Rewind | Genshin Impact

Chapter 21

"So, we're getting takeout then?" Chongyun asked everyone whilst comforting a very distressed Xingqiu.

"Yeah, that seems like the way to go." Lumine agreed, the others in the room also humming in agreement or nodding their heads.

"Okay, uh, I'll make the call then." Chongyun muttered as he pulled out his phone and started tapping in numbers. "Would noodles from the local shop be okay?" At everyone's hum of approval he put in the order.

That's when another realisation hit Venti, he quickly grabbed Xiao's arm and pulled him to the side. "We need to make sure Kaeya doesn't eat anything tonight. It's better to be safe then sorry."

Xiao hummed in agreement. "Okay, that makes sense. Who is at the top of your suspect list?"

"Oh! We need to investigate Scaramouche!" Venti recalled, proud of himself for remembering this detail. Xiao quickly shook his head.

"No need, it's not him-"

"No, it probably is!" Venti interrupted him. "Every time loop you've insisted that it's not him. But I'm pretty sure it is. In the last time loop you told me to tell you that," Venti dropped his tone to a whisper, "I know about the gem, and there is another way."

And just like that Xiao's aura changed. He suddenly became more tense and alert, his voice being a lot more hurried. "There is another way? What do you mean there is another way?!" He frantically whispered as he gripped Venti's arm. 

"I don't know. I just told you everything past you told me." Venti answered, prying Xiao's hold off him as the other boy seemed to underestimate his own strength. 

Xiao seemed to be contemplating something, then he sighed. "What you came to tell me earlier today is ridiculous, and really, unbelievable. However, the fact that someone like you knows this much proves that there is more to you then meets the eye. So, I'll entertain this story of yours, although for this to work, you've got to listen to me. For the rest of the night I just need you to keep an eye on Kaeya, and make sure he doesn't eat any food or drink any drinks. I'll go speak to Scaramouche. Do you think you can do that?"

"Of course I can-"

"Okay, good." Xiao interrupted, and began to walk away. However, before he could get far Venti grabbed his arm.

"Be careful. Scaramouche doesn't seem like the kind of person you want to mess with." Venti said, concern lacing his every word as Xiao's eyes softened.

"I will. Don't fail your task." Xiao muttered, then at that he pulled his arm out of Venti's grasp and made his way into the crowd of laughing people.