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Published:
2021-10-05
Updated:
2021-11-29
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4/?
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The Sins of the Past Shall Haunt the Future (CRT)

Summary:

"Who is he?" Chongyun texted back, and Xingqiu could perfectly envision the confusion and surprise painting his face. Even he was shocked to see Zhongli, Liyue's most eligible bachelor, out and about with a blue-eyed beauty. He was definitely from Snezhnaya, unmistakably ginger, or maybe he was from Fontaine? Xingqiu could only assume, but that was fine, he had a much better way to find out.

"He's Childe, didn't catch the last name, but you're bound to find it. Make sure to send it to the Adepti." Xingqiu chuckled as he hit send. He knows it'll take less than 5 minutes before the news reaches the current lady of the Golden House.

He returns to his table and leaves a huge tip for the waiter. He was feeling extra generous today, the new romance venture fuelling his current mood. As his slightly heeled shoes clatter against linoleum, he glances at the ginger one last time. He was no stranger to dressing up, his shoes are definitely a bit pricey. The poor man just doesn't seem to know just what he's gotten himself into.

As he opens the door, he wonders if he'll even be able to make it into the Golden House’s gates.

or: The Crazy Rich Asians AU I've always wanted to write. (Crazy Rich Teyvatans)

Notes:

Well then looks like it happened again *head in hands*

This was originally posted September 14, but I guess my laptop's browser did not cooperate (once more) and lo and behold, I have to reupload. Again.

Idk what sort of bug I have, but it's probably time I changed browsers.

Anyways, this prompt has been stuck in my head ever since the Lantern Rite, and now that I've finally figured out each character's role, I'm happy to finally post this fic! This will probably be my first multiship fic and I'll be implanting a lot of my headcanons into this brainchild of mine. The entire fic is only slightly inspired by Kevin Kwan's series, Crazy Rich Asians.

I hope you enjoy this fic, this will probably be the longest fic I'll ever write.

All italics are in Liyuean or any language that isn't Teyvat Common, which is what I'm calling English.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter Text

 

The night was slow for the Grand Goth Hotel. Aramis found himself lazily polishing the placard at the front of the reception desk, waiting for the usually busy elevators to finally make a sound. Not a single guest had gone outside, and if he were being honest, he found this rather boring. The rain angrily pouring outside did nothing but further accentuate the emptiness of the hotel, and for once, he wished that the night wasn’t as peaceful.

 

He glances towards the hotel’s windows once more, his eyes squinting as he spots dots of black sprinting towards the hotel. Guests? At least something was interesting to his already bleary day. He straightens the lapels of his coat and stands straight, painting his usual service worthy smile onto his face as he waits for the guests to arrive.

 

He sees two children, probably no older than 10, running into the revolving doors, bags pressed against the glass. They were drenched head to toe, and Aramis couldn’t help but curse at the mess he’d have to clean later. They were soon followed by two women, one of them had paperwhite roots, her long hair tied around into an intricate bun, holding onto a rather stunning purse, and another woman clad in blue, who just seemed to be relieved that she finally didn’t have to scurry about in the rain. 

 

He watched the white-haired woman usher the two children onto the rug, drying off their shoes before scurrying towards the desk, the woman in blue following them, carrying the rest of their bags. He bows his head down as the woman strides to the counter, heeled clacking shoes against the marble. “This is the Grand Goth Hotel, a private-” He greeted, having recited those same words over and over again to the multitude of guests that flooded the fine establishment.

 

“I have a reservation under Zhenjun for the Brightcrown Suite?” She inquired politely, her Teyvat Common flawless. Her eyes were cold as glass, almost as if she and her kids hadn’t just run across the road in the middle of the rain. Her eyes were golden, a striking amber that essentially radiated timelessness. “I believe we spoke over the phone, I even have a confirmation,” 

 

Aramis looked towards the list of bookings, scanning through them with haste honed over the years. His lips painted into a thin line. “It seems we don’t have one under that name, my apologies, but I’ll have to ask you to leave.” He politely replied, cordial as ever. Her name wasn’t on the list, people couldn’t just stride in here and demand their finest suite. Master Goth wouldn’t want rowdy Liyuean’s entering his establishment without even the slightest bit of decorum.

 

Her brows raise, not too high that it seemed genuinely confused but high enough that it was evident she was unimpressed. Liuyun turns to Havria, whose face had seemed to have sunken even more. “ We made reservations, didn’t we?” She muttered to her sister.

