Chapter 85: Strange Couple

Shao Yun and Lumine finally arrived on horseback at the Stone Gate area, where a small market had formed around a central tea stall.

Originally, it was just a simple tea stand meant for travelers to take a short rest.

Over time, some merchants, seeking convenience, began setting up shop around the tea stall.

Bit by bit, the place became lively.

Liyue authorities even deployed more Millelith to maintain order.

Stalls were packed with an array of goods, from delicate porcelain to practical farming tools—everything one could ask for.

The tea vendor's stand exuded an enticing aroma of steaming tea, drawing passing travelers to stop and sample a cup.

The food stalls were even more mouthwatering, their scents making it impossible not to salivate.

In the distance stood over a dozen modest houses—inns or small lodges for travelers.

Though not large in scale, they met all the basic needs of those passing through.

Several travelers sat at the tables in front of the tea stall, some engaged in quiet conversation, others resting with their eyes closed, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.

Shao Yun and Lumine's arrival drew attention—curious and envious glances from all around.

Shao Yun looked around the tea stall, then turned to Lumine to ask her opinion.

"How about we take a break here?"

Lumine nodded, smiling. "Sure, I'm a little thirsty anyway."

So, the three dismounted and led their horses over to the tea stand.

They found an empty table and sat down, tying the horses to nearby wooden posts. Though aged, the posts were still solid and reliable.

The tea stall's owner, "Uncle Lao Zhou," shuffled over, slightly hunched.

Despite his age, his eyes sparkled with the calm wisdom honed by years of experience.

Speaking in a thick local accent, he greeted them warmly. "Travelers, how about a big bowl of tea to quench your thirst?"

Shao Yun looked up and saw a kindly elder. He asked, "How much is the tea, sir?"

Pops Zhou held up a finger and smiled. "One pot costs 1,000 Mora. Free refills with hot water. One pot's enough for five or six people."

Shao Yun found the price reasonable and handed over the Mora.

"Then we'll take a pot."

Pops Zhou took the money and turned to fetch a teapot and large bowls.

Soon, he returned with a steaming pot of tea and three large bowls, pouring the tea deftly for the trio.

As he poured, he said, "Please enjoy. The flavor's a bit bitter, but on a hot summer day like this, one sip will drive the heat right out of your body."

[Pop's Tea: Slightly restores Core Health, Core Stamina, and Core Deadeye.]

Shao Yun lifted the bowl and took a careful sip. The tea was bitter at first, but as he savored it, a subtle sweetness spread across his tongue.

He couldn't help but drink a few more sips, feeling instantly refreshed.

Paimon, however, had a very different reaction. After one sip, her face twisted in disgust and she nearly spat it out. "So bitter!"

Shao Yun grinned. "I've got a potion that tastes better than this. Want some?"

Paimon shook her head fiercely. "Between that and your potions, I'd rather drink this tea."

She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and gulped down the entire bowl in one go.

Watching her expression, both Shao Yun and Lumine couldn't help but laugh.

...

Ten minutes earlier.

In the corner of the tea stall sat a man and a woman, facing each other in quiet companionship. Like two wandering stars in the vast sea of people, they had found a fleeting refuge.

The man's name was Jianqiu. He looked like a refined scholar, wearing glasses with a gentle, cultivated demeanor.

His clothes were simple yet clean, carrying a quiet air of scholarly grace. He sat calmly, his eyes fixed on the woman across from him.

Her name was Huachu. She resembled a budding flower—not flashy, but naturally beautiful.

Her gestures radiated the grace of a noble lady. Every motion she made was elegant and measured.

She was rubbing her sore ankle, and a faint trace of fatigue flickered across her eyes.

"Jianqiu, how many days have we been traveling?" she asked softly, her voice like a mountain spring—clear and melodious.

Jianqiu looked up slightly, gazing into the starry distance as if recalling their journey.

"My lady, it's been ten days," he answered with firm resolve, as though the hardship meant little to him.

Huachu sighed gently, a troubled look on her face.

"My foot hurts. Let's rest here in Stone Gate tonight. That little inn over there should do. After all the wind and rain, this is my first time going so far on foot, I…"

Her voice trailed off, shame creeping in for her perceived weakness.

Jianqiu, seeing her pain, felt a surge of pity.

