He changed Tiwat

After taking her seat, Gan Yu sat quietly, neither touching her wine glass nor her chopsticks. She simply smiled and stared at Ning Guang, which gave Ning Guang a strange pressure that made her unable to move. She couldn't bring herself to say the toast she had prepared.

Han Fulai, sitting next to Ningguang, could only silently admire the dishes on the table.

As the secretary of the Moonlit Pavilion, he naturally understood these "old-fashioned Liyue rules" at the dinner table—today was his birthday, and he was the guest of honor here, while the seat next to him should belong to Gan Yu.

Ningguang took Ganyu's place, so Ganyu has to keep an eye on this "usurper"... Moreover, the seat Ganyu is sitting in is for the person who is most capable of drinking, and it is usually the seat for the person who can drink the most at the table.

The Qilin clan "drinks only sweet dew and eats only fine grains," and with Gan Yu, who never drinks, sitting in this position, no one can lift this wine cup today.

Logically speaking, Ningguang should know these rules better than anyone else, so there's no reason why she would sit in the wrong place.

What was the reason behind her deliberately fighting with Gan Yu for a seat...? Since Han Fulai didn't dare to ask, he could only pretend not to know.

Neither Ningguang nor Ganyu, the two "hosts," spoke, and Han Fulai, the "guest," was also unable to speak, so the air fell silent for a moment.

Fortunately, the strange silence did not last long, and a soft knock on the door broke the tense atmosphere.

A glimpse of pretty short blue hair peeked in from the side of the door; it was Ye Lan.

Ye Lan, seemingly having just finished a mission, was still wearing an evening gown, her makeup still on.

The dark blue low-cut, belted gown, perfectly complementing her hair color, accentuated her stunning figure; the deep blue bow tied around her neck added a touch of liveliness; and the carefully selected white fur shawl, with a texture extremely similar to the "white silk flying robe," was truly elegant and luxurious.

No matter which country she appears at, this elegant dress is enough to make her the center of attention.

Her family heirloom, the "Mysterious Bracelet," which she never parted with, also got a new look—a thin and delicate star silver shell and a beautiful blue gemstone concealed the true nature of the "magical artifact," giving this celestial jade bracelet a captivating brilliance.

Honestly, Han Fulai was a little envious of Ye Lan's mission target. It was the first time he'd seen Ye Lan dressed so elegantly and charmingly. If Ye Lan dressed like this to try and extract information from him, he felt he wouldn't mind letting something slip...

Hmm, I'll have to find a chance to ask later which guy is so lucky to have such a good eye?

Ye Lan's eyes darted around, then she ducked back outside the door: "Oh dear, it seems the gentlemen are having a meal. I guess I've come at a rather inopportune time."

Han Fulai thought to himself, "Lanlan, you've come at just the right time," and greeted her warmly, "Miss Yelan, it's been a long time. If you don't mind, please sit down and have a meal with us."

Ningguang, as if struck by a sudden thought, also smiled and said, "Yes, you've come at just the right time. Since you're here, why not try my cooking? Opportunities like this don't come often."

She waved and pointed to the seat next to her for Ye Lan.

Ye Lan feigned a troubled expression: "Since it is... uh, Lady Ningguang's invitation, I would be impolite to refuse."

"However, the real reason I'm here is to hand this over to Deputy Minister Han—"

She very professionally took out a letter sealed with sealing wax from her bosom and handed it to Han Fulai.

"As instructed by my superiors, private letters sent to Vice Minister Han need to be reviewed by the security department. I have checked them and they pose no danger."

Ye Lan's "superior" smiled slightly and explained softly to Han Fulai, "This is for your safety. You shouldn't mind, right?"

Han Fulai quickly expressed his full understanding and support for their work.

Gan Yu maintained her smile and remained silent.

It was no coincidence that Miss Yelan would appear at this time; Gan Yu had heard someone's light footsteps outside the door two minutes earlier.

Moreover, the sound lingered in front of the door five times—proving that someone had been spying inside for at least half a minute before knocking.

The guest list for the "family banquet" that Ningguang prepared for Han Fulai did not include Miss Yelan; Yelan came "uninvited."

As for Ye Lan's reason for coming here, well... Gan Yu didn't know until half a minute ago, but she does now.

Who dresses so nicely just to run errands and deliver mail?

Moreover, no matter who Ye Lan was talking to, her eyes were always glued to her personal secretary's face.

Han Fulai's attention was now completely drawn to the letter in his hand.

Because the seal engraved on the sealing wax of the envelope was a small ice sword—the Lawrence family crest, the "Seal of Ice."

Han Fulai carefully opened the envelope, and an exquisite ivory-white bone whistle fell into his palm, along with a dandelion as light as a feather.

Dandelions are a symbol of freedom in Mondstadt, and Mondstadt residents often include a dandelion from their hometown in their letters to relatives in other places.

Han Fulai had also seen the bone whistle before. Back in the Dragon Ridge Snow Mountain, he had seen Yura use pollen from the Ice Mist Flower to maintain her bone whistle. Later, during the battle against the Fools, Yura also used her bone whistle to play the sound of the rising tide of the blue sea to confuse the enemy's hearing, which is how she got the name "Wave Knight".

