does not leave bruises or marks of possession—he leaves something deeper. His touch lingers long after he has pulled away, his voice echoes in your mind, his presence haunts you in the most intoxicating way.

His devotion is quiet but absolute, and when the night is over, when your body is spent and your mind is dazed, he remains—his hands tracing soothing patterns, his voice a steady hum of comfort.

“Rest,” he murmurs, pressing a lingering kiss to your temple. “I will be here when you wake.”

Bonus: Kinks & Preferences

Power & Control – He never raises his voice, never forces—but you obey him without question.

Tease & Denial – He revels in patience, dragging things out until you can’t take it anymore.

Reverence & Worship – You are his, and he treats you like something precious, something divine.

Slow, Sensory Overload – He takes his time, ensuring you feel every touch, every breath, every whisper.

Possession Without Chains – He does not need to bind you. His presence alone is enough to hold you in place.

6. Aftercare: Steady, Gentle, and Unwavering

Zhongli is always there when it’s over. He does not smother, does not coddle—but his care is undeniable. He ensures you are warm, comfortable, tended to with the same patience and devotion he gives to everything else in his life.

His voice is the last thing you hear before sleep takes you, deep and steady, a quiet promise in the night:

“You are safe. Sleep, my love. I will not leave your side.”

Final Verdict: A Lover Who Transcends Time Itself

Zhongli does not simply take—he claims, he engraves, he leaves a mark that never fades. He is patient, unyielding, and entirely inescapable—a man who demands nothing less than all of you and gives the same in return.

To surrender to him is to lose yourself completely—only to find yourself again, in the most exquisite way imaginable.

[nomoraamongfivearchons]

Hu Tao's Poem in Lantern Rite 5.3 (Spoilers)

There's a joke floating around that Hu Tao survived the ritual because Zhongli C6'd her (by finishing her poem, which is her constellation). I absolutely love that joke because funny haha aside, it shows just how well this event is written. As someone who plays genshin in CN, I love how they incorporated Hu Tao's constellation into the event by making it not only the poem Hu Tao recites before the climatic ritual, but also a foreshadowing of how she might be saved.

It would be difficult to tell at first if you only play in EN, since localization completely gave up on preserving the poetry in Hu Tao's constellation, but if you play in CN or look up the original text, the intent literally jumps out at you (the en constellation names are italicized) :

赤團開時斜飛去 A butterfly dances in a crimson bouquet (C1) 最不安神晴又復雨 For fear of the ominous rainfall that may soon show its face (C2) 逗留採血色 With one last, lingering glance at that carmine hue (C3) 伴君眠花房 She lies among the petals in the garden of eternal rest (C4) 無可奈何燃花作香 As she sets the floral incense ablaze. (C5) 幽蝶能留一縷芳 The lone butterfly left, but not without a trace. A fragrance remained, her butterfly's embrace. (C6)

The last two lines are especially pertinent to the event bc the word for word translation is: "With no other choice, she burns the flowers as incense, but the lone butterfly will leave a trace of fragrance". The first line calls back to the Lone Butterfly's sacrifice centuries ago and foreshadows what Hu Tao is prepared to do. However, the second line reflects how Old Man Wuwang preserved the Lone Butterfly's legacy AND how there's still a chance to help Hu Tao, which Zhongli drops hints to the Traveler with the subtlety of a meteor; and the Traveler uses the plum branch Hu Tao gave them—the "fragrance" left by the lone butterfly—to reach Hu Tao in time and pull her back from death.

It's setup and payoff done so economically, using material that is already known to the audience, and it all centers around Hu Tao, the legacy she carries, and the people who love her.

[shanieveh]

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU !

— red flags of the genshin men and you as a flagpole ( using this iconic poem from the same name as reference)

i hate the way you're always right, i hate it when you lie

—kaeya, zhongli, alhaitham, kaveh, GOROU, diluc, pantalone, scaramouche, XIAO, tighnari

He was always a stubborn character, who insists you do this and that. Who was protective of you and wanted you always in his sight. And when you are injured or hurt he lets out an annoying 'tsk' as he previously warned you before not to do that. But even with the scolding he treats your wounds, he doesn't make you explain what went wrong. The fact that you're injured over it is what really matters.

But even with his constant need to protect you, he was the most selfless person you have ever met. He lies about being fine, and being okay just to make you happy. He wasn't. He clinged onto you like that was his soul's favorite meal. You changed his life, away from the bad and ugly of his past. You didn't need to know about it, as he presents himself as unflawed and perfect, just to keep you.

i hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry

—ayato, KAEYA, venti, xingqiu, KAVEH, bennett, THOMA, cyno, childe, arataki itto, chongyun, heizou

He was the life of the party, a ray of sunshine that decided to go in your life. But he had this side of him, the side that even questions why you were here. Sometimes you feel like a second option, sometimes you feel unheard. Yeah it was unintentional, but does that fact make it even worse?

In times you were down he was always there cheering you up, but when it was him making you feel this way it tend to hurt not just the heart, but the mind. Maybe you should communicate this to him? No, he was too busy, he was too important for some petty complaint you have. You can just cry yourself to sleep, and maybe learn not to expect that the half empty bed will be full in the morning.

i hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call

—kazuha, AYATO, dainsleif, kaveh, albedo, xiao, ZHONGLI, diluc, TIGHNARI, heizou,

He wasn't there when you needed him. And as you carry the burden of being both lonely and unloved, you start to question your relationship. But as you remember the love, the passion you both share, this one incident. It should forever be buried. But even as you both reconcile and all of it in the past. You still can't help the feeling of being that unwanted, not needed. It haunts your core.

What if he treated you that way again? He didn't even bother to call asking your condition, you were completely helpless. That after all the years and months of you being dependent on him, you were back to the starting point, the time where you had no one but yourself. But perhaps he changed? Maybe he'll stop wandering around and stay with you. This is the timeline where he chooses you.

but mostly i hate the way i don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all

—scaramouche, pantalone, BAIZHU, diluc, ALHAITHAM, xiao, dainsleif, aether, childe

He was a foe, an enemy. But the way he cares, the way he scarcely smiles and when he did it gives you butterflies. You can't hate him, no matter how hard you try. Even when you argue, even with your objective of defeating him, you can never hate a man who loves you that much. He was an addiction, and you were the addict that thought you can just stop when you wanted to. You couldn't.

He was so easily hated. From the way he stares, the way he reads you mind. But there was something about him you can't pin point. He has so much qualities that are wrong and made you hate his qualities, but never the person, never him.

[the-reader-insert-gazette]

A Lifelong Contract (Part 2) - F!Reader x Zhongli

Request Column ( @quaildoodle ) - Genshin Impact

As Zhongli adjusts to the intricacies of living among humans, the Reader begins to realize just how much about him remains a mystery.

[ Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 ] ✒️ Word Count: 6093 🏷️ Relevant Tags: Mortal!Zhongli | Domestic life | Wedding Planning Phase 1 | White Lies 🗒️ Request Details: [Comment on Part 1] part two PLLLEEEAAASSSSEE I BEG OF THEEEEE 👹👹👹

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of [Name]'s shop, casting a warm glow over the workspace cluttered with half-finished glasswork and scattered notes. The scent of brewed tea lingered in the air, mingling with the faint trace of osmanthus that always seemed to follow Zhongli.

[Name] was already at work, sleeves rolled up, hands deftly shaping molten glass into delicate form. The steady flicker of the furnace illuminated her focused expression, brow furrowed as she carefully adjusted the shaping tongs. Zhongli, seated at a nearby table, quietly observed as he sipped from a porcelain teacup.

It had become a part of their routine—these quiet mornings spent together before the rest of the world woke up. She would work, he would sit with her, sometimes reading, sometimes simply existing in the space between them.

He had spent centuries alone, never imagining that his days would unfold in such simplicity, and yet, this—watching her work, sharing silent moments over tea, listening to the way she muttered to herself when something didn’t go as planned, was something he cherished more than he could ever put into words.

[Name] huffed, straightening up and stretching her arms over her head. “Alright, that one’s done,” she said, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. “What do you think?”

Zhongli set down his tea and stood, stepping closer to inspect her latest work. It was a glass lotus, each petal curved with delicate precision, the surface catching the morning light in shifting golden hues. He tilted his head slightly. “Exquisite craftsmanship, as always.”

[Name] scoffed, bumping his arm lightly with her elbow. “You say that every time.”

“Because it is true every time,” he replied smoothly.

She smirked, shaking her head before leaning back against the worktable. “You’re lucky I like hearing it.”

Zhongli allowed a small smile, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. [Name] rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away.

They had yet to tell anyone about their engagement.

Not because they were hiding it, though the thought of seeing some of their friends react was admittedly amusing, but because they had simply settled into it. No grand announcement, no rush to change anything. They already spent their days together, already moved in and out of each other’s spaces so naturally that little had changed aside from the understanding that this was how they would remain.

[Name] tapped her fingers against the worktable, studying him. “You’re thinking again,” she mused.

Zhongli huffed a quiet chuckle. “I do that often.”

“Yeah, but usually you narrate half of it aloud,” she teased, nudging him. “What’s on your mind?”

He considered his words carefully before answering. “How long we intend to keep this between us.”

[Name] blinked, then smirked. “You getting impatient?”

“Not at all,” he said, though there was something amused in his gaze. “I simply wonder how long it will be before others take notice.”

[Name] crossed her arms. “I mean, we’re not exactly secretive.”

“No,” he agreed, “but some may take longer to realize what is already in front of them.”

She snorted. “You mean Childe.”

Zhongli exhaled, shaking his head. “He does tend to be… enthusiastic in his observations.”

“That’s putting it lightly.” [Name] shook her head, amused. “Yeah, I give it maybe another week before someone figures it out.”

Zhongli hummed, thoughtful. “And if they do?”

She shrugged. “Then they do. Not like I’m gonna start flashing a ring around and making a big speech about it.” She nudged him again, smirking. “Unless you want me to.”

He lifted a brow. “That would be rather uncharacteristic of me, no?”

She grinned. “Exactly.”

The quiet settled between them again, easy and warm. Zhongli reached for his teacup once more, and [Name] returned to her work, the sound of glass shaping filling the space between them.

Neither of them needed to say it, but they both knew.

It started subtly—small shifts in space, little adjustments that neither of them acknowledged outright.

A book left on her nightstand. A neatly folded coat hanging beside hers near the door. His favorite tea set nestled in her cabinets alongside her own mismatched collection of cups.

[Name] hadn’t questioned it at first. It was only natural, given the circumstances. They were engaged, after all. It made sense that he would begin to settle into her space just as she had into his presence. And yet, Zhongli never outright said it. Never formally declared the decision.

Not until she found him standing in her storage room, arms crossed, staring at the shelves like they were a puzzle he hadn’t quite solved.

