Just after seeing off Lumine and Paimon, Zhongli and Akio hadn't even finished their tea when Akio noticed Keqing walking toward them.
"Akio!" Keqing greeted as she approached, then nodded to Zhongli. "Mr. Zhongli."
"Miss Keqing, hello," Zhongli replied.
"Keqing, aren't you busy today?" Akio asked curiously. After all, ever since he had last motivated her, Keqing had been working tirelessly.
"Yes, today's work is done for now," Keqing nodded. She looked at Akio and invited, "The weather's nice today. Akio, would you like to go out for a stroll?"
"Of course, no problem," Akio nodded. When a beauty invites you, it's always better to go than to sit around drinking tea with an old dragon.
"Won't I be interrupting your conversation?" Keqing asked.
"Don't worry, Miss Keqing. You two go ahead," Zhongli shook his head. He was actually quite happy to see Akio leave. The guy had too much charm, and sitting with him meant being constantly interrupted by women.
With Akio taken away by Keqing, Zhongli could finally enjoy some peace and quiet.
"Let's go, Keqing," Akio said, walking side by side with her.
It had to be said that while Keqing was a serious and meticulous workaholic, when it came to shopping, she was equally unstoppable!
Akio was truly witnessing the enthusiasm of a young woman on a shopping spree. As a wealthy heiress, she had no shortage of money and was buying things left and right.
"Women are truly terrifying creatures. Even though I've become a god, why do I still feel exhausted just accompanying her shopping?" Akio pondered this question as he sat on a small stool in a clothing store, resting his chin on his hand.
"Akio! What do you think of this outfit?" Keqing walked out of the fitting room and waved at him.
Akio turned to look and was immediately stunned. Keqing stepped out wearing a light purple cheongsam with cloud patterns. Her slender and tall figure exuded the elegance and grace of a noble lady.
It had to be said that Keqing's figure was truly exceptional. She was like a natural clothes hanger, able to pull off almost any style, even a cheongsam, with perfection.
"Eternal beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and you are a sight to behold," Akio praised. "Keqing, you look absolutely stunning in this! It's perfect!"
"R-Really?" Keqing blushed at Akio's compliment.
"Miss Keqing, your boyfriend is right! You look the most beautiful in this cheongsam out of all the women I've seen," the sales assistant chimed in. "Your aura is unmatched! Truly captivating!"
"H-He's not my boyfriend!" Keqing's face turned bright red, and she glanced at Akio shyly.
The guy was just smiling at her, making her feel even more embarrassed!
"Oh? He's not?" The sales assistant was a bit awkward. She naturally recognized Keqing, but she had never seen any man accompany her on a shopping trip before, so she had assumed Akio was her boyfriend.
"Then wrap this up for me. I'll take it!" Keqing said hurriedly.
The sales assistant, realizing her mistake, quickly packed the dress for Keqing.
After taking the dress, Keqing, still flustered, pulled Akio out of the store.
"You! Why didn't you refute what the sales assistant said earlier?" Keqing put her hands on her hips and glared at Akio.
"Huh? What did she say?" Akio asked, feigning ignorance. "I didn't hear anything."
"You're such a jerk! Just keep pretending," Keqing gritted her teeth. This guy was a god—how could he not have heard?
"Well, I think what she said wasn't too far off," Akio smiled faintly.
"But you! You already have Kitsune Saiguu!" Keqing's face turned slightly red as she glared at Akio. He really was a big flirt!
"Keqing, I'll be returning to Inazuma in a few days," Akio didn't respond to Keqing's comment but instead told her about his plans to return to Inazuma.
"Huh?" Keqing's eyes widened. "So soon?! Won't you stay in Liyue a bit longer? There are quite a few festivals coming up."
"No," Akio waved his hand. "There's a lot to deal with in Inazuma, and I can't stay away for too long."
"Alright," Keqing lowered her head, lost in thought.
The two walked in silence along the street for a while before Keqing suddenly looked up at Akio and called out, "Akio!"
"Hmm?" Akio turned to her, seeing the determination in her eyes.
"These past few days traveling with you have taught me so much!" Keqing said earnestly. "I'll work hard for a brighter future for Liyue! But if I ever reach that ideal destination, will I still be able to see you by my side?"
"Of course," Akio smiled.
"Good! Then let's make a promise," Keqing extended her hand. "When the new Liyue Harbor is built, come and see it. I'll be your guide, and you can witness Liyue's transformation with your own eyes! Only then will I not let down your advice and support."
"Sure," Akio took her small hand. "Then it's a contract. And those who break it shall face the wrath of the rock?"
"Of course! Even though the Geo Archon has passed, Liyue remains the land of contracts. This is an eternal principle," Keqing nodded.
"Oh my! Let me see if this troublemaker is charming another young lady's heart?" Suddenly, a teasing voice reached their ears. "Oh, it's Keqing! No wonder."
Keqing and Akio both froze, quickly letting go of each other's hands. They turned to see none other than Kitsune Saiguu!
"Saiguu? What are you doing here?" Akio asked curiously. He wasn't afraid of being caught by Kitsune Saiguu, but she had said she'd be sleeping in this morning.
"The sun's already high in the sky. I can't just lie in bed all day," Kitsune Saiguu said with a smile, her gaze falling on Keqing.
"Saiguu… sister!" Keqing felt utterly embarrassed, having been caught red-handed flirting with Kitsune Saiguu's husband.
It felt as shameful as being caught as the other woman by the wife!
"Is Keqing feeling shy?" Kitsune Saiguu stepped forward and linked arms with Keqing. "It's almost noon. Let's go to Liuli Pavilion for lunch. Before I leave, I'd like to try some of Liyue's specialties."
"O-Okay," Keqing's mind was in chaos. Was Kitsune Saiguu going to punish her? And so, Keqing was dragged off to Liuli Pavilion by Kitsune Saiguu.
"You two chat. I'll go check on the dishes," Akio said, unable to bear Kitsune Saiguu's teasing gaze. He smiled and excused himself from the private room at Liuli Pavilion.