Ye Xi took a few deep breaths. Every time he saw Miko's seductive smile and that specific posture of hers, he couldn't help but curse inwardly the Sly Fox!
These past three years had been truly exhausting!
Don't think for a second that having a beautiful fox-like woman by your side is a good thing! This fox loved nothing more than teasing people. Moreover, for some reason, this woman seemed to be like a mind-reading parasite; no matter what he thought, he could never escape the palm of her hand.
He had always wanted to win one over on her, but he had never succeeded. However, he had lost his temper long ago. If it weren't for the Editor-in-Chief of the Yae Publishing House showing him such favor, he never would have become their best-selling author through his light novels and illustrations. Thus, he could only be filled with gratitude.
"I have some ideas for the new work. Please give me two more days, Editor-in-Chief."
Ye Xi spread out his lunchbox on the stone table of the pavilion. Eating naturally required beautiful scenery, and from this little haven, he could look out over the magnificent view of the Grand Narukami Shrine. With cherry blossoms as companions and the mountain breeze caressing him, it was a truly wonderful thing!
(And absolutely not because a certain fox was bathing nearby.)
Ye Xi shoveled three mouthfuls of rice into his mouth. It was delicious!
At that moment, Yae Miko, naturally hearing Ye Xi's inner thoughts, couldn't help but chuckle secretly. She actually knew that Ye Xi was a man with very firm principles. He had never done anything out of line with her. It was precisely because of this that she felt driven to test where his limits truly lay, over and over again.
Splash
In the hot spring pool, jade-green ripples danced as the reflection of the full moon swayed. As the hazy mist dissipated, Yae Miko stepped out of the water. When he looked again, she was already wrapped in her snowy-white ritual garb. Her fluffy tail gave a sharp shake behind her, sending droplets of water flying in all directions.
A surge of demonic power followed, and a crisp, refreshing scent filled the air.
"Mmm~ this smell... it's fried tofu from Uyuu Restaurant!"
Yae Miko seemed to transform into a different person as she leaned in.
She was always the type to be lured by fried tofu from the start. That setting really hasn't changed, Ye Xi grumbled to himself.
Back then, the group of juniors who were designing Yae Miko's character had specifically come to consult him to create a character everyone would love. Therefore, he understood Yae Miko very well. Although he hated to admit it, he was indeed being toyed with by a character his own juniors had created!
After wolfing down a piece of fried tofu, Yae Miko's beautiful eyes darted around before she brought a tail around to the front of her body. Having just come out of the bath, the tail was dry, fluffy, and looked incredibly soft.
"The color of this fur is exquisite. Want to try touching it?"
Ye Xi clicked his tongue and ignored her. He knew the next line from this Sly Fox would be something playful like "In your dreams!"
However, to his surprise, he felt a tail brush against his back in the very next second. That fluffy sensation swept over him, leaving a faint itch. It caused him to straighten his back reflexively, nearly sending the bowl in his hand flying.
But when he looked at Yae Miko with some irritation, he discovered that this mischievous woman actually had a crimson flush on her face.
He suddenly remembered something.
Wait, her setting... isn't her tail supposed to be extremely sensitive? That's why she usually keeps it tucked away...
She had played too far!
Yae Miko hastily retracted her tail, her heart pounding wildly. Though she usually teased Ye Xi with an air of indifference, it was always just talk. If it came to the real thing, she was actually afraid. Sneaking a glance at Ye Xi's handsome face with its bright eyes and white teeth, she quickly took a bite of fried tofu, feigning composure.
The subtle atmosphere left Ye Xi momentarily speechless. Unsure of what to say, he simply buried his head in his meal. There was no one else at the Grand Narukami Shrine right now; only a few fish in the pond were blowing bubbles. The air was somewhat sultry.
Ye Xi sighed, shaking off his stray thoughts.
Feeling my heart flutter for a character I helped create... there must be a screw loose in my head!
Beside him, Miko heard his thoughts and suddenly felt a sense of emptiness. She was a bit indignant! What was wrong with liking a character you created? When you were playing Genshin Impact, didn't you set your ID to "Husband"! You were called "Husband" by Liyue's Ganyu and the Yuheng, Keqing! You even let Klee call you...
Just as she was feeling a bit jealous, she heard his voice again.
Calculating the time, the story should be about to begin. In this world, will it be Lumine or Aether? Will this "Traveler" be a player-controlled character or one with self-awareness? If it's not a player-controlled character, would they be able to defeat Dvalin? I'm a bit worried... Should I go to Mondstadt to take a look? Maybe get in contact with them early?
Seeing the worry on Ye Xi's face, Yae Miko began to calculate as well. She had heard about this matter countless times through Ye Xi's inner voice. It seemed a new protagonist was about to appear to save the Seven Nations. The protagonist's path could be determined by a "Player."
Some would choose the brother Aether. Others would choose the sister Lumine. If something went wrong with them, this world might not be able to continue functioning!
Sigh, back then, I personally drew the original concept art for Aether and Lumine and participated in their modeling. These two siblings are like my own children. Without a player to control them, they might be in danger.
Ye Xi had played a significant role when he first joined the Genshin Impact project team. Now, facing Aether and Lumine, he felt the weariness of an old father. Along with that weariness came a deep sense of concern.
Now that I have considerable strength myself, I might as well go to Mondstadt to see if I can help. Even if I can't help directly, protecting them from the shadows would work... Yes, that's the only way to ensure nothing goes wrong!
Ye Xi made up his mind. He put down his chopsticks and said, "Editor-in-Chief, there is something I need to discuss with you."
"Miko?"
At this moment, Yae Miko had fallen into a state of shock because of Ye Xi's decision. Ye Xi was going to leave Inazuma? But what about her? She couldn't imagine life without Ye Xi.
Currently, Ei was trapped in her obsession with eternity, sealing herself within the Plane of Euthymia. This left Miko incredibly lonely and isolated. Furthermore, she had already completely adapted to a life with Ye Xi by her side. To suddenly part like this...
No, absolutely not!
If Ye Xi left Inazuma, what if he ended up with those women outside! At the thought of Ganyu, Eula, Keqing, and all those other women Ye Xi was constantly thinking about, her heart felt as if it had been dunked into a vat of vinegar!