"Then why didn't you tell me earlier that you were an adeptus? Here I was, always keeping my guard up around you."
"Speaking generally, you never asked me. And maintaining a certain level of vigilance is not a bad thing."
Zhongli showed no guilt at Su Bai's complaint. Instead, he took a slight, mischievous pleasure in the prank. It seemed spending time with Azhdaha had rubbed off on him.
Su Bai was so irritated by Zhongli's response that he almost wanted to give him a taste of that tingly, numbing sensation. But reason told him he'd get thoroughly beaten if he tried.
"Forget it, I'm not going to waste my energy being angry with you. Getting upset only hurts myself."
"I'm taking Klee to Bubu Pharmacy to find Qiqi. I promised the little one I'd introduce her to a new friend."
Klee? If his senses were correct, that little one was Alice's daughter. Thinking of Alice, Zhongli smiled knowingly. That elf woman could indeed be called a remarkable figure. After all, most people wouldn't consider draining the water from Jueyun Karst to see if the mountains would sink into the ground.
During the time he traveled Liyue with Alice, her whimsical ideas had often amused him. But since Alice actually had the ability to realize her imaginings, Zhongli had stuck close to her, worried she might actually sink one of Liyue's mountains. Even the Anemo Archon Barbatos hadn't received such careful attention.
"Hmm, Su Bai, since you're going to Bubu Pharmacy, ask Baizhu to send some restorative medicine to Wangsheng."
"What, Zhongli, have you been staying out all night carousing? If you need tonics, I still haven't finished the ones Baizhu gave me last time."
Zhongli's eyelid twitched. He suddenly felt an urge to give Su Bai a good scolding. He had been so adorable as a child—how had he turned out like this? Next time he saw Yae Miko, they would need to have a serious discussion about this matter.
"No, it's not for me. It's for Director Hu. Her stomach is troubling her today."
"After all, Director Hu is considered a young adult by ordinary standards. At her age, many young women have already married."
"Oh, so that's why Wangsheng was so quiet this morning. I'll ask Baizhu if he has anything for pain relief."
Understanding dawned on Su Bai's face. So Hu Tao had her period. No wonder she hadn't disturbed him this morning.
"Hey, Su Bai, why are you smiling so happily hearing that my stomach hurts? Careful—once I'm better, I'll come haunt your room dressed as a ghost!"
Hearing voices discussing her in the main hall, Hu Tao supported herself against the wall as she came in, Klee following behind her after playing with the little spirits in her room. Su Bai happened to be looking pleased about getting to sleep in for the next few days.
Seeing Hu Tao appear, Su Bai poured her a cup of hot tea. He'd noticed earlier that this tea seemed to have restorative, beautifying, and pain-relieving properties—perfect for Hu Tao in her current state.
A flicker of understanding crossed Su Bai's eyes. No wonder Zhongli had only brought out this excellent tea now—he had brewed it for Hu Tao. Which meant Su Bai was benefiting from her as well. Watching Hu Tao finish the tea, Su Bai cleared his throat and spoke.
"Hu Tao, remember this: every moment of pain you endure is a step toward transformation. The trials of blood and fire cannot break you. Only those who bear the agony of rebirth are worthy of its beauty. Even if the pain cuts deep, even if your world crumbles, I believe you will rise from the ashes and soar."
Zhongli was left speechless by Su Bai's words. He had never heard anyone comfort another like this. It was bizarre. Yet, thinking it over, there was nothing particularly wrong with what he said.
"That's our Su Bai! When others try to comfort me, it just doesn't feel the same."
Hu Tao gave Su Bai a thumbs up. This was why she liked him—even his comforting words matched her sensibilities. Strangely enough, after hearing Su Bai speak, her stomach really didn't hurt as much. Her whole body felt warm.
Su Bai tossed his hair back proudly. This was what years of reading light novels in Inazuma did for a person. Zhongli watched the two youngsters with a headache. Had he really fallen out of step with the times?
"Since you're feeling better, I'll take Klee to Bubu Pharmacy to find Qiqi. Hu Tao, no bullying Qiqi."
"Don't worry! While you were in Mondstadt, Qiqi and I became great friends!"
Hu Tao patted her flat chest in assurance. Su Bai looked at her skeptically—he had his doubts about that claim.
Knock, knock, knock~
A knock sounded at the door. Baishi entered with a warm smile. Hu Tao's face lit up at the prospect of a customer, then fell when she saw who it was. Ningguang's assistant definitely wasn't there to buy any of her packages.
"Director Hu, I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all. You can talk with Su Bai. I'll go rest."
Baishi watched Hu Tao's retreating figure with some curiosity. What was wrong with the usually carefree Director Hu? She looked so listless.
"Miss Baishi, what can I do for you?"
"Oh, Lord Su Bai. Lady Ningguang invites you to the Jade Chamber as her guest. Knowing your fondness for fine food and wine, she has prepared a feast of exquisite dishes in your honor."
"No thanks, I'll pass this time."
Su Bai refused without hesitation. If Ningguang was sending someone to invite him, she definitely had something up her sleeve. Baishi smiled knowingly, as if anticipating his refusal.
"Lady Ningguang said that if you refused, I should ask you this: what, in your opinion, is the purpose of living?"
"The purpose? I'll tell Ningguang today."
Su Bai slammed the table and straightened his robe, unleashing a startling aura. Zhongli narrowed his eyes, curious to hear Su Bai's answer.
"Go back and tell Ningguang this. I live to establish a heart for heaven and earth, to build a destiny for the common people, to continue the teachings of the sages, and to create peace for all generations!"
Zhongli was deeply satisfied with these powerful, resonant words. This was how an adeptus should speak. Whatever that business about brawling had been—just a misunderstanding.
Baishi stared at Su Bai's solemn, unrepentant expression, utterly dumbfounded. This wasn't how the script was supposed to go. Had this fox adeptus truly been enlightened by life's pleasures? If she hadn't overheard Su Bai telling Ningguang just days ago that life was meant for good food and drink, she would be mortified by her own shallowness.
"Give Ningguang my exact words. And give her this jade pendant. What she wants to know, and what I want to tell her, are both inside."
"In that case, I'll take my leave. Lord Su Bai, your words are truly admirable."
Baishi took the pendant and hurried out, her mind in disarray. She needed to report everything to Lady Ningguang and let her decide what to make of it.
Zhongli, who had been quietly drinking tea, nodded with satisfaction—but quickly realized Su Bai had deliberately spoken for his benefit. Was the young fox trying to ask for his help? If Su Bai could hear Zhongli's thoughts, he would have given him a thumbs up. Zhongli had guessed exactly right.