Genshin Impact: I, the Winter's Executor, am forced to work.

No wonder the atmosphere felt off earlier. If I had come back any later, would we have started fighting?

He silently picked up the teapot beside him and poured tea for Hu Tao and Yun Jin, then naturally picked up the snacks on the table and put them in his mouth.

"Actually, Miss Tatiana and I didn't talk about anything important. I just encountered some bottlenecks at work recently and wanted to go to your study to find some inspiration."

Ye Lan directly sought Qin Ye's opinion.

She wasn't saying she absolutely had to go up to the second floor or anything; she just needed to observe the other person's behavior. If they strongly refused, then there was a problem, and she could easily explain herself when she got back.

Hu Tao had her own opinion on this matter. She could sense that something was off about the atmosphere, so she didn't join in the commotion.

Yun Jin, on the other hand, felt that without the owner's permission... well, she certainly wouldn't dare to say she wanted to visit someone else's living area.

"Of course, no problem."

To everyone's surprise, Qin Ye readily agreed to the other party's request with a smile.

Tatiana raised an eyebrow, swallowing the words she wanted to say.

Brother Qin Ye wouldn't make such a small mistake; he probably wanted to put on an air of confidence so that the other party would give up on their own.

"No way? My partner doesn't know I'm upstairs?"

D'Artagnan lay on the floor, listening intently to the sounds coming from downstairs.

He is currently wanted by the authorities, but he doesn't think it would be difficult for him to be hunted by the Thousand Rock Army, since the Thousand Rock Army definitely won't be able to catch him.

But if it causes trouble for your partners...

The consequences would be unimaginable!

My friend! Think twice before you act!

"Zhongli, where are you going?" Before he could recover from his panic, he saw Zhongli silently stand up.

He smiled, as if stating something perfectly natural: "Since my brother Qin has come, it's only natural that I should meet him."

Chapter 197 The Rock King Emperor is Dead

"Hey! Zhongli..."

D'Artagnan held onto Zhongli's arm tightly, preventing him from taking another step forward.

"Oh? I just wanted to catch up with Brother Qin, why are you stopping me?"

"..."

The young master felt something was amiss; given the other party's intelligence...

Of course, although I'm not as good as my partner, I should still be able to understand the current situation.

Even setting aside the fact that Chiiwa's soldier is carrying portraits of the two men and could be arrested and imprisoned at any moment, shouldn't the most basic moral principle be to avoid causing trouble for one's friend while visiting their home?

Could it be that...?

A sudden inspiration struck the young master.

After careful consideration, my companions sent me to Liyue to protect... Fine, protecting Zhongli might not be my job, so my companions sent me to Liyue to assist Zhongli's actions. Not long after, the Geo Archon suddenly died.

Is it possible that this is how your companions obtain the Heart of Geo? Even Piero is wary of the Heart of Geo, so...

That's it!

Therefore, we can conclude that Zhongli is actually an undercover agent sent by his ally! He's one of their own!

He and his partners must have some big plan that will surprise everyone!

That makes sense.

"But are you sure you want to go down now? Is this the most appropriate time?"

The young master's words had taken on a different meaning; although they were still meant to comfort, they now contained a hint of inquiry.

Zhongli shook his head with a wry smile.

I must say, the helper that Brother Qin sent is really... at least kind-hearted.

He offered no further explanation and simply walked towards the door.

(downstairs)

"What's wrong, Miss Yelan? Aren't you going up to check on her?"

Qin Ye reached out and took the tea that Tatiana had brewed for him. He took a small sip, let out a long breath, and smiled at Hu Tao and Yun Jin, as if they were having a casual chat.

"There's no rush. After all, I'm mainly here as a guest to catch up. It's more relaxing to put all the messy stuff behind me."

Ye Lan sighed inwardly. She wasn't sure if Qin Ye was bluffing or setting a trap for her. In any case, it was better to stall for time.

"Hehe, Qin Keqing, our Yun Jin doesn't understand the intricacies of your politicians. Instead of wasting time exchanging secret codes, it would be more practical to have Yun Jin perform a piece of opera."

Hu Tao has a keen eye for atmosphere, and her lively words easily infect others. She wants to take this opportunity to turn this visit into a full-fledged tea party.

and...

To be honest, if the old antique really was hiding here, she would definitely provide cover, since she didn't believe that person would do something like assassinating the Rock King Emperor.

"Ahem, Hu Tao..." Yun Jin coughed lightly, a little embarrassed, to clear her throat. "Then I'll make a fool of myself and sing a short song."

