Chapter 90: Camping

Just then, Chef Mao's voice rang out from the kitchen, tinged with the bustle of business and warm enthusiasm.

"Xiangling, we've got another table!"

"Coming, Dad!" Xiangling responded quickly to the call.

She turned to the three of them with an apologetic smile.

"I'll get back to work—enjoy your meal!"

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon sat around the table, savoring the dishes Xiangling had prepared with care. Each one was bursting with color, aroma, and flavor.

The Boiled Black-Back Bass was a bit spicy, but the fish itself was tender and juicy.

The Braised Three Shreds had a rich, savory flavor, neatly presented with a clear broth.

The Beast Meat Mint Rolls carried a refreshing minty aroma that lingered on the tongue.

After the meal, Paimon rubbed her now-rounded belly and asked curiously, "Shao Yun, what are we doing about a place to stay tonight?"

Shao Yun sighed and shook his head helplessly. "Looks like we'll have to ask the Adventurers' Guild. Every inn I checked is already full."

Just then, Xiangling walked by with a fresh batch of dishes. Hearing their conversation, she stopped and asked curiously, "You're looking for a place to stay?"

Shao Yun turned to her and nodded. "Yeah, we've checked several inns already—no vacancies. We were planning to ask the guild after dinner."

Xiangling furrowed her brow slightly and shook her head. "You're really out of luck. The Rite of Descension is tomorrow—inns were fully booked a month ago."

She glanced at the busy streets outside, then offered a helpful suggestion.

"If you don't mind roughing it, head out the door, go left and straight, then turn left again and cross the bridge. That area's called Mt. Tianheng. It's more remote, but you can camp there for the night. It should be fine just for one night. Once the Rite is over, a lot of travelers will leave, and it'll be easier to find lodging."

'So basically, it's the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. Got it—just treat it like camping.'

"Thanks."

"No problem," Xiangling replied nonchalantly.

Following Xiangling's advice, the three set off in search of a suitable campsite.

Crossing the bridge, the sight that greeted them was unexpected.

The area was already dotted with all sorts of tents—clearly, many had arrived early in anticipation of the ceremony.

Seeing the crowd of campers, Shao Yun couldn't help feeling a little bitter.

He slapped his forehead and muttered, "These people are hardcore. Camping out for a glimpse of a ceremony? Talk about overachieving..."

Lumine noticed Shao Yun's exasperated expression and made a suggestion.

"How about we go a bit farther out? As long as we wake up early, we'll still make it in time for the Rite."

Shao Yun nodded in agreement. "Good idea. I doubt all of Liyue's wildlands are taken. Let's find a better spot."

As night fell, the trio finally located a quiet corner where they could rest undisturbed.

A gentle breeze carried with it a coolness and peaceful hush.

Shao Yun set up the tent with practiced ease, adjusting each pole perfectly to ensure it was both stable and comfortable.

Next, he lit a campfire, the flames dancing in the dark, casting a soft warmth and light.

He even laid down a thin groundsheet from Mondstadt's general store inside the tent—at least they wouldn't be sleeping directly on the ground.

Paimon lay on the mat inside the tent, staring at the ceiling, mumbling to herself.

"So bored..."

Shao Yun, seated beside the fire, chuckled at her complaint. "Just hang in there. Tomorrow's Rite will be exciting."

Paimon gave no real response. Still lying on the mat, she stared up at the ceiling and began listing food.

"Sweet Madame, Boiled Black-Back Bass, Apple Cider, Sticky Honey Roast, Moon Pie..." Her voice grew softer and slower, as if she were tasting them all in her dreams.

Gradually, her voice faded.

Shao Yun turned to look—Paimon had fallen fast asleep, her breathing slow and even.

"So naming dishes works like a lullaby?" he muttered, watching her sleep. "Better than sleeping pills."

He sat by the campfire, its light reflecting in his eyes.

Carefully, he took out a small metal cup and began brewing a potent snake oil using Half Lotus.

He also used Ginseng and Yarrow to craft a strong healing potion.

Concentrating intently, he began replenishing his stock of medicines.

The firelight flickered across his face, revealing an expression of quiet focus.

Lumine sat silently beside him, her gaze drifting between the flames and the star-filled sky.

The stars sparkled like countless gems scattered across the night, mirroring the glow of the fire to create a breathtaking scene.

Shao Yun glanced at her, noticing how intently she was watching the sky, and asked softly, "Why aren't you sleeping?"

