Eleutheromania (Various Genshin x Reader)

Noctilucous Jade -33-

The streets of Liyue Harbor were bustling with life and chaos - perhaps more than usual due to recent, unfortunate events. You took a moment to stand amongst the crowd to admire it. It's been a long time since you were in the center of it instead of the outskirts. Suddenly a cart pushed past you at rapid speed causing you to stumble back in surprise. After all, you were more used to being a fly on the wall - or rather a bird up in a tree - than an ant on the ground.

Loosing your footing on the pavement, you prepared to fall backwards only for two hands to steady you from atop your shoulders and your back to bump into a firm chest. "I suggest you watch carefully," Zhongli advised calmly as you peered up at him from over your shoulder, "the harbor at this time can be rather hectic."

You blinked and pulled yourself away from him, quickly nodding in understanding albeit slightly embarrassed. "A-Ahem. Right. Sorry..." you muttered as the four of you finally arrived at your first destination.

"Welcome to the Jade Mystery, my good friends!" The merchant Shitou greeted happily while gesturing towards his display, "Would you like to try your luck betting on jade? This could be your lucky day. It's cheap and it's fun, and who knows, you might just strike it rich!"

You simply tilted your head. "Betting is for gamblers or those without enough perception to see the compartment underneath your table - unfortunately we are neither," you replied bluntly causing the merchant to flush upon being caught.

Paimon floated close to your ear. "How'd you know there was a compartment? Paimon can't see one," she said. You leaned back to whisper, "I didn't, but daddy taught me to pick up on the cues. I just took a gamble (cause I'm a bit of a hypocrite like that) and was right. I'll teach you later... the trick is having trust issues."

From behind you, Zhongli hummed softly. "That was quite impressive," he said lowly, looking at you from the corner of his eye. It was a simple compliment, even just a brief one at that. However, you couldn't help but let a slight blush cross over your cheeks. He was so... so... respectful and handsome... complimenting you! What an ego boost!

Satisfied with your response, Paimon turned back to Shitou. "We're here for... um, what was it again?" She trailed off. "Noctilucous Jade, of radiant grade at the very least," Zhongli answered for her calmly.

The merchant quickly recovered from being called out, hastily smiling towards the four of you. "R-Radiant grade Noctilucous Jade? I see that you're not tourists. My apologies. I have some here for your perusal... What do you think? The Jade Mystery is an old name in the jade business. Just look at that wonderful quality! Rex Lapis doesn't often bless us with such finery. Go on, pick whichever one you like!" He gestured towards the three jade pieces upon the table.

Paimon's eyes shined in awe. "These three pieces really do look pretty, not like the ones you usually dig up..." she exclaimed, "But how do we pick? Should we just grab one and go?"

You quickly shook your head, moving to take ahold of Aether's arm. "A man who makes his living off betting on stones can't be trusted so lightly," you stated firmly. After all, the blonde had a bad habit of trusting way too easily. Prime example: you.

Zhongli nodded his head in confirmation. "Indeed. It seems you have learned some tricks of the trade." With his words, Paimon looked over at the funeral parlor consultant. "What do you think, Mr. Zhongli? How should we pick from these pieces of Noctilucous Jade?" She questioned.

The man raised his eyebrows and pointed to his chest. "Oh? You want me to decide? That is fine as well. If it were me, the answer would be simple," he said nonchalantly. The little pixie tilted her head. "Oh? And that would be...?"

Turning towards Shitou, Zhongli said, "I'll take them all, boss."

"What?" You and Aether said lamely in surprise. What was this guy thinking?