[Name] leaned against the doorframe, watching him with mild amusement. “You thinking of taking up residence in there? Because I gotta say, I expected you to have higher standards.”

Zhongli blinked, glancing at her as though only now realizing she was there. “No, merely… considering space allocation.”

She snorted. “Space allocation?”

He gestured vaguely to the cluttered shelves, currently stacked with spare tools, supplies, and a handful of trinkets she hadn’t bothered to sort. “It would be more efficient if certain essentials were more readily accessible.”

[Name] tilted her head. “Certain essentials like… your stuff?”

There was the slightest pause. “…Perhaps.”

A slow grin crept onto her face. “So, you are moving in.”

Zhongli nodded. “It is the most logical course of action.”

She smirked. “Uh-huh. ‘Logical course of action.’ Not because we’re engaged. Not because we’ve practically been living together already. Just logic.”

He gave her a dry look. “I was under the impression you preferred practical explanations.”

[Name] grinned, stepping past him and giving the shelves a light tap. “You wanna move in? Just say it.”

Zhongli regarded her for a moment, then sighed, shaking his head with faint amusement. “Very well. I would prefer to stay here.”

She nodded, satisfied. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“I believe it was harder than it should have been,” he muttered, earning a snicker from her.

[Name] crossed her arms. “Well, in that case, we should probably get started on figuring out where to put your stuff.”

“There is not much to move,” Zhongli said, glancing back at the storage shelves. “My belongings are few.”

She hummed. “Right, because you don’t own your house—Childe’s been footing the bill for your place this whole time.”

Zhongli closed his eyes briefly, clearly not eager to be reminded. “Yes.”

[Name] tried—and failed—to suppress a laugh. “Oh, he’s gonna love hearing that you’re finally moving in.”

“I do not believe he will find it surprising.”

“No, but he will be dramatic about it.”

Zhongli sighed. “That is an inevitability.”

[Name] grinned. “Looking forward to it already.”

Living together meant adjustments.

Not big ones, necessarily—Zhongli had already spent most of his time in her home, and his presence had long since settled into the rhythm of her days. But now, with the understanding that this was permanent, the small shifts in their daily lives became more noticeable.

Like how his voice was the first thing she heard in the mornings, already preparing tea before she even dragged herself out of bed. Or how she no longer had to remind herself to pick up osmanthus flowers at the market—somehow, they were always already there, neatly arranged in a vase by the window.

And, of course, there was the matter of learning how to live together.

[Name] realized early on that, despite his composed nature, Zhongli had never had to manage certain aspects of daily life before.

She figured that out the first time she asked him to sweep the floors.

It had been a normal evening. She was finishing up work at her glassblowing station, wiping down the workbench, when she gestured to the broom leaning against the wall. “Hey, can you sweep up?”

A simple request. A straightforward task.

Which made it all the more surprising when she turned back a few minutes later to find Zhongli standing there, holding the broom in both hands, staring at the floor.

[Name] blinked. “You, uh… need a moment?”

Zhongli hummed slowly. “I am determining the most efficient sweeping pattern.”

She snorted. “It’s sweeping, Zhongli.”

“Indeed.” He tapped the broom lightly against the floor, contemplative. “But dust follows air currents. A poorly executed motion may result in redistribution rather than removal.”

[Name] quirked a brow at him. “Are you seriously strategizing sweeping?”

Zhongli met her gaze, unbothered. “Would you not prefer it to be done well?”

She dragged a hand down her face, shaking her head with a laugh. “Just sweep, Zhongli.”

To his credit, once he actually started, he was meticulous about it—though she strongly suspected he had memorized the entire shop’s airflow in the process.

Still, despite moments like these, he adapted quickly. Whether it was helping with household tasks, learning the rhythm of daily chores, or adjusting to the reality that living together required a shared sense of responsibility, he took it all in stride.

One night, after another ordinary evening spent side by side, [Name] leaned against the kitchen counter, watching as he carefully set a freshly cleaned teapot on the shelf.

“So, be honest—is living with me as hard as you thought?”

Zhongli considered this for a moment before answering. “It is… different.”

“Good different or bad different?”

He turned toward her, golden eyes steady. “Good.”

[Name] smirked. “Even with the chores?”

He huffed a quiet chuckle. “Even with that.”

She shook her head, amused. “Well, in that case, congratulations. You’re officially domesticated.”

Zhongli lifted a brow. “I was unaware that was the goal.”

“Too late now.”

He exhaled, shaking his head, but his lips curled in faint amusement. “So it seems.”

[Name] studied him for a moment, then tilted her head. “You regret anything?”

Zhongli held her gaze, something warm and certain in his expression.

“Not a single thing.”

The warmth in his voice settled into [Name]’s chest, quiet and steady. She searched his face, waiting for any flicker of hesitation, but there was none—only certainty, only him.

A slow smile tugged at her lips. “Good.”

The evening stretched on lazily after that, the weight of the day ebbing away as they moved through the quiet routine of tidying up. Zhongli rinsed the last of the teacups while [Name] wiped down the countertops, the air filled with the soft sounds of water running and fabric brushing against wood.

By the time they were finished, the world outside had settled into stillness—lanterns swayed in the faint night breeze, the muffled sounds of the harbor now distant.

[Name] stretched, rolling her shoulders before leaning against the table. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not moving from this spot for the next hour.”

Zhongli, ever composed, simply picked up the kettle and poured another cup of tea. “Then I shall keep you company.”

She huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Should’ve known you’d say that.”

They moved to the sitting area near the window, the cushions soft beneath them as they settled into the low evening glow of candlelight.

[Name] curled her fingers around her cup, letting the warmth seep into her palms. The comfortable silence stretched between them, familiar and unhurried.

Zhongli studied her, eyes laced with quiet amusement. “You look tired.”

She hummed. “Not tired tired. Just… settled.”

He inclined his head. “A good thing, then.”

She took a slow sip, letting the tea warm her from the inside out. “Yeah. It is.”

Zhongli took his own sip, his movements precise, unhurried. Even in the stillness, he carried himself with that same quiet grace, as if every action had a purpose.

[Name] watched him for a moment before shaking her head. “You ever just do things without thinking?”

He raised a brow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, like…” She waved a hand vaguely. “Not strategizing every little thing. Just letting it happen. Living in the moment.”

Zhongli set his cup down. “I do, occasionally.”

[Name] smirked. “Oh yeah? Name one time.”

He met her gaze, and the flicker of warmth in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

“…This.”

She stilled.

The weight of his words lingered in the air between them, settling over her like a second layer of warmth.

[Name] let out a quiet breath, tilting her head. “Didn’t think I’d get that serious of an answer.”

Zhongli’s lips curled faintly. “You asked.”

She let out a huff of laughter, shaking her head. “Fair enough.”

A comfortable quiet stretched between them again, the candlelight flickering softly against the walls. The air was cool, the breeze drifting in through the slightly open window, carrying the scent of salt and distant lantern oil.

[Name] sighed, shifting to lean against his shoulder. “You mind?”

Zhongli didn’t answer right away—he simply reached for the blanket draped over the side of the chair, shaking it out before placing it over both of them.

His voice was quiet when he finally spoke.

“Not at all.”

[Name] closed her eyes, listening to the rhythmic sound of his breathing, the slow rise and fall of his chest.

She could get used to this.

She was used to this.

And as the night stretched on, with no rush to move, no need for words, she realized something.

She had never once doubted that he would stay.

The market hummed with life, a steady rhythm of voices, footsteps, and the occasional clang of metal as vendors arranged their wares. The scent of fresh herbs and spices mixed with salt from the harbor, the occasional flicker of incense trailing through the air.

Zhongli moved through the market with quiet purpose, basket in hand as he selected ingredients for the evening meal. He took his time inspecting the produce, his fingers brushing lightly over the smooth surface of a lotus root before placing it carefully with the rest of his selections.

It had become something of a routine—choosing ingredients, considering flavors, thinking ahead to the quiet evening that awaited him back home.

He had only just turned toward the next stall when a familiar voice rang out from behind him.

“Now there’s a sight I wasn’t expecting to see today.”

Zhongli blinked, glancing over his shoulder just as Childe approached, hands tucked into his pockets and an easy grin on his face.

“Childe,” Zhongli greeted, inclining his head.

Childe’s eyes flickered toward the basket in Zhongli’s hands before his smirk widened. “Groceries? You finally getting tired of letting restaurants do all the work?”

Zhongli adjusted the weight of the basket against his arm. “A more personal approach to meals is preferable now.”

Childe huffed a quiet laugh. “Huh. And here I thought you’d be the last guy I’d run into at the market.” He tilted his head, his expression shifting from amused to thoughtful. “Actually, now that I think about it… haven’t seen you around the usual spots lately. Figured you were just keeping a low profile, but…” His grin returned, eyes sharp with realization. “You moved in with her, didn’t you?”

Zhongli met his gaze, expression calm. “…That would be correct.”

Childe let out a low whistle, shaking his head with a chuckle. “No wonder I haven’t seen you at the place I’ve been covering for you.” He crossed his arms, studying him. “So? How’s it been?”

Zhongli considered the question carefully before responding. “It has been… an adjustment.”

Childe barked a laugh. “That so? You? Adjusting?” He clapped Zhongli on the shoulder, grinning. “Man, I wish I could’ve been there to see it. Let me guess—chores?”

Zhongli nodded, his lips curling into a soft smile. “Among other things.”

Childe’s grin softened into something a little more genuine. “Bet it’s been nice, though.”

Zhongli met his gaze, something unspoken passing between them.

“…It has.”

Childe huffed another small laugh. “Yeah, I figured. Not every day you get to see a guy like you going full human experience.” He nodded toward the basket. “What’s on the menu?”

Zhongli glanced at the ingredients before replying. “A dish she once mentioned enjoying as a child. I thought it would be a suitable choice.”

Childe’s grin widened. “Oh, you’re really in deep.”

Zhongli arched a brow. “You say that as if it is a bad thing.”

“Nah.” Childe waved a hand. “I think it’s great. You’re happy.” His expression turned warm, a flicker of something fond in his gaze. “And you deserve that, old man.”

Zhongli regarded him for a moment before inclining his head. “Thank you.”

Childe smirked. “Well, if you ever need advice on domestic life, you know where to find me.”

Zhongli hummed, amused. “I will keep that in mind.”

Childe stepped back, giving a lazy salute. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Just don’t forget—when the wedding rolls around, I better get an invite.”

Zhongli gave him a sidelong glance. “That is inevitable.”

Childe’s grin widened. “Good. Now go make her a damn good dinner.”

And with that, he strode off into the market, leaving Zhongli to watch him go, the faintest trace of a smile lingering on his lips.

The comforting glow of lantern light filled the home as Zhongli stepped inside, setting the basket of fresh ingredients on the counter.