 

“We did achi, they’re probably just being stingy,” Havria replied, her voice low and traced with a hint of bitterness. Havria never liked it when people looked at them and assumed otherwise.

 

Zhongli opted to tune out the rest of their conversation, opting to look at the clerk in front of them to distract himself from getting down. The boy saw the clerk's hands reaching under the desk as if pressing a button. He tugged on Guizhong’s coat, his head motioning towards the desk. This, in turn, made Guizhong tug on the sleeves of her own mother, who had finally glanced back at the man in front of them.

 

Havria and Liuyun quiet down as they realise the situation they were in. It was utterly laughable, really, for them to be treated in such a manner, but she supposed that he would be proven wrong soon enough. Another man enters the lobby, wearing a plain black suit with matching slacks. His eyes fall on the family.

 

“Good evening, I’m the hotel manager, Porthos, what seems to be the problem?” He greets, his face indifferent despite the polite tone in his voice. Zhongli frowns, he just knows where this is going, again.

 

Liuyun sighs. “I’m Mrs Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun, I and my family booked a suite here, it was confirmed over the phone. We’d just like to be allowed into our suite, is that too much to ask?” She responds, placing her hand onto her son’s back. Zhongli took this as his cue to act all mopey, if the man had a heart, then he’d probably allow them in.

 

Guizhong shot him a raised brow, but Zhongli ignored it.

 

Porthos sighed, not realising the gravity of the situation. “I’m terribly sorry madam, but we’re fully booked. We would’ve found your reservation the moment you stated your name, but if Aramis found nothing then I’m afraid you must be mistaken.” He spares a glance to Aramis, the man behind the desk nodding. “May I suggest another option? Perhaps you’d enjoy Little Liyue?” 

 

“This fucker is…” Havria cursed beneath her breath, making sure to not let the two children hear. She didn’t want them to pick up such habits until they were older. 

 

“At least allow me to use the phone, it’s the least you could do for troubling my family so.” She replied, her voice levelled as a sharp glare was directed at him. She ushered Zhongli and Guizhong towards Havria, who had already turned away from the hotel manager, fearing that her rage might double at the sight of his crooked glasses.

 

Porthos remained indifferent. “As you wish.”

 


 

Zhongli and Guizhong knew where this was going. They usually had to resort to rather...drastic measures. He still remembered that time where his mother had bought an entire acre to drive away a certain miscreant. “So...how long do you think this one will last?” Zhongli muttered to Guizhong, who had her ears pressed against the glass of the phone booth.

 

Guizhong smiled, her arms dancing slightly as she heard the good news. “It’s already ending, ‘Li. She’s saying her goodbyes to your baba.” 

 

Zhongli sighed contentedly, finally happy that this was all over. “At least we don’t have to be in the rain anymore.”

 

Guizhong nodded. “Race you to the doors?”

 

Zhongli didn’t need to be told twice.

 


 

When Liuyun returns inside the lobby, Havria smirking proudly behind her with the two children scurrying about, Porthos almost lunges across the counter. Instead, he opts for a much more headstrong approach, using words to kindly deliver his message to the woman. “Mrs Liuyun! I politely ask you to leave the establishment, otherwise, we’d have to involve authorities-”

 

“Please go right ahead, I wouldn’t mind the conflict all that much.” Liuyun scoffed, and the two children behind her couldn’t help but chuckle. Zhongli was beaming at the aghast man, his eyes the same shade of amber his mother possessed was now tinge with a confident glint. If he were a more mischievous kid, then maybe he would’ve made some face, sticking his tongue out at the less than pleased man. However, he wasn’t the impolite one. That was more Guizhong’s playing field. 

 

As a matter of fact, she was doing it right now, using her hat as a way to hide it from her mother, who was ready to spit out another insult at the clueless men. Guizhong taunted the man with fervour, tongue sticking out and nose scrunched. Zhongli glanced at his Havria probably noticed her daughter’s less than discreet attempts at hiding her taunting, but she paid no mind. There was no use reprimanding a young child for something this trivial anyway, she’ll grow out of it.

 

The rising––not really–– tension had snapped at the sound of the elevator, the doors opening to reveal a man in nightwear, a bright smile on his face. Upon spotting the man, Guizhong immediately relented, which made Zhongli snicker a bit, though it was hidden behind a poorly hidden cough.

 

Zhongli watches his mother and the hotel manager turn to face the man, and he already knew the flowery words that were going to leave the elder man’s mouth. Such was the way when dealing with the Adepti, people whispering the sweetest and kindest of words as if his mother was the purest soul they’d ever met, the respect and adoration melded with fear as what seemed to be improbable came to bite you back. He watches as the hotel manager freezes in place as the elderly man greeted his mother with a hug.