"Yes, yes, it's been a long time since we've heard Yun Jin's private little tunes. Qin Keqing and Ye Lan, you two should relax too, after all..."

Hu Tao's eyes darted around mischievously, and she stuck out her tongue: "Does this wanted criminal think he can just jump onto our faces?"

Yun Jin nodded shyly to the group, and then began to sing the song she was best at on the opera stage.

As the song ended, everyone couldn't help but applaud from the bottom of their hearts, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

"Hmm, fresh and elegant, intriguing, with excellent rhythm and rich flavor, truly worthy of Mr. Yun. I have been troubled lately and have not been able to visit Yunhan Society to enjoy Mr. Yun's opera for several days. I am truly ashamed."

A steady, discerning voice came from upstairs, and the familiar voice made Hu Tao clench her fists.

Really? Is this old-fashioned person so impatient?

Or is this an attempt to shift the blame and cause a rift between Liyue and the Winter Executor?

Her gaze fell on the stairs, where two figures descended one after the other into the living room.

“Qin Ye…” Hu Tao, Yun Jin and Ye Lan all looked at the man at the same time.

Tatiana reacted very quickly, stepping into the mirrored door and firmly guarding the villa's only exit.

Sensing something was off, Ying picked up Paimon and went to the girl's side to guard the gate with her.

Everyone was waiting for a reply from the owner of the house.

"Oh my! Isn't this my brother Zhongli? I've spent countless hours and energy searching for you since I came to Liyue. I never expected to find you in my humble abode. This is truly beyond my expectations."

Qin Ye smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, gesturing for Zhong Li and Dadalia to sit down beside him.

Don't ask, the truth is I didn't know they were hiding in my house. I only found out now, but I can't let anyone else take them away.

Ye Lan understood what the other party wanted to express and did not act rashly.

"Brother Qin traveled a long way to find me, but I failed to fulfill my duty as a host. It is truly my fault."

Zhong Li sat down next to Qin Ye naturally, picked up the brewed tea, and poured it into a cup.

"..."

Is being a host simply a matter of you treating and me paying for the meal?

I understand that not charging for the guide and explanation was already Mr. Zhong's last act of kindness.

"Partner...hahaha..." The young master gave an embarrassed smile and sat down to Qin Ye's left with an obedient look, moving further to the corner of the sofa because he felt guilty.

Qin Ye silently reached out and put his arm around the young master's shoulder, pulling him sharply towards himself.

"Hey~ What's going on here? Is there anyone here who would frighten a high-ranking executive like yourself?"

"..."

Got it! My partner means he'll take the lead and make decisions no matter what problems arise!

D'Artagnan's eyes narrowed, and he sat up straight instantly, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone present.

Huh? That's it?

"Alright, Miss Yelan, the wanted criminals have been brought here. Take them away and put them in jail."

Qin Ye suddenly said something that left the young master speechless.

"You're joking. I haven't seen any wanted criminals in your household."

Ye Lan smiled and opened her palm, as if she were stating something that was perfectly natural.

She was deep in thought.

[The Fool] has a fearless demeanor, and Zhongli's temperament and state are completely different from those of ordinary wanted people.

[Young Master]...

I guess that's the one who got caught up in it without knowing anything, so they're passed over early.

"Mr. Zhongli has been out of the public eye for quite some time now," she tentatively began.

"Hehe, I have indeed been entangled in many matters lately. If I could, I would not want to be like this."

The underlying meaning is that, forced by circumstances, they want to know when the arrest warrant can be issued.

Ye Lan tossed the dice in her hand, which spun wildly in the air until she caught it in her grasp.

"I don't have any particular hobbies, but I like to casually inquire about things on the street. I've heard that Mr. Zhongli is busy in Liyue Harbor every day. The last time we met was during the Summoning Ceremony. I suppose what's keeping you occupied must be a difficult matter that's hard for ordinary people to handle."

She smiled politely at Qin Ye again, without offering any opinion.

Does this mean that the truth about the death of the Rock King Emperor hasn't even been clarified yet, and you're already so calmly trying to shift the blame? Or is it because the Fool is protecting you, making you feel so fearless?

Zhongli gently shook his head: "That's true."

Ye Lan narrowed her eyes, waiting for the other person to finish panting.

I'd like to see how you explain this.

Zhongli put down his teacup, as if recounting an ordinary event: "The death of Emperor Yan is indeed a major event that ordinary people cannot accept."