But this bone whistle seems to be a little special—

Near the mouthpiece of the bone whistle, Han Fulai saw two pale red marks.

...Is this...a lipstick mark?

Ningguang and Yelan both narrowed their eyes at the same time.

Han Fulai quickly hid the bone whistle and then unfolded the letter.

The handwriting on the letter was gorgeous and elegant, definitely Yura's, and the wording was also very much in Yura's style:

[To my Humphrey:]

Today is your birthday, and this specially made bone whistle is my birthday gift to you.

Bone whistles are a traditional instrument of Liyue, so I think you should be able to play one. No, as the 'Badminton Festival Champion,' you can't say you can't. Next time we meet, I want you to play one for me!

Also, think of me when you blow the bone whistle, because I will think of you when I blow the bone whistle.

Recently, Abedo noticed some unusual activity within the Knights, seemingly caused by the "remnants" in the snowy mountains, and Qin seemed quite troubled by it.

But you can rest assured, I have firmly grasped the power of the ice. Hmph, now not only can the mere acting captain not stop me, but even the Grand Captain Falga can no longer stop me. Dealing with those guys who have infiltrated the Knights is more than enough.

Well, I can also take care of those guys in the Knights who don't like me or whom I don't like.

P.S.: Last week was my birthday. I wore the new dress you gave me and went to "Angel's Gift" with Amber to celebrate, but she could only order "Holiday Fruit Wine," so I drank some fruit wine with her too. I'm starting to miss the taste of dandelion wine. When you go back to Mondstadt, will you take me to "Angel's Gift"? I want to hear your new poetry.

Your Yura

Han Fulai was stunned after reading Yura's letter.

Yura's birthday was last week, October 25th.

At that time, he was in Inazuma, but he had prepared a birthday greeting and the most beautiful yukata in the "Oguraya" in Inazuma as a gift, which he planned to send to Yura when he returned to Japan.

Tragically, because he drank Aying's miso soup, he was in a vegetative state in the castle tower last week and missed Yura's birthday... He only returned to Liyue today and hasn't had time to send the apology letter and gift yet. Who gave Yura the "new dress" she mentioned?

Ningguang's voice rang softly in her ear: "I chose the finest brocade woven from the Rainbow Flower as a way of thanking that sister Yura for drinking with me."

She emphasized the word "sister" very much.

Yelan curled her lips into a smile: "Yes, I was the one who delivered the gifts. The dandelion wine from Mondstadt tastes quite good. Oh, and this outfit of mine, I also asked Miss Yura to help me choose it. Of course, I also brought back Miss Yura's reply."

"Although my trip to Mondstadt was officially on business, most of it was for personal matters. So, thinking about it that way, it's not unreasonable for me to ask Vice Minister Han for a meal as a thank you gift."

Ningguang rested her chin on her hand: "But we still have to send gifts to Inazuma next year. Just thinking about it makes me feel that Miss Yelan will have a hard time..."

Ye Lan shook her head: "I'm sorry, but I refuse."

Han Fulai broke out in a cold sweat and quickly clasped his hands together and bowed his head in apology: "I promise I will never let you do such a thing again!"

Ningguang and Yelan both said "Oh" in the same tone, clearly not believing it at all.

Gan Yu then spoke up to Han Fulai: "Presenting state gifts to important figures in our neighboring countries is my duty at Yuehaiting. You can submit a list to me tomorrow, and I will take care of these matters from now on. Don't trouble Lady Ningguang and the others."

"Waaah, thank goodness Gan Yu is on my side!" Han Fulai was so moved he almost burst into tears. He quickly thanked her, but then realized something was wrong—

Wait a minute, if that's the case, wouldn't he have to get Gan Yu's permission to write letters to anyone or send gifts to anyone?

Is this correct?

Just then, the office door was pushed open again.

The person who appeared at the door was Ke Qing.

Ke Qing was also dressed up today, wearing the same dress she wore when she danced with Han Fulai at the "Fireworks Party".

This gown is made from newly blooming petals of the Rainbow Tree, woven into a fine silk using ancient secret techniques. The crimson dye is extracted from clear glass bags, giving it a ethereal and elegant color reminiscent of ancient paintings. The unique design blends the style of Liyue with that of other exotic lands. It took a hundred days to sew, with every line meticulously crafted like a fine brushstroke.

—It was a gift Ningguang gave to Keqing at the Lantern Festival, and it was also the most precious piece of clothing in Keqing's personal wardrobe, both in terms of price and emotional value.

Keqing only wore this dress twice: once at the Lantern Festival and once at the press conference for the "Golden House".

To improve work efficiency, Keqing's everyday dresses prioritize practicality and functionality, maintaining only basic aesthetics. In the minds of the Liyue people, although Yuheng is in the prime of her youth, she's always been far removed from the world of pink, white, and black—after all, she's the Keqing who's willing to wear work clothes and work as a plasterer on a construction site!

This is the third time she has worn this evening gown.

