Chapter 86: Thirty Mora

Shao Yun slowly rose to his feet and walked toward the young woman. His steps were calm and steady, each one exuding a composed grace. Reaching her, he sat down with poise, a "friendly" smile radiating from his face.

"Hello." Shao Yun's voice was gentle and clear, like a spring breeze—soothing and disarming.

Seeing such "kindness" on his face, Huachu immediately tensed.

She took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. Then she gave a polite wave and replied, "Hello..."

Shao Yun gestured toward Jianqiu in the distance and asked curiously, "That forthright gentleman mentioned your name is Huachu?"

His eyes held a sincere curiosity, as if he were truly interested in her.

Huachu's gaze shifted slightly, as though embarrassed. She nodded, speaking softly, "Yes, I'm Huachu, second daughter of the Minghua Trading House's manager. I'm out on business."

Shao Yun seemed intrigued by her identity. He continued, "Since you're doing business, you must have a destination, no? Where are you headed?"

Suddenly, Huachu felt hot. She unconsciously tugged at her collar and fanned herself a little. With an awkward laugh, she said, "Sorry... commercial secret, you understand..."

Shao Yun glanced around, clearly unsatisfied with her answer. He pressed on. "Why just the two of you? Doing business without guards? Aren't you afraid..."

He drew a finger across his neck.

"I've heard Treasure Hoarders don't just steal relics—they loot, kill, and burn. What if..."

Huachu suddenly felt a numbness on her lips, as if something was controlling her. She couldn't stop herself from speaking, revealing things she hadn't meant to. "Don't be fooled by Jianqiu's gentle looks—he's actually really skilled, even..."

Sensing something was wrong, Jianqiu immediately stood and rushed to Shao Yun's side, cutting Huachu off with a smile.

"Hahaha, sir, I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Might we speak in private?"

Shao Yun let himself be led aside. Jianqiu glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, then took a deep breath and shared what had been weighing on his heart.

"Mr. Callahan, I... I have a rather shameless request," Jianqiu said with nervous urgency. "Would you and your companions be willing to give us a ride on your horses?"

Shao Yun raised a brow, sizing Jianqiu up. Finally telling the truth, huh?

"We're headed to Liyue Harbor. If you—"

Before he could finish, Jianqiu interrupted in panic, frantically waving his hand toward the north.

"No, no, we're not going to Liyue Harbor—we're heading to Mondstadt!"

Shao Yun's face darkened. Coming from Mondstadt and going back? No way.

He shook his head firmly. "Not on the way. We're not going to Mondstadt."

Jianqiu's face turned pale. He clutched Shao Yun's sleeve, pleading desperately.

"Please, Mr. Callahan! We really need your help. We... we..."

Seeing the desperation in Jianqiu's eyes, Shao Yun's suspicion deepened. His voice turned firm.

"You don't look like people on a business trip. Be honest."

Jianqiu blanched. He realized there was no more hiding. Taking a deep breath, his voice trembled.

"The truth is... Huachu is the woman I love. I'm a clerk for Minghua Bank, and she's the manager's daughter. We eloped because we didn't want to live under society's expectations. We heard Mondstadt is a land of freedom, so we're fleeing there..."

Shao Yun was reminded of that couple on the "True Love Road."

Young master "Beau" from the Gray family and Miss "Penelope" from the Braithwaites.

Jianqiu and Huachu were basically the Teyvat version of Romeo and Juliet—just the "mismatched class" edition.

Seeing Shao Yun's hesitation, Jianqiu grew anxious but pressed on. This was their only chance.

He took another breath and tried to sound as sincere as possible.

"I'm willing to pay... pay..."

He faltered for a second, brows furrowed as if weighing a heavy decision. Then, clenching his teeth, he held up five fingers.

"500,000. Five hundred thousand Mora. Please... take us to Mondstadt."

Shao Yun blinked at the number, momentarily surprised, but quickly regained his composure.

He shook his head firmly. "Listen, we're heading to Liyue Harbor. We really can't help you."

Despite the rejection, Jianqiu wouldn't give up.

"This is our only chance. We'll pay anything if you can get us there."

Shao Yun sighed, a hint of sympathy surfacing.

"We're not going to Mondstadt. But if you really have 500,000 Mora, you could just book a cargo balloon headed there."

"Cargo balloon?" Jianqiu was stunned, clearly unfamiliar with the idea. He scratched his head. "Those can carry people?"

