Standing at the entrance of the card shop,
Mona was deep in thought.
Her mind was mainly occupied with Genshin Impact.
Since this was a future where the card shop didn't exist, what role would she play in that future to warrant her appearance in the promotional video?
This was a question worth pondering.
Mona carefully considered it.
If the card shop didn't exist, she would probably collect her manuscript fees, check out the latest astrological instruments, and then head to Liyue to see if there were any rare ancient books on mysticism there.
After that, she'd carry out her mentor's task—to meet Alice's successor in Mondstadt and retrieve something from them.
Without the card shop, this would be her itinerary for the next six months.
So, would something major happen in Mondstadt or Liyue in the future?
After all, the story was experienced from the perspective of the sibling (Aether/Lumine).
Clearly, if the story were mundane, there'd be no reason for them to do this, right?
It must be a thrilling, gripping tale to warrant such treatment!
"The future…"
Honestly, Mona was very interested!
Though she could confirm that everyone had already deviated from their original fates, what harm was there in taking a peek?
It was like how many people, after encountering a stroke of luck, couldn't help but wonder—what would their lives have been like without it?
It wasn't just Mona.
Anyone with internet access had started taking an interest in Genshin Impact.
Liyue, The Jade Chamber
Ningguang was also deep in thought.
She was trying to decipher Lu Heng's intentions behind this.
But no matter how much she pondered, she couldn't fathom that someone of his stature would do something so whimsical—just to casually spoil the plot and earn some money.
Precisely because she didn't consider this possibility, Ningguang's thoughts grew increasingly convoluted.
It felt… like there was some deeper meaning behind it!
From Lu Heng's perspective, it was a simple matter.
But from anyone else's viewpoint, the appearance of Genshin Impact was utterly unexpected.
It made people wonder—what was the "original future" like, to be turned into a game for everyone to play and watch?
Ningguang hadn't quite figured it out yet.
But that was fine.
The game would be released soon. Once she got her hands on it, she'd understand.
"Sigh."
Tartaglia was feeling rather miserable.
Of course, he had also learned the truth from Lu Heng's mouth.
Harsh.
Too harsh!
Being played for a fool—who could stand that?
And now… practically the whole of Teyvat was about to find out he'd been played for a fool.
Was this okay?
Tartaglia certainly didn't dare ask Lu Heng directly.
All he could do was let out a few angry sighs and let the Millelith speculate.
"I wonder if La Signora has reached Mondstadt yet…" Tartaglia mused.
If only La Signora had a phone.
He could've called her up right then and there to give her an earful.
Unfortunately, he didn't have that opportunity yet.
"Actually, everyone's in the same boat."
Venti could somewhat understand Tartaglia's feelings.
Tartaglia shot him a sidelong glance.
With Venti's personality, did he even care about his own image?
Sure, but not much!
If anything, Zhongli was probably more bothered than Venti.
Tartaglia could already imagine the expressions on the faces of Liyue's citizens when they saw his original plan.
But as someone who had lived for over six thousand years, Zhongli was the picture of composure.
He seemed unfazed—though it was also possible he had already mentally checked out.
Compared to their complicated emotions, Lu Heng was in much higher spirits.
Of course, it wasn't just schadenfreude—he was also looking forward to the profits.
With the card game's success, the revenue from the actual game might not be as high, but even small earnings were still earnings!
As he sipped his tea cheerfully, Lu Heng spotted Ganyu in the crowd and immediately brightened even more.
There was some scientific basis to the idea that looking at beautiful women could prolong one's lifespan. Given Lu Heng's current longevity, he felt that if he spent every day admiring beauties, he could easily tack on a few thousand more years.
It was simply a delight for the eyes.
Mostly, it was the joy in his heart that made everything feel so good.
"Mr. Lu."
Ganyu's personality was as soft and gentle as her hair, and her voice was equally soothing.
It was hard to imagine this gentle beauty ever losing her temper.
Lu Heng smiled and nodded, studying her as he said, "You're a bit late. I thought you'd come earlier."
"Ah?"
Ganyu blinked in surprise, then hurriedly explained, "I originally planned to come much earlier, but the Yuehai Pavilion has been swamped with adjustments recently, so I only just found time to come now."
"You should still balance work and rest."
Lu Heng sighed, then gestured. "Come, don't rush to draw cards yet. Sit for a while—your 'old man' is here too."
Old man…
Ganyu pursed her lips slightly, her gaze shifting past Lu Heng to where Zhongli sat in deep thought.
Had he not revealed his identity, she would never have guessed that this unassuming consultant was the Geo Archon himself.
She wasn't particularly familiar with "Zhongli," though his reputation in Liyue Harbor was notable enough that she'd heard of him.
Earlier that day, she'd taken some time to inquire about him.
Turns out, the Lord of Geo's idea of "living among mortals" involved admiring flowers, walking birds, appraising antiques, and listening to opera in teahouses…
It was nothing like the image of Rex Lapis she had in mind!
The image was slightly shattered, but the radiance of the Geo Archon was far too overwhelming—such trivial flaws hardly mattered.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Ganyu realized she'd been spacing out in front of Lu Heng.
Flushing slightly, she murmured apologetically, "Sorry, I… I was just thinking about Mr. Zhongli."
"Feels a bit too down-to-earth, lacking that divine aura, right?" Lu Heng chuckled.
Ganyu nodded. "Yes. Without any hints, even if I passed him on the street, it'd be hard to imagine he was actually…"
She trailed off, shaking her head.
"Perfectly normal. If I were in your shoes, I probably wouldn't recognize him either," Lu Heng said with a shrug.
In his relaxed state, Lu Heng exuded no sharp edges.
As long as one didn't fixate on his status and regard him with awe, it was easy to chat with him.
After a while, Ganyu suddenly realized what she was doing.
"Ah! Did I… delay your work?"
She was mortified—she hadn't even noticed when she'd sat down, and now she felt like she'd wasted Lu Heng's time.
"My work?"
Lu Heng waved a hand. "No one's pulling any cards right now—what work do I have? Just drinking tea and chatting."
Then, studying Ganyu's face, he added earnestly, "Speaking of which, I recommend you eat more of those leaves from your succulent. Even if you sleep less, your sleep quality will definitely improve."
"Eh?!"
Ganyu's expression turned conflicted.
"Don't tell me you can't bear to?" Lu Heng teased.
"N-No!"
Ganyu frantically waved her hands, her face reddening as she lowered her head.
"I'm just… a little scared."
Once she started eating the first leaf—knowing it could regrow infinitely—wouldn't she be tempted to keep eating more?!
She absolutely couldn't let that happen!
"You can't give up eating for fear of choking. Even when busy, you should take care of yourself. Don't tell me you put it away and never took it out again?"
Lu Heng's tone was speculative, but he was already fairly certain.
"…Heh."
Ganyu fell silent.
She had stored it in her Vision and hadn't dared to take it out.
But hearing Lu Heng's words… maybe she should place it by her bedside.
Wait, was that too close? Maybe the windowsill would be better…
Seeing Ganyu's visibly tempted expression, Lu Heng's smile widened. He mused, "Ah, just thinking about its taste makes me nostalgic."
"!!"
Ganyu's eyes widened.
Now that he mentioned it, she could vividly recall its flavor too!
The Lu Heng in her eyes suddenly transformed.
His gentle demeanor faded, replaced by a faintly sinister aura.
He was like a devil luring her into the abyss!
Gulp.
How could I… wah!
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T/N:
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