He had barely begun unpacking when [Name]'s voice carried from the next room.

“So,” she called, stepping into the kitchen with a knowing smirk. “Childe stopped by, mentioned he saw you at the market earlier.”

Zhongli glanced up, unfazed. “As expected.”

[Name] leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. “Yeah, he figured things out real quick.”

Zhongli hummed. “That does not surprise me.”

She huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “Not me either. He was grinning ear to ear when he showed up—said something about how it finally made sense why he hadn’t seen you lately.”

Zhongli set down the bundle of scallions, regarding her with quiet amusement. “I assume he had much to say on the matter.”

“Oh, plenty.” [Name] reached for an apple, turning it over in her palm. “Asked when the wedding was, said he was happy for us, then immediately invited himself to the guest list before I even confirmed anything.”

Zhongli exhaled, shaking his head. “Predictable.”

“Hey, at least he was excited. Honestly, it’s kinda nice.” [Name] tossed the apple lightly between her hands before setting it back on the counter. “Made me realize we should probably start figuring that out for real.”

Zhongli inclined his head slightly. “You are referring to the invitations?”

“Yeah.” She pushed herself upright, stepping closer. “I mean, we haven’t exactly hidden it, but we haven’t officially told everyone either. We should decide how we wanna do that.”

He considered this for a moment. “It would be wise to inform those closest to us first.”

[Name] nodded. “Agreed.” She tapped her fingers against the countertop. “You thinking something simple? Just letting people know directly?”

“That would be the most straightforward approach,” Zhongli replied. “And preferable to allowing word to spread through secondhand accounts.”

[Name] snickered. “Yeah, I’d rather avoid that kind of chaos.” She rested a hand on her hip. “Alright. So, we let people know, and we start thinking about the actual invites. Guess that makes it official.”

Zhongli’s gaze softened. “It has been official since the moment you accepted.”

[Name] blinked.

Then, slowly, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

He reached for the cutting board, setting it between them. “Occasionally.”

She tutted. “Modest.”

They moved into a quiet rhythm after that, working side by side to prepare dinner. The steady sound of chopping vegetables, the slow simmer of broth filling the space—it was familiar, comforting.

[Name] glanced at him as he arranged ingredients with practiced care. “You know, this is the kind of night I wanna remember.”

Zhongli looked up, meeting her gaze. “And why is that?”

She smiled, small but certain. “Because it’s ours.”

Zhongli studied her for a moment, something warm settling in his chest. Then, with quiet sincerity, he nodded.

“Yes. It is.”

The following days passed in a steady rhythm, carrying with them a quiet shift—one that felt both momentous and completely natural.

[Name] had never been one for grand announcements. Neither was Zhongli. The news spread not through fanfare or sweeping declarations but in simple, intentional moments.

She handled her side of things first—writing a handful of letters, sending word to her family without making a production of it. There was no great ceremony, no long-winded explanations, just a quiet acknowledgment of the life she had chosen and the person she would share it with.

Zhongli, however, had a different set of people to inform.

And so, they made their way through Liyue, stopping at the places that mattered most.

They started with Madame Ping.

Evening light stretched over Yujing Terrace as they arrived, the air carrying the faint scent of tea and blooming flowers. She greeted them warmly, her knowing gaze flickering between them as she motioned for them to sit.

“You carry yourselves with purpose,” she observed, pouring tea with steady hands. “What is it you wish to say?”

[Name] chuckled, exchanging a glance with Zhongli before answering. “We’re getting married.”

Madame Ping’s smile was slow, pleased, as though she had been waiting for them to say it aloud. “Ah,” she mused, taking a sip of her tea. “That is wonderful news. And yet, I cannot say I am truly surprised.”

[Name] huffed. “I feel like everyone’s going to be saying that.”

Madame Ping chuckled. “Because it has always been clear, my dear. But a wedding—now that is a rare and precious thing.” She glanced at Zhongli, something knowing in her gaze. “You have chosen to step forward into something new. That is no small thing.”

Zhongli inclined his head slightly. “It is a choice I make with certainty.”

Madame Ping nodded approvingly. “Then you will find joy in it.” She turned back to [Name]. “And I suspect you will keep him grounded in it.”

[Name] grinned. “That’s the plan.”

They stayed a while longer, drinking tea and talking of simple things, before eventually making their way into the city proper.

Telling Hu Tao had been inevitable.

The moment they stepped into Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she already knew.

“Ohohoho,” she cackled, practically bouncing toward them. “I knew it! The two of you? You’ve been stuck together for ages.”

Zhongli sighed, “You are not incorrect.”

Hu Tao folded her arms. “So? When’s the big day?”

[Name] rolled her eyes. “We’re still figuring that part out.”

Hu Tao wagged a finger. “Well, whatever you do, I better be involved. Maybe a haunted banquet! Ghostly guests?”

Zhongli gave her a flat look. “That will not be necessary.”

[Name] laughed. “Tell you what—we’ll consider it.”

Hu Tao beamed. “That’s all I ask!”

And then, just for a moment, her teasing melted into something more genuine.

“In all seriousness,” she said, nudging Zhongli lightly, “I’m happy for you, boss. You deserve this.”

Zhongli met her gaze, something steady and grateful in his own. “Thank you.”

Hu Tao winked. “Don’t get too sentimental now.”

[Name] smirked. “Yeah, Zhongli. Don’t get too sentimental.”

He simply exhaled.

From there, the news spread easily.

At Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling nearly dropped a ladle in excitement, and Guoba, upon hearing the news, wrapped his small arms around [Name]’s leg in what she could only assume was a congratulatory hug.

Then there was Ganyu.

They found her in the Yuehai Pavilion, surrounded by neatly stacked documents, reviewing reports as she always did. At first, she barely registered their presence, glancing up only briefly.

“Oh! Hello, you two. Can I help with something?”

[Name] hesitated, giving Zhongli a sidelong glance before speaking. “Not really. We just came by to tell you something.”

Ganyu blinked at them, lowering her papers slightly. “Oh?”

Zhongli spoke with his usual composure. “[Name] and I are to be wed.”

The words hung in the air, the calmness of his voice almost making it sound like a casual update rather than something life-altering.

Ganyu, however, froze.

For a moment, she simply stared, as if the meaning of his words was still processing. Then, her lips parted slightly, and—

“Rex—”

She caught herself, her entire body tensing as her eyes went wide.

[Name] furrowed her brows. “What?”

Ganyu coughed, bringing a hand to her mouth, her cheeks visibly pink. “I—I just—wow, that’s wonderful news!”

[Name] narrowed her eyes slightly. “Uh-huh.”

Zhongli remained composed. “Thank you, Ganyu.”

She nodded, still visibly flustered. “I—yes! You two are—well, you’ve been together for so long, but this is—” She breathed, collecting herself. “It’s really lovely news.”

[Name] tilted her head slightly. “You almost called him something else.”

Ganyu stiffened. “D-Did I?”

[Name] squinted at her. “Yeah. Sounded like—”

Zhongli placed a hand lightly on [Name]’s arm. “Ganyu has simply known me for a long time. There are nicknames from the past that sometimes slip.”

[Name] hummed, not entirely convinced, but didn’t press the matter.

“Alright,” she said finally, letting it go. “Well, at least someone’s actually surprised.”

Ganyu nodded vigorously. “Very surprised!”

She truly was terrible at lying, but [Name] let it go—for now.

The next visit took them beyond the city, where Xianyun had made her home in the outskirts of Liyue Harbor.

She greeted them as they approached, her human form as refined as ever, arms folded as she regarded them both. “You arrive with purpose,” she mused.

[Name] smirked. “That obvious?”

Xianyun hummed. “I have known you both long enough.” Her sharp gaze flickered toward Zhongli. “Speak, then.”

Zhongli inclined his head slightly. “[Name] and I will be getting married.”

Xianyun was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable.

“I see,” she mused, shaking her head slightly. “And here I thought you had committed yourself to solitude.”

[Name] smirked. “Guess he figured out he liked me better.”

Xianyun chuckled. “A rare feat indeed.” She studied them both before nodding. “It is… unexpected. But not unwelcome.”

[Name] tilted her head. “So, you approve?”

Xianyun hummed lightly. “It is not my place to approve or disapprove. But…” Her lips curled slightly. “You will keep him interesting.”

The last stop was Wangshu Inn.

They found Xiao on the balcony, watching the distant mountains. He didn’t react when they approached, only glancing at Zhongli when he spoke.

Xiao turned slightly, golden eyes sharp. “What is it?”

[Name] crossed her arms. “We’re getting married.”

A pause.

Xiao blinked.

Then, very slowly, he tilted his head. “…You?” He glanced at Zhongli, as if to confirm it was actually true.

Zhongli nodded.

Xiao huffed, crossing his arms. “Hmph. Unexpected.”

[Name] smirked. “Not unwelcome though, right?”

Xiao glanced between them, then shook his head. “…No.” He hesitated, then added, “It is… good. That you have chosen this.”

Zhongli inclined his head. “I have.”

[Name] studied Xiao for a moment before tilting her head. “How do you two know each other, anyway?”

Xiao’s shoulders tensed slightly, but Zhongli responded smoothly, “We have shared paths for some time.”

[Name] narrowed her eyes slightly.

She was starting to think there was a lot about Zhongli’s past she didn’t know.

By the time they stepped back into their home, the city outside had settled into the quiet hum of evening. The warm glow of lanterns flickered against the walls, their soft light casting a golden sheen over the space. The day had been long—visiting friends, sharing the news, handling the quiet logistics of letting their families know. Yet, rather than feeling exhausted, [Name] felt lighter.

Zhongli set the empty basket from the market near the kitchen, rolling his sleeves back down with slow precision. [Name], meanwhile, stretched her arms above her head, rolling her shoulders as she leaned against the counter.

“Well, that’s done,” she sighed, a small grin tugging at her lips. “Not gonna lie, it feels kinda good to have it all out in the open.”

Zhongli glanced at her, his expression as calm as ever, but there was something warmer in his gaze. “A necessary step.”

She sighed. “You would call it that.”

She wasn’t sure why she had been expecting some sort of shift after telling everyone, as if saying it aloud would somehow change the way it felt. But in the end, it hadn’t. It was still them, still steady and certain, just with the weight of unspoken things now comfortably settled between them.

[Name] exhaled, nudging his arm lightly. “I’m starving. What are we making?”

Zhongli hummed, considering. “I had planned for something simple. You mentioned wanting dumplings the other week.”

[Name] blinked before realization dawned. “Oh, you actually remembered that?”

Zhongli gave her a knowing look.

“…Okay, yeah, dumb question,” she muttered, but she was grinning. “Alright, then. Let’s make it together.”

