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razorblade180 · 7 hours ago

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For a lifetime

Hu Tao:You’re thinking about proposing to Ke- *mouth covered*

Aether:Shhhh! Don’t yell so loudly. Yes, I am. *removes hand* I was hoping you can tell me about proposals in Liyue.

Hu Tao:Aww, how sweet. I could but…this feels more like Zhongli’s expertise. Why ask a funeral director of all people for wedding advice?

Aether:Because you’re unorthodox and Keqing is many ways is unconventional. A modern can bring a modern perspective.

Hu Tao:Ooo I like the logic, though it’s really not that complex of a situation. This may be the new age of mortals but as you know, Liyue revels in lots of traditional practices. Many people still offer gifts between the two families as a proposal, or a special tea ceremony.

Aether:Any jewelry?

Hu Tao:Certain cuts of gold carved into betrothal symbols or in some cases, unique pieces. They could be earrings, a specific necklace ornament, hair piece, rings are gaining popularity. Keqing is on the move so I’d recommend something that doesn’t get in the way.

Aether:Hmmm. I see.

Hu Tao:Hehe, I think you’re overthinking things. I’m positive she’d like whatever you did.

Aether:Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try. I’ve read a little about those ceremonies, but it’s not like I have a household or parents.

Hu Tao:Hmm, that is true. Now that you mention it, Keqing’s family members are few and far between.

Aether:..What would you want?

Hu Tao:Huh? Me?

Aether:Yeah. We’re in a bit of similar situation. The member of your household is you, but you’re fond of traditions when it calls for them. How would you handle a tea ceremony?

Hu Tao:Oh, I wouldn’t. Same with the gift exchange. It’s not all that necessary in my case. Even if my grandpa and dad were around, I probably wouldn’t want such a grand fuss; even I get embarrassed. Though I might go through with it to see their eyes water with joy.

Aether:That sounds about right.

Hu Tao:Haha! What can I say? You’re right about me being unorthodox. *rubs chin* A proposal fit for me isn’t as crazy as you might be assuming. Honestly…*smiles gently* If I were to dream for a moment, all I would really want would be…

xxxxxxxx

At the top of Mt. Aocang, Chongyun revels in the crisp night air against his skin as he meditates near Cloud Retainers abode, striving for a strong and balanced connection with himself to become a better exor-

Hu Tao:Chongyun!!! Yooohooo! Are you here~

Chongyun:…*opens eyes*

Hu Tao:*slides into view* Aha! Found you. Training with your aunt again?

Chongyun:We finished a while ago. I was calming down more than anything. Something wrong?

Hu Tao:Nope! I have a secret I must share with at least one person or else I’ll explode! Xiangling folds under pressure and Xingqui isn’t as subtle as he pretends to be. That leave my ever reliable exorcist.

Chongyun:Is Zhongli getting married?

Hu Tao:Nope! But Aether is gonna propose to Keqing!

Chongyun:He- wow I was kinda close. Hope it goes well. *stands up* Hold on. Let me get my hood and belongings inside the abode, then we can walk while we talk. *walks away*

Hu Tao:An excellent idea! I’ll even throw in a dinner. Remember, tell no one! You should’ve seen him! He looked so nervous asking questions!

Chongyun:He asked you for wedding advice?

Hu Tao:Pfft, okay. I get why it’s weird but you don’t have to ask surprised. *looks at the water* He was looking for an unconventional touch. *sits down*

Chongyun:What was your unconventional answer?

Hu Tao:I told him to schedule an interview to be her assistant! She’d be so confused but it’ll allow time where she’s technically free. Instead of a résumé’ for office qualifications, it’s for a husband! Knowing her sense of humor, Keqing will smile ear to ear!

Chongyun:…

Hu Tao:*turns head* Hey, I can’t see you but I know judgment when it’s happening.

Chongyun:You really one of a kind. That’s all.

Hu Tao: We both know Keqing doesn’t do vacations and is incredibly smart. You got to catch her by surprise!

Chongyun:Should I be taking notes?

Hu Tao:Ha! You could try, but wouldn’t that be a little obvious in my case? You’re so routine I knew where to find you. If you switch up, I’d notice.

