Golden sunlight spilled over the antique streets of Feiyun Slope, casting a radiant glow across the shopfronts on either side of the street.
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon walked into a store called "Yunlai Inn," their figures weaving into the scene like a flowing painting.
A gilded signboard hung above the inn's entrance, glimmering under the sunlight.
Inside, the decor was elegantly traditional, with a faint sandalwood scent permeating the air.
The moment they stepped in, all eyes turned toward the trio.
Behind the counter, a middle-aged innkeeper was absorbed in his accounts. He looked up, surprised by his guests' unusual appearance, then quickly broke into a warm smile.
"Welcome! Are you here for lodging or dining?"
Shao Yun walked up to the counter, placing both hands firmly on it. "Your best room. Duration: indefinite. As for the bill, just send it to the Jade Chamber."
The innkeeper froze, scratching his head in confusion. "Ah? Uh…"
Shao Yun snapped his fingers lightly.
"'Ah' what? Didn't hear me clearly?"
That seemed to snap the innkeeper back to reality. He took a closer look at the three, recognition dawning in his eyes.
"Wait… Could you be the mysterious guests personally received at the Jade Chamber by Lady Ningguang?"
Shao Yun didn't answer directly—he simply nodded, then repeated, "Your best room. Indefinite stay. Bill goes to the Jade Chamber. Got it now?"
Realization struck the innkeeper like thunder. His face lit up with excitement, and he slapped his thigh with glee.
"Oh my! It's truly you three! What an honor to have such esteemed guests! I'll prepare our finest room at once!"
He personally led the trio upstairs.
The room they entered was the finest in the inn—luxurious yet steeped in classical charm. Soft light filtered through ornate wooden windows, casting a warm, inviting glow.
An elegant nanmu Eight Immortals table greeted them, its polished surface smooth as a mirror.
Matching chairs flanked the table, carved with graceful lines and fine detail—a quiet display of wealth.
In one corner stood a classical screen, painted with vibrant mountains, birds, and flowers—so vivid they seemed almost alive.
The innkeeper stood in the center, beaming with pride. "How's this room? It's our best, truly."
Paimon had already flung herself onto the soft bed, rolling about with carefree delight, laughing like a bell.
"Yaaay! This bed is amazing! I can't wait for nightfall!"
Shao Yun inspected the room closely, nodding in approval.
"Mm, not bad. The decor's tasteful—this classic style feels really relaxing."
Everything feels like treasure when you're not the one paying.
The innkeeper grinned wider at Shao Yun's praise and stepped closer, lowering his voice respectfully.
"I'm glad you're pleased. This really is our pride and joy—I'm sure you'll find it most comfortable."
Shao Yun nodded. "Good. This room will do. Remember: send the bill to the Jade Chamber. Forget that, and come asking me for money… I'll hang your head from the ceiling beam."
The innkeeper paled slightly but quickly nodded, his smile frozen on his face. "O-of course! Please rest well. Just call if you need anything!"
After he left, Lumine's gaze swept the room, pausing on the single large bed. The room was beautiful, but clearly not meant for three people.
She frowned, pointing. "Shao Yun, look—there's only one bed. How are two people supposed to sleep here?"
Shao Yun hadn't noticed at first. Now he looked and frowned slightly—then smirked and turned to Lumine with a teasing glint.
"Well… how about we…"
Seeing his expression, Lumine immediately grew flustered. Her gaze darted away as she cut him off in a panic, "I'm warning you, Shao Yun—don't you dare cross the line!"
Shao Yun raised an eyebrow, amused.
"You misunderstood. I meant I could get another room. Miss Ningguang is paying, remember? No need to worry about money."
Lumine let out a sigh of relief, glaring at him with a hint of playful annoyance. "Oh? So that's what you meant! I thought…"
Shao Yun chuckled, watching her fluster. "What did you think I meant?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly. "I-I didn't think anything! I just… don't waste too much. Ningguang's money doesn't grow on trees."
Actually, with the way she earns, it might as well blow in with the wind…
Shao Yun turned and walked toward the folding screen.
He gently drew it aside, revealing a serene corner of the room—there, a comfortable chaise lounge stood surrounded by faint sandalwood aroma, exuding tranquility.
He turned and smiled at Lumine.
"There's a lounge chair. I'll sleep there tonight. Don't worry—I'm a gentleman."
Lumine's cheeks colored slightly. She scratched her face awkwardly. "Oh… you could've said that earlier…"
Shao Yun waved her off. "Anyway, we still need to get your custom outfit. Let's go."
…
In Liyue Harbor's bustling Feiyun Slope, sunlight streamed through scattered clouds, dappled shadows dancing across the streets.
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon strolled through the city's most prosperous commercial district.
Before they realized it, they arrived at the entrance to Mingxing Jewelry.
The storefront was ornate and refined, its window displays filled with glittering jewels that dazzled under the sun.
Spotting the distinguished trio, shopkeeper Xingxi approached with a radiant smile.
"Good day, honored guests! Welcome to Mingxing Jewelry. How may I assist you today?"
Shao Yun looked around briefly, his eyes brushing over the jewelry before turning to Lumine.
"Lumine, you think a jewelry store could do clothing customizations?"
Lumine nodded slightly, but Xingxi chimed in before she could answer.
"We certainly can!"
Shao Yun blinked in surprise. "Aren't you a jewelry shop?"
Xingxi nodded eagerly. "You're right—Mingxing is famed for our gems. But we also sell clothing!"
Clothing in a jewelry store? What's next, golden chainmail?
Shao Yun glanced at Lumine. "Wanna take a look?"
"Can't hurt to try."
The trio approached the counter. Shao Yun leaned in, curious. "So… what kind of clothes do you sell here?"
Xingxi seemed ready for this. She quickly produced an opulent-looking qipao from beneath the counter, catching everyone's attention.
Golden threads sparkled along the seams, and the fabric was light and silky—gliding like wind-blown satin.
Xingxi began her pitch with a practiced smile.
"This qipao has quite the story. It belonged to Miss Hua Chu, the late daughter of De'an Gong, chairman of the Minghua Chamber of Commerce. It was her favorite—and most expensive—garment."
Shao Yun's expression darkened. His hand moved instinctively toward the revolver at his waist, his voice cold.
"You're selling me a dead woman's dress? Do I look easy to swindle, or do you just have a death wish?"
Xingxi panicked, waving her hands frantically.
"N-no! You misunderstood! Miss Hua Chu pawned it with us before she passed. We'd never strip clothing from the dead! If we did, the Millelith would've jailed us by now!"
Shao Yun's anger cooled slightly, though his suspicion remained. "You do pawning here too?"
Xingxi nodded carefully. "This piece is embroidered with real gold thread and embedded gems—quite valuable. We accepted it as collateral and paid one million Mora. Sadly, she passed soon after. Her father never reclaimed it, so we removed the gems and kept the dress…"
Clutching the ornate qipao, Xingxi looked at Shao Yun with pleading eyes.
"If you're interested, I can sell it at a huge discount—ten thousand Mora."
But Shao Yun's gaze was unmoved. He frowned, voice icy.
Even if she only "faked" her death, this still feels too grim.
"I'm buying Lumine new, custom-made clothing. Not secondhand goods."
A flicker of distress passed over Xingxi's face. She hesitated. "Ah… well… custom tailoring, that's…"
Shao Yun had heard enough. He turned, ready to leave with Lumine and Paimon. Clearly, this wasn't the place to find what they needed.
But just as they were stepping out, Xingxi called out, voice urgent.
"Wait! Mingxing Jewelry can do custom clothing!"