Zhongli moved with his usual quiet precision, gathering the ingredients while she prepped the cooking station. They worked side by side, the easy rhythm of their movements speaking of familiarity rather than effort.

He reached for the knife first, carefully slicing vegetables with measured precision. [Name], watching from the side, snorted.

“You cut things so evenly. It’s actually kinda unfair.”

Zhongli didn’t look up. “Precision is important in all things.”

She huffed. “Yeah, well, it makes my chopping look like a crime scene.”

Zhongli, ever diplomatic, merely said, “Your technique is… expressive.”

[Name] laughed. “That’s the nicest way anyone has ever insulted my knife skills.”

His lips twitched ever so slightly. “It was not intended as an insult.”

She smirked. “Mhm. Sure.”

Still, she took her own knife and got to work, a bit more mindful of her cuts this time. Their quiet chatter filled the space as the dish slowly came together—the scent of simmering dumpling, the soft crackling of oil in the pan.

At one point, Zhongli moved behind her to reach for a sauce jar, his presence warm and steady at her back. [Name], without thinking, leaned into him slightly, letting their shoulders brush. He didn’t pull away.

If anything, he lingered just a second longer than necessary before stepping aside.

[Name] smiled to herself, stirring the pot idly. “You know,” she mused, “this is nice.”

Zhongli glanced at her. “Cooking?”

She hummed. “Yeah. And this. Just… coming home, making dinner together.” She tapped the wooden spoon against the pot. “It’s not fancy or dramatic, but it's enough.”

Zhongli studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Yes. It is.”

[Name] leaned against the counter, watching as he carefully plated the food. “We should do this more often.”

Zhongli set the dishes down with practiced ease. “That would not be a difficult arrangement.”

She smiled. “You mean it’s a contract you can get behind?”

His golden eyes met hers, warm and steady.

“Yes.”

Her breath hitched slightly, but before she could overthink it, he extended a set of chopsticks toward her, his expression expectant.

“Eat,” he said simply.

[Name] huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she took them. “Yeah, yeah. I’m getting there.”

They settled in at the table, the evening stretching out around them, quiet and certain. No grand celebrations, no overwhelming emotions—just the easy, steady presence of the life they were already building together.

The warmth of the meal settled between them, steam curling lazily from their bowls as the evening stretched out, soft and quiet. The occasional clink of chopsticks against ceramic filled the space, a steady rhythm in the lull of conversation.

[Name] sighed in satisfaction, setting her chopsticks down. “Alright, I’ll admit it—this turned out way better than I expected.”

Zhongli glanced at her, a faint hint of amusement in his expression. “You had doubts?”

She smirked. “I have eyes. I saw how worried you looked while I was chopping.”

His lips twitched. “I was… observing.”

She rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “Sure. Whatever lets you sleep at night.”

Zhongli merely took another sip of his tea, unbothered.

[Name] let the quiet settle for a moment, watching the way the lantern light flickered softly over his features. There had been so much happening lately—telling people, preparing for the future—but now, with just the two of them here, she found herself thinking about something else entirely.

She tapped her fingers idly against the table, tilting her head. “You know… I don’t actually know a lot about your life before we met.”

Zhongli set his teacup down, his expression unreadable. “Is that so?”

[Name] nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I know the basics. You worked with the Funeral Parlor, spent a lot of time wandering Liyue, always had a weirdly dramatic way of talking—”

“I would not call it dramatic.”

“Right, because saying things like ‘Contracts are the foundation of all civilization’ is completely normal dinner conversation.”

He only laughed softly as he shook his head, unable to deny her statement.

[Name] grinned but didn’t let the topic drop. “Anyway. You’ve always been kind of a mystery. I just never really pushed before.”

Zhongli studied her carefully, golden eyes steady. “And now you are?”

She shrugged, picking up her teacup and cradling it between her hands. “I dunno. Guess I just realized that we’re… planning a whole life together, and there’s still so much I don’t know about yours.”

Zhongli was quiet for a moment, his gaze lowering slightly as though weighing his words.

“There is much to tell,” he admitted, voice softer now.

[Name] smirked. “So tell me.”

Zhongli exhaled lightly, leaning back slightly in his chair. “Where would you like me to begin?”

She considered that for a moment. “How about before you came to Liyue Harbor?”

His fingers drummed against the table—a subtle, thoughtful motion. “I have spent much of my life traveling,” he said eventually. “Before settling in the city, I wandered many regions, learning, observing. Liyue has always been my home, but the world beyond its borders has its own lessons to teach.”

[Name] leaned forward slightly. “What kind of places?”

Zhongli’s gaze flickered, as if recalling something distant. “The mountains of Jueyun Karst, for one. There are places there that have remained untouched for centuries, where the wind still carries the echoes of the past.”

[Name] watched him carefully. There was something about the way he spoke, not just with nostalgia, but with an intimacy that felt… different. Like he wasn’t just recalling these places but had been part of them in a way she couldn’t quite grasp.

She rested her chin on her palm. “And before that?”

Zhongli’s grip tightened around his teacup for only a fraction of a second before he loosened it.

“I spent time among scholars, traders, those who shaped the city long before it became what it is now.” He chose his words carefully. “I have seen Liyue change, watched it grow into the nation it is today.”

[Name] furrowed her brows slightly. “You talk about it like it happened forever ago.”

He hesitated. “Change is often slow. When one remains in a place long enough, history begins to feel… closer.”

She narrowed her eyes, something about his phrasing catching her attention. “How long have you been in Liyue?”

Zhongli met her gaze, unreadable as ever. “A long time.”

It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t quite the whole truth, either.

[Name] tapped her fingers against the table again, thoughtful. “You know, I’ve heard people in Liyue talk about you before. The way they describe you, it’s like you’ve always been here.”

Zhongli remained still.

[Name] tilted her head. “You ever think about leaving? Going somewhere else?”

“I have traveled far in the past, and would be willing to travel again. But Liyue is where I belong.” He said, his voice was steady, but there was something deep beneath it, something weighted in a way she couldn’t quite place.

She studied him for a moment longer, then leaned back slightly.

“Alright,” she said, but the question lingered.

She knew he wasn’t telling her everything. Not a lie, but not the whole truth either.

Still, she smiled at him, shaking her head. “You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”

Zhongli arched a brow. “Am I?”

“You dodge questions like a professional.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I prefer to call it selective storytelling.”

[Name] snorted. “Yeah, yeah.” She pushed her empty bowl aside. “Well, one day, you will tell me the full version.”

He met her gaze, something unreadable flickering behind his golden eyes.

“Perhaps,” he murmured.

[Name] reached across the table to nudge his hand lightly with hers. “Fine,” she said, squeezing his fingers briefly. “I can be patient.”

Zhongli studied their joined hands, then curled his fingers slightly around hers.

“So can I.”

And for now, that was enough.

Editor's Note: YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND👹 But actually though, thank you for the request I hope you enjoyed! I'm writing this in a way that allows for future parts/further development. So who know's this might turn into a mini-series 👀

[decayedgloria]

losing myself in your forever

ft. Childe

There is a secret that you keep from your lover, but there may be more than just your identity that lies hidden between you and him

Tags: Childe x afab!reader, adeptus!reader, morning sex, smut only in the beginning, fluff, somewhat canon compliant, cursing, nsfw, platonic!zhongli, fwb (ish?), use of russian/chinese nicknames, pwp, praising, may make a part 2, this is much more plot than I am used to, mdni, nsfw under cut.

Word Count: ~2.6k, not proofread

The early morning rays shined softly into the bedroom you laid in, snugly tucked into the arms of your lover. You lazily traced his freckled forearm as you hummed, contentedly listening to his shallow heartbeat as he slept. 

This scene was not unfamiliar to you. After a night of lustful entanglement, you always wake up in Childe’s arms, your limbs tangled with his as you recount your liaison with a hazy grin. More often than not you always awoke before him, which gave you ample time to take in the sight before you.

Waiting for your lover to rise was one of the few things you came to enjoy after the first few times you were in bed together, watching his battle-worn chest rise and fall with each breath as his peaceful face rested. His face was not usually so, it was filled with mirth and bloodlust during the day, but in these rare moments of tranquility, they were a world away.

As you kept humming, you felt him stir under you, finally waking up. You gave Childe a small smile when his eyes opened, revealing the prettiest blue hues- something you’ve always attributed to uncut noctilucous jade.

“Good morning my love.” You place a chaste kiss on his lips, which he returned in slow earnest. Grinning, he brings a hand to cup your face as he does, gently caressing your cheek with his thumb. 

“Morning, kotichek.” His voice was still low and raspy from the night before, sending delightful shivers through your veins. Hearing him speak in his mother tongue certainly didn’t help, either. Your eyes bore into his as you kiss him once more moving to sit up on his lap, earning a chuckle from him.

“Has anyone ever told you that you sound so alluring when you say that?” You cheekily press your chest against his, teasing him just a little. Your hips were angled in a way that hovered your cunt just above his already-hard member, and you bore your eyes into his own half-lidded ones.

“Only you.” And your chest swelled with pride, just a little, at his words. Whether or not it was true, you didn’t care. As your lips touched Childe’s once again, all you knew was that in this moment he was yours. 

Never in your thousand years of living have you had someone like this. Someone to hold you so tenderly as he slipped into you, soft groans emanating from his chest. His hands were firmly on your hips, rocking you gently as you continued to kiss him, albeit sloppily. Your hands tangled themselves in his ginger hair, pulling him closer to you as he devoured you.

Being an adeptus was usually a lonely experience. Living in solitary in Jueyun Karst had given you no experience with humans and human emotions whatsoever. While you weren’t completely alone, sometimes you craved interaction with someone who wasn’t an adeptus as well. Which brought you to Liyue Harbor months ago, against the will of Cloud Retainer and your brother, you still went to the city to search for anyone, really, who was willing to be your friend.

Who knew such a cute Snezhnayan boy eating at the same food kiosk as you could be so much more than that?

Your pace became faster and more erratic as you both felt your orgasms come closer. Now you were practically bouncing on his cock, moaning his name as his hands traveled across your body, pinching and squeezing every crevice.

“You make me feel so good, kotichek…” He groaned, pressing his head into your shoulders. “Pussy’s so good only for me, right?” Unconsciously pulling him closer to you, you grind your hips deeper into his as you continued your pace, a light sheen of sweat beginning to form over your body as you do so.

“Yes, yes- only for you! Ah- your cock feels so good inside me…!” You whined deliciously. Childe grinned hazily at the sight of you, taking in how you writhed against him in pleasure. His hands made their way to your breasts as he gently kneaded them, rolling with your nipples in between his thumb and index finger.

It only took a few more thrusts for you to reach your high. You threw your head back, almost screaming, while your cunt squeezed his cock- causing him to cum inside you. Panting, you keep your position on top of him, slumping in his arms as he catches your breathless form easily.

