Chapter 188

"Come, come, this is my treasured fine wine. Tonight, we won't stop until we're drunk."

After the meal began, Keqing's father continued to pull Jiang Ning to the main table, bringing out several jars of wine that clearly had been aged for many years.

Keqing said, "Dad, it's Jiang Ning's first time visiting, and you're already making him drink?"

Keqing's father replied, "You stay out of this. This is between us men. Besides, aren't we celebrating today?"

Keqing once again found herself questioning her life.

Usually, when a daughter is about to get married, the father would find a hundred faults with the son-in-law and make things difficult for him. But here? Fine wine and good food? What kind of treatment is this?

And to make matters worse, anyone who didn't know better would think Jiang Ning was the biological son, and she was the adopted one.

It's safe to say that Keqing's father had gone to great lengths for her, fearing that his daughter might never marry.

In private, he and Keqing's mother had already discussed it. As long as the suitor had a clean background, treated their daughter well, and wasn't some reckless troublemaker, even if he were an ordinary person, they would accept him.

But now, looking at the situation, their daughter had done well—quietly securing the next Geo Archon. It was indeed a match beyond their expectations.

Hence, the current attitude.

Seeing that there was no way to argue with Keqing's father, Jiang Ning had no choice but to sit down.

Keqing whispered to him, "Are you sure about this? Drinking? I don't remember you drinking much before."

Jiang Ning replied, "I haven't drunk much, but it's fine. It's just a little alcohol."

Did she not understand the power of purification? Drinking a thousand cups without getting drunk, treating alcohol like water—that was him.

But Keqing wasn't entirely convinced. She sighed and said, "Alright, if you do get drunk, I'll take you back…"

And so, the merry drinking began.

"Come, come, tonight we won't stop until we're drunk."

"Come on, fill it up, fill it up…"

"Wait, let me catch my breath. Son-in-law, your alcohol tolerance is impressive."

"I can't do it anymore, I really can't drink any more…"

"Zzzz…"

The above were Keqing's father's words.

Jiang Ning, on the other hand, kept smiling and toasting.

"Look, I'm about to marry Keqing, so I'll toast you a glass."

"Hmm, thank you for raising such a wonderful Keqing… I'll toast you a glass."

"The weather's nice today"

"...Why can't you drink anymore? Fill it up! Are you raising fish in there? Drink up!"

Then, Jiang Ning got a bit too excited, and Keqing's father ended up under the table.

The relatives and friends around them were utterly stunned.

It seemed that Jiang Ning's alcohol tolerance was beyond measure. Truly worthy of being the next Geo Archon… a divine being indeed.

Even Keqing was left questioning her life.

Are you sure this is your first time drinking? How are you this good?

Originally, she thought she might have to carry him back, but now… it seemed her mother would have to carry her father back instead.

As the banquet ended, Keqing's mother instructed the servants to carry her father back. She then winked at her daughter.

"Stay at home tonight. We've prepared a room for you… one room, by the way. Seize the opportunity."

As someone who had been through it all, Keqing's mother knew her daughter was still an inexperienced maiden. She couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.

Such a good son-in-law—grab him while you can! Otherwise, if he flies away later, Keqing, you'll have nowhere to cry.

So, as a mother, she naturally had to give a little push.

Keqing, though it was just one evening, was already feeling numb.

Is everyone this desperate to marry me off?

But… Keqing stole a glance at Jiang Ning and made up her mind.

She didn't want to fall behind others. At the very least, she wanted to stand on equal footing with Ningguang.

With her resolve firm, Keqing took the initiative and said to Jiang Ning, "It's getting late. Let me take you to your room to rest."

Jiang Ning nodded, "Sure."

The two walked through one corridor after another, the surroundings growing quieter. Along the way, neither spoke, simply holding hands as they walked.

When they reached a small courtyard, Keqing said, "We're here. This is my room… It's kind of funny. When I was little, I always wanted my own small courtyard. But now that I've grown up and have one, I don't come back to stay often."

"Because of work, I've set up a place of my own outside."

Jiang Ning said, "I see… It's true. The things we really wanted as children sometimes lose their charm when we grow up."

Keqing replied, "Let's not talk about that… Come on in."

Keqing pushed open the door, revealing a single room with one bed. Jiang Ning's expression turned a bit odd.

"What are you looking at? We're at this stage already. What's wrong with sharing a bed?"

Despite her words, the Yuheng Star's blushing face and trembling voice didn't carry much conviction.

Jiang Ning said, "Hmm, I think you make a good point…"

With that, he lay down on the bed, lifted the blanket, and patted the empty spot. "Come on up."

"Hey! Go take a shower!"

Keqing glared at him. "You reek of alcohol. It's disgusting."

Jiang Ning, of course, wasn't having it. He pulled Keqing into his arms, causing her to fall onto him.

"Who says it's disgusting? It's a fragrant smell."

Although it wasn't the first time she'd smelled it, Jiang Ning's scent always left Keqing feeling a bit dizzy. And now, mixed with the aroma of alcohol, it was even more intoxicating.

But this time, it left Keqing completely dazed.

However, her remaining rationality pushed Jiang Ning to go wash up.

"Go, hurry up!"

As everyone knows, the time it takes for men and women to shower is completely different.

Men are quick; women take their time.

By the time Keqing had finished tidying the bed, Jiang Ning was already out, drying his hair.

"You showered that fast?" Keqing was surprised. "Well, that's good. I'll go freshen up a bit too."

But this "bit" turned into twenty minutes.

Jiang Ning sat cross-legged on the bed, feeling like time was dragging.

Finally, Keqing emerged, wrapped in a towel, and Jiang Ning's eyes lit up.

While Keqing in black stockings was great, the bare-legged Keqing before him was also absolutely stunning.

