Zhongli

That afternoon, as dusk slowly approached Liyue Harbor, you and Lanyan were busy practicing your skills together. The atmosphere, which had been serious at first, gradually turned a little chaotic when Yaoyao and Qiqi started inviting everyone to play tag.

Qiqi became the one chasing, while you, Lanyan, and Yaoyao ran here and there trying to avoid her.

After a while, without realizing it, your foot accidentally stepped on a small pebble, causing you to trip and fall forward. Fortunately, you managed to catch yourself with your hands. Even so, your palms were now lightly bleeding, mixed with bits of dirt and fine sand clinging to the small abrasions. Then You winced in pain.

Seeing that, Yaoyao, Qiqi, and Lanyan quickly rushed over to help you up. Qiqi immediately offered to treat your wounds and suggested taking you to Bubu Pharmacy. However, Lanyan spoke up, mentioning that Doctor Baizhu wasn’t there at the moment.

All of you looked momentarily confused… until Yaoyao proposed going to see Zhongli instead.

At first, you refused, thinking it would be too excessive to ask for Zhongli’s help over such a minor injury. But the three of them kept insisting, practically dragging you along until you finally gave in.

When you arrived at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, you tried to refuse once more, only to be nudged forward again by Qiqi, Yaoyao, and Lanyan. Lanyan even tugged gently at your hand.

As you reached the doorway, you saw Zhongli seated cross-legged, fully focused on his calligraphy, his brush moving in calm, precise strokes. Then The door opened.

Zhongli lifted his gaze, looking slightly surprised to see all of you standing there. He carefully set his brush down, closed the ink container, and looked at you with a gentle expression.

“What is it? Is something the matter?” he asked, his voice low and soothing.

Before you could answer, Lanyan had already begun rambling, explaining how your training had turned into a game of tag, which ended with you tripping.

Qiqi and Yaoyao added their parts, explaining that they had intended to take you to Bubu Pharmacy, but since Baizhu wasn’t there, they decided to come to him instead. And Zhongli listened attentively, nodding in understanding.

After a moment, he lightly patted his thigh, gesturing for you to sit there.

“Come here, Let me see how severe it is,” he said calmly.

You hesitated, attempting to refuse again, but with your three friends urging you on, you eventually stepped closer. Your movements were reluctant, until Zhongli gave you a small smile.

“You know I do not bite,” he said gently.

Slowly, you sat on his lap.

Zhongli placed a steadying hand on your waist to keep you balanced, while he lowered his head slightly. His face now close beside yours. Whilw Carefully, he took your hand.

The small abrasions on your palm were clearly visible now, along with grains of sand still clinging to the wounds. He examined them closely… before noticing something about your wrist.

His fingers pressed lightly against it — extremely careful.

“Does it hurt here?” he asked softly, his gaze lifting to meet your face.