Childe plants a kiss on your shoulder blade, holding you in his arms tenderly as your body recovers. “Did you enjoy it?” He always asked you that question, even if he already knew the answer. From your shaky legs to your puffy lips, he could already tell; but Childe preferred when you told him directly.

“I always enjoy my time with you, tián xīn.” The name, which used to be unfamiliar to you, came easily across your tongue now that you’re in front of him. You suddenly sighed, rolling over to the other side of the bed to let him get up and ready for the day.

“You aren’t gonna get ready?” He asked as he swiped his scattered clothes off the floor, getting ready to take a shower. “Not busy today?” 

“Mm… it’s not like I can walk anyways, so no. Not busy.” You shook your head, a light chuckle escaping your lips. Childe laughed in response, something that never failed to make your stomach do flips.

“You did ask for it, kotichek. I’m just simply here to deliver.” Your thighs were starting to sore and burn, though it was nothing compared to the wounds you’d been dealt during battle. Not that Childe would ever know about those, or about the fact that you weren’t human at all. 

It’s for the better, you reasoned with yourself. Had he known, you doubted that he’d stay with an adeptus like you. Immortal, forever living while he would most likely die in battle or due to age. It saddened you, just a little, that it was the reality you had to face sooner or later, but just for a little bit, you can keep this charade going.

You were lost in your thoughts when Childe waved his hand in front of your face, causing you to blink. You hadn’t realized you were so wrapped up in your thoughts that you completely missed him finishing his shower, and now bidding you goodbye.

“Thought I lost you for a sec.” He cheekily grinned, giving you a kiss on your forehead. “What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing… it’s nothing.” If he noticed how quiet your voice was, he didn’t show it. Instead, he kissed you again, this time on the lips. “I’m going to see my brother today, I think. I might visit him at work.” You gave him a reassuring smile, “Be safe, tián xīn.”

His expression dipped a little as you said that. Unbeknownst to him, you knew he was a Fatui harbinger. However, they can’t all be bad, right? Certainly not him, who showers you with warm kisses and the sweetest affections when you’re together. Childe said so himself that he would die before ever thinking about hurting you, so what’s there to be afraid of?

“I’ll try, kotichek.” He gave you one last kiss before exiting the room, closing the door behind him gently. You sighed once more, sitting on the edge of the bed to dangle your feet while your thoughts rant rampant and your chest tightened with every breath.

Perhaps consulting your brother would give you a solution.

-

When you stepped into the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to ask for your brother, Hu Tao all but gawked at you from behind the counter.

“Mr. Zhongli? You’re his sister?” You had never met the young girl before, so it wasn’t surprising for her to look at you with such… curious eyes. Her gaze made you feel like you were laid out on an examination table, being investigated for some sort of anomaly. You shook off the feeling as you returned her smile politely.

“Yes. I was wondering if he’s in right now?” The girl shook her head, pointing a solemn finger to the double doors.

“Aiya, he’s out on personal business right now. I think he said he was in Liuli Pavillion?” Hu Tao brought her hand to her chin, thinking. “That’s probably where you can find him. But, aside from that, would you be interested in pre-ordering a coffin for your funeral?” You look at her quizzically, seeing as her expression was bright and mischievous despite talking about your death.

“Ah, no thank you. That won’t come for a long time.” You smile nervously, getting ready to leave the parlor.

“Never say never! After all, our archon just died, so really it could be any of us next!” You shook your head.  Was this really how they advertised? It was a bit crass; you wondered if they had any customers at all at this rate. 

Making your way into the restaurant, you find that your brother’s meeting hasn’t started yet, giving you some time to chat with him. As you walked in, your brother was sipping his tea, opening his eyes to look at you.

“Gēge, how are you?” You greeted the man politely, “I hope you aren’t too busy yet.”

“What a wonderful surprise, mèi mei. Please have a seat, my meeting won’t begin for a few minutes.” His reassuring smile calmed you a little as you pulled out a chair, sitting on it before letting out a relaxed breath.

“What’s been troubling you now, little rascal?” You perked up at the nickname, the tips of your ears turning pink. Was your expression really that obvious? Zhongli only chuckled at your reaction, looking at you expectantly.

“I- Well, uh…” You weren’t sure how to begin your question, or even if you should ask it at all. Nervousness coursed through your body under his watchful gaze, eyes flitting around the room as you try to steady yourself.

“In all my years of knowing you, you have never been this shy. Tell me, what’s gotten to you this time mèi mei?” Now he was concerned, shifting towards you eagerly as you take a deep breath.

“Well… I’ve taken a mortal lover…” Your voice became quiet, red suddenly blossoming on your face as you look down in shyness and partial shame. It was a bit embarrassing to admit to Zhongli that fact but considering the rest of the adepti and their feelings towards humans, you hoped that he was at least understanding of your situation.

“And I don’t know if I should continue it or not. Y’know, since I’m not exactly mortal and all… Basically, how do I tell them?” 

“Hmm…” Zhongli thought for a moment. You couldn’t make anything of the expression on his face, but you hoped he wasn’t disappointed or angry. It wasn’t likely, but when it came to you, he was awfully protective; you were his precious sister, blood or not.

“What’s their temperament? You cannot know how they will react if you do not know their personality well enough,” He concluded, “Do they at least treat you well enough?” That sentence was laced with a dangerously low tone, his golden eyes suddenly darkening at the thought of someone hurting you.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that, gēge- he’s wonderful.” A small smile graced your features as you thought about Childe. “He’s thoughtful, considerate, he’s a lot of fun. He’s also quite handsome, I’d say.” Zhongli relaxed a little, yet again sipping his tea as he listened to you ramble on about your lover. 

He would be lying if he said you weren’t cute at this moment, who would have thought that his rambunctious, troublemaker sister would have found someone who she cherished in that way? The thought warmed his heart. Perhaps a meeting with this individual was in order.

“...and he always gets me the foods I love from Xinyue Kiosk.” You hadn’t noticed you were rambling until Zhongli cleared his throat, snapping you out of your small tirade. Sheepishly, you silence yourself rather quickly, listening to what your brother had to say.

“If he is such a good man, with a good temperament, and loves you so, then you have nothing to fear mèi mei. Humans are simple creatures, after all.” He gave you a small smile, which comforted you just a little. His response managed to convince you of telling Childe, and you decided that the next time you would see him would be the time to do so.

“I am curious about this mortal. Do you wish to introduce me to him someday?” 

“Yes, of course. I’m also curious if he’d meet your expectations, gēge.” You let out a giggle, thinking about the meeting already. Childe wouldn’t know that Zhongli was an adeptus, much less Rex Lapis, so you were confident that he wouldn’t be intimidated away. Though, you had to be sure that your brother wouldn’t pull any fast ones on him…

Suddenly, the door to the restaurant opened, and you could hear footsteps of multiple people walking in. Probably your brother’s guests. You stood up from your chair, as did Zhongli, as you both got ready to bid each other goodbye.

Your brother pulled you into a warm embrace, which you returned. “Make sure to inform me of your decision, mèi mei. Until next time-”

“Hey.”

You break away from the embrace hastily, not wanting to embarrass your brother in front of his guests. As you whirl around, you prepare yourself to bow apologetically to them, until you caught a glimpse of who they were.

There he stood. Childe, looking just as surprised as you were as his eyes darted between you and your brother suspiciously. Behind him were two others, a blonde outlander wearing foreign clothes, and a floating child. It felt like an eternity that you both stood there in shock, only being able to look at each other until Zhongli cleared his throat once again.

“Welcome. Pleasure to see you again, Childe.” He greets them, casting a side glance at your agape expression. “Please, let’s have a seat. My sister was just about to leave so we can start discussing our pressing matters.” 

When you said you wanted Zhongli and Childe to meet, you didn’t mean as soon as possible. No, not like this. Not during a business meeting- wait. Him being here… that meant Zhongli already knew Childe. Ah, you weren’t sure if that made the situation easier to handle or not.

“Yes. I was leaving, sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll take my leave now.” The words practically fly out of your mouth as you rush past Childe and his party, missing his hurt gaze following you as you did so. He wanted so badly to follow you and ask you what you were doing here, were you really Rex Lapis’s sister? Who were you, exactly?

Zhongli noticed everything. From the way you tensed up when Childe entered the room, and how you seemed to avoid him when leaving. You were never one to do that, you always took the time to chat even a little. And Childe… the look on his face when he saw you indicated something to Zhongli that there was something going on between the both of you. How his gloved hand twitched to the direction you left in, almost instinctively, and how his eyes followed you across the room.

The adeptus closed his eyes for a brief moment, the twitch in his eyebrows so subtle that it almost seemed like it didn’t happen. Under the guise of pleasantries, his golden eyes stared right into the harbinger’s soul, almost wanting to claw through him as he talked apprehensively.

Of all the people in Liyue, why must it be the fucking eleventh harbinger?

i am exhausted. this fic was born out of three restless nights. i need sleep.

Anyways sorry that this isn't like a simple one shot :/// i had a jam going and i needed to write it out. i think there will be a part 2 tho, like very likely, but it'll be much more angsty bc i need to practice writing angst lol

expect a sundress szn for some other characters in the future, working on one rn

[tamorax]

This is a bit of a rant about the title "rex lapis" and english localizers. It's not well written. It's a rant and i do get angry and mildly personal. Also sorry this is what i post after so long of nothing.

Idk about anyone else but i have always felt weird about say "rex lapis" , it always felt like it didnt fit right and in a way ive grown to tolerate it more and even be comfortable with it.

However

Can we fucking talk about genshins english localizers butchering liyue characters.

For a long while now ive learned that "rex lapis" is not his title. Its "Yanwang Dijun" and ive slowly been replacing his localized title with his real one ever since.

Honestly? Im sick and tired of targeted prejudice against chinese people, their cultures and their languages.

They didn't need to replace his title. It's not hard to pronounce. It's easier than the correct pronunciation of the name "zhongli". They kept "Raiden Shogun" and "Musou no Hitotachi" and just about every other name i believe thats in another language. Even in sumeru and natlan. I can't even begin to understand how to pronounce the names and stuff from natlan. Not that I don't try ofc but I don't think I've seen words like that before natlan in my life.

To be honest at first i thought "rex lapis" was a deliberate choice on hoyos side. Nope it was literally just the localizers being racist and sinophobic.

Its not just with zhongli either

Gaming or "Jiaming" which is his real name (literally no reason to change it to gaming. Especially when its going to be seen as a different word in english)

Speaking of Jiaming theres his fucked voicelines where he goes "alley-oop" in the localization. Not even close to what he actually says.

Or or or Xianyuns "Fiddlesticks" now granted that one is a hard one to translate because as far as im aware it doesnt have a direct translation, there is no word in english that matches it. But they seriously could have done better here.