And even the towel couldn't hide the curve of Keqing's perky butt.

"Stop looking at me like that…"

Keqing muttered, feeling as though Jiang Ning's gaze was like a pair of hands gently brushing over her skin, causing a faint blush to appear.

"Ahem… It's getting late, Keqing. Let's rest."

Jiang Ning said.

"Mm, okay…"

Keqing's room was secluded.

The small courtyard was quiet, with winding paths leading to a serene spot where no one ever came.

But today, Jiang Ning would be the first to navigate these winding paths.

And it had to be said, Keqing had a keen eye. Was this the result of her work in Liyue's construction?

The layout of Keqing's courtyard was excellent, the kind that made you fall in love at first sight.

The house and courtyard had an elegant, picturesque feel, like a small bridge over flowing water.

Keqing was quite proud of it. At one point, she even enthusiastically hugged Jiang Ning, explaining the various design elements of the house.

Jiang Ning also offered many suggestions, and the design plans were revised again and again.

In the end, Keqing was exhausted. Drawing and designing were technical tasks that drained both physical and mental energy.

So, Keqing eventually fell asleep.

Jiang Ning, with his passion for architectural design left unfulfilled, could only hold Keqing and drift off to sleep.

......

The next morning, Keqing felt her nose itching as she slowly woke up.

When she opened her eyes, she saw Jiang Ning using a strand of her hair to tickle her nose.

"What are you doing…"

Keqing grumbled. Last night had been exhausting, and now she couldn't even sleep in?

Jiang Ning said, "The sun's already up. Don't you have work today?"

Keqing pulled the blanket over her head and mumbled, "I anticipated this, so I finished most of my work earlier… I'm taking the day off."

Jiang Ning teased, "So, Keqing, you've had your eye on me for a while, huh?"

Keqing played dead. Now was not the time to speak.

Jiang Ning patted the spot that was once the essence of Keqing's sword technique, then started getting handsy.

"Since we're already awake, why don't we…"

"No! Don't even think about it!"

Keqing was horrified, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket, not giving Jiang Ning an inch.

"I'm still sore. Are you even human?"

Keqing looked at him in terror.

Just thinking about last night made her legs tremble.

Jiang Ning said, "Well, it doesn't have to be like that…"

Then, he whispered something in Keqing's ear.

Keqing's face turned red, and she looked at him suspiciously. "Really? That works?"

Jiang Ning said earnestly, "Of course."

Keqing said, "Well… alright then."

With that, Keqing's head slowly disappeared under the blanket.

......

By the time the two got up, a long time had passed.

And during that time, Keqing didn't say a word to Jiang Ning.

"Keqing…"

Jiang Ning had just started to speak when Keqing glared at him.

"Shut up… My throat still hurts…"

Keqing said, massaging her cheeks irritably.

Jiang Ning said, "It's fine. You'll get used to it."

Keqing rolled her eyes. Was this something you could get used to?

Keqing sneaked into the front hall and saw that her parents weren't there, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Why are you sneaking around in your own house…" Jiang Ning was speechless.

"You don't understand… If my parents see me now, they'll tease me mercilessly."

Keqing said.

"Let's go while they're not here…"

Jiang Ning said, "Alright…"

The two returned home quietly. The only ones home were a few of the adepti.

After all, they didn't have jobs. They either stayed at home or wandered around Liyue.

Clearly, the restless Kitsune and Raiden Ei had already gone out.

The two wanted to see how things had changed in the various nations and then give some advice to their blockheaded companions when they returned.

But Havria, having already explored enough, was basically waiting for Jiang Ning to go to another nation so she could tag along.

So, she stayed at home.

Seeing Jiang Ning and Keqing return, Havria teased, "Well, well, look who's back. The newlyweds?"

"Big sister Havria, you're teasing me too…"

Keqing said helplessly.

Havria said, "Hehe, it's just that Keqing took so long to make a move. It's perfect timing."

Keqing snorted, "What about you, big sister? Why haven't you made a move?"

"Me? I'm in no hurry. Besides, let me tell you…"

Havria started chatting with Keqing about this and that.

Jiang Ning wisely left. This was girl talk, not something a man should intrude on.

Walking down the street, Jiang Ning spotted Hu Tao carrying a large sack, sneaking through a deserted alley.

Was she heading… out of the city?

At first, Jiang Ning didn't pay much attention. Hu Tao was often eccentric, and the sack probably contained something related to funerals, right?

But then he noticed the sack move, and his expression changed.

Holy crap, since when did the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor start trafficking people?

To prevent his friend from descending into a life of crime, Jiang Ning decided to follow her.

He wanted to see who Hu Tao had kidnapped. If necessary, he'd clean up her mess… Of course, if the mess was too big, he'd let the Millelith take her in for some labor reform.

In the wilderness near Liyue Harbor, close to Wuwang Hill, the atmosphere was damp and chilly.

Plus, this area was a burial ground, adding an extra layer of creepiness.

But that was all nonsense. The real reason was the dense forest and the shady, mountainous terrain…

Hu Tao regularly cleared out the ghosts and spirits here, and Jiang Ning often came to "snack" on them.

The reason he kept it from Hu Tao was that Jiang Ning didn't care whether the spirits could reincarnate or not…

It seemed they had reached their destination. Hu Tao started digging a hole, huffing and puffing with great enthusiasm.

If the sack beside her hadn't moved, it would've looked like she was burying a body.

But the sack was moving!

So, she wasn't kidnapping someone—she was burying them alive? That was even worse!

To stop Hu Tao from continuing her crime, Jiang Ning stepped in.

"Alright! That's enough, Hu Tao! Come with me to turn yourself in. You can't keep making mistakes!"

Jiang Ning stood up, speaking with righteous indignation.

Hu Tao: "...Huh?"

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