Chongyun:Yeah I guess it would be a little difficult getting the right flowers under your nose.

Hu Tao:Exactly! Wait, flowers? How did you-

Her question was interrupted as Chongyun walked out fully dressed and blushing as he held holding a large bouquet of Glaze Lilies mixed with Spider Lilies. Hu Tao immediately stands up, speechless as a thousand thoughts show on her face with half smiles and eyes unsure to settle on shock or tears while her heart suddenly felt loud.

Chongyun:Y’know when Aether came back and told, I couldn’t help but want to kick myself a little. Not only is this so obviously you, these flowers perfectly describe my feelings towards you.

Hu Tao:*twirls thumbs* I uhhh. A-Aether isn’t proposing to Keqing, is he?

Chongyun:No, at least not tonight if anything. Me however… Hu Tao, these flowers say it best. I love you to the end, and want a lifetime of memories with you. All the ones we already have, they make it all but impossible to only say “we’re dating” or “my girlfriend.” You’re so much more than that for me. We don’t have to rush to the official day, but if you feel like I do, will you let me be all yours? Can I call you my-

Wings fluttered around him; the family warmth of fluttering butterflies graced his presence while warm lips pressed against his. Shaky, but loving hands took the flowers before wrapping around his body. As Hu Tao leaned deeper into her answer, Chongyun could feel her tears kiss his face. When she was satisfied with the kiss, he saw the biggest and most beautiful eyes overflowing.

Hu Tao:Looks like I’ve rubbed off on you, hehe. Chongyun, this is…are you sure? Latern Rite was a good example of how crazy things can get with me.

Chongyun:Things have always been crazy with you. Hasn’t stopped me before. *holds her closer* You’re stuck with me.

His forehead pressed gently against her own, making her heart swell and lips lean in for another kiss. Hu Tao didn’t like to admit it, but she had forgotten the possibility of once again being apart of a family bigger than herself long ago. Now here was this boy she teased about his job, now asking her to be in the family tree. A household bigger than herself. It was terrifying, yet such a relief deep down. He didn’t want to leave her alone, and that dispelled more negativity than any rite or yang energy ever could.

Hu Tao: Hehehe.

Chongyun:What’s so funny?

Hu Tao:It’s just that knowing you, you’ve put so much thought into this that I bet there’s something you didn’t consider. Did you tell your parents you were doing this?

Chongyun:…I mean they love completely. What’s one less tea ceremony?

Hu Tao:Oh boy. You truly are a perfect mess. My adorable fiancé. Yes, the answer is yes.

She watched his eyes light up before spinning her. Chongyun pulled out a small present from his inner pocket. It was too long be a ring box. Instead, it opened to be a golden version of the blossoms on her cherished hat.

Hu Tao:There’s no way you got this made today!

Chongyun:Correct. It’s one of the few things I was certain about. You like your rings and I didn’t want to mess with that or add something you weren’t used to.

Hu Tao:I would’ve replaced a ring in a heartbeat. As you can see, unorthodox clearly doesn’t mean I’m no romantic.

Chongyun:May I do the honors?

Hu Tao nodded eagerly before keeping her head low enough for him to place the ornament. She couldn’t help but go over to the water and admire the new addition to her cherished gift. Eyes began watering again and her giggles slipped out easily. The moment Chongyun joined her at the pond, Hu Tao jumped right back into his arms with fever joy that brought laughter to both of them.

Shenhe:*behind a tree* It appears things turned out rather well. That’s good. I fear offering emotional support for this would be beyond me; even with your help. Good job on the breeze, master.

Xianyun:*sniffling*

Shenhe:Master?

Xianyun:Look away Shenhe! One does not wish to be seen like this! *covers face*

xxxxxx

Aether:*sipping tea*

Keqing:Sorry I’m a little late! * sits down* Work got a little busy as usual.

Aether:Your fine. Food is on its way. I ordered your favorite.

Keqing:Thanks. So, anything crazy happen today?

Aether:*smiles* Nah, not really. You know me, always helping around.