I could go on and on (dont even get me started on that one npc outside wanmin restaurant) but i think you get my point.

The localizers are terrible in general especially with trying to add weird and cringey slang and i honestly wish they would learn to do their jobs properly

And maybe I'm biased because I'm Chinese myself and am more perceptive of prejudice towards anything chinese related, but i honestly dont know where else, what other nation has this many of this kind of fuck ups.

I mean there was that one thing in sumeru, the um, black cake things idr what they are, and paimon hating them and i know people got upset about that, and personally i think thats a pretty fair reaction, i also felt hesitant about them, but also i could list dozens of real chinese foods that i would react the same way to so....

Anyway they didnt change the name for the mechanism in fontaine (you know the one im not gonna try to spell it from memory)

Or ventis/barbatos lyre, or any of fischls nonsense.

So why are the liyue characters, and especially liyues title for their archon that they call him OUT OF RESPECT and not even difficult to say, replaced and butchered so damn much. Even the fan wiki tries to justify it by saying it is "thematically tied".

And its even more weird because on xiaohongshu (rednote) nearly all his fans over there call him by his title. Of "Yanwang Dijun" and you can tell even if its translated that they are doing that. Even real people from china call him by his title, like you would think they'd keep it instead of using a fucking latin replacement.

Sorry if im a bit angry, i am angry. I try not to talk about such things too much because i hate getting into drama

But this infuriates me the more i learn and think about it. All the time and effort people put into researching the other nations, but dont even bat an eye at the lies they are being given about liyue. Lies fed to them from the fucking english localizers. But no one cares because its liyue and liyue is "based on china and china is bad". I can't stand it. I cant stand the hypocrisy and double standards. And zhonglis title is not the first thing to make me reach a boiling point over sinophobia, but for some reason it hurts even more because its over him.

Growing up in america i never really had much of an opinion of china, and didnt know much about it. i even lied to people and said i was japanese a few times, believed the american propaganda about china. But a couple years before genshin came out i started watching cdramas out of boredom . That piqued my interest more. Then i got into genshin and liyue and zhongli were such a huge push for me to learn and discover and appreciate the cultures and people i should have grown up in and around. Helped me accept being chinese and is a huge influence on why and what i chose to be my new name.

So seeing the way people purposefully replace the chinese aspects of things and knowing why when they do it just hurts so fucking much now that ive come to embrace these things more.

Theres so much i could say about this stuff but honestly im tired, and it would simply take too long...

So I'll end it here. If youve made it this far all i can really do is ask that you try to double check and fact check what you think you know about chinese culture and liyue. Please use the correct original versions of things when you can. I know most people won't since the english localization is treated as canon, and its not as if im going to get mad at each individual fan for not knowing, but if you do at least know that you have my sincere appreciation every time you do. Im not religious (unless you count zhongli and my shrine for him) but may blessings and good fortune find you every time you say "Yanwang Dijun" or "Yanwang Ye" instead of "Rex Lapis".

Thank you.

[punishing-eden]

Some friendly notes about CN names...

Tags: Long read

In the light of Wuthering waves, I want to make a few notes in regards to CN name pronunciation, because I have seen many people struggle with it, and the English voice over servely butchered it so bad.

So let's get into it.

First and for most, when it comes to Chinese, throw the English vowel phonetics out of the window.

Especially with names, we don't read them according to the romanization of the name, but rather the characters itself.

Jiyan, Ling Yang, Zhezhi, Yangyang. Etc

忌淡，凌陽，折枝，秧秧

I mean, obviously, lol. But, the reason I say this, is because I have seen quite a number of people make mistakes in pronuncing CN characters by using the romanji as a template to pronounce another word based on the similar spelling. While, the CN characters itself, has a different way of pronunciation.

[Note: CN names in Romanji don't mean anything to us, until we read the CN characters. Most of the time, we can make an educated guess on what the name is, given if the name is generic or easy i.e. Ga-ming, Zhongli, Hutao. In this context, Wuwa's names are a more unique, and harder to guess with just the Romanji.]

A great example of this is, Jiyan and Yangyang.

People always pronunce Jiyan's name incorrectly.

You might think I am being a little picky with this, because I am; for a good reason.

Most of the time, the "Yan" is pronunced incorrectly, and it's completely a far off pronunciation.

Ji (忌) Yan (淡)

Same goes for Yangyang.

Yang (秧) Yang (秧)

The "Yan" in Jiyan's name is the same character as the "Yan" in Genshin's character, Xinyan.

So the way Jiyan's "Yan" is pronunce is:

Y - ANN (as in the English name Ann-a without the 'a' at the end.)

For Yangyang, it's the "a" sound that people get wrong the most.

The "a" has like an "u" sound, like in the word, up. So pair it with "y", it almost makes a "ja" sound in German.

So essentially:

JA - NG JA - NG

Same goes for the "Yang" in Ling Yang's name, but do note that the "Yang"'s are not the same character, Yangyang (秧秧) & Ling Yang (凌陽).

So, if you want to get even more specific with the tones, then noted that Yangyang, and Ling Yang is pronunced in a different tone.

[Note: In Chinese there are a lot of instances where the CN character is different but the pronunciation is the same, or similar with tonal differences.]

Next, are the CN pinyin phonetic tips.

These aren't 100% fool prove, but, as mentioned before, one can't really know what CN characters is used until we see the actual character being use to then pronunce it correctly.

A good example is, Jinhsi.

Idk what and why the devs went with this Romanji, but I didn't really know how to pronunce it nor guess the word until I saw the CN character for it.

"Hsi" is (汐), which the pinyin/Romanji is "Xi"

Same with Baizhu from Genshin. Normally, the "Zhu" is pronunced as JU ( as in the English name, Ju-illie), but the character is actually pronunced as "Shou" (Sh-oo).

Anyway here are the tips:

"Zh" vs "J":

Zh- is pronunced with a "j" sound. Often times it's has an elongated sound. Ie. Zhong, Zhou, Zhi. Etc.

J- is also pronunced with a "j" sound, but the sound is often short. Ie. Jin, Jian, Jiang,

The "Q"

Q- is pronunced with a short "ch" sound.

The "e" and the "u"

I think the "e" and "u" sounds are the hardest for non CN speakers. Words like, Yu, yue, jue ke. Etc, are difficult because those type of sounds are not in the English language.

"u" is pronunced as "ü".

So, Qu (曲) is CH-Ü. Ganyu (甘雨) is G-uan Y-ü.

-ue, is a little tricky, it's pronounce as Ü-EH. "eh" as the anime expression of "Ehhh!". It would feel like a lip twister at the beginning but once you get the hang of it, you can put the sounds together.

Liyue is Li - yü-eh.

"e" is a little harder. The "e" by itself, without the "u", is prounced as "ugh" lmao. It's a short sound.

So, Keqing (刻晴) is K-ugh - ch-ing, Geshu Lin (歌舒 臨) is G-ugh - shü - Li-in.

There are probably loads more, but I am just going to do the ones where I see most in games like Genshin and Wuwa.

To top this all off, some (useless) CN name facts:

I don't really think spacing is a big deal in names. Sometimes it does help differentiate the surname and given name. But irl, when it comes to Romanji, the spacing and spelling is usually determined by the spelling on your birth certificate... So, if the nurse spelt your romanji name wrong... 😅😅😅

Sibling nameings are usually done in groups of brothers and sisters. So, let's take Artium Wing (lol) for example. His CN name is 左然 (Zuo Ran). So, if he has a younger brother, the parents would either keep the 左(Zuo), or the 然(Ran) for the next same sex sibling. So, Aritum (左然), and his younger brother, Alex (左右).

It is rare to have a compound surname in Han surnames. This includes, Ouyang (歐陽), Situ/Szeto (司徒), and of course Geshu (歌舒) (Geshu is a super rare name, and apparently the name is dead).

There are no standardised names in Chinese, like Joe, Sarah, Judy, Barbara, Matthew. Etc. There are similar names, and they might look the same when reading the Romanji, bit mostly are not the same.

That's it! I hope this helps, or at least explains a few things about CN names.

[resolutepath]

They are alone, high up in the Liyue mountains where none can disturb them. It is a favoured spot of his, though one he doesn't return to often. From here, he can look out across the landscape and remember - bittersweet, but precious to him nonetheless.

It is the first time he has brought Diluc here, and he has done so with a purpose in mind. They have shared a meal together already, exchanged lingering touches and soft kisses, sinking slowly further into this rather unexpected connection between them. But that was only ever one part of his intentions, and he has chosen this day in particular for a reason.

He feels that crimson gaze upon his back as he stands overlooking the stretch of Liyue before him, using the familiar peaks and valleys to ground himself in this important moment. He cannot know where they'll go from here, but what he does know is that it is time.

Slowly, he shrugs the coat from his shoulders, lets it pool around his feet (Menogias would be horrified, he thinks, as the fabric hits the ground). The gloves are next, plucked delicately from his hands to join the coat upon the floor. Pale amber fingers lift to slowly pop the buttons of his waistcoat, loosen his tie. He does all of this in silence, until he stands before Diluc bare to the waist, revealing the secret he has kept from all those who know him simply as Zhongli - a secret he suspects, no... knows, Diluc is already aware of.

But it is one thing to know, and another to be told, and this is something he must do.

The skin of his back and chest is what one might expect, unchanged from that of his face and neck. It is from the shoulders that the change begins - coal-black, fading into cor lapis-orange and ending in that pale yellow-amber. Geometric patterns adorn the length of his arms, patterns that almost seem to glow in the gloom of the night.

He turns, facing the other man at last. "You have come to mean a great deal to me," he begins, voice smooth and soft and warm, "and so... you should know the real me, though I suspect this is not much of a surprise to you." He stands before him, maintaining a space between them that Diluc can choose to breach if he desires. "There is significance to my revealing this truth upon this day, which I am sure is not lost on you. It seemed fitting to use a celebration of love to invite you to know me, all of me."

His hands itch to hold him, but he resists, for now. "Rex Lapis, Morax, Zhongli... whatever name I bear, know that I am yours, Diluc." A wry smile, a softening in that amber gaze. "If you are willing to have this old dragon, that is."

The Liyuen landscape sprawls before them in a way that incites breathless awe, bathed in wispy cloud cover, as though the mists are teasing the true magnificence of what lies below, goading to take another peek. When he had been invited, Diluc's interest had been piqued, wondering what precious location he was to be shown, and now that he has seen it, he cannot deny it is absolutely worth the effort it had taken to get there.

It has been a day of steady affections, the quietude of the meal followed by privacy that afforded the exchange of gentle kisses far from prying eyes, the slip of a hand in his own as they walk once they are beyond city boundaries. This thing between them has been a soft ember steadily fanned into flame, now akin to a warm hearth even as they ascend to dizzying heights.

