Beyond the Stars

Chapter I: Act II - Farewell, Archaic Lord (An Organization Known As Wangsheng)

It was a bright and sunny day. We decided to go into the city and see if Childe found that certain someone who can help us commune with Rex Lapis. I wore my regular attire while going out. I felt more confident after the events couple days ago. But then again I did basically get special permission from an adeptus to beat up the Millelith. I feel like if I was able to do that then I was granted a special get out of jail free card. 

We headed straight into Northland Bank and already the amount of Fatui inside made my stomach turn. It made me feel uncomfortable working with one of them but for the sake of my journey I have to. I asked the lady working the front desk where Childe was and already her cheery disposition made me nervous.

"Welcome, traveler, friend of Childe. And congratulations on the first day of your illustrious career with the Fatui."

"I'm sorry but I have no intention of joining the Fatui." Sorry but not sorry. When did Childe hear from my mouth that I had interest in joining the Fatui. It must be his little pranks to get a rise out of me but I'm better than that to be fooled by childish games.

"You sound remarkably sure of yourself... Remember, we are mere mortals - our ideals are fluid like water. Only the Tsaritsa truly has a will as solid as permafrost. But back to the matter at hand. Childe tells me that he has upheld his end of your agreement."

"What agreement? Oh, the thing about him helping us find a guy?" asked Paimon.

"Correct. Childe promised he would find someone to break the stalemate. And the Harbingers do not break their promises lightly." Yeah but they'll sure threaten and steal when things don't go their way.

"Ah. Where is that guy, anyway?" asked Paimon.

"Childe is currently at Liuli Pavilion."

"Liuli Pavilion?" I asked.

"Ooh, ooh Paimon knows this one!" She cleared her throat and spoke in a deep voice. "There are two styles of cooking in Liyue, known as Li style and Yue style. They have been competing for centuries, but neither has emerged as the clear winner. The flagship restaurant of the Li style is the Liuli Pavilion. The owner especially chose to open the restaurant at Feiyun Slope, so they could compete face-to-face with the Xinyue Kiosk, which is the flagship restaurant of the Yue style."

"Trust you to know only these sorts of things..." I said as I rolled my eyes.

"Don't talk to Paimon like that! Anyway, Paimon's hungry. Let's get going." 

Trust Paimon to think with her stomach. But either way at least Childe followed up on our agreement.

...

We met Childe outside of Liuli Pavilion where he told us some rather good news.

"Aha, you made it. As promised, I have found someone who can help you. Someone who can solve the mystery of why the Liyue Qixing would hide the Geo Archon's vessel."

"So where is he? In Liuli Pavilion?" asked Paimon.

"He certainly is. Come, I'll introduce you. I took the liberty of setting up a business dinner, as per Liyue custom." We went inside and he told us that he would be introducing us to someone named Mr. Zhongli. I'm guessing this is the guy that can get us close to Rex Lapis. We went inside our room and there was a tall man with short brown hair who wore a formal brown suit.

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Zhongli, consultant to an organization known as Wangsheng... and a trusted associate of the Fatui."

"Wangsheng? And associate of the Fatui?" I asked as we took our seats.