#genshin impact #gi chongyun #chongyun #hu tao #chongtao #gi aether #gi shenhe #gi xianyun #aeqing #gi keqing

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duliadoo · 8 days ago

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Xingqiu and Chongyun: a Deep Dive

Because I'm a whore for these 1.0 characters. And they are much more complex than "childhood friends" and "yin yang".

XINGYUN AS INVERTED YIN YANG

Xingqiu is the opposite of Chongyun, which is implied in their designs. THEY are yin and yang. And, funnily enough, the energies they seem to represent are the opposite of the ones I'd assign them.

Xingqiu is the second son of a distinguished family - the Feiyun family, which controls the Feiyun Commerce Guild. He may not be expected to take over once his father steps down, but due to his social standing, as well as wit and knack for conducting business, he has to stay constantly aware of how he carries himself.

"Second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu has had a reputation for being studious and polite ever since he was a young child. Parents in Liyue Harbor would speak adoringly of him, all secretly hoping that their own children would show as much promise as Xingqiu."

"Of course, there is no way he can completely divest himself of his duties in the Guild, but so long as he gets to go out and be the hero even occasionally, he is perfectly content with his life."

Doubt. But, well, he takes what he can.

Chongyun also comes from a family of somewhat high social standing, but (maybe due to the character of their work - exorcisms) he doesn't seem to be pressured to conduct himself in any particular way. If anything, he roams freely more often than not.

"Chongyun was born into a renowned family of exorcists, and has possessed a natural ability to drive away evil spirits from a young age due to his pure-yang spirit. His powers of exorcism are far beyond the norm: his mere presence is sufficient to scatter evil spirits."

He has quite a reputation in the country himself.

"He has become beloved in Liyue for his "style and character," and indeed scholars have given him this appellation: "a heart of clear water, and a face of ice.""

Xingqiu desperately wants to let his wild side out, while Chongyun wants to lock his away. Speaking of which, if Xingqiu is yin and Chongyun is yang, it should be the opposite, but as you may have noticed already, their predicament is very ironic.

CHONGYUN'S CONDITION

What even is the whole deal with Chongyun's congenital positivity? And why does Xingqiu, pardon the exaggeration, terrorise him about it so much?

"Due to the abundance of yang energy in his constitution, he is constantly troubled by increased body temperature and sudden urges or impulses. He has tried everything to alleviate the issues both physically and psychologically (…) In short, he attempted to stay away from everything that might aggravate his condition."

"Chongyun's pure-yang spirit is not only a huge obstacle in his path as an exorcist, but a constant daily hassle."

His condition causes him many hardships, which is emphasised numerous times. He can't eat some foods, he can't overheat, he can't hang out with people as often as he'd like to - "(…) he's vulnerable to things that warm him — fiery events, food, drinks, clothing, the sun, and even blushing"; "In truth, Chongyun wishes that he could fit in more, but he is often forced to reject the invitations of others on account of his need to control his abundance of yang energy".

Most importantly, though, the overabundance of his yang energy frightens him.

"Bathing and "relaxing" in steaming-hot water? Even the sound of that scares him a hundred times more than freezing in a lake on Dragonspine."

Chongyun is a very withdrawn and constipated person. Xiangling even thinks that the personality which shows itself once Chongyun overheats is the real him ("she felt that the crazy Chongyun was the real Chongyun, without any personal walls up"). There is probably some truth in that. BUT

But it doesn't mean that one should put Chongyun in situations which force him to confront that part of him despite his wishes, when he clearly isn't ready for it - which Xingqiu does.

I don't think it stems from bad intentions. Maybe he's not fully aware of how improper his behaviour is - Chongyun, also, doesn't stay angry at him for long after such "stunts".

Why he does it, most of all, however, is because he probably thinks he's helping. How did he arrive at this conclusion? Well, as we've already established, Xingqiu and Chongyun are inverted yin yang. Chongyun struggles with something Xingqiu craves and vice versa.

Xingqiu sees restraint as a shackle.

Chongyun sees it as an anchor.

Surely nothing could ever go wrong with that.

XINGQIU AND HIS FAMILY

The person most often described is Xingqiu's older brother.

In his voicelines, Xingqiu calls him a simpleton and is shown to worry that he'll have to manage the guild's affairs once he becomes its new administrator. Yanfei also mentions that Xingqiu was the only one from the Feiyun family to be able to keep up with her.