His voice was especially gentle in the nighttime quiet.

Lumine turned to him, her tone calm and reflective. "Since meeting you, this is actually my first time camping like this. I just wanted to enjoy it a bit more."

Shao Yun's interest was piqued. "How did you camp before?"

He wanted to know more about the girl who now shared his journey.

Lumine's expression turned distant, lost in memory.

"When I used to travel with my brother, if we had to camp, he'd just lay out a blanket and we'd rest on it. It was simple, but those times were warm and full of happiness."

Her voice was tinged with nostalgia.

"After he disappeared, I'd rest against a tree when I was tired, all alone in Teyvat. I felt lost and helpless. But then I met Paimon... and rescued you."

She looked over at Shao Yun.

"To be honest, neither my brother nor I ever learned how to set up a tent. Maybe... you can teach us someday?"

Her voice held a note of playfulness and hope.

Shao Yun smiled and nodded. "Of course. Next time we camp, I'll teach you. But first..."

From his backpack, he pulled out a bottle of red sparkling raspberry soda. Its vibrant color shimmered in the firelight.

He handed it to Lumine with a warm smile, his eyes glowing. "Stop dwelling on the past. Be happy, alright?"

Lumine took the bottle with surprise, unable to hide her delight.

A bright smile lit her face. "I thought you'd give it to Paimon."

Shao Yun snapped his fingers and grinned. "If I had a second bottle, I would give one to Paimon. But since there's only one, of course I'm giving you a little something special. I can't let everything good go to her—I've got to take care of you too."

Lumine's heart warmed even more at his words.

She pulled the cork and took a sip.

The refreshing fizz danced on her tongue, lifting her mood instantly.

Watching her enjoy it, Shao Yun asked curiously, "By the way, the Rite is tomorrow. Have you figured out how you'll ask your question?"

Lumine looked up, a hint of juice still sweetening her lips. Jokingly, she said, "Not really. Maybe I'll copy you—wave a hand and ask the Geo Archon if I can ask a few questions?"

Shao Yun burst out laughing, slapping his leg as tears nearly formed in his eyes. "Haha! That's actually a pretty creative plan..."

'The Archon's definitely going to fake his death. If not for the story, I wouldn't even go.'

Still, best to nudge her in the right direction.

Wiping away his laughter, he grew serious. "Actually, I traded a bottle of Special Miracle Tonic for some info. They say near the end of the Rite of Descension, the Geo Archon randomly gifts the offering to one person. Maybe that's your chance to ask."

Lumine set the soda down, her expression uncertain. "Do you think I'll be that lucky?"

Shao Yun looked at her, eyes firm.

"You've already met the best guide in Teyvat. And me. Doesn't that count as lucky?"

Lumine smiled softly. "Alright. Meeting you and Paimon... I guess that's a blessing in disguise."

But Shao Yun clearly wasn't satisfied with that response. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brooch he'd gotten from Lisa.

Under the moonlight, it sparkled—a clear sign of its precious nature.

"A blessing in disguise isn't good enough," he said, handing the brooch to her. "Be the luckiest person. Take it."

Lumine's eyes lit up with wonder at the brooch.

She ran her fingers across the intricate design, as if she could feel the good fortune it carried.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, full of joy and gratitude.

Shao Yun watched her with satisfaction. "Now do you feel like the luckiest person?"

Lumine smirked and gave his shoulder a light punch. "You're such a smooth talker." Then she moved to pin the brooch to her clothes.

Shao Yun quickly stopped her. "Pin it on a new outfit. Don't ruin this one."

She paused, then nodded. "Alright, I'll listen to you."

Shao Yun looked at her obedient expression and glanced at the sky. It was getting late.

"Time to sleep."

Lumine raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Don't want a gift in return?"

Her voice carried a hint of curiosity, as if gauging if something had changed in him.

Shao Yun shook his head with a gentle smile.

"I didn't give you that because I wanted something back."

Then, a thought struck him, and he added, "But... if you really want to give me something, save it for when we meet your brother."

Lumine nodded quietly and stood up.

"Okay. I'm going to rest—wake me for the second half of the night."

Shao Yun watched her walk away, then teased, "I'm pretty forgetful. Might forget."

She paused, turned around, and met his eyes with quiet determination.

"Then I'll take first watch. You can take the second."

Shao Yun chuckled, waving her off with a smile. "I was kidding. Go get some sleep."