 

“Mrs Liuyun, my deepest apologies, I should’ve come to escort you sooner. Now I’ve sullied a perfectly good coat.” He greets with slight chagrin as if his tardiness felt like it deserved punishment. It didn’t really, though Zhongli would’ve preferred if he and Guizhong weren’t drenched in rain, again.

 

“Prepare the Brightcrown Suite! Now!” The man ––whose name was Goth, similarly to the hotel–– snapped at his staff, his welcoming tone shifting to authoritarian in an instant.

 

“Sir, are you joking?” Porthos shyly asks, his confidence washing away in an instant, one could say his mood was comparable to the rain outside. 

 

“Porthos, this is the Zhenjun family from the heart of Liyue, I’m very pleased to have them as my business associates. Please, right this way, let’s have tea to celebrate our newly founded partnership.” Goth introduces, motioning for the small family to follow after him, the smile on his face never leaving. Zhongli wanted to bet that his mother had thrown more money at this building than what it was worth, but then again, he couldn’t really blame her, the zeroes on her account were endless.

 

“Get a mop, will you? The floor’s rather wet.” Liuyun gently nudged her son forward, winking at the child as she took his hand. Zhongli dutifully followed behind his mother, his hands gripping her slim fingers, though he couldn't help but glance at the poor hotel manager. He could feel the anxiety that exuded from this man. Being the manager of the Goth Hotel must’ve been such a big deal to him. 

 

He put this upon himself though, so Zhongli didn’t feel too guilty about his jobless future. 

 

Guizhong happily skipped behind her mother, almost blowing a raspberry towards the manager, though Havria managed to stop her from doing any further than a wiggle of fingers and skipping tauntingly, the pep in her step unmistakable. Havria ought to teach her how to hide these uglier emotions better, it wouldn’t be good for her daughter to be known as a bully. 

 

So, the Zhenjun family headed towards their new suite––and business venture–– with a relieved smile on their faces, finally happy to receive the accommodation they deserved after a gruelling 12-hour flight and a sprint across heavy rains. As for what happened to the two clerks, let’s just say they were suspended until further notice.

 




Zhongli watches amusedly as Childe flips a recruit over his head, twisting around to pin the helpless man against the ground with a thud, the makeshift arena in the bank acting as a softer surface for the man to lie on. He placed his foot on the man’s back as if solidifying his point. “We may no longer share the same convictions as the past Fatui, but you could at least learn to throw a punch, Victor.” The Snezhnayan proudly smirked, his confidence reaching tenfold as the man sagged sadly beneath him. 

 

“I yield! I yield, Lord Tartaglia!” Victor pathetically admits, relief coursing through his veins as Childe detached himself from him. He must admit that it was quite embarrassing to be made an example in front of all the recruits.

 

“Honestly, you recruits are so easy to tease, you guys better not be like that when you’re actually performing your duties.” Childe muses, his gaze falling on each recruit, the nervous air from the first minutes of his initiation no longer palpable. It was the type of anxious air you’d feel after wondering if the teacher would give more homework, it was something Childe could work with.

 

The crowd nodded with a chuckle, Nadia and Vlad laughing rather loudly from the back, seeing as they were the most experienced and long-standing recruits Childe ever had the pleasure of working with. He scans the eyes of each member, relieved to find that any threats he had made at the beginning had been washed away by the stunt he pulled on Victor. This was the type of initiation he enjoyed, way better and more realistic than whatever Dottore had when he brought new interns to his “expeditions”. 

 

His eyes fall onto a familiar golden-eyed man near the foyer, his spot slightly covered by expertly placed privacy screens. Childe finds himself smiling even more. “Alright, freshies, Welcome to the Fatui! For the record, any rumours of bounty hunting are completely false. If someone tries to sell you a delusion, don’t take it, that's weed.” He began once more. He could feel Ekatrina’s stare burn holes into his back, he’ll probably get lectured by her for his lack of professionalism and such. It didn’t matter much to Childe anyway, Childe was her boss, who was she for him to take her advice?

 

“Ekaterina will inform you of all of your assignments for the time being. An email from the Zapolarny palace will inform you of when you are due to return to the country. That’s all for now.” He could see the way some faces lit up at the mention of that last bit. It was always like this with the freshies, so eager to return home, to be bundled up in their houses beside fireplaces, sipping fire whiskey while cuddled up to someone or some pet. 