This sharpness of mind contributes to Xingqiu having a somewhat inflated ego and being, clearly, a bourgie.

The more we learn about Xingqiu's brother, however, the more kind and thoughtful he seems to become. He's funny and kind...

"My brother is usually a giving and generous soul, but he loves books as much as his own life. Trying to borrow even one from him is like pulling teeth. I'll be honest, he scared me half to death when he handed me this copy a few days back, urging me to "go practice my calligraphy." I had thought that I was about to be disowned on account of my terrible penmanship, and he was giving me the book as a farewell gift after having heard the news in advance. You should've seen the two of us, weeping and wailing, our hands clutching the book, refusing to let go..."

...And similar to Xingqiu in ways - a bookworm at heart, dramatic when interacting with people close to him, forced to go along with his father's will even when disagreeing...

Traveler: Did your brother end up reclaiming his book? Xingqiu: No, he hasn't. He did see me reading as I practiced my swordsmanship, and he did sigh, shake his head, and make gestures with his feet and hands… but he didn't ask for the book back. Traveler: Did your brother end up reclaiming his book? Xingqiu: No, he hasn't. He did see me reading as I practiced my swordsmanship, and he did sigh, shake his head, and make gestures with his feet and hands… but he didn't ask for the book back. Traveler: So, why did he suddenly… Xingqiu: Well… My guess is that this was my father's idea. He's always told me to practice my calligraphy more and pen a few more congratulatory notes on behalf of the family. Xingqiu: That way, I could temper my mind, and also gradually get in touch with our business partners, which would lay a foundation for my future role in managing our family affairs. Xingqiu: And besides, I don't know who else could open my brother's bookcase, if not my father…

...And he dotes on his little brother a lot...

"Yeah. He never talks about the business with me. He just lets me... live my life." - Xingqiu

Xingqiu: Earlier, I asked my brother about the typewriter situation. He cut me off just as I was about to ask why he hadn't brought one back for me, and can you guess what he said? Traveler: That he didn't bring one back on purpose? Xingqiu: No. In fact, he'd actually bought one back a long time ago. He even knows about everything that's happened recently, and asked me to try the typewriter to see if the size was appropriate. Xingqiu: As it turns out, it did — in fact, its dimensions had been modified to suit the dimensions of my palms, which made it very comfortable to use. Xingqiu: He even said that, in an emergency, I could use this typewriter for my novels and other writing needs, and that he'd already notified my great-grandfather of the arrangement.

...And wants to see him improve, enough that he's willing to make sacrifices like borrowing his favourite book to him; he also sees Xingqiu's potential and tries to be understanding of the fact that he's a teenager, as well as respectful - someone who Xingqiu can come to with his problems if he so desires.

Xingqiu: As to why he didn't just give me the typewriter earlier… It was actually because he was hoping that I could eventually improve my penmanship. Xingqiu: They say that "to see a person's writing is to see them also." Hand-written words will always give a reader a greater sense of closeness to the author. Xingqiu: My brother said that he was also willing to part with the "Chronicle of Cleansing Ink" rather than sending me the typewriter straightaway… Xingqiu: …Because he felt that while my handwriting wasn't up to par, it still showed a sense of remarkable style and vigor. Xingqiu: As such, he feared that were I to simply keep using a typewriter, I would forget how to write with a pen altogether, thus ending any possibility for my improvement in calligraphy.

"One day, Xingqiu's older brother came looking for him, only to find he wasn't around. When Xingqiu later returned, he came across his brother in the hallway. "Your room was a mess, so I cleaned it up. Listen, both you and I are responsible for the reputation of Feiyun Commerce Guild. We have to act the part. If you can't clean up a room, how will you clean up the world? An adeptus once said…" After half an hour of lecturing, Xingqiu was finally let go, but his brother said something strange at the end: "I'll not enter your room without permission next time… I'll make sure the maids do the same." Xingqiu had no idea what he was talking about. However, as his brother turned away, with a despondent look upon his face, he muttered to himself: "Those books under his bed… No. No, I shouldn't go looking at what kind of books they are… Xingqiu is growing up after all… Don't want to be lecturing him all the time… Puberty perhaps?" Afterwards, even Xingqiu found it odd. Expecting that one of the maids would have something to say about the stash of martial arts novels under his bed, he had long since prepared his response, but in the end, no one ever bothered to check his room again."

