He changed Tiwat

"You said, 'Wearing new clothes can temporarily change your mood, and a refreshed appearance can also inspire important people,' isn't that right?"

Ke Qing had actually been looking forward to Han Fulai's birthday for a long time.

If she really wanted to be busy, there were plenty of things to do at Qiaoying Manor and Yilong Port, but she deliberately finished her work early and returned to Liyue Harbor just to see him today.

After Gan Yu received the news that the "Tianheng" would return to port this evening, Ke Qing began to consider meeting tonight.

Having not seen each other for several months, Ke Qing felt not only longing but also a great deal of unease.

Admittedly, she chose to temporarily escape to Shenyu Valley to sort out her feelings, but she didn't initially plan to stay there for so long—according to her plan, she should have returned to Liyue Harbor by August, not delayed until October...

Sigh, it's all that newspaper's fault.

The Valley of the Fallen is adjacent to Fontaine, and the Steambird Newspaper published in Relic Port is almost simultaneous with that in Fontaine, even two days earlier than in Liyue Harbor. It contains articles like "Mr. H and Ms. E's Love Fortune Astrological Consultation" and "The Story of Sir Humphrey and the Wave Knight," which infuriated Keqing so much that her twin ponytails turned into pigtails...

—In a fit of anger, Ke Qing decided to ignore that womanizer for a while longer. Even if he came looking for her, she wouldn't see him, hmph!

Unexpectedly, one thing led to another, and by the time she finished, early summer had turned into late autumn.

What made Ke Qing even more uneasy was that Han Fulai had not come to Chenyu Valley to look for her for several months.

Does this mean he's also unhappy about her avoiding him? Or perhaps... he already has a new love and has forgotten about her?

Even though she knew Han Fulai wasn't the type to get bored easily, and believed that their feelings for each other would never fade with time and distance, the shadow in her heart still lingered.

Although she and Han Fulai had confessed their feelings for each other and even shared a kiss as a token of their love, publicly they were only in a superior-subordinate relationship—at most, a "subordinate kissing the superior" kind of relationship, and she had strictly ordered them to keep quiet about it…

Thinking about it this way, she realized she had no right to blame him.

After all, they have no official status or position, so why should they bind others?

Moreover, she had also seen all the things Han Fulai had done recently: his mission to Mondstadt, taking the first step towards a “Teyvat community of shared destiny”; his search for the descendants of the martyrs of the Thousand Rock Army, building a monument to enhance the cohesion of the Liyue people and military; his voyage with the Liyue Navy to Inazuma, breaking the “lockdown order”... Each and every one of these was a major event worthy of being recorded in history books. How could she have time to worry about personal feelings?

As a result, on November 1st, Ke Qing spent a long time at home agonizing over how to face him that evening.

She had prepared the gift well in advance; it was a "crystal crescent moon" that she hadn't been able to give out during the last Lantern Festival because of the interference of the condensed light.

This "crystal crescent moon" was not purchased from "Mingxingzhai," but rather it was an antique she found in Lingmeng Mountain.

Legend has it that in the deep mountains of Shenyu Valley, where water lilies and jade lotuses grow in abundance, at dawn or dusk when the rain and mist are thick, figures from the past occasionally appear.

According to the village elders, the mountain people of Lingmeng Mountain once worshipped many ghosts and gods, and traveled with the spirits and beasts of the mountains and fields. However, after the war between the demons and gods, many ghosts and gods and spirits disappeared along with the former inhabitants. Nevertheless, the affectionate mountains still retain the echoes of memory in the earth's veins, which occasionally reappear on a misty morning or at night.

Sometimes, herb gatherers and jade craftsmen venturing deep into the mountains lose their way in the thick fog and stumble upon these solitary, ghostly figures. Encounters with the ancient dead are often considered ominous, harbingers of unforeseen calamities. This is because the accumulated veins of the earth carry the regrets and sorrows of the deceased into the present world, thus manifesting the misty fog and incessant mountain rain. The local mountain people always consciously avoid the onslaught of the fog and rain, lest they be burdened by the grief of the past.

