The Bloom of Life

Chapter 4

(This chapter is inspired by the picture above ^^)

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I was at work, casually working in my office, until I heard a knock on my door. "Come in" I looked up from my desk, putting my pen down. I saw Keqing walking into my office with a smile on her face.

"Hey Gun Yin, Lady Ninguangg asked me to deliver this letter to you!" Keqing handed me an envelope with some sort of stamp on it.

"What's this letter for?" I queried as Keqing gave me a smile.

"It's an invitation to Lady Ninguangg's party" I was surprised. I haven't been to a party ever since the archon war had ended..

"Oh! thanks Keqing I'll be sure to be there" I smiled at her as she walked out.

It was around 3pm and I had around 3 hours until the party started, so I decided to buy a gift just to be polite even though they gave me practically zero time to prepare. After that ,I headed home and started to get ready for this party. I went into the bathroom to have a shower. I undressed myself hopped in the hot shower, washing my body and hair quickly. After I had finished changing, showering and doing my hair I sat at my dresser to do my makeup when someone barged into my room.

"Hey comrade!" Childe started and I could see his bright smile in the mirror. "Are you going to Ninguangg's party?"

"What does it look like, Childe?" I said, putting some eye shadow on  and trying my best to focus on my makeup. "Also, how did a harbinger like you get invited?" I looked at him as he grinned at me back.

"I made myself an invitation, so, if she asks, I'll just show her this" Childe held his fake invite out with pride. "You won't tell Ninguangg will you?"

"No, I'm not involved in whatever situation you get into" I continued to do my makeup, this time putting on eyeliner "Is Zhongli going?"

"Of course he is going, Ninguangg admires him a lot" He grinned as he looked at his forged invitation.

"Where is Zhongli then?" I looked at him through the mirror.

"He went with Hu Tao, they're already at the party" Childe leaned against my wall "Wanna go there together?"

"Sure, I suppose you'll probably be with Lumine and Paimon?" I said as he started fixing his tie.

"Lumine is my best friend along with you and Zhongli, so yeah" Childe exclaimed.

Me and Childe walked to where the party was being held, there was a lot of people I never thought would be there. Surprisingly, most of the people here I knew and most of them had visions, Childe walked off already and my first thought was to give my gift to Ninguangg.

"Ah, Guan Yin, it is such a pleasure you were able to come" Ninguangg smiled at me as she saw me.

"The honour is mine, Lady Ninguangg. I've bought you a gift" I handed the small gift to Ninguangg and I could tell she appreciated it.

"What a beautiful necklace!" She said as she put the necklace on. "I'll cherish it for you, Guan Yin" she smiled at me.

"It's no problem, Lady Ninguangg" I smiled back. 

It was around half an hour later and Me, Ganyu and Keqing were drinking wine since Ninguangg offered us some. Of course, we couldn't refuse. Keqing was already wasted after one drink, while me and Ganyu didn't feel much effect since we were adepti. We were on our second drink, we were still drinking but this time, me and Ganyu were slightly drunk. We decided to see who could drink the most shots..

"I'll take yous downs, Guin Yan!" Ganyu slurred her words as she downed another shot.
"It's GuAn YIN" I giggled before taking a shot too.

Keqing was keeping track of the score, even though she was drunk, and so far it was a tie. Around 10 minutes later, Ganyu ran to the bathroom to throw up. Keqing also looked like she was about to throw up too but it seems like she was about to pass out before throwing up. All of us were completely wasted.

"Wheresss my prize?" I slammed the shot cup onto the table as I felt my eyes close on me, but I wouldn't give in.

"It'ssss-" Keqing tried to point but then she too ran to the bathroom to throw up. I leaned back in my chair, feeling victory. I felt two arms wrap around my waist and when I looked up, I saw Zhongli smiling at me.

"Zhongli~!" I sang, drunkenly as I put my hands over where his were.

"Oh? Is my Guan Yin drunk?" Zhongli put his head on my shoulder, amused at the sight of me being drunk.

"No! I'm not!!" I put my finger on his lips to shush him, and he kissed it. I moved my hand quickly, feeling a blush spread across my face. Zhongli took my hand in his and pulled me up.

"Let's go out for some air" He insisted and I nodded.

We were walking in the hallway, he had his arm around my waist the whole because I was could barley walk straight. He heard a thud just as he was about to open the door. He quickly looked behind him to see me passed out on the floor. Running up to me, he put his hand behind my head and waist to help me up. He leaned in close to me and whispered.

"Oh, Guan Yin, this is why I don't let you drink.." He sighed "Now, I have to carry you home" Zhongli groaned and picked me up in his arms before walking home. I suddenly woke up in my bed and I turned to see Zhongli, asleep next to me.. shirtless. I blushed a bit and couldn't fight the urge to kiss him on the head, then suddenly, he pulled me into him.

"I am never letting you drink so much again" Even though eyes were shut like he was asleep, he was fully awake. I could feel how warm he was.

"Uh yeah.. I agree" I stuttered. Zhongli looked down at me with a smirk.

"Why is your face so red? Is it the fact I'm shirtless?" He spoke, portending to be confused, but I knew what he was hinting at. Still, him just saying that made my face heat up more, making him let out a chuckle.

"Ugh! You tease!" I playfully pushed him him, he let out a laugh before caressing my cheek with his thumb.

"I'm just joking darling.. unless.." He spoke and his voice was lower than usual.. More lustful than usual.. No it was probably the alcohol making me hear things.

"Nope! Goodnight!" I cut him off and turned to face the wall instead of facing him. He draped his arm around my waist and rubbed my stomach softly with his thumb.

"Goodnight ,Guan Yin" He sleepily spoke.