Shao Yun didn't know exactly when he fell asleep—the sunlight streaming through the window was what woke him, the brightness stinging his eyes.
"What time is it…?"
He sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The room was so plain that there wasn't even a clock, but judging by the sunlight outside, it was clearly late.
"System, what time is it now…?"
[Current time: 12:27 PM]
[Core Life Value: 100%, estimated depletion time: 120 hours.]
[Core Stamina: 100%, estimated depletion time: 120 hours.]
[Core Deadeye: 100%, estimated depletion time: 120 hours.]
Not bad. As long as he didn't overextend himself, these values would keep him going for three or four days without even needing food.
Seeing the noonday sun and confirming the time from the system, he couldn't believe how late he must've fallen asleep last night.
"Ugh, it's already noon?" Shao Yun yawned and stretched lazily.
Strangely, no one had come to wake him.
After putting on his sharpshooter outfit and stretching his shoulders, Shao Yun opened the door with a puzzled look.
Amber's house was completely empty—no one else around.
"Anyone home?"
His voice echoed through the vacant house, the silence answering him more clearly than words. No one was there.
Downstairs in the living room, he spotted some food left on the dining table.
He walked over and found three notes attached. Judging by the handwriting, one was from Amber, one from Paimon, and the last from Lumine.
He picked them up and read them one by one to see what they had left him.
「"Shao Yun, I came to wake you this morning, but you looked like you were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bring myself to disturb you. Thanks again for the Valberry juice yesterday. Even though it kept me up, I really appreciated the gift. I left you breakfast—don't forget to eat it! —Amber"」
「"Hehe~ Shao Yun, this morning, Paimon worked really hard—under Lumine's guidance—to make you a delicious grilled steak! I was really mad (＃｀д′) when you didn't wake up, but since you bought me that juice, I'll let it slide. Be sure to savor the meal I made just for you! —The best guide in all of Teyvat"」
「"Shao Yun, Paimon and I are out for a walk. Amber mentioned the Adventurers' Guild is actively recruiting new members, so we're going to check it out. Don't forget what we need to do tonight. —Lumine"」
Wow. Just from the expression Paimon drew, Shao Yun could imagine her puffed-up cheeks as she fumed.
He lifted the lids on the food. There were three dishes:
One portion of Teyvat-style fried eggs, a bowl of radish and veggie soup, and a very… unique-looking grilled steak.
The first two were clearly Amber's work—standard fare. But that steak… was definitely something else.
Staring at the charred-looking steak, Shao Yun seriously wondered if eating it would poison him.
He didn't need to eat, technically. But considering it was a gift from Amber and Paimon, not eating it felt rude.
He downed the cold eggs and soup in a few quick bites, then looked at the steak with a complicated expression.
It looked burnt, but at least it was cooked. It was edible.
Ah, screw it—worst case, I'll just chug a healing potion afterward!
He took a bite. It was like chewing on a rock. His taste buds screamed in protest at the strange, burnt meat.
By the time he was done, he felt… not great. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The steak was overcooked, the meat was tough, and it was horribly under-seasoned.
Trying to suppress the discomfort in his stomach, he sat at the table and started thinking about what to do next.
Look for Lumine? No way. She'd gone to the Adventurers' Guild early in the morning, probably already off handling commissions.
And Mondstadt was a big place—how would he even find her?
[Current Task: Wait for Angel's Share to close.]
[Note: You are free to manage your time.]
[Suggested Task: Afternoon tea with Lisa at 2:30 PM.]
Oh, right. Lisa's tea. He remembered she'd invited him. Judging by the time, he could easily make it from Amber's house to the Knights' headquarters.
Shao Yun left Amber's home. The noonday sun bathed him in a warm glow—it felt nice.
He strolled through the streets of Mondstadt. The city was bustling with people going about their day.
Compared to the quiet of night, daytime Mondstadt was truly vibrant.
Bards sang poems on street corners. Children ran through the streets playing games.
Though the main commercial street at the city entrance was the most active, it wasn't the only one. Residential areas had their own markets—street vendors, small shops, eateries.
Good Hunter and Mondstadt General Goods couldn't satisfy all the city's daily needs.
He arrived at the Knights' headquarters. The guards at the gate, remembering Kaeya's earlier explanation, let him through without issue.
With practiced steps, he made his way to the library and pushed the door open.
Lisa was already preparing for tea, sunlight streaming through the window onto her busy figure. The warm light created a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. A soft smile curved her lips, filled with anticipation.
At that moment, Shao Yun appeared at the door in his sharpshooter outfit, looking both composed and commanding.
Hearing the sound, Lisa turned. Surprise flashed across her face, quickly replaced by delight. She set down her teaware, stood up, and welcomed him with open warmth.
"Wow, the tall and dashing gentleman returns?" Lisa's voice sparkled with curiosity and amusement. "That outfit suits you. Is it laced with some kind of irresistible charm potion?"
Shao Yun gave her a small smile, glancing around and noting they were alone before teasing:
"Just natural talent. I only attract women with taste."
"Ooh, such a smooth talker." Lisa laughed.
"Anyway, you said yesterday you'd treat me to afternoon tea, so I figured I'd drop by. Didn't think you'd really go all out—were you expecting me to show?"
Lisa gave him a sly smile and gestured to the neatly set table.
"Well, I was just getting tea ready. Since you're here, come have a taste." She led him to the table and served him freshly brewed tea and pastries.
"Please, enjoy."
Shao Yun returned the gesture, inviting her to sit.
"You too."
They sat across from each other at the low table, savoring the delicate snacks.
Shao Yun lifted a white porcelain cup adorned with purple roses. He glanced at the reddish-brown tea, blew gently, then drank it down in one gulp like it was water.
Instantly, a bitter taste hit him—not medicinal bitter, but the kind that punches straight to your brain and lingers.
Lisa watched him closely.
"How is it?"
He closed his eyes and grimaced slightly before baring his teeth in a sheepish smile.
"I'm no tea expert, but… can I get a couple cubes of sugar?"
He held the cup out to her.
"Nope. This isn't coffee. Sugar would ruin the flavor."
She turned him down flatly, then refilled his cup.
"Take your time—savor it." She demonstrated, sipping slowly and letting the aroma unfold before swallowing.
Shao Yun mimicked her, and the bitterness was indeed balanced by the tea's aroma.
"Yeah… done like this, it's actually pretty good."
Pleased, Lisa put her cup down and started giving him a detailed explanation of Liyue's tea culture.
"Tea isn't like wine or water. In Liyue, they say tea must be tasted—the whole point is in the word 'taste'..."
She went on about deep, nuanced topics that left Shao Yun a little dizzy.
"You're going too deep for me. I don't know much about tea, but I have had matcha cake before."
The mention of cake reminded Lisa of something. Tea alone didn't make a proper afternoon tea.
She pushed a small purple cake toward him.
"Speaking of cake—try this. I made it myself. It's made with Valberries."
Shao Yun picked it up and gave it a sniff. A gentle blend of creamy sweetness filled the air. Bits of Valberry fruit decorated the top.
He took a bite. The flavor spread across his tongue—just the right sweetness, soft texture, and absolutely delightful.
"Mmm! This is really good."
As they sipped tea and nibbled cake, the conversation continued. Lisa talked about fun places in Mondstadt and tales from her academy days in Sumeru.
Before they knew it, the tea was gone, the cake was gone—but their conversation only grew deeper.
"Your past is fascinating, Miss Lisa. It's a shame I didn't study much—I don't know half the terms you mentioned."
Listening to her stories from the Akademiya was truly entertaining.
But all good things must come to an end—it was time to leave.
Shao Yun stood and brushed off his clothes.
"Thank you for the tea. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Thanks for your hospitality—I'll take my leave."
Seeing him about to leave, Lisa waved her hand with a teasing smile.
"No rush, Shao Yun. It's not evening yet—and weren't you all supposed to meet after Angel's Share closes?"