He had never heard of such a thing. Travel meant walking, sedan chairs, or rickshaws—not flying.

Shao Yun explained with a smile. "Sure they can. Cargo balloons are mainly for goods, but they can carry people. Just think of yourselves as cargo. Sit inside and you're good."

Jianqiu's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant! Why didn't I think of that? Thank you so much!"

Shao Yun thought: Are Liyue folks the same as Mondstadt ones? Or am I just attracting all the idiots? Where are the clever ones hiding?

He waved it off with a smile. "Just a suggestion. But if you do go that route, talk to the traders going to Mondstadt first—make sure it's arranged."

Jianqiu nodded eagerly, full of gratitude.

Shao Yun rubbed his hands together. "You're welcome. That'll be a consultation fee."

Jianqiu blinked, hesitant.

"What's the matter? Not willing? Then forget it."

Reluctantly, Jianqiu fished out a small bag of Mora and handed it over, visibly pained.

"Thank you again."

Shao Yun took the bag and nodded with a smirk. "Safe travels."

Jianqiu quickly led Huachu off to find a cargo balloon caravan bound for Mondstadt, and soon the two vanished from sight.

Back at the table, Shao Yun pulled out his journal and carefully sketched their faces with practiced strokes—every detail captured with precision.

Beneath the drawing, he wrote: "Strange Couple." A playful smile tugged at his lips.

He closed the journal gently, but his expression grew serious.

Looking up, he turned to Lumine and Paimon, speaking solemnly.

"Lumine, Paimon, I need to talk to you both."

The two immediately picked up on his seriousness and straightened up. Lumine was the first to ask, "Shao Yun, what happened?"

Shao Yun drew in a deep breath.

"That Jianqiu guy we met—he wanted us to help him and his runaway lover get to Mondstadt."

He paused, eyes settling on Lumine with concern.

"Lumine, I need you to remember this: if I'm not around, and a stranger suddenly acts friendly, don't let your guard down. We're not messiahs. We're travelers. Adventuring is just how we make a living. You need to know when to say no."

He then turned to Paimon, his tone sharpening.

"And you, Paimon. Be extra careful with smooth talkers. What if you'd been swayed by Jianqiu's flattery? Would we have taken them to Mondstadt? Would we have missed the Rite of Parting?"

Lumine and Paimon both lowered their heads, faces full of guilt.

Paimon mumbled, "I understand, Shao Yun. I'll be more careful."

Shao Yun glanced toward the towering trees ahead, where Wangshu Inn perched high above the canopy, like a floating pavilion.

He sighed, his brow furrowed with worry.

"I just don't want either of you to get tricked if I'm not there. Maybe I was a little harsh, but I mean it from the heart."

Lumine gently took his hand. "It's okay, Shao Yun. We understand. You're just looking out for us. I'll be more careful from now on."

Shao Yun nodded and tried to lighten the mood.

"Alright, let's drop the subject. If we hurry, we can still reach Wangshu Inn before dark. Or—if either of you want to experience camping and the peace of nature—I'm happy to join."

Paimon perked up. "No camping for me! Let's finish our tea and get to the inn!"

Shao Yun smiled, poured himself another cup, and took a sip.

"Alright then. Once we finish this tea, we'll head out."

He felt a sense of satisfaction settle in as he drank.

Then, with a grin, he pulled out the bag of Mora Jianqiu had given him.

"But hey, this wasn't a wasted trip. At least we squeezed a little pocket money out of the guy."

Lumine nearly choked on her tea, eyes wide. "Wait, Shao Yun, you—"

Shao Yun waved a hand.

"The path of true love is never easy. Asking for a little money's no big deal."

Last time I helped a couple, they gave me a family heirloom bracelet. Why not ask for some change this time?

Lumine's lips twitched, but she said nothing.

Paimon, however, was thrilled. "How much did you get?!"

Lumine gently tugged her sleeve. "Paimon, seriously, can you not be so money-crazed?"

Shao Yun looked down at the small, flattened Mora pouch and clicked his tongue.

"Doesn't feel like much... but it should at least cover the tea."

He emptied the pouch onto the table.

Clink. Clatter. The sound of coins falling echoed in the air.

Shao Yun froze.

He counted again. And again. His expression darkened with each pass.

Finally, he cursed under his breath.

"Jianqiu! You son of a—thirty Mora?!"