Looking back, I wore a formal dress three times, all for the same person.

Since returning to her hometown to fight the flood, she hasn't seen that person for almost half a year due to various reasons.

...In fact, most of the reasons were because she intentionally avoided seeing him.

Seeing him would remind her of the dance at Qunyu Pavilion, the kiss on Qingce Lake, and... Shen He and Ning Guang beside him.

So she fled to Shenyu Valley.

She kept herself busy dealing with the "misty energy," repairing the river channels, and suppressing bandits... Then she encountered Lady Xiang, the "Goddess of Submerged Jade" who had passed away thousands of years ago, and through the "Green Jade Stone," she received the inheritance of a demon god...

After experiencing all of this, Keqing finally made a decision.

Upon seeing Ke Qing, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, Han Fulai was speechless for a moment.

He considered that Keqing might be avoiding him, and he also tried to put himself in Keqing's shoes to think about the reasons for her avoidance—for example, how could Keqing, with her pride, accept a love that she couldn't possess entirely...

He also prepared a lot to say to Ke Qing this time, wanting to tell her his feelings more clearly.

But the moment he saw Ke Qing, all the words he had carefully prepared and thought out were completely forgotten.

Keqing walked towards him without saying a word.

Her steps were unwavering, as were her eyes.

She walked up to him, and then, in front of Gan Yu, Ning Guang, Ye Lan, and the others, cupped his face and kissed him fiercely.

Chapter Thirty: He's Mine [4k]

The kiss didn't last very long, only about ten seconds.

But to the three onlookers and Han Fulai himself, the kiss felt incredibly long.

What seemed especially "long" was the glistening thread that remained between their lips when they parted...

That Ke Qing, the youngest, most inexperienced, and most thin-skinned of the Seven Stars, achieved the following in those brief ten seconds—

She kissed her personal secretary in front of Gan Yu; she kissed her little brother Han in front of Ning Guang; she kissed her great-grandfather's chosen husband in front of Ye Lan... Not only did she kiss him, she even stuck out her tongue! She even made a saliva trail!

The Moonlit Pavilion's permanent secretary, who has sat idly by for three thousand years, the richest man in Teyvat who can turn the world upside down with a flick of his wrist, and the Liyue Special Agent Leader who is skilled in planning and execution, are all like chickens and dogs in front of Keqing, allowing her to take the head of an admiral from among a million soldiers.

Ke Qing casually tossed her pigtails and naturally sat down in the empty seat to Han Fulai's right, smiling as she said, "What I just gave you was my birthday present. Happy birthday."

Her tone was very calm, as if she had just done something very ordinary and said a very ordinary greeting.

This seemingly ordinary statement, however, inexplicably carried an air of domineering arrogance in Han Fulai's ears.

He seemed to see Qiao Feng defeating three great masters—Ding Chunqiu, Murong Fu, and You Tanzhi—in succession, and then casually say, "Old devil and clown, how can they be defeated? It would be dishonorable to win."

What does "Yuheng is supreme" mean?

Is this still the Ah Qing he knows?

Unfortunately, he couldn't ask.

He was so shocked that he was still in a petrified state, and even his usually eloquent tongue seemed to have been chewed up by Ah Qing, leaving him unable to utter a single word...

Everyone present had the same question in their minds at that moment—was this still the Ah Qing they knew? Was something wrong?

After a long pause, Ningguang was the first to react, forcing a smile as she said, "Everyone's finally here. Why are you so late, Qing-mei? This isn't like you at all. I made your favorite 'Golden Shrimp Balls' today, try them and see if you like them!"

Since the incident at Qingce Lake, Ningguang has privately addressed Keqing as a sister, and their relationship has indeed become much more harmonious. During this time, the two of them have been managing the political affairs of Liyue, one internally and one externally, and their cooperation has been quite tacit. Occasionally, when they have free time, they will go shopping or have a meal together.

This "family dinner" was also arranged by Ningguang Group.

Ningguang specially arranged this "family banquet" and even cooked herself. Besides celebrating her beloved man's birthday, she also had a little ulterior motive—she had taken the position of "hostess" from the very beginning.

This is not just a "family dinner," but also a battlefield for establishing one's "family status."

Now that the "Han family" has more and more "family members," even Ningguang feels threatened... She is determined to get the position of "mistress."

She deliberately ignored Keqing's sudden attack and greeted her as "sister Aqing" in a superior manner, naturally reminding Keqing who was the "older sister" and who was the "younger sister".

Being tolerant of her younger sister's willfulness is also a sign of the older sister's magnanimity.

Besides... in terms of "getting pregnant," she, as the "older sister," is far ahead, so of course she has to show off her "older sister's" ease.

Ke Qing smiled in response: "Yes, I also think that being 'late' is not my style—I was clearly the first one to arrive, so why would anyone think I was late?"

She gently stroked the chest of her dress. "Speaking of which, I have to thank Ningguang for reminding me of this."

Ningguang's smile was a little stiff: "What...did I remind you of?"

Ke Qing blinked and said, "When you invited me to the banquet today, you reminded me to wear this dress."