But Keqing didn't believe in such superstitious talk at all. It was just a shadowy figure from the past in the ley lines. What was there to fear? If it dared to play tricks, Lord Yuheng Star would dare to slay it with a single sword strike!

So Keqing led the Liyue Harbor surveying team into the mountains. In order to draw the most detailed and complete hydrographic map, Keqing ventured deep into the intricate streams at the foot of Mount Lingmeng, crossed water plants that glowed with a bluish-purple light, passed through bushes filled with fallen flowers, and finally... well, got lost.

In a cave never before recorded on any map, Keqing saw the figures of the ancestors of Chenyu Valley. They wore ancient, long, gauze robes, the hems adorned with jade pendants as pure as shimmering water and nameless fragrant herbs. They stood in rows on the bank of the deep pool, chanting songs she had never heard before:

"I wish to give you the fragrant herbs, but who will keep them here on the islet in the middle of the river?"

Where is the laurel banner of yesteryear? I seek the lofty carriage amidst the secluded bamboo grove.

Alas, the mournful cry of Xuanwen! The pool is dark and murky, filled with my thoughts.

Keqing wielded her sword to dispel the lingering shadows of those mournful songs, but the sword in her hand attracted a god who had slumbered for a thousand years.

She pulled Keqing into an old dream—a story about a woman who admired a handsome friend and wanted to confess her feelings to him, but hesitated because of the Lord of Dust who was always by her side.

Hesitation gradually turned into inner demons, and the suppressed emotions transformed into jealousy and hatred. In the end, the woman died by the sword of her beloved and was sealed into the silent dreamland beneath this deep pool.

A thousand years later, she saw that green jade longsword again, and now it was being held in the hands of a hesitant young woman in love.

Deeply moved by the wonder of fate, the woman bestowed her remaining power upon the young girl and left her with two pieces of advice:

"In the dark of day, I alone harbor resentment; a gentle breeze carries rain, and mist hangs heavy in the air."

"I am left with only the spirit of the deceased, lamenting the passing of the year; I alone resent that the gentleman has come so late."

These two pieces of advice helped Keqing make up her mind.

She made up her mind; she was determined to tell him how she felt.

What are the seven stars' reputation, the girl's shyness, the concerns about competing with others... none of these are as important as that sentiment.

She took the "Crystal Crescent Moon" left behind by the Lord of Chenyu Valley, which he had been unable to give away, and planned to present it to the successor of the Rock Lord.

But how should we send this gift?

Pretend to be calm and say, "This is a beautiful jade pendant I found in Chenyu Valley. I think it suits you very well, so I'm giving it to you as a birthday gift." Or solemnly tell him, "This jade pendant is like my feelings for you, which will not be worn down in the slightest by the passage of time."

What if you get in the way of giving a gift and some annoying guy interferes? Should you try to find a way to get him out for a private meeting?

Ke Qing was extremely troubled by this.

Just as she was struggling with this decision, Ningguang, who called herself "older sister," came to hand her an invitation.

She said there would be a small gathering at the Moon Sea Pavilion tonight, and even suggested that she dress up for the occasion.

Ha, what good intentions could Ningguang possibly have while pretending to wash her hands and cook?

Keqing realized that, compared to those cunning female foxes, she could never win by using tricks and schemes.

...She shouldn't have been the kind of person who went through so much trouble.

Why did the fireworks display fail?

Why did Shen He and Ning Guang manage to get ahead of them later?

Isn't it because we took a detour?

Because she values ​​efficiency the most, she deliberately took a longer route, which allowed others to get there first.

"Crystal Crescent Moon" represents "There are trees on the mountain, but no branches on the trees; I love you, but you do not know"—since you "love me," why not just say it openly and let him know?

Ke Qing changed into her evening gown and stepped out of the house.

Her dress reflected the myriad lights of Liyue Harbor, like a rainbow just beginning to fade in the starry sky, and her skirt swayed with her steps, like petals fluttering in the wind.

