Chapter 045: To Health, Cheers!

Noelle gently patted her skirt, brushing away the gloom from earlier, and gave herself a little pep talk.

Then, she slowly stood up, her posture straight and graceful, like a rose that had weathered a storm and was now blooming again, full of vitality.

She turned to face Shao Yun, extended her hand, and said, "Alright, break time's over. Let's get back to scrubbing the walls."

Shao Yun sighed inwardly. You really are the never-give-up Noelle, aren't you? Your ability to bounce back is incredible. Just a few seconds ago, you were a bit down, and now you're full of energy, ready to keep scrubbing.

Facing Noelle's outstretched hand, Shao Yun shook his head gently, declining her offer.

"I'm just a bit tired, not on my deathbed. Don't underestimate me," he said, his voice low but firm.

With that, he did a quick kip-up and stood up, brushing off nonexistent dust from his clothes.

Noelle looked at him with understanding and respect, her voice soft as she said, "Alright, let's get back to work."

Just as she picked up her brush, Shao Yun tapped her shoulder and teased, "How about another break? You don't look like you've rested enough."

Noelle turned her head slightly, her gaze sweeping over Shao Yun.

"Mr. Shao Yun," she finally said, her voice as resolute as ever, "Captain Kaeya assigned us this task, and we need to finish it."

It seemed like she was reminding herself as much as she was reminding Shao Yun. She might be willing to change, but she wasn't about to give up her determination to see things through.

Shao Yun caught the deeper meaning in her words and laughed. "You're a quick learner. I was just testing you, and you did great."

His tone was full of praise, clearly impressed with Noelle. If she couldn't become a Knight, then the Knights of Favonius might as well not exist.

However, after a morning of tedious work, scrubbing the walls seemed rather pointless to him.

Shao Yun pointed to the unfinished path ahead, his brow furrowing as he laid it out plainly.

"Actually, what I mean is, we've been scrubbing all morning, and as you can see, no one else has come up here. After what I told you earlier, you must realize what Captain Kaeya's real intention was, right?"

Noelle looked at Shao Yun, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She now realized that Kaeya had given her this task to keep her out of danger.

But she still decided to follow Captain Kaeya's orders and complete the task.

Noelle pretended to agree with Shao Yun, letting go of the long-handled brush and spreading her hands as she looked at him.

"Mr. Shao Yun, I understand what you mean," she said, her voice soft but firm, a slight smile curving her lips.

Finally, Noelle had seen the light. The wall-scrubbing ordeal was over. Even if they had to keep scrubbing, they should at least get more people to help!

Just as Shao Yun thought she had accepted his suggestion and was about to call her to leave with him, Noelle suddenly punched him lightly in the stomach.

The sudden move caught Shao Yun off guard, and he looked at Noelle, confusion in his eyes.

Noelle's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she put her hands on her hips, looking every bit the bossy taskmaster.

"Don't waste time. We could've scrubbed several meters in the time we've spent talking. Let's get to work!" Noelle said, her voice playful but insistent.

With that, she turned around, picked up the long-handled brush, and went back to scrubbing.

Shao Yun looked at the stubborn Noelle, both amused and exasperated, but he couldn't help feeling a bit of admiration for her determination.

If it were him, he would've quit long ago.

"Alright, I get it," Shao Yun said, a wry smile on his face. "Since you're determined to do this, I'll stick with you to the end."

With that, Shao Yun also picked up his brush and went back to work.

...

Another afternoon of work passed.

On the walls of Mondstadt, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the city, bathing it in a warm, radiant light.

Shao Yun and Noelle stood on the walls, their eyes following the slowly sinking sun, their gazes growing deeper and more distant.

Shao Yun wiped the sweat from his forehead, a carefree smile on his face. He turned to Noelle and asked eagerly, "We're done, right?"

His voice carried a hint of exhaustion, but more than that, the relief of having completed the task.

In his mind, he was already planning to give Kaeya a few good slaps when Lumine returned, just to watch him fly!

Noelle scanned the walls, making sure there were no spots they'd missed. Then, she nodded confidently.

"It looks like we are."

"Rest, rest. I'm exhausted!"

Shao Yun tossed his brush aside and eagerly looked for a comfortable spot to sit.

He chose a spot above the city gate, where the view was wide and the breeze was cool—a perfect place to rest.

Leaning against the wall, Shao Yun let out a long sigh, as if expelling all his fatigue with that breath, enjoying the leisurely moments after finishing their work.

