Down the Same Path [(Y/n) x Genshin Impact] (Prologue!)

Chapter 2

  I seldom took walks for one reason- the people of the alleyway weren't necessarily pleasant either. Although most of the time they minded their business (something regular folk seemed to have a hard time doing), occasionally I would find some unpleasant people that made it their ardent task to bother me.
  Two beggars were crouched in a corner, a tattered piece of cloth sitting under them. Upon seeing me, they clanged their dishes of coins, but I hurried on. One rule I learned fairly quickly was to never bring cash along with you when visiting Louie's shadiest spots. A woman drunk on wine shoved me hard into the cold stone wall and continued on her way, letting out a string of slurred curses towards me but never bothering to look at who she was addressing. Not that she could see who she was talking to. The crimson hood loomed over my face, casting a shadow unto my distinguishable Khaenrian features.
  I continued down a maze of alleyways, meeting few people at this time of day. I walked until my legs began to ache and stopped to take a breath.
  "At least I've cleared my mind a little..." I breathed, fighting to think of the man again. Aster was right. He was probably more uneducated than he seemed. "There's no way he was that perfect-"
  I yelped as I felt a hand tug down my hood. In my confusion, I whirled around and backed up, slipping on the uneven ground. I landed hard on my butt, wincing.
  "Ah- I apologize for the scare. It seems I've mistaken you for someone else." I looked up to see a familiar face.
  Blood rushed to my face as I saw the man I had fought so hard to forget about. Something about him was so alluring and intriguing.
  "Are you alright?" He asked, holding out a gloved hand. Realizing I had been gawking, I extended a trembling hand into his palm. He gently helped me up, concern etched into his face.
  "I-I'm ok!" I stammered, realizing I had gone too long without saying anything. He smiled at me pleasantly, sending a warm blush to my face. He looked at me for a moment before his eyes widened in realization.
  "Ah, I remember you. You're the young lady from yesterday." I struggled to contain a smile. He didn't say 'The Khaenrian', or 'the beggar'. He called me a young lady. I'd certainly never been called that before, not even by my own family.
  "That's me." I replied quietly.
  "This area seems rather dangerous. I was hoping to find someone here, but it seems I've found you instead. Shall I escort you home?" He offered kindly.
  "You should find your friend..." I dismissed, not wanting to cause any more problems.
  "If you're worried about her safety, she's well versed in the art of pole-arm wielding, and she's been blessed with a vision. In fact, she frequents the place often to look for... customers."
  That piqued my interest. What kind of service sought out criminals, thugs, and drunkards?
  "Customers?" I echoed.
  "Don't worry too much about it. Anyway, my offer still stands, but you are in no way obliged to accept it."
  I looked around the corner from which I came, suddenly filled with a band of delinquents. Most were downing down some alcohol, while the rest leaned against the cool walls, eyes alert and waiting.
  "I hope you it isn't any trouble for you..." I began. He held out his arm for me, and I took it after a moment of hesitation. As I retraced me steps, I became more and more distracted from my surroundings. I felt awkward in the long silence, but every time I wanted to say something, I forced myself to look ways embarrassed.
"It seems I don't know your name. Do you mind if you share it with me?" The man spoke up, looking down at my flustered face.
"Um, I'm (Y/n)."
"What a lovely name! It means 'special' in Khaenrian, doesn't it?"
I stopped in my tracks, eyes widening.
"H-how did you know that?" All this time, I had convinced myself he was simply being courteous because he didn't know the meaning of a Khaenrian. It was quite the opposite! Not only did he very well know what it meant, he also knew my language?! All of a sudden, my heart lurched. Who really was this man? Why had I trusted him? Just because he was nice, doesn't mean he had good intentions in reality.
"I understand your hesitation, and I apologize if I've caused you any distress. I simply know what it means because I studied the language. I'm well versed in many different things, and ancient Khaenrian is just one of them." He paused, looking at me. "My name is Zhongli, but you might know me better as the consultant of the Wanshang funeral parlor."