The "crystal crescent moon" lay quietly on her dressing table, awaiting its owner's triumphant return.

Keqing smiled at Ningguang: "I remember at the 'Fireworks Party,' I was wearing this dress when I invited him to dance with me. He made a promise with me then: 'May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, though we are thousands of miles apart'... And even earlier, I was the one who asked him to be my personal secretary—before you, before A-He, before any of Mondstadt's 'sisters,' you know?"

"So in terms of first come, first served, I wasn't 'late,' it's just that someone 'cut in line,' right?"

"Taking this opportunity, I would like to tell you all..." Ke Qing boldly took Han Fulai's hand, who was still in a daze, and loudly declared, "He is my man."

She said this not only to Ningguang, but also seemed to glance at Yelan intentionally or unintentionally.

Ke Qing didn't know what the relationship was between Ye Lan and Han Fulai, but apart from Gan Yu, the "head of the family," the rest of the people sitting at this "family banquet" were either "older sisters" or "younger sisters," right?

The two "older sisters" who "cut in line" looked a little uneasy after being attacked unexpectedly—but how could the wealthy Tianquan Star and the strongest agent leader in Liyue's history be easily defeated?

Ningguang's expression had returned to calm. She reached under the table and quietly took Han Fulai's other hand: "As for 'first come, first served,' Liyue has always had the saying 'disciples and former subordinates.' When Han Fulai took the civil service exam, I was his chief examiner, and on the day the results were announced, I was the first to invite him to the Qunyu Pavilion. In terms of precedence, it seems to be long before Sister Aqing, right?"

Yelan picked up the wine glass in front of her and took a small sip: "So, I knew him long before Lady Ningguang met with Lady Keqing and Deputy Minister Han, from the moment he stepped into Liyue Harbor—after all, I was in charge of Deputy Minister Han's background investigation."

Ke Qing paused for a moment, then unconsciously increased the pressure on her hand.

At the same time, Ningguang used a strength in her hand that was completely unlike what one would expect from a slender wrist.

Ye Lan's beautiful eyes wandered over Han Fulai's face with a half-smile, while the hand holding the wine glass gently shook the "Youqi Bracelet"—this family heirloom bracelet, which had once been worn by Han himself.

Seeing that the world was about to be divided into three, Han Fulai cast a desperate look at the only savior present.

Gan Yu received his pleading look.

She coughed softly and then spoke.

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word she spoke clearly reached the ears of everyone present: "It seems that you gentlemen have forgotten that this is Yuehai Pavilion, my office. Han Fulai is my Executive Vice Minister of Yuehai Pavilion, and also my personal secretary with whom I have a private contract, so..."

"If you're asking who he is—of course he's mine."

Chapter Thirty-One: What can we use to compete with her?

Whether it's Ningguang or Yelan, Keqing can argue with either of them who claims "I was here first".

What's wrong? Just because you know him first doesn't mean you like him first, and just because you like him first doesn't mean he likes you first... Besides, those examiners and reviewers have nothing to do with romance, so why should they be considered your people?

But Gan Yu said that Han Fulai was her man, and Ke Qing had no way to argue with that.

Not only could she not compete, but Ningguang and Yelan could not compete either.

—The three people present were well aware of Han Fulai's origins. Ultimately, the reason Han Fulai traveled to Teyvat was because of Gan Yu's "summoning".

Over the past year, Han Fulai has made a name for himself on the continent of Teyvat and acquired many new titles. If he were to hand out business cards, a standard-sized card would likely be too small to accommodate his long list of titles:

"Yuehai Pavilion's Executive Secretary and Chief Private Secretary;"

Guan, Deputy Director of the General Office and Executive Deputy Secretary-General (in charge of daily work);

Yuheng Star's exclusive secretary (enjoying special allowances from the Qunyu Pavilion);

Sir Humphrey, Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius (his achievements are commemorated in the Order's history museum).

