She gently patted the hem of her skirt, brushing away the lingering gloom, and gave herself a bit of encouragement.
Then, she slowly stood up, her posture upright and graceful, like a rose that had endured the trials of wind and rain and now bloomed once more, radiating renewed vitality.
She turned around to face Shao Yun, extended her hand and said, "Alright, break time is over. Let's continue scrubbing the wall path."
Shao Yun couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'You really are the ever-persevering Noelle, huh. Your self-adjustment skills are too strong. You were just a bit emo a few seconds ago, and now it's like you've got endless energy again—back to scrubbing.'
Facing Noelle's outstretched hand, Shao Yun gently shook his head, declining her goodwill.
"I'm just a little tired, not on death's door. Don't underestimate me." His voice was low, yet firm and irrefutable.
With that, he sprang to his feet in one swift motion, even patting off some imaginary dust from his clothes.
Noelle looked at him with more understanding than concern, her voice soft as she said, "Alright then, let's keep scrubbing."
Just as she picked up her brush again, Shao Yun tapped Noelle on the shoulder playfully. "How about taking another break? I don't think you've rested enough."
Noelle turned her head lightly, her gaze sweeping up and down across Shao Yun.
"Mr. Shao Yun," she finally spoke, her voice as firm as ever, "Captain Kaeya entrusted us with this task—we still have to see it through."
It sounded like a reminder to both herself and to Shao Yun: while she may change, her resolve to persevere wouldn't.
Shao Yun caught the deeper meaning in Noelle's words and chuckled. "You sure learn fast. I was just testing you, and you passed with flying colors."
His tone brimmed with admiration—he was clearly pleased with her. If Noelle couldn't become a knight one day, then what was the point of having a Knights of Favonius?
Yet, after a whole morning of monotonous labor, scrubbing the wall felt utterly meaningless to him.
Shao Yun pointed toward the unfinished section of the path ahead, frowning slightly as he laid it out clearly.
"To be honest, what I mean is—we've been at this all morning, and as you've seen, aside from the two of us, no one else has shown up on this wall. After my little pointers earlier, I'm sure you've figured out what Kaeya actually meant by assigning you to scrub the path, right?"
Noelle looked at Shao Yun, a glimmer of understanding flashing in her eyes. She now realized this was a custom-made task designed to keep her out of harm's way.
But she had decided to follow Captain Kaeya's orders and finish the assignment.
Feigning agreement with Shao Yun's opinion, Noelle let go of the long-handled brush and opened her hands toward him.
"Mr. Shao Yun, I understand what you mean." Her voice was gentle yet resolute, with a slight upward curve at the corners of her lips, forming a graceful smile.
Looks like Noelle finally got the hint. This road-scrubbing business might be over at last. If we do have to scrub, at least bring more people next time!
Just as Shao Yun thought she'd accepted his point and was about to call her to leave together, Noelle suddenly balled her hand into a fist and gave his stomach a light punch.
The sudden move left Shao Yun momentarily stunned. He looked at Noelle, eyes full of confusion.
Only to see her grinning mischievously, hands on her hips in a commanding stance.
"Stop wasting time. With all that talking, we could've scrubbed several meters already. Get back to work!" Noelle said, her voice playfully firm.
With that, she turned around, picked up the long-handled brush from the ground, and threw herself back into the task.
Shao Yun watched Noelle persist in scrubbing the path, both amused and exasperated, shaking his head. Yet deep inside, he couldn't help but feel a touch of admiration for her stubbornness.
If it were me, I would've thrown in the towel long ago.
"Alright, I get it." Shao Yun said, a helpless smile on his face. "If you're determined to do it, then I'll see it through with you."
With that, he picked up a brush too, and continued working alongside Noelle.
…
Another afternoon of labor passed.
Atop Mondstadt's city wall, the golden light of the setting sun bathed the city of freedom and vitality in a soft, warm glow.
Shao Yun and Noelle stood atop the wall, their gazes following the slowly sinking sun, growing deep and distant.
Shao Yun wiped the sweat from his forehead with a light touch, a carefree smile on his face. He turned to Noelle and asked eagerly, "We're done scrubbing, right?"
Though his voice betrayed some exhaustion, it was laced with the relief of finishing a task.
In his heart, he was already planning to give Kaeya a few hearty slaps once Lumine returned—make him fly!
Noelle's eyes swept across the wall, checking carefully for any missed spots. Then, she gave a firm nod.
"Looks like we are."
"Break time, break time—I'm gonna die from this!"
Shao Yun tossed the brush aside and eagerly searched for a comfortable place to sit.
He finally chose a spot atop the city gate—open view, cool breeze, perfect for resting.
