The key thing was that Lu Lin noticed Ningguang's expression was extremely serious.
She was genuinely considering the possibility.
It wasn't entirely unreasonable.
In her eyes, Lu Lin claimed to be an otherworldly traveler. He possessed the ability to stop time and to transmit pleasure to her across distance — already mysterious and terrifying enough.
Who knew what other powers he might possess? Perhaps something capable of killing Rex Lapis?
And then there was the conversation he had with Keqing — discussing how Liyue should be governed if the gods no longer protected it.
Looking back now, that seemed highly suspicious.
It was almost as if he had known Rex Lapis would fall.
Now he had appeared at Yujing Terrace and rescued the blonde traveler from the Millelith. Every action only added to the suspicion.
She maintained correspondence with Jean of the Knights of Favonius and knew enough about Lumine to believe she was not the assassin.
But she did not trust Lu Lin.
"Wait, you can't seriously think it was me?" Lu Lin said incredulously. "If I had that kind of power, I wouldn't have nearly died in the Guili ruins!"
"How do I know that wasn't an act?"
Lu Lin's patience snapped slightly.
They were in a secluded area near a narrow alley. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside.
Ningguang wore an ornate ceremonial gown — luxurious fabric, intricate embroidery, regal and dignified.
Startled, she instinctively tried to resist.
But when she met his anger-filled gaze, the strength she gathered seemed to dissipate.
He pressed her against the wall and kissed her without warning.
"Don't—!" She tried to turn her head away, but he was stronger.
The kiss was forceful, aggressive. He pried her lips open, leaving no room to breathe.
She struggled briefly — then softened under his insistence.
Feeling her resistance fade, his hand slipped beneath her collar along a flawless curve, attempting to grasp what refused to be fully contained.
"Lu Lin!" she gasped, the reprimand tinged with something softer than anger.
Her body stiffened.
The sensation sent warmth through her again — this time originating from herself, more intense than the transmitted pleasure of before.
Gradually, she melted into his embrace.
After a moment, he withdrew slightly and looked at her.
"Do you still think I assassinated Rex Lapis?"
She turned her face away, biting her lip, silent.
His hand hadn't withdrawn.
When she refused to answer, he applied slight pressure, drawing a soft sound from her.
"If I'm that terrible in your eyes," he said coolly, "then I might as well be worse."
He made as if to pull her gown open further.
Finally, she gave in.
"…It wasn't you."
"What was that? I didn't hear you."
"Not you!" Her voice rose slightly.
Satisfied, he smiled faintly.
Without realizing it, he had breached the shell around her.
She was close to yielding.
But it wasn't only his doing.
She had also reasoned it through.
Though Lu Lin was shameless and irritating, he was not malicious.
He had played a key role in resolving the Guili crisis and saving Liyue citizens.
Ganyu and Hu Tao were intelligent and independent women — Ganyu with millennia of experience.
The man they both chose could not be corrupt at heart.
And though he had used many tricks on her, he had never truly forced her.
Perhaps he had lines he would not cross.
Ningguang became aware that her attitude toward him had shifted — from deep resentment to something far more complicated.
What was happening to her?
Lu Lin, however, understood.
She was strong and proud, but still human.
She experienced doubt, fatigue, and vulnerability.
In business, she always controlled the field.
But Lu Lin was not a rival merchant — he attacked her emotionally, with methods beyond her comprehension.
And just when her defenses weakened, Rex Lapis fell.
The burden of Liyue now rested on her shoulders.
Under that weight, she faltered.
If she truly believed him guilty, she should have mobilized the Millelith.
Instead, she came alone.
Lu Lin sighed inwardly, feeling a flicker of sympathy.
Outwardly, he remained dominant.
"Since Lady Ningguang has declared me innocent, I suppose I'm free to go?"
Even in her fragile state, she rolled her eyes internally.
You're holding me against the wall, kissing me, touching me — and now you ask if you can leave?
You're not even letting go.
She understood his meaning.
He wouldn't leave.
He wanted her to ask.
In truth, that was part of why she came.
If he wasn't the culprit, then his insight and mysterious abilities made him a valuable ally.
And she needed allies.
They held each other's gaze for nearly two minutes.
Finally, she exhaled softly.
"Lu Lin… can you help me?"
He tilted his head slightly.
"Hmm? Should I interpret that as you asking for my help? Because you don't quite sound like someone begging."