Night Hunter [Zhongchi]

Strange entities wearing the faces of humans lurk Snezhnaya's streets, luring in and indiscriminately slaughtering unsuspecting civilians.

Childe's job is to kill them.

A few weeks after accepting a new contract, Childe's target is proving elusive. Fortunately, a chance meeting with Zhongli-a handsome author from Liyue-provides a welcome distraction from his work woes. However, as their relationship develops, it becomes apparent that Zhongli knows far more than he originally let on, habouring secrets that threaten to upturn everything Childe has ever known.

* * *

"You came." Rybakov exhales, a trail of smoke floating up through his moustache, past the 'No Smoking' sign on the wall, and he taps his cigarette off in the ashtray. The pattern of black residue speckled with white ash isn't dissimilar to the pattern of white hairs salting his dark hair, although it also wouldn't be surprising if it were actually ash in his hair with the amount he smokes. "Then I can assume you wish to take this contract?"

Childe resists the urge to cover his nose. "That's why I'm here."