Noelle followed suit and sat down beside him.

They kept a bit of distance between them, mainly because they were both so hot from the work and needed some air to cool down.

Shao Yun closed his eyes, letting the evening breeze brush against his face, carrying away the heat.

In this peaceful and beautiful moment, Noelle suddenly remembered something. She stood up and said to Shao Yun, "Oh, Mr. Shao Yun, I remember saying a few days ago that I wanted to give you a thank-you gift..."

But Shao Yun waved his hand, indicating it wasn't necessary. "No need for thanks. Just letting me catch my breath is the best gift you could give me."

After a day of working like a dog, rest was the best gift. He didn't want to dwell on any thank-you gestures.

Suddenly, a system notification popped up.

[You have triggered a major story event: Noelle's Thank-You at the City Gate in Three Days. Proceed with caution.]

What major story event? This is at best a hangout event. I don't have the energy for this right now.

Noelle, however, shook her head and insisted, "That won't do. Just wait!"

With that, she got up to prepare the gift, clearly determined to make Shao Yun accept her gratitude.

Seeing that he couldn't dissuade her, Shao Yun decided to give a quick reminder.

"Hey, Noelle, I can't accept anything valuable!"

Noelle waved without looking back, her voice filled with excitement and joy.

"Don't worry, it's not expensive. It's something delicious!"

Oh, it's food? That's fine. After a day of work, all I've had is a Sunsettia and a bottle of wine. My stomach's already rebelling.

Shao Yun watched Noelle's excited背影 and called out loudly, afraid she might decide to cook something herself.

"Don't cook anything yourself! Just grab something from the Good Hunter. I'll cover the cost!"

But with the distance between them, he wasn't sure if she heard him.

A while later, Noelle returned, carrying a table, chairs, and ingredients.

She was panting heavily, but her face was beaming with satisfaction.

Shao Yun jumped up and helped Noelle unload the items. Seeing her drenched in sweat yet so determined, he muttered, "Good heavens, you're more stubborn than a mule!"

She set the things down and looked at Shao Yun, proudly saying, "Store-bought stuff can't express my gratitude. It has to be homemade. But I was afraid it would get cold by the time I brought it over, so..."

Shao Yun lightly tapped Noelle's head and joked, "Next time, remind me not to let you prepare a feast, even if it's just a picnic. I'm afraid you'll exhaust yourself, and then Acting Grand Master Jean will come after me with a 50-meter-long sword."

Noelle burst out laughing. "Hahaha, that's a funny image." She found the idea of Jean wielding a giant sword hilarious.

Shao Yun helped Noelle set up the table and chairs, and they even rigged up a simple stove, turning the city walls into a makeshift picnic spot.

Noelle busied herself preparing the meal, her movements skilled and swift—truly the Knights' all-around maid.

Soon, she had whipped up her signature dishes: fluffy pancakes, northern apple stew, and a few mushroom-chicken skewers.

The aroma of the food filled the air, making mouths water.

There's nothing more satisfying than enjoying a good meal after a hard day's work. Sure, my stamina consumption is reduced, but I'm not some kind of photosynthesis-powered immortal who doesn't need to eat!

Noelle laid out the food on the table and sat across from Shao Yun.

"This is my thank-you gift, for helping me clean up the other day."

On the city walls bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, the bricks seemed to radiate an ancient, weathered charm.

Shao Yun and Noelle sat across from each other at the makeshift table, the delicious food Noelle had prepared exuding an irresistible aroma.

Shao Yun looked at the feast before him and pulled out a bottle of fine brandy from his bag (slightly restores core stamina and moderately restores core Death Eye). He popped the cork with a flourish.

Holding the bottle high, it gleamed in the sunlight like a dazzling gem. The liquid inside swirled gently, releasing an enticing fragrance into the air.

Shao Yun grinned, his voice loud and full of vigor as he declared, "There's nothing more satisfying than enjoying a good meal after a hard day's work. To health, cheers!"

With that, he tilted his head back and downed the brandy in one go. The liquid flowed down his throat, bringing an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

After finishing, Shao Yun blinked contentedly and shook his head slightly. A look of pure enjoyment spread across his face, as if all his fatigue had vanished in that moment.

Seeing Noelle's curious gaze, Shao Yun straightened up, put the empty bottle away, and said with mock seriousness, "Kids can't drink alcohol!"