When they still, Diluc turns his full attention to the man before him, crimson hues bearing a sense of knowing if not the what is to be said, then at the very least the reverance of it. Up here in the heights only those who dare reach, it is clear that the words to be shared are profound, be it in confession or knowledge, and ones that he ought listen to.

He does not say anything as the layers are peeled back, the revelations of bare skin more than words might say, confirmations of suspicions that have long since lingered. He may not have known, but with gold and coal bared into the open air, he is all too aware of just who he is standing with upon this mountain.

Confirmation has his throat bobbing in a swallow, throat parched. To draw the gaze of one's own archon is a feat... to draw the gaze of one from another land is almost unheard of. He cannot imagine why he has the privelege of both.

His voice is raspy as he speaks, the sound of it quiet as though he dare not break this trance he finds himself in, the ethereal nature of this shared moment. "It is less of a surprise than it might have been, though I cannot claim to have held any sense of undivided confidence on the matter..." His words stall, the magnitude of what he has heard still processing - the god that wishes to be his - and he hisses a breath between his teeth.

"My opinion remains unwavering, I am yours as you are mine. What you choose to reveal to me does not change the man you are, the man I know..." It might for some, he knows that, but he who has lived as rightful heir, scourge of a country and silent vigilante understands that one's whole self is encapsulated in many parts, life divided into sections that may need putting to rest after a time.

He stands then, fingertips skating over hand then wrist, tracing the lines of gold as they traverse up Zhongli's arm with no sense of hurry, latching to shoulder briefly. His other hand slips to a cheek, cradling it in his palm, a smile forming about his lips, small but present. "Nothing changes..." Only the increased gratitude and awe that in this lifetime it is I you choose to give your time to, that there was enough interest in my fleeting mortal life to pay attention to.

He leans in but forgoes exchanging soft kisses in favour of pressing their foreheads together, lids fluttering over his eyes as he breathes in the moment. The true weight of what he has discovered will sink in eventually, the meaning explored, his own past perhaps delved into, but for now he only longs to remain in this embrace within the peaks, within the sanctuary where he has been afforded such a secret.

[delusionaid]

@iniziare sent:

"I assure you." It had left her lips in an utterance much too quiet, each syllable imbued with a certain, quiet radiance, as if borne of the very sunlight that had found its way through the pharmacy’s wooden lattice to rest upon her bare shoulders. "I am in no need of your medicinal herbs, Dr. Baizhu."

Morax had spoken well of this man, his name carried in both whispered reverence and measured praise, within the Liyue of now that had already begun its slow settlement into the heart of that mortal form that belonged to an ancient past. Dr. Baizhu was a physician of great regard, and it seemed her dear Lord of Geo had seen fit to enlist him on her behalf, stricken — ever so predictably — with a certain strain of concern that still lay tangled too tightly around old wounds, ones too stubborn to be undone. But fatigue, though light as it rested on her, was merely a consequence of being, and of returning. Even gods were not meant to rise again, after all. Still, she had humored him, if only to grant that which she knew he would never ask for aloud: reassurance.

"M—" A breath, ever so close to that misstep, but lips curled promptly to snare the slip of a tongue before it could form itself into existence just in time. But in truth, the moment's real savior was not a matter she could claim, but instead, had to be attributed to the distraction that had slithered from behind the doctor's neck. A coil of something serpentine, its idle movements mirroring the careful scrutiny it seemed to have subjected her to, rivaled only by a curiosity now settling within eyes of ashen grey. "Mr. Zhongli's concerns for my well-being are unwarranted, truly." And there, her smile blossomed into a chuckle of luminous exuberance under the scrutiny of the sun. "If my memory serves me well, I do recall him nearly stumbling down the steps in the harbor when I coughed only once the other day!" A jest, nothing more— though it lingered in the air, teasing and ever so bright, its weightlessness almost enough to belie the truth of it. Almost.

(Here's the music I wrote it to, in case you are interested! 😊)

It didn't take a long consultation for Baizhu to get the impression that whatever ails her lies deeper than her physical form. She bears no trace of illness or injury nor does she show symptoms of exposure to miasma, which, alarmingly, has occurred more frequently in recent times. A rare poison is always a possible diagnosis, but so far no trace of it has caught the doctor's attention and he's not one to jump to the worst conclusions without any evidence for it.

As it is, the next approach would be to test whether her ailment is one of the soul. Feelings like grief or fear have the potential to cut deeper than any blade and their treatment is oftentimes far less successful than the patching of a wound, no matter how zealous the doctor. Of course, given the person who recommended the young lady to come see him, there is yet another possibility - for what ails a human might not look the same way it does when it befalls an adeptus.

"There are plenty of herbs with various effects, Miss. Some will improve your well-being in minor ways, even if they cannot cure the condition you've come to see me for," Baizhu explains calmly as he continues to grind down some dried sage and qingxin leaves. He smiles down at the mortar while listening to her protestations, quite used to patients who deny their need for his care. Ultimately it is her choice, but he hasn't often seen Zhongli as serious as he was when handing his friend over to his care, so Baizhu is inclined to believe that there is more to it.

"Mr. Zhongli clearly cares a great deal about you. If not for your own, perhaps you will consider letting me treat you for his peace of mind? Don't worry, for now all I would prescribe is rest and this herbal tea, twice a day, boiled with fresh water." He fills the ground herbs into a little bag and seals it with red string and the pharmacy's seal. Changsheng, who has been uncharacteristically quiet since Zhongli brought his new patient to the pharmacy, perks up on his shoulder, her tongue darting out a few times yet she remains silent. Baizhu turns to face her and their eyes meet.

"Although.. there is one other thing I can suggest," he says when Changsheng nods. "It is a day's trip away, but the waters at Luhua Pool are said to have cleansing properties and invigorate an exhausted body and soul." For adepti and creatures of legend and magic more so than humans, but it won't do any harm to her should his presumption be wrong and she turn out to be the latter. "Perhaps Mr. Zhongli would accompany you there. He seemed eager to assist in your recovery," Baizhu adds with a smile, as he hands her the bag of herbs.

[sweepingthunder]

[Tour Guide] Far be it for him to criticize their knowledgeable guide. With tours running around the clock, he concedes that the dedication towards providing a tour for every piece of Liyue’s magnificent countryside is…admirable.

Spending precious hours sailing towards the Guyun Stone Forest is another thing entirely.

As the guide enthusiastically explains their significance, Zhongli braces a hand to the intricate railing of their ferry and listens to the tale of Rex Lapis and the sea monster Osial. This time, he does not interject, humming along as history reshapes itself into a much grander, shining example of heroism than he dares remember.

In the end, tours to this place are seldom for a reason. The waters often prove treacherous even for skilled navigators. As they are thrown to shore from the battered ship, he calls a geo shield to save the mortals from minor cuts and bruises amidst the wreckage.

“No…I had a dance class with my wife tonight…she’s going to kill me.”  Someone murmurs as Zhongli dusts sand from his clothing and observes the ship.

“Isn’t it bad luck to actually set foot here?” Ah, a native, then.

Without waiting, he strides for the secondary boat meant for such emergencies. “This vessel survived the impact,” He says, pitching his voice to carry over turbulent waves as he drags it to anchor in white sand. The group falters in an instant, all with eyes realizing that only six of the eight would be able to escape so easily. “Whether by what lies dead here, or some other force at play, the islands are more treacherous at night.” With an air of severity, he nods to their captain whose hydro vision guided them to shore. “If you go now, our rescue will arrive by morning.”

Zhongli would survive, watching the boat drift off with it’s passengers before addressing the other who remained. He could not recall the man’s name, though the set of his stance even at rest suggested a skill for combat. “I believe I know a place to rest, if you do not mind battle.” Amusement flickers across his expression, but forced, short lived as a memory overtakes him. “Though…proceed with caution. Legend whispers that those who brave the night in this place experience Osial’s memory of defeat in some way or another. Rather, I will help in whatever way I am able.”

Be the waters calm or wicked, the Dozing General does not mind the adventure. This world was foreign to him, filled with esoteric beliefs and practices that had long since been forgotten by his own people. Despite the difference in technology and jaded views on the world, they all had similar struggles and worries, trivial as they may be.

He has kept quiet for the majority of this trip, a thoughtful presence. Even as the tour seemed to cut through harsh waves, he found little concern. Finally, worry begets Jing Yuan as wood shatters along the shore, a deep riiiiiip leaving them off-kilter upon the shore.

Hands find the edge of the boat, helping himself over and through the edge of the water. Though his boots and pants were dampened, his spirit is not.

"Fate is what led us to wreckage, surely it cannot judge us too harshly." A pat on the shoulder to the one who worried too much. His own smile is (hopefully) as reassuring as his words.

Another seems to have a different sort of confidence.

It would seem that after smaller repairs, the rest of the tourists are able to board and begin their trek back to the harbor. A hand finds his hip as the two would watch, only to have his attention called. "Hmm? Battle does not scare me. I'm glad that they were able to return back to the harbor. Can I ask your name? You seem quite familiar with the land..." A thoughtful hum, summoning his own spear to use as a glorified walking stick. "Very well. I do not fear legends. I only fear that which is proven to me." Somber words boast a man too sure of himself.

He would let the man lead the way, keeping a steady pace behind him. Even as they climbed, he did not feel worried. "I am Jing Yuan, by the way. May I ask your own name, sir?"

[xoxooffical]

Teyvat Recollections :

(read on AO3, here)

"The girl is a hellhound, ready to do Mori’s bidding. He uses her beauty and kind words like a siren's call, luring in the dead. Her angelic angel wings on her head are like a scar, visible to the people around her. Yet, it strangely has the opposite effect." - Chapter One: About Columbina.

The worlds of Bungo Stray Dogs and Genshin Impact have merged, and their stories are untold. Each chapter will glimpse a new life in the merged worlds, from the Damsellette in the Port Mafia to the Raiden Shogun joining the Decay of Angels. The Genshin Impact characters will have new backstories that follow the plot of Bungo Stray Dogs.