 

Childe felt homesick sometimes, but he had to admit it became significantly easier to juggle his personal feelings and responsibilities ever since Zhongli came into his life four years ago. It’s quite ironic for him to say that though, considering he’s quite the trainwreck himself. Childe vows to never admit this to Zhongli.

 

Without saying another word, he dismissed the recruits in his care, letting Ekatrina ––who looked ready to tear him a new one–– deal with them. It was her job as his secretary to act as his extension, ready to pass on “his” word onto them. This shouldn’t be too much of a struggle for her.

 

As the recruits file out of the office, one of the recruits nearly running into the door frame, Zhongli casually slips in, a lethargic smile on his face as he walks towards the ginger. “You know, you really do tend to get a bit riled up when it comes to these types of things.” Zhongli duly noted, as if his display of martial prowess against the fresh recruits was not enough proof.

 

“Did you come in here to tease me about my tendencies, Zhongli?” Childe jokingly asked, his hands focused on straightening the fabric of his shirt.

 

Zhongli paused for a moment, pondering on what to say. “Well, I was going to invite you to brunch, but it seems you’d prefer if I teased you here instead-” He began to ramble, that ever-familiar air of confidence radiating from him. 

 

Childe promptly cuts him off by jokingly nudging his elbow to the man’s arms. He engraved the confident smirk that had plastered onto Zhongli’s face into memory. “Keep quiet, professor.” He began with a tut, fingers disapprovingly wiggling at Zhongli in a cartoonishly animated manner. “Now let’s go to that brunch I’m definitely paying for.”

 




“Honestly, Zhongli, for someone so well versed and knowledgeable, I would have expected you to have the sense to bring your own wallet. I can count the number of times you’ve paid with the back of my hand...and you’re drinking my drink again.” Childe groaned as he watched Zhongli steal a sip from his blended tea, the latter humming a non-committal noise as he continued to drink.

 

Zhongli sets the mug back down with a chuckle. “I’m terribly sorry, Childe. I promise to bring it with me next time.” He reassured Childe, his smile wholehearted as if he hadn’t drained Childe of thousands ever since they started dating 3 years ago. Childe couldn’t stay mad at him though, he was utterly smitten with the man. Head over wallet for him, in a way. 

 

“You’ve been saying that for about two years now, ‘Li…” Childe trailed cheekily, eyes trained on the sudden pink flush of embarrassment that painted Zhongli’s face. It was worth it, teasing Zhongli like this, the man was always an open book to him, easy to read, fun to be around with. He honestly couldn't imagine a life without the other’s eccentric yet lovable tendencies.

 

“I...I will make it up to you then,” Zhongli began, his voice the same silky, steady baritone that put Childe’s mind at ease. “How about travelling east?” He inquired, his gaze genuine.

 

“East as in...that border city between Fontaine and Sumeru?” Childe asked, brows raised as he sipped his seafood soup, the only thing Zhongli didn’t dare touch the entire dinner. 

 

“I was thinking further like...east as in Feiyun Slope, Liyue?” Zhongli admitted his intentions, all laid out for Childe to see and ponder. Childe almost wants to snort, but instead opts for a much more sensible approach. 

 

“So all this was to bait me into this? I have to say, you’re getting very good at manipulating the conversation.” Childe joked as he scooped some octopus into his spoon. He could feel the way Zhongli falters for a moment as if he realised what he’d just done.

 

“I apologise, Childe, I didn’t mean for our meal together to sound like an excuse to segway into this topic...I just wasn’t sure how to approach it.” Zhongli apologised once more, and, as most of his apologies were, it was sincere. Zhongli takes apologies very seriously, contracts even more, but that’s probably due to the fact he’s an acting consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, and parlour tends to deal with many grieving souls. 

 

“I know, I know. Don’t worry you didn’t do anything wrong. Just know that when you’re with me, you don’t have to resort to this, you can be as direct as possible.” Childe reassured, knowing full well that if he didn’t, Zhongli’s faultless guilt was going to eat at the man for at least two weeks. 

 

“I understand, I’ll keep that in mind.” Zhongli chuckled, relieved. 

 

Childe raised a brow at the man. “So...why do you want to bring me to Liyue?” He asked, slightly hesitating. Liyue meant one thing, Zhongli’s family, and the thought suddenly stirred very complicated emotions in the pits of his stomach. Zhongli rarely talked about his family, and he had only met his cousin, Guizhong, in passing. And while Zhongli insisted that the rest of the family apart from Guizhong were rather distant with him, he couldn’t help but think anything but.

