Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [126]

The starry sky stretched endlessly above, its reflection shimmering on the calm sea.

The silhouette of the island ahead grew clearer with each passing moment.

Ren silently guided the small boat toward the sandy shore.

Beside him...

"Hmph."

Keqing sat with her arms tightly wrapped around the Raiden Shogun doll, puffing her cheeks in displeasure.

Every so often, she shot Ren a glare, her face practically radiating small bursts of frustration.

Having had her "cat ears" pinched, the irritated Keqing-cat looked like she was ready to bite.

"Ahem, about earlier..."

Ren coughed lightly, attempting to change the topic.

The dangerous glint in Keqing's eyes hadn't faded, but he couldn't stop himself from sneaking another glance at her braided "cat ears."

After all, they were just braided hair, nothing more.

But he hadn't anticipated Keqing's reaction to be so sensitive.

Admittedly, though, her immediate response had been incredibly cute.

That was worth it, Ren thought with a satisfied heart. And yes, I'd do it again.

"You still dare talk about it!"

Keqing suddenly stood up, causing the small boat to sway precariously.

In her moment of outrage, she raised the doll in her hands, as if ready to hurl it at him.

She really should've had the Millelith soldiers tie this troublemaker up earlier!

And as for his punishment...

First, drag him back to Liyue. Then we'll talk.

"All right, all right, the boat might tip over!"

Ren quickly raised his hands in surrender, trying to calm her down.

Steadying himself, he dodged her half-hearted swats, his lips quirking into an amused smile.

After all, who could resist an angry Keqing-cat?

"Hmph, let it tip, then," Keqing huffed as she sat back down, still pouting.

Maybe sinking the boat would teach a certain slacker a lesson.

"If it tips, we'll both be stranded here," Ren said thoughtfully, eyeing Keqing.

Stranded on a deserted island... just the two of us?

The scenario suddenly seemed rather appealing.

"What are you thinking about?" Keqing asked warily, clutching the doll protectively to her chest.

The keen instincts of a cat were rarely wrong.

"Hmm."

Ren nodded honestly, not bothering to deny it.

"You..."

Keqing's long lashes fluttered as she quickly looked away.

He just admitted it outright?! What does that even mean? Is he thinking about...

Under the moonlight, her cheeks remained faintly flushed.

The gentle sea breeze swept through her hair, tangling her thoughts even further.

Suddenly, Keqing's eyes widened.

She remembered the scene in the tent earlier.

I don't like Ren.

That's what she had said.

But before that, when they had been walking on the beach together...

I like it.

That's what Ren had said under the setting sun.

"..."

Keqing lowered her gaze to the doll in her arms.

Could he have taken my words to heart? Is that why he's acting this way now?

She didn't want him to misunderstand.

And if the misunderstanding led him to leave...

Who would stay and pull overtime with her then?

That... would be terrible.

Determined, Keqing finally mustered the courage to speak.

"Ren."

"Hmm?"

"Actually, what I said earlier wasn't—"

"I know."

"Eh?"

Ren leaned on the side of the boat, smiling as he looked at her.

So that's what she's been overthinking all this time?

She's just being tsundere—I get it.

He had no intention of letting this Keqing-cat slip away.

"You... know?"

Still holding the doll tightly, Keqing blinked, her face blank with surprise.

The delicate blush on her cheeks deepened as she lowered her head.

She quietly poked the doll's face, her thoughts racing.

It really must be a lucky charm.

"We've reached the shore," Ren announced. "Get ready to disembark."

"Mm..."

On the beach, gentle waves lapped at the sand.

The moonlight revealed two figures walking closely together.

"I can't believe it—I forgot to change shoes."

Keqing grumbled as she held her high heels in her hands.

Her usual footwear was completely impractical for walking on the sandy beach, leaving her no choice but to carry them.

But now there was another problem...

The sticky sensation of sand clinging to her stockings was becoming unbearable.

"Need a hand?"

Ren turned to her, feigning concern as he glanced down.

Keqing's petite feet, clad in black stockings, left a trail of faint footprints in the sand.

The fine fabric clung to her skin, grains of sand sticking stubbornly.

Ren couldn't help but sneak a few extra glances.

"How exactly are you planning to help?"

Keqing puffed her cheeks indignantly, lifting her leg in retaliation.

With a quick motion, she kicked up a splash of water, smearing the sand on her stockings onto Ren's pants.

Now both of them were dirty.

Serves you right for teasing me!

"Well, I could carry something for you," Ren offered with a smile, unfazed by the playful kick.

If anything, the sensation of her light touch left a lingering warmth.

"Like what?"

"The doll, of course. Or maybe even..."

Ren trailed off, his gaze drifting meaningfully to the sand.

"You—!"

Keqing's exasperated shout echoed across the beach.

Chasing him through the moonlit sands, she vowed to make him pay.

A faint firelight flickered.

Ren leaned against a tree trunk beside the small campfire he had built.

Next to him, Keqing sat with her legs drawn together. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the dim light.

She had taken off her stockings.

After running on the beach earlier, they had gotten torn by a mischievous crab.

"Are you all right, Keqing?" Ren asked, his tone soft.

Keqing shook her head, attempting to appear composed. She rubbed her thighs absently as the cool night breeze brushed against her skin.

It felt a little chilly—and more than a little embarrassing.

Trying to shift the attention away from herself, Keqing pointed at his shoulder.

"About her..."

"She's asleep," Ren replied casually, glancing at Sandrone's slumbering form. "Don't mind her."

He shook his head with a wry smile.

Maybe her main body is dealing with some trouble. Not my problem.

Unbothered, Ren leaned back, perfectly at ease.

---

A good story, much like a well-fought battle, is all about precision, strategy, and passion. Every choice matters—the right move, the right word, the perfect balance between staying true to the original and making it shine in English.

That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL] – where every pledge helps ensure more high-quality translations, faithful to the original while flowing naturally in English. Trust me, as a Champion, I know a thing or two about mastery.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another battle to prepare for. But you? You should definitely check out that Patreon.

—Cynthia