"Akutagawa also remembered that dogs frequently attacked him, once, nearly killing him. Before he killed it first and tricked his friends into eating it. They all refused to eat an ‘innocent’ and ‘cute’ dog. He said it was a large squirrel instead. Akutagawa’s life changed after one of his friends, who they all called Kuni, said that there was a huge shipment from the Port Mafia that they could make money off of if they successfully stole it." - Chapter Three: About Scaramouche

Chapter Index (will be updated) :

(read on AO3, here)

Chapter One -

The Hellhound and It's Master: Columbina (1)

Chapter Two -

Her Name was Peruere: Arlecchino(1)

Chapter Three -

They Betray, Torment, and Abandon Me: Scaramouche(1)

Chapter Four -

The Damsellette Isn't Oblivious: Columbina (2)

Chapter Five -

Who is the Knave: Arlecchino (2)

Chapter Six -

The False Archon: Scaramouche(2)

Chapter Seven -

Crimson Eyes and Burning Lies: Dottore

Chapter Eight -

The Warrior for the Tsaritsa: Capitano

Chapter Nine -

The Bard Sings Sorrow: Venti (1)

Chapter Ten -

A Descender: Traveler (1)

Chapter Eleven -

No Longer Human: Dazai Osamu (1)

Chapter Twelve -

The God of Time: Venti (2)

Chapter Thirteen -

A Dragon's Death: Zhongli

Chapter Fourteen -

Death Awaits No One: Hu Tao

Chapter Fifteen -

The Lone Yaksha: Xiao

Chapter Sixteen -

S.D.U.P Agent: Yelan

Chapter Seventeen -

A Descender: Traveler (2)

(more to come)

[crystalflygeo]

Long overdue final ebg post (lmao) bc I need to get this out of my system...

Tag for all the posts/storyline

Art by the amazing lovely precious cutie Aine @/ainescribe

First of all I want to thank @i23kazu immensely for allowing me to participate pls I was SO unsure at first haha and she absolutely killed it with the interactions, the lil side project, the prompts, the scores tally... it's just so much work, kudos to you Ying fr!! It was a super fun game.

Shoutout to my besties/mutuals

@silentmoths @ainescribe thank you for your lil asks I love seeing your characters aaaaaaaa 💕

@floraldresvi @moraxsthrone and all the anons I got, your sabotages here and in discord were brutal omg Vi you almost made my cry //pos bc I wanted to react/respond to Li's messages 🥺 EVERY SINGLE TIME ghgnhgnghgn and NOT KEL MAKING MY GIRL HAVE A WET DREAM/SPICY MEMORY TYVM 💕 the way I had to contain myself hELP I loved it svcgavscgvsjgacbkackl

@meimeimeirin you also sabotaged me a lot, meanie //pos I loved SO MUCH your asks/little stories aaaaaa thank you for engaging so much when I know you're super busy 🥺 it def made my day everytime, ty for bringing the girl home and solving my silly lil mystery hehe 💕

@kurikurikurisu GIIIIIRL it's so funny to me that we kinda started interacting more on the last ebg for Rin and then I was like "she's a cool person I wanna fren.... 👉🏻👈🏻 but I shy...." took my sweet time to invite you to the server and turns out THIS ebg got us closer (I think? ehe?//hit) we didn't interact much in tumblr with each other's plots but bOY were we emotional support in discord, we really were in this suffering together 🤝🏻 mhm //nods nods 🤣 thank you so much for being interested in my lil silly plot and my girl aaaaaa

As for the "plot" and other things... (this got so long I am so sorryy;;;)

Well at first I wanted to do kinda a normal ebg, no plot or anything bc I don't think I have the smarts to do an elaborate game/story lmao and I kinda wanted to have more established s/i lore?? And then I realized hey I can use the ebg to introduce my s/i!!!

See I'd been working SO hard on her names lately, researching and studying in-game adepti lore and stuff and I though why don't I make it a simple game where the goal is to guess her name (with me giving hints ofc) and at the very start I had the idea of her losing her memories so she could re-discover/remember things about herself alongside the "players" learning them. Whoever character I got as my bias would help her and get to know her too along the way, even npcs (or in the rare case of me getting Dottore/Pantalone, probs be the villain for her memory loss lmao)

And then I got Kazuha. And it was so SO perfect. I took inspiration from Spirited Away with the plot point of having your name/memories/identity stolen and for some reason I remembered the whole Ino-shika-cho koi-koi card combo from Summer Wars I just had this vivid mental image of a scene where Kazuha dropped the biggest hint by writing the Kanji for Butterfly (Chō) which doubles ofc as the Hanzi for Butterfly/Crystalfly (Dié) written the same pronounced (and romanized) differently :3c

I was very proud of myself//hit also

I did not end up making haiku bc they are complicated but I at least tried to loosely keep/emulate the 3 phrases, phonetic rhyme and sensory elements while referencing my lil plot lmao

✧˖Originally I was gonna blame it on a playful tanuki or smth but I don't think they're powerful enough youkai lmao it was probably a kitsune.... we may never know ✧˖She was technically never in any danger yeah but imagine being lost with no memories and no way to know if you could get them back even because every person she met kept telling her they didn't know ofc she'd break down, or at least me, I'm very crybaby and neurotic sometimes//HIT ✧˖Yes this entire thing was technically Zhongli's fault since he did write her a letter addressed 亲爱的晶蝶 ("My dear Crystalfly/Jingdie") and that IS her name woops on a random note I kinda imagine he also signs with something like 你的龙 "Your Dragon" and vice versa with Crys ("My dear Dragon/your Crystalfly") sgcvgajsvcjhacbajkca //squeals kicks feets

And all this started because I was stressing over the fact that "Crys" is not an appropriate name for a Liyue character lmao, I debated for so long giving her a chinese name, but I didn't want to further make her an OC I wanted her to represent me/my blog (also part of me was and still is immensely worried I somehow insult cn ppl by being as some sort of weeabo equivalent or that I am "appropriating culture" or idk I may be dumb but I try to do my research and I prommy it does not come from a place of malice or anything I genuinely love genshin and Li and it's got me interested in a culture/country I funnily enough have somehow interacted with and have friends in but never really paid that much attention to ig...) and then I just had the epiphany What if I just reverse engineer and name her Crystalfly in cn? Lore would be that either her name got accidentally translated in documents a long long time ago and ppl started calling ehr Crystalfly/Crys and she rolled with it or she simply adopted the translation/nickname as her name for international settings, keeping her true name more private (hidden in plain sight tbh) p sure the only ones who know are the elder adepti (Ganyu/Xiao included) and Neuvillette (once he told her his real/first name) (ironically Crys may be harder to pronounce i other languages lmaoooo rip Fontaine)

Anyway this got way too long lmao sorrryyyyyyyy thank you everyone kith kith love y'all bye!! 💕

[dkniade]

what are your thoughts on fontaine so far?

Oh hello! As someone who’s been gathering information from fan posts only and not the actual game (I think if I do play I’ll just play GI for the scenery and not the quests since it feels better than way. Something about burnout and wondering what kind of game actually intrigues me. Anyway)—

(Slight 4.0 spoilers…??? Mostly rambling about character design)

Fontaine sounds interesting. Well, I find it easier to let trailers/characters/quests sit for at least some time when it comes to new region and cast releases. Trying to see what makes me happy instead of just following the hype.

I feel kinda like a bard getting stories from other travelers, haha..

Seems Tartaglia got into another order-loving region’s trouble. I saw the cutscene where he starts to transform but Neuvillette interrupts him and he just kinda lies on the floor when the dust clears. Amazing

I wanna see Neuvillette cry even more. I wanna see him break down or something. It’s always fun to see a usually serious/stoic (?) character be vulnerable. Also Furina and Neuvillette’s dynamic seem interesting… It’s been compared to Hu Tao and Zhongli it seems? Blue/white vs red/black parallels…

Furina looks cute! I like the layers and shades of blue! Feel like she could use some longer pants. She’s got the💧 droplet shape all over her outfit and even in her eyes. Very nice motif. I love symbolic designs… Also I love how her eyelashes are stylized.

I’ve read that Focalors’ name in the English dub is pronounced closer to the French way of Foçalors (FOH-sa-lor) despite not having the “ç” (c cédille, or so a search tells me) in the official spelling. That’s like seeing “Français” be written as “Francais” (“Fran-KEH”) but still pronounced “Fran-SEH”, haha

Edit: Focalors’ name is from the Latin name Focalor from the Ars Goetia, so it would be pronounced with a /k/ in English after all. Though in the French version of the game it’s written as Foçalors which would make it with a /s/ in French.

Neuvillette seems to have a slight ⚖️ scale motif mixed with the French fleur-de-lis ⚜️ upside down… (Not visible in this visual but it’s the ends of his blue lapels.) Very cool detail for the Chief Justice of Fontaine. Probably had the same tailor as Dainsleif. Also I thought that he’s got similar motifs to Song of Broken Pines lmao. I like the feather in his hair.

Come to think of it before 4.0 I’ve always imagined Focalors to be a mature woman (Hydro Ningguang or something) and didn’t expect Furina and Neuvillette at all… No, actually, when his visual released, I thought it’d be really cool if Neuvillette was a woman (while having the exact same design as canon) who’s actually Focalors, haha. Handsome long-haired women in suits and fancy layers… hehe.

Since Neuvillette’s character intro card lists “??? - Hydro” initially I thought he was the actual archon working behind the scenes and Furina was like, a decoy archon at the front. From the 3.8 event I had the impression that optical illusion is a motif for Fontaine, haha. It would’ve been interesting if the God of Justice is using a decoy to deceive people, I felt. Something like an AU where Chief Justice Neuvillette is all about justice and law but has a soft spot for and tolerates Furina. And everyone thinks Furina is the Hydro Archon but actually she’s just an assistant (? Right hand woman?) and Neuvilette is the actual Hydro Archon— wait is that kinda like Arlecchino with Lyney & Lynette hahaha. Anyway—

Speaking of cool lady, Clorinde looks really handsome. The wispy hair, the sharp hat, the cold look— To me she feels like… I dunno, a combination of Furina and Neuvillette hahaha. Apparently she’s the body guard of Furina? I wonder how it’d be if Clorinde and Furina swapped clothes…

…Come to think of it, out of Furina, Clorinde, Arlecchino, Lynnette, Charlotte, and Navia, it’s only the last two that have their shoulders not covered by clothing, huh? Lynnette’s design with the black/white/teal colour scheme is refreshingly simple for a Genshin character… It’s nice.

TL;DR: apparently (one of) my type(s) of character design is just androgynous women in fancy long-sleeved jackets and long pants, a hat/other distinctive head-area decoration, with symbolic motifs and long ribbons/capes, black/navy and white base with bright blue and gold accents… Light/dark contrast between hair/face area and top-half clothing colour… (E.g. Furina with a white outfit, or dark-skinned Clorinde with a black/navy outfit wouldn’t look as distinctive to me.)

…That’s basically Eula isn’t it. Eula looks really pretty but I think she’d look better with long pants and not the belts/harnesses. Also, personally I feel the right side of her lapel and her cape doesn’t read very clearly. There’s too much going on near her upper torso (similar shapes to Kaeya). She’d look even better if her lapels are sleeker and the excessive details overall are toned down. Mmm, actually— Now that I’ve finally read her entire character story for the first time (I want to cry because of how the symbols tie into her story and personality well), I think it’d be nice if the glacier vs spindrift idea is more present in her outfit, with some dance motifs… A beautiful and proud blade that shimmers above the waves, twirling amidst the candles’ glow…