 

“We’ve been dating for at least 3 years now, I want you to meet my family. I just couldn’t find the right time to ask you to come with me. But now...” He paused, articulating the words he wanted to say to the Snezhnayan in front of him. “You’ve heard of Xiao, right?” Zhongli asked, only continuing after Childe nodded. Zhongli has a soft smile on his face, reassuringly placing his hand on top of Childe’s. “He’s getting married, and as he had promised many years ago, I’m his best man. I want to bring you to the wedding. I should’ve brought you to Liyue sooner, but I didn’t want to interfere with your work much.”

 

Childe smiled at that. Archons above, Zhongli truly was perfect inside and out. The amount of consideration this man placed in each decision, the amount of sincerity and genuine concern and love he could give. If this were anyone else, it would’ve overwhelmed Childe, but this wasn’t just anyone else, this was Zhongli. He was pretty sure he’d jump off a cliff if that meant he could spend the rest of his life with him.

 

“You always put me before you, you know? I wouldn’t have minded if you told me to come with you to Liyue earlier.” Childe intertwined his calloused fingers with Zhongli’s slim ones.  “I’ll come with you to Liyue, it’s near Dragonspine anyway, and archon knows Kaeya’s been pestering me to come.” He said, and he could feel Zhongli breathe a sigh of relief. 

 

“Honestly, there was no need to be so nervous. I’m sure your family operates like any other would.” He offhandedly comments, and the moment the words left his mouth, Zhongli choked on his own drink. Suddenly, that pit in his stomach returned, was Zhongli’s family that bad?

 

“I will be very honest with you...they work in strange ways. But I have no doubt you’ll impress them, after all, you are extraordinary.” Zhongli praised, and Childe almost wanted to grab Zhongli and make out with him. Of course, he let his self-restraint control his movements, opting to press a light peck to Zhongli’s lips. 

 

“I’m very glad that you hold me with such high prestige then,” Childe swore that his heart melted with the utterly lovelorn gaze Zhongli gave him.

 


 

 

Xingqiu passes by them, phone in hand as he very discreetly snaps a photo of the Zhenjun heir. He couldn’t believe his luck today, it was honestly appalling. Who would’ve thought that Zhongli would end up dating a Snezhnayan? A seemingly confident one as well. He always thought Zhongli to be the type to go for a more calm and collected type, someone he could probably enjoy tea with and walk through museums in and whatever other stuff he was rumoured to enjoy.

 

Xingqiu’s finger hovers over Chongyun’s icon, ready to send his newly acquired, boiling tea. How would the Liyuean business families react? He wondered if the Wangsheng family would jump at the chance to interrogate Zhongli, the man was acting as a consultant for them after all. He wondered if the Qixing would send Kazuha out to investigate, the man was quite talented at stealth. He wondered how the adepti would react, and how willing they’d castrate the ginger in front of Zhongli.

 

Looks like I found where the Zhenjun heir’s been keeping busying himself with.” Xingqiu sent the photo without a second thought, his glee expertly hidden behind his expertly crafted poker face. He glances towards them as he walks towards the counter, ordering a smoothie. He glanced at his phone as he watched Chongyun type back. 

 

“Who is he?" Chongyun texted back, and Xingqiu could perfectly envision the confusion and surprise painting his face. Even he was shocked to see Zhongli, Liyue's most eligible bachelor, out and about with a blue-eyed beauty. He was definitely from Snezhnaya, unmistakably ginger, or maybe he was from Fontaine? Xingqiu could only assume, but that was fine, he had a much better way to find out.

 

"He's Childe, didn't catch the last name, but you're bound to find it. Just make sure to send it to the Adepti. " Xingqiu chuckled as he hit send. He just knows it'll take less than 5 minutes before the news reaches the current lady of the Golden House. 

 

He returns to his table and leaves a huge tip for the waiter. He was feeling extra generous today, the new romance venture definitely fueling his current mood. As his slightly heeled shoes clatter against linoleum, he glances at the ginger one last time. He was no stranger to dressing up, his shoes are definitely a bit pricey. The poor man just doesn't seem to know just what he's gotten himself into.

 

As he opens the door, he wonders if he'll even be able to make it into the Golden House’s gates.

