Genshin Impact: I'm just a mortal

As the words fell, Kitsune Saiguu and Chiyo exchanged glances.

Both hesitated briefly.

"Chiyo, let me treat this time. I already promised Yuxie that I'd buy him a late-night snack," Kitsune Saiguu said.

"I think it's better if I pay," Chiyo replied. "Otherwise, it might seem like I'm freeloading."

"We've known each other for so many years. Why talk about freeloading?" Kitsune Saiguu said with a smile. "I'll cover it."

"No, no, let me do it."

With their polite back-and-forth, no decision was reached.

Eventually, Yuxie, unable to watch them go in circles, quietly got up, approached the stall owner, and settled the bill.

This left Kitsune Saiguu and Chiyo silent for a while, while Yuxie merely offered a helpless smile.

........

Time passed, and before they knew it, dawn approached.

After bidding farewell to Kitsune Saiguu and Chiyo, Yuxie returned to the inn.

Once back in his room, he didn't bother to light a lamp, instead lying straight on the bed, intending to sleep.

But as he lay down, he caught the faint sound of breathing and a soft, familiar scent—gentle and soothing.

Turning his head, he noticed Shen He sleeping soundly on his bed.

Due to the dim lighting earlier, Yuxie hadn't realized she was there.

It seemed Shen He had come to find him, but not finding him, decided to wait. Eventually, sleep overtook her, and she drifted off on his bed.

Shen He's sleeping face was serene and enchanting, her long lashes and soft strands of hair adding to her beauty.

Seeing her like this, Yuxie felt it was somewhat inappropriate. Thinking it over, he decided to sleep in Shen He's room instead—she likely wouldn't mind.

As he began to leave, Shen He's hand suddenly grabbed his wrist firmly.

Her eyes remained closed, her breathing steady, clearly still asleep. Perhaps she was dreaming, which caused her to react like this.

Moreover, her grip was surprisingly strong, making it difficult for Yuxie to pull away without waking her.

Resigned, Yuxie lay back down.

........

Under the moonlight, the atmosphere was tranquil.

Suddenly, Shen He's body trembled slightly, and her brow furrowed as if she were frightened.

She might be having a nightmare.

Moments later, she released her grip on Yuxie's hand but then intertwined her fingers with his.

With this, her trembling subsided, and her expression softened.

Yuxie sighed softly, amused yet helpless, and closed his eyes to sleep.

.......

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed into the room through the windows as Shen He slowly opened her drowsy eyes.

The inn's decor was uniform, so she didn't immediately recall she had fallen asleep in Yuxie's room.

It wasn't until she saw Yuxie lying beside her that the memories of last night rushed back.

Looking at her hand, she realized her fingers were still interlocked with his.

Wasn't that part of her dream?

Last night, Shen He dreamed again—of her childhood when her father abandoned her in a dark cave.

In the dream, she was alone, desperate, and crying.

After what felt like an eternity, a young Yuxie appeared at the cave's entrance.

He walked toward her and extended his hand. To her, it was like seeing the only light in her darkness. Without hesitation, she grasped his hand, their fingers interlocking. She felt safe at last.

Yuxie led her out of the cave and took her to Liyue Harbor, where they lived peacefully.

As time passed, they both grew older—she into a poised, elegant woman and Yuxie into a capable young man.

Then came the part of the dream where she expressed her gratitude...

Thinking of this, Shen He felt warmth spread across her face.

She shook her head, feeling as though something was amiss.

Why would she dream such things?

If her master knew about this…

She quickly released Yuxie's hand, carefully got out of bed, and tiptoed toward the door, hoping to leave unnoticed.

Despite her caution, Yuxie woke up.

"Shen He?"

Startled, Shen He froze. "Yuxie, you're awake."

"Yeah. Why were you sleeping in my room last night?" Yuxie sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair.

"I… I came to look for you, but you weren't here. I waited for a while, and then… I must have fallen asleep," Shen He explained, her tone somewhat flustered.

Due to the effect of the red ropes, Shen He's emotions were typically calm and restrained. But today, her emotions seemed more pronounced than usual—a good sign, in Yuxie's eyes.

"I see," Yuxie replied.

"Um… Sorry. I'll head back to my room now." Shen He quickly left after speaking.

As the door opened and shut, Yuxie lay back down, intending to nap some more. However, sleep eluded him.

Back in her room, Shen He sat on her bed, her hand resting on her chest.

Her heartbeat was faster than usual, and the warmth on her face lingered.

"Last night's dream…"

Shen He murmured to herself, recalling the vivid sensations from the dream—especially the moment her fingers interlocked with Yuxie's.

Now she understood that it wasn't just a dream; they had actually held hands.

Her face grew even warmer.

She placed her hands on her cheeks, trying to cool herself down.

"No, Shen He! This isn't right!" she chastised herself.

If her master found out about this…

Determined to suppress her errant thoughts, Shen He closed her eyes and began meditating.

......

The sound of a knock on the door interrupted her concentration.

"Shen He, shall we grab some breakfast?" Yuxie called out.

Startled, Shen He's focus shattered.

The latter half of her dream flashed vividly in her mind, causing her heartbeat to quicken and her face to flush again.

"You go ahead. I'm not hungry yet. I'll eat later," she replied, struggling to maintain her composure.

"Alright, but don't skip breakfast. Make sure you eat something later," Yuxie said.

"I will…"

End of chapter

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