Inazuma, Minister of the Interior (Junior Second Rank, holding the position of Regent), and Kurahiko Bessou (Junior Second Rank, Confidential Secretary and Personal Secretary to the Raiden Shogun).

Commander-in-Chief of the Liyue Thousand Rock Army stationed in the Haiqi Special Region (with the rank of Thousand Rock Army Battalion Commander).

But of this long list of titles, the most important one is only the first one—

"Yue Haiting's Executive Secretary and Chief Private Secretary".

Becoming Gan Yu's personal secretary was the beginning of everything for him.

Whether it was meeting, getting to know each other, or even signing a contract... it all belonged to Gan Yuxian.

Without Gan Yu, there would be no Han Fulai as we know him today; in fact, Han Fulai might not even exist in this world.

...How can we compete with Gan Yu like this!

Gan Yu's statement that Han Fulai was her man was simply a statement of fact, nothing more.

Ke Qing, Ning Guang, and Ye Lan all fell silent.

After saying that, Gan Yu fell silent.

All I could hear outside the window was the sound of frogs croaking over the lotus pond.

A poem praises it:

"Sitting alone by the pond is like a tiger crouching, and resting one's spirit under the shade of green trees is like a breath of fresh air."

"If I don't speak first today, which insect will dare to utter a sound?"

What does it mean to be the leader of Liyue civil servants for three thousand years?

As the Executive Secretary, I shall suppress all Liyue Seven Stars!

With just a casual remark, he silenced Ningguang of Tianquan Star, Keqing of Yuheng Star, and Yelan, the candidate of Tianshu Star. What majesty, what a powerful aura!

Han Fulai, who was almost brought to tears by the "Partition of Jin into Three Families," expressed his gratitude to Secretary-General Gan as if the river was flowing endlessly. He wished he could express his loyalty again on the spot: "In my heart, there is only Secretary-General Gan as the sun!"

The three speechless people exchanged surprised glances in silence—that Gan Yu had actually "taken the stage"?

The "family status" they were vying for at this "family banquet" ultimately shared a common premise: excluding Gan Yu.

As far as they knew, this three-thousand-year-old permanent secretary of the Moonsea Pavilion had never been involved in human love. Although she lived in the mortal world, she was detached from it all. Her heart was always filled with the "well-being of the majority of life in Liyue," rather than any particular person.

But what if... what if Gan Yu has someone else in her heart right now?

Alarm bells were ringing in the hearts of all three.

Ningguang has always considered herself Han Fulai's "older sister".

It was she, his "elder sister," who led Han Fulai into the "realm of thought of the seven ruling powers in the mortal world" on the day of the "Ceremony of Inviting Immortals." It was also she who, as a teacher or family member, repeatedly sculpted this precious gem, helping him grow to where he is today. It is no exaggeration to say that Ningguang is both a teacher and an elder sister.

Before the "Invitation to the Immortals Ceremony," who taught and guided Han Fulai to shine like a rough gem? And who was his strongest backer, providing him with the most steadfast support in the struggle for the highest power in Liyue?

—It is sweet rain.

Gan Yu wasn't just a "mentor and older sister," she was an "elder sister like a mother"! Even if Han Fulai wanted to acknowledge her as an older sister, Ningguang could only be the second older sister...

In Ke Qing's mind, Han Fulai was her most trustworthy partner, a "colleague," and even more so, a "comrade."

She once said to him, "The time for change has come; the order that has lasted for thousands of years is about to be rewritten... Would you like to witness this historic moment with me?"

Without him, there would be no "grand blueprint for Yuheng Star", and no Liyue as it is today.

For Ke Qing, perhaps the luckiest thing in her life is meeting such a person, a companion who accompanies her on her ideals, career, life... and even her entire life journey.

So there's nothing wrong with elevating the "revolutionary friendship" between "comrades" a bit, right?

The question is, if she and Han Fulai are considered "comrades", then what about Gan Yu, who has been guiding them and protecting them all along?

—It means "mentor".