"My lady, just hold on a little longer. We're still in Liyue, but once we reach Mondstadt, everything will be better. The traders I met said there are no Treasure Hoarders there, no Hilichurls, not even Fatui—it's a true paradise!"

His words were full of determination and hope, as if that paradise lay just within reach.

A gleam of longing appeared in Huachu's eyes. She glanced at her aching ankle, then at Jianqiu, and nodded. "Alright, I trust you. But please, just let me rest a little longer, okay?"

There was a gentle plea in her voice.

Jianqiu felt conflicted. Every extra day in Liyue increased the danger.

He looked at the few coins left in his pouch. If they hired a sedan chair, they'd be out of money.

He furrowed his brows, deep in thought.

Just then, the sound of hooves shattered the stillness. Jianqiu looked up and saw Shao Yun and Lumine arriving at the tea stand on their tall, strong horses.

Seeing the powerful steeds, a thought suddenly sparked in Jianqiu's mind.

...

Shao Yun sat at the table, tea bowl in hand, staring at the brownish-green leaves inside, pondering how it compared to the black tea Lisa once gave him.

Absentmindedly, his gaze swept across the tea house and landed on a man sitting in the corner, eyes fixed on him.

The man's look held curiosity and scrutiny—clearly intrigued by Shao Yun.

Shao Yun gave a small nod, seemingly unbothered by the stranger's gaze.

He sipped his tea. The bitterness spread across his mouth, leaving a refreshing feeling in its wake.

He thought, Maybe he's just fascinated by the horse.

But the man didn't stop staring.

After a moment of inner struggle, the man finally picked up his tea and walked over.

"Hello there. Fate has brought us together—may I be your friend?" he asked with a warm smile.

His voice was gentle, sincere—disarming.

Paimon smiled back, raising her bowl to respond—but Shao Yun quickly stopped her with a raised hand.

"Paimon, don't be hasty."

Shao Yun turned to the man, a glint of caution in his eyes.

Unsolicited friendliness is often a sign of ulterior motives—especially in unfamiliar places.

Shao Yun was not someone who believed in giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.

"What's your name?" he asked bluntly.

The man looked a bit surprised by the directness. He adjusted his glasses and answered, "I'm Jianqiu."

Shao Yun gave nothing away. "My friends call me Callahan."

His tone was flat—completely matter-of-fact.

Jianqiu's smile didn't falter. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Callahan."

His voice was warm and friendly, but it had no effect on Shao Yun.

Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance when they heard the alias, puzzled but silent. They knew Shao Yun had his reasons.

Jianqiu's gaze turned to Lumine and Paimon. "And may I ask the young ladies' names?"

Shao Yun interrupted. He pointed toward a woman nearby. "And she is?"

His tone was probing, clearly curious.

Jianqiu followed his finger, and his face softened.

"Her name is Huachu," he said, with a faint fondness.

Shao Yun didn't stop. "What do you do?"

The question came with a sharp edge, as though Shao Yun were interrogating him.

Jianqiu was caught off guard. "I… I'm an employee of Minghua Bank's manager..."

He paused, then quickly added with a smile, "I just wanted to befriend three extraordinary heroes like you. No ill will."

His humility was obvious—he was trying to ease the tension.

Paimon perked up at the praise, grinning like a smug little fox. "Heehee, then—"

But Lumine covered her mouth before she could finish.

Shao Yun nodded approvingly at Lumine's swift, silent teamwork.

Then he turned to Jianqiu and said calmly, "This young lady's name is Mary, and the little one here is Bess. We're travelers—wandering across the lands."

Jianqiu looked visibly pleased. "Ah, travelers. Wonderful."

His tone held admiration and envy, clearly longing for the same freedom.

But Shao Yun didn't relax. He pointed again at Huachu, his gaze sharp.

"And she is yours?"

The authority in his voice left no room for evasion.

Jianqiu hesitated, troubled. "She..."

His voice was low and unsure, as though burdened by a secret.

Shao Yun stood up, walked over, and lightly pushed Jianqiu down into his seat.

"I'll ask her myself. Fair is fair."

Then he turned to Lumine.

"Mary, keep an eye on this friendly gentleman for me."

Lumine nodded and watched Jianqiu closely, ready for anything.