God damn it, it's cute.

In contrast, Xingqiu's father seems somewhat strict, as Xingqiu is sure he'll get chewed out by him for staying out so late, as well as the fact that he's the one pushing Xingqiu to do better in, for example, his calligraphy. He does allow his son to roam and have hobbies outside of the family business, like the Guhua Clan's martial arts (even if it was mostly to get Xingqiu away from the bookhouse).

Xingqiu often complains about how much his family talks business at home and openly despises the "stale tea and staler conversations". He also mentions that, if his conversation with his brother went south, he'd have had to escape to Chongyun's house for two weeks.

Cough. Perfectly content.

CONGENITAL POSITIVITY AS A METAPHOR FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS/DISABILITY

Congenital positivity shares some similarities with a chronic illness or disability.

Chongyun can enjoy life, but there are some things he can't overcome and he'll never be able to forget that he has congenital positivity - it's a fact of life, like how the sky is blue.

He has a hard time accepting that some things are impossible - or nearly impossible - for him, especially with his job as an exorcist. While his condition is manageable, it does limit him. It is probably possible for him to develop a higher resilience, but he will never stop having it. He seemed to not accept that at all for a long time:

"A little depressed, Chongyun began to wrestle with his own body. When he heard about an evil spirit in Dragonspine, he made for the peak wearing only a shirt. Though it was hard enough to keep himself warm, he still felt this insufficient. Digging a hole in a frozen lake, he jumped in and soaked in the icy water while waiting for the evil spirit to show itself. (…) The fever that he ran afterward lasted far longer than it would in a normal person."

"Perhaps he had indeed missed out on a lot in life on account of his condition."

"To permanently banish the forces of evil from the world is my ultimate goal as an exorcist. If that grand day ever comes, I suppose I should be able to consider trying many new things, such as hot springs, Jueyun Chilis and... partaking in other activities of a more passionate nature. Ugh, what am I doing... Ugh, I shouldn't be dwelling on these things, even thinking about them is too stimulating for me..."

Xingqiu, however, altered his mindset, with his flexible way of looking at problems:

"If you can't reduce the effects of your yang energy, what if you sought out an evil spirit that is immune to it?"

The traditional approach may fail, but there are other ways to reach your goals. There is no one-size-fits-all.

WHY ARE THEY FRIENDS?

"I do admire Xingqiu for his devotion to chivalry and his martial arts proficiency." - Chongyun, "About Xingqiu"

Most importantly, they are devoted to their goals. For Chongyun, it is exorcism; for Xingqiu, it is chivalry. They respect each other's drive and aspirations, their visions proving just how strong both of them's ambitions are.

Not only that, but they are familiar with each other's natures. Chongyun is disillusioned when it comes to Xingqiu's "angelic" nature and is aware of how he's a bit of a bully, Xingqiu knows how to and grab Chongyun's attention (see: Heart of the Deep quest).

"Ah, dear Chongyun. Though he understands me quite well, one has to exercise caution when teaming up with him to go on a quest." - Xingqiu, "About Chongyun"

“Yes, he always goes out of his way for me., but he never seems to mind and helps me all the same. Also, he often has something interesting to say. I'm quite glad that I get along with him.” - Chongyun, Chongyun's companion quest

They have quite a few heartwarming moments, even with the atrociously small amount of screentime they get - the events of Moonlight Merriment, Fleeting Colors in Flight, The Exquisite Night Chimes and Waterborne Poetry, as well as Xingqiu's anthology chapter. They are comfortable with each other...

Xingqiu: Inevitably, affairs do become busier around festive seasons. But no need to worry, we have many attendants to assist us… And there's always Chongyun, too. Chongyun: Huh? You mean you're assigning more work to me? Xingqiu: 'Tis only my duty as your dearest friend. Work before play, as they say. I am sure you understand. Chongyun: Oh alright, I suppose… Xingqiu: As the saying goes, "Many hands make light work." As long as work is assigned to the right people, everything will proceed without a hitch. Chongyun: If you ask me, I think speaking eloquently is just a guise for assigning work to everybody else. Xingqiu: Alright, alright. I shall treat you to a meal after the work is done!

