To Solve a Case, to Forge a Contract - Genshin Impact Zhongli X Reader

4 - Herbal Medicine is Bitter

Baizhu replaced the covers over your chest once he had finished his gentle and uninvasive checkup. He turned to Zhongli who stood nearby with his hands folded together as he patiently awaited Baizhus diagnosis.

"Are they okay?" he asked.

Baizhu stood from the bed "they are fine. Its a form of travel sickness, I've seen it in quite a few travelers who venture by Liyue, going from one side of Teyvat to the other is a lot more stress on the body and mind than some realise, and with their reputation making them wanted all over Teyvat I am surprised they haven't experienced this sooner"

"But they will recover, yes?"

"Oh of course, I would expect a full recovery within the week. I will prepare some herbal medicine that will be needed to be taken daily, and you should encourange them to rest. Their fever may fluctuate so don't be alarmed. But, if you are concerned, you can give me a call"

Zhongli nodded "thank you, Dr Baizhu, I appreciate your service"

"I will return with the medicine soon and you can give it to them when they wake, let them rest for now" Zhongli nodded, understanding Baizhus instructions before he left the home to return to Bubu pharmacy to procure the medicine you would need.

Meanwhile Zhongli paced a couple of steps, unsure of what he should do while he waited for Baizhus return. You had been sleeping rather restfully since he got you here despite the fact your cheeks flushed bright from your fever.

Finally he settled himself on a nearby chair. Hu Tao had assisted him in bringing you and your things from the parlour to here, one of those things being the clipboard you had been carrying around with you filling it up with notes related to the case.

He glanced over to your sleeping form before he reached out towards the clipboard, tentatively picking it up, his eyes staying on you as he expected you to suddenly wake up. He wasn't sure why he felt as though what he was doing was wrong, he was merely curious as to what your investigational notes looked like.

A smile came to his lips as he read through your neatly scattered notes that detailed the case as verbatim as possible for someone who didn't witness the event, he could envision what happened clearly through your words, your thoughts laid out across the many sheets of paper as you jotted down various theories that changed and evolved in equal measure as new pieces of evidence came to your knowledge.

He could trace every conversation you had shared and where those conversations took your investigative mind. He was impressed to say the least.

If anyone could unearth the truth behind Rex Lapis's death, it would be you. Though, that thought caused him some concern.

He was about to return the clipboard to its original place but his eyes found the most recent notes that had been penned not long after your conversation regarding the archons. A frown crossed his features as he read some of the notes that held an undertone of disinterested malice towards the topic. He let out a sigh before he moved to replace the clipboard.

He almost dropped it as a light knock came from the door, Zhongli breifly fumbling with the object to avoid dropping it to the floor in his surprise before he managed to place it down and move to the door.

He welcomed Dr Baizhu back into his home, the pharmacist handing over the herbal medicine that could be taken as a drink, Baizhu hinting that mixing it with some kind of lightly fragranced tea would be best to overcome the slight bitterness the medicine held. He spared you a glance before reminding Zhongli to call for him should your condition unexpectantly worsen before bidding him a goodnight.

Zhongli placed the medicine on the table before he returned to his seat beside you. He had made a deal to keep you safe, and keep you safe he would.