 


 

Chongyun_official:

sent attachment OMGYUNYUNIT'SZHONGLIWITHAGUY.jpeg

Hey, isn’t this Zhongli? @Who-HuTao_off 

 

Yan-Yanfei: 

sent attachment OMGYUNYUNIT'SZHONGLIWITHAGUY.jpeg

Hey, isn’t this Zhongli? @Who-HuTao_off 

You’re right, this is Zhongli-

 

Who-HuTao_off: Oh my archons what is Zhongli doing?? He said he was going to deal with a client in Fontaine not flirt with some dude???: head in hands:

 

Crux_captain-official: Zhongli's been hiding because of this? He's so screwed.

 

Tianquan_off: Who's the guy? @Chongyun_official @Guhua-Clan_Xingqiu

Guhua-Clan_Xingqiu: I heard his name's Childe or something.

 

Kazuha_official: He picked a ginger of all people? Damnit now I lost my bet with @Gold-winged_Xiao

 

Gold-winged_Xiao: 

sent attachment OMGYUNYUNIT'SZHONGLIWITHAGUY.jpeg

Hey, isn’t this Zhongli? @Who-HuTao_off 

THAT'S A FUCKING FATUI HARBINGER

 

Bubu-Baizhu:

THAT'S A FUCKING FATUI HARBINGER

Now this is interesting

 

Yuheng_official: Ugh, is this a joke? Zhongli should have better taste than that.

 

Xiangling-ling_wanmin: I heard from one of my branch managers that they come to Wanmin ALLLLLLLLL the time.

 

Amp-It-Up: I've seen him before when I toured in Natlan, he's the feared 11th Harbinger or something along those lines.

 

Who-HuTao_off: 

I heard from one of my branch managers that they come to Wanmin ALLLLLLLLL the time.

No wonder Zhongli never pays his bills back after redirecting it to Wanmin, he's been draining this guy

 

Yan-Yanfei:

No wonder Zhongli never pays his bills back after redirecting it to Wanmin, he's been draining this guy

That's what you get from this @Who-HuTao_off?? :disappointed:

 

Ganyu_sec: Shouldn't we be informing Guizhong?

 

Gold-winged_Xiao:

I've seen him before when I toured in Natlan, he's the feared 11th Harbinger or something along those lines.

I'm suddenly feeling the urge to stab-

 

Kazuha_official:

I've seen him before when I toured in Natlan, he's the feared 11th Harbinger or something along those lines.

He's that 11th? Just what did Zhongli get himself into?

 

Yuheng_official: 

He's that 11th? Just what did Zhongli get himself into?

At least he's better than a certain someone...

 

Guhua-Clan_Xingqiu: @everyone HE'S BRINGING HIM TO THE WEDDING BTW :flamenco:

 

Bubu-Baizhu:

@everyone HE'S BRINGING HIM TO THE WEDDING BTW :flamenco:

Looks like it's my job to step up as Lady Zhenjun's associate...

 

Crux_captain-official: Here lies Zhongli, his ass isn't in here yeah, but he's surely going to get chewed out by Lady Zhenjun.

 

Who-HuTao_off: I'll make sure to give him a discounted coffin.

 


 

Baizhu was allowed into Liyun’s office, her usual smile replaced with a concerned frown. She sets her gaze on the man in front of her, awaiting the words that would come out of his mouth. She was concerned, especially after the urgency in which Baizhu reached out to her. The man rarely ever approached her in such a manner, his usual self a mixture of a composed and cocky individual.

 

“So what brings you here, Baizhu?” She asked, her brows furrowing as Baizhu fished his phone out of his pocket.

 

“Lady Liuyun, are you aware that Zhongli is bringing someone to the wedding? A Fatui Harbinger, no less.” Baizhu inquired as he showed her the photo Xingqiu took a few minutes ago. Liuyun’s eyes widened as she stared at the photo. She never cared for the gender of the lover’s her son took, but she was rather befuddled that he’d collude and fall for a Harbinger.

 

“I was not aware of it until now...Thank you for informing Baizhu.” Liuyun pressed her lips into a thin line, her thoughts racing. Would Zhongli settle for this? From the looks of it, he seems very serious about his relationship with this Snezhnayan. Was he really planning to bring home a Fatui Harbinger after years of leaving Liyue?

 

Baizhu stopped himself from grimacing at the look on Liuyun’s face. He could understand why she’d be like this. The rest of the world has always been rather apprehensive of the Fatui, regardless if their reign of terror was nothing but a myth from centuries before, lost to history in scrolls and such. Zhongli being seen with someone like that would be horrible for his image.

 

Liuyun sighed. “You can leave now Baizhu, I have a call to make.”

 

Baizhu did so without a second thought.