And banter quite often...

Xingqiu: It is a great honor indeed to have a chance to meet the legendary Conqueror of Demons. Chongyun has brought that name up quite a few times in the past. Xingqiu: I remember you mentioning wanting him to understand the importance of exorcists… Chongyun: Ahem!

Xingqiu: Our young exorcist over here is protected by his pure-yang energy, so he's probably the most resilient. Chongyun: Th—That's not the same! Chongyun: And did you just toss your carrots into my bowl? Hey, don't look away!

That is just speculation, but I suppose it was not easy for either of them to make friends, especially when they were younger. It may have influenced their bond and made it as strong as it is today: even if they, especially Xingqiu, have other friends now, it's Xingqiu-and-Chongyun, a one-package deal.

DOES XINGQIU HAVE A CRUSH ON CHONGYUN?

Well, it is possible and I find the idea quite charming. Especially with Xingqiu's emotional intelligence being below average.

He does give Chongyun intel about a possible "ghost sighting" at a popular dating location where "two close friends" should go.

He is implied to have given Chongyun a friendship tassel first during the Moonchase Festival cutscene - before they both received their visions, even.

He does coerce Chongyun into trying a dish he himself prepared with some other characters, then offers to blow on the food to cool it down for him and swears it isn't spicy, with Xiangling and the Traveller there to vouch. And apparently the term "秋波", used concerning Xingqiu's attitude, is both a pun on Xingqiu's name and an idiom meaning "to cast an amorous glance."

He does request that Chongyun read to him, and when he interprets his response as a rejection, does offer to read to Chongyun instead - choosing a book with the inconspicious title of Young and Hopelessly Smitten.

And there was that entire thing with the Xingqiu: No Other Choice quest, where Xingqiu asked for Chongyun's help transcribing a chapter of his novel and ended up begging him to stop because he was too flustered by hearing him read it out loud...

Traveler: So, how's Chongyun's penmanship? Chongyun: See, that was (‍his/her‍) first reaction too… Xingqiu: No, no, no! Absolutely not! Stop bringing that up! Traveler: Wait, does this mean that Chongyun's handwriting is also… Xingqiu: Not at all. His writing is lovely. If anything, his talismans look better than my prose… Traveler: Then why didn't you ask him for help? Xingqiu: I… You… He… Well… Chongyun: I've told him that as well, and he agreed to let me transcribe his work at first. Chongyun: But before I could copy more than a few sections, Xingqiu suddenly grabbed me by the shoulder and began shaking me and telling me to stop. Chongyun: For a moment, I wondered if my penmanship was terrible or something, but he suddenly blurted… Xingqiu: Y—You… Just transcribing is one thing, wh—why did you have to suddenly start reading it out loud as you wrote? Chongyun: Hmm? Well, I think your writing is excellent. The narrative is interesting, and each character even has their own catchphrases… Catch-poems? Anyway, I couldn't help but read it all aloud. Chongyun: Especially when the heroine named the Flying Fox took the antidote down the mountain. You wrote a poetic header for that too, didn't you? As I recall, it was… Chongyun: "Clothes stained with wine and mortal sod, unwelcome in sword-realms the world she trod…" Xingqiu: Y—Y—You… Chongyun, please, just… stop…

As well as blushing when Chongyun praised his skill...

Chongyun: Right? Xingqiu writes amazing novels, and he's also penned quite a few excellent short stories besides, such as… Chongyun: Wait. Why's your face so red, Xingqiu?

He does claim it's because of people he knows reading his work out loud, but it makes one wonder if it isn't more of a "Chongyun reading it" problem, with all of this in perspective.

Is it possible that I'm reading too much into it? Sure.

Is it still entertaining? Very.

Idk how to finish this post, it's 9 minutes past midnight and I crave sleep. Cheers to everybody who read allat!

#chongyun #xingqiu #genshin impact #genshin analysis #genshin #xingyun

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