Leaning against the wall, Shao Yun let out a long breath, as if exhaling all his fatigue with it, savoring the tranquility after a hard day's work.
Noelle followed and sat down beside him.
They kept a small distance, mainly because they were both too hot from work and needed some air.
Shao Yun closed his eyes, letting the evening wind brush his cheeks, carrying away the lingering heat.
In that peaceful moment, Noelle suddenly remembered something. She stood and said to Shao Yun, "Oh right, Mr. Shao Yun, I remember I mentioned a few days ago—I owe you a thank-you gift..."
But Shao Yun waved his hand, signaling it wasn't necessary. "No need for that. Just let me catch my breath. That's thanks enough."
I'm exhausted like a dog. Rest is the best gift there is. No need to fuss over some thank-you gesture.
Suddenly, a system prompt popped up.
[You've triggered Noelle's Thank-You Event at the city gate three days later. Major storyline mission—please proceed with caution.]
Storyline mission my ass, this is just a damn hangout event. I don't have the energy for plot right now.
But Noelle, after hearing Shao Yun's reply, simply shook her head and insisted, "That won't do. Just wait!"
With that, she got up to prepare the gift, clearly determined to make Shao Yun accept it.
Since he couldn't talk her out of it, he gave a reminder instead.
"Hey, Noelle, I can't accept anything expensive!"
Without turning back, Noelle waved her hand, her voice full of excitement and joy.
"Don't worry, it's not something valuable—it's food!"
Ah, food. That's fine then. After working all day, having only eaten a sunsettia and drunk a bottle of rum, his stomach was already protesting.
Shao Yun watched Noelle's excited figure, suddenly worried she might try cooking herself. He hurriedly shouted:
"Don't cook yourself! Just buy something from Good Hunter—I'll cover it!"
But she was already too far away. No way to tell if she heard.
A little while later, Noelle indeed returned—carrying a table, chairs, and ingredients.
She was panting from exhaustion, but her face was lit up with satisfaction.
Shao Yun sprang up to help her unload the stuff. Seeing Noelle drenched in sweat yet still so determined, he muttered, "Jeez, you're more stubborn than a mule, kid."
After putting things down, she looked at Shao Yun and proudly declared, "Bought stuff just doesn't express my feelings. It had to be handmade. But I was afraid it'd go cold by the time I brought it here, so…"
Shao Yun lightly tapped Noelle on the head, teasing, "Next time, give me a heads-up. Don't let me rope you into setting up banquets—especially wild ones. If Jean finds out you exhausted yourself, she'll come after me with a fifty-meter sword."
Noelle burst into laughter. "Hahaha! That's such a funny image."
The thought of Jean's anger portrayed like that amused her.
Shao Yun helped Noelle set up the simple table and chairs and propped up a portable stove—making for a proper city-wall cookout.
Noelle busied herself with the cooking, her hands swift and practiced—a true all-purpose maid of the Knights.
Soon, she had whipped up her signature Lighter-Than-Air Pancakes, Northern Apple Stew, and a few Mushroom Chicken Skewers.
The delicious aroma wafted through the air, mouthwatering and rich.
There's nothing more satisfying than a good meal after hard work. Don't be fooled by his lower metabolism—he couldn't photosynthesize. He wasn't some immortal that didn't need grains!
Noelle laid out the food on the table and sat opposite Shao Yun.
"This is my thank-you gift—for helping me with the aftermath a few days ago."
On the city wall under the sunset, the scene was bathed in a soft golden glow, like a warm veil draped over everything.
The bricks of the wall, under the sun's gaze, radiated a quiet, ancient charm.
Shao Yun and Noelle sat facing each other at the makeshift table, surrounded by the mouthwatering scent of the dishes Noelle had prepared.
Shao Yun looked at the spread, then pulled out a bottle of Fine Brandy from his satchel (slightly restores Core Stamina and moderately recovers the Deadeye), popped the cork with one smooth motion.
Raising the bottle high, it shimmered in the sunset like a dazzling gem—its transparent body gleaming brilliantly.
The liquor swirled slowly inside, releasing an irresistible aroma into the air.
Shao Yun smiled, his voice loud and clear in celebration, "Nothing's more refreshing than enjoying food after hard work. To good health—cheers!"
With that, he tilted his head back and downed the drink in one go. The liquid slid down his throat, bringing a wave of indescribable satisfaction.
After drinking, Shao Yun blinked in contentment and shook his head slightly, a pleased smile spreading across his face as if all his fatigue had melted away.
Seeing Noelle's slightly curious gaze, Shao Yun straightened his expression, put the empty bottle away, and said with mock seriousness, "Kids aren't allowed to drink, okay?"