Somewhere in the Mountains
If any treasure hunters or explorers had come here, they would surely have been startled by the two figures floating in the air.
Late at night, with things hovering in the sky—most people's first thought would be, "Are those ghosts or monsters?"
That was the natural reaction.
After all, with the temperature dropping at night, few people were out. Besides Adepti, who else could fly straight up like that?
Even Vision holders couldn't necessarily do it. So ordinary people, seeing this scene, would probably think they were seeing ghosts.
Bonanus: Your whole family are ghosts!
No one would have guessed that the two slender figures in the sky were adepti out gathering Qingxin. Bonanus was following Yanfei's directions, searching for the best quality flowers.
She didn't know much about the flowers of this world and couldn't judge their quality. But since little Yanfei knew about such things, she'd listen to the expert.
"Little Yanfei, which ones are good quality?" Bonanus yawned lightly. The process was so boring she was getting sleepy.
Truthfully, all the Qingxin in this area were good quality. They grew high in the mountains, receiving ample rain and sunlight.
It was hard for them not to be good.
But Yanfei wanted something special. After searching for a while, she still hadn't found the exceptional flower she'd imagined.
She was somewhat disappointed. She'd give up for now and come back another time. It was already evening anyway.
If they didn't return soon, Granny Ping would start worrying.
"Sister Bonanus, those few over there look pretty good. And those over there. Let's pick these and head back."
Yanfei shook her head and pointed her slender finger toward one peak, then another.
"Okay!" Bonanus used her free hand to make an OK gesture. Finally, time to get to work!
She'd been following Yanfei's directions, flying here and there, with Yanfei rejecting this and that. So despite all this time, they hadn't picked a single Qingxin.
But now they could finally get started. She didn't know if the quality would meet Yanfei's standards, but regardless, they'd pick them!
...
After much effort...
Bonanus carried Yanfei back and forth across the mountains, but this time they were more efficient. They gathered quite a few high-quality Qingxin.
They didn't pick them all, though—only about a dozen. There were plenty on the peaks. Even if they'd wanted to pick every one, it would have taken considerable time.
Besides, Bonanus had only wanted to taste them anyway. No need for too many.
As for the rest... they could be given as gifts or sold.
Herbalists occasionally passed through here. If they'd picked them all, those gatherers would surely be confused. The flowers would grow back, of course, but not quickly.
Leave some behind for others.
Bonanus stored the Qingxin in the internal space of her Hydro Crescent Ring. The space currently held some beginner items she'd received when arriving in this world.
It always looked empty—nothing but those basic supplies. No food, nothing. Gave off a poor, desolate impression.
Now with the Qingxin inside, it seemed a little more lively.
She wasn't worried about them getting damaged in storage. The system's products should preserve things easily.
If the Hydro Crescent Ring couldn't even manage that, it was worthless as an auxiliary tool.
---
Back on the ground
Yanfei rubbed her sore shoulders. Being suspended in the air like that had made her somewhat uncomfortable.
But regardless, their flower-picking mission was finally complete. Time to go home!
On the way back...
"Sister Bonanus, what are you going to use these Qingxin for? If you need medicine, I can contact Bubu Pharmacy."
Yanfei voiced the question that had been on her mind. Did someone she know need Qingxin for medicine? She could help if so.
Bonanus rubbed her cheek sheepishly. What was she going to use them for? To taste them, to tease others with, to give away as gifts...
Or to sell for Mora. Not much else.
"I actually just want to taste them myself. And give some to Ganyu and Mr. Zhongli." Bonanus replied honestly, without hiding anything.
Yanfei nodded slowly at this. She knew about Senior Ganyu. But Mr. Zhongli...
She recalled hearing that Mr. Zhongli had once commissioned someone to gather Qingxin from Jueyun Karst. So he'd commissioned Sister Bonanus this time unexpectedly.
Zhongli: I don't recall commissioning anyone...
Mr. Zhongli typically didn't commission others. But for gathering Qingxin, he'd often seek out adventurers to handle it.
Not sure if it was laziness or something else. Then again, given his personality—sipping tea and watching operas—he lived a leisurely life. He probably wouldn't let such trivial matters disrupt his vacation.
Yanfei knew Zhongli reasonably well, though she didn't know he was Rex Lapis. She thought of him as a knowledgeable, deep expert.
In her view, people like that wouldn't seek her help. Not a potential client. With Zhongli's intelligence, most couldn't handle him anyway.
Realizing how far her thoughts had wandered, Yanfei shook her head. Somehow, I ended up thinking about Mr. Zhongli.
He's so mysterious. Even my father won't tell me who he really is. I'm so curious.
"Never expected the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant to commission an adeptus. That's surprising." Yanfei muttered quietly.
Though Yanfei spoke softly, Bonanus caught it. The area was quiet, just the two of them and the wind. Hard not to hear.
"Don't say that. Mr. Zhongli is very knowledgeable. When Bosacius and I first arrived in this new Liyue Harbor, he was the one who guided us and showed us around." Bonanus smiled.
If Yanfei ever found out Zhongli was Rex Lapis, what expression would she make?
Yanfei had many guesses about Zhongli's identity, but she'd never considered the Archon. That was Rex Lapis! With Mr. Zhongli's personality—impossible!
"I heard about that. I was busy then, so I didn't get to see."
"It's still quite fascinating, though. I've looked into Mr. Zhongli but found nothing."
Yanfei nodded seriously. What was fascinating about him? Honestly, she couldn't say. Mr. Zhongli always seemed so calm, like an old man enjoying retirement. Hard to read.
"Haha, I think you should stop trying to figure out Mr. Zhongli. He's more complicated than you imagine." Bonanus laughed lightly.
"I know... but I'm curious!" Yanfei squirmed.
Her father had sparked this curiosity. With her lively, curious nature, she'd be restless until she got answers.
"